Indonesia vice president resigns amid dispute over eligibility

Indonesia's vice president, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, tendered his resignation on Thursday amid a controversy surrounding his high school diploma, intensifying pressure on a government grappling with economic concerns, corruption allegations, and wildfires. The resignation was submitted to President Prabowo Subianto and the parliament by the speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly. In a press conference alongside Gibran, Prabowo expressed his acceptance of the resignation with a "heavy heart".

Gibran, the eldest son of former President Joko Widodo, had served the last two years of his five-year term as doubts emerged about his eligibility due to recent court rulings challenging his educational credentials. The Constitution of Indonesia stipulates that a vacancy in the vice presidency does not necessitate a new election; the office remains unfilled until the People’s Consultative Assembly elects a replacement from two candidates nominated by the president within 60 days.

Upon learning of Gibran's resignation, Joko Widodo, speaking from his hometown in Solo, acknowledged that political positions are temporary and reassured his support for President Prabowo's administration, particularly its programs aimed at benefiting the general public. Gibran's departure came after he initially proposed resigning during a meeting with the president on Tuesday, aiming to prevent a protracted political dispute.