Indonesian Vice President Gibran’s Education Certificate Invalidated by Supreme Court
The Supreme Court (MA) has ruled that the educational equivalence certificate used by Gibran Rakabuming Raka to qualify for his position is invalid, marking a significant legal development. The court’s decision, issued on 30 October 2026, declared the certificate “not legally valid” and “null and void,” following a case brought by advocate Subhan. This ruling overturns previous administrative court decisions and reignites debates over Gibran’s eligibility for public office.
“We welcome the Supreme Court’s decision,” said Muhammad Kholid, secretary‑general of the PKS party, in a statement to reporters. “Educational requirements for public office are a legal obligation that must be fulfilled. The higher the position, the greater the responsibility to ensure all requirements are accountable.” Kholid emphasized that the ruling underscores the need for the House of Representatives (DPR) to address the issue promptly, citing the Constitutional Court’s earlier decision that found no conclusive evidence of Gibran’s high school diploma from abroad.
Legal Backdrop and Political Reactions
The dispute centers on a 2019 certificate issued by the Directorate General of Basic and Secondary Education, which Gibran used to meet the educational requirements for presidential candidacy. The Constitutional Court (MK) ruled that the certificate lacked sufficient evidence of a valid high school diploma, though it did not invalidate Gibran’s vice presidency. The Supreme Court’s latest decision, however, invalidates the certificate entirely, stating it was “never legally valid from the outset.”
Subhan, the petitioner, challenged the certificate’s authenticity, arguing it violated legal procedures. The case was dismissed by the Administrative Court (PTUN) in Jakarta and later taken to the Supreme Court, which granted the cassation petition, leading to the 30 October ruling. The court ordered the certificate to be withdrawn and destroyed, with legal experts noting the decision’s retroactive effect.
The certificate in question, numbered 9149/D.D1/KS/2019, was issued by the Directorate General of Basic and Secondary Education on 6 August 2019. The Supreme Court’s decision explicitly stated that it was “not legally valid” and “batal demi hukum.” The MK had previously found no evidence of a valid high school diploma from abroad, a point reiterated in the MA’s ruling. “The Supreme Court’s decision strengthens the case for a constitutional review,” said a legal expert quoted in Kompas. “The DPR now has a legal and ethical obligation to address this matter, as it affects public trust in the electoral system.”
PKS, which has long criticized the certificate, urged the DPR to investigate the matter. Meanwhile, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) and Gerindra have called for transparency. PKB also emphasized the need for the DPR to act, citing the Supreme Court’s decision as a basis for further scrutiny.
Implications for Gibran’s Position
Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling, Gibran’s vice presidency remains legally intact, as the Constitutional Court’s decision did not remove him from office. However, the validity of his candidacy and the impact on democratic processes are now under renewed scrutiny. Legal scholars note that while the certificate's invalidation does not automatically remove Gibran from his role, it calls into question the integrity of electoral qualifications.
“The Supreme Court’s decision strengthens the case for a constitutional review,” said a legal expert quoted in Kompas. “The DPR now has a legal and ethical obligation to address this matter, as it affects public trust in the electoral system.”
Next Steps and Political Uncertainty
Kompas highlighted three potential paths: the issue could be ignored, used as a political bargaining chip, or left unresolved until the 2029 elections.
As the political landscape evolves, the Supreme Court’s ruling serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between legal procedures and political accountability in Indonesia.
Source 4 reveals that Gerindra’s Sugiat Santoso urged Kemendikdasmen and KPU to explain the certificate, emphasizing the need to understand its legal consequences. “Every court decision must be taken seriously and in accordance with the law,” he said. He also noted that the vice presidency has constitutional dimensions and independent legal mechanisms. Meanwhile, PDIP’s Hasto Kristiyanto stated that public calls for Gibran’s resignation were growing, with several party members urging him to step down. “This voice cannot be ignored,” Hasto said, adding that PDIP could not act alone in advancing the DPR’s right to investigate the issue. He highlighted PDIP’s 110 seats in parliament, stressing the need for dialogue with other parties. “We believe other parties will also listen to this voice,” he said.
PKB’s Muhammad Khozin echoed similar sentiments, stating that the MA’s ruling added urgency for the DPR to take a political stance. “Two legal institutions, the MK and MA, have ruled on the equivalence certificate,” he said, reinforcing the need for the DPR to address the matter. In addition, Source 2 includes a quote from Gibran himself, who remarked, "We had prepared all documents for the trial, and we were ready to be open." But the plaintiff withdrew.” This admission highlights the procedural complexities surrounding the case.