KPU Denies Hiding Gibran's Diploma, Says Rule Has Been Revoked

The General Elections Commission (KPU) has denied allegations that it hid the educational diploma of Gibran Rakabuming Raka, which was an administrative requirement for the vice-presidential candidate in the 2024 presidential election. The denial was delivered by the KPU's legal team during the hearing on the election results dispute (PHPU) Number 01/PHPU.PRES-XXIV/2026 at the Constitutional Court Building in Jakarta on Wednesday (23/9/2026) evening.

During the hearing, the KPU's legal counsel asserted that KPU Decision (KKPU) Number 731 of 2025, which had been claimed to close public access to the candidates' graduation certificates, has been revoked. The replacement regulation, KKPU Number 807 of 2025, makes the documents accessible again. The KPU considers the petitioner's argument, which builds a narrative of information manipulation, to be unfounded opinion.

“The Respondent submits a rebuttal that KKPU Number 731 of 2025, which essentially categorized graduation certificates in the form of photocopies of diplomas, certificates of completion of study, or other legalized certificates as exempted public information,” said the KPU's legal counsel during the hearing. He added that the revocation of the rule proves there was no intention to hide data.

The petitioners, Denny Indrayana and others, questioned the fulfillment of Gibran's educational requirement. They asked the Constitutional Court to disqualify Gibran on the grounds that he does not meet the qualifications. However, the KPU argues that the argument does not automatically invalidate the candidacy. According to the KPU, Gibran completed secondary education abroad and holds a legally recognized equivalency certificate.

“Thus, the structured, systematic, and planned opinion built by the Petitioners is untrue and can be categorized as a TST opinion—structured, systematic, and reprehensible,” the KPU's legal counsel asserted.

The KPU also referred to Article 18 paragraph (1) of PKPU Number 19 of 2023, which provides an exception for prospective candidates who studied abroad. Under that rule, secondary school graduation certificates are not required if the candidate already holds a university degree. Therefore, the KPU considers Gibran's educational requirement to have been met administratively.

For the Indonesian public, this hearing is not merely a debate over electoral law. The lawsuit against Gibran's educational requirement touches on issues of transparency and accountability of election organizers. If the Constitutional Court accepts the petitioner's argument, the legal precedent could change and affect how the KPU verifies candidate documents in the future. Conversely, if the Court rejects it, legal certainty over candidacies based on overseas education will be stronger.

Investors and market players are also watching this dynamic, as political stability and regulatory certainty are important factors in the business climate. Uncertainty in election law can trigger short-term volatility, especially in sectors sensitive to government policy. Therefore, the upcoming Constitutional Court ruling will serve as a signal to the business world regarding the direction of enforcing the rules of democratic play.

What needs to be noted is that the KPU states the disputed rule is no longer in effect. However, public questions about why the rule existed in the first place and whether it ever hindered access to information remain relevant. The Constitutional Court is expected not only to assess formal aspects but also to consider the impact of its ruling on public trust in the election process.

Going forward, this PHPU hearing will be a test for the integrity of the election organizing body and the Constitutional Court. Will the upcoming ruling be able to answer public doubts, or will it open a new chapter in electoral disputes? All eyes are now on the Constitutional Court.