From Barracks to Ballots: TNI Veterans and Political Parties

During a recent gathering of the Indonesian Army Veterans Association (PPAD), President Prabowo Subianto noted the significant number of retired Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) personnel who have established political parties.This observation, made at the Halal bihalal event in Jakarta, brings to light a recurring theme in Indonesian politics: the transition of military figures into the civilian political sphere.

Prabowo himself, a former Lieutenant general, acknowledged his own foray into party politics, alongside other prominent figures such as Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY), Wiranto, and Try Sutrisno. He stated that their motivations stemmed from a desire to serve the nation in a different capacity.

There are seniors of the TNI who plunged into politics… because we wanted to be devoted.
Prabowo Subianto, President of Indonesia

Spotlight on Try Sutrisno and the Justice and Unity Party (PKP)

President Prabowo specifically mentioned Try sutrisno, the 6th Vice President of Indonesia, as one of the retired TNI officers who founded a political party. This raises the question: what is the story behind the political vehicle Sutrisno helped create?

The Genesis of PKP

Try Sutrisno, along with the late General Edi Sudrajat, is credited as a founder of the Justice and Unity Party (PKP). Originally established as the Indonesian Justice and Unity Party (PKPI) on January 15, 1999, the party emerged from a faction within the Golkar Party, drawing leadership from retired military officers.

The party’s leadership has included notable figures such as former Head of the State Intelligence Agency (BIN), Lieutenant General Sutiyoso, and A.M. Hendropriyono, also a former head of BIN. Despite its prominent figures,the PKP has struggled to gain significant traction in national elections.

PKP’s Electoral Performance and Current Status

while populated by influential retired TNI officers, the PKP’s electoral success has been limited. The party secured portrayal in the People’s Representative Council (DPR) in the 2004 elections with three seats and in 2009 with one seat. Though, in subsequent elections, the PKP’s vote share has consistently remained below 2%, highlighting the challenges faced by smaller parties in Indonesia’s political landscape.

As of 2021, Try Sutrisno serves as the Chairman of the PKP Board of Trustees, demonstrating his continued involvement with the party. The PKP underwent a name change and symbol modification during an Extraordinary National Conference (Munaslub) on May 25,2021. This event also saw major General yussuf Solichien appointed as the Chairperson of PKP for the 2021-2026 period, succeeding Diaz Hendropriyono.

We do not meet in this republic, there is a figure of his contemporary who still wants to take care of the party… Even now I see he is in the spirit of raising PKP.
Said Salahudin, PKP Secretary General

The Broader Context: Military Influence in Indonesian Politics

The involvement of retired military personnel in politics is a complex issue in Indonesia. while some view it as a natural progression of service to the nation, others raise concerns about the potential for undue military influence in civilian affairs. The trend reflects a historical legacy where the military played a significant role in Indonesian society and governance.

According to a 2024 study by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), public opinion on the role of the military in politics is divided, with a significant portion of the population believing that retired officers can bring valuable leadership experience to the political arena. However, concerns remain about maintaining a clear separation between the military and civilian spheres to safeguard democratic principles.