Tommy Mandala Putra Launches the Berkarya Party
In a bold move that feels like a sequel to a political thriller, the youngest son of former Indonesian president Soeharto, Tommy Mandala Putra (aka “Tommy”), is stepping onto the political stage with a new party – the Berkarya Party. He claims that two decades of “Reformasi” have done nothing better than keep Indonesia mired in corruption.
“The Berkarya Party is here because, after 20 years of ‘Reformasi’, the truth is: we’re not moving forward. There’s no real plan for when Indonesia will become a developed nation,” he said, speaking in a hotel he owns next to his old racing circuit.
Reactions from the Current Administration
President Joko Widodo’s economic adviser, Ahmad Erani Yustika, responded that the current administration “has made fundamental improvements in the economy,” citing new infrastructure and a push for self‑sufficiency in food.
From the 32‑Year Curse to a 56‑Year‑Old Maverick
Söharto’s rule, once known for its iron grip, forced a dramatic exit in 1998 when Indonesia collapsed into chaos. The downfall was largely blamed on nepotism and corruption that enriched family members and associates.
Tommy, once a famed racing driver, found himself in the headlines after being found guilty of graft in 2000 over a land deal. His conviction was overturned, but in 2002 he was sentenced to 15 years for hiring a hitman to kill the judge who found him guilty. The term was later reduced, and he walked free in 2007.
“We’re Not Sinking, Just A Float”
Expressing frustration over the persistent corruption, Tommy said, “At the start of ‘Reformasi’, people said we had to be free from corruption, collusion, and nepotism, but now public officials are still caught red‑handed.”
Ambitions and Electoral Targets
When asked if he’d run for president or vice‑president, Tommy said his only aim is to capture as many seats as possible in the 575‑seat parliament. His target: a whopping 80 seats. He even plans to contest in the neglected eastern province of Papua.
Targeting Youth: He’ll use social media to reshape young voters’ perception of his family, insisting the negative view is unfounded.
Myth‑Busting: No Hidden Millions
- “Pres. Söharto was never officially declared corrupt,” Tommy declared.
- He dismissed rumors of “billions of dollars in Europe” – citing Ferdinand Marcos (the Philippine dictator) as a comparative example.
Back to Base
Claiming he served his sentence and now has the same right as any citizen to run for office, Tommy refuses to give a net‑worth figure, suggesting that the tax authorities be consulted instead.
Feeding the Future
The Berkarya Party pledges to make Indonesia self‑sufficient in food, noting the lack of control over the agricultural sector. Tommy is also critical of Widodo’s policy, saying the administration is “opening up its arms too wide” for Chinese investment, without involving local contractors and workers.
Changing Perceptions – A Call to Reconciliation
For decades, members of the Söharto family have tried to enter politics, leveraging nostalgia for the unity and security of that era, backed by a military that crushed any dissent. Tommy’s fresh campaign aims to rewrite that narrative, hoping to win hearts, not just seats.
