ANALISIS PUTUSAN MAHKAMAH KONSTITUSI NOMOR 154/PUU-XXIII/2025 TERKAIT BATAS PENDIDIKAN CALON PRESIDEN DAN WAKIL PRESIDEN

Abstract

This study examines the debate concerning the minimum educational requirements for presidential and vice-presidential candidates following Constitutional Court Decision No. 154/PUU-XXIII/2025, which maintains the requirement of a high school diploma or equivalent. The study aims to analyze the Court’s legal reasoning and its implications for candidate nomination in general elections. This research employs a normative legal method using statutory, constitutional, case, and conceptual approaches. Legal materials were obtained through a literature review and analyzed qualitatively based on legal argumentation. The findings show that the Constitutional Court considers educational requirements to be part of an open legal policy under the authority of the legislature. This reasoning is consistent with the Court’s position as a negative legislator that does not create new legal norms. However, the decision is considered insufficient in addressing the rationality and proportionality of educational qualifications in relation to leadership quality. While the ruling preserves broad political participation by maintaining a minimum high school standard, it may also create a gap between legal requirements and public expectations regarding the competence of national leaders. Therefore, lawmakers are encouraged to reassess educational requirements in a balanced manner that supports leadership quality while safeguarding citizens’ political rights.