October 3, 2024
JAKARTA – Outgoing President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo said on Wednesday that he welcomed the planned meeting between president-elect Prabowo Subianto and Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) chair Megawati Soekarnoputri, saying it would be a step in the right direction.
Jokowi said the planned meeting was an indication of good relationships among political leaders and that it could have positive results for the country’s development.
“The meeting is good so that communication between high-profile figures in the country can continue for the development of the country, for the nation,” Jokowi said in a statement quoted by Antara.
President-elect Prabowo has confirmed that he is planning to meet with Megawati to discuss the PDI-P’s position with regard to his incoming administration.
Since winning a landslide victory in February’s presidential election, Gerindra Party patron Prabowo has moved quickly to reach out to rivals, including the PDI-P, which backed losing candidate Ganjar Pranowo in the race.
Of the eight parties represented in the incoming legislature, only the PDI-P has yet to decide whether it will support or oppose the Prabowo administration. After winning the largest share of House seats in February, the party has managed to retain the House speakership, a position with significant authority to set the House’s agenda for the next five years.