The Constitutional Court of Indonesia began a hearing on Wednesday to assess a petition that questions the validity of Vice‑President‑elect Gibran Rakabuming’s high‑school diploma, a prerequisite for holding the nation’s second‑highest office. The case, filed by a coalition of civil‑society groups and a former legislator, alleges that the diploma – issued by a private school in Jakarta – does not meet the legal standards set by the 2017 Election Law.
Legal basis and the challenge
Under Indonesia’s Constitution and the 2017 Election Law, any presidential or vice‑presidential candidate must possess at least a senior secondary school certificate ("Ijazah SMA"). According to Tempo.co, the petitioners argue that Gibran’s credential was issued by a school that was not accredited at the time of his graduation and that the Ministry of Education’s verification process was delayed for “an unusually long period.”
KBA News highlighted that the Ministry of Religious Affairs only confirmed the diploma’s authenticity weeks after the 2024 election, raising doubts about the thoroughness of the verification. The petitioners request that the Court declare the diploma invalid, which would, in theory, disqualify Gibran from the vice‑presidency under the constitutional provision that bars candidates who fail to meet the educational requirement.
"Indonesia’s constitution requires that presidential and vice‑presidential candidates hold at least a senior secondary school certificate," the court’s public statement noted, echoing the language used in the election law.
The Constitutional Court has previously dealt with similar eligibility disputes, but this marks the first time a vice‑presidential candidate’s academic credentials have been scrutinised at this level. Kompas.com pointed out that other nations have disqualified vice‑presidential hopefuls for failing to meet educational or residency criteria, citing examples from Brazil and the Philippines.
Political implications
Gibran Rakabuming, 36, is the son of President Joko Widodo and was elected alongside Prabowo Subianto in a tightly contested March 2024 presidential race. The duo’s victory has already sparked debates over dynastic politics and the concentration of power within the Widodo family. If the Court rules against Gibran, the decision could trigger a constitutional crisis, as the inauguration ceremony is scheduled for October 20, less than a month after the hearing.
Legal analysts quoted by The Star warn that a ruling invalidating the diploma would force the president‑elect to nominate a replacement vice‑president, a process that is not clearly outlined in existing statutes. The president‑elect’s camp has publicly affirmed confidence in the Court’s impartiality and has pledged to respect any ruling.
International observers are watching the case closely. The Asian Development Bank’s regional director, speaking to Batam News Asia, noted that “the credibility of Indonesia’s democratic institutions depends on transparent and consistent enforcement of its own laws, especially in high‑profile elections.” The outcome may also influence foreign investors’ perception of political stability ahead of the country’s 2025 budget rollout.
Meanwhile, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) issued a separate statement urging the Court to adhere strictly to procedural rules, though it did not comment on the substantive merits of the diploma dispute. The KPK’s involvement underscores the broader scrutiny of the election process, which has already faced allegations of vote‑buying and misuse of state resources.
As the hearing progresses, the Court is expected to issue a provisional ruling within weeks, followed by a final decision before the inauguration. The nation’s political elite, civil society, and the international community await a verdict that will determine whether Gibran Rakabuming can assume the vice‑presidency or whether Indonesia will confront an unprecedented succession dilemma.
