Accountability of Minister Triumvirate as Acting Presidential Duties in the Situation of President and Vice President in Permanent Obstacle

Abstract

In the event of a simultaneous vacancy in the offices of the President and Vice President in Indonesia, Article 8, paragraph (3) of the 1945 Constitution mandates that the presidential duties are temporarily assumed by three ministers: the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Home Affairs, and the Minister of Defense, collectively referred to as the triumvirate. In this situation, the triumvirate ministers perform presidential duties on an interim basis, raising the need to understand the scope of their accountability in executing these functions. This study analyzes the legal accountability of the triumvirate as temporary executors of presidential duties, focusing on the limitations of authority and obligations assigned to them. The research employs normative legal methods, utilizing a legislative approach to understand the constitutional basis for the triumvirate in the 1945 Constitution, as well as a conceptual approach to outline the duties and responsibilities of the triumvirate within the context of constitutional law. The findings reveal that the triumvirate holds only limited administrative authority, closely monitored by the House of Representatives (DPR) and other relevant institutions, as Indonesia adheres to a presidential system of government. The accountability of the triumvirate is limited and aimed at ensuring the continuity of government operations until the election of a definitive President and Vice President. This study enhances understanding of high-level official accountability mechanisms in Indonesia’s constitutional system during emergencies, highlighting the importance of clear regulations to maintain governmental stability.