Democratic Party Partai Demokarat

Basis: Pancasila Established: Jakarta, September 9, 2001 Launched: October 17, 2002 Address: Jl Pemuda No 721A, East Jakarta Phone: 921 475 5254 Fax: 021 475 4959 General Chairperson: S. Budhisantoso Secretary General: Umar Said

The background to the formation of this party was the failure of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, to be chosen as vice- president in the special session of the MPR in 2001. Following this, a number of figures from the MPR and academics from schools of higher education agreed to form the Democratic Party which would be able to fight for Yudhoyono to become the president in the 2004 elections. The close relationship between the Democratic Party and Yudhoyono can also been in the party’s posters which include a profile of the coordinating minister of politics and security. Moreover, his wife, Ani Bambang Yudhoyono, has joined the central board as the vice-chairperson of the party.

This party, which is based on Pancasila with an emphasis on nationalism, religion, pluralism and humanitarianism, has as one of its goals to uphold, maintain and safeguard the unity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI),. As a new arrival, the Democratic Party claims to be able to extend its wings in 32 provinces and in 416 regencies and cities.