Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka faces mounting political pressure following court rulings questioning the validity of his education qualifications.
More than 100 Indonesian lawmakers have signed a petition seeking to challenge Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s eligibility to remain in office, opening the way for a possible impeachment process and intensifying political tensions in the country.
The petition, signed by legislators from several political parties on Wednesday, November 11, argues that Gibran no longer meets the requirements for the vice presidency following recent court rulings concerning his educational qualifications. Lawmaker Muhammad Kholid confirmed that the petition would be submitted to House Speaker Puan Maharani for consideration.
The controversy follows decisions by Indonesia’s Constitutional Court and Supreme Court last month, which found that the education documents Gibran submitted did not satisfy the requirements for vice-presidential candidates. In its latest ruling, the Supreme Court instructed the Education Ministry to withdraw the equivalency certificate used by Gibran to qualify for the 2024 election.
Gibran, the son of former President Joko Widodo, was elected vice president alongside President Prabowo Subianto in 2024. The growing challenge to his position comes amid an increasingly strained relationship between Prabowo and his predecessor, adding another dimension to the country’s political uncertainty.
In a further development, Gibran expressed his intention to resign during a meeting with President Prabowo on Tuesday, according to presidential spokesperson Prasetyo Hadi. However, it remains unclear whether a formal resignation has been submitted or accepted. Prabowo reportedly advised him to pursue legal avenues to establish the validity of his educational documents.
The petition is expected to be presented to parliamentary leadership as lawmakers consider the next constitutional steps. Under Indonesia’s impeachment procedures, the House of Representatives must formally examine allegations before a case can proceed to the Constitutional Court and, potentially, the People’s Consultative Assembly for a final decision.
Political analysts have cautioned that the process could further deepen divisions among Indonesia’s political leadership, particularly given the influence of former President Widodo and his supporters.
The developments place Gibran’s political future under increasing scrutiny, while Indonesia faces the challenge of maintaining political stability as questions surrounding the vice presidency move through the country’s constitutional institutions.
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