“Tudangeng Mallajang”: A Symbol of Transcendence at Gerindra’s National Gathering

BOGOR, RAKYAT NEWS – The 17th anniversary celebration of current ruling the Great Indonesia Movement Party (Gerindra) at the Sentul International Convention Center (SICC) in Bogor, West Java, on Saturday, was marked by a poignant moment: five empty chairs placed prominently at the front row of the event.

Gerindra’s Chairman and Indonesia’s current President, Prabowo “Makkasiwiang” Subianto, explained the significance of the empty chairs during his speech.

He stated that the tradition symbolizes respect for Gerindra cadres and fighters who have passed away.

“My dear friends, you may notice several empty chairs in the front row. This is our tradition. At every event, we reserve empty chairs to honor our comrades who are no longer with us. Their spirit, however, remains with us,” Prabowo said.

According to Gerindra’s official website, this tradition is a tribute to the party’s fallen heroes.

The empty chairs represent the enduring spirit of Gerindra’s founders and fighters, whose legacy continues to inspire the party’s ongoing struggle.

This is not the first time Gerindra has observed this tradition. During the party’s 16th anniversary celebration the previous year, Prabowo emphasized that the founders had fought selflessly from the very beginning.

He specifically paid tribute to Suhardi, Gerindra’s first Chairman, and Rachmawati Soekarnoputri, former Deputy Chair of the Advisory Council, both of whom dedicated their lives to the party and the nation.

“Their loyalty, idealism, and love for the homeland remind us to honor their memory, draw strength from their spirit, and never cease our struggle,” Prabowo remarked at the time.

The empty chairs at Gerindra’s anniversary celebration are more than just a symbol—they serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the party’s late cadres. This tradition underscores that their contributions will never be forgotten and that their spirit continues to inspire future generations.

Through this gesture, Gerindra reaffirms that the party is not merely a political entity but also a home for those who remain steadfast in their fight for the nation and its people.

The **Gerindra Party** (Partai Gerakan Indonesia Raya, or Great Indonesia Movement Party) is one of Indonesia’s most influential political parties, known for its nationalist and populist platform. Founded on February 6, 2008, by Prabowo Subianto, a former military general and son-in-law of Indonesia’s second president, Suharto, Gerindra was established to promote a vision of strong governance, social justice, and economic equality. The party emphasizes Indonesian unity, sovereignty, and pride in the nation’s cultural heritage, advocating for policies that benefit the common people, such as agrarian reform, affordable healthcare, and education. With its soaring eagle logo and slogan, **”Bersama Rakyat, Indonesia Menang”** (Together with the People, Indonesia Wins), Gerindra has built a strong identity rooted in nationalism and populism.

Gerindra’s political influence has grown significantly since its founding. The party has consistently performed well in legislative and presidential elections, with Prabowo Subianto running as its presidential candidate in 2014, 2019, and finally winning the presidency in 2024. This victory marked a major milestone for the party, solidifying its position as a dominant force in Indonesian politics. Gerindra has also been part of various coalitions, including the opposition during Joko Widodo’s (Jokowi) presidency and later joining the government coalition. Its ability to adapt and build alliances has been both a strength and a point of criticism, with some viewing its shifting alliances as opportunistic.

The party is known for its unique traditions and cultural symbolism, such as the **”Tudangeng Mallajang”** (empty chairs) during anniversary celebrations, which honor departed cadres and symbolize the spiritual journey of the party. Gerindra’s leadership, particularly under Prabowo, has focused on grassroots support, appealing to rural communities, farmers, and lower-income groups through its populist policies. However, the party has faced controversies, particularly regarding Prabowo’s military past and alleged involvement in human rights abuses during the late Suharto era. Despite these challenges, Gerindra has maintained a strong base of support and continues to influence national policies, particularly in defense, agriculture, and social welfare.

Gerindra’s future appears promising with Prabowo as president. The party is well-positioned to shape Indonesia’s policies, focusing on defense, economic self-reliance, and social welfare. Its ability to balance grassroots support with effective governance will determine its long-term success. As a key player in Indonesia’s political landscape, Gerindra represents a blend of nationalism, populism, and strong leadership, playing a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s direction in the years to come. (Uki Ruknuddin)