Indonesia’s Vice-President, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, has resigned amid growing political tensions and signs of a widening rift within the country’s ruling alliance.

Gibran, 39, reportedly submitted his resignation to President Prabowo Subianto on Wednesday, November 11, according to his political aide, Budi Arie Setiadi, who confirmed the development.

The resignation comes after weeks of mounting pressure over questions surrounding Gibran’s educational qualifications and his eligibility to serve as vice-president.

The controversy intensified following decisions by Indonesia’s Constitutional Court and Supreme Court concerning documents submitted by Gibran to establish that his overseas education met the country’s minimum educational requirements for political office.

The Supreme Court reportedly annulled the validity of the educational equivalency certificate Gibran used during his 2024 vice-presidential candidacy, while the Constitutional Court also found insufficient evidence to establish that his foreign education met the required standard.

The legal developments triggered fresh political pressure, with 120 lawmakers from eight political parties signing a proposal seeking to initiate a process that could lead to Gibran’s impeachment.

The lawmakers argue that the court decisions raise questions about whether he continues to meet the constitutional requirements for the office.

Gibran had earlier expressed his intention to resign during a meeting with President Prabowo on Tuesday. The meeting reportedly lasted approximately two and a half hours.

His departure also threatens to deepen political divisions between Prabowo and former President Joko Widodo, popularly known as Jokowi, who is Gibran’s father.

The relationship between Prabowo and Jokowi was instrumental in securing their political victory in the 2024 presidential election, when Gibran served as Prabowo’s running mate.

However, recent developments have exposed growing tensions between the two political figures, raising concerns about the stability of the alliance that helped bring the current administration to power.

Political analysts have warned that a breakdown in the relationship could create further uncertainty for the government, particularly as Indonesia faces economic challenges and weakening investor confidence.

Under Indonesia’s constitutional arrangements, a vice-presidential vacancy would require the People’s Consultative Assembly to elect a replacement from two candidates nominated by the president within 60 days.

The full implications of Gibran’s resignation, including the formal completion of the constitutional process and the selection of a successor, are expected to shape the next phase of Indonesia’s political developments.