The discourse surrounding his plan highlights a significant challenge in Indonesia’s political landscape, as such an endeavor is fraught with obstacles that go beyond personal ambition and public support.

Establishing a new party requires a substantial amount of resources–political, economic and social–as a growing number of politicians have suggested in response to the idea.

The complex legal framework governing political organizations in Indonesia, which includes intricate registration processes, stringent membership requirements and strict fundraising regulations makes the task daunting.

More critically, success depends on sustained financial backing, grassroots organization and the ability to mobilize a significant voter base. In a political system that is dominated by well-established parties with deep-rooted networks, a new entrant needs extraordinary resilience and resources to break through.

Yet, even if a new party were to overcome these initial hurdles, it may not significantly alter the existing political dynamics.

Indonesia’s political system, while following procedural democracy, often operates in a way that constrains independent political movements. The pervasive influence of established elites, many of whom are linked to oligarchic interests, limits the space for outsiders to build a political career without strings attached.

Political newcomers face challenges in maintaining ideological independence, often being forced into alliances that compromise their original values.

If Anies were to establish a new party, he would face the risk of being entangled in these same power networks–at a level he has yet to experience–undermining the would-be party’s ability to provide real alternatives to the status quo.

For any rising political figures who aspire to strengthen the country’s democratic institutions, the key might lie elsewhere.

Rather than focusing solely on building a new party, a more effective approach could involve increasing political literacy among the public and appealing to a growing, disgruntled population that is disillusioned with traditional politics.

Indonesia’s citizens, particularly its youth, have shown signs of frustration with the current state of governance, as reflected in various online movements and even last month’s protests against political efforts to circumvent a Constitutional Court ruling.

Mobilizing these groups around issues like transparency, social justice and anti-corruption could provide a robust foundation for a civil society movement that challenges the political elite from the outside.

Additionally, rather than relying on electoral victories alone, Anies or any other figures aspiring for full-fledged democracy should band together and focus on persuading the supporters of the incoming government to join their cause.

Building a broad coalition of support that cuts across party lines, religious affiliations and regional identities could create a powerful counterbalance to the entrenched political elites. This kind of grassroots movement might not offer a viable alternative to traditional political parties, but it can still help foster a more participatory and vibrant democracy amenable to new and emerging political forces.

Despite the odds, Indonesia requires a more empowered civil society to break the dominance of its political elites. For too long, the country's political landscape has been shaped by figures driven by personal ambition and power.

If Anies truly seeks to represent the aspirations of a more democratic and equitable society, his efforts should extend beyond the creation of a new party. What Indonesia needs is a rejuvenation of its democratic spirit, led by movements that prioritize the people's voice over elite interests.

So while forming a new political party might be an attractive option, it is unlikely to bring about the structural change Indonesia needs unless it is part of a broader strategy aimed at strengthening civil society and empowering the electorate.

Only by addressing the root causes of political disenchantment can Indonesia move toward a more inclusive and accountable democracy.