Gibran steps down after two years as Indonesia begins constitutional process to choose successor.
Indonesia has entered a vice-presidential transition after Gibran Rakabuming Raka formally resigned on November 12, amid political scrutiny over his eligibility to hold office. President Prabowo Subianto publicly accepted the resignation, setting the stage for the constitutional process to select a successor.
Prabowo Accepts Gibran’s Resignation
Gibran personally delivered his resignation letter to President Prabowo at 10:15 a.m. on November 12 before submitting it to the People’s Consultative Assembly, or MPR. Prabowo later confirmed that he accepted the resignation and said he respected Gibran’s decision. Gibran’s letter said he was resigning voluntarily in the interests of the nation, state, and smooth functioning of government, without specifying a particular reason.
Vice Presidency Officially Declared Vacant
MPR Speaker Ahmad Muzani said Gibran’s resignation left the vice presidency vacant as of November 12. The MPR scheduled a joint leadership session for November 13 to discuss the timetable for electing a successor, formally request two vice-presidential nominees from Prabowo, establish a team to verify their documents, and prepare a draft MPR decree. Under Article 8(2) of Indonesia’s Constitution, the MPR must convene within 60 days to elect a new vice president from the president’s two nominees.
Prabowo Highlights Gibran’s Two Years of Work
Prabowo used his announcement to praise Gibran’s contribution during their first two years in government. According to figures cited by the president, Gibran visited 35 of Indonesia’s 38 provinces, 149 districts and cities, and 303 government project locations while carrying out regional oversight duties. Prabowo said Gibran had helped him significantly since their election campaign and throughout their administration.
Impeachment Discussion Canceled After Resignation
Gibran’s resignation also prompted the House of Representatives (DPR) to cancel a November 12 plenary meeting that was scheduled to discuss a proposal to exercise its Right to Express an Opinion (HMP), a parliamentary mechanism that could have advanced proceedings concerning his possible impeachment. At least 120 lawmakers had signed the proposal amid controversy over his educational qualifications. DPR member Muhammad Khozin, one of the proposal’s supporters, said the mechanism was no longer relevant following Gibran’s resignation.
Indonesia Now Turns to Choosing a Successor
Attention has now shifted to the selection of Gibran’s successor. Under the constitutional process, President Prabowo must nominate two candidates, from whom the MPR will elect a new vice president. Gibran’s resignation letter described his decision as voluntary and made in the interests of the nation and the smooth functioning of government, without identifying a specific reason for his departure.
Gibran’s resignation closes one chapter of Indonesia’s recent political uncertainty but opens another as the country prepares to select a new vice president. For Indonesians, the process will test constitutional procedures and government continuity at the highest level. For Singaporeans, the transition is also significant because stability in Indonesia’s leadership can influence bilateral cooperation, investment sentiment, and wider Southeast Asian affairs.
Sources: Bloomberg (2026) , EN Antara (2026)
Keywords: Gibran Resignation, Indonesia Vice President, Prabowo Subianto, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, MPR Indonesia, Vice Presidential Transition
