Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka resigned on Thursday as questions intensified regarding his eligibility for office following recent court rulings that disputed his educational credentials. Raka, the 39-year-old son of former President Joko Widodo, submitted his resignation letter to the leadership of the People’s Consultative Assembly at the parliament building in Jakarta.
Resignation and Reactions
Raka did not offer comments as he departed from the meeting. His father, Widodo, stated from his hometown in Solo that political dynamics are normal in public office and mentioned that he had reminded his son of the temporary nature of political positions. Widodo added that they will maintain their support for President Prabowo’s administration, particularly programs focused on the public interest.
According to reporting by The Associated Press, Raka had initially offered to resign during a Tuesday meeting with Prabowo to prevent a prolonged political controversy, and subsequently delivered his resignation letter to the president on Wednesday. Prabowo addressed the nation on Thursday afternoon at the presidential palace, flanked by Raka and top parliamentary leaders, announcing that he accepted the resignation with a heavy heart. Prabowo commended Raka for demonstrating courage, responsibility, and statesmanship by stepping down for the greater interest of the nation and the Indonesian people.
Prabowo highlighted Raka’s contributions during the election campaign and their two years in government, noting Raka’s travels to 35 provinces, 149 regencies and cities, and 303 government inspections of projects. Prabowo stated that he will continue to support Raka and wished strength for him and his family during a difficult period. Under the Indonesian Constitution, a vice presidential vacancy does not prompt a new election, and the position stays vacant until the People’s Consultative Assembly elects a replacement from two candidates nominated by the president within 60 days.
Constitutional Court Rulings and Academic Credential Disputes
The Constitutional Court and the Supreme Court ruled last month that the documents Raka submitted regarding his overseas education failed to meet election requirements. A subsequent petition was submitted Wednesday to the House leadership by 120 lawmakers representing eight political parties, initiating a parliamentary process that could have resulted in impeachment. The push for impeachment stemmed largely from long-running allegations that Raka’s candidacy was facilitated by a prior Constitutional Court ruling viewed by critics as a conflict of interest and an example of dynastic privilege.
Prior to Prabowo selecting him as a running mate for the 2024 election, Raka did not meet the 40-year-old age requirement for vice presidential candidates, but a contentious October 2023 court ruling created an exception allowing individuals who served or were elected as regional leaders to run at a younger age. Indonesian election law mandates that presidential and vice-presidential candidates must complete senior high school or an equivalent education level. Because Raka finished his secondary education abroad, he needed to provide documents proving his qualifications matched an Indonesian high school diploma.
Raka marked the first vice president in Indonesia to resign before completing a term since the fall of dictator Suharto and the commencement of democratic reforms in 1998. Parliamentary Speaker Ahmad Muzani stated that parliamentary leaders were scheduled to convene immediately to initiate the process of selecting a successor, and requested prayers and support from all Indonesians to ensure the democratic process proceeds smoothly.
