Indonesia's Constitutional Court has dismissed a challenge to Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka's eligibility, ruling that his incomplete education documents did not disqualify him from office. The court found that questions about his eligibility were the responsibility of other institutions. This ruling allows Gibran to continue serving as vice president under President Prabowo Subianto. Gibran, the son of former President Joko Widodo, had faced allegations of failing to meet eligibility requirements for the 2024 election.
The petitioners in the case against Gibran argued that his foreign senior high school credentials did not meet legal requirements for vice-presidential candidates and were improperly accepted by election officials. However, all nine judges dismissed the petition, with Chief Justice Suhartoyo issuing the ruling. The court's decision was based on the fact that Gibran had already been sworn into office as vice president. The petitioners had demanded that the court disqualify Gibran over his alleged failure to meet eligibility requirements.
The court found no convincing evidence that Gibran had a foreign diploma equivalent to having completed senior high school, or another equivalent school as stipulated in Election Law. However, the court cannot annul or disqualify him as requested by the petitioners, according to Judge Adies Kadir. Indonesia's election law requires presidential and vice-presidential candidates to have completed senior high school or hold an equivalent qualification. No graduation certificate was presented during the case.
Gibran attended Orchid Park Secondary School in Singapore and UTS Insearch in Australia, before earning a bachelor's degree through the Management Development Institute of Singapore. In response to the court ruling, Gibran told reporters that he respected the court's processes and would continue working to ensure the success of Prabowo's programmes. Gibran also stated that he had completed his bachelor's degree in Singapore, implying that his education credentials were valid.
The court's ruling also found that the issue of Gibran's eligibility to serve as vice president fell under the authority of other institutions. This decision may have implications for Gibran's future in politics, with some critics arguing that he may still face challenges to his eligibility. Bambang Widjojanto, the petitioners' lawyer, suggested that the ruling could provide grounds for parliament to impeach Gibran and stop him from standing in the next election unless he completed a government high school equivalency programme.
This is not the first time Gibran has faced challenges to his eligibility. In 2023, the Constitutional Court sparked outrage after a ruling enabled Gibran to stand as vice president despite not meeting the 40-year age requirement. The court's decision was seen as a surprise by many, and it paved the way for Gibran to become vice president. The latest ruling has reinforced Gibran's position as vice president, but it may also lead to further controversy and debate.
The court's decision has significant implications for Indonesian politics, particularly in the context of the 2024 election. Gibran's eligibility has been a contentious issue, and the court's ruling has provided clarity on the matter. However, the ruling may also raise questions about the court's role in determining the eligibility of candidates and the potential for future challenges to Gibran's position. The court's decision will likely have far-reaching consequences for Indonesian politics.
Key points
- The Constitutional Court's ruling allows Gibran to continue serving as vice president despite allegations of incomplete education documents.
- The court found that questions about Gibran's eligibility were the responsibility of other institutions.
- The ruling may have implications for Gibran's future in politics, including potential challenges to his eligibility and the possibility of impeachment.
