Listen to this articleDear 2 minutesThe audio version of this article is generated using AI-based technology. Pronunciation errors may occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve results. Indonesia’s vice president resigned Thursday as doubts grew about his eligibility for office after recent court rulings called into question his educational credentials. Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the 39-year-old son of former President Joko Widodo, submitted his resignation to leaders of the People’s Consultative Assembly, the country’s highest legislative body, at the parliament building in the capital Jakarta. Raka had offered to resign on Tuesday during a meeting with President Prabowo Subianto, saying he wanted to avoid a protracted political controversy. But a cabinet minister said the president urged Raka at the time to defend himself and it was unclear whether he accepted the resignation offer. The Constitutional Court and the Supreme Court ruled last month that the documents Raka submitted about his education abroad did not meet electoral requirements. A subsequent petition, presented Wednesday to House leaders by 120 lawmakers from eight political parties, began a parliamentary process that could lead to his impeachment. Under Indonesian law, House leaders must establish a special committee to examine whether Raka has violated the constitution by serving as vice president, despite allegedly failing to meet electoral requirements. If legislators determine that there is sufficient basis for the accusation, the House must ask the Constitutional Court to rule on whether a constitutional violation has occurred. The investigation into academic credentials was apparently unrelated to investigations into allegations that senior police officials had been involved in wiretaps targeting the president.
