I

t is common for Indonesian political parties to use national heroes as their icons to draw voters, and the same is true of a new party that needs to distinguish itself from the 37 other contenders in the pack.

Since its Feb. 16, 2006, establishment, the National People's Concern Party (PPRN) was quick to identify itself with national hero and former Army chief the late Gen. Ahmad Yani, who died during the Indonesian Communist Party's alleged coup attempt in September 1965.

With Yani's daughter Amelia Ahmad Yani as its chairwoman, the party's claim to the hero figure has a strong basis, with supporters saying Amelia represents the hero's dignity.

Its links to Ahmad Yani have since become the PPRN's main draw to woo sympathy and supporters over the last three years.

The party has the lofty aim of freeing people from "the constraints of suffering and injustice" that persist despite the nation's declaration of independence on Aug. 17, 1945.

"The country's abundant natural and cultural resources have not been optimized justly for the sake of welfare and prosperity, because the result of development has yet to benefit all people in the country. This encourages us to stand for all," the party says in a declaration on its official website.

The party, aiming for at least 2.5 percent of total national votes, is attempting to prove itself capable of delivering good to the people, rather than just relying on people's emotional connection to Ahmad Yani and his fighting spirit.