Indonesia's vice president resigns as his eligibility and academic credentials are questioned

Jakarta, Indonesia (AP) -- Indonesia's vice president, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, resigned on Thursday amid growing concerns over his eligibility for the position following recent court rulings that questioned his academic credentials. Raka, the 39-year-old son of former President Joko Widodo, submitted his resignation to the People's Consultative Assembly, the country's highest legislative body, at the parliament building in Jakarta.

His father, Widodo, acknowledged that such political dynamics were common and assured the public that they would continue to support President Prabowo Subianto's administration, focusing on programs that benefit the broader public. The investigation into Raka's educational credentials was not linked to allegations of wiretapping involving top police officials targeting the president.

Raka had offered to resign on Tuesday during a meeting with Prabowo to prevent further political turmoil, delivering his letter to the president the following day. In a video statement, Raka firmly rejected suggestions that his resignation was related to his educational background, stating that it was his personal decision and that all his educational documents had been submitted to the court.

President Prabowo accepted Raka's resignation with a heavy heart, praising the vice president for demonstrating courage, responsibility, and statesmanship by stepping down. The constitutional ruling on Raka's candidacy, which allowed him to run due to his previous regional leadership experience, has sparked long-standing allegations of conflict of interest and weak political accountability, potentially leading to impeachment proceedings.