Indonesia’s political landscape has entered a fresh period of uncertainty after Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka submitted his resignation to parliament on Thursday. His decision ends days of speculation about his political future and raises questions about the country’s leadership alliance. Meanwhile, his father, former President Joko Widodo, has publicly reaffirmed his support for President Prabowo Subianto.
The development marks Indonesia’s most prominent resignation since President Suharto stepped down in 1998. However, Widodo’s statement of support could help ease growing tensions between the current president and his predecessor.
“We will continue to support President Prabowo’s administration, especially programmes that serve the interests of the broader public,” the highly popular Widodo, known as Jokowi, told reporters outside his home in Solo, central Java.
The relationship between Prabowo and Jokowi has faced increasing strain. Before supporting Prabowo, Jokowi defeated the former general twice in presidential elections. However, he later backed him as constitutional term limits prevented another presidential bid.
Analysts believe the growing divide between the two political figures threatened to create further instability within the government. Moreover, the political uncertainty has emerged as Prabowo’s administration faces criticism over major government programmes and economic management.
Indonesia, Southeast Asia’s largest economy, is also facing growing concerns about its fiscal policies and overall economic direction. Consequently, political tensions have further weakened investor confidence. Meanwhile, concerns about a possible stock market downgrade remain.
The Indonesian rupiah also weakened approximately 0.6%, reaching a fresh record low of 18,255 against the US dollar.
Gibran Submits Resignation as Political Pressure Mounts
Shortly before Jokowi addressed reporters, Gibran arrived at parliament in Jakarta. He met parliamentary leaders for approximately 20 minutes before formally submitting his resignation.
Upper house Speaker Ahmad Muzani confirmed that Gibran handed over his resignation letter and requested parliament to process it.
Muzani also read out the five-paragraph letter, in which Gibran described his decision as voluntary.
“through my own volition … for the interests of the government and nation,” Muzani quoted from the resignation letter.
Senior Law Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra said Gibran had resigned for personal reasons. He also pointed to growing public sentiment mentioned in the letter.
Gibran reportedly submitted a separate resignation letter to President Prabowo as well. However, he did not publicly explain the specific reasons behind his decision.
The 39-year-old became vice president after winning the 2024 election alongside Prabowo. However, his candidacy had already generated considerable controversy before the election.
Impeachment Demands Added to Gibran’s Political Troubles
Gibran’s resignation followed growing calls among lawmakers to remove him through impeachment proceedings. The controversy centred on questions about his educational qualifications and eligibility for the vice presidency.
During the 2024 election campaign, former President Jokowi faced accusations of influencing the electoral process. Critics questioned a Constitutional Court decision that changed eligibility rules and allowed Gibran to contest the election.
The latest controversy intensified after the Constitutional Court and Supreme Court issued rulings concerning his overseas high school qualifications.
Both courts found that his qualifications fell short of the legal requirements for vice presidential candidates. They also determined that election authorities had wrongly accepted those credentials.
Consequently, more than 100 lawmakers reportedly supported a petition that could lead to impeachment proceedings against Gibran. His resignation came amid this growing parliamentary pressure.
Parliament Prepares to Find Gibran’s Replacement
Gibran’s departure now leaves parliament responsible for initiating the constitutional process to fill the vacant vice presidency.
According to Muzani, parliamentary leaders will meet to discuss the next steps. The upper house must first hold a session to formally declare the position vacant.
Following that declaration, parliament will send a letter to President Prabowo requesting two replacement candidates. Law Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra outlined this procedure on Wednesday.
An election within the upper house will then determine the next vice president. The process must take place within 60 days.
However, the political implications of Gibran’s departure extend beyond the replacement process. Analysts have also highlighted other developments suggesting growing divisions between Prabowo and Jokowi.
Wiretapping Investigation Adds Another Layer to Political Tensions
Last week, revelations emerged about an investigation into alleged illegal wiretapping involving senior police officials. The individuals reportedly included former police chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo, who is widely regarded as close to Jokowi.
The investigation has added another complication to the already strained political relationship between the two leaders.
On Thursday, Indonesian police announced that they had gathered sufficient initial evidence to pursue treason charges against four suspects. The allegations involve the wiretapping of President Prabowo, other politicians, activists and journalists.
During a parliamentary hearing, lawmakers questioned police chief Suyudi Ario Seto about the investigation. They urged him to identify who ultimately instructed former police chief Listyo to conduct the alleged surveillance.
Lawmakers also demanded clarity about the political interests that might have motivated the alleged operation.
As Indonesia moves towards selecting a new vice president, questions remain about the country’s political stability. Gibran’s resignation has removed one immediate source of uncertainty. Nevertheless, tensions surrounding the government, economic management and the relationship between Prabowo and Jokowi continue to raise concerns about Indonesia’s political direction.
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