Hery Winarno, Jakarta – The image of the Justice and Prosperity Party (PKS) appears to be starting to fade. At least this what can be read from the results of a survey conducted by the National Survey Institute (LSN), which found that the PKS occupies fourth place among the political parties considered to be most Islamic.

Above the PKS, perched at number one place is the Ulama National Awakening Party (PKNU), then the United Development Party (PPP) at number two, and the National Awakening Party (PKB) in third place.

“The largest percentage of respondents (76.9 percent) perceives the PKNU as the most Islamic party. The PPP which actually is Islamic based is in second position (75.9 percent). In third place is the PKB (67.3 percent), followed by the PKS (63.9 percent)”, said LSN Executive Director Umar S. Bakry in a press release received by Detik.com on Thursday November 27.

Underneath the PKS, is the Star Crescent Party (PBB) at number five (61.5 percent), then the National Mandate Party (PAN, 55.3 percent), the Star Reform Party (PBR, 42.9 percent) and the National Sun Party (PMB, 20.4 percent). “The PKS, which initially installed itself as a proselytizing party, is only considered to be an Islamic party by just 63.9 percent of respondents”, explained Bakry.

A similar fate has been experienced by the PBB. A party that has incessantly touted its Islamic law program is only considered as an Islamic party by 61.5 percent of respondents. “It can be said that the PKS and the PBB have failed to project their images as a party that represents the aspirations of the Islamic religious community”, added Bakry.

The survey was conducted on October 21-31, 2008 in 33 provinces in Indonesia. The survey involved 1,230 respondents who were interviewed face-to-face. The survey used a multistage random sampling technique with a margin of error of above or below 2.8 percent and a confidence level of 95 percent. (sho/sho)

[Translated by James Balowski.]