Redam National Crisis, Prabowo Needs Megawati's Figure More Than Gibran
JAKARTA Political communication expert, Jamiluddin Ritonga assessed that President Prabowo Subianto needed Megawati Soekarnoputri's figure more than Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka when Indonesia's security conditions were unstable due to a series of demonstrations that led to anarchism.
According to him, this is a strategic consideration for Prabowo not involving Gibran Rakabuming Raka when the president met political party leaders at the State Palace, Jakarta, last weekend.
President Prabowo's meeting with party leaders without involving Gibran was just a strategic consideration. Prabowo during the crisis really needed Megawati's presence as the General Chair of the PDIP. As the winner of the 2024 Legislative Election, PDIP is certainly taken into account in calming the volatile masses," said Jamil, Friday, September 5, 2025.
He argues that Megawati's presence can at least signal PDIP cadres and sympathizers to help the government control security while at the same time helping to reduce the excagile of turmoil in society.
Furthermore, Jamil revealed, Megawati's opportunity to attend was very small if Gibran was involved in the meeting.
The reason is, Megawati had not recognized Gibran from the start considering that Joko Widodo's (Jokowi) son's candidacy was legally flawed.
"As a result, Prabowo understands the psychological and sociological issues. Prabowo considers Megawati's presence more strategic than Gibran's at the meeting," he added.
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Dia menegaskan, ketidakhadiran Gibran saat pertemuan Prabowo dengan ketum parpol bukan atas dasar presiden tidak nyaman dengan keberadaan mantan Wali Kota Solo itu.
“Jadi, kehadiran Megawati lebih diperlukan dalam momen kritis tersebut. Pertimbangan Prabowo ini tampaknya tepat dan hasilnya efektif dalam meredam amarah masyarakat,” ujar Jamil.
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He emphasized that Gibran's absence from Prabowo's meeting with the head of the political party was not on the basis that the former mayor of Solo was uncomfortable.
"So, Megawati's presence is more needed at this critical moment. Prabowo's consideration seems appropriate and the results are effective in reducing people's anger," said Jamil.