The Gelora Party was founded by several former leaders of the Islamic Prosperous Justice Party (PKS).

Anis Matta, one of the founders and the current party chairman, was once a very influential secretary-general in the PKS and also chaired the PKS during a tumultuous period in the party’s history.

Meanwhile, Anis’ deputy chairman in Gelora, Fahri Hamzah, was once a House of Representatives legislator for multiple seating periods representing the PKS and previously the PKS’ deputy secretary-general.

While the PKS is well known for its strong stance on promoting the implementation of sharia, the Gelora Party takes a more moderate stance on the issue and has branded itself as a far more inclusive and nationalist party to the public.

The Gelora Party traces its roots back to the establishment of a mass organization called Indonesia’s New Direction Movement (Garbi) in 2017 by Anis and Fahri, who have been best friends since they were student activists during the late 1980s and 1990s.

Over time, this organization evolved into the Gelora Party, officially founded on Oct. 28, 2019, coinciding with Youth Pledge Day. 

On Nov. 10, 2019, the Gelora Party inaugurated its regional leaders in all 34 provinces. 

Subsequently, on March 31, 2020, the Gelora Party was formally registered with the Law and Human Rights Ministry.

The Gelora Party does not have a single seat in the House, therefore, there is no record of its stance on key national policies.

So far, no Gelora members have been involved in corruption.