Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka Resigns Amid Credential Questions

Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka resigned on Thursday after court rulings questioned his educational credentials and eligibility for office. The 39-year-old son of former President Joko Widodo submitted his resignation letter to the leadership of the People's Consultative Assembly at the parliament building in Jakarta.

Raka offered to resign on Tuesday during a meeting with President Prabowo Subianto to avoid prolonged political controversy. He personally delivered his resignation letter to the president on Wednesday.

“He chose to resign for the greater interest of the nation, the state and the Indonesian people.”

Prabowo accepted the resignation on Thursday afternoon after meeting with Raka and parliamentary leaders at the presidential palace. In a televised statement, Prabowo said he accepted the resignation "with a heavy heart" and praised Raka for showing "courage, responsibility and statesmanship."

Former President Widodo, speaking from his hometown in Solo, said political positions are temporary and that he reminded his son of this fact. He stated that they will continue to support President Prabowo's government, especially programs serving the broader public interest.

The investigation into Raka's academic credentials was apparently not related to separate investigations involving allegations that top police officials wiretapped the president. Raka did not comment as he left the parliament meeting.