Jakarta, ThedailyID — Gibran Rakabuming Raka has delivered his first official statement after resigning as Indonesia’s vice president. He described public office as a temporary responsibility and said the nation’s future mattered more than any position.
“From the first day I took the oath of office, I carried out this responsibility with one firm belief: a position is only a temporary trust. The unity and future of the nation, however, mean everything,” Gibran said in a video uploaded to the Vice Presidential Secretariat’s YouTube channel on Thursday, November 12, 2026.
In the 6-minute, 53-second video, Gibran said he had never planned or pursued the vice presidency. Instead, he received the opportunity after President Prabowo Subianto invited him to become his running mate in September 2023.
Gibran recalled that the offer triggered an internal struggle. At the time, he was serving as mayor of Solo and remained a member of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P).
He acknowledged that accepting Prabowo’s invitation disappointed the party that had supported and guided him during his political career.
Nevertheless, Gibran said the opportunity came with a broader mission involving national development, younger generations, and national unity. These considerations ultimately led him to accept the offer.
He described his time as vice president as a challenging journey marked by public expectations, criticism, and differing opinions. However, he said these were part of a functioning democracy.
Gibran also stressed that leaders must place the public interest above personal ambitions. He said the ability to relinquish power for the greater good reflected political maturity.
“Therefore, today, November 12, 2026, after careful and lengthy consideration, with full awareness and deep love for all Indonesians, I declare my resignation from the position of Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia and return this mandate entirely to the people,” he said.
Denies Resignation Was Related to Education Controversy
Gibran emphasized that his decision had nothing to do with the controversy surrounding his education documents. He said all his educational records were complete and had been submitted to the court.
He also expressed hope that similar disputes would not arise again. According to him, democratic processes need better arrangements, while government administration should provide greater legal certainty.
He rejected the suggestion that his resignation reflected an inability to carry out his duties.
Gibran then thanked Indonesians for their trust and apologized for expectations he had not fulfilled and problems that remained unresolved.
He also expressed gratitude to young Indonesians, cabinet members, state officials, religious and community leaders, volunteers, and other people who had worked alongside him.
He specifically thanked Prabowo for the opportunity to serve in the administration.
“Thank you, Mr. President, for the trust and opportunity to become part of this government’s journey,” he said.
Gibran closed his statement by reaffirming his love for Indonesia and his commitment to remain close to its people.
He formally submitted his resignation letter to the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) on Thursday, November 12, following a meeting with Prabowo. His resignation came one day after he said he was prepared to defend his education equivalency documents before the State Administrative Court (PTUN).
