Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — With just days before the inauguration of Indonesia’s President and Vice President, a new legal dynamic has emerged that threatens the swearing-in of Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the Vice President-elect. The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) has filed a lawsuit at the Jakarta State Administrative Court (PTUN) challenging the legality of Gibran’s candidacy.
PDIP is contesting the General Election Commission’s (KPU) decision to approve Gibran as a vice-presidential candidate, arguing that he does not meet the minimum age requirement stipulated by Indonesian law. The lawsuit, case number 133/G/TF/2024/PTUN.JKT, is scheduled for a verdict on October 10, 2024.
In the lawsuit, PDIP is requesting that the court remove the Prabowo Subianto-Gibran Rakabuming Raka ticket from the official list of elected president and vice president, based on the pair having received the most votes in the election. PDIP’s legal counsel, Gayus Lumbuun, argues that the KPU’s acceptance of Gibran’s candidacy is a violation of legal administrative procedures.
The core of PDIP’s argument revolves around the KPU’s alleged failure to adhere to the legal age requirement, which they believe should have disqualified Gibran from running. The party is pressing the court to ensure that proper legal standards are enforced and is calling for a full review of the KPU’s decision.
This lawsuit poses a critical challenge to the upcoming inauguration. If the PTUN sides with PDIP, Gibran could be barred from assuming the vice presidency, potentially disrupting the newly formed government. The court’s ruling is seen as pivotal, with far-reaching implications for both Gibran’s political future and the stability of the incoming administration.
Gayus Lumbuun emphasized the importance of legal certainty, particularly regarding administrative compliance, and stated that PDIP is not challenging the electoral process overseen by the Election Supervisory Body (Bawaslu) but focusing solely on the KPU’s alleged breach of administrative law.
“We are not interfering with the election process, which is the domain of Bawaslu,” Gayus clarified. “Our concern is whether the KPU violated the law by approving Gibran’s candidacy.”
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The PTUN’s decision will be crucial in determining whether Gibran can take office as Vice President or whether the legal challenge will upend the inauguration process.
(Ray)
