Surya Paloh’s Full Statement on Processing Gibran’s Impeachment

NasDem Party chairman Surya Paloh has weighed in on calls by several groups to initiate political proceedings to impeach Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka.

At an internal party event, Paloh said he would not object to the process being initiated in the House of Representatives, particularly if all the requirements for impeachment had been met.

“If all the requirements have been met, there is no other way,” Paloh said in Jakarta on Sunday evening (9 November).

Nevertheless, Paloh expressed concern about the issue. He said the controversy surrounding Gibran’s diploma was a source of concern for the nation.

Gibran is part of the presidential and vice-presidential ticket entrusted with the people’s mandate, Paloh said. The pair have served for only two years, with three years remaining until 2029.

“We are still only a little over two years in, and there are still three years ahead. That is what I call a sadness,” he said.

Paloh said that initiating political proceedings to impeach Gibran was not something to celebrate.

“We cannot build the character of our nation by rejoicing in the sadness of our fellow citizens,” he said.

Paloh’s full statement:

“I have already said this, and I must say it again: first, I am concerned.

“To add an important word, this is also a sadness; it is not something for us, as members of this nation, to celebrate. Who would be happy about this problem? This is a situation that should concern us.

“This is the presidential and vice-presidential pair whom the majority of Indonesians entrusted with continuing their leadership until the next election in 2029.

“We are still only a little over two years in, and there are still three years ahead. That is what I call a sadness.

“If all the requirements have been met, there is no other way. We must do what is best for the progress of our nation and state.

“But we should not welcome this with joy. We cannot build the character of our nation by rejoicing in the sadness of our fellow citizens. All right, thank you.”