Indonesia Vice President Steps Down

Indonesia's Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka resigned on Thursday, ending a term marked by legal challenges to his academic background. The 39-year-old son of former President Joko Widodo delivered his formal notice to the leadership of the People's Consultative Assembly in Jakarta. He left the meeting without speaking to reporters.

President Prabowo Subianto accepted the resignation during a televised address on Thursday afternoon. Standing beside Raka and parliamentary leaders at the presidential palace, Prabowo described the decision as a heavy but necessary step. He stated that Raka chose to resign for the greater interest of the nation and the state.

Prabowo commended Raka for demonstrating courage and responsibility. He cited Raka's visits to 35 provinces and 149 regencies and cities as evidence of his dedication. The President noted that Raka inspected 303 government projects over the past two years. Prabowo said many government achievements would have been difficult to reach without Raka's contributions.

The resignation follows court rulings last month that determined Raka's overseas education documents did not meet election requirements. Indonesian law requires presidential candidates to hold a high school diploma or equivalent. Because Raka finished secondary school abroad, he had to prove his qualifications matched an Indonesian diploma. The courts found his submitted documents insufficient.

Raka's eligibility was further complicated by his age. He was under the standard 40-year-old minimum for vice presidential candidates. A Constitutional Court ruling in October 2023 allowed him to run because he had served as a regional leader. Critics of that decision viewed it as a conflict of interest. Raka offered to resign on Tuesday to avoid prolonged political debate and handed his letter to Prabowo on Wednesday.

A group of 120 lawmakers from eight parties submitted a petition to the House leadership on Wednesday. That action began a process that could have resulted in impeachment. Instead, the vacancy will be filled through a parliamentary vote. The President will nominate two candidates, and the assembly must choose one within 60 days. No new election will be held.

Joko Widodo, speaking from his hometown of Solo, said political dynamics are normal in public office. He added that he had reminded his son that political positions are temporary. The family plans to continue supporting the current government and its public programs. Speaker Ahmad Muzani said parliamentary leaders would convene immediately to begin selecting a replacement.