Indonesia’s Vice President, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, has submitted his resignation following a controversy over his educational qualifications, adding to political uncertainty surrounding President Prabowo Subianto’s administration.
Gibran, 39, handed his resignation letter to the leadership of parliament’s People’s Consultative Assembly on Thursday, according to its Speaker, Ahmad Muzani.
Muzani said Gibran also informed the assembly that he had submitted the same letter to President Prabowo.
The resignation follows weeks of pressure over questions about whether Gibran’s overseas education met the requirements for contesting the 2024 vice presidential election.
Indonesia’s Supreme Court last month invalidated a certificate recognising his overseas education as equivalent to a high school qualification in the country.
The ruling renewed calls for his removal and triggered moves by lawmakers to begin impeachment proceedings.
Gibran, however, has defended his academic background, pointing to his studies in Singapore and the marketing degree he obtained there.
He previously argued that he could not have proceeded to university without completing the required level of education.
His resignation also comes amid growing public dissatisfaction with the government over economic hardship, corruption and its handling of environmental crises, including devastating wildfires.
Thousands of Indonesians have taken to the streets in recent weeks to protest government policies and what they describe as growing authoritarianism.
The development could also affect the political relationship between Prabowo and his predecessor, Joko Widodo, popularly known as Jokowi, who is Gibran’s father.
Jokowi’s political support helped secure the alliance that brought Prabowo and Gibran to power in the 2024 election.
Political analysts say Gibran’s departure could reduce the former president’s direct influence within the administration, while giving Prabowo more room to consolidate his leadership.
However, Jokowi has publicly reaffirmed his support for Prabowo’s government.
Under Indonesia’s constitutional arrangements, parliament’s People’s Consultative Assembly has up to 60 days to elect a replacement vice president.
Prabowo is expected to submit two candidates for consideration after receiving a formal request from the assembly.
The choice could have wider political implications, as the eventual replacement may become a potential running mate or rival in the 2029 presidential election.
Gibran’s resignation makes him the first Indonesian vice president to leave office before completing his term since the country’s democratic reforms began in 1998.
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