JAKARTA — Indonesian Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka formally resigned on November 12 amid moves to impeach him over allegations concerning his educational qualifications.
Gibran, the son of former president Joko Widodo, submitted his resignation letter to the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) at the Parliament complex in Jakarta. His departure ends his tenure less than halfway through President Prabowo Subianto’s five-year term.
MPR Speaker Ahmad Muzani said Gibran handed over the letter during a meeting lasting about 20 minutes and requested that his resignation be processed immediately. He said Gibran had also submitted the same letter to President Prabowo Subianto.
Muzani said Gibran did not explain his reasons for resigning and did not speak to reporters after submitting the letter. The MPR leadership has not yet opened the resignation document.
Gibran’s father, former president Joko Widodo, widely known as Jokowi, said his family would continue supporting Prabowo’s administration. Speaking in Solo, Central Java, he said public office was temporary and pledged support for programmes serving the wider public.
The resignation came as lawmakers prepared to discuss an impeachment motion over allegations related to Gibran’s educational qualifications. The motion was signed by 120 lawmakers from all eight parliamentary factions, reflecting broad political support for proceedings against him.
At the Vice-President’s office in central Jakarta, food vendors arrived and large loudspeakers were set up amid local media reports that Gibran would hold a farewell gathering later in the day. Delivery trucks were also seen removing boxes from the building.
Muzani said the MPR leadership would meet later on November 12 to decide the next steps in processing the resignation. Under Indonesia’s Constitution, the MPR must elect a new vice-president from two candidates proposed by the president within 60 days of the vacancy.
The replacement will be chosen by the MPR without a nationwide election. The resignation leaves Prabowo facing the task of selecting a new deputy just over two years into his term, with the decision likely to affect the balance of power within his governing coalition.