Constitutional Court’s decision: Rule of law or rule of court?

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka faces potential impeachment after a Constitutional Court ruling revealed he lacks an educational qualification, despite his election two years ago. The court concluded that he does not hold a high school diploma necessary for presidential or vice-presidential candidacy, though they did not outright disqualify him from office.

This revelation reignites debates surrounding Gibran's eligibility for his current role as the nation's second-highest executive, a position he held alongside President Prabowo Subianto with the support of his father, former President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo.

Following the ruling, calls for Gibran's impeachment surged within the House of Representatives, spearheaded by a circulated letter urging the legislature to investigate his eligibility and launch impeachment proceedings. The letter purportedly originated from lawmaker Tonny Tesar of the Nasdem Party. However, Nasdem's higher-ups have since distanced the party from the letter, with senior figures dismissing it as a "hoax" and the deputy chairman expressing uncertainty about the party's official stance on the matter.

Several politicians from Gibran's former party, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), have also called for the House to "firmly follow up" on the ruling, even though the party has not yet publicly commented on the court's decision. The evolving situation highlights the complex interplay between political parties, the judiciary, and the legislative branch in addressing Gibran's eligibility to continue serving as vice president.