Indonesia’s Constitutional Court dismisses challenge to vice president over education credentials
Indonesia's Constitutional Court has ruled that incomplete education documents submitted by Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka before the 2024 election did not disqualify him from office, saying that questions about his eligibility were the responsibility of other institutions.
The Constitutional Court of Indonesia has dismissed a legal challenge against Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka concerning his education credentials for the 2024 election. The court's ruling states that Gibran's foreign senior high school qualifications, which were questioned by petitioners, did not disqualify him from the position as they do not meet the legal requirements.
The court, comprising of nine judges, dismissed the petition, with Chief Justice Suhartoyo stating that the matter was no longer a dispute over the election result since Gibran had already been sworn in as vice president under President Prabowo Subianto.
The court found no convincing evidence that Gibran holds a diploma equivalent to completing senior high school, or an equivalent qualification as stipulated in the Election Law. However, the court cannot annul or disqualify him as requested by the petitioners, as per the ruling. Indonesia's election law mandates that presidential and vice-presidential candidates must have completed senior high school or hold an equivalent qualification. During the case, no graduation certificate was presented.
Vice President Gibran acknowledged the court's decision, expressing respect for the court's processes and stating his commitment to work towards the success of President Prabowo's programs. Gibran attended Orchid Park Secondary School in Singapore, UTS Insearch in Australia, and earned a bachelor's degree through the Management Development Institute of Singapore. He mentioned that had he not graduated from high school, he would not have been able to attend college and obtain his bachelor's degree.
The court also found that Gibran's eligibility to serve as vice president fell under the jurisdiction of other institutions. Bambang Widjojanto, the lawyer representing the petitioners, stated that the ruling could provide grounds for parliament to impeach Gibran and prevent him from standing in the next election unless he completes a government high school equivalency program.
In 2023, the Constitutional Court faced criticism for permitting Gibran to run for vice president despite failing to meet the 40-year age requirement.
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