Jakarta: Indonesia’s vice-president resigned on Thursday after growing doubts about whether he was legally eligible to hold office. The controversy centres on recent court rulings that questioned the educational documents he used when he ran for election, the Associated Press reported.
Gibran Rakabuming Raka, who is 39 and the son of former President Joko Widodo, put in his resignation to the leadership of the People’s Consultative Assembly, Indonesia’s top legislative body. He submitted it at the parliament building in Jakarta and did not speak to reporters as he left.
Court Rulings Trigger Crisis
The Constitutional Court and the Supreme Court ruled last month that the papers Gibran submitted about his overseas education did not meet the requirements for an election candidate. The rulings raised questions about whether he had the qualifications needed to serve as vice-president.
Indonesian election law says presidential and vice-presidential candidates must have finished senior high school or have an equivalent qualification. The Supreme Court found that the certificate Gibran used to show his foreign education was invalid because the evidence did not prove he had completed school.
Lawmakers Open Impeachment Path
On Wednesday, 120 lawmakers from eight political parties gave a petition to the House leadership. The petition started a parliamentary process that could lead to Gibran being impeached.
Under Indonesian law, House leaders must set up a special committee to examine whether Gibran broke the constitution by staying in office despite allegedly not meeting the election requirements. If the committee finds enough evidence, the House must ask the Constitutional Court to decide whether a constitutional violation took place.
President Urged Raka To Fight
Gibran first offered to resign on Tuesday during a meeting with President Prabowo Subianto. He said he wanted to avoid a long political dispute, but a Cabinet minister said the president told him to defend himself, and it was not clear whether Prabowo accepted the offer.
What Happens Next
Under Indonesia’s constitution, a vacancy in the vice-presidency does not lead to a new election. The position stays empty until the People’s Consultative Assembly chooses a replacement from two candidates nominated by the president within 60 days.
Gibran’s resignation creates uncertainty in Indonesian politics and may weaken the alliance that brought him and Prabowo to power. It also forces President Prabowo to decide who should be nominated as the country’s next vice-president.