Indonesian Vice President Resigns

Indonesia's vice president resigned on Thursday, November 12, over questions about his suitability. Recent court decisions have cast doubt on his education documents, writes sb.by.

Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the 39-year-old son of former President Joko Widodo, resigned to the leadership of the People's Consultative Congress, the country's highest legislative body, at the Parliament building in the capital Jakarta.

"The review of academic credentials did not appear to be related to an investigation into allegations that top police officials were involved in wiretapping the president's phone conversations," the material said.

Under the Indonesian Constitution, the vacancy of the vice president does not cause new elections. The office remains vacant until the People's Consultative Congress chooses a replacement from two candidates nominated by the president within 60 days.

Raka offered to resign Tuesday during a meeting with President Prabowo Subianto, saying he wanted to avoid a protracted political row. However, one cabinet minister said the president then urged the prime minister to "defend himself.".