Fears for Indonesia democracy as Jokowi’s son gets VP election pathway in ‘plot twist’ move by court

The constitutional court rejects the petitions to lower the age of election candidates but makes an exception for ‘regional leaders’

Indonesian democracy has suffered a setback as a result of the controversial ruling, analysts say

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Gibran Rakabuming Raka, eldest son of President Joko Widodo and mayor of Surakarta, at an event in Solo last year. Photo: Shutterstock

Published: 6:42pm, 16 Oct 2023Updated: 7:15pm, 16 Oct 2023

The Indonesian Constitutional Court on Monday rejected several petitions seeking to lower the age limit of presidential and vice-presidential candidates, but left a clear pathway for President Joko Widodo’s eldest son to still compete in next year’s election.

The controversial ruling has been seen by legal experts and observers as undemocratic, and the president’s critics said it showed Widodo is attempting to build his own political dynasty as he exits office.

The court initially rejected petitions to lower the minimum age to 35 from 40 on Monday morning. But in an unexpected twist, the court ruled it was in favour of opening up the electoral race to candidates under 40 who have served as “regional leaders” in an afternoon session.

This means Widodo’s eldest son, 36-year-old Gibran Rakabuming Raka, is eligible to run in February’s legislative and presidential elections. Gibran, the mayor of Surakarta city, has for months been touted as a popular choice as the running mate for leading presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto.

“This decision truly shows how Indonesian democracy is on the decline,” said Wasisto Raharjo Jati, a political analyst with the Jakarta-based National Research and Innovation Agency. “There are always ways that the ruling elites are able to bypass laws in their favour.”

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