RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s 5th President and Chairwoman of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP), Megawati Soekarnoputri, hosted German Ambassador to Indonesia Ralf Beste at her residence in Jakarta on Friday, April 17, 2026.

Megawati was accompanied by PDIP Secretary General Hasto Kristiyanto, PDIP Head of Foreign Affairs Ahmad Basarah, and Megawati Institute Executive Director Hilmar Farid.

The meeting evolved into a discussion linking the legacy of global thought to current challenges, with a focus on the relevance of the Asian‑African Conference (AAC) amid today’s geopolitical dynamics, including tensions in the Middle East.

“Mrs. Megawati and Ambassador Ralf Beste discussed geopolitics, including the current situation in the Middle East, and the Bandung Asian‑African Conference, which will commemorate its 71st anniversary tomorrow,” Hasto said in a statement, as quoted by Antara.

Ambassador Beste shared his impressions after visiting the AAC Museum in Bandung. “I’m traveling around to learn more about Indonesia. I just visited Bandung and the AAC Museum,” he said, expressing admiration for Sukarno’s role in uniting Asian and African nations. He noted that Sukarno’s efforts to build solidarity remain relevant today.

Megawati recalled her own experience accompanying President Sukarno as the youngest delegate at the Non‑Aligned Movement Summit in Belgrade, Yugoslavia, in 1961. She remembered sitting with prominent leaders such as India’s Jawaharlal Nehru and Egypt’s Gamal Abdel Nasser. “At that time, I called them uncles,” she said with a smile.

During the meeting, Megawati presented several books containing Sukarno’s speeches, including one from the AAC, another delivered at the United Nations titled “To Build the World Anew,” and “The Birth of Pancasila.” She emphasized the importance of vigilance against global crises, drawing parallels with challenges Indonesia faced during her presidency.

According to Basarah, Megawati explained how her administration stabilized the rupiah, paid off foreign debt, and resolved the economic crisis. She linked these experiences to current global uncertainties, including the war involving Iran and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which she said must be anticipated.

Before the meeting concluded, Megawati and Ambassador Beste exchanged souvenirs. During the group photo, Megawati smiled and lightheartedly asked about the ambassador’s towering height. ***