Foreign Media Highlight Constitutional Court Ruling on Gibran's Diploma Challenge
Several foreign media outlets have highlighted the Constitutional Court’s (MK) ruling concerning the lawsuit against Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s diploma.
As is known, the Constitutional Court did not accept the General Election Result Dispute (PHPU) lawsuit filed by former Deputy Minister of Law and Human Rights, Denny Indrayana, along with 11 other petitioners.
Nevertheless, the Constitutional Court stated that it could not disqualify Gibran as Vice President. This is because the court found no convincing evidence regarding Gibran’s diploma or educational equivalence documents that meet the requirements equivalent to high school graduation (SMA).
The ruling, read on Tuesday night (6/10), also drew the attention of several foreign media organisations, including Reuters, ABC Australia, and The Straits Times. Here is a summary of how these international outlets reported on the court’s decision.
- Reuters
The London-based news agency highlighted the incompleteness of the documents submitted by Vice President Gibrante before the 2024 election, yet noted that this condition does not result in the loss of his position as Vice President. In their report titled ‘Indonesia’s Constitutional Court dismisses challenge to vice president over education credentials’, Reuters wrote that the Constitutional Court stated that matters regarding Gibran’s eligibility fall under the jurisdiction of other institutions.
Constitutional Court Judge Adies Kadir stated that the court is not disqualifying Gibran because the matter can no longer be considered an election result dispute. This is because Gibran has already been inaugurated as Vice President, serving alongside President Prabowo Subianto.
“Even though the court found no convincing evidence that Gibran possesses an overseas diploma equivalent to having completed high school or other equivalent education as regulated in the Election Law, the court cannot annul or disqualify Gibran as requested by the petitioners,” said Adies, as quoted from the Reuters website.
Reuters also highlighted Gibran’s response to the court’s ruling, noting that he respects the process taking place in the Constitutional Court and will continue to work to ensure Prabowo’s programmes run smoothly.
“Yes, if I had not passed high school, it would have been impossible for me to attend university. I completed my undergraduate education in Singapore,” said Gibran.
- ABC News