Indonesia’s Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka resigns amid degree controversy

Jakarta — Indonesia’s Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has resigned amid growing controversy over his educational qualifications and eligibility for office. He submitted his resignation to the leadership of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR), the country’s upper legislative body, with Assembly Speaker Ahmad Muzani confirming the development.

The 39-year-old son of former President Joko Widodo was elected vice president alongside President Prabowo Subianto in the 2024 election. Questions intensified after Indonesia’s Constitutional Court and Supreme Court ruled last month that documents he submitted regarding his overseas education did not meet election requirements.

The Supreme Court also invalidated a high-school equivalency certificate issued to Gibran in 2019. Indonesian law requires presidential and vice-presidential candidates to have completed senior secondary school or an equivalent level of education.

Following the ruling, at least 120 lawmakers from eight political parties submitted a petition, initiating a parliamentary process that could have led to impeachment proceedings against him.

In a video statement, Gibran said his resignation was a personal decision and had nothing to do with his diploma. However, he said the move was necessary to preserve the government’s ability to function and avoid a prolonged political controversy.

Under Indonesia’s Constitution, a vacancy in the vice presidency does not trigger a new election. President Prabowo will nominate two candidates to the MPR, which has up to 60 days to elect a replacement.