By Sulyman Gobir
Indonesia’s Vice-President, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, has resigned following court rulings that questioned the validity of his educational qualifications, ending mounting pressure over his eligibility to hold office.
The 39-year-old submitted his resignation to the country’s People’s Consultative Assembly on Thursday, after earlier informing President Prabowo Subianto of his intention to step down.
Gibran faced growing calls to resign after the Constitutional Court and Supreme Court issued rulings questioning whether his overseas education and the equivalency certificate he presented met the country’s legal requirements for presidential and vice-presidential candidates.
The controversy intensified after more than 100 lawmakers backed moves to initiate impeachment proceedings against him.
President Prabowo accepted Gibran’s resignation and praised his service, while the departure could strain the political alliance between the two leaders and former President Joko Widodo, Gibran’s father.
Under Indonesia’s Constitution, the People’s Consultative Assembly must select a replacement within 60 days from two candidates nominated by the president.
Gibran’s resignation makes him the first vice-president to leave office before completing his term since Indonesia’s democratic reforms began in 1998.
Edited by Julian Osamoto
