TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) Chair Megawati Soekarnoputri met President Prabowo Subianto at the State Palace on Thursday, March 19, 2026. Megawati’s visit came as Prabowo faced criticism over his political decisions, including his move to join the Peace Council established by United States President Donald Trump.
The meeting was the third between the two leaders. Their relationship has not always been smooth. In August 2025, tensions flared after the Palace received information suggesting "bull party" cadres were allegedly provoking protests demanding the dissolution of the House of Representatives (DPR). Earlier this year, PDI-P legislators also took aim at the free nutritious meal program, critiquing the use of education funds to bankroll the initiative.
PDI-P Secretary-General Hasto Kristiyanto said there has been a division of roles within the party. One group takes a critical stance toward the government, while the other acts as lobbyists. “That is the art of politics,” he said in a written interview on Thursday, April 2, 2026.
Why is PDI-P playing a "two-track" approach with the Prabowo administration?
Political struggle is pursued through strategy and dialogue. We have a vocal (critical?) group acting as spokespersons and others performing the lobbying function. That is the art of politics.
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