JAKARTA — Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has reportedly submitted his resignation to President Prabowo Subianto amid mounting political pressure over questions surrounding his educational qualifications, although his formal departure from office remains unconfirmed.
The reported resignation emerged on Wednesday, November 11, when Budi Arie Setiadi, chairman of the Projo volunteer organization, confirmed reports that Gibran had tendered his resignation to the president.
Reuters also reported the development, citing three political sources, including Budi Arie and two sources in Indonesia’s parliamentary leadership.
However, the government has not publicly confirmed that Gibran’s resignation has been formally processed or that he has ceased serving as vice president.
The reports followed a meeting between Gibran and Prabowo on Tuesday, November 10, during which Gibran expressed his intention to step down.
State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi said the meeting lasted approximately two and a half hours. Prabowo reportedly advised Gibran to pursue legal avenues to defend his educational documents.
Resignation Reports Follow Growing Political Pressure
Gibran, 39, is the eldest son of former Indonesian President Joko Widodo, widely known as Jokowi. He was elected vice president alongside Prabowo in the 2024 presidential election.
His political future has come under scrutiny following court rulings concerning documents used to establish his educational qualifications for the election.
The controversy intensified on November 11, when 120 members of Indonesia’s House of Representatives (DPR), representing eight parliamentary factions, signed a proposal to exercise the legislature’s right to express an opinion.
The parliamentary mechanism could eventually lead to impeachment proceedings, although the proposal itself does not remove Gibran from office.
The initiative and the reported resignation are separate developments, and neither establishes that the vice presidency has become vacant.
MPR Yet to Confirm Formal Departure
People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) Chairman Ahmad Muzani said on Wednesday evening that he had not received or seen Gibran’s resignation letter.
Deputy House Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad also said he was not aware of the details beyond the reports circulating in the media.
According to Kompas, Gibran had not publicly clarified the reported submission of his resignation letter as of Thursday morning, November 12.
The uncertainty has raised questions about the next steps required under Indonesia’s constitutional system.
While political sources have reported that Gibran submitted his resignation to Prabowo, a formal announcement regarding the vacancy and the relevant institutional procedures remains necessary.
What Happens If Gibran Leaves Office?
Under Article 8 of Indonesia’s Constitution, if the vice presidency becomes vacant, the MPR must elect a replacement within 60 days from two candidates nominated by the president.
The constitutional process is separate from the parliamentary mechanism for removing a president or vice president through impeachment.
A presidential nomination and an MPR election would therefore follow only after the vice-presidential vacancy has been formally established.
For now, Gibran’s reported resignation remains a developing political story, with authorities yet to announce a completed transition.
The Bali Times will update this report when the government or parliamentary authorities confirm further developments.
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