Indonesia’s Vice President Gibran Resigns Amid Controversy Over Educational Qualifications

Indonesia’s Vice President, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, has resigned from office amid a growing controversy over his educational qualifications and eligibility to serve in the country’s highest political leadership.

Gibran, 39, submitted his resignation to President Prabowo Subianto and parliament on Thursday, according to the Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly.

President Prabowo confirmed that he had accepted the resignation, describing the decision as one he received with a heavy heart.

Gibran is the eldest son of former Indonesian President Joko Widodo, who served as the country’s leader before Prabowo assumed office.

Reacting to his son’s resignation, Widodo said political developments were a normal part of public service, adding that he had reminded Gibran that political positions were temporary.

The former president also reaffirmed his support for Prabowo’s administration, particularly its policies aimed at improving the welfare of Indonesians.

Gibran’s resignation comes after just two years in office, despite being elected for a five-year term alongside Prabowo.

His eligibility had come under scrutiny following court rulings that questioned the validity of documents submitted to establish his overseas educational qualifications.

The Constitutional Court and Supreme Court reportedly ruled last month that the educational documents presented by Gibran did not satisfy the requirements for election eligibility.

Critics have also questioned whether he obtained a recognised high school diploma.

The controversy intensified on Wednesday after 120 lawmakers from eight political parties submitted a petition to the leadership of the House of Representatives, initiating a parliamentary process that could have led to his impeachment.

Under Indonesian law, the House is required to establish a special committee to investigate allegations that Gibran violated constitutional requirements by occupying the vice-presidential office.

If lawmakers find sufficient grounds for the allegations, the matter must be referred to the Constitutional Court for a determination.

Gibran had reportedly offered to resign on Tuesday during a meeting with Prabowo, saying he wanted to prevent the controversy from developing into a prolonged political crisis.

However, a cabinet minister said the president initially encouraged him to defend himself against the allegations.

Under Indonesia’s Constitution, the resignation of a vice president does not automatically trigger a fresh election.

Instead, the People’s Consultative Assembly is required to elect a replacement from two candidates nominated by the president within 60 days.

The resignation comes amid growing public dissatisfaction with the government over economic hardship, corruption allegations and environmental challenges.

Thousands of Indonesians have recently staged protests over rising economic difficulties, perceived authoritarianism and the government’s handling of devastating wildfires that have generated toxic haze and reportedly made thousands of people ill.

The country is also facing investigations into allegations that senior police officials were involved in wiretapping activities targeting the president, although the investigation into Gibran’s educational qualifications is reportedly unrelated to the matter.

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