In Scientific Oration, Megawati Calls Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto Her Friend

The 5th President of the Republic of Indonesia Megawati Soekarnoputri when delivering a scientific oration in the inauguration of the title of Honorary Professor of the Indonesian Defense University. (Documentation: DPP PDIP)

JAKARTA - The 5th President of the Republic of Indonesia Megawati Soekarnoputri referred to Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto as his best friend.

This was said by Megawati when delivering a scientific oration when she was appointed as an Honorary Professor with the status of a non-permanent professor by the Indonesian Defense University.

He made this statement in response to the excited public reaction when he referred to the General Chairperson of the Gerindra Party as his friend some time ago.

"I myself, Mas Bowo (Prabowo Subianto) like to be dizzy, you know. Yesterday I said, 'my friend Pak Prabowo', even though it went viral. Indeed, 'to my enemy', is it like that," said Megawati on the sidelines of delivering her scientific oration which aired on the Official Defense University YouTube, Friday, June 11.

The general chairman of the PDI-P said that anyone is a friend and friend, including Prabowo Subianto. So, he asked this problem not to be exaggerated.

"How about this, please answer me. Yes, of course you must be my friends, my friends," he said.

Hearing this statement, Prabowo, who was present directly at the determination event, immediately clapped his hands.

Megawati and Prabowo's closeness has often been seen lately. In fact, during this event, Megawati greeted the former presidential candidate, Joko Widodo (Jokowi) who was competing in the 2019 presidential election, who was then greeted with respect.

In fact, in 2014 the relationship between the two was reportedly strained because Megawati was said to have violated the agreement she had agreed with Prabowo or known as the Slate Agreement.

The agreement contained seven points, one of which contained an agreement that Megawati would fully support Prabowo in the 2014 Presidential Election.

However, at that time, Megawati instead nominated Joko Widodo, who was then paired with Jusuf Kalla in the 2014 presidential election, while Prabowo ran with Hatta Rajasa.