TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Politician from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) Deddy Yevri Sitorus, described President Joko Widodo's plan to meet Megawati Soekarnoputri as merely a political gimmick amidst the Eid al-Fitr atmosphere.

According to Deddy, it's nearly impossible for Jokowi to have the courage to visit Megawati after records of abuse of power committed by Jokowi.

"I think it's just a cheap political gimmick. It's like Gibran's statement about wanting to connect with Mas Ganjar. In my opinion, it's just a gimmick," Deddy told Tempo on Saturday, April 13, 2024.

Deddy said that the gimmick was a product of narcissistic behavior. However, Deddy asserted that the Eid al-Fitr moment should be a time for gathering and not a time for politics.

"The issue of wanting to visit is actually an attempt to corner Bu Mega and Ganjar Pranowo. It's not sincere," Deddy said.

Deddy emphasized that PDIP is a party that strongly opposes abuse of laws and the Constitutional Court, as well as power struggles that made the 2024 elections unfair.

Previously, the Presidential Palace stated that it was seeking the right time for President Jokowi to visit Megawati Soekarnoputri. Presidential Special Staff Coordinator Ari Dwipayana said President Jokowi is very open to meeting with anyone, especially national figures.

"After all, this is still the month of Syawal, the most appropriate time to strengthen bonds," Ari said in his brief message on April 12, 2024.

However, when contacted on April 13, 2024, Ari Dwipayana had not yet responded to Tempo's efforts to confirm whether the Palace had set a schedule for Jokowi's meeting with Megawati.

PDIP Secretary-General Hasto Kristiyanto responded cynically to the meeting between Jokowi and Megawati. Hasto said that PDIP's branch members requested for the meeting to be postponed. Hasto added that Jokowi must meet with PDIP branch members first before meeting Megawati.

EKA YUDHA SAPUTRA | DANIEL A. FAJRI | ANTARA

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