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INDONESIAUPDATES.COM, News En – President Prabowo Subianto attended a halalbihalal gathering with the Retired Army Veterans Association (PPAD) and members of the TNI-Polri community at Balai Kartini, South Jakarta, on Tuesday. The event was also attended by prominent figures including former Vice President and retired General Try Sutrisno.
During his remarks, President Prabowo emphasized the enduring patriotic spirit among retired military officers, noting that many have continued to serve the country through political avenues after leaving active duty.
“Once retired, the love for the homeland and the sense of responsibility to safeguard the nation remain strong,” Prabowo said. “That’s why many senior TNI figures such as Mr. Edi Sudrajat, Mr. Try Sutrisno, Mr. SBY, Mr. Wiranto, and myself chose to form political parties.”
Try Sutrisno and the Birth of PKP
Try Sutrisno, Indonesia’s sixth vice president and a respected military leader, was among those who transitioned into politics in the post-New Order era. Alongside fellow national figures such as Gen. (Ret.) Edi Sudrajat, Siswono Yudohusodo, and Hayono Isman, Try Sutrisno co-founded the Justice and Unity Party (Partai Keadilan dan Persatuan, PKP) on January 15, 1999.
The party aimed to represent the values of justice, unity, and national integrity—principles that Try and his colleagues deemed essential for Indonesia’s democratic evolution.
In the 1999 general election, PKP garnered approximately one million votes. However, due to electoral thresholds, the party was later rebranded as the Indonesian Justice and Unity Party (PKPI) to remain eligible for the 2004 elections.
PKPI’s Political Journey
Following Edi Sudrajat’s passing in 2006, PKPI experienced several leadership changes. Meutia Hatta led the party until 2010, after which former Jakarta governor Sutiyoso was elected chairman at the party’s third congress.
PKPI’s participation in the 2014 elections was initially challenged when it failed to pass factual verification by the General Elections Commission (KPU). However, a State Administrative High Court ruling overturned that decision, allowing the party to contest the election.
Despite never becoming a dominant political force, PKPI’s presence reflects the ongoing commitment of retired military officers to contribute to the nation’s development through political engagement.
Enduring Legacy
President Prabowo’s remarks at the gathering underscored the continued influence of TNI retirees in Indonesia’s political landscape. The example set by Try Sutrisno and others illustrates how the call to serve often transcends military tenure.
“Even after retirement, the mission to defend and serve the nation continues—this time through democratic means,” Prabowo affirmed.
As Indonesia moves forward, the legacy of military veterans in politics remains a testament to their enduring dedication to the Republic.
FAQ: Military Veterans in Indonesian Politics and the Role of PKPI
Q1: What is PKPI and who founded it?
A: PKPI stands for Partai Keadilan dan Persatuan Indonesia (Indonesian Justice and Unity Party). It was originally founded as PKP (Justice and Unity Party) on January 15, 1999, by prominent retired military leaders including Try Sutrisno, Edi Sudrajat, Siswono Yudohusodo, and Hayono Isman.
Q2: Why did retired military figures like Try Sutrisno enter politics?
A: Many retired TNI (Indonesian National Armed Forces) officers believe their duty to the country continues beyond military service. Establishing political parties is seen as a way to uphold national unity, justice, and contribute to Indonesia’s democratic development.
Q3: Did PKPI ever win significant votes in national elections?
A: While PKPI gained around one million votes in the 1999 elections, it has struggled to pass the electoral threshold in subsequent years. However, it has remained active and continues to participate in Indonesia’s democratic processes.
Q4: What is the current status of PKPI?
A: PKPI is still operational, though it has undergone leadership changes and faced challenges in electoral participation. Notably, it overcame a disqualification in 2014 through a successful legal appeal.
Q5: What did President Prabowo say about veterans founding political parties?
A: Prabowo stated that the love for the nation and the sense of duty persist after retirement, leading many TNI veterans—including himself—to establish political parties as a continued form of service to the country.
Q6: Are there other political parties in Indonesia founded by retired generals?
A: Yes. Besides PKPI, notable examples include the Democratic Party (founded by Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono) and the People’s Conscience Party (Hanura), founded by Wiranto.
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