Indonesia's Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka Resigns Over Fake Degree Dispute

Indonesia's Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has resigned from his position amid a controversy over his educational qualifications. The resignation comes after recent court rulings found that his overseas education documents did not satisfy the requirements for contesting the election.

The 39-year-old, who is the son of former President Joko Widodo, submitted his resignation letter to the leaders of the People's Consultative Assembly at the parliament building in Jakarta. He made no public comment as he left the meeting. President Prabowo Subianto later accepted the resignation.

Gibran had initially offered to resign during a meeting with President Prabowo, stating that he wanted to prevent a prolonged political controversy. He then personally delivered his resignation letter to the president.

Last month, Indonesia's Constitutional Court and Supreme Court ruled that Gibran's documents concerning his overseas education failed to meet election requirements. Indonesian law requires presidential and vice-presidential candidates to have completed senior high school or an equivalent qualification. Since Gibran completed his secondary education abroad, he needed documents confirming that his qualifications were equivalent to an Indonesian high school diploma.

Following the court decisions, 120 lawmakers from eight political parties submitted a petition to the House leadership, initiating a parliamentary process that could have led to his impeachment.

Gibran's departure will not trigger a new national election. Under Indonesia's Constitution, the vice presidency remains vacant until the People's Consultative Assembly elects a successor. The president must nominate two candidates, from whom the assembly will select a replacement within 60 days.