Tale of Two Former Presidents: Will SBY and Megawati Soekarnoputri Meet Before the 2024 Election?

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Son of former President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY), Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), talked about a possible meeting between his father and his predecessor, former President Megawati Soekarnoputri. For nearly two decades, the relationship between SBY and Mega has been strained. 

AHY said there is no thing as eternal enemy. He believes that there is good will from the two former presidents to meet.

"We as their successive generations are actually welcoming it with joy if that could be realized," said AHY during a press conference in Democratic Party office on Thursday. 

However, AHY stated that there should be no pressure. He said he does communicate with the daughter of Megawati, the current speaker of parliament Puan Maharani. The daughter previously has also expressed hope about possible meeting.

"We understand that nothing can be forced on each other," said AHY. "Let it flow. At least I and Ms. Puan build good communication."

20 Years Ago

The rivalry between SBY and Mega started in late 2023. Former President SBY used to be a member of Megawati's cabinet, serving as the Coordinating Minister of Politics and Security Affairs.

Megawati was holding the presidency after President Gus Dur was impeached in 2001. That political event paved the way for the then-VP Megawati to become president.

But in September 2003, SBY founded his Democratic Party, and he was seen as a potential next president. According to a survey by LSI, the former general's popularity was even higher than President Mega herself.

SBY left Megawati's cabinet for good in early 2004, and stated that he was ready to run for presidency. A few months later, he won the election, and then he won again in 2009, twice winning against Megawati. 

Megawati's party, Indonesia Democratic Party-Struggle, was acting as the opposition to the government for a decade, until a mayor named Joko Widodo gained national attention after supporting a car made by vocational school students. As it happened, the mayor is a member of Megawati's party. Megawati then paved the way for Widodo to be the next president.

Don't Burn the Bridge

SBY and Mega previously met during the G20 Summit in Bali, but at that time their political parties had yet to announce their choices for the 2024 election.

Now the rivalry between SBY and Megawati are set to continue as their parties are having different coalitions. 

For the next election, the Democratic Party is closer to former Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan who is set to compete against Governor of Middle Java Ganjar Pranowo, supported by Megawati.

But AHY does not intend to burn the bridge. He expresses content that two sides respect each other.

"Both know that Indonesia Democratic Party-Struggle has a presidential candidate. The Democratic which is currently building the Coalition of Change is also feeling okay. But we can sit, talk, and we can see the future ahead," said AHY.

Alma Fikhasari of Merdeka.com contributed to this article.