Prabowo's "The Presidents Club", Could it Become a Reality?

Of the three figures, two of them are still active in politics. Megawati, for example, serves as General Chair of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), the political party (parpol) that won the 2014, 2019 and 2024 elections. Yudhoyono is known by his nickname SBY is also a former general chairman who now serves as Chairman of the High Council of the Democratic Party. Only Jokowi, who was supported by the PDI-P in the 2014 and 2019 presidential elections, has not announced his political plans after no longer being president.

In the 2024 Presidential Election, SBY and the Democratic Party are part of the Coaliton for Indonesia Forward (KIM) that supports Prabowo. Prabowo and SBY have been friends since they both studied at the Military Academy. Meanwhile, although Jokowi never formally declared his support, many speculate his movements support Prabowo. Additionally, Prabowo's running mate, Gibran, is the eldest son of Jokowi.

As for Megawati, she is in opposition because her party supports the Ganjar Pranowo-Mahfud MD pair. However, Prabowo and Megawati have been friends for a long time. In fact, they once formed a pair to participate in the 2009 presidential election, although they lost to SBY-Boediono. Prior to the 2024 presidential election, Prabowo was visited by Puan Maharani, Chairwoman of the Central Executive Board (DPP) of PDI-P and also Megawati's daughter.

Although Prabowo has a good relationship with previous presidents, his relationship with the three figures has different dynamics. For example, Megawati and SBY have not communicated since the 2004 presidential election. The two were involved in internal conflict as SBY, who served as the Minister of Political and Security Coordination from 2001-2004 during Megawati's tenure as president, was reportedly secretly founding the Democratic Party to participate in the 2004 presidential election.

The relationship between Megawati and Jokowi is also reportedly strained along with the holding of the 2024 presidential election. The PDI-P elites claimed that Jokowi is no longer considered part of Megawati's party leadership because he supports Prabowo-Gibran as presidential and vice-presidential candidates in 2024. After the election, the PDI-P also stepped up legal action to challenge the results of the 2024 election, as well as allegations of nepotism and abuse of power by the government during the contest.

Also read: Jokowi-Megawati relations are increasingly strained

Spokesperson for Prabowo, Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, stated that Prabowo wants to be able to have periodic discussions with Megawati, SBY, and Jokowi. As a great nation, it is only natural for Indonesia to have leaders who work together for the people, regardless of their respective political interests.

"Essentially, Pak Prabowo wants former presidents to continue to meet regularly and discuss strategic national issues. "In this way, national ties will be maintained and become role models for all of us," said Dahnil (Kompas, 3/5/2024).

Nothing new

In fact, Prabowo's idea to create a forum for communication with previous presidents is not new. Similar practices have been going on in the US since the 1960s until now. A political scientist from the Harvard Kennedy School who is also the former Editor-in-Chief of Time Magazine, Nancy Gibbs, and Opinion Editor of The Washington Post, Michael Duffy, also wrote a book entitled "The Presidents Club, Inside The World's Most Exclusive Fraternity.”

Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto (right) bid farewell to President Joko Widodo after their meeting at the Presidential Palace in Gedung Agung, Yogyakarta, on Monday (2/5/2022). The friendly meeting was held during the celebration of Eid al-Fitr 1443 Hijriah.

The book by Gibbs and Duffy reveals the phenomenon of the willingness of US presidents who took office after World War II ended to often be in a club. They work together in the interests of the nation even though they have different political views.

In a special interview with Clay Jenkinson, the Editor at Governing.com, published on February 24, 2021, Gibbs and Duffy explained that every US President is aware that they are chosen by the people, so when their term ends, they are still responsible for serving the entire community. Therefore, despite political differences and sometimes having personal relationships that are not smooth, they need to have discussions with those who have also been President.

"When you are in a position as (the) most powerful person in the world, you cannot complain about how difficult it is and how it impacts you. Basically, you are alone with the frustration that only other elected people (as US President) can understand. This experience pushes some people to set aside personal and political differences and not to doubt each other," said Gibbs.

Every US President is aware that they are elected by the people and therefore, when their term ends, they are still responsible for serving the entire community.

Therefore, in the US, several events that shook the public have occurred. One of them was when former President Dwight D. Eisenhower met with President John F. Kennedy at Camp David, to provide support and full power to the youngest president elected by the American people.

