Palace Denies President Advised VP Gibran to Pursue PTUN Case
The Indonesian government has clarified that President Prabowo Subianto did not advise Vice President Gibran Rakabuming to pursue legal action at the PTUN.
Portal Islam 
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Syahganda Nainggolan, Head of the Government Communication Agency (Bakom), has refuted claims that President Prabowo Subianto advised Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka to prove the validity of his academic credentials through the State Administrative Court (PTUN).
According to reports from ANTARA, Republika, and CNN Indonesia on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, this denial follows a statement made by Vice President Gibran at the Vice Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, where he claimed to have received significant advice from President Prabowo regarding current political dynamics.
Palace Clarification and Legal Perspectives
In a statement received in Jakarta on Wednesday, Syahganda emphasized that it is unlikely for the President to encourage Gibran to pursue further legal challenges through the PTUN. Citing reports from ANTARA and CNN Indonesia, Syahganda referenced the stance of the Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Correctional Affairs, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, who noted that rulings from the Supreme Court (MA) and the Constitutional Court (MK) regarding Gibran’s academic certificate are final and binding.
"Yusril stated that there is no opportunity for a PTUN case; that is what he discussed with the President. That is the President's concern," Syahganda said, as quoted by ANTARA. He added that the President’s legal view is represented by Minister Yusril.
Meanwhile, Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi, during a press conference at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta on Tuesday (November 10, 2026), as reported by Republika, clarified that it is untrue that the President rejected the Vice President's intentions during their meeting. The Minister explained that Gibran had expressed a desire to prove the validity of his educational documents through the PTUN process, without explicitly stating that the President had provided such advice.
Separately, Coordinating Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra confirmed at the Presidential Palace Complex on Tuesday that no other legal avenues remain, as the decisions of the MK and MA have permanent legal force, and no party can file for a judicial review (PK) against those rulings.
Vice Presidential Statement and Analyst Commentary
Previously, Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka stated that he received direct input from President Prabowo Subianto during their meeting on Tuesday morning. As reported by ANTARA and Republika, Gibran mentioned that one of the President's suggestions was for him to continue fighting in the PTUN and to coordinate with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education to file a judicial review with the Supreme Court.
"One of his suggestions was that I should keep fighting in the PTUN by presenting all documents from elementary school through to my bachelor's degree," said Vice President Gibran.
Responding to these developments, political analyst Adi Prayitno from Parameter Politik Indonesia (PPI) assessed the move as a final attempt or a way of "buying time" for Gibran to substantiate his educational documents amidst political pressure. Meanwhile, political analyst Zaki Mubarak from UIN Syarif Hidayatullah predicted that political tensions would escalate as the Vice President maintains his stance against mounting pressure.
Reflections on National Dynamics
As Muslims, we are taught to prioritize tabayyun (verifying the truth of information) and to maintain unity amidst the various differences of opinion in the public sphere. Wisdom in responding to national issues will bring tranquility and peace to all citizens.
يٰٓاَيُّهَا الَّذِيْنَ اٰمَنُوْٓا اِنْ جَاۤءَكُمْ فَاسِقٌۢ بِنَبَاٍ فَتَبَيَّنُوْٓا اَنْ تُصِيْبُوْا قَوْمًاۢ بِجَهَالَةٍ فَتُصْبِحُوْا عَلٰى مَا فَعَلْتُمْ نٰدِمِيْنَ ﴿٦﴾
O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful.
Qur'an, Surah Al-Hujuraat [49]: 6 (Sahih International)
Let us continue to pray for our leaders and the Indonesian nation, that they may be granted guidance, wisdom, and ease in resolving all national affairs for the benefit of the ummah and the country.
