Indonesia’s vice president resigns as his eligibility and academic credentials are questioned

JAKARTA, Indonesia — Indonesia’s vice president resigned on Thursday as questions grew over his eligibility for the office after recent court rulings disputed his educational credentials.

Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the 39-year-old son of former popular President Joko Widodo, submitted his resignation to the leadership of the People’s Consultative Assembly, the country’s highest legislative body, at the parliament building in the capital, Jakarta.

“There will always be political dynamics in public office, that’s normal,” his father, Widodo, told reporters from his hometown in Solo, adding that he had reminded his son that political positions are temporary.

“We will continue to support President Prabowo’s government, especially programs that serve the interests of the broader public,” he said, referring to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.

The academic credentials investigation was apparently not related to investigations into allegations that top police officials had been involved in wiretapping targeting the president.

Raka had offered to resign Tuesday during a meeting with Prabowo, saying he wanted to avoid a prolonged political controversy. He personally delivered his resignation letter to the president on Wednesday.

Raka made no comment to reporters as he left the parliament building but released a video statement later Thursday, firmly rejecting suggestions that his…

Original source: https://www.nbcnews.com/business