# Indonesian Vice President Gibran Resigns Over Invalid Academic Record *World · World Desk · Published 2026-11-12T09:06:59Z* Canonical: https://amk.news/article/indonesian-vice-president-gibran-resigns-over-invalid-academic-record > Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka submitted his resignation to parliament on Thursday following court rulings that invalidated his high school documentation. His exit marks the first time a directly elected Indonesian vice president has resigned mid-term and leaves the executive post vacant. ## Key points - Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka submitted his official resignation to parliamentary leaders in Jakarta on Thursday, November 12, 2026. - The Constitutional Court and the Supreme Court recently issued findings stating there was no evidence confirming Gibran Rakabuming Raka earned a foreign high school diploma. - President Prabowo Subianto accepted the resignation during a joint appearance, noting that Gibran Rakabuming Raka acted responsibly to prevent further disruption to the state. - Under the Constitution of Indonesia, President Prabowo Subianto must submit two nominees to parliament within fourteen days to fill the vacant vice presidential post. Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka handed his resignation to parliamentary leaders in Jakarta on Thursday, November 12, 2026, after judicial rulings invalidated his high school documentation and triggered impeachment proceedings. The 39-year-old politician, who took office in October 2024, becomes the first directly elected vice president in the country's history to step down before concluding a full five-year term. His sudden departure leaves the nation's second-highest executive post empty while creating a formal succession process for President Prabowo Subianto's administration. ## Why did Gibran Rakabuming Raka resign from office? Gibran Rakabuming Raka stepped down after facing mounting scrutiny over whether he held valid qualifications required to serve as vice president under Indonesian law. Legal requirements stipulate that candidates must possess a senior high school diploma or an equivalent qualification. Gibran, who completed education overseas in Singapore and Australia, had presented an equivalence certificate for his candidacy. However, both the Constitutional Court and the Supreme Court recently issued findings stating there was no evidence confirming he had earned a foreign high school diploma eligible for domestic equivalence. Although Gibran contended that attending university demonstrated he had satisfied secondary education requirements, the legal rulings opened the door to legislative action. _Watch: Indonesia’s Vice President Gibran resigns amid education controversy — CNA_ > "No evidence was found to show Gibran had a foreign diploma or certificate that could serve as the basis for equivalency," the Supreme Court noted in its ruling, as reported by the BBC. The judicial decisions led to intense political pressure in the legislature. A formal petition submitted by 120 lawmakers spanning eight political parties sought a legislative inquiry into Gibran's constitutional eligibility. By submitting his resignation during a 20-minute meeting with the leadership of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), Gibran effectively halted the parliamentary impeachment process that would have investigated his educational documents. ## How did President Prabowo and political figures react? President Prabowo Subianto accepted the resignation during a joint appearance, noting that Gibran had acted responsibly to prevent further disruption to the state. According to BBC News reporting, Prabowo stated, "He certainly believes that he completed his education through a proper and structured process. However, we must understand that educational systems abroad differ from those in Indonesia." The decision followed an initial meeting on Tuesday where Gibran expressed a desire to resign to avoid prolonged political tension, though cabinet minister Prasetyo Hadi noted Prabowo had initially urged him to contest the court determinations. _Vice President Gibran Rakabuming in 2024 with decorations (Image: Wikimedia Commons)_ Former President Joko Widodo, Gibran's father, addressed the resignation from Solo in Central Java, characterizing the event as part of standard political shifts. Speaking to reporters, Widodo affirmed his ongoing support for Prabowo's government and stated, "I have told Gibran that positions are temporary," as covered by Anadolu Ajansı. ## What is the political context behind Gibran's tenure? Gibran Rakabuming Raka entered national politics as the running mate of Prabowo Subianto in the 2024 presidential election, winning almost 59 percent of the vote. Before assuming the vice presidency, Gibran served as the mayor of Surakarta from 2021 until 2024. His original inclusion on the 2024 presidential ticket relied on a controversial Constitutional Court decision that permitted individuals under the standard age limit of 40 to run if they held elected regional office. That alliance brought together Prabowo, a retired military officer now serving as Indonesia's eighth president, and Widodo, the seventh president who completed two terms in office. The resignation occurs alongside broader domestic challenges for the administration. Protesters have gathered in urban areas in recent weeks over economic conditions, governance issues, and severe regional wildfires causing public health concerns. Concurrently, government authorities have been investigating allegations of police surveillance targeting top leadership, though officials indicated the educational credentials inquiry operated independently of those investigations. _Front view of the Gedung Agung, an Indonesian presidential palace located in Yogyakarta (Image: Wikimedia Commons)_ ## What happens next in the succession process? Under the Constitution of Indonesia, the resignation of a vice president does not prompt a snap presidential or nationwide election. Instead, the post remains vacant until parliamentary leaders complete a statutory selection process. According to Anadolu Ajansı, President Prabowo must submit two nominees to parliament within 14 days. The People's Consultative Assembly will then convene to vote on the candidates and fill the vacancy within 60 days. MPR Speaker Ahmad Muzani announced that parliamentary leaders will hold internal reviews and consult with the Regional Representatives Council (DPD) to manage the transition. What remains unconfirmed is whom Prabowo will select as his two nominees, and whether the dissolution of Gibran's vice presidency will alter the broader legislative coalition supporting the current government. **Sources:** This report draws on coverage by [Al Jazeera](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/11/12/indonesia-vice-president-resigns-amid-dispute-over-eligibility), [BBC News](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cmvgxgz87qqro), [Anadolu Ajansı](https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/indonesian-vice-president-resigns-before-completing-5-year-term/4121935), [The New York Times](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/11/12/world/asia/indonesia-gibran-vice-president-resign.html), [AP News](https://apnews.com/article/indonesia-gibran-rakabuming-raka-resigns-abfe5e288fad3b8b26719eae634f2ee0), [Bloomberg.com](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-11-12/jokowi-son-gibran-rakabuming-raka-resigns-indonesia-vice-president-prabowo), [Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/indonesia-vp-gibran-hands-his-resignation-upper-house-2026-11-12/), [ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-11-12/indonesia-vice-president-gibran-rakabuming-raka-resigns/107370802). 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