President of Indonesia
Encyclopedia
The President of the Republic of Indonesia is the head of state
and the head of government
of the Republic of Indonesia.
The first president was Sukarno
and the current president is Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono
.
was elected by acclamation. The election was conducted by the Committee for the Preparation of Indonesian Independence (PPKI) because the body responsible for the Presidential elections, the People's Consultative Assembly
(MPR), had not been formed yet. 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 mandate for Syarifuddin 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 confirms the President's role as the Head of State and his duty to appoint a Prime Minister on the advice of formateurs. Sukarno was never content with the role of ceremonial Head of State and did not like Parliamentary Democracy. The people were also not happy with Parliamentary Democracy. 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. With that, Sukarno took back full power and also became the Head of the Government.
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.
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 the presidency is now subservient to the MPR.
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.
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 about Presidential and Vice Presidential Election: The Presidential candidate must be:
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: The Pledge of the President (Vice President):
"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."
(DPR) ,to make Government regulations in accordance to laws, and in the case of emergencies has the power to make Government regulations as a substitute to laws. 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 sign treaties. In addition, he appoints ambassadors and consuls as well as accepting ambassadors from other countries. Finally, the President has power to give amnesty and pardon 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 the 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 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 has the right to propose bills to DPR, to discuss bills with the DPR to reach an agreement, make Government regulations in accordance to laws, and in the case of emergencies has the power to make Government regulations as a substitute to laws. Militarily, the President holds supreme authority over the Army, Navy, and Air Force. 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.
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.
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 there is no Vice President, the government will be taken over together by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Internal Affairs and Minister of Defense. Then the MPR will elect a new president from the two candidates nominated by the political parties whose candidates are the winner and the runner-up in the past 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 and 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.
Head of State
A head of state is the individual that serves as the chief public representative of a monarchy, republic, federation, commonwealth or other kind of state. His or her role generally includes legitimizing the state and exercising the political powers, functions, and duties granted to the head of...
and the head of government
Head of government
Head of government is the chief officer of the executive branch of a government, often presiding over a cabinet. In a parliamentary system, the head of government is often styled prime minister, chief minister, premier, etc...
of the Republic of Indonesia.
The first president was Sukarno
Sukarno
Sukarno, born Kusno Sosrodihardjo was the first President of Indonesia.Sukarno was the leader of his country's struggle for independence from the Netherlands and was Indonesia's first President from 1945 to 1967...
and the current president is Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono
Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono
Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono AC , is an Indonesian politician and retired Army general officer who has been President of Indonesia since 2004....
.
Sukarno era
The Indonesian Presidency was established during the formulation of the 1945 constitution by the Researching Body for the Preparation of the Indonesian Independence (BPUPKI). The office was first filled on 18 August 1945 when SukarnoSukarno
Sukarno, born Kusno Sosrodihardjo was the first President of Indonesia.Sukarno was the leader of his country's struggle for independence from the Netherlands and was Indonesia's first President from 1945 to 1967...
was elected by acclamation. The election was conducted by the Committee for the Preparation of Indonesian Independence (PPKI) because the body responsible for the Presidential elections, the People's Consultative Assembly
People's Consultative Assembly
The People's Consultative Assembly is the legislative branch in Indonesia's political system. It is composed of the members of the People's Representative Council and the Regional Representative Council. Before 2004, and the amendments to the 1945 Constitution, the MPR was the highest governing...
(MPR), had not been formed yet. On 16 October 1945, Vice President Mohammad Hatta
Mohammad Hatta
was born in Bukittinggi, West Sumatra, Dutch East Indies . He was Indonesia's first vice president, later also serving as the country's Prime Minister. Known as "The Proclamator", he and a number of Indonesians, including the first president of Indonesia, Sukarno, fought for the independence of...
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
De facto
De facto is a Latin expression that means "concerning fact." In law, it often means "in practice but not necessarily ordained by law" or "in practice or actuality, but not officially established." It is commonly used in contrast to de jure when referring to matters of law, governance, or...
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
Indonesian National Revolution
The Indonesian National Revolution or Indonesian War of Independence was an armed conflict and diplomatic struggle between Indonesia and the Dutch Empire, and an internal social revolution...
, both Sukarno and Hatta were captured by the Dutch in Yogyakarta on 18 December 1948. Sukarno then gave mandate for Syarifuddin 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
Unitary state
A unitary state is a state governed as one single unit in which the central government is supreme and any administrative divisions exercise only powers that their central government chooses to delegate...
