Gibran Rakabuming Raka resigned as Indonesia's vice president on November 12, 2026, after court rulings disputed his overseas education documents and 120 lawmakers began an impeachment process.
Indonesia's Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka resigned on Thursday, November 12, 2026, amid questions over his eligibility for the office after recent court rulings disputed his educational credentials.
Gibran, 39, the son of former President Joko Widodo, submitted his resignation to the leadership of the People's Consultative Assembly at the parliament building in Jakarta. He had offered to resign on Tuesday during a meeting with President Prabowo Subianto, saying he wanted to avoid a prolonged political controversy. A Cabinet minister said the president urged him to defend himself at the time, and it was unclear whether he had accepted the resignation offer.
The Constitutional Court and the Supreme Court ruled last month that the documents Gibran submitted regarding his overseas education did not meet election requirements. His critics have accused him of never receiving a high school diploma.
On Wednesday, 120 lawmakers from eight political parties submitted a petition to the leadership of the House of Representatives, beginning a parliamentary process that could lead to impeachment. Under Indonesian law, House leaders must establish a special committee to examine whether Gibran violated the constitution by serving as vice president despite allegedly failing to meet election requirements. If lawmakers determine there is sufficient basis, the House must ask the Constitutional Court to rule on whether a constitutional violation has occurred.
Under Indonesia's Constitution, a vice presidential vacancy does not trigger a new election. The office remains vacant until the People's Consultative Assembly elects a replacement from two candidates nominated by the president within 60 days.
Speaking at a press conference alongside Gibran at the Presidential Palace, Prabowo said he had accepted the resignation with a "heavy heart". Joko Widodo told reporters from his hometown in Solo that political positions are temporary and that he would continue to support President Prabowo's government.
The resignation comes as thousands of protesters have taken to the streets in recent weeks over economic hardship, corruption, perceived authoritarianism and the government's handling of wildfires. It also comes amid investigations into allegations that top police officials were involved in wiretapping targeting the president. The academic credentials investigation was apparently not related to the wiretapping scandal.
The resignation removes Indonesia's vice president mid-term and leaves the office vacant while the People's Consultative Assembly selects a replacement. The court rulings on his education documents and the parliamentary impeachment process raise questions about candidate eligibility and oversight in Indonesia's electoral system.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
The day's checked news, by email
One short email a day with the top stories. Free, and you can unsubscribe in one click.
Or follow for the latest news:
No comments yet. Start the discussion.
WorldTrending
Chinese President Xi Jinping said Taiwan's complete reunification with China must be realised. Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council said the wording is not much different from the past.
WorldTrending
A driver in his forties died after a collision between two SUVs on Route 365 in Pont-Rouge, Quebec, shortly before 7 a.m. Thursday, according to the Sûreté du Québec.
