Indonesian Vice President Steps Down as Questions Over Academic Qualifications Grow
Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka Resigns Amid Education Row: Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has resigned from his post, according to Ahmad Muzani, Speaker of the country’s upper house of parliament. Gibran, the son of former President Joko Widodo, was facing questions over his educational qualifications.
Sources familiar with the matter said Gibran informed President Prabowo Subianto about his decision late Wednesday night. The President has reportedly accepted his resignation.
Following his exit, the process of selecting a new Vice President for the remaining term until 2029 is expected to begin.
Under Indonesia’s Constitution, a fresh election is not required if the Vice President’s position becomes vacant. Instead, the President will nominate two candidates, and the People’s Consultative Assembly will select one of them within 60 days.
According to an AP report, the Supreme Court ruled last month that documents related to Gibran’s foreign education did not meet the election requirements.
The controversy intensified on Wednesday when 120 lawmakers from eight political parties submitted a petition to parliament, starting a process that could have led to his impeachment.
Gibran was elected Vice President alongside Prabowo Subianto in the 2024 elections. His candidacy had earlier faced criticism over allegations that his father, Joko Widodo, influenced a court ruling that changed election rules to allow him to contest.
His resignation comes amid growing differences between Prabowo and Widodo, raising concerns about political stability. The government is already facing challenges over various controversies and economic management.
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However, Joko Widodo has said that he will continue supporting Prabowo’s government, particularly its programmes aimed at public welfare.
