Indonesia's VP resigns over eligibility questions

VP resigns over credentials dispute

Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, 39, submitted his resignation Thursday to the People's Consultative Assembly at parliament in Jakarta after courts questioned his educational credentials.

Courts ruled documents inadequate

The Constitutional Court and Supreme Court ruled last month that documents Raka submitted about his overseas education did not meet election requirements for the vice presidency.

Impeachment process had begun

One hundred twenty lawmakers from eight political parties submitted a petition Wednesday to the House leadership that began a parliamentary process that could have led to his impeachment.

Controversial court exception enabled candidacy

Before becoming Prabowo's running mate in 2024, Raka did not meet the age requirement of 40 for vice presidential candidates.A Constitutional Court ruling in October 2023 carved an exception allowing regional leaders to run younger.

Prabowo accepts resignation with praise

President Prabowo Subianto accepted Raka's resignation Thursday with a heavy heart, praising him for showing courage, responsibility and statesmanship. Prabowo highlighted Raka's visits to thirty-five provinces and one hundred forty-nine regencies and cities.

“He chose to resign for the greater interest of the nation, the state and the Indonesian people.”

Raka's father backs Prabowo's government

Joko Widodo, Raka's father and former president, told reporters that political positions are temporary and said the family will continue to support President Prabowo's government and its public interest programs.

“There will always be political dynamics in public office, that's normal.”

Replacement process begins immediately

Under the Indonesian Constitution, the vice presidential vacancy does not trigger a new election. The People's Consultative Assembly will elect a replacement from two candidates nominated by the president within sixty days.