PDI-P won't be part of power if against the people: Megawati

Standpoint: Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri gestures during her opening speech at the party's third congress in Sanur, Bali. Antara/Nyoman Budhiana

Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) leader Megawati Soekarnoputri says the party will never be part of a powerful coalition that does not favor the interests of the common people.

"Lately, the PDI-P has received many offers to establish a coalition. I feel sorry about that, because this situation simply shows that politics have been reduced to a mere tool to distribute power among the elite," she said during her opening speech at the party's third congress at the Inna Grand Bali Beach Hotel in Sanur, Bali.

"Our party's concern is far bigger than legislative seat allocation, ministerial post distribution and even the seat at the Istana Merdeka [Presidential Palace] itself," an emotional Megawati added.

"Let us not be proud when we form a coalition with the powerful, but let us be proud when we cry and laugh together with the people," she went on to say.

Numerous PDI-P leaders have recently hinted that they think now is the right time for the party to reposition its opposing political stance.

PDI-P chief patron and Megawati's husband Taufik Kiemas said some elements within the party had suggested establishing an ideological alliance with its old foe, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's Democratic Party.