(Photo courtesy of Anadolu)
ISTANBUL – Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka submitted his resignation Thursday, November 12, becoming the country’s first directly elected vice president to step down before completing a five-year term.
The 39-year-old son of former President Joko Widodo formally tendered his resignation to the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) during a meeting with parliamentary leaders in Jakarta.
“Gibran Rakabuming Raka has tendered his resignation as vice president,” the announcement said.
Gibran, who was elected in 2024 alongside President Prabowo Subianto, also met with the President at Merdeka Palace before proceeding to parliament.
“With a heavy heart, I accept the letter and fully respect and support his decision,” Prabowo told reporters, accompanied by Gibran, parliamentary leaders and several Cabinet ministers.
The resignation followed legal challenges before Indonesia’s Constitutional Court and Supreme Court concerning Gibran’s educational documents.
State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi said Gibran had informed Prabowo of his intention to resign during a two-and-a-half-hour meeting earlier in the week.
His departure also effectively ended impeachment efforts by at least 120 lawmakers who had proposed initiating parliamentary proceedings against him.
Under Indonesia’s succession process, Prabowo must nominate two candidates within 14 days, while parliament has 60 days to select a new vice president.
Following Gibran’s meeting with MPR leaders, Assembly Speaker Ahmad Muzani said lawmakers would convene to discuss the resignation and determine the next steps.
“The MPR leadership will meet today to discuss the resignation, followed by a joint meeting with faction leaders and the Regional Representatives Council (DPD) to decide on the next steps,” Muzani said.
Jokowi: Political positions are temporary
Former President Joko Widodo, widely known as Jokowi, acknowledged his son’s resignation, saying political positions naturally involve changing circumstances.
“I have told Gibran that positions are temporary,” Jokowi told reporters in Solo, Central Java.
The former president, who served two terms from 2014 to 2024, maintained that he would continue supporting Prabowo’s administration despite his son’s departure.
“We will continue to support President Prabowo’s administration, particularly its programs that serve the interests of the wider public,” Jokowi said.
Meanwhile, Prabowo praised Gibran’s performance during his time in office, highlighting his visits to 35 of Indonesia’s 38 provinces, 149 districts and cities, and 303 government project sites.
“This demonstrated his hard work, dedication, and commitment to carrying out his duties,” Prabowo said, describing the resignation as “statesmanlike.”
“I have been greatly assisted by him, and he has performed his duties well,” he added.
Gibran’s resignation leaves Indonesia facing a vice-presidential succession process as lawmakers prepare to consider candidates nominated by Prabowo.
