Jokowi-Megawati Haven't Met At Eid Al-Fitr Moment, Palace: Looking For Time

President Joko Widodo (left) and First Lady Iriana Joko Widodo (left second) spoke with Finance Minister Sri Mulyani (right) and Tonny Sumartono (right) / DOK ANTARA

JAKARTA - Special Staff Coordinator of the President of the Republic of Indonesia Ari Dwipayana said the Palace was looking for the right time to hold a gathering between President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) and PDI-P General Chair Megawati Soekarnoputri. "Besides, this is still the month of Syawal, the most appropriate month to strengthen friendship," Ari said via his short message in Jakarta, as reported by Antara, Friday, April 12. The statement was expressed in response to questions about the absence of a relationship between Jokowi and Megawati at the momentum of Eid al-Fitr 2024. "The president is very open to keeping in touch with anyone, especially with national figures," said Ari. On the first day of Eid al-Fitr 1445 Hijri which falls on Wednesday (10/4), President Jokowi performs Eid prayers at the Istiqlal Mosque, then holds a home title at the State Palace, Jakarta, until noon. Cabinet ministers and state officials, ambassadors of friendly countries, invited guests, and the general public crowded the Palace to stay in touch directly with the President and First Lady. On the same day, Megawati also held a limited open house at her residence, Jalan Teuku Umar, Menteng, Jakarta. Four ministers of the Advanced Indonesia Cabinet, namely Minister of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Basuki Hadimoeljono, Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin, Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi, and Minister of Finance Sri Mulyani were seen visiting Megawati's house to stay in touch with the 5th president of the Republic of Indonesia.

However, until now there has been no plan for a gathering between Jokowi and Megawati. President Jokowi is also known to have flown to Medan, North Sumatra, Thursday (11/2), to celebrate Eid with his children and grandchildren there.