Permanent Coalition: Political Strategy in Indonesia

The concept of a permanent coalition among political parties in Indonesia is being discussed as a tool to ensure stability and consistency in the country’s long-term policies. In 2025, after the elections, parties supporting President-elect Prabowo Subianto, such as Golkar and Gerindra, have raised the idea of forming long-term alliances, drawing from past election examples. In a multiparty system like Indonesia’s, temporary coalitions are commonplace, but a permanent coalition could be a solution to overcome political fragmentation and strengthen government support. However, challenges in implementing such a strategy include ideological differences between parties and power struggles. Successful local initiatives, as seen in Surabaya and Pekanbaru, show that local leaders can achieve success through cooperation and unity, creating conditions for smoother government operations. Critics argue that a permanent coalition might weaken the system of checks and balances and limit parties’ autonomy. Still, this strategy could provide the necessary political stability and program efficiency long term.