Megawati Orders Mediation in PDIP's Defamation Suit Against Zulfan Lindan

Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) Chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri has directed DPP PDIP Chairman Deddy Sitorus to resolve a legal dispute with former NasDem politician Zulfan Lindan before it escalates to court. PDIP has filed a lawsuit against Lindan and PT Temukan Perspektif Indonesia, which operates the 'Total Politik' channel, for alleged unlawful acts.

The lawsuit stems from statements Lindan made in a podcast on February 9, 2026, which PDIP claims spread slander and defamation. Specifically, the party objects to Lindan's assertion that PDIP attacked the government by participating in demonstrations in August 2025. Lindan also alleged that President Prabowo Subianto would fulfill Megawati's demands, including the return of Wisma Yaso, compensation for the first president's house, and the release of PDIP Secretary-General Hasto Kristiyanto via amnesty.

Deddy Sitorus vehemently denied Lindan's claims, particularly regarding the demand for Wisma Yaso. He stated that such assertions were slanderous and deeply offensive to the Soekarno family, emphasizing that they never 'begged' for such things. Sitorus explained that the legal route was pursued after mediation efforts through the Dewan Pers (Press Council) failed, citing Lindan and Total Politik's alleged failure to uphold promises, including issuing a public apology.

PDIP's legal action, filed on June 23, 2026, at the South Jakarta District Court, also names Total Politik founders Arie Putra and Budi Adiputro as defendants. The lawsuit seeks a court declaration that the defendants defamed PDIP, demanding a public apology, removal of related videos, and compensation. As of the report, Zulfan Lindan and Budi Adiputro had not responded to inquiries.