Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka formally submitted his resignation to the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) on Thursday, November 12, ending days of uncertainty over his political future.
The resignation marks a significant political development in Indonesia, where Gibran’s departure has intensified questions about the country’s leadership and the future of the alliance between President Prabowo Subianto and former President Joko Widodo.
Meanwhile, Widodo, popularly known as Jokowi, publicly reaffirmed his support for Prabowo’s administration, saying he would continue backing government programmes that serve the public interest.
Speaking to reporters outside his residence in Solo, Central Java, Jokowi said supporting initiatives that benefit the wider population remained his priority. His statement came amid concerns about growing political tensions between Prabowo and his predecessor.
Gibran Formally Submits Resignation
Gibran arrived at the parliamentary complex in Jakarta and met senior MPR officials in a meeting lasting approximately 20 minutes.
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MPR Speaker Ahmad Muzani confirmed that Gibran personally submitted his resignation letter and requested that lawmakers begin the necessary procedures. He also said Gibran had delivered an identical letter to President Prabowo.
Muzani described the decision as one Gibran had taken independently in the interest of the government and the nation.
Senior Law Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra said the resignation involved personal considerations. The letter also referred to growing public dissatisfaction, according to reports.
The 39-year-old politician became vice president after winning the 2024 election alongside Prabowo. However, his candidacy attracted controversy after a court ruling changed eligibility requirements, allowing him to contest the election despite being under 40.
Controversy Over Educational Qualifications
Gibran’s resignation followed growing pressure from lawmakers questioning whether he met the educational requirements for the vice presidency.
The controversy intensified after Indonesia’s Constitutional Court and Supreme Court issued rulings concerning his overseas secondary school qualifications. The decisions raised questions about whether his educational documents met the legal requirements for vice presidential candidates.
Election authorities also faced criticism for accepting his credentials.
More than 100 lawmakers from several political parties had supported moves that could have led to impeachment proceedings. According to reports, 120 lawmakers from eight parties signed a proposal to question Gibran’s eligibility.
His resignation subsequently led to the cancellation of a parliamentary plenary session scheduled to discuss the proposal.
Parliament to Begin Replacement Process
Following Gibran’s resignation, the MPR is expected to convene a formal session to acknowledge the vacancy and initiate the constitutional process for selecting a replacement.
Under Indonesia’s constitutional procedure, the president must submit two candidates for the vacant vice presidency. The MPR will then select a successor within 60 days.
Law Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra has also said the president will have 14 days after receiving the MPR’s request to submit the two nominees.
Political Tensions and Economic Concerns
Gibran’s departure comes amid growing concerns about the relationship between Prabowo and Jokowi.
Before supporting Prabowo in the 2024 presidential election, Jokowi had defeated the former military general in two previous presidential contests. Their political relationship has since come under scrutiny, with analysts warning that tensions could affect government stability.
Prabowo’s administration is also facing pressure over controversial policy initiatives and questions about its ability to manage Southeast Asia’s largest economy.
Investor confidence has weakened amid concerns about government spending plans and broader economic policies. The Indonesian rupiah also fell approximately 0.6 per cent to a record low of 18,255 against the US dollar, adding to market concerns.
Investigation Into Alleged Illegal Surveillance
Political tensions have also been heightened by an investigation into alleged illegal surveillance involving senior police officials.
The individuals reportedly under scrutiny include former National Police Chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo, who is widely regarded as an ally of Jokowi.
On Thursday, police said investigators had gathered sufficient preliminary evidence to pursue treason-related charges against four individuals accused of conducting unlawful surveillance. The alleged targets included President Prabowo, politicians, activists and journalists.
During a parliamentary hearing, lawmakers urged current Police Chief Suyudi Ario Seto to investigate who may have authorised the alleged surveillance operation. They also sought clarification about its possible political motives and the interests behind it.
The investigation and Gibran’s resignation have added to political uncertainty as Indonesia prepares to begin the process of selecting a new vice president.
