Indonesia's vice president resigns amid row over education qualification

Detailed summary

Indonesia's Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has submitted his resignation amid a dispute over his educational qualifications, in a move which could further strain the political alliance that helped propel President Prabowo Subianto to power.

JAKARTA — Indonesia's Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has submitted his resignation amid a dispute over his educational qualifications, in a move which could further strain the political alliance that helped propel President Prabowo Subianto to power.

Analysts have warned Gibran’s resignation could destabilize South Asia’s largest economy. He is the son of former president Joko Widodo.

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.

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 for equivalency with a senior high school or equivalent qualification," it said.

It also considered a Constitutional Court ruling from earlier in October which came to the same conclusion.

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