The meeting between President-elect Prabowo Subianto and the Chairwoman of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), Prof. Dr. (HC) Hj. Megawati Soekarnoputri, on April 7, 2025, was more than just a regular political encounter. It became a significant symbol in Indonesia’s journey to strengthen commitment to national unity and the Pancasila ideology.

The gathering at Megawati’s residence on Teuku Umar Street, Central Jakarta, carried profound symbolic meaning amidst post-2024 election political contestations. This moment demonstrated how two prominent national figures, each representing historical and contemporary political forces, could prioritize national interests over electoral dynamics. They also expressed joint commitment in facing strategic challenges, both national and global.

The political relationship between Prabowo and Megawati has seen its ups and downs. They were once in the same political alliance during the 2009 presidential election, but diverging strategies and interests have set them on different paths in recent years. Nevertheless, this long-planned meeting signifies Indonesia’s political tradition of strong reconciliation—not based on narrow compromises for power, but on broader national values.

Dr. (HC) Puan Maharani, as the Chairwoman of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), stated that this meeting was not the last, indicating future continued interactions. This suggests the opening of productive communication channels between two major political forces in national politics.

More than just a post-Eid al-Fitr social gathering, the meeting reflects a shared vision between Prabowo and Megawati regarding the nation’s development direction. Both national figures emphasized the importance of collaboration and synergy in building a stronger Indonesia.

Megawati’s endorsement of the Red and White Cabinet despite PDIP remaining outside the government is a mature nationalist stance. It also reflects a “constructive opposition” model crucial in Indonesian democracy—critical opposition that upholds national principles and Pancasila.

In this context, it is essential to understand that both Prabowo and Megawati place Pancasila as the foundational framework for addressing national and geopolitical challenges. Their commitment to unity, social justice, and humane civilization forms the core values likely discussed in their bilateral dialogue.

Amidst global polarization from US-China rivalry, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and tensions in the South China Sea, Indonesia needs leadership capable of maintaining an autonomous, diplomacy-based strategic position. President-elect Prabowo Subianto understands that Indonesia’s strength is not merely defined by military or economic capabilities but also by ideological resilience and national unity.

Therefore, establishing communication with central figures like Prof. Dr. (HC) Hj. Megawati Soekarnoputri is not just for political legitimacy but also for building a robust moral and ideological foundation to support future governance.

Meanwhile, Prof. Dr. (HC) Hj. Megawati Soekarnoputri, Indonesia’s 5th President and direct heir to Bung Karno’s ideological legacy, plays a central role in preserving the nation’s ideological narrative against short-term political pragmatism. Their meeting bridges the old and new generations of national leadership, focusing on the continuity of values and long-term national interests.

In the geopolitical framework, Indonesia stands uniquely as the largest democracy in Southeast Asia with a robust commitment to non-alignment. In facing global and regional pressures, Indonesia must play a role as a regional stabilizer and moral voice for international peace and justice.

Prabowo and Megawati’s collaboration in strategic communication signals that Indonesia will not be divided by internal conflicts but united to emerge as a significant player in global affairs.

It is important to note that despite PDIP choosing to remain structurally outside the government, support for strategic national agendas remains intact. This stance demonstrates Indonesia’s evolving democracy, where opposition does not automatically become antagonistic but functions as a critical partner in maintaining balanced governance.

Against this backdrop, the meeting between Indonesia’s 8th President-elect and its 5th President should be seen as a long-term political investment aimed at national stability. This event not only builds trust between two political powers but also offers hope to the people that Indonesia’s political elite can alleviate tensions and create space for dialogue, even after intense political competition.

Thus, Indonesia exhibits a resilient and inclusive democracy—a democracy grounded not on power calculations but on the lofty values of Pancasila and principles of national unity. In facing the uncertain 21st century, Indonesia strengthens its national solidarity, not on fragile foundations but on the principles of Pancasila and unity.

The meeting between President-elect Prabowo Subianto and PDI Perjuangan Chairperson Prof. Dr. (HC) Hj. Megawati Soekarnoputri mirrors that this nation still has hope to remain united, even amidst differences. Their commitment to maintain communication and coordination for strategic national interests shows that the spirit of mutual cooperation, core to Pancasila, is alive in contemporary political practices.

Prof. Dr. Ermaya Suradinata, SH, MH, MS, was the Governor of the National Resilience Institute (Lemhannas) of Indonesia (2001-2005) and Director-General of Social Politics of the Ministry of Home Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia (1998-2000). He currently serves as the Chairman of the Board of the Center for Geopolitics & Geostrategy Studies Indonesia (CGSI).