JAKARTA: In an upcoming decision, Indonesia’s Constitutional Court is poised to rule on a petition requesting a reduction in the minimum age requirement for presidential and vice presidential candidates in elections.
This potential alteration could open the door for President Joko Widodo’s eldest son to consider running in the 2024 elections.
Indonesia, the world’s third-largest democracy, is preparing for concurrent presidential and legislative elections in February of the coming year. The Constitutional Court is scheduled to review the judicial review requests on October 16, according to a spokesperson’s announcement on Tuesday (October 10).
Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the current mayor of Surakarta city and President Widodo’s son, has not yet declared his candidacy. However, some politicians supporting the campaign of the leading presidential candidate, Prabowo Subianto, have advocated for Gibran to join as Prabowo’s running mate.
Currently, the minimum age for presidential and vice presidential candidates is 40 years. The Constitutional Court has received seven judicial review requests seeking to lower this age limit to 35. Gibran, at 36 years old, falls within this potential threshold.
One of the petitioners, the Indonesian Solidarity Party, has argued that the existing age limit is discriminatory, according to court records. Notably, the party is chaired by one of President Jokowi’s sons.
Constitutional law expert Feri Amsari from Andalas University contends that the court should not have accepted the case, asserting that such changes should be enacted through parliamentary legislation. He characterizes the situation as “unhealthy for our democracy,” especially considering the ongoing election process.
While it’s likely that the court will maintain the existing minimum age, experts suggest that judges may introduce a clause allowing individuals with experience in senior government roles to be nominated. This amendment could still be advantageous for Gibran if he decides to enter the race.
Moreover, Feri Amsari points out that the court’s chief justice is related to President Joko Widodo, potentially raising concerns of bias.
Candidates are expected to complete formal registration with the elections commission from October 19 to 25.
In current opinion polls, Prabowo and former Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo lead in a closely contested race, with former Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan following closely behind.
