Vice President of Indonesia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia |
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Vice-presidential seal
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| Residence | Vice Presidential Palace |
| Seat | Jakarta |
| Appointer | Direct popular election |
| Term length | Five years, renewable once |
| Constituting instrument | Constitution of Indonesia |
| Inaugural holder | Mohammad Hatta |
| Formation | 18 August 1945 |
| Salary | Rp 42,160,000 per month |
The Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia (Indonesian: Wakil Presiden Republik Indonesia) is a very important leader in the Indonesian government. This person is the second-highest officer, right after the President. If anything happens to the President, the Vice President takes over.
Since 2004, both the President and Vice President are chosen directly by the people. They serve for five years. They can be re-elected only once.
Gibran Rakabuming Raka is the 14th and current Vice President of Indonesia. He is the youngest person ever to hold this job. He started his term on October 20, 2024.
Contents
How the Vice President's Job Started
Early Days: The Sukarno Era
The job of Vice President was created when Indonesia wrote its first Constitution in 1945. On August 18, 1945, Mohammad Hatta became the first Vice President. He was chosen by a special committee because the main group that usually picks the Vice President had not been formed yet.
Later, in October 1945, Vice President Hatta made a rule that gave a group called the Central Indonesian National Committee (KNIP) equal power with the President. This change meant that Indonesia started to act like a parliamentary democracy. In this system, the President is the head of state, and a Prime Minister is the head of government.
During the Indonesian National Revolution, both Hatta and President Sukarno were captured by the Dutch in 1948. They quickly set up an emergency government in Sumatra. This government helped keep Indonesia running until they were released.
After Indonesia became fully independent, a new temporary Constitution was made. This Constitution said the President's job was mostly ceremonial. Even though the Vice President's job still existed, it didn't have a big role. Because of disagreements with President Sukarno, Mohammad Hatta resigned as Vice President on December 1, 1956.
For the next 17 years, there was no Vice President. People talked about needing one, especially during difficult times in 1965. But the job stayed empty even when General Suharto became President.
The Suharto Era: A Less Powerful Role
In March 1973, Hamengkubuwono IX became Vice President, filling the long-empty position. After him, others like Adam Malik and BJ Habibie also held the job.
During President Suharto's time, the Vice President's role became much smaller. They mostly made sure government rules were followed and attended ceremonies. People even jokingly called the job a "spare tire" (ban serep). This meant the Vice President was there just in case, but didn't have much power. The Vice President didn't even take over presidential duties when Suharto was away or sick.
Modern Times: The Reform Era
When President Suharto left office in May 1998, BJ Habibie became President, and the Vice President job was empty again. In October 1999, Megawati Sukarnoputri was elected Vice President. This is when the job started to become important again.
Megawati was given real tasks to do. By 2000, she was even in charge of the daily running of the government. This showed that the Vice President's role was growing.
In 2001, a big decision was made: starting in 2004, the Vice President would be chosen directly by the people, along with the President. This made the job even more significant. Jusuf Kalla became Indonesia's first Vice President chosen directly by the people in 2004.
Becoming the Vice President
Who Can Be Vice President?
To become Vice President, a person must meet certain requirements. These rules are written in Indonesia's Constitution and other laws.
From the 1945 Constitution (Amended):
- Must be an Indonesian citizen from birth.
- Cannot willingly become a citizen of another country.
- Must not have betrayed the nation.
- Must be healthy enough, both physically and mentally, to do the job.
- Must be chosen by a political party or a group of parties.
From Law No. 42 of 2008 (More Details):
- Must believe in God.
- Must live permanently in Indonesia.
- Must have reported their personal wealth.
- Must not have big debts that could harm the country.
- Must not have been declared bankrupt by a court.
- Must not have done anything terrible.
- Must be registered to vote and pay taxes.
- Cannot have been Vice President for two terms before.
- Must support Indonesia's main principles (Pancasila) and the Constitution.
- Must not have been jailed for more than five years.
- Must be at least 35 years old.
- Must have finished at least high school.
- Must never have been part of the Communist Party of Indonesia.
- Must have a clear plan for what they will do as Vice President.
How They Are Chosen and How Long They Serve
The Vice President is elected directly by the people, along with the President. They run together as a team. Before officially starting, the Vice President must take an oath or make a promise.
The Vice President serves for five years. After that, they can be re-elected for one more term, but no more.
The Vice President's Promise
When a Vice President takes office, they say a special oath or promise. This shows they are committed to their duties.
Oath of Office: "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: "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."
What Powers Does the Vice President Have?
The Constitution doesn't list specific powers for the Vice President. Usually, the President gives the Vice President tasks to do. This means the Vice President's role can change depending on what the President needs help with.
What Happens if the Vice President Leaves Office?
If the President dies, resigns, or cannot do their job, the Vice President takes over. If both the President and Vice President cannot do their jobs, three ministers (Foreign Affairs, Internal Affairs, and Defense) temporarily take over. Then, a new President is chosen by the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR).
If only the Vice President's job becomes empty, the President suggests two candidates. The MPR then chooses a new Vice President from these candidates within 60 days.
The Vice President can also be removed from office. If they are seen as unfit or have committed serious crimes like corruption, the House of Representatives (DPR) can ask the Supreme Court to look into it. If the court agrees, the DPR can then ask the MPR to make a final decision. The Vice President gets a chance to defend themselves before the MPR decides.
Life After Being Vice President
After their term ends, former Vice Presidents receive a pension. They also get a house with bills paid by the government. Plus, they get free healthcare for their families and a car with a driver.
Special Awards and Honors
When someone becomes Vice President, they automatically receive some of Indonesia's highest awards. These are called "Star Decorations" (Tanda Kehormatan Bintang). They get the highest class of six out of seven civilian Star Decorations, including:
Star of the Republic of Indonesia, 2nd Class
Star of Mahaputera, 1st Class
Star of Service, 1st Class
Star of Humanity
Star of Democracy Upholder, 1st Class
Star of Meritorious Service for Culture
Timeline of Vice Presidents
More to Explore
- President of Indonesia
- Presidential state car
- Indonesian Air Force 01
- List of vice presidents of Indonesia
