‘Unfit to lead': Indonesia's ex-generals urge veep Gibran's impeachment
JAKARTA, June 5 — Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka is facing mounting pressure as a group of retired military generals has submitted a formal petition urging his impeachment, citing constitutional violations, ethical breaches, and questions over his qualifications.
In a letter obtained by The Jakarta Post, the Forum Purnawirawan Prajurit TNI urged the House of Representatives and the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) to begin proceedings against Gibran, while affirming their support for President Prabowo Subianto.
The group claims Gibran's vice-presidency was enabled by a controversial Constitutional Court ruling that lowered the age limit for candidates — authored by then-chief justice Anwar Usman, President Joko Widodo's brother-in-law — who was later dismissed for violating judicial ethics.
They also questioned Gibran's competency, pointing to his limited two-year experience as mayor of Surakarta and citing his alleged link to a pseudonymous online account that posted derogatory content.
'In his six months as vice president, Gibran has shown no capacity to assist the President,' the letter said, calling him 'a burden' and 'unqualified to lead' in a complex nation like Indonesia.
Group secretary Bimo Satrio confirmed the letter's authenticity, saying it was only submitted after the group secured a meeting with former vice president Try Sutrisno, who they claim gave his blessing for the move.
The letter was submitted on the same day Gibran appeared at a Pancasila Day event alongside Prabowo, Try and opposition leader Megawati Soekarnoputri — a moment analysts say signals Prabowo's assertion of political strength amid declining influence from Jokowi's camp.
Political analyst Dedi Kurnia Syah noted that while the impeachment call is legally valid, it faces significant procedural hurdles and cannot proceed on political grounds alone without clear legal justification.
President Prabowo has not publicly defended Gibran, instead tasking adviser Wiranto to deliver a measured response — suggesting the petition is being taken seriously, according to Dedi.
While most coalition members have stayed silent, Golkar — the second-largest party in Parliament and reportedly close to Jokowi — has voiced support for Gibran, saying he was legitimately elected and had not committed impeachable offences.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
Holding Sara Duterte trial isn't a choice, it's our constitutional duty, says senator
MANILA: Sen Sherwin Gatchalian (pic) reminded his colleagues in the Senate on Friday (June 6) that proceeding with the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte is not a matter of choice, but a constitutional mandate of the Senate. 'This is no longer our decision. It's not up to us whether to proceed or not — this is our constitutional duty,' he said in an interview over DZMM. It has been four months since the House of Representatives transmitted the Articles of Impeachment against Duterte to the Senate on Feb 5. Once transmitted to the upper chamber, Gatchalian said the Senate has no other choice but to proceed with the impeachment proceedings. 'This is very clear in our Constitution that once the Articles of Impeachment are transmitted to the Senate, we no longer have a choice but to proceed with the impeachment court,' Gatchalian pointed out. 'In fact, the word 'forthwith' is even written there. It's no longer our decision; it's our duty to carry it out,' the senator repeated. He made the remark when asked about the draft resolution initiated by Sen. Ronaldo 'Bato' Dela Rosa, seeking to declare the 'de facto dismissal' of the impeachment case against the vice president. The resolution cited the 'inability' of the Senate to immediately act on it when the Constitution explicitly provides that the 'trial shall forthwith proceed' after the Articles of Impeachment were transmitted to the upper chamber. Senate President Francis 'Chiz' Escudero originally set the presentation of the Articles of Impeachment by the House of Representatives panel of prosecutors for June 2 but later moved it to June 11, the last day of session before the 19th Congress adjourns sine die on June 13. The Senate can only convene as an impeachment court after the reading of charges against the vice president. 'In my opinion, our senators should remember that this is no longer a personal decision or an individual choice. As senators, this is now our constitutional duty,' Gatchalian said. 'When we were sworn in as senators, we also swore an oath to uphold our Constitution — and it clearly states that once the Articles of Impeachment are transmitted to us, we are duty-bound to proceed,' the senator specified. Once the impeachment court is convened, Gatchalian said the trial will continue until a decision is reached. Although he acknowledged that the trial could not be finished within month or before the 19th Congress ends on June 30, the senator believes the Senate impeachment court can cross over to the next Congress. 'This will definitely carry over into the 20th Congress, and I see it as part of the Senate's mandate to continue the impeachment court hearings, as the Senate is a continuing body,' he pointed out. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
Malay Mail
