Jakarta. Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri has publicly dismissed speculation about a strained relationship with President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo. Speaking during a ceremony in North Jakarta on Monday, Megawati insisted that her relationship with the president remains positive and without issues.

"Before coming here, I heard that there were rumors about my relationship with the president being problematic. I want to clarify that my relationship with the president is perfectly fine. Why would it be otherwise?" Megawati said during a ceremony for the handover of duplicate state flags to 38 governors in North Jakarta on Monday.

The rumors stemmed from Megawati's stance on the issue of presidential term limits. It was reported that she opposed extending the presidential term to three periods, a proposal discussed towards the end of President Jokowi's second term.

"I was allegedly opposed to the idea of a third term or an extension. However, this matter falls under constitutional authority. I do not have the authority to decide on this; it is up to the People's Consultative Assembly," she added.

Megawati consulted constitutional experts, who confirmed that the two-term presidential limit remains in effect.

Despite PDI-P's support for Jokowi in the 2014 and 2019 elections, the relationship between the two parties became strained in the 2024 election. This tension arose after Gerindra Party chairman Prabowo Subianto nominated Gibran Rakabuming Raka, Jokowi's eldest son, as his running mate.

Prabowo won the election with support from Jokowi's voters, while Ganjar Pranowo, the PDI-P candidate, finished last despite leading in polls prior to the election.

As the first family distanced themselves from PDI-P, many expected the party would shift to an opposition role.

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