Gibran Rakabuming Raka resigns Indonesia’s vice presidency

Indonesia's Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has resigned from his position following a Supreme Court ruling that declared his high school certificate invalid. The court’s decision nullifies the educational qualification Gibran used during the 2024 election campaign, creating a legal vacuum regarding his eligibility for the office. The resignation marks a dramatic turn for the administration, occurring shortly after the commencement of its term.

The judicial ruling triggered an immediate political firestorm in Jakarta, with more than 100 lawmakers expressing support for an impeachment initiative prior to the Vice President's decision to step down. Critics and legal experts argued that the invalidation of his credentials effectively made his candidacy and subsequent election void. The mounting pressure from the legislature intensified the urgency for Gibran to exit his role to avoid a protracted and potentially damaging impeachment trial in parliament.

This resignation poses a significant threat to the political stability of President Prabowo Subianto’s government. The alliance between Prabowo and Gibran was the cornerstone of their electoral strategy, but recent reports have suggested an increasing distance between the two leaders following the election. While it remains unclear if President Prabowo has formally accepted the resignation, the move is expected to launch a period of intense political maneuvering as the administration seeks to fill the vacancy and maintain the integrity of its governing coalition.