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Jokowi-Megawati rift may hinder Prabowo’s efforts to include PDI-P in his government
The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) has shown no interest in mending strained ties with nominal member President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, a complication that may stand in the way of president-elect Prabowo Subianto’s efforts to bring the country’s largest political party into his governing coalition.
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President Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo, Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri and Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo arrive on Sept. 29, 2023, at the venue for the party's national meeting in East Jakarta. (The Jakarta Post/Antara)
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he Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) has shown no interest in mending strained ties with nominal member President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, a complication that may stand in the way of president-elect Prabowo Subianto’s efforts to include the country’s largest political party in his governing coalition.
Talk of a potential reconciliatory meeting between Jokowi and PDI-P chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri recently surfaced after the Presidential Palace suggested last week that “it was only a matter of time” before Jokowi would meet with Megawati and that it was working “to find the right time” to make a meeting happen.
Relations between Jokowi and Megawati have deteriorated since Jokowi decided to throw his weight behind his former rival-turned-ally Prabowo Subianto instead of the party’s presidential candidate, former Central Java governor Ganjar Pranowo.
Jokowi’s eldest son Gibran Rakabuming Raka ran in November of last year as vice presidential candidate to Prabowo, allowing the defense minister to tap into the President’s huge support base and win the February presidential race.
The idea to have Jokowi meet Megawati however got the cold shoulder from PDI-P members, who said Jokowi must first face party members at the grassroots if he wishes to have a moment with the party’s matriarch after his betrayal.
“While Lebaran brings opportunity for silaturahmi [strengthening kinship], in the context related to pak Jokowi, the grassroots of the party have said ‘wait a minute, let [Jokowi] meet with us first because we serve as the fortress for ibu Megawati,” PDI-P secretary-general Hasto Kristiyanto said last week.
Signs that Jokowi was looking to repair strained ties with Megawati emerged earlier this year before the February presidential election, with Jokowi sending Megawati a large bouquet of orchids, known to be her favorite flower, for her 77th birthday in January.
