Political tension over VP Gibran won't hit economy, minister says

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto expressed confidence Wednesday that political friction surrounding Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka will not harm Indonesia’s economic performance or deter foreign investment.

"We hope that this will not affect investment or the nation’s economic potential," Airlangga said, adding that his office remains focused on maintaining solid economic fundamentals despite domestic political developments.

Addressing investor unease, Airlangga urged market participants to distinguish between temporary market sentiment and underlying economic strength.

"These are sentimental factors, not fundamental ones. It is important for the market to be able to distinguish between what is sentimental and what is fundamental," he explained.

Airlangga noted that high-growth nations frequently separate politics from business to shield economic performance from political volatility.

"In many countries with high growth rates and rising prosperity, there is typically a separation between politics and the economy," he added.

The minister's comments follow mounting political strain in parliament, where 120 lawmakers signed a proposal to exercise the Right to Express an Opinion concerning Gibran.

During a meeting with house leadership Wednesday, motion proponents argued that impeachment proceedings should be pursued, asserting the vice president no longer meets eligibility requirements.

The parliamentary push stems from recent rulings by the Constitutional Court and Supreme Court.

The Constitutional Court found no convincing proof of high school credentials equivalent to foreign diplomas, while the Supreme Court invalidated the high school completion document Gibran submitted during his 2024 campaign.

Translator: Imamatul Silfia, Yashinta Difa
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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