President of Indonesia

President of the Republic of Indonesia
Presidential seal
Presidential Standard
Incumbent Joko Widodo since 20 October 2014
Style	His/Her Excellency
Residence	Merdeka Palace
Seat	Jakarta
Appointer	Direct popular election
Term length	Five years renewable once
Constituting instrument	Constitution of Indonesia
Inaugural holder	Sukarno 18 August 1945
Formation	18 August 1945
Website	Official website

Sukarno, the first President of Indonesia

Merdeka Palace, the official residence of the President of Indonesia

The President of the Republic of Indonesia (Indonesian: Presiden Republik Indonesia) is the head of state and head of government of the Republic of Indonesia. The President leads the executive branch of the Indonesian government and is the commander-in-chief of the Indonesian National Armed Forces.

On 20 October 2014, Joko Widodo became the 7th and current President of Indonesia.

History

Sukarno era

The Indonesian presidency was established during the formulation of the 1945 Constitution by the Committee for Preparatory Work for Indonesian Independence (BPUPKI). The office was first filled on 18 August 1945 when Sukarno was elected by acclamation by the Preparatory Committee for Indonesian Independence (PPKI) because the body responsible for the presidential elections, the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), had not yet been formed. On 16 October 1945, Vice-President Mohammad Hatta announced a vice-presidential decree which turned the Central National Committee of Indonesia (KNIP) equal status with that of the president. On 11 November 1945, the KNIP made the decision to separate the role of Head of State with that of Head of Government. Although a new constitution had not been set up yet, Indonesia was now a de facto parliamentary democracy with the president as a ceremonial Head of State whose function was to ask the prime minister as the Head of the Government to form a new Cabinet.

During the Indonesian National Revolution, both Sukarno and Hatta were captured by the Dutch in Yogyakarta on 18 December 1948. Sukarno then gave a mandate for Sjafruddin Prawiranegara to form an emergency Government. This was done and the Emergency Government of the Republic of Indonesia (PDRI) was formed in Sumatra with Prawiranegara as its Chairman. Prawiranegara handed back his mandate to Sukarno on 13 July 1949. On 17 December 1949, Sukarno was elected president of the Republic of the United States of Indonesia (RIS) and presidential mandate passed to Asaat. When it became clear that RIS was going to be replaced by a unitary state, Asaat stepped down from the presidency and Sukarno once again became president on 15 August 1950.

Indonesia now adopted the constitution that had been intended for RIS. Officially known as the Provisional Constitution, the document confirmed the president's role as the Head of State, but limited him to a mostly ceremonial role. He appointed a Prime Minister on the advice of formateurs.

Despite his limited constitutional role, Sukarno commanded great moral authority. Nonetheless, he was never content with the role of ceremonial Head of State, and grew increasingly disenchanted with western-style parliamentary democracy. In the early 1950s, he began calling for the implementation of "Guided Democracy," in which decisions would be made after lengthy deliberation with a view toward achieving a consensus under presidential "guidance."

The rest of the decade saw a series of unstable governments. Taking advantage of the situation, Sukarno made a speech in April 1959 and suggested that Indonesia return to the 1945 Constitution. The People reacted enthusiastically and there was strong pressure on the Constituante, the body responsible for formulating a new constitution, to adopt the 1945 Constitution. When the Constituante did not budge, Sukarno issued a Presidential Decree on 5 July 1959 declaring that Indonesia was returning to the 1945 Constitution. That document made the president head of government as well as head of state. In 1963, Sukarno declared himself president for Life.

Although Indonesia had re-adopted the 1945 Constitution, it did not mean that it was strictly adhered to. The MPR, which at this stage was still on a provisional basis (MPRS), was subservient to the president despite its status of the Nation's highest Governing Body. It was only in 1966, when the political tide began to turn against Sukarno that the MPRS regained its rightful constitutional status.

Suharto era

All throughout his rise to power, General Suharto seemed determined to do things constitutionally and that determination seemed to continue when he became president in 1967. Suharto allowed the MPR to execute its constitutional duty of formulating the Broad Outlines of State Policy (GBHN) whilst he as the president would be responsible for implementing GBHN. Suharto also made it a presidential obligation to deliver accountability speeches towards the end of his terms. During the speech, Suharto outlined the achievements that his administration had made and how those achievements had adhered to the GBHN set by the MPR. Despite the constitutional and democratic façade, Suharto made sure that the MPR was also subservient to him. In 1969, a law was passed that required appointments to the MPR to be made official by the president. He also took measures that largely emasculated the opposition parties. For the better part of Suharto's rule, he effectively held all governing power in the nation.

