Prabowo Subianto meets Megawati Soekarnoputri to discuss Indonesia’s future

Political leaders gather in Jakarta for Eid al-Fitr while exchanging ideas on national development.

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

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

In a notable moment that drew both political and public attention, Prabowo Subianto meets Megawati Soekarnoputri during an Eid al-Fitr visit that transcended ceremonial greetings. The meeting took place at Megawati’s private residence on Jalan Teuku Umar, Central Jakarta, on Monday, April 7. What was officially described as a Lebaran (Eid) gathering quietly evolved into a deeper political dialogue, hinting at possible future alignments between two of Indonesia's most influential political figures.

Prabowo Subianto, who currently serves as Indonesia’s Minister of Defense and President-elect following the 2024 election, also holds the role of General Chairperson of the Gerindra Party. Megawati Soekarnoputri, on the other hand, is the Chairperson of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) and former president of Indonesia. Their encounter, though cordial, has added a fresh dynamic to the country’s post-election political landscape.

A warm gathering with political undertones

According to Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, Daily Chair of the Gerindra Party DPP and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR), the visit was arranged to mark Eid al-Fitr. However, the substance of the conversation went well beyond seasonal pleasantries. “They discussed the future of Indonesia and how to work together in building the nation,” said Dasco during a press briefing at the Parliament Complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Wednesday, April 9.

The atmosphere of the meeting appeared warm and respectful. A photo shared by Dasco on his personal social media account shows Prabowo and Megawati sitting close together on a single sofa chair, smiling gently—a visual representation of a long-standing political relationship that has seen both rivalry and collaboration.

Behind closed doors: what the discussion could mean

Although much of the conversation was private, the brief statements shared by Dasco suggest the two leaders spoke candidly about Indonesia’s current challenges and how political unity could serve national interests. “They exchanged experiences and ideas about the global situation,” said Dasco, adding that both figures shared perspectives rooted in decades of public service and leadership.

The meeting reportedly lasted around 90 minutes. Prabowo did not attend alone—he was accompanied by several high-ranking Gerindra Party officials. Among them were Secretary-General Ahmad Muzani, who also serves as the Speaker of the MPR (People’s Consultative Assembly), State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi, Cabinet Secretary Lt. Col. Teddy, and Head of BPPIK Aries Marsudiyanto.

Though Dasco did not elaborate on the list of PDIP representatives in attendance, he confirmed that Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Budi Gunawan was also present, suggesting the significance of the meeting was well understood by key figures from both camps.

Political significance of Prabowo and Megawati meeting

The significance of the moment when Prabowo Subianto meets Megawati Soekarnoputri goes beyond symbolic unity. Historically, Gerindra and PDIP have found themselves on opposite ends of Indonesia’s political spectrum, competing fiercely in multiple election cycles. However, recent developments indicate a possible thawing of relations, especially in the wake of Prabowo’s presidential win.

While it remains to be seen whether this meeting marks the beginning of a formal coalition or partnership between Gerindra and PDIP, political analysts are already speculating. Both parties are powerhouses in Indonesian politics, and a cooperative relationship between them could result in substantial legislative and executive alignment during Prabowo’s upcoming term.

A bridge between generations and ideologies

Megawati Soekarnoputri, the daughter of Indonesia’s founding father Sukarno, represents an enduring lineage of nationalist thought and political legacy. Prabowo, a former military general and son of economic thinker Sumitro Djojohadikusumo, carries a different yet equally storied legacy.

Despite their differences, both leaders have demonstrated pragmatism in times of national need. This meeting could be interpreted as an attempt to unify the nationalist elements of both parties, creating a broader foundation for inclusive governance.

Shared concerns in a changing world

The brief discussion on global issues, as mentioned by Dasco, also highlights how the two leaders are turning their attention toward Indonesia’s position on the world stage. From regional tensions in Southeast Asia to the evolving global economy, the need for steady leadership and coherent policy direction is greater than ever.

With Prabowo preparing to take on the presidency, and Megawati maintaining significant influence within PDIP, both figures appear to recognize the value of mutual respect and cooperation in steering Indonesia through uncertain times.

The role of political tradition in post-election Indonesia

Eid al-Fitr has long served as more than a religious holiday in Indonesia—it is also a time when political rivals come together to heal rifts and promote unity. The timing of the visit was no accident. In Indonesian culture, forgiveness and reconciliation are central themes during Eid, making it the perfect backdrop for such a high-level meeting.

It also reflects the importance of political tradition and personal rapport in Indonesian politics, where formal positions often operate alongside powerful informal networks and alliances.

Public reception and future expectations

Public response to the news that Prabowo Subianto meets Megawati Soekarnoputri has been largely positive. Social media platforms lit up with images and speculation, with many users expressing hope that the meeting signals greater political stability ahead of the new administration.

While no formal announcement was made regarding any coalition or political agreement, the tone of the meeting and the senior officials involved suggest that deeper cooperation may be in the works.

A symbolic yet strategic encounter

Though framed as a festive Eid al-Fitr visit, the meeting between Prabowo and Megawati carries strategic weight. It may serve as the starting point for a new chapter in Indonesian politics, one in which historical adversaries find common ground for the sake of national progress.

Whether this meeting results in a tangible coalition or simply serves as a gesture of goodwill, it undoubtedly reshapes political narratives ahead of Prabowo’s inauguration. In the world of Indonesian politics, where symbolism often carries as much weight as policy, this Eid gathering could be remembered as a moment of quiet but profound political realignment.

As the dust settles from the recent election and the nation prepares for a new era of leadership, the image of these two leaders—once rivals, now perhaps partners—offers a compelling vision of unity in diversity.