Prabowo, Megawati Meet up and Discuss Strategy, Global Issues

Jakarta: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto met former president Megawati Soekarnoputri on Thursday to discuss national priorities and global geopolitical challenges, a senior party official said.

Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) Secretary-General Hasto Kristiyanto confirmed the meeting took place at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, with House Speaker Puan Maharani accompanying Megawati.

“It is true that on Thursday, March 19, 2026, a meeting was held between President Prabowo Subianto and Mrs. Megawati Soekarnoputri at the Merdeka Palace,” Hasto said in a statement, as quoted from Antara, Friday, March 20, 2026.

According to Hasto, Megawati described the meeting as cordial, reflecting a long-standing relationship between the two political figures.

“Megawati told me it was a meeting between old friends and took place in a warm atmosphere for more than two hours,” he said.

Hasto said the leaders discussed a range of strategic issues affecting Indonesia, including domestic challenges and broader geopolitical developments.

“The meeting covered key strategic matters related to the nation and state, as well as various geopolitical issues,” he said.

He added that Megawati’s experience as president during past multidimensional crises informed the discussion, particularly regarding policy approaches emphasizing prioritization and urgency.

The talks also addressed Indonesia’s role on the global stage, including its historical leadership in initiatives such as the Asian-African Conference and the Non-Aligned Movement.

Indonesia’s long-standing “free and active” foreign policy doctrine was also part of the discussion, Hasto said.

Megawati also shared insights from her recent visit to the Middle East, including trips to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.

Hasto said the meeting underscored the importance of dialogue among national leaders as part of Indonesia’s political tradition.

He added that such engagements reflect the country’s culture of consultation and mutual cooperation, or “gotong royong.”

“PDI-P believes meetings among national leaders, such as this one, align with Indonesia’s culture of dialogue and deliberation,” Hasto said.

He said the discussions ultimately aim to serve the interests of the public, the nation and the state.

The meeting comes amid evolving domestic and global challenges, highlighting efforts by senior figures to exchange views and maintain political communication.