Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka Resigns Amid Eligibility Dispute and Growing Public Dissatisfaction

Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has submitted his resignation after serving two years of his five-year term, following mounting pressure related to questions about his eligibility and a broader wave of public discontent.

The resignation was formally presented to President Prabowo Subianto and the parliament on Thursday, as announced by the speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly. Gibran, the eldest son of former President Joko Widodo and Prabowo’s immediate predecessor, faced increasing scrutiny over his educational credentials after recent court rulings cast doubt on his high school diploma.

Under Indonesia’s constitutional framework, a vacancy in the vice presidency does not necessitate a new election. The role will remain vacant until the People’s Consultative Assembly selects a successor from candidates nominated by the president within a 60-day period.

Gibran had previously offered to resign on Tuesday, expressing a desire to avert prolonged political controversy. However, a cabinet minister indicated that President Prabowo had encouraged Gibran to defend himself, leaving the acceptance of the resignation offer uncertain at that time.

The powers constitutionally vested in the Indonesian vice president are limited, primarily involving acting as the president’s representative at official functions and assuming the presidency in case of the incumbent’s incapacitation.

Concerns regarding Gibran’s eligibility intensified after the Constitutional Court and the Supreme Court ruled last month that the documentation submitted concerning his overseas education did not satisfy election requirements. Critics have alleged that he never obtained a high school diploma.

Adding to the political pressure, a petition initiated by 120 lawmakers from eight political parties was submitted to the leaders of the House of Representatives on Wednesday. This action commenced a parliamentary procedure that could potentially lead to Gibran’s impeachment. Indonesian law mandates the establishment of a special committee by the House leaders to investigate potential constitutional violations by Gibran in serving as vice president despite alleged non-compliance with election prerequisites. Should the House find sufficient grounds, the matter would be referred to the Constitutional Court for a definitive ruling.

Gibran’s departure occurs against a backdrop of widespread public protests concerning economic hardships, corruption, perceived authoritarian tendencies, and the government's response to devastating wildfires that have produced toxic haze and caused widespread illness.

The situation also unfolds amidst investigations into allegations of wiretapping targeting the president, reportedly involving high-ranking police officials. While the academic credentials investigation appears distinct from the wiretapping scandal, both contribute to a climate of political instability.