Jakarta. Former Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan has hinted at the possibility of forming a mass organization or a political party with like-minded associates following his defeat in the 2024 presidential race and his failure to secure a candidacy in the 2024 Jakarta gubernatorial election. Anies also declined a last-minute invitation to join forces with PDI-P in the West Java gubernatorial race.

Anies suggested that such an organization or party could serve as a platform for consolidating the growing momentum for change in Indonesia.

In a video titled "Notes from Anies Post-Presidential and Regional Elections 2024," posted on his YouTube channel on Friday, Anies said, "If gathering all this growing spirit of change requires a new movement, then forming a mass organization or a new party might be the path we take."

He emphasized the need for concrete steps to channel the movement for change, which he said seeks a more equitable Indonesia, healthier democracy, and ideas-driven politics. Anies acknowledged that many have urged him to join an existing party, but he rejected the idea, arguing that current parties are "held hostage by power."

Political analyst Adi Prayitno from UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta commented on the potential impact of Anies forming his own political party. Adi noted that Anies’ popularity, with 26 percent votes in the 2024 presidential election, could provide a strong foundation for a new party.

Adi pointed out that it's common in Indonesia for political figures who lose in elections to establish new parties, citing examples like Surya Paloh with Nasdem Party, Wiranto with Hanura Party, and Prabowo Subianto with Gerindra Party. He also mentioned Fahri Hamzah, who founded the Gelora Party after a conflict with PKS, and Amien Rais, who created the Ummat Party after leaving PAN.

Adi believes that with the reduced parliamentary threshold, forming a new party could be a viable strategy for Anies, allowing him to remain influential in Indonesian politics.