Denny Indrayana rejects Jokowi claim on political operations

Denny Indrayana stated that Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s political reputation is unworthy of the vice presidency regardless of any alleged downgrade, responding directly to claims made by Joko Widodo regarding a political operation targeting the administration, CNN Indonesia reported.

Denny Indrayana flatly rejected this narrative. Instead, Denny argued that Widodo himself initiated the true political maneuvering by interfering in the 2024 presidential election to secure his eldest son’s candidacy. Denny contended that Gibran never possessed the necessary qualifications to hold national office, questioning his baseline readiness for public administration even during his prior tenure as Mayor of Solo. Denny added that Gibran should never have been paired as a vice-presidential candidate. Denny explained that bringing the issue to the Constitutional Court allows all parties to debate using logic, reason, evidence, witnesses, and experts in open public sessions where facts can be properly examined and evaluated together.

Court Ruling Lowers Age Limit for Candidates

According to Denny, the actual political intervention involved altering regulatory frameworks to accommodate Gibran’s candidacy. Two primary legislative modifications sit at the center of the dispute over eligibility.

• The Constitutional Court Decision: In 2023, the Constitutional Court granted petition number 90/PUU-XXI/2023, revising Article 169 letter q of Law Number 7 of 2017 concerning elections. The ruling lowered the mandatory candidate age from 40 years old while carving out an exception for individuals who have previously or are currently holding an elected regional public office. Denny highlighted that the court was headed at the time by Anwar Usman, Widodo’s brother-in-law.
• The KPU Regulation Provision: Denny pointed to Article 18 paragraph (3) of General Election Commission (KPU) Regulation Number 19 of 2023. This provision exempts presidential and vice-presidential candidates from presenting standard high school graduation documentation if they already hold higher education degrees. Denny noted that the education requirement was similarly adjusted through this provision to facilitate the candidacy.

Fritz asserted that Gibran possesses a valid bachelor’s degree and argued that attacks on his credentials mask deeper political ambitions and lingering resentment toward former President Widodo among opposition figures, Warta Ekonomi reported. Fritz noted that a person cannot pursue undergraduate studies without first completing an equivalent secondary education system, distinguishing Indonesia’s educational framework from foreign systems.

Fritz alleged that individuals demanding Gibran’s resignation seek to secure positions within Prabowo Subianto’s administration. He maintained that the ongoing impeachment campaigns stem from personal animosity over unfulfilled political appointments and the dissolution of favored organizations, rather than genuine legal scrutiny. Fritz described these individuals as power-hungry figures sending teams to lobby the House of Representatives, shout at the Constitutional Court, and appear on television programs, driven additionally by bitterness and retaliation against Widodo because their prohibited organizations were disbanded, promised posts were withheld, and they faced career dismissals.

Widodo Shifts Politics Toward Family Favoritism

Denny reflected on his past support for Widodo during the 2014 presidential election, noting that he backed him despite holding a neutral public role as the Deputy Minister of Law and Human Rights from 2011 to 2014. Denny stated that Widodo ultimately undermined his own presidential reputation by shifting national politics away from collective patriotism and toward partisan family favoritism.

Olenka reported that Denny suggested Widodo adopt a statesperson-like demeanor by advising his son to step down from the vice presidency to protect the integrity of the nation’s political system, calling it a wise step and a path of repentance for the Solo family to prevent further damage to Indonesian politics.