Did Indonesia’s vice-president just resign because he didn’t have a high school diploma?
Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the son of former president Joko Widodo, has faced months of questions about his eligibility for office
TL;DR
- Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has resigned following court challenges regarding his educational credentials.
- The constitutional court ruled there was insufficient evidence of Gibran's high school completion, though it did not annul the election results.
- Gibran's eligibility was further questioned due to a last-minute constitutional court exception to age limits, facilitated by his uncle, Anwar Usman, who was later found guilty of ethical violations.
- The resignation occurs amidst deteriorating relations between President Prabowo and former President Jokowi, whose son Gibran was Jokowi's choice for vice president.
- Allegations of phone tapping involving Prabowo's chief of staff and a Jokowi ally have surfaced, indicating a significant political split.
- The People’s Consultative Assembly will appoint a new vice president within 60 days.
- The events could enable Prabowo to consolidate power, but his declining popularity presents challenges.