Jakarta, ThedailyID — Indonesia has no detailed rules on the consequences of disqualifying a sitting vice president.
Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra raised the issue on Thursday, September 24, 2026.
He was responding to a petition at the Constitutional Court (MK). The petition challenges Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s eligibility as a vice presidential candidate in the 2024 election.
Yusril said he would not comment extensively on the case. He explained that he remains part of the government.
“I cannot yet imagine what would happen if the petition were granted and it turned out that the requirements were not met,” Yusril said in a video on his YouTube account on Thursday, September 24.
He said existing rules do not explain the situation in enough detail. The Constitutional Court has procedural regulations, but they do not cover every possible consequence.
One major question concerns Gibran’s position as vice president. It remains unclear whether a court ruling would automatically end his term.
Another question involves impeachment. Yusril said some could argue that Gibran would need to face the impeachment process.
Others could take a different view. They could argue that a court ruling would already settle the matter.
“Would he automatically stop serving, or would it have to go back to the impeachment process?” Yusril said.
He said the issue could trigger an academic debate over constitutional law. However, the Constitutional Court has not yet ruled on the substance of the petition.
Several groups and individuals filed the petition against Gibran’s candidacy. They include the Independent Election Monitoring Committee (KIPP), Partai Ummat and Denny Indrayana.
The petitioners also include six members of the Forum Purnawirawan Prajurit TNI, M Subhan, Bonatua Silalahi and Tiurma MS Sihombing.
They argue that the education requirement under Article 169(r) of the Election Law must apply when candidates register and receive official approval.
The petitioners ask the court to declare Gibran’s candidacy legally defective. They also seek to cancel the KPU decision that approved his candidacy.
In addition, they ask the court to annul Gibran’s inauguration as vice president. They also want the MPR to hold a session to select a new vice president.
Under their request, the MPR would select from two candidates proposed by the president. They ask the process to take place within 60 days of the court’s ruling.
Meanwhile, the KPU maintains that Gibran met the candidacy requirements. The commission also argues that the petition came 905 days too late.
The KPU has also questioned whether the petitioners have legal standing to challenge Gibran’s eligibility.
For now, the Constitutional Court has yet to decide the petition. Therefore, the possible consequences remain a legal question rather than an established outcome.