, 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 confirms the President's role as the Head of State and his duty to appoint a Prime Minister on the advice of formateurs. Sukarno was never content with the role of ceremonial Head of State and did not like Parliamentary Democracy. The people were also not happy with Parliamentary Democracy. 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. With that, Sukarno took back full power and also became the Head of the Government.
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. In doing so, Suharto established an environment where it would be easy for him to be re-elected.Reformation era
Suharto fell from power in May 1998 and the Presidency experienced changes that was brought forth by the Reformasi (reformation movement). Compared to Suharto, who had all of his accountability speeches accepted, BJ Habibie had his only accountability speech rejected. Abdurrahman WahidAbdurrahman Wahid
Abdurrahman Wahid, born Abdurrahman Addakhil , colloquially known as , was an Indonesian Muslim religious and political leader who served as the President of Indonesia from 1999 to 2001...
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 the presidency is now subservient to the MPR.
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
Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono
Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono AC , is an Indonesian politician and retired Army general officer who has been President of Indonesia since 2004....
became Indonesia's first directly elected President.
The Presidency
Requirements to run for office
The 1945 Constitution: The Presidential candidate has to be of Indonesian origins.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 about Presidential and Vice Presidential Election: The Presidential candidate must be:
- Believe in the one and only God;
- an Indonesian citizen since his/her birth, who has not willingly become a citizen in another nation;
- has not betrayed the nation, and has not involved in any corruption or other criminal;
- physically and mentally capable of performing the duties;
- a permanent resident in the territory of the Republic of Indonesia;
- already report his/her wealth to the Corruption Eradication Commission;
- has not any debt individually or collectively that can make the state has a loss;
- has not been declared bankrupt by the court decision;
- never involved in any despicable act;
- registered as a voter;
- registered as the tax payer and already pay the tax for at least for the last five years;
- never assuming office as President for two terms before;
- faithful to the Pancasila, the 1945 Constitution, and the vision of the Indonesian Declaration of IndependenceIndonesian Declaration of IndependenceThe Proclamation of Indonesian Independence was read at 10.00 a.m. on Friday, August 17, 1945. The declaration marked the start of the diplomatic and armed-resistance of the Indonesian National Revolution, fighting against the forces of the Netherlands until the latter officially acknowledged...
; - never sentenced to the jail for more than five years;
- not be less than 35 years of age;
- attended school at least to the Senior High School or others with the same level;
- never be a member of the Communist Party of IndonesiaCommunist Party of IndonesiaThe Communist Party of Indonesia was the largest non-ruling communist party in the world prior to being crushed in 1965 and banned the following year.-Forerunners:...
or the mass organization of that party; - has a vision, mission, and programs to executing 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: The Pledge of the President (Vice President):
"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 CouncilPeople's Representative Council
The People's Representative Council , sometimes referred to as the House of Representatives, is one of two elected national legislative assemblies in Indonesia....
(DPR) ,to make Government regulations in accordance to laws, and in the case of emergencies has the power to make Government regulations as a substitute to laws. 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 sign treaties. In addition, he appoints ambassadors and consuls as well as accepting ambassadors from other countries. Finally, the President has power to give amnesty and pardon 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 the 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 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 has the right to propose bills to DPR, to discuss bills with the DPR to reach an agreement, make Government regulations in accordance to laws, and in the case of emergencies has the power to make Government regulations as a substitute to laws. Militarily, the President holds supreme authority over the Army, Navy, and Air Force. 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 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 there is no Vice President, the government will be taken over together by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Internal Affairs and Minister of Defense. Then the MPR will elect a new president from the two candidates nominated by the political parties whose candidates are the winner and the runner-up in the past 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 and 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 his family and a car with chauffeur.During the Indonesian National Revolution
- Ir. Sukarno (18 August 1945-18 December 1948)
- Ir. Sukarno (13 July 1949-17 December 1949)
- AssaatAssaatAssaat Datuk Mudo , known as Mr. Assaat, was born in Banuhampu, West Sumatera, Dutch East Indies . He was former president Republic of Indonesia sat on Yogyakarta part of the United States of Indonesia. Reign from December 1949 until August 1950...
(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 December 30, 2009, there are two living former presidents- Bacharuddin Jusuf Habibie
- Megawati SukarnoputriMegawati SukarnoputriIn this Indonesian name, the name "Sukarnoputri" is a patronymic, not a family name, and the person should be referred to by the given name "Megawati"....