PDIP senior politician Panda Nababan has responded to the dream of former President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) meeting with former President Megawati and current President Joko Widodo (Jokowi). Panda believes that SBY’s dream reflects his desires in the real world.
Panda stated, “If you reveal a dream, it means that it has entered your heart and mind. It shows that you have a strong desire for it.” He further interpreted that SBY’s dream indicates his genuine wish for the meeting.
Regarding the reconciliation discourse sparked by SBY’s dream, Panda raised the issue of the five “conditions for peace” set by Megawati for SBY. He emphasized that Megawati would be willing to meet with SBY if he answered the five questions she had asked him 18 years ago.
Panda stated, “That’s all I’ve been waiting for, for 18 years. It’s not that difficult to answer.” He then summarized Megawati’s five questions, which were documented in his book titled ‘Panda Nababan Born as a Fighter: An Autobiography, Book Two: In the Maelstrom of Power.’
The book recounts the moment when Panda, as Megawati’s envoy, asked SBY the questions a few years ago. It reveals that SBY had expressed his desire to meet with Megawati to mend their strained relationship shortly after assuming power. However, Megawati insisted that SBY clarify his position on her before agreeing to the meeting.
Megawati initially suggested that her husband, Taufiq Kiemas, represent her in the meeting. However, she later decided to send Panda, along with Tjahjo Kumolo and Pramono Anung, to meet SBY at the Merdeka Palace. Before their departure, Megawati entrusted Panda with the five questions, the answers to which would determine her willingness to meet SBY.
During the journey from Teuku Umar to the Merdeka Palace, Megawati asked Tjahjo and Pramono to leave the car, leaving Panda to meet SBY alone. Megawati believed that Panda, being from the Batak ethnic group and a former journalist, had the courage to speak unlike the Javanese Tjahjo and Pramono.
Upon arriving at the Palace, Panda found SBY waiting for him, accompanied by Bachtiar Chamsyah, the Minister of Social Affairs at the time. Panda requested a private conversation with SBY, to which SBY asked about Megawati’s absence.
Panda explained that Megawati was unable to attend and had sent him as her representative. He then proceeded to present Megawati’s five questions to SBY.
The reconciliation between Megawati and SBY has been a long-standing issue, and Panda’s account sheds light on the conditions set by Megawati for a potential meeting. It remains to be seen how SBY will respond to these questions and whether it will lead to a reconciliation between the two former presidents.
(fca/azh)
What are the conditions that Megawati must have met in order for her to agree to a meeting with SBY?
R those five questions. If SBY can provide satisfactory answers, I believe Megawati will be open to the idea of a meeting.”
Panda also commented on Jokowi’s stance on the dream meeting, stating that the current President has always shown a willingness to promote unity and reconciliation. He believes that Jokowi would support a meeting between SBY and Megawati if it contributes to the nation’s stability and harmony.
However, Panda also pointed out that the final decision ultimately lies with Megawati. He acknowledged her previous skepticism towards SBY’s sincerity and emphasized that her conditions must be met for any progress to be made.
In conclusion, Panda expressed his hope that SBY’s dream can lead to meaningful dialogue and understanding between the former Presidents. He believes that such a meeting has the potential to mend past rifts and foster unity in Indonesian politics.
