MPR says Gibran's resignation leaves Indonesia's VP post vacant

Indonesia's Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka tendered his resignation to the upper house of parliament on Thursday, bringing to an end days of uncertainty surrounding his political future. This marks the highest-profile resignation in the country since President Suharto stepped down in 1998. Joko Widodo, the current leader and former President, expressed his support for Prabowo Subianto, Gibran's brother-in-law, in a statement to the press. The support could help ease tensions within Prabowo's political alliance with Widodo.

Following the resignation, President Widodo reaffirmed his commitment to Prabowo's administration, particularly its policies that benefit the general public. The rift between Prabowo and Widodo, both of whom previously defeated the powerful ex-General in presidential elections, had potentially destabilised the government. Analysts noted that scandals over key political programs and doubts about the administration's ability to manage Southeast Asia's largest economy have contributed to investor concerns, with the rupiah weakening to a new low of 18,255 against the US dollar.

Minutes before the resignation announcement, Gibran met with parliament leaders for 20 minutes to submit his resignation letter and request its processing, according to Ahmad Muzani, the speaker of the upper house. He cited personal reasons and growing public sentiment as the factors behind his decision. Law Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra stated that Gibran resigned for personal reasons and mentioned the increasing public pressure in his resignation letter.

Gibran had also submitted a resignation letter to Prabowo, though he did not disclose the reason for his resignation. The 39-year-old was elected alongside Prabowo in the 2024 election, when Widodo was accused of interfering in the process by influencing a court decision that allowed Gibran to run. His resignation came after lawmakers called for his impeachment due to inadequate educational credentials.

The Constitutional Court and the Supreme Court had previously ruled that his overseas high school qualifications did not meet the legal requirements for vice presidential candidates.

Parliamentary leaders will convene to discuss the next steps following Gibran's resignation, after which the upper house will need to hold a session to declare a vacancy. The president will then be sent a letter with the names of two replacement candidates, according to senior law minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra. The upper house election is set to take place within 60 days.

The political turmoil and growing scrutiny over the government's fiscal plans and broader policy direction may have contributed to Gibran's decision to resign.