Indonesia's vice president Gibran resigns over Diploma scandal as Prabowo accepts exit
Key Takeaways
- Gibran Rakabuming Raka stepped down following questions about his educational qualifications and eligibility for office.
- The Indonesian president said he accepted the resignation with a heavy heart, praising Gibran for prioritising national interests.
- Parliament must select a new vice president from two presidential nominees within 60 days.
President Prabowo Subianto praises Gibran Rakabuming Raka for putting national interests first as his resignation comes amid public dissatisfaction over the economy, corruption and wildfires.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has accepted the resignation of Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka following a controversy over his educational qualifications that raised questions about his eligibility to hold office.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Prabowo said he accepted the decision "with a heavy heart" and praised Gibran for acting "for a greater cause, for the interests of the nation, the state, and the people of Indonesia".
Gibran, 39, the eldest son of former President Joko Widodo, submitted his resignation to the People's Consultative Assembly in Jakarta after serving approximately two years of his five-year term.
His departure followed rulings by Indonesia's Constitutional Court and Supreme Court in October that questioned whether his overseas educational documents satisfied the legal requirements for contesting the 2024 vice-presidential election.
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The Constitutional Court found insufficient evidence that his foreign education met the required secondary-school qualification. The Supreme Court subsequently invalidated the equivalency certificate used to support his candidacy.
Gibran had faced growing pressure from lawmakers, with 120 members of parliament from eight political parties supporting a proposal that could have led to impeachment proceedings.
He had informed Prabowo of his intention to resign during a meeting on Tuesday, explaining that he wanted to avoid a prolonged political controversy.
Gibran's resignation also comes amid public dissatisfaction over economic difficulties, corruption and the government's handling of widespread wildfires.
His departure has drawn attention to the political relationship between Prabowo and former President Widodo, whose support helped secure their victory in the 2024 election.
Under Indonesia's Constitution, the resignation will not trigger a fresh national election.
Instead, Prabowo must nominate two candidates, from whom the People's Consultative Assembly will select a replacement within 60 days.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
