Regarding Gibran's Replacement, Said Abdullah: Prabowo Knows Best the Vice President Needed

KOMPAS.com – The Chairman of the Central Leadership Council (DPP) of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), Said Abdullah, believes that President Prabowo Subianto is the most knowledgeable about the kind of vice president needed to accompany his administration.

This statement came in response to discussions about the appointment of a vice president following Gibran Rakabuming Raka's resignation.

Said pointed out that the authority to propose a vice presidential candidate lies with the president, as stipulated in Article 8, paragraph (2) of the 1945 Constitution.

Therefore, the president has the flexibility to select a figure who is deemed most suitable for the needs and challenges of the government moving forward.

"Ultimately, it is up to the president. He knows best what he requires. At least from the past two years of his administration and the challenges that need to be addressed in the future," Said remarked in a written statement, Saturday (14/11/2026).

Said explained that the process to fill the vice presidential vacancy differs from the election of the president and vice president via a general election.

According to Article 8, paragraph (2) of the 1945 Constitution, if a vice presidential position becomes vacant, the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) is required to hold a session no later than 60 days to elect a vice president from two candidates put forth by the president.

In this mechanism, Said believes that the selection of a replacement vice president is part of government administration, not a general election process.

"This means that the selection of a vice president will be under the framework of the regime of governance, not the election regime," Said stated.

Three Options for the Vice Presidential Candidate

Said outlined three options that Prabowo could consider in determining a vice presidential candidate.

The first option is to select a figure from within the coalition government, including members of Gerindra Party or other political figures close to the president.

According to Said, choosing a Gerindra cadre could provide benefits in terms of political alignment between the president and the vice president.

However, the president may also consider figures from other coalition parties while taking into account the political strength in the parliament and the technical capabilities possessed.

The second option is to choose a figure from outside the coalition government.

Said opines that this step might be considered if the president wishes to broaden political support and strengthen unity, both inside and outside the parliament.