Prabowo Subianto Faces Tight Timeline to Nominate New Vice President

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto is under a tight deadline to nominate two candidates for the vice presidency following the resignation of Gibran Rakabuming Raka. Gibran resigned on November 12, 2026, which has triggered a constitutional process for filling the vacancy.

According to Yusril Ihza Mahendra, the Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Correctional Affairs, the President has 14 days from the time the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) sends a formal request to submit the names of two candidates. This process is outlined in Article 8, Paragraph 2 of Indonesia's 1945 Constitution, which states that the MPR must select a new vice president from the two candidates proposed by the President within a maximum of 60 days.

“It is fully the President's authority to determine the two vice presidential candidates. He may consult with coalition parties, but the final decision rests with him.”Yusril Ihza Mahendra, Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Correctional Affairs

Yusril clarified that the meeting held at the Presidential Palace did not discuss potential candidates, emphasizing that the selection is entirely at Prabowo's discretion. He said it is fully the President's authority to determine the two vice presidential candidates. The President may consult with coalition parties, but the final decision rests with him.

The coalition that supported Prabowo in the 2024 presidential election includes both parliamentary and non-parliamentary parties such as Gerindra, Golkar, PAN, the Democratic Party, PBB, Gelora, Garuda, PSI, and PRIMA. Yusril noted that while consultations with coalition parties may occur, they are not mandatory.

Prabowo's timeline is further complicated by his planned overseas trip in mid-November. This means the President will need to act within the constitutional deadlines to ensure the nomination process proceeds accordingly.

“Prabowo expressed appreciation for Gibran's service and commitment to the nation.”President Prabowo Subianto

In a recent statement, Prabowo acknowledged Gibran's contributions during his tenure as vice president, highlighting his dedication and efforts in overseeing government programs across the country. He expressed appreciation for Gibran's service and commitment to the nation.

As the MPR prepares to convene to formalize Gibran's resignation, it will also set the stage for the election of a new vice president. The assembly is expected to send a formal request to the President soon, initiating the countdown for the nomination process.