The Constitutional Court of Indonesia has established a panel to investigate a potential conflict of interest in a recent court ruling. This ruling cleared the path for President Joko Widodo’s son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, to run for vice president in the upcoming election next year. Concerns have been raised regarding the potential return of patronage politics, as Indonesia emerged from authoritarian rule 25 years ago. The approval for Gibran’s bid to become vice president was made possible by the removal of the minimum age requirement of 40 for presidential or vice-presidential candidates, on the condition that they have held elected positions at the regional level. Gibran was elected as mayor of Surakarta city in 2020.
Enny Nurbaningsih, a judge and spokesperson for the Constitutional Court, announced that the court has received seven complaints from activists and others. These complaints allege a suspected “ethical violation” in relation to the recent ruling made by a nine-judge bench. One of the complainants has called for the court’s chief judge, Anwar Usman, who happens to be the president’s brother-in-law and Gibran’s uncle, to step down. However, no further details were provided.
Nurbaningsih stated during a late Monday press conference that the court would not intervene and would leave the matter to the ethics council, which the court has established to investigate the complaints. Chief judge Anwar, who was present at the press conference, did not address the complaints but reaffirmed his commitment to uphold his judicial oath.
Despite concerns of dynastic politics, President Joko Widodo, popularly known as Jokowi, has dismissed these fears and stated that the people would decide with their votes. Jokowi is required to step down after serving a maximum of two terms. Gibran has been announced as the vice presidential candidate for Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto, who is currently leading in opinion polls for the upcoming February election. Both candidates are expected to register with the election commission on Wednesday.
Reporting by Ananda Teresia, Editing by Robert Birsel
