The New Order era in Indonesia, spanning from 1966 to 1998 under President Suharto, was marked by significant political stability, economic development, and also, stringent control over political activities. A key feature of this period was the limited number of political parties allowed to exist. Instead of a multi-party system, the New Order implemented a streamlined structure with only three political entities. This was intended to simplify political dynamics, promote national unity, and facilitate the government’s development agenda. The three political parties during the New Order were Golongan Karya (Golkar), Partai Persatuan Pembangunan (PPP), and Partai Demokrasi Indonesia (PDI). Each of these parties had a distinct background, ideology, and support base, which shaped the political landscape of the time. Understanding these parties is crucial to grasping the political history and dynamics of Indonesia during this era. Let's dive into each of these political powerhouses to understand their roles and impacts during that era.

Golongan Karya (Golkar)

Golongan Karya, often referred to as Golkar, was the dominant political force throughout the New Order regime. Unlike the other two parties, Golkar was not initially established as a traditional political party. Instead, it began as a joint secretariat of functional groups (Sekretariat Bersama Golongan Karya or Sekber Golkar) in 1964. These functional groups represented various segments of society, including civil servants, military personnel, farmers, laborers, and professionals. The main goal was to unite these diverse groups to support the government's policies and development programs. Over time, Golkar transformed into a powerful political organization, effectively becoming the ruling party. Its strength lay in its close ties to the government and the military, which provided it with significant resources and influence. Golkar's ideology was based on Pancasila, the state ideology of Indonesia, which emphasizes national unity, social justice, and guided democracy. The party's platform focused on economic development, stability, and national security. Golkar's structure was highly organized and hierarchical, with strong central control. This allowed it to effectively mobilize support and implement policies throughout the country. Its extensive network reached down to the village level, ensuring that the government's message was disseminated widely and that popular support was maintained. Throughout the New Order period, Golkar consistently won overwhelming majorities in parliamentary elections. This dominance allowed the government to implement its development agenda without significant political opposition. However, it also led to criticisms of authoritarianism and lack of political freedom.

Partai Persatuan Pembangunan (PPP)

Partai Persatuan Pembangunan (PPP), or the United Development Party, was one of the two political parties permitted to exist alongside Golkar during the New Order era. Established in 1973, PPP was formed through a merger of four Islamic-based political parties: Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Parmusi, PSII, and Perti. The creation of PPP was part of the New Order government's effort to simplify the political landscape and consolidate political forces. By merging these Islamic parties, the government aimed to reduce the number of political entities and exert greater control over political activities. The main ideology of PPP was based on Islamic principles, advocating for the implementation of Islamic values in Indonesian society. However, given the diverse backgrounds of the merged parties, PPP also sought to accommodate various interpretations and approaches to Islam. This internal diversity sometimes led to internal tensions and challenges in maintaining a unified political stance. PPP's support base mainly came from the Islamic community, including religious scholars, students, and rural populations. The party played a significant role in representing the interests of Indonesian Muslims and advocating for policies that aligned with Islamic values. Despite being one of the two approved opposition parties, PPP faced significant limitations and government oversight during the New Order. The government often interfered in the party's internal affairs and restricted its political activities. Nevertheless, PPP managed to maintain a presence in the political arena and serve as a platform for expressing dissent and advocating for alternative policies. Throughout the New Order period, PPP participated in parliamentary elections and held seats in the People's Representative Council (DPR). While it never achieved a majority, PPP played a role in shaping legislation and influencing government policies. The party's presence provided a degree of political pluralism and allowed for the expression of diverse perspectives within the controlled political system.

Partai Demokrasi Indonesia (PDI)

Partai Demokrasi Indonesia (PDI), or the Indonesian Democratic Party, was the third political party permitted during the New Order era. Formed in 1973, PDI was the result of a merger of several nationalist and Christian-based parties, including the Indonesian National Party (PNI), the Christian Party (Parkindo), the Catholic Party, and others. Similar to the creation of PPP, the formation of PDI was part of the government's strategy to consolidate political forces and simplify the political landscape. By merging these diverse parties, the government aimed to create a more manageable opposition force. The ideology of PDI was based on a blend of nationalism, social justice, and religious pluralism. The party sought to represent the interests of various groups, including nationalists, religious minorities, and urban populations. PDI's platform emphasized social equality, economic development, and democratic participation. The party's support base was diverse, encompassing various ethnic and religious groups. It attracted support from those who felt marginalized by the government's policies and those who sought greater political participation. Throughout the New Order period, PDI faced numerous challenges and government interference. The government often sought to weaken the party and control its leadership. This interference reached a peak in 1996 when the government supported a faction that ousted Megawati Sukarnoputri, the popular leader of PDI, leading to widespread protests and unrest. Despite the challenges, PDI played a significant role in the political landscape of the New Order. It served as a platform for expressing dissent and advocating for democratic reforms. The party's presence provided a degree of political pluralism and allowed for the expression of diverse perspectives within the controlled political system. The events of 1996, which led to the ouster of Megawati Sukarnoputri, marked a turning point in Indonesian politics. The crackdown on PDI and its supporters fueled public discontent and contributed to the downfall of the New Order regime in 1998.

In summary, the three political parties during the New Order era – Golongan Karya (Golkar), Partai Persatuan Pembangunan (PPP), and Partai Demokrasi Indonesia (PDI) – played distinct roles in shaping the political landscape of Indonesia. Golkar, as the dominant ruling party, wielded significant power and influence, while PPP and PDI served as controlled opposition forces, providing a limited degree of political pluralism. Understanding the history and dynamics of these parties is essential for comprehending the political history of Indonesia during the New Order period.