Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto said he has received Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s resignation letter from the office of vice president and respected the latter’s decision.

“It is with a heavy heart that I accept the letter. I respect and support the decision he has made. In my view, he has shown himself to be noble and responsible, and to have the qualities of a statesman,” Prabowo said in an official statement at Merdeka Palace here, Thursday.

Referring to the controversy over Gibran’s education credentials, which was heard by Indonesia’s Constitutional Court last October, the president pointed out that the country’s 14th vice president had, of course, pursued his education through an established process.

“We understand, however, that education systems abroad differ from Indonesia’s. At the same time, based on the existing court ruling, there are discrepancies or shortcomings in meeting the requirements set by our constitutional system. On that basis, he decided to submit his resignation as vice president in the broader interest of the nation, the state and the people of Indonesia,” the head of state said.

The president also thanked Gibran for his contributions during the 2024 presidential election campaign and the government’s two years in office.

During Gibran’s tenure as vice president, Prabowo said he had assigned him to visit regions, including remote areas, to monitor the implementation of government programs. The president, meanwhile, focused on formulating national policy and responding to global developments.

“He has carried out those duties well,” Prabowo said, noting that Gibran had visited 35 provinces and 149 districts and cities, and inspected 303 government project sites during his two years in office.

The president praised the vice president’s hard work, dedication and commitment, and said he would continue to support Gibran’s future career and public service.

At the end of his statement, Prabowo urged the public to put the interests of the state, nation and people first and to help maintain a peaceful atmosphere.

Earlier that day, Gibran had submitted his resignation as vice president to the leadership of Indonesia’s People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR).

The letter was received by MPR Speaker Ahmad Muzani.

Muzani said that, under the Constitution, the MPR has up to 60 days from the resignation to appoint a permanent vice president to replace Gibran.

He expressed hope that the democratic process would proceed smoothly and that Gibran’s resignation would become a new precedent in Indonesia’s constitutional practice.

Muzani added that the president must submit two candidates to replace the vice president within 14 days of the MPR issuing a request to do so.

Reporting by Indonesia Window