Indonesia’s Vice-President, Gibran Raka, has expressed his intention to resign amid controversy over the validity of his educational qualifications.
Mr Gibran reportedly communicated his decision during a meeting with President Prabowo Subianto on Tuesday, as lawmakers consider investigating his eligibility to remain in office.
Presidential spokesperson, Prasetyo Hadi, confirmed the development, saying the vice-president raised the possibility of stepping down during their discussion.
“During the discussion, the vice-president expressed his intention to resign in light of the evolving situation,” Mr Hadi revealed.
However, the spokesperson denied reports that Mr Prabowo had rejected Mr Gibran’s request but did not confirm whether the president had accepted it.
The controversy centres on questions surrounding the educational documents Mr Gibran submitted during his candidacy in the 2024 presidential election.
Some lawmakers are seeking to investigate whether incomplete or invalid educational records could disqualify him from holding the vice-presidential position.
The dispute intensified following rulings by Indonesia’s Constitutional Court and Supreme Court last month that the educational documents he submitted did not meet election requirements.
However, the Constitutional Court maintained that it lacked the authority to disqualify him, stating that the responsibility rested with other institutions.
Lawmakers are also considering an inquiry into his eligibility, which analysts believe could potentially become the first step towards impeachment.
Mr Gibran, 39, is the son of former Indonesian President Joko Widodo.
