National Front (Indonesia)

The National Front (Indonesian: Front Nasional) was a mass organization established in Indonesia in 1959 by President Sukarno. It served as a vehicle for consolidating political forces behind Sukarno's Guided Democracy and was intended to mobilize popular support for government policies.

The Front encompassed various political parties, mass organizations, and functional groups, effectively uniting them under a single banner. Its stated goals included furthering the aims of the 1945 Constitution, implementing the Pantjasila (Five Principles), and achieving national unity.

The National Front played a significant role in several key political events during Sukarno's era. It was instrumental in organizing mass rallies and demonstrations to promote government initiatives, such as the campaign to liberate West Irian (West Papua). It also participated in the preparations for the People's Consultative Assembly (MPRS), which was the highest state institution under Guided Democracy.

The Front’s composition reflected Sukarno's concept of NASAKOM – a blend of nationalism, religion, and communism – and included representatives from nationalist, religious, and communist groups. This inclusive approach, however, also led to internal tensions as different factions vied for influence.

Following the transition to the New Order regime under President Suharto in 1966, the National Front was gradually dismantled. Its functions were largely taken over by Golkar, the government-backed political organization that became the dominant force in Indonesian politics for the next three decades. The disbandment of the National Front symbolized the end of the Guided Democracy era and the shift towards a more centralized and controlled political system.