Hasto Arrives at the PDI-P Congress, Megawati Sheds Tears

NUSA DUA, KOMPAS — The outgoing Secretary General of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle or PDI-P, Hasto Kristiyanto, arrived in Bali and immediately attended the VI PDI-P Congress at the Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center, Bali, on Saturday (2/8/2025). Welcoming his arrival, PDI-P Chairperson Megawati Soekarnoputri emphasized that Hasto is one of many individuals who have been treated unfairly from a legal standpoint. However, Megawati is confident that the truth will ultimately prevail.

The quiet atmosphere in the main hall of the VI PDI-P Congress at the Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center was suddenly broken by the applause of the participants on Saturday (2/8/2025) afternoon. The outgoing Secretary General of PDI-P, Hasto Kristiyanto, unexpectedly appeared at the back door of the hall around 15:40 WITA, greeted by the enthusiastic cheers of party cadres and structures.

Initially, the Chairperson of PDI-P, Megawati Soekarnoputri, was somewhat confused by the diverted attention of the participants. However, when she saw Hasto stepping onto the main stage, her eyes filled with tears.

Hasto, who has just received amnesty from President Prabowo Subianto, after being released from the detention center of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), immediately flew from Jakarta to Bali to attend the congress. Previously, Hasto was sentenced to 3.5 years in prison and a fine of Rp 250 million, with a subsidiary of three months' imprisonment, related to the bribery case concerning the interim replacement of a member of the DPR for Harun Masiku.

With an emotional step, Hasto approached Megawati, greeted her, and then embraced her tightly while shedding tears. The embrace was reciprocated by Megawati with heartfelt sobs, witnessed by the cadres who stood and applauded. Moments later, Hasto released the embrace and stepped down from the stage while shouting loudly, "Freedom!" which was simultaneously answered by the congress participants.

It turns out that what I said, "Satyam eva jayate," is true. Thank God, God granted him (Hasto) what he desired.

The atmosphere was silent again for a moment before a cadre spontaneously led the singing of an adaptation of the children's song Miss Manis Siapa yang Punya with the lyrics "Megawati who has... who owns us all." The song echoed throughout the hall, greeted by applause and emotional smiles from the congress participants.

Megawati then continued her speech with a trembling voice. She expressed her gratitude for Hasto's return and quoted the philosophy 'Satyam Eva Jayate,' which also serves as the theme for this year's PDI-P Congress.

"It turns out that what I said was satyam eva jayate, the truth will surely triumph. Alhamdulillah, God gave him (Hasto) what he wanted," he said, crying.

Megawati admitted that she always prays for Hasto, although she does not hope for Hasto to return to her party. "I used to pray, but I do not have high hopes that Mr. Hasto will be back among us," said Megawati, which was met with loud applause from the party cadres.

Megawati reminded her cadres to remain loyal and steadfast. She considered Hasto's return to be a blessing from God. "Therefore, remember, you must be steadfast, you must be loyal, for that is the true blessing bestowed upon humanity by Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala," she stated.

Megawati emphasized that Hasto is merely one of many individuals who have been treated unjustly from a legal standpoint. She called on law enforcement officials to restore true justice in this country.

"Ah, that is a blessing from God. Every night while reciting dhikr, I mention each name one by one, including Mr. Hasto. I ask for nothing but true justice for those who have been treated unfairly from a legal standpoint. There are many! Mr. Hasto is just an example," he said.

He also expressed his sadness at the current state of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), especially since the KPK was an institution established during his administration.

"I'm sorry, but when I see the KPK now, it is truly disheartening. I was the one who established the KPK. Just imagine, if it is like this now, then what? Does the President have to intervene in such matters? I have been president, so I know the intricacies. It's amusing, why has the KPK become like this?" said Megawati, concluding her speech with a bitter tone.