Reformation era

Suharto fell from power in May 1998 and the presidency experienced changes as a result of the reform movement. Compared to Suharto, who had all of his accountability speeches accepted, B. J. Habibie had his only accountability speech rejected. Abdurrahman Wahid then became the first president who had to beat another candidate to be elected, as Sukarno and Suharto had been sole candidates. As a result of this, Wahid was also the first president to be elected through counting votes instead of by acclamation. However, Wahid ended his presidency by being impeached by the MPR, a clear sign that while the presidency is the key institution, it is still subservient to the MPR. Wahid was replaced by his Vice-President, Megawati Sukarnoputri, daughter of Sukarno and former opposition leader during Suharto's presidency. Sukarnoputri is the first and, so far, only female ever to become President of Indonesia.

During the 2001 MPR Annual Session, it was finally decided that from 2004 onwards, the president will directly be elected by the people. In 2004 Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono became Indonesia's first directly elected president, beating incumbent Megawati Sukarnoputri in the runoff election. In 2014, Yudhoyono finished his second presidential term and was barred from seeking re-election.

The 3rd Indonesian presidential election was held on 9 July 2014 and matched former general and Suharto's ex-son in law Prabowo Subianto against the governor of Jakarta, Joko Widodo. On 22 July the General Elections Commission announced Joko Widodo's victory. He and his vice-president, Jusuf Kalla, were sworn-in on 20 October 2014, for a 5-year term.

The presidency

See also: Constitution of Indonesia and Provisional Constitution of 1950

Requirements to run for office

The 1945 Constitution: The presidential candidate has to be of Indonesian origin.

The Provisional Constitution: The presidential candidate has to be an Indonesian citizen aged at least 30 years old. He cannot be someone who is deemed to be undesirable or has had his right to take part in elections stripped. He is also required to not be involved with any private corporations.

The Amended 1945 Constitution: The presidential candidate has to be an Indonesian citizen since his/her birth, who has not willingly become a citizen in another nation, has not betrayed the nation, and is physically and mentally capable of performing the duties. Amended Constitution also states that further criteria will be determined by laws. The president is also required to be nominated by a Political Party or a coalition of Political Parties.

2008 Law No. 42 Regarding Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections: The presidential candidate must:

• Believe in the one and only God;
• have been an Indonesian citizen since his/her birth, who has not willingly become a citizen of another nation;
• have not betrayed the nation, and has not been involved in any corruption or other criminal activity;
• be physically and mentally capable of performing the duties;
• be a permanent resident in the territory of the Republic of Indonesia;
• have reported his/her wealth to the Corruption Eradication Commission;
• have no debt individually or collectively that can create a loss for the state;
• have not been declared bankrupt by a court decision;
• never been involved in any despicable act;
• be registered as a voter;
• be registered as a tax payer and have paid taxes for at least the last five years;
• have never previously served as president for two terms;
• faithful to Pancasila, the 1945 Constitution, and the vision of the Indonesian Declaration of Independence;
• have never been sentenced to jail for more than five years;
• not be less than 35 years of age;
• have attended school at least to the Senior High School or other at the same level;
• never have been a member of the Communist Party of Indonesia or the mass organisation of that party;
• have a vision, mission, and programs to execute the office of president.

Election, oath/promise/statement of office, term of office, Constitutional requirement

The 1945 Constitution: Together with the vice-president, the president is elected by the MPR with the largest amount of votes. The president-elect is also required to read either an oath or a promise of office before officially becoming president. The term of office is Five years and after that the president can be re-elected again.

The Provisional Constitution: Together with the vice-president, the president is elected according to rules specified by laws. The president-elect is required to read either an oath or a promise or a statement of office before officially becoming president. The president is constitutionally required to live where the seat of Government is.

The Amended 1945 Constitution: Together with the vice-president, the president is elected directly by the people on a ticket. Further election rules are determined by laws passed by the DPR. The president-elect is required to read either an oath or a promise of office before officially becoming president. The term of office is five years and after that the president can be re-elected for only one more term.

Oath of Office of the President of the Republic of Indonesia: "I swear by Allah to fulfill the duties of president (vice-president) of the Republic of Indonesia to the best of my capabilities and in the fairest way possible, to uphold the Constitution by all means and to execute all laws and regulations as straightforwardly as possible as well as to dedicate myself to the service of the Nation and the People."

Pledge of Office of the President of the Republic of Indonesia: "I solemnly pledge to fulfill the duties of president (vice-president) of the Republic of Indonesia to the best of my capabilities and in the fairest way possible, to uphold the Constitution by all means and to execute all laws and regulations as straightforwardly as possible as well as to dedicate myself to the service of the nation and the people."

