The recent sight of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto holding hands with former President Megawati Soekarnoputri, Chairwoman of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP), should not come as a surprise, according to Andreas Hugo Pareira, a member of the House of Representatives (DPR) from the PDIP faction.
Pareira highlighted that this public display of camaraderie between the two prominent party leaders underscores their consistently good relationship, even after intensely competing against each other in the 2024 General Election. “I don’t view the moment of Prabowo and Megawati holding hands as anything extraordinary,” Andreas stated at the DPR, MPR, and DPD Complex on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.
As Deputy Chairman of DPR Commission XII, Andreas further elaborated that the rapport between Megawati and Prabowo is a recurring theme whenever they meet. He stressed that their underlying closeness isn’t always demonstrated through gestures like holding hands. “We hope this warm, harmonious relationship brings benefits, especially for the people. That is the most important thing,” added the Head of PDIP’s Department of Membership and Organization.
The much-discussed moment occurred following the Pancasila Birth Anniversary commemoration ceremony at Gedung Pancasila, located on Jalan Taman Pejambon, Jakarta. It was there that the Head of State was observed taking the hand of PDIP Chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri.
This particular instance of the two party leaders holding hands unfolded as President Prabowo was departing the podium after serving as the ceremony’s inspector. Initially, Prabowo courteously invited his guests, including Megawati, to walk ahead. However, the daughter of Indonesia’s first President playfully insisted Prabowo lead the way. Megawati was then seen light-heartedly pulling the Gerindra Party Chairman’s arm, a gesture Prabowo reciprocated by inviting her to walk alongside him.
Their political paths have long been intertwined with a complex history of alliance and rivalry. Megawati and Prabowo famously formed a presidential and vice-presidential ticket in the 2009 General Election. That formidable duo, however, was ultimately defeated by the pairing of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Boediono.
In subsequent elections, Megawati and Prabowo found themselves on opposing sides. For instance, in both the 2014 and 2019 presidential elections, Megawati championed Joko Widodo as the presidential candidate who contended directly against Prabowo. Their competition intensified, extending through the 2024 General and Regional Elections. In the 2024 General Election, the Ganjar-Mahfud ticket, backed by PDIP and Megawati, was ultimately defeated by the Prabowo-Gibran pairing.
The competitive spirit also manifested in the 2024 Central Java Regional Election, a traditional stronghold for PDIP. In this crucial regional contest, the Andika-Hendrar ticket, supported by PDIP, was overcome by the Ahmad Luthfi-Taj Yasin Maimoen ticket, which was endorsed by the coalition backing Prabowo.
Ervana Trikarinaputri contributed to this article’s writing
Editor’s Choice: Prabowo and Megawati Hold Hands After Pancasila Ceremony
Summary
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and former President Megawati Soekarnoputri, Chairwoman of PDIP, were recently seen holding hands after the Pancasila Birth Anniversary commemoration ceremony in Jakarta. PDIP legislator Andreas Hugo Pareira stated this public display was “nothing extraordinary,” highlighting their consistently good relationship despite intense political competition. He emphasized that their underlying closeness is a recurring theme whenever they meet and expressed hope for its benefits to the people.
Their political paths have a complex history, marked by both alliance and rivalry. They famously formed a presidential ticket in the 2009 General Election, though they were defeated. Subsequently, Megawati and Prabowo became political opponents in the 2014, 2019, and 2024 presidential elections, where Megawati backed candidates contending directly against Prabowo. Their competition also extended to regional contests, such as the 2024 Central Java Regional Election.