Prabowo to govern alone as Indonesia's VP post sits empty

Vice President Gibran resigns over credentials

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka submitted his resignation letter to the People's Consultative Assembly on Thursday, November 12, 2026, following court rulings on his educational credentials.

Courts ruled his high school diploma invalid

The Constitutional Court found no convincing evidence of an equivalent overseas high school diploma. The Supreme Court formally declared the submitted graduation documents invalid.

Prabowo will govern without a vice president

Coordinating Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra stated that President Prabowo Subianto can exercise executive power independently. The vacant vice-presidential position does not need to be filled immediately.

“It will not be filled by anyone. If there is no Vice President, the President simply exercises power himself.”

VP role is to assist, not decide independently

Under Indonesia's constitutional framework, a vice president lacks independent executive decision-making authority. Any policy or decree signed by a vice-presidential official legally constitutes the President's decision.

“Even if the Vice President were present within the country, he would not be able to make official decisions.”

Technology enables remote presidential governance

Modern communications technology enables seamless coordination between the head of state and cabinet. Ministers will continue running their portfolios domestically while others accompany the President abroad.

“The President can issue orders and instructions directly from abroad without any hindrance.”