Signs of Prabowo-Widodo rift grow as Indonesian lawmakers target VP Gibran’s credentials

Indonesia requires vice-presidential candidates to complete at least senior high school. Lawmakers are examining Gibran’s credentials because the Supreme Court ruled on October 30 that his high school equivalency certificate was “invalid.” The issue matters because Gibran became vice-president after his father, Joko Widodo, backed Prabowo Subianto’s successful 2024 campaign.

Gibran’s records show that he attended Orchid Park Secondary School in Singapore from 2002 to 2004. He then studied at the University of Technology Sydney Insearch from 2004 to 2007. The Constitutional Court said it found no “convincing evidence” that he possessed a foreign diploma proving completion of senior high school, but it dismissed a petition challenging his qualifications.

The rulings have led lawmakers to consider parliamentary oversight. They may use the rights of inquiry, interpellation or expression to investigate, question officials or state a formal position. Any inquiry could increase pressure on Gibran, but the Supreme Court ruling does not automatically remove him from office.

The rights of inquiry, interpellation and expression are parliamentary oversight mechanisms. They let the House of Representatives examine government actions, demand explanations and formally state its position. Together, they give lawmakers ways to scrutinise politically sensitive issues without immediately removing an official.

In Gibran’s case, lawmakers could use the right of inquiry to investigate the consequences of the Supreme Court’s ruling. The right of interpellation could allow them to question officials about the ruling and Gibran’s qualification documents. The right to express an opinion could let the DPR adopt and announce a formal position on the controversy.

PKS said it was reviewing the options and communicating with other parties. The National Awakening Party said it was seriously reviewing an inquiry. These powers could raise political pressure, but they do not by themselves remove Gibran. Removal would require a separate constitutional process involving the Constitutional Court and the People’s Consultative Assembly.

Prabowo Subianto’s broad ruling coalition includes seven parliamentary parties. Together, they control 81 per cent of the seats in the House of Representatives. This gives the government a strong parliamentary base and makes it easier to organise legislative action, oversight decisions and political support.

The size of the coalition is also important because a challenge to Gibran is emerging from inside it. PKS is one of the coalition parties and says it is considering the DPR’s oversight powers. The National Awakening Party, another coalition member, said it was seriously reviewing the right of inquiry. Gerindra, Prabowo’s party, plans to discuss the Supreme Court ruling.

The coalition’s majority does not guarantee unity. Instead, the dispute suggests that some partners may use their parliamentary strength to demand answers from the government’s own leadership. If more coalition parties support an inquiry, political pressure on Gibran and on the Prabowo-Widodo alliance could grow.

The Supreme Court and Constitutional Court reached different conclusions in related cases. On October 30, the Supreme Court ruled that Gibran’s high school equivalency certificate was “invalid.” That decision directly raised questions about whether his education satisfied the legal requirement for vice-presidential candidates.

The Constitutional Court said it had not found “convincing evidence” that Gibran possessed a foreign diploma showing he had completed at least senior high school. However, it dismissed the petition challenging his qualifications. The court therefore did not invalidate his position through that case.

The two rulings have created political uncertainty but do not automatically remove Gibran as vice-president. His lawyer said the Supreme Court decision did not affect his position. Lawmakers are now considering oversight powers, while any formal removal would require a separate constitutional process involving the Constitutional Court and the People’s Consultative Assembly.

If parliament launches an inquiry, lawmakers could investigate the court rulings, question officials and examine whether Gibran met the education requirement. The process could keep the controversy in the public spotlight and increase pressure on Gibran, his lawyers and the Prabowo government. It would be a political and oversight response, not an automatic dismissal.

The article identifies three possible DPR tools: the right of inquiry, the right of interpellation and the right to express an opinion. These allow investigation, questioning and a formal parliamentary position. PKS and the National Awakening Party are reviewing those options, while Gerindra plans to discuss the Supreme Court ruling after recess.

Removing a vice-president requires a separate constitutional process. That process would involve the Constitutional Court and the People’s Consultative Assembly. Gibran’s lawyer says the Supreme Court ruling does not affect his current position, and Joko Widodo says he will respect parliament’s constitutional rights.

Prabowo Subianto is Indonesia’s president and a former general. Joko Widodo is the country’s former leader and president. Their alliance shaped the 2024 presidential election and the current ruling arrangement. Widodo backed Prabowo’s successful bid for power, linking the former president’s political network to Prabowo’s campaign.

Gibran Rakabuming Raka is Widodo’s eldest son. He became Prabowo’s running mate in the 2024 presidential election after Widodo backed Prabowo. Together, Prabowo and Gibran won the election, with Prabowo becoming president and Gibran vice-president. The partnership helped bring Widodo’s family directly into the new administration.

The alliance now faces strain. Lawmakers from Prabowo’s own coalition are considering an investigation into Gibran’s education. A Widodo ally was also arrested in a wiretapping scandal, and troops were deployed in Jakarta. These events have fueled questions about Widodo’s influence and possible tensions within the ruling elite.

The dispute shows how democratic institutions divide political power. Parliament represents lawmakers and can scrutinise government actions. Courts assess legal claims and documents. Constitutional removal procedures create an additional safeguard, so an official cannot be dismissed solely because lawmakers launch an investigation or express opposition.

Here, the DPR may use inquiry, interpellation or expression. These mechanisms let lawmakers investigate the Supreme Court ruling, question officials and state a formal position. The Supreme Court ruled Gibran’s equivalency certificate invalid, while the Constitutional Court addressed the evidence about a foreign diploma and dismissed the qualification petition.

The boundaries matter because no single institution controls the outcome. Parliamentary action could increase pressure, but it would not automatically remove Gibran. The article says removal requires a separate process involving the Constitutional Court and the People’s Consultative Assembly. This structure allows political oversight while reserving removal for a constitutional procedure.