Garda Bangsa
2008-08-12

Garda Bangsa was formed in 1998 following the successful political reform spearheaded by students and other campus activists to depose the tyrannical regime of President Suharto. The organization was founded by Abdurram Wahid, a former adviser of President Suharto who resigned following an escalation in government corruption and political management by the administration. He championed "Responsible Openness" within the government system and proposed the establishment of a Reform Committee in order to mitigate poor governance within the administration. His calls were left unheeded and so he eventually withdrew support for the government and joined the efforts advocating for reform in the government.

Garda Bangsa supports campus activism and encourages awareness of socio-political issues among the Indonesian youth. The local chapters facilitate training and political education, which allow young Indonesians from all over the country to engage in informed political discussion. Despite being introduced as a Muslim organization, Garda Bangsa, like its mother political party, Partai Kebangkitan Bangsa (PKB), is well-known as a secular and inclusive organization.

By accepting members from all gender denominations, racial, social and religious backgrounds, we are able to build a strong network of diverse leaders and thinkers adhering to liberal values of tolerance, human rights, rule of law, and good governance and dialogue. Thus, allowing for a brilliant platform for political learning and discussion.




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