Impeachment of Indonesia’s Vice President Requires Proven Violations, Expert Warns

Charles Simabura, a constitutional law expert at Andalas University, stressed that removing the president or vice president from office can only proceed when there is a severe breach of law. His comments come amid fresh calls to impeach Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka.

Under Articles 7A and 7B of the 1945 Constitution, impeachment is limited to cases of treason, corruption, bribery, serious criminal offenses, or actions that bring disgrace on the office.

Simabura outlined the formal steps: the House of Representatives (DPR) must first request the Constitutional Court to examine the alleged violations. Only after the court confirms a constitutional breach can the DPR petition the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) for removal. “This isn’t a snap political maneuver by the MPR,” he explained. “There must be concrete proof before any proceedings begin.”

Reflecting on the recent statement by hundreds of retired military officers, Prof. Lili Romli of BRIN noted that such a move likely follows in-depth study. “The dossier on Gibran’s fitness was probably assembled long before this public declaration,” she said.

Last month, hundred retired generals, and several military officers issued an eight-point memorandum questioning Gibran’s ethical standing during his nomination, underscoring the demand for transparency and adherence to constitutional norms.