Indonesia's vice president resigns amid dispute over eligibility

Indonesia's vice president, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, has resigned amid a dispute over his high school diploma, the head of parliament said. The speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly told reporters that Gibran submitted his resignation to President Prabowo Subianto and to parliament on Thursday. Gibran, 39, is the eldest son of former President Joko Widodo and had served two years of a five-year term.

Last month, the Constitutional Court and the Supreme Court ruled that the documents Gibran submitted about his overseas education did not meet election requirements. His critics have accused him of never receiving a high school diploma. On Wednesday, 120 lawmakers from eight political parties petitioned House leaders, starting a parliamentary process that could lead to impeachment.

Gibran had offered to resign on Tuesday, saying he wanted to avoid a prolonged political controversy. A cabinet minister said Prabowo urged him then to defend himself, and it was unclear whether the offer was accepted.

Under the Constitution, a vacancy does not trigger a new election. The People's Consultative Assembly elects a replacement from two candidates nominated by the president within 60 days.

The resignation comes as the government faces widespread dissatisfaction over the economy, corruption and wildfires. Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets in recent weeks. Investigations are also under way into allegations that top police officials were involved in wiretapping targeting the president. The education inquiry was apparently unrelated to that case.