Prabowo Subianto meets Megawati Soekarnoputri at her residence

Gerindra confirms warm meeting between Prabowo and PDIP Chair Megawati, signaling renewed political harmony.

President Prabowo Subianto meets with the 5th President Megawati Soekarnoputri at her residence on Jalan Teuku Umar, Menteng, Jakarta, on April 7, 2025. (c) Sufmi_Dasco

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

In a moment that captured both political attention and public curiosity, President Prabowo Subianto met Megawati Soekarnoputri, the fifth President of Indonesia and Chairwoman of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP), at her private residence in Jakarta. The meeting, held on the evening of Monday, April 7, 2025, and later confirmed by Gerindra Party DPP Daily Chair Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, was seen as a symbolic gesture of reconciliation and national unity.

The news that President Prabowo Subianto meets Megawati Soekarnoputri spread swiftly after Dasco shared a photo of the encounter on his official Instagram account, @sufmi_dasco, the following day. In the candid image, Prabowo is seen seated on the same sofa as Megawati, both appearing relaxed and at ease. Prabowo wore a simple long cream shirt, while Megawati opted for a floral top, embodying the informal nature of the private yet significant meeting.

Accompanying the photo, Dasco wrote: “7-4-2025, Alhamdulillah... Knitting Togetherness for Our Indonesia.” Though short, the caption captured the underlying essence of the gathering—two influential figures putting aside past political rivalries in the interest of unity and shared national purpose.

While this is not the first time Prabowo and Megawati have crossed paths post-elections, it is one of the most public displays of camaraderie between the two in recent years. Political observers immediately speculated on the potential implications of the meeting, especially given the history of complex dynamics between Gerindra and PDIP.

Interestingly, this wasn't their first recent connection. During the Eid al-Fitr celebration at the end of March, Megawati welcomed a visit from Didit Hediprasetyo, President Prabowo’s son. That visit laid the groundwork for what now appears to be a deliberate softening of relations. According to PDIP senior official Ahmad Basarah, the Eid meeting was a reflection of longstanding personal warmth between the two political families.

“Mrs. Mega has repeatedly said that her personal relationship with Mr. Prabowo is very good. From the past until now. And that is proven by Mr. Didit's visit to her residence,” Basarah noted at the time.

Their mutual respect dates back decades, particularly during the 2004 presidential election when Megawati and Prabowo ran as a pair—she as the presidential candidate, and he as her running mate for vice president. While they did not win that race, it forged a political bond that continues to resonate in today’s climate.

Adding another layer to the familial ties, Basarah also revealed that Didit Hediprasetyo maintains a good relationship with Megawati’s granddaughter, Diah Pikatan Orissa Putri Haprani, or Pinka Haprani—the daughter of Puan Maharani. Though primarily private in nature, the younger generation’s bond could serve as a quiet but powerful bridge between the two political dynasties.

The recent meeting between President Prabowo Subianto and Megawati Soekarnoputri may mark more than just a friendly reunion. It could signal a new chapter in Indonesian politics—one where alliances shift, rivalries cool, and former adversaries collaborate for the nation's future. In a political landscape often marked by fragmentation, these kinds of gestures can have a profound effect on national sentiment and policymaking.

Analysts are now closely watching whether this renewed warmth will translate into strategic cooperation, perhaps even extending into the cabinet or legislative agenda. With Prabowo now firmly installed as president and Megawati still wielding immense influence within PDIP, their alignment—or lack thereof—could shape the tone of Indonesian politics for years to come.

Furthermore, the meeting may also send signals to their respective party members and political allies. The public nature of the gathering, amplified by social media and mainstream coverage, suggests a deliberate effort to showcase harmony and maturity in leadership. For voters fatigued by political polarization, such a display offers a rare and welcome image of unity.

From a broader cultural perspective, the meeting also echoes Indonesia’s emphasis on silaturahmi—the act of maintaining and nurturing relationships. This deeply held value often transcends politics and is a cornerstone of social interaction, particularly during and after religious holidays like Eid. It’s worth noting that these meetings occurred during a season of reflection and forgiveness, giving added meaning to the events.

The fact that President Prabowo Subianto meets Megawati Soekarnoputri not long after the Eid celebrations lends itself to the notion that political goodwill may be forming behind the scenes. And while the details of their conversation remain private, the implications are far-reaching.

Could this be the beginning of a new political alliance? Will PDIP lend its support to Prabowo's national development agenda? Or perhaps it simply marks a return to more civil and constructive dialogue among Indonesia's political elites. Whatever the case, the moment has captured the imagination of the public—and the attention of analysts—across the country.

In conclusion, the recent meeting where President Prabowo Subianto meets Megawati Soekarnoputri may be a turning point, or at the very least, a symbol of hope. In a nation still recovering from the global pandemic, economic challenges, and social disparities, moments of togetherness like this—especially among leaders—resonate deeply. Whether it results in direct political cooperation or remains a gesture of personal respect, it shows that even in politics, there’s room for humility, dialogue, and perhaps reconciliation.

As Indonesia continues to shape its future under Prabowo’s leadership, the support—or at least the goodwill—of figures like Megawati could prove invaluable. Time will tell how this relationship unfolds, but for now, it stands as a hopeful chapter in Indonesia’s ever-evolving political story.