Politics1 min read

Indonesia's vice president resigns amid signs ruling alliance is fraying

By · Published by Everything Blog

In short

Gibran stepped down after the court found no proof he graduated from senior secondary school, a mandatory legal requirement for holding the vice presidency. The political fallout reflects escalating friction between Prabowo and the Widodo family, intensified by cabinet reshuffles and the pivot of resources away from Widodo's planned capital city. Tensions had already spiked following the arrest of the presidential chief of staff for alleged wiretapping and the exit of three cabinet ministers tied to Widodo's youngest son. Meanwhile, the administration faces nationwide student protests over corruption, severe wildfires, and a stock market manipulation crisis.

Key points

  • The resignation exposes severe fractures in the ruling alliance forged between Prabowo Su…: The resignation exposes severe fractures in the ruling alliance forged between Prabowo Subianto and predecessor Joko Widodo.
  • Policy shifts away from the planned new capital toward a free school meals program have i…: Policy shifts away from the planned new capital toward a free school meals program have intensified executive branch friction.
  • The political upheaval coincides with nationwide student demonstrations alongside severe…: The political upheaval coincides with nationwide student demonstrations alongside severe economic and environmental crises facing the administration.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

- Published

Indonesia's Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has submitted his resignation, an aide has told the BBC, in a move which could further strain the political alliance that helped propel President Prabowo Subianto to power.

It comes after Indonesia's Supreme Court ruled that a high-school document used during Gibran's 2024 election campaign was invalid.

The ruling prompted more than 100 lawmakers to support a parliamentary initiative that could have paved the way for proceedings to impeach Gibran.

The aide, Budi Arie, said Gibran's resignation letter was submitted directly to Prabowo on Wednesday. It remains unclear if it has been accepted.

Gibran has long faced controversy over whether his high school qualifications met legal requirements to run for office.

Having studied in Singapore and Australia, he had used an Indonesian equivalence certificate to demonstrate his educational credentials.

Indonesian law requires vice-presidents to have completed senior secondary school or its equivalent, but the Supreme Court found no evidence to prove Gibran had graduated.

"No evidence was found to show Gibran had a foreign diploma or certificate that could serve as the basis…

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