Powers

The 1945 Constitution: The president has constitutional authority over the Government and has the power to name and remove ministers. He has the power to create laws with the agreement of the People's Representative Council (DPR), to make Government regulations in accordance with laws, and in the case of emergencies has the power to make Government regulations in lieu of law. Militarily, the president holds supreme authority over the Army, Navy, and Air Force whilst security-wise, the president has the power to declare a State of Emergency. Diplomatically, the president, with the agreement of the DPR, has the power to declare war, peace, and to sign treaties. In addition, he or she appoints ambassadors and consuls as well as accepting ambassadors from other countries. Finally, the president has power to give amnesties and pardons as well as awarding titles and honours.

The Provisional Constitution: The president has the power to name cabinets and appoint the prime minister with the advice of formateurs. The president is able to remove ministers from office and has the right to be informed of important matters by the Council of Ministers. As the head of state, the president has the power to dissolve the DPR and order for an election to be held within 30 days. Militarily, the president holds supreme authority over the Armed Forces although any decision on this matter needs to be countersigned by the appropriate ministers and wartime control of troops has to be placed under an Armed Forces Commander. The President requires permission from the DPR to declare war and sign treaties although he or she has independent power to appoint ambassadors and to accept them. The president also has the power to grant pardons.

The Amended 1945 Constitution: The President has constitutional authority over the government and has the power to name and remove ministers. He or she has the right to propose bills to DPR, to discuss bills with the DPR to reach an agreement, make government regulations in accordance with laws, and in the case of emergencies has the power to make Government regulations in lieu of law. Militarily, the president holds supreme authority over the Indonesian National Armed Forces. Diplomatically, the president can only sign treaties, appoint ambassadors, accept ambassadors from other countries, rehabillitate prisoners, and appoint Judicial Committee members with the DPR's agreement. The president has the power to grant pardons but must consider the advice of the Supreme Court. The president also has the final say over chief justice candidates.

Assistance in performing duties

The 1945 Constitution: The president is assisted by the vice-president and his or her ministers. The president is also able to seek advice from the Supreme Advisory Council (DPA).

The Provisional Constitution: The president is assisted by the vice-president.

The Amended 1945 Constitution: The president is assisted by the vice-president and his ministers. The president is also allowed to form his own advisory teams which will further be regulated by laws passed by DPR.

Line of succession and impeachment

The 1945 Constitution: If the president dies, resigns, or is unable to perform his/her duties for any reason, he/she is replaced by the vice-president.

The Provisional Constitution: If the president dies, resigns, or is unable to perform his/her duties for any reason, he/she is replaced by the vice-president.

The Amended 1945 Constitution: If the president dies, resigns, or is unable to perform his/her duties for any reason, he/she is replaced by the vice-president. If the president and the vice-president die, resign, or are unable to perform their duties for any reason, the government will be taken over together by the minister of foreign affairs, minister of internal affairs and minister of defence. Then the MPR will elect a new president from the two candidates nominated by the political parties whose candidates were the winner and the runner-up in the previous presidential election. Under the amended constitution, the president can now be impeached and removed from office. If the president is viewed to be unfit to perform his duties and has committed crimes such as corruption or betraying the nation, the DPR can appeal to the Supreme Court to try the president. Furthermore, the DPR can ask the Constitutional Court to look into the matter, during which it has 90 days to make a decision. With the decision made, the DPR can motion for the MPR to convene. The president would then be given one last chance to defend himself before the MPR makes the decision whether or not the president should be impeached.

Post-Presidency

Law 7 of 1978 stipulates that former presidents are entitled to a pension. Former presidents are also entitled to a house with electricity, water, and telephone bills covered by the government. In addition to that former presidents will have free healthcare for their families and a car with chauffeur.

List of presidents

Main article: List of Presidents of Indonesia

Timeline

During the Indonesian National Revolution

See also: Indonesian National Revolution

• Ir. Sukarno (18 August 1945 – 18 December 1948)
• Sjafruddin Prawiranegara (19 December 1948 – 13 July 1949) – Head of Emergency Government
• Ir. Sukarno (14 July 1949 – 17 December 1949)
• Assaat (17 December 1949 – 15 August 1950) – during the United States of Indonesia
• Ir. Sukarno (from 15 August 1950) – upon (re)-establishment of the unitary Republic of Indonesia.

Living former presidents

As of April 2024, there are three living former Presidents. The most recent death of a former President is that of Abdurrahman Wahid (1999–2001) on 30 December 2009.

Name	Term of office	Date of birth
Bacharuddin Jusuf Habibie	1998–1999	(1936-06-25) 25 June 1936
Megawati Sukarnoputri	2001–2004	(1947-01-23) 23 January 1947
Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono	2004–2014	(1949-09-09) 9 September 1949

See also

• Presidential state car
• Air Indonesia One

External links

• (Indonesian) Republic of Indonesia Presidential Documents, from the National Library of Indonesia
• (Indonesian) 1945 Constitution
• (Indonesian) Provisional Constitution