The President's Son-Ala Political Communication Strategy

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JAKARTA - The visit of Prabowo Subianto's only son, Didit Hediprasetyo Djojohadikusumo or Didit Prabowo to Megawati Soekarnoputri's residence in Teuku Umar, Menteng and other figures has a certain meaning, not just a visit to the regular Eid al-Fitr gathering. The visit is touted as a replica of Prabowo, which is expected to be a bridge in the relationship between Prabowo and Megawati, which has not been realized so far, so that the plan for the meeting of the two figures has been re-established.

Many people interpret the political meaning behind Didit Prabowo's Eid safari to Megawati, SBY, and Jokowi's house. The Eid safari carried out by Didit Hediprasetyo Djojohadikusumo, son of President Prabowo Subianto, at Eid al-Fitr 1446 H (March 31, 2025) had attracted public attention which was believed to be Prabowo's blessing.

In one day, Didit visited three former presidents: Megawati Soekarnoputri, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY), and Joko Widodo (Jokowi). This visit is not just an ordinary halalbihalal tradition, but is full of political messages, communication strategies, and efforts to maintain the balance of national elite relations.

Didit Prabowo arrived at Jokowi's residence in Solo, Central Java, Monday (31/3/2025). ANTARA/Aris Wasita

"It's okay"

"It's okay"

"It's okay"

"It's okay"

Didit started his Eid safari by accompanying Prabowo at the Open house of the Merdeka Palace, where he met SBY. After that, he continued his journey to Megawati's residence in Menteng, Jakarta, before flying to Solo to meet Jokowi. This visit pattern shows efforts to maintain good relations with all parties, especially in the midst of complex political dynamics between the PDIP, the Democratic Party, and Jokowi's camp.

According to Adi Prayitno, Director of Indonesian Political Parameters, Didit safari is a form of "political replica" Prabowo to maintain communication with former presidents. "Prabowo wants to show that he is not only close to Jokowi, but also maintains good relations with Megawati and SBY," he said.

Didit does not hold official positions in the government or party, but his role as his father's envoy is considered strategic. He became a more flexible figure in conveying political messages without a bureaucratic burden.

The 2.5-hour meeting with Megawati was said to have brought a special message from Prabowo. This visit was considered an attempt to disburse the relationship between Prabowo and Megawati, who failed to meet in person several times. Although the Secretary General of Gerindra Ahmad Muzani who accompanied Didit's visit to Megawati's residence denied that there was no political discussion between them, "It's just a normal Eid gathering", he said.

Didit's meeting with Jokowi for 45 minutes, conveying greetings from Prabowo as well as strengthening coordination between the current government and Jokowi's camp. Ahmad Muzani, Chairman of the MPR from Gerindra, who also accompanied Didit to meet Megawati, called this visit a form of respect for the leaders who have contributed to the nation.

Gerindra Party police figure, Hendarsam Marantoko, said that the right moment for Prabowo and Megawati to meet was during the PDIP congress which will be held next April, if PDIP then invites the General Chairperson of Gerindra to come to attend the congress.

Positive Responses From Various Parties

Eid Al-Fitr Safari Didit received appreciation from many circles, including Gibran Rakabuming Raka, Vice President, who praised Didit's move to "hand off all young people" and was considered a figure that could be accepted by all parties.

The NasDem Party also sees this visit as a positive signal to strengthen national political cohesion. According to a member of the PDIP DPP, Ahmad Basarah emphasized that Megawati and Prabowo's personal relationship had no problems and remained good, the two's direct meeting was just a "long wait", he said.

The public sees Prabowo as a leader by sending Didit, Prabowo wants to emphasize his image as a president who embraces all parties, not trapped in the old political polarization. This step also strengthens the narrative that the Prabowo-Gibran government is committed to maintaining national political stability.

Eid Didit safari, not just a tradition but part of a political communication strategy. He succeeded in becoming a mediator between Prabowo and the former president, while strengthening his father's image as an inclusive leader and respecting his predecessors. In the future, this step can be the foundation for wider political reconciliation.

President Prabowo Subianto shared moments with Titiek Suharto and his son Didit Prabowo via his official Instagram, Monday, March 31, 2025. (Instagram)

"It's okay"

"It's okay"

"It's okay"

"It's okay"

The only thing that Prabowo and Megawati have the opposite effect on certain parties, for example, the fate of Anis Baswedan in his candidacy. If Prabowo Subianto (President-elect 2024) and Megawati Soekarnoputri (Ketum PDIP) are united, politically the fate of Anies Baswedan in his candidacy or subsequent elections will be greatly affected, especially in the context of coalition dynamics and party support.

Analysts see Anies' chances in the 2029 election will be even narrower. If previously the PDIP was expected by Anies, after being abandoned by NasDem, PKB, and PKS who switched to support the Ridwan Kamil-Suswono pair, PDIP had become the only major party that could potentially carry it.

However, PDIP finally chose to carry its own cadre, Pramono Anung-Rano Karno. If PDIP-Gerindra Unite: this collaboration will further isolate Anies because PDIP no longer needs to seek allies outside the coalition. Megawati may prioritize internal cadres or figures in line with party ideology.

So that Anies is increasingly losing the base of party support. Anies and PDIP, who were once called "meeted by the same fate" as victims of the political oligarchy. However, if the oligarchy (Prabowo-Megawati) is united, Anies will find it difficult to position himself as an effective "anticipation". His choice for Anies is to become an independent player or join other parties such as the labor party or the Gelora Party.