Wijayanti Putri, Solo – Elected Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka expressed his enduring optimism on Friday for a potential reconciliation between his father, President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo, and Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) Chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri, believing that their past amicable relations can be restored.

Megawati holds significant sway in Jokowi's political trajectory, having endorsed him for two presidential terms under the PDI-P banner.

Gibran also acknowledges a debt of gratitude to Megawati, having secured the PDI-P's endorsement for the mayoral election in Solo three years ago, which he won.

However, relations between the President's family and Megawati, as well as her party, soured last October when Gibran aligned himself as the running mate for presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto, who contested against PDI-P's nominee, Ganjar Pranowo.

"I remain optimistic and believe in fostering positive relationships. The election is in the past, and it's time to move forward and collaborate for the betterment of Indonesia," Gibran said during a press briefing at Solo's city hall in Central Java.

The day prior, PDI-P Secretary-General Hasto Kristiyanto downplayed Gibran's repeated calls for a personal reconciliation between his father and Megawati.

"Is he genuinely committed to that? I am skeptical, given his history of dishonesty with us," Hasto said in Jakarta.

Nevertheless, Gibran refrained from engaging in a personal feud with Hasto.

"Whenever the media poses questions to Mr. Hasto, his responses tend to be negative. Nonetheless, I remain hopeful that a meeting will occur when both parties find the time amidst their busy schedules," Gibran said.

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/gibran-maintains-hope-for-reconciliation-between-father-and-megawat