Jakarta – Golkar Party patron Akbar Tanjung has warned the party not to underestimate new political parties, among them the National Democratic Party with former Golkar figure and media tycoon Surya Paloh as its patron.

"The people behind these new parties are national figures with distinguished reputations. Thus, we should be alert," Akbar told a party meeting in Maros, South Sulawesi, on Thursday.

He said there was no option but for Golkar members to maintain close relations with their constituents in village areas as a sign of the party's concerns. "We need to build and strengthen the party's infrastructure so we can win the general elections," he said.

Former Golkar figure and media mogul Surya Paloh walked out of Golkar after failing to claim the party's chief seat, which instead went to Aburizal Bakrie. Paloh repeatedly cited the fact that Golkar had become very pragmatic and heavily influenced by corruption as reasons why he chose to leave.