Widespread Praise Following Prabowo and Megawati's Warm Interaction
The moment President Prabowo Subianto walked hand-in-hand with Indonesia’s 5th President, Megawati Soekarnoputri, has garnered widespread praise. Many observers have viewed the warm interaction between the two leaders very positively.
The moment occurred following the Pancasila Day ceremony held at the Pancasila Building, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Central Jakarta, on Monday (1/6/<0xC2>6). Prabowo was initially seen conversing with the 10th and 12th Vice President Jusuf Kalla and the 13th Vice President Ma’ruf Amin. While Prabowo invited Megawati, JK, and Ma’ruf Amin to proceed, Megawati approached Prabowo to walk together, visibly holding his hand as they walked and laughed together.
A Positive Image of Political Elite Relations
PAN Vice Chairman Saleh Daulay responded to the moment, noting that it serves as a positive depiction of the relationship between political elites. “That momentum is a very good portrait. There is intimacy between political elites. Amidst dynamic global and local political shifts, all parties are expected to maintain tranquility,” Saleh told reporters on Tuesday (2/6/2026).
Saleh noted that Prabowo and Megawati are known to share a close relationship. Despite frequent differences in perspective, resolutions are handled wisely. “Prabowo and Megawati are close. As far as I know, they often take the same path. Even if there are differences, political communication is always maintained, allowing issues to be resolved wisely,” he said.
He added that PAN welcomes the continued togetherness of all political figures, noting that Indonesia’s current challenges cannot be solved by a single party alone. “PAN is happy if all political figures join hands. Indonesia’s national issues are vast and cannot be addressed sectorally. Everyone is expected to contribute because each possesses the expertise and contribution required.”
An Example to Follow
The NasDem Party also welcomed the interaction, viewing the closeness between Prabowo and Megawati as an example worth following. “We joyfully welcome the atmosphere of closeness between the President and the former President. This is how statesmen should continue to build togetherness to advance the nation,” said NasDem Secretary-General Hermawi Taslim.
Hermawi expressed hope that this relationship would serve as a model for other national figures to ensure the progress of Indonesia. He noted that such unity is essential for national stability.
Similarly, NasDem Treasurer Ahmad Sahroni expressed his pleasure at the event. “As a citizen and a politician, I am very happy to see this. Beyond the fact that they have a deep historical bond, the ‘affection’ shown by these two statesmen reflects that no matter how turbulent the national situation, unity and kinship remain paramount,” he said. He also noted that the closeness demonstrates that both the government and the opposition remain focused on maintaining national political stability amidst a challenging global situation.
Statesmanlike Figures
Gerindra Party Vice Chairman Habiburokhman also commented on the interaction, stating that despite being outside the government, Megawati demonstrated a statesmanlike attitude. “This is the opposite of what was shown by Mr Dino [Patti Djalal]. Mrs Mega, even though her party is outside the government, continues to show an elegant statesmanlike attitude,” Habiburokhman said at the parliamentary complex in Senayan, Jakarta.
He noted that Megawati respects Prabowo’s position as the current President. While acknowledging that PDIP members in Parliament may still offer criticism, he emphasised that Megawati’s personal conduct serves to limit political polarisation. “She shows a strong commitment to limiting polarisation. We respect the elegant example set by Mrs Mega,” he concluded.