Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the Vice President of Indonesia, resigned on Thursday following controversies surrounding his academic credential. This resignation adds more pressure to a government already facing widespread discontent over economic issues, corruption, and extensive wildfires.
Reasons for Resignation and Reactions
Gibran, 39, came under pressure after the Supreme Court annulled his high school diploma obtained from abroad last month. He submitted his resignation to President Prabowo Subianto and the parliament on Thursday.
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Prabowo told reporters that he accepted Gibran's resignation with a heavy heart and praised him for his action "for a greater cause, for the interests of the nation, the government, and the people of Indonesia." He also stated that Gibran, as an educated person, had followed his educational path systematically, but emphasized that the education system abroad is different from that of Indonesia.
Political Implications of the Resignation
Gibran's resignation is likely to complicate the government coalition that includes Prabowo's party and the party of Joko Widodo (former). This coalition is seen as a weak political alliance, and some analysts believe that these changes could impact the stability of the government.
Khayarul Fahmi, executive director of the Institute for Security and Strategic Studies, said: "This resignation indicates a significant political reshuffling, but it does not necessarily threaten government stability." He added that Joko Widodo will still have a significant political influence, but Gibran's departure may reduce his political network's access to power.
In the first two years of Prabowo's presidency, his popularity has plummeted. Last week, authorities arrested a former national police chief and three senior police officials on charges of wiretapping the president's phone conversations, and investigations into possible treason are ongoing.
Prabowo is known as a leader close to the military, and while the police have traditionally been loyal to Joko Widodo, this resignation could provide opportunities for Prabowo to strengthen his leadership and pursue his political agenda.
Changes in Government Structure
Gibran is recognized as the youngest Vice President in Indonesia's history. He completed his education in Singapore and studied marketing. At the time of his registration for candidacy with the General Election Commission (KPU) in 2024, he submitted a document claiming that his education is equivalent to a technical high school in Indonesia. However, the Supreme Court annulled this document last month, and the parliament has also initiated actions to dismiss him.
Gibran has consistently defended his academic credentials, stating: "If I had not graduated from high school, I certainly would not have been able to attend university. I studied up to the undergraduate level in Singapore."
Prabowo now has 14 days to propose two names to succeed Gibran, and the parliament will have two months to select his successor. Araya Fernandez, a researcher at the Indonesian Institute of Strategic and International Studies, stated that Prabowo will likely seek a candidate acceptable to all coalition members to prevent divisions within the coalition.
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