PDI-P stance won’t change with Megawati's attendance

Former president Megawati Soekarnoputri’s surprise attendance at a state event on Tuesday may signal the end of long standoff between Megawati and incumbent President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, but it won’t change her party’s stance, party executives say.

“I must acknowledge that Megawati’s attendance last night could be seen as the beginning of improving relations between political parties that have a different standpoint to the current government,”Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) legislator and House of Representatives deputy speaker Pramono Anung said Wednesday.

However, PDI-P would remain critical of the current government, he said. “That's a promise.”

Similarly, People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) Speaker Taufik Kiemas, Megawati's husband, concurred with Pramono, saying Megawati's presence wouldn’t make PDI-P less critical in its stance.

After six years of refusing to attend any state events, Megawati Soekarnoputri attended the state banquet held for US President Barrack Obama last night. Wearing a white gown, Megawati sat next to US First Lady Michelle Obama during the dinner.