Jokowi’s son Gibran resigns as Indonesia’s vice president amid fake diploma scandal

Gibran Rakabuming Raka, 39, son of former Indonesian president Joko Widodo, resigned on November 12, 2026 as the country’s vice-president over claims his 2019 high school diploma is fake and lacked the educational criteria for the post. — AFP pic

First Published: Thursday, 12 Nov 2026 1:55 PM MYT

JAKARTA, Nov 12 — Indonesia’s vice president resigned Thursday in the midst of a scandal over his high school diploma, the head of parliament said, adding to pressure on a government facing widespread dissatisfaction over the economy, graft and wildfires.

Gibran Rakabuming Raka, 39, submitted his resignation to President Prabowo Subianto and to parliament, the speaker of Indonesia’s People’s Consultative Assembly told reporters.

There have been repeated calls for Gibran’s resignation following a Supreme Court ruling last month to annul his high school qualification.

Speaker Ahmad Muzani said Gibran met the leaders of parliament Thursday “to submit his letter of resignation from his position as vice president of the Republic of Indonesia.”

Gibran told them he had submitted the same letter to Prabowo.

Indonesia’s vice president does not have many constitutionally defined powers apart from acting as the president’s representative at official events and taking over if his boss is incapacitated.

Gibran’s downfall comes as thousands have taken to the streets in recent weeks to protest economic hardship, graft, perceived authoritarianism and the government’s handling of months of devastating wildfires emitting a toxic haze that has made thousands ill.

His exit is likely to complicate a loose governing alliance between Prabowo and his predecessor Joko Widodo – Gibran’s father, who goes by the moniker Jokowi.

The resignation “marks a significant political realignment, but does not necessarily threaten government stability,” according to Khairul Fahmi, executive director of the Institute for Security and Strategic Studies (ISESS) think tank.

“Jokowi will retain political influence, but Gibran’s departure could reduce his network’s direct access to power.

“For Prabowo, this creates greater room to consolidate his leadership and pursue his own political agenda,” Khairul told AFP. — AFP