Partai Ummat Kota Medan (Asal-Usul dan Perkembangannya)

Abstract

This study aims to describe the origin and development of the Ummat Party in Medan City as one of the emerging political parties in Indonesia’s local political landscape. The Ummat Party was founded by Amien Rais in 2021 as a response to disillusionment with political practices deemed to deviate from Islamic and reformist values. The research focuses on the party's formation processes, organizational structure, cadre recruitment strategies, political consolidation, and the challenges faced at the local level, particularly in Medan a city characterized by complex socio-cultural and religious diversity. This study employs a qualitative method with a descriptive approach, using data collection techniques such as in- depth interviews, participatory observation, and documentation. The findings indicate that the Ummat Party in Medan has attempted to build a systematic organizational structure from the national to neighborhood levels, and has consolidated support through religious outreach, social welfare programs, and political digitalization. Although the party did not secure legislative seats in the 2024 elections, it remains actively engaged in grassroots organizing through cooperation with religious figures and Islamic community networks. The study concludes that the presence of the Ummat Party in Medan reflects the emergence of a new dynamic in local Islamic politics. In addition to serving as a channel for faith-based political aspirations, the party also represents an attempt at leadership regeneration and the implementation of principles of modern party governance. This research is expected to contribute academically to the study of local politics, participatory democracy, and the development of new political parties in post- reform Indonesia.