Prabowo Hugs Gibran, Accepts V-P’s Resignation With ‘Heavy Heart’
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto embraced Gibran Rakabuming Raka at the Merdeka Palace on November 12 after accepting the vice-president's resignation. Gibran stepped down following a legal ruling on his constitutional qualifications and gave no reason in person. The People's Consultative Assembly must choose a successor within 60 days.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto said on November 12 that he had accepted Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s resignation with a “heavy heart”, after a legal ruling found shortcomings in how Gibran met the constitutional requirements for the post.
The two men embraced at the end of Prabowo’s statement at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta. Gibran stood beside the president as he spoke.
“I respect and support the decision he has made,” Prabowo said. “To me, he has demonstrated an honourable attitude, a strong sense of responsibility and exemplary conduct.”
Prabowo acknowledged that education systems overseas differ from Indonesia’s. He said Gibran believed he had completed his education through the proper process, but that the ruling identified discrepancies, and Gibran resigned in the interests of the nation and its people.
The resignation ends Gibran’s tenure less than halfway through Prabowo’s five-year term. Gibran is the son of former president Joko Widodo.
Letter delivered in person
Gibran gave his resignation letter first to Prabowo, the Palace said, then took it to the leadership of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) at the Parliament complex in Jakarta.
MPR Speaker Ahmad Muzani said the meeting lasted about 20 minutes. Gibran asked for the resignation to be processed immediately, and gave no reason, Muzani said.
Coordinating Law Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra said he had read a copy of the letter. It cited personal reasons and public sentiment, he told reporters on November 12.
“The reasons were personal, but he also considered the views emerging among the public,” Yusril said. He added that Gibran’s decision was legally binding and did not need the Assembly’s approval.
Prabowo’s tribute
Prabowo praised Gibran’s two years in office. He said the vice-president had visited 35 provinces and 149 regencies and cities, and had inspected 303 government project sites.
Gibran consulted him repeatedly in the days before resigning, Prabowo said, and showed statesmanship by delivering his decision personally. “I told him that I would continue to support him,” the president said.
He also urged Indonesians to stay united and warned against attempts to create unrest or divide the country. “Justice and prosperity can only be achieved in a calm and peaceful atmosphere,” he said.
Widodo said his family will keep supporting Prabowo. The Assembly must choose a new vice-president within 60 days, a vote that may affect the balance within the governing coalition.
