Jakarta – Former president Megawati Soekarnoputri and former vice president Jusuf Kalla were among political bigwigs who turned up for the opening of the People's Conscience (Hanura) Party congress in Surabaya on Friday.

Hanura chairman Wiranto welcomed the distinguished guests, who included former Golkar Party chief advisor Surya Paloh, Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle secretary-general Pramono Anung, Prosperous Justice Party secretary-general Anis Matta, Greater Indonesia Movement (Gerindra) Party chairman Suhardi and former Jakarta governor Soetiyoso.

Wiranto said organizers of the congress did not invite President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on purpose, citing his busy agenda. "The President is very busy, should we invite him?" Wiranto said as quoted by Antara.

Wiranto, a former Indonesian Military commander, dismissed reports of a move by Paloh and former president Soeharto's son Hutomo Mandala Putra to join the party. "We have met as politicians. There was no offering or resistance during the talks. Currently the two have no intention to join us yet," Wiranto said.

Wiranto is tipped to retain the chairmanship post in the congress, which will run until Sunday.

Hanura finished ninth in the 2009 legislative elections and formed the smallest faction at the House. Wiranto contested the presidential election as Kalla's running mate.