Alfian, Jakarta – The chances for an unprecedented meeting between President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and his predecessor Megawati Soekarnoputri look less likely, with both leaders at ideological loggerheads.

Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) secretary-general Pramono Anung said party chairwoman Megawati could not hold talks with Yudhoyono due to their differing political principles.

"They haven't been able to meet so far because of political differences; it's nothing personal," he said, adding that a sharing of ideas could take place without the need to meet in person.

Asked whether Megawati was willing to meet with the President, Pramono said she was occupied with campaigning.

"Bu Mega is prepared to meet with everybody, but her schedule is full with campaign activities until April 5," Pramono said.

He added the PDI-P and Yudhoyono's Democratic Party had maintained good relations. "I have met with [Democratic Party secretary-general] Anas Urbaninggrum about three times."

But despite her tight schedule, Megawati met last week with Vice President Jusuf Kalla, the Golkar Party chairman, who has announced his bid to challenge Yudhoyono for the presidency. During the meeting, Megawati and Kalla signed an agreement that underscored their commitment to building a strong government.

Golkar and the PDI-P have the most seats at the House of Representatives. Both Yudhoyono and Kalla were ministers in Megawati's Cabinet during her tenure from 2001-2004.

Speculation of a reconciliatory meeting between Yudhoyono and Megawati resurfaced recently after the President said he had left the door open to the much-anticipated encounter.

But Yudhoyono, chief patron of the Democratic Party, added that Megawati had always snubbed him since their relationship soured ahead of the 2004 elections, when Yudhoyono resigned as coordinating minister for political, legal and security affairs.

"Bu Mega expects people not to politicize the meeting. Just because the election is nearing, the meeting is seen as the country's most important agenda," Pramono said.

He added Megawati held no grudges against Yudhoyono. "Bu Mega chose Pak SBY as a coordinating minister after he was dismissed by [former president Abdurrahman] Gus Dur [Wahid]. I think the public still remembers this part of history," he said.

Megawati will take time out from her busy schedule Thursday to meet with United Development Party (PPP) leaders. "During the meeting, the PDI-P and the PPP are likely to sign an agreement like the one we inked with Golkar," Pramono said.

As survivors of the New Order, the PDI-P, Golkar and the PPP are the country's oldest political parties.