Indonesia vice president resigns amid dispute over eligibility

What the report says

Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has resigned after two years in office, according to Al Jazeera’s reporting, as a dispute over his eligibility escalated into a political scandal. Gibran, the eldest son of former President Joko Widodo, submitted his resignation to President Prabowo Subianto and parliament, the speaker of Indonesia’s People’s Consultative Assembly said. The development comes amid rising public frustration over the economy, corruption and wildfire-related crises.

The report says questions about Gibran’s qualifications intensified after recent court rulings challenged the documents he presented about his overseas education. Indonesia’s Constitutional Court and Supreme Court reportedly ruled that those papers did not satisfy election requirements, while critics alleged he never obtained a high school diploma. Gibran had earlier offered to step down to avoid a prolonged dispute, though a cabinet minister said it was not clear whether the president had accepted that offer.

Under Indonesia’s constitution, a vice presidential vacancy does not trigger a new election. Instead, parliament must choose a replacement from two candidates nominated by the president within 60 days. The case also follows a petition from 120 lawmakers that could lead to impeachment proceedings, adding further pressure on Prabowo’s government at a time of protests and other political tensions.