The Political Parties

Indonesia has an entrenched party system under which they are divided into three main categories - secular (or secular nationalist), traditional Islamic and modern Islamic.

A large number of political parties have mushroomed since 1998. However with restrictions imposed by the Election Commission on the number of members and branches at the national level, only 38 were declared eligible.

The parties which can influence the elections and will have a significant percentage of seats and votes are:

Golkar – The ruling party of the Suharto’s long reign now led by Jusuf Kalla and an ally in the ruling coalition. Traditionally, it is a secular party. Though it secured the maximum percentage (21%) of the total votes polled in 2004, it was much below the expectations.

Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) – A secular (nationalist) party and presently the main opposition party led by Megawati Sukarnoputri (daughter of the first President). It has been taking an active part as opposition and is working hard to make a come back.

United Development Party (PPP) – Oldest of the country's Islamic based parties - established during the Suharto era (1971) - earlier supported by the two major social Muslim organizations Nahadlatul Ulama and Muhammadiya. Now these organizations are supporting different political parties.

Democratic Party - founded in 2001 and led by the current President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono – a relatively new party with not much of grass roots support at the national level – depends heavily on its allies in the ruling coalition.

The National Awakening Party (PKB) – A religious based party founded by members of Nahdlatul Ulema for looking after its own political ambitions - was placed third in terms of percentage of votes both in 1999 & 2004. Consequent to a split in the party, former President Abdurrahman Wahid who was associated with this party has moved over to the breakaway faction..

The National Mandate Party (PAN) – Formed in 1998 by 50 prominent citizens fighting for democracy and to express their resentment to Suharto’s autocratic rule – party supported by members of Muhamadiya, the second largest Muslim organization.

The Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) – A Conservative Islamist Party which has been promoting the Syariah – was sixth in the order of merit in the 2004 elections with about 7% of the total votes polled. It is making efforts to improve its performance by embracing moderate Islamic groups and other factions from different religions.

The Presidential Contenders

Susilo Bambang Yudhyono – was elected directly by the people as President in 2004 – He is seeking re-election. His term had brought in some stability. The Aceh problem was solved during his tenure. Terrorism in the country has been tackled effectively and there is a marked improvement of relations with US as well as China. Religious assertion and a weakening economy have been his major problems.

Jusuf Kalla – He is the party Chairman of Golkar and currently the Vice President of the nation. Even at the time of the last elections the media reports indicated that becoming the Vice President was his first step to fulfill his ambitions to the top slot. Opinions are divided within Golkar itself on his bid.

Megawati Sukarnoputri – The former President (2001-04) is working hard to stage a come back and may make it if the anti establishment wave becomes stronger. However, her performance was lackluster and her popularity ratings are also not good.

Sultan Hamengkubuwono X – Presently Governor of Yogyakarta and was touted as the most popular candidate from Golkar according to a local survey. With Kalla’s bid for the presidency, Golkar’s backing for him will be split.

There are some more aspirants including two generals, General Wiranto and General Prabowo. A clear picture on the line up of the candidates will emerge only after parliamentary elections are over and the running mates are chosen based on the alliances between the parties.

Conclusion

With the multi party system and the pattern of voting in the last elections, it is likely to be a coalition of parties which will be ruling the nation for one more term.

If the regulation that the person gaining the maximum number of votes will get the seat is put into force, the present practice of the parties favouring their chosen candidates for allocation seats will come to an end. It will be fair in the sense that the voter’s choice is given precedence in allocation of seats.

There are no major differences on economic issues or ideological differences between the leading parties. The coalition of parties in the ruling or opposition has been more on available opportunities for sharing the spoils, personal likes and dislikes and on religious outlook. For e.g. leaders of Golkar, a traditional secular party and PPP, an Islamic party have agreed to co-operate in this election (The Jakarta Post of 08 March, 2009).

Even though for the second time the president will be directly elected by the people, he still needs parliamentary support to pass legislation. Hence he is bound by his coalition partners and no hard decisions are possible without their support.

The voter turnout of around 70 % is acceptable in comparison to other democracies in the world. However there is concern over this trend of abstentions by a major chunk of voters to convey a strong message to the government.

It is a matter of concern that even in an established party like Golkar, there are more than two presidential contenders with the result that the party’s strength is dissipated to the advantage of other parties.

Indonesia needs a strong government at the centre to lift the economy in this global meltdown, to curb the religious assertion and to tackle terrorism. With the current trend, the next president may not find the task any easier than the last one.