Indonesian Politician Downplays Significance of Prabowo-Megawati Hand-Holding Moment

A legislator from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) has described the moment President Prabowo Subianto was seen holding hands with former President Megawati Soekarnoputri as "not an extraordinary thing." Andreas Hugo Pareira, a member of the House of Representatives (DPR) from PDIP, commented on the interaction, which occurred after the Pancasila Day ceremony on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.

Pareira, who also serves as the Deputy Chairman of Commission XII in the DPR, suggested that the visible closeness between the two party chairpersons is a continuation of their generally good relationship, despite their past electoral competition. He noted that their warmth is often apparent when they are together, even if not always expressed through physical gestures like holding hands.

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I see it as not an extraordinary thing.

"We hope that this warm, harmonious relationship provides benefits, especially for the people. That is the most important thing," stated the Chairman of PDIP's Central Executive Board for Membership and Organization. The interaction occurred as Prabowo, who had served as the ceremony's inspector of the guard, was leaving the podium. Initially, Prabowo gestured for his guests, including Megawati, to proceed first. However, Megawati playfully indicated for Prabowo to walk ahead, even playfully tugging his arm, to which Prabowo responded by walking alongside her.

Megawati and Prabowo have a history of political association and rivalry. They were once a presidential and vice-presidential ticket in the 2009 elections, though they were defeated by Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Budiono. In subsequent elections, particularly in 2014 and 2019, Megawati supported Joko Widodo in his presidential bids against Prabowo. Their political divergence continued through the 2024 elections, where the Ganjar-Mahfud ticket, backed by PDIP and Megawati, lost to Prabowo and Gibran. This rivalry also extended to regional elections, such as the Central Java gubernatorial race, where a Prabowo-aligned coalition supported the winning candidates against PDIP's nominees.

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We hope that this warm, harmonious relationship provides benefits, especially for the people. That is the most important thing.