Gibran Rakabuming Raka Resigns as Indonesia's Vice-President Amid Political Turmoil

Indonesia's Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has officially resigned from his position, a move that has sent shockwaves through the political landscape of the nation. This resignation comes at a time when President Prabowo Subianto's administration is grappling with internal strife and a faltering alliance with former President Joko Widodo, Gibran's father. The resignation was submitted to parliament on November 12, 2026, following a Supreme Court ruling that invalidated Gibran's high school credentials, raising questions about his eligibility to serve in office.

The Supreme Court's ruling declared that Gibran Rakabuming Raka had failed to provide sufficient evidence of his high school graduation, which is a legal requirement for holding the vice-presidency in Indonesia. The court stated, "No evidence was found to show Gibran had a foreign diploma or certificate that could serve as the basis for equivalency with a senior high school or equivalent qualification." This ruling has led to a significant backlash, with over 100 lawmakers supporting an initiative to impeach Gibran.

The political ramifications of this ruling are profound, as it not only questions Gibran's qualifications but also highlights the growing rift within the ruling coalition. Lawmakers now have 60 days to appoint a new vice president, as stated by parliamentary Speaker Ahmad Muzani. Gibran's resignation letter was submitted directly to President Prabowo Subianto, indicating the seriousness of the situation.

Gibran's resignation is emblematic of the deteriorating relationship between President Prabowo Subianto and former President Joko Widodo. The two leaders formed a political alliance during the 2024 elections, with Gibran as a key figure in this coalition. However, the alliance has been under strain, particularly as Gibran's controversies have come to light.

Gibran, who previously served as the mayor of Solo, was thrust into the national spotlight when he was selected as Prabowo's running mate. His candidacy was controversial from the start, as he was only 36 years old at the time, having been exempted from the minimum age requirement of 40 by a Constitutional Court ruling. This decision was met with skepticism, and the recent Supreme Court ruling has only intensified scrutiny of his qualifications.

The controversy surrounding Gibran's educational credentials has been a persistent issue since he entered politics. Having studied in Singapore and Australia, Gibran used an Indonesian equivalence certificate to validate his educational background. However, the Supreme Court's recent findings have cast doubt on the legitimacy of this certificate. Gibran previously argued that his university education should suffice as proof of completing senior high school, a claim that has now been undermined by the court's decision.

In a last-ditch effort to salvage his political career, Gibran requested the opportunity to challenge the Supreme Court's ruling and prove the legitimacy of his educational qualifications. However, the political momentum against him has been overwhelming, with calls for his impeachment gaining traction among lawmakers.

Gibran's resignation raises significant questions about the future of Indonesia's governance and the stability of Prabowo's administration. The ruling coalition, which was once seen as a formidable alliance, now faces uncertainty as it navigates the fallout from Gibran's departure. The need for a new vice president within 60 days adds urgency to the situation, as the government must act swiftly to restore confidence among its constituents.

The political landscape in Indonesia is shifting, and the implications of Gibran's resignation could extend beyond the immediate crisis. As the ruling alliance grapples with internal divisions, the potential for further instability looms large. The upcoming appointment of a new vice president will be closely watched, as it may signal the direction of Prabowo's administration moving forward.

Gibran Rakabuming Raka's resignation marks a critical juncture in Indonesian politics, reflecting deeper issues within the ruling coalition and raising questions about the future of governance in the country. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the implications of this crisis will be felt for years to come.