Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle

The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) came into existence as a result of the people’s struggle against the efforts of the New Order regime to hold onto power. The year 1999 was a milestone for the party, which emerged as the winner of the general election and thus put an end to Soeharto’s regime. The sudden victory initiated a long and hard work of consolidation in the organization, from national level down to the community level. The party’s ideology is based on Pancasila (Five Principles) that was first articulated by Indonesian nationalist leader Soekarno in a speech he gave on 1 June 1945. It is derived from the old indigenous Indonesian philosophy and way of life. Pancasila reflects Indonesian nationalism, humanity and internationalism, democracy, social justice, and belief in one God.

Our founding father, Ir. Soekarno, once said, “Indonesian nationalism is a nationalism that grows and flourishes in the garden of internationalism.” It is impossible to separate nationalism and internationalism; one needs the other. PDI Perjuangan thus understands the importance of international relations. We will continue to develop and strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation among countries. As the vanguard force that raises Pancasila’s banners high, PDI Perjuangan faces constant challenges on becoming the uniting power of Indonesia.

PDI Perjuangan is always at the forefront in supporting social diversity, pluralism, and human rights in Indonesia. We believe that equality among citizens is the basic foundation of unity in diversity. In the current Indonesian democracy, PDI Perjuangan plays its role to ensure people and state sovereignty by strengthening democratic institutions, mechanisms, and political practices. PDI Perjuangan also aims for a self-sufficient economy in the globalized era to bring prosperity and social welfare to the people. A nationalist party, PDI Perjuangan maintains a political stance of pluralism, humanity, democracy, and social welfare.

After 10 years as the ruling party, PDI Perjuangan experienced a bitter setback in the 2024 presidential election. The party’s candidate lost to his main opponent, who secured 58 percent of the total votes in one round. The latter achieved this by gaining support from the then incumbent president who had his son run as vice presidential candidate. Under the Constitution, the son was not qualified for the post because he did not meet the required minimum age for it. But to accommodate the then president’s wishes, Indonesia’s charter was undermined, with the Constitutional Court, then led by the president’s brother-in-law, changing the law. This outcome marked a notable shift in Indonesia’s political landscape. PDI Perjuangan, however, remains one of the most influential political forces in Indonesia by winning significantly in the 2024 national legislative election.

As a modern party, PDI Perjuangan continues to carry out various innovations and organizational development. It is the only party that has been recognized by the Information Commission as the ‘Informatif Party’ six years in a row, and the only party in Indonesia – and probably also in Asia – with an ISO for quality and asset management. PDI Perjuangan is also the only party with a floating hospital, its medical ship servicing islands in Indonesia. The Party has mobile cinema units (trucks) as well, which operate in the country’s rural areas.

PDI Perjuangan is not merely an electoral party; it is an ideological party. The biggest challenge that the party faces is to make Pancasila our living and working ideology — something we practice in our daily life. For us victory is only a stepping stone toward our ultimate goal: a just and prosperous society, in a united yet diverse Indonesia.