Indonesia Court Allows Jokowi's Son to Join VP Election

Jakarta – The Indonesian Constitutional Court (MK) on Monday has set the minimum age requirement for the Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates, but there could be an exception for those who have been elected as regional leaders. 

The court ruled in favor of a judicial review against a clause in the 2017 law on general elections requiring presidential and vice presidential candidates to be at least 40 years old or have been elected as regional leaders. 

This was seen aimed to open the way for President Joko Widodo or Jokowi's eldest son, Gibran Rakabuming – who is Mayor of Solo – to run in the election for Vice President (VP) on next February. 

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Wali Kota Solo Gibran Rakabuming merespons putusan MK tolak batas usia capres

Photo :

• VIVA/Fajar Sodiq

Chief Justice Anwar Usman, who is the President's brother-in-law, said the age limit alone was against Indonesia's Constitution, therefore the court's decision to make an addition to the related clause now requiring a candidate to be at least of that age or has served or is serving a position won through a general election, including a regional leader election.

"The court thinks state officials who have prior experience as a legislative member ... (or) a governor, regent and mayor deserve to participate ... as a presidential and vice presidential candidate," Usman read the verdict, on Monday. 

He continued: "Officials elected through democratic elections prove to have won the trust of the people, and using the age limit only will deprive younger generations of presidential contests despite their potential," 

The verdict came just a few days ahead of the opening of registrations for the 2024 presidential vote on Thursday. The court ruled that the extended clause will be effective starting with the next election.

As information, President Jokowi, is unable to join the Presidential election as he is constitutionally barred from a third term. He was first elected in 2014, and was re-elected in 2019. 

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Sidang Putusan Batas Umur Capres dan Cawapres di Mahkamah Konstitusi

Photo :

• VIVA/M Ali Wafa

Meanwhile, his son, Gibran Rakabuming has recently emerged among a few names favored to run as the running mate of Defense Minister Praowo Subianto and tied with Ganjar Pranowo as a leading presidential candidate. 

Apart from Rakabuming, State Enterprise Minister Erick Thohir, East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa and former West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil are other figures favored as Subianto's possible running mate.

Rakabuming, 36, is currently the mayor of Surakarta city also known as Solo, has not publicly expressed an interest in contesting the February elections. 

If one of Jokowi’s children does eventually run for president, he would not be the first Indonesian president to create a political dynasty.

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As information, President Jokowi, is unable to join the Presidential election as he is constitutionally barred from a third term. He was first elected in 2014, and was re-elected in 2019.