By Bindar Singh Khuddi Kalan | Nazrana Times

Jakarta, November 12, 2026: Indonesia’s political landscape has been shaken by reports that Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the 39-year-old son of former President Joko Widodo, resigned from office on Thursday following controversy surrounding his educational qualifications and court rulings questioning his eligibility to hold the country’s second-highest constitutional position.
According to the reported developments, Gibran submitted his resignation to the leadership of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR), Indonesia’s highest legislative assembly, at the parliamentary complex in Jakarta.

The move reportedly followed recent judicial decisions concerning the validity of educational documents submitted by Gibran during the electoral process.

Resignation Submitted After Meeting with Parliamentary Leaders

Gibran reportedly met senior leaders of the People’s Consultative Assembly for approximately 20 minutes before submitting his resignation. He left the parliamentary complex without speaking to journalists.
Meanwhile, his father, former President Joko Widodo, popularly known as Jokowi, described the developments as part of the normal political process.
Speaking to reporters in his hometown of Solo, Widodo reportedly said that political positions are temporary and that changes in public office are an inevitable part of democratic life.
He also reaffirmed his continued support for President Prabowo Subianto’s administration, particularly its public welfare programmes.

Controversy Over Foreign Educational Qualifications

The controversy reportedly intensified after rulings attributed to Indonesia’s Constitutional Court and Supreme Court questioned whether Gibran’s educational documents from Singapore and Australia satisfied the country’s electoral requirements.
Under Indonesian election law, presidential and vice-presidential candidates must possess at least a senior high school qualification or its equivalent.
Because Gibran completed part of his education overseas, he was required to demonstrate that his academic qualifications were equivalent to an Indonesian senior high school diploma.
The reports claim that the Supreme Court rejected the relevant equivalency certification, raising questions about his eligibility to continue serving as vice president.

Parliamentary Pressure and Impeachment Proceedings

Political pressure reportedly increased after 120 lawmakers representing eight political parties submitted a petition to parliamentary leaders on Wednesday, seeking impeachment proceedings against Gibran.

The petition was described as the beginning of a parliamentary process to examine his eligibility for office.

Earlier, on Tuesday, Gibran reportedly held a two-and-a-half-hour meeting with President Prabowo Subianto, during which he offered to resign to prevent a prolonged political confrontation.

The educational qualification controversy was also described as separate from allegations involving senior police officers and the alleged interception of the president’s telephone communications.

Earlier Controversy Over Age Eligibility

Gibran’s eligibility had already attracted considerable controversy during Indonesia’s 2024 presidential election.

At the time, he was younger than the minimum age of 40 generally required for presidential and vice-presidential candidates.

However, an October 2023 Constitutional Court ruling created an exception allowing candidates who had previously held elected regional government positions to contest the election despite being below the minimum age.

The ruling enabled Gibran, a former mayor of Surakarta, to become Prabowo Subianto’s running mate.

Critics questioned the decision, alleging conflicts of interest and political favouritism because of Gibran’s family connections.

First Vice President to Resign Since Democratic Reforms

Gibran’s departure marks a significant development in Indonesia’s post-1998 democratic history. He is the first vice president to resign before completing his term since the country’s democratic reforms began following the fall of former President Suharto.

His resignation has also raised questions about the future of the political alliance between President Prabowo Subianto and former President Joko Widodo.

New Vice President to Be Chosen Within 60 Days

Under Indonesia’s Constitution, the resignation of a vice president does not automatically trigger fresh nationwide elections.

Instead, President Prabowo Subianto must nominate two candidates, from whom the People’s Consultative Assembly will elect a replacement within 60 days.

Assembly Speaker Ahmad Muzani confirmed that parliamentary leaders would begin the necessary constitutional procedures to process the resignation and select a successor.

The House of Representatives also canceled its scheduled parliamentary session on Gibran’s possible impeachment following the submission of his resignation. BERNAMA +1

The developments represent a major political challenge for Indonesia’s government and have renewed debate over electoral eligibility, judicial accountability and political dynasties in the world’s third-largest democracy.