Then, there is also cooperation between the president and a former president who are very politically and personally opposed, namely between Harry Truman and Herbert Hoover. They collaborated to provide humanitarian assistance in Europe after World War II in order to save tens of millions of lives.

In January 2021, as Joe Biden began his presidency in the US, three former presidents, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and George W. Bush, also held a meeting as part of President Joe Biden's inauguration. These three figures had a public conversation that had never happened before, to discuss the smooth transition of power that needed to take place.

As long as it's not a joke

Senior PDIP politician, Hendrawan Supratikno, stated that the idea of bringing together presidents is a good one. This shows an effort to lay the foundation for creating a more mature and developed democracy. However, a strong spirit is needed to discuss the obstacles and deviations that occur in the administration of the state, and to be committed to resolving them.

Formation of a forum between presidents, according to Hendrawan, would also be beneficial if they are daring enough to discuss fundamental issues and strengthen their commitment to the spirit of the constitution. Because within the framework of the constitution, differences in views can lead to convergence and synergy in policy execution, so the implementation of strategic programs will be more effective. In that context, according to him, Megawati would certainly be willing to be part of the intended association.

"If it is only a gimmick or mere image building, I suspect that Mother Mega is not interested at all," said Hendrawan when contacted from Jakarta on Sunday (5/5/2024).

For the Secretary of the Democratic High Council, Andi Mallarangeng, the idea of providing a platform for former presidents to discuss with the current president arises at the right time. This is because in the period of 2024-2029, Indonesia will have three former presidents who are still actively involved in politics and capable of contributing to the nation's issues. The solution to various problems such as poverty, tuberculosis prevention, and the creation of a better election system also requires the cooperation of many parties.

"Besides being able to provide views, wisdom and share experiences, the current president can also give former presidents the special task of representing the president on behalf of the country," he said. This was done by the President of the United States (US) Barack Obama in 2004. At that time, Obama assigned former US Presidents George W Bush and Bill Clinton to hand over humanitarian aid on behalf of the country to the victims of the Aceh tsunami.

Also read: Waiting for the Club of National Leaders

According to Andi, SBY is certainly open to such ideas. Not only inside the country, but SBY is also a member of Club de Madrid, a non-profit organization consisting of former presidents, heads of government, heads of state, and prime ministers from various countries, to discuss various global issues. The results of their discussions will become recommendations submitted to the Secretary-General of the United Nations and world leaders, for example, regarding the Russia-Ukraine war and the Covid-19 pandemic.

"From President SBY's perspective, he would surely welcome it. I also think President Jokowi wouldn't have any problems if this can become a reality. As for President Megawati, I don't know. But I think if President Prabowo can approach her well, maybe she wouldn't object," said Andi.

Meanwhile, Jokowi, after inspecting an electric vehicle exhibition at the Jakarta International Expo Kemayoran on Friday (3/5/2024), also welcomed the idea. According to him, the current president in office could discuss with former presidents as often as possible. "Good, good, good. Every two days, it's okay," he said.

Getting rid of ego

Political Science and International Studies lecturer at Paramadina University in Jakarta, Ahmad Khoirul Umam, sees that the plan to form a presidential club by Prabowo deserves appreciation. Referring to the model of The Presidents Club in the US, this non-formal institution can present several strategic functions, ranging from informal presidential advisors in exchanging ideas, providing advice, and discussing strategic issues related to government politics and public policy. This institution can also encourage cross-party collaboration that becomes the political strength entity of former presidents to provide technocratic advice to the president.

In addition, according to Umam, the gathering of former presidents can also play a role in preserving the tradition and integrity of the presidential institution. The presidential club can be a platform for cooperation in promoting high values and standards related to the position. "In general, this institution can help maintain continuity, stability, and integrity of the presidential institution in the political system of the country," he said.

Also read: Does Prabowo Miss Megawati's Fried Rice?

According to Umam, this president's club could materialize if Prabowo has the political will to make it happen. Moreover, Prabowo is considered not to have any conflict lines with any former presidents. Only Megawati has a conflict line with SBY and Jokowi. The effectiveness of this institution will greatly depend on the maturity of each former president in managing their ego-related personal political relationships.

"For the sake of the nation, former presidents should be able to put aside their egos and personal political interests," said Umam.