Great Indonesia Movement Party

Great Indonesia Movement Party. Commonly known as Gerindra, it is a major right-wing political party in Indonesia. Founded in 2008, it serves as the primary political vehicle for its long-time chairman, Prabowo Subianto. The party has grown from an opposition force to a dominant ruling party, central to the nation's contemporary political landscape.

History

The party was officially established on 6 February 2008 by Prabowo Subianto, a former Kopassus commander and son-in-law of former President Suharto. Its formation followed Prabowo's unsuccessful vice-presidential bid in 2004 alongside Megawati Sukarnoputri of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P). Initially positioned in opposition to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's administration, Gerindra first contested the 2009 Indonesian legislative election, securing 4.5% of the vote. Prabowo then ran for president in the 2014 Indonesian presidential election, narrowly losing to Joko Widodo of PDI-P. Following the election, Gerindra joined the governing coalition, and Prabowo ran again in the 2019 Indonesian presidential election, once more losing to Widodo. In a significant political realignment, Gerindra joined Widodo's Onward Indonesia Cabinet in 2019, with Prabowo appointed as Minister of Defense. This coalition solidified ahead of the 2024 Indonesian general election, where Prabowo, with Widodo's tacit support and Gibran Rakabuming Raka as his running mate, was elected president.

Ideology and political positions

Gerindra's official ideology is the state philosophy of Pancasila, interpreted through a strong nationalist and populist lens. The party advocates for economic self-sufficiency, a robust military, and protectionist trade policies. Its platform often emphasizes populist themes, such as direct assistance programs for the poor and criticism of foreign economic dominance. Under Prabowo's leadership, the party has consistently promoted a vision of a strong, sovereign Indonesia, drawing on historical figures like Sukarno for nationalist rhetoric. While socially conservative, its economic policies blend economic nationalist ideas with pragmatic support for large-scale infrastructure projects championed by the Joko Widodo administration, such as the National Strategic Projects.

Organizational structure

The party's organizational structure is highly centralized around its founder and chairman, Prabowo Subianto. The highest decision-making body is the National Leadership Meeting (Rapimnas), while day-to-day operations are managed by a Central Executive Board (DPP). Key figures in the DPP have included Sufmi Dasco Ahmad and Habiburokhman. Gerindra has built an extensive grassroots network, particularly in Java and Sumatra, utilizing a cadre system to mobilize support. The party maintains a strong presence in mass organizations like the Gerindra Party Youth Movement (GP Ansor) and has established the Gerindra Institute as a think tank. Its internal dynamics are characterized by a strong chain of command, with significant authority vested in the chairman.

Electoral performance

Gerindra's electoral trajectory shows steady growth. In its debut in the 2009 Indonesian legislative election, it won 4.5% of the vote and 26 seats in the People's Representative Council (DPR). This increased to 11.8% and 73 seats in the 2014 Indonesian legislative election, coinciding with Prabowo's first presidential run. In the 2019 Indonesian legislative election, it secured 12.6% of the vote and 78 seats. The party achieved its largest victory in the 2024 Indonesian general election, becoming the largest party in the People's Representative Council with approximately 26% of the vote and 86 seats. This result was propelled by Prabowo's successful presidential campaign, which won nearly 60% of the vote in a three-way contest against Anies Baswedan and Ganjar Pranowo.

Leadership

The party's leadership has been unequivocally dominated by Prabowo Subianto since its inception, serving as its founder and permanent chairman. Other prominent leaders include Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, who served as Deputy Speaker of the People's Representative Council, and Habiburokhman, a senior party executive. The party's secretary-general has been held by Ahmad Muzani, a key strategist. With Prabowo's election as President of Indonesia in 2024, the party's leadership is expected to maintain its central role in national governance, though formal party chairmanship may be managed by a close ally as Prabowo focuses on presidential duties.

Category:Political parties in Indonesia Category:2008 establishments in Indonesia