Plaintiff Relieved Following Gibran's Resignation, Urges Prabowo to Choose a Legally Eligible Successor

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Subhan Palal, the plaintiff challenging the equivalence certificate of high school diploma for Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, expressed relief after Gibran stepped down from his position.

However, he believes there is still important work to be done, specifically filling the vacant vice presidential seat.

Subhan was one of the parties who challenged Gibran's candidacy for vice president, arguing that he did not meet the requirements outlined in the law.

"Thank goodness we are free from a leader who does not meet legal qualifications. That's it. Next, the vacancy, the vice presidential position must be filled immediately," said Subhan Palal at the State Administrative Court (PTUN) in Jakarta on Thursday (12/11/2026).

Although he expressed relief, Subhan hopes President Prabowo Subianto will pay attention to the qualifications of the vice presidential candidate when selecting Gibran's successor.

According to him, the next vice presidential candidate must meet legislative requirements, particularly regarding educational background.

He even suggested that Gibran's replacement should possess at least a master’s degree.

"The educational criteria should be, at least minimum master's level. We shouldn't have something like this. Someone without an education could become vice president," he remarked.

Aside from education, Subhan hopes that the candidate chosen by Prabowo will be able to collaborate with the President and possess a nationalist-religious character.

He argued that these criteria are necessary for maintaining a good relationship between the president and the vice president, thus fostering a more harmonious leadership atmosphere.

"Next, a nationalist-religious figure. So that the leadership going forward is cool. Every action should also consider its religious aspect," he added.

Subhan emphasized that his fight from the beginning has been to ensure that the leaders in office meet the qualifications as stipulated by law.

He expressed gratitude after receiving the Supreme Court's ruling on October 30.

In fact, he mentioned that he performed a prostration of thanks after the ruling was read.

"I did that when I received the Supreme Court's decision on the 30th. I have performed a prostration of thanks. No need for any warning or ceremony," he stated.