Palace Regarding Jokowi-Megawati Meeting: Open President In Continuation With Anyone

President Jokowi, Iriana Jokowi And Megawati Soekarnoputri/DOCUMENT OF IST PHOTOS

JAKARTA - Presidential Special Staff Coordinator Ari Dwipayana said President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) was open to meeting anyone. Moreover, a figure who is a national figure.

Ari conveyed this in response to the opportunity for a meeting between Jokowi and PDIP General Chair Megawati Soekarnoputri during the moment of Eid al-Fitr.

"The president is very open to keeping in touch with anyone, especially with national figures," Ari told reporters, Friday, April 12.

Even so, Ari said the meeting between the two was still waiting for the right time. However, he believes that the moment of Eid can be used to strengthen the relationship.

"Regarding the relationship with Mrs. Megawati, the right time is being sought. After all, this is still in Syawal. The month of Syawal is the most appropriate month to strengthen friendship," he said.

As previously reported, President Jokowi performed Eid al-Fitr prayers at the Istiqlal Mosque and held an open house on the first day of Eid al-Fitr 1445 Hijri on Wednesday, April 10. He was not seen at Megawati Soekarnoputri's residence at that time.

In fact, the 5th President of the Republic of Indonesia received many guests including ministers such as Minister of Finance (Menkeu) Sri Mulyani, Minister of Foreign Affairs (Menlu) Retno Marsudi, to Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Arifin Tasrif. The relationship between Jokowi and Megawati has reportedly stretched recently.

One of the reasons is suspected because Jokowi supports Prabowo Subianto running with his eldest son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka in the 2024 presidential election. Meanwhile, PDIP carries former Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo and former Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Mahfud MD.