Members of the Forum Kebangsaan Yogyakarta removed a portrait of Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka from the walls of the Budget Committee (Banggar) room at the Yogyakarta Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD DIY) office on Wednesday, November 4, 2026. The act occurred during an audience held by the group, which includes various activists and public figures, to express concerns regarding the current state of national affairs.
Spontaneous Removal During DPRD DIY Audience
The incident took place as the group entered the meeting room to engage with council members. Participants were heard shouting, “Bismillahirohmanirohim, let us take down the idol!” before removing the frame from the right side of the podium. The action was followed by the group cheering and reciting expressions of gratitude. Participants then posed for photos with the portrait after it had been placed on the floor, while others urged them not to damage the item.
Imam Taufik stated that the photo was only taken down for the duration of the audience and was returned to its position once the meeting concluded. He emphasized that the council is currently awaiting formal guidance from central institutions, including the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) and the Constitutional Court (MK), regarding broader political concerns raised by the public.
Did You Know? The Supreme Court (MA) issued a ruling on October 30, 2026, in case number 742 K/TUN/2026, which declared the certificate of equivalence for Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s high school diploma invalid and ordered it to be destroyed. The ruling, which canceled a previous decision by the Jakarta Administrative Court, was the result of a cassation filed by H.M. Subhan against the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.
Political Reactions and Future Implications
Jazilul Fawaid, Deputy Chairman of the National Awakening Party (PKB), characterized the removal as a symbolic expression of public sentiment, stating, “Jogja is a cultural city, our shout of taking down the idol is symbolic language that the Vice President is no longer fit to be placed at the top.” He suggested that the action serves as a de facto expression regarding the legal implications of the recent MA ruling.
In other circles, calls for the impeachment of the Vice President have gained traction. Eka Widodo, a member of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) from the PKB faction, reported receiving similar demands from members of Generation Z during his recent recess in Central Java. These constituents cited concerns over the 2024 presidential election process, specifically the Constitutional Court ruling 90/PUU-XXI/2023 regarding age requirements, and the legal status of the Vice President’s academic credentials as primary drivers for their dissatisfaction.
Meanwhile, Muhaimin Iskandar, Chairman of the PKB, noted on November 5, 2026, that the party is awaiting the steps taken by the DPR and MPR regarding the parliamentary inquiry (hak angket) related to the Vice President’s diploma. Previously, on October 24, 2026, Muhaimin had attended the inauguration of the PKB office in South Kalimantan.
Critics cite Supreme Court ruling following portrait removal
What legal basis do critics cite for their actions?
Critics frequently point to the October 30, 2026, Supreme Court (MA) ruling, which invalidated the administrative letter regarding the equivalence of the Vice President’s high school diploma. They argue this decision renders the current status of his candidacy and position legally questionable.
What is the official position of the DPRD DIY regarding the incident?
The DPRD DIY has clarified that the removal was not an official council act and that the portrait was reinstalled following the meeting. The council maintains that it is awaiting further instructions from central government institutions regarding the broader issues raised by the public.
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