Meeting Between Prabowo and Megawati: Symbol of National Reconciliation and Actualization of Pancasila - Center for Geopolitic and Geostrategic Studies

The meeting between President Prabowo Subianto and the Chairwoman of the PDI Perjuangan Party and Chair of the BPIP Advisory Council, Megawati Soekarnoputri, during the commemoration of Pancasila Day on June 1, 2025, at the Pancasila Building in Jakarta, was not just a routine state ceremony held every year. This moment became a significant symbol in the dynamics of national politics, reflecting the convergence of two major forces in modern Indonesian history that prioritize national interests above partisan differences.

In a setting rich with national symbolism, this event demonstrated that the spirit of Pancasila is not merely formally commemorated but also actively revitalized by national leaders. In Indonesia’s political landscape, often polarized by electoral rivalries, the presence of the 8th President of Indonesia (Prabowo Subianto) and the 5th President of Indonesia (Megawati Soekarnoputri) on the national stage became a crucial symbol of national reconciliation.

Megawati Soekarnoputri, as the ideological successor of Bung Karno, and General (Ret.) Prabowo Subianto as the elected president leading Indonesia for the next five years, showcased a joint commitment to uphold Pancasila as the foundation of every strategic national policy. Amid increasing political pragmatism and social polarization, they conveyed a strong message that ideology is not merely a rhetorical symbol but the primary foundation for building a just, civilized, and sovereign governance system.

The meeting of the 8th and 5th Presidents of Indonesia also reaffirmed the importance of maintaining national unity in facing global and domestic challenges. In today’s era of information disruption, economic uncertainty, and geopolitical shifts, national stability is paramount. The meeting between Prabowo and Megawati exemplifies leadership’s awareness that Indonesia’s strength lies in its ability to maintain social-political integration through the spirit of mutual assistance and tolerance rooted in Pancasila values.

Megawati Soekarnoputri’s presence at the state event, as well as President Prabowo’s respectful mention of her in his speech, underscored that relationships among leaders can transcend immediate political calculations. This gesture of mutual respect serves as an important sign for the people that politics is not just about electoral victories or defeats but also about building a democratic civilization that is healthy and civilized.

Such exemplary leadership is crucial to mitigate political polarization, demonstrating that national leaders possess emotional maturity and long-term vision for collective progress. From a public perspective, this has the potential to strengthen trust in national political institutions. Society needs concrete examples of elites capable of synergy rather than confrontation. Thus, the reconciliation shown by Prabowo and Megawati is not merely symbolic but carries deep historical significance.

Throughout the nation’s history, communication among elites from different backgrounds has proven to be an effective means to maintain national stability. Whether in the Sukarno era or post-Reformasi, political solidarity among leaders has been a crucial pillar of national resilience. In this context, Prabowo and Megawati are continuing a tradition of statesmanship that prioritizes national interests over sectoral egos.

Therefore, their presence in a national forum serves as an oasis amid lingering political tensions. This leadership should inspire grassroots levels to prioritize dialogue and unity in daily life. This year’s commemoration of Pancasila Day is more meaningful because it brought together two central figures of the nation on one national stage. The meeting between Prabowo and Megawati is not merely political connotation but reflects an ideological consensus on the importance of preserving Pancasila as the foundation of national life.

Megawati Soekarnoputri, honored with 12 honorary doctorates and professorships from various national and international universities, serves as the Chair of the BPIP Advisory Council, continually emphasizing Pancasila values in public policy. On the other hand, General (Ret.) Prabowo Subianto, as the elected president, affirms that Pancasila is not just a ceremonial symbol but must be actualized as a working ideology.

In his speech, President Prabowo Subianto emphasized the importance of national unity as the key to facing complex global challenges. He rejected the idea of treating Pancasila as empty rhetoric and instead elevated it as a guide for strategic decision-making in the country. This statement implies a direction for future national leadership based on principles of social justice, consensus, and humane justice.

Meanwhile, Megawati Soekarnoputri reaffirmed that Pancasila is the meeting point of various political forces and social identities in Indonesia. Her role in BPIP demonstrates that the development of the state ideology is inseparable from national political dynamics and processes.

Therefore, the meeting between Prabowo and Megawati cannot be narrowly understood through a political lens. Within the framework of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia, this event conveys the message that only through national unity can Indonesia answer the challenges of the times. Unity in this context does not mean uniformity of differences but maintaining a collective commitment to remain together in diversity. This value is in line with the third principle of Pancasila: Unity of Indonesia.

Thus, the meeting between Prabowo and Megawati not only reflects post-election reconciliation but also reaffirms that the Republic of Indonesia is built and maintained through the spirit of unity. In a world increasingly fragmented by economic and geopolitical interests, Indonesia’s strength lies in its ability to maintain unity amidst diversity.

This spirit must be preserved to ensure national development occurs in a peaceful, stable, and just atmosphere.

Prof. Dr. Ermaya Suradinata, SH, MH, MS, is an Expert Council of BPIP RI and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Center for Geopolitics & Geostrategy Studies Indonesia (CGSI).