3 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Penang councils urge MCMC probe into viral TikTok videos alleging corruption, launch investigations
GEORGE TOWN, June 6 — The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has filed a report with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) urging an investigation into two viral TikTok videos containing allegations of corruption and double standards involving the council personnel. In a statement today, MBPP said that four city councillors — Tan Soo Siang, R. Harikrishnan, Muhammad Khairul Mohd Ali, and Datuk Abdul Razak Abdul Rahman - also lodged a police report against the individual who uploaded the videos. 'MBPP is deeply disappointed by the videos circulating on TikTok. The content includes numerous false and biased claims that are not based on accurate facts or data. The videos amount to slander and misrepresentation of the council,' the statement read. MBPP said that it will not hesitate to take legal action against the content creator or any party attempting to tarnish the council's reputation without credible evidence. The videos in question accuse MBPP of accepting bribes in exchange for allowing foreign nationals to operate businesses and claim that MBPP enforcement officers apply double standards in their operations. In a related development, the Seberang Perak City Council (MBSP) said that it has launched an internal investigation into another viral video that allegedly shows one of its officers engaging in corrupt practices. According to MBSP, a meeting was held with the business owner involved to gather detailed information about the incident. The council emphasised that a full internal inquiry is underway to address the allegations made in the video. 'MBSP strongly urges the business owner to make an official report to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission if there is genuine evidence of corruption involving MBSP staff,' the statement read. The council also reiterated that it does not tolerate any misconduct related to corruption or abuse of power among its personnel. The viral video, which runs for two minutes, features a man alleging that MBSP officers abused their powers at his friend's business premises. The video includes claims of extortion, threats against customers, wrongful detention of foreigners, and even an incident in which a local man was allegedly slapped after being mistaken for a foreign national. — Bernama
Borneo Post
3 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Reinstate direct Kuching-Pontianak flight to revive tourism, trade, S'wak activist tells govt
Peter (front) in a group photo with the Sarawak delegation in West Kalimantan. MIRI (June 6): Social activist Peter John Jaban has called on the government to urgently reinstate the direct flight between Kuching and Pontianak, emphasising that improved air connectivity is crucial to facilitate cross-border travel and strengthen ties between Sarawak and West Kalimantan. He raised the issue following a recent overland trip to West Kalimantan, which he led alongside a delegation of 50 Sarawakian business leaders. While the mission was successful, the group faced nearly four hours of delays at Immigration, Customs and Quarantine (ICQ) checkpoints due to long queues and complicated paperwork. 'This journey underscored the urgent need for a direct flight. The land route simply cannot substitute for air travel in terms of speed, comfort, and efficiency. 'A direct connection is vital, not only for convenience but for maintaining bilateral ties,' he said in a statement. Peter expressed hope that both Indonesian and Malaysian authorities would prioritise and expedite the reinstatement of the Kuching-Pontianak air service, which has been suspended since March 2024. He pointed out that communities on both sides of the border have been adversely affected, as the suspension impacts livelihoods directly. 'This is not just a flight route, it is a lifeline. Its suspension has disrupted cross-border tourism, hindered medical and educational travel, and slowed down vital cultural and economic exchanges that have long flourished between our people,' he said. Before the flight suspension, thousands of travellers relied on the direct connection each month. Peter said without it, passengers are forced to transit through Jakarta or Kuala Lumpur, resulting in longer, more costly, and physically exhausting journeys, especially for those seeking medical care in Sarawak. 'Quick access via air is not a luxury; it is a necessity,' he stressed, citing Sarawak's rising status as a medical tourism hub, particularly for Indonesian patients seeking affordable, quality treatment. He also argued that reinstating the flight is critical for small businesses, local tour operators, and the hospitality sector as the region strives to recover from economic challenges. Furthermore, Peter highlighted that restoring this air link would support broader regional integration under the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) framework, serving as a vital bridge for cross-border development. In this regard, he also urged AirAsia and other airlines to demonstrate their commitment to regional growth and connectivity. 'This is not merely a logistical issue, it is a matter of fairness, development, and cooperation. 'The people of Kalimantan and Sarawak deserve better connectivity and the opportunity to thrive together,' said Peter. direct flight kalimantan Kuching Peter John Jaban
