17th Anniversary, Gerindra Momentum Reflects Party's Journey

JAKARTA, KOMPAS — The 17th anniversary celebration of the Gerindra Party serves as a moment of reflection on the achievements of the political party as well as the priority programs of President Prabowo Subianto. Feedback from the public regarding government programs serves as input for the party to work optimally. However, Gerindra is reminded not to focus solely on work within executive institutions but also on grassroots community organization.

The Gerindra Party will turn 17 years old on Thursday (6/2/2025). According to the plan, the national celebration will be held on February 15, 2025. The day before, the political party led by President Prabowo Subianto will hold a national leadership meeting (Rapimnas) inviting all central and regional Gerindra officials.

"Due to various activities in the region also being held on February 6, God willing, the national-level anniversary celebration of the Gerindra Party will be held on February 15, preceded by a national leadership meeting on February 14, and the 17th anniversary on the 15th," said Gerindra Secretary General Ahmad Muzani after meeting President Prabowo at the Presidential Palace, Jakarta, Monday (3/2/2025).

This party did not become what it is now suddenly. It is a long political struggle, filled with various records.

In the celebration on February 15, they will invite all party leaders. This includes Megawati Soekarnoputri, the 5th President of Indonesia and the Chairperson of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), the only party outside the government. Additionally, all Presidents who served before Prabowo will also be invited.

When meeting Prabowo, Muzani revealed that in addition to reporting and consulting on the event's organization, they also discussed Gerindra's journey over the past 17 years. As the founder of the party symbolized by the garuda head, Prabowo also shared his memories of the party's struggles.

"This party has become what it is today not suddenly. It is a long political struggle, full of various records," said Muzani.

Muzani, who serves as the Chairman of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), also reported on the development of public views regarding several of Prabowo's priority policies, such as Free Nutritious Meals (MBG). So far, there are several notes from the public that are considered as inputs to improve the program, not only by Prabowo but also by the party.

"Those notes, for example, the delays that occurred in several places. He also mentioned that there were some dishes that were too small, and he followed all of them, all the views and notes conveyed by the community," said Muzani.

In addition, he added, Prabowo also conveyed the series of his state visits. For Prabowo, it is an effort to strengthen diplomacy, position, and investment of various countries to Indonesia. "Therefore, there needs to be patience from the community because all programs are in the process of running, and some are just running," said Muzani.

Contacted separately, Executive Director of Parameter Politik Indonesia Adi Prayitno said, entering its 17th year, Gerindra is in a significant position. Its image is also increasingly positive along with the high public satisfaction with the performance of Prabowo's government.

However, according to him, Gerindra should not be complacent and only focus on executive work. The party must remain consistent in organizing the community at the grassroots. Because, ahead of the 2029 Election, the political map could change. The party that is able to survive is the one that has strength in the community.

"For the legislative election, for example, the strength lies in the political work of the legislative candidates below. That is what must be a serious concern. The key is to maintain consistency until the end," said Adi.