Indonesia’s Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka submitted his resignation to President Prabowo Subianto and parliament on Thursday, the speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly said, as the government confronts public anger over the economy, corruption and devastating wildfires. The 39-year-old, the eldest son of former President Joko Widodo, stepped down after serving two years of a five-year term and after courts last month questioned whether the documents he submitted about his overseas education met election requirements. His exit deepens uncertainty in Southeast Asia’s largest economy and adds to pressure on Prabowo’s administration.
Key Takeaways: Gibran offered to resign on Tuesday but it was initially unclear whether Prabowo accepted; a cabinet minister said the president urged him to defend himself. The Constitutional Court and Supreme Court ruled that his overseas education documents did not meet election requirements, while critics allege he never received a high school diploma. Under the constitution, the vice-presidential vacancy does not trigger a new election; the People’s Consultative Assembly must choose a replacement from two presidential nominees within 60 days.
The resignation follows a petition submitted on Wednesday to House of Representatives leaders by 120 lawmakers from eight political parties, initiating a process that could lead to impeachment. Under Indonesian law, House leaders must form a special committee to examine whether Gibran violated the constitution by serving despite allegedly failing to meet election requirements. If lawmakers find sufficient basis, the House must ask the Constitutional Court to rule on whether a constitutional violation occurred. The vice presidency has few constitutionally defined powers beyond representing the president at official events and taking over if the president is incapacitated.
Gibran had said he wanted to avoid a prolonged political controversy, according to the account of Tuesday’s meeting. A cabinet minister said Prabowo urged him to defend himself, and it was not immediately clear whether the president had accepted the resignation offer. The controversy over his academic credentials has unfolded separately from another investigation into allegations that top police officials were involved in wiretapping targeting the president, according to officials. The education documents dispute has become a focal point for critics who say the eligibility rules were unevenly applied.
Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets in recent weeks over economic hardship, corruption, perceived authoritarianism and the government’s handling of months of wildfires whose toxic haze has made thousands ill. The political crisis now tests Prabowo’s ability to stabilize his coalition and restore public confidence. Attention will focus on whether the House forms the special committee, whether the Constitutional Court is asked to rule, and whom the MPR nominates within the 60-day window. The vacancy also raises questions about the government’s legislative agenda as Indonesia navigates economic and environmental emergencies.
Source: www.aljazeera.com