Theressia Sunday Silalahi, Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto hosted former president Megawati Soekarnoputri at the State Palace on Thursday in an unannounced meeting, with no official agenda disclosed.

The talks were held behind closed doors and off-limits to the media. Megawati departed the palace shortly after midday without issuing a public statement.

Prabowo has, on several occasions, sought to engage Indonesia's former leaders, inviting them to attend state events or consult on major policy decisions. Such outreach has included invitations during moments of political sensitivity, including discussions linked to Indonesia's participation in the "Board of Peace," an initiative proposed by former US president Donald Trump.

Megawati, however, has notably never appeared alongside other former presidents at such gatherings.

On March 3, Prabowo hosted a meeting with former president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Joko Widodo, along with former vice presidents Jusuf Kalla, Boediono, and Ma'ruf Amin. Megawati, though invited, did not attend.

She was also the last among Indonesia's former presidents to meet Prabowo in person during the early months following his inauguration on Oct. 20, 2024, making Thursday's encounter a rare development in the country's political landscape.

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/megawati-meets-prabowo-in-rare-oneonone-palace-encounte