Jokowi and SBY Present, Megawati Absent from the MPR Annual Session

JAKARTA, KOMPAS — The Annual Session of the MPR and the Joint Session of the DPR-DPD 2025 at the Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, on Friday (15/8/2025), was attended by the 6th President of the Republic of Indonesia Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, the 7th President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo, and the 8th President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto. However, the 5th President of the Republic of Indonesia Megawati Soekarnoputri was absent once again.

President Prabowo arrived at the Nusantara Building, Senayan Parliament Complex, Jakarta, on Friday (15/8/2025) at around 08:35 WIB. Dressed in a black suit and matching cap, he briefly waved to the media before entering the lobby of the building, which is carpeted in red.

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming had already arrived earlier. Without a cap on his head, Gibran came around 08:15 WIB wearing a black suit.

And, I respect, the chairpersons of political parties, whom I cherish and love, the Chairperson of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle, Mrs. Prof. Dr. HC Megawati Soekarnoputri, or who is currently represented by my presence.

Meanwhile, the 7th President Jokowi arrived at the Nusantara Building at 08:08 WIB. Unlike previous annual sessions where traditional attire was worn, this time Jokowi donned a formal gray suit with a black cap on his head.

The 6th President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono also arrived at the Parliament Complex around 07:55 WIB. Previously, Yudhoyono's entourage disembarked at the Nusantara III Building.

A few minutes later, Yudhoyono, accompanied by his son, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, walked towards the Nusantara Building. Meanwhile, the 5th President Megawati Soekarnoputri was not seen attending the Annual Session of the MPR.

Several former Vice Presidents were also present, including Tri Sutrisno, M Jusuf Kalla, Boediono, and Ma’ruf Amin. In addition, the wife of the 4th President Abdurrahman Wahid, Sinta Nuriyah Wahid, was also present accompanied by her daughter, Yenny Wahid.

Former state leaders appeared to be seated next to each other. Jokowi was flanked by Yudhoyono and Boediono, while Tri Sutrisno sat next to Yudhoyono and Jusuf Kalla next to Boediono.

This year's annual session marks Megawati's absence for the second consecutive time. The first absence occurred in 2024, during President Jokowi's administration, when their relationship had soured following the 2024 Presidential Election. Previously, Megawati had always attended, either in person or virtually; she was recorded as present in 2023 wearing a white kebaya, in 2022 with a red kebaya, and in 2021 virtually when the session was held with limited attendance due to the pandemic.

The Chairperson of the House of Representatives, who is also the Chairperson of the DPP PDI-P, Puan Maharani, in her speech at the MPR and the Joint Session of the DPR-DPD 2025, extended greetings to all party chairpersons as well as to the former President and Vice President. When mentioning the name Megawati Soekarnoputri, Puan stated that Megawati is represented by herself.

"And, to whom I respect, the chairpersons of political parties, whom I cherish and love, the Chairperson of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle, Mrs. Prof. Dr. HC Megawati Soekarnoputri, or who is currently represented by my presence," said Puan, greeted by applause from the audience.

The Vice Chairman of Commission III of the DPR, Habiburokhman, expressed his gratitude for the presence of the 7th President Jokowi at this session. He hopes that this figure will always be protected in terms of health. He also hopes that the previous presidents can be present as well.

"Thank God, Mr. Jokowi is present. We are grateful that he is healthy," said Habiburokhman, when interviewed before entering the courtroom.

Regarding President Prabowo's speech, Habiburokhman also provided a slight preview. He mentioned that the leader would touch upon his flagship programs such as Free Nutritious Meals, People's Schools, Red and White Village Cooperatives, and food security.

Law enforcement, Habiburokhman continued, will also be discussed. He believes that law enforcement during President Prabowo's leadership has been conducted fairly. He claims that the law is not used as a tool of power, but is applied as justly as possible. He attempts to prove this through the granting of amnesty to several convicts some time ago, including the Secretary-General of PDI-P, Hasto Kristiyanto.

"We are very optimistic. Indeed, there are dynamics in his leadership structure. However, we will seek solutions to these issues," said Habiburokhman.