Indonesia’s ex-leader Megawati attacks Jokowi at party event as tensions boil: ‘power doesn’t last’

President Joko Widodo, a two-decade member of the PDI-P, has been facing accusations that he has deserted the ruling party to further his political legacy

PDI-P chief Megawati Sukarnoputri’s decision not to invite Jokowi to party’s anniversary celebration shows ties between them are ‘non-existent now’, analyst says

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Indonesian President Joko Widodo, right, and former leader Megawati Sukarnoputri. Photo: EPA-EFE

Published: 4:49pm, 10 Jan 2024Updated: 10:00pm, 10 Jan 2024

The fallout between President Joko Widodo and the ruling Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) spilled out into the open on Wednesday after the party’s grand dame delivered a speech with a thinly veiled attack on his loyalty at an event to which he was not invited.

Widodo has over the past two decades relied on the PDI-P as a political vehicle, becoming the mayor of Solo, Jakarta governor and a two-term president with the support of his long-time patron, party chairwoman Megawati Sukarnoputri.

But tensions between Widodo and PDI-P leaders have been bubbling for months, with some party officials suggesting he has deserted the party to further his legacy and support the political ambitions of his son, who is running to become vice-president on Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto’s ticket.

At the event, former president Megawati urged Indonesian voters to choose their next leader carefully.

“The Indonesian people, whom I love … don’t be tempted, don’t just look at his figure, his mind and heart must be right,” she said. “Pay attention to his track record, morals and ethics, responsibility and ability to understand the hopes of more than 270 million Indonesian people.

“Elections are not a tool for political elites to perpetuate their power at all costs. In general elections, there are morals and ethics that must be upheld,” she added. “Power does not last … Power will end no matter what position you are in.”

Widodo’s absence from the PDI-P’s 51st anniversary celebration marked the first time he had missed the gathering since he became president in 2014.

Megawati said she had only invited those who were willing to be there. She welcomed ministers from Widodo’s cabinet who were present, including Vice-President Ma’ruf Amin.