Jakarta (ANTARA) - Great Indonesia Movement (Gerindra) Party Chairman Prabowo Subianto shares the same commitment as Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) Chairperson Megawati Soekarnoputri to maintain Indonesia's unity amid diverse political views in the 2019 presidential election.

"Sometimes, we each have a different political stance that I think is not fundamental. Nonetheless, the key point is that as patriots, both of us remain committed to defending the Unitary State of Indonesia," Prabowo noted after a two-hour meeting with Megawati at the latter's residence on Teuku Umar Street, Jakarta, on Wednesday.

Prabowo highlighted that it was normal for people to have different political views, but at the end, there is a strong will to continue and strengthen the sound relations to solve various issues that challenge the nation.

The presidential candidate in the 2019 election further acknowledged being an old friend of Megawati and feeling like part of her family.

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"As we were welcomed with the feelings of kinship and old friendship, I felt that it is an honor for me," Prabowo affirmed.

During the meeting at Megawati's house, Prabowo was accompanied by Gerindra Party Deputy Chairman Edy Prabowo and the party's Secretary General Ahmad Muzani, while Megawati was accompanied by her daughter Puan Maharani and her son Prananda Prabowo.

PDIP Secretary General Hasto kristiyanto, a senior politician of the party Pramono Anung, and Head of the State Intelligence Agency (BIN) Budi Gunawan were also present at the meeting.

In a picture sent by PDIP, Megawati and Prabowo were seen conversing and enjoying young coconut ice in the dining room.

During the presidential election in 2009, Prabowo was the running mate of presidential candidate Megawati, but they had lost the contest.

During the meeting, Megawati served "bakwan," or vegetable fritter, as an appetizer, and fried rice, which were specially cooked by Megawati. Related news: Prabowo Subianto meets with Megawati Soekarnoputri

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Translator: Syaiful Hakim, Sri Haryati
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2019