Jakarta – The discourse on impeachment of Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka continues to draw criticism from various groups. The Director of the Indonesian Voters Institute (LPI), Boni Hargens, emphasized that the demand is not only legally misleading, but also dangerous for the future of Indonesian democracy.
“Everyone must acknowledge that they have equal rights, equal status and equal obligations. Must follow the rules of the constitution and do not let it happen because of dislike, personal or political sentiment, then behave unfairly by pushing for impeachment,” said Boni.
According to him, there are at least four main reasons to reject Gibran’s impeachment proposal. First, the move is clearly unconstitutional.
“If there were problems from the start, the election should have been boycotted, not the results,” he stressed.
He reminded that in the Indonesian election system, the president and vice president are one entity. Impeachment can only be carried out if there is a violation of the law as stipulated in Article 7A of the 1945 Constitution.
“If impeachment occurs without any legally binding violations, it will set a bad precedent for future political developments,” he added.
Second, the impeachment drive could damage the stability of a government that is preparing to continue national development.
“Without a permanent legal decision, then there are sanctions or punishments, this is the same as the absence of law,” said Boni.
The fourth reason, Boni continued, is the potential entry of political actors who would actually worsen the condition of democracy.
“It could be a figure who will complicate the development of democracy, such as oligarchy and so on,” he said.
In line with that, the Secretary General of the Golkar Party, Sarmuji, emphasized that Gibran had been elected legally and constitutionally through the presidential election process and had been confirmed by the Constitutional Court.
“Vice President Gibran was elected constitutionally through the presidential election and the Constitutional Court. Until now, Vice President Gibran has also not committed any violations that could result in impeachment,” said Sarmuji.
He also invited all elements of society to unite in the spirit of development and not get caught up in provocative narratives.
“The nation’s energy should be focused on building so that Indonesia is more advanced. Not things that can trigger endless disputes,” he concluded.
