In the presidential election, Prabowo ran as the vice-presidential candidate for Megawati Soekarnoputri of PDI-P, but they were defeated by the incumbent president, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY).

Gerindra was formed on 6 February 2008 at the suggestion of Prabowo's younger brother, Hashim Djojohadikusumo, who helped pay for party's prime-time TV advertising campaign.

The party then claimed a membership of approximately 15 million, with its support base coming from across Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan and Sulawesi.

[28] Gerindra follows a populist and nationalist economic platform, targeting the lower middle class such as farmers and fishers, though its supporters in the 2014 general election were disproportionately urban dwellers.

[29] In foreign policy, Prabowo has expressed a desire for closer diplomatic ties with China and India, while calling for distance from the West.

[30] He has proposed a peace plan to end the Russo-Ukrainian War, involving holding referendums in disputed areas between the two countries, which was subsequently condemned by Ukraine.

[32] The Gerindra parliamentary group in the DPR have expressed their opinions on a few issues: The following leadership structure of the party are as follows (2020-2025)[38] Leader of the Advisory Council: General (Hon.)

H. Prabowo Subianto Djojohadikusumo Vice Chairman Secretary General: Ahmad Muzani Treasurer: Thomas Aquinas Djiwandono Gerindra's wing organizations include: Note: Bold text indicates the party member