Prabowo’s Full Speech on Accepting Gibran’s Resignation

Jakarta, CNN Indonesia — President Prabowo Subianto officially accepted Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s resignation from the office of vice-president on Thursday (12 November).

In a speech at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, with Gibran beside him, Prabowo said he was saddened to receive the vice-president’s resignation letter. Nevertheless, he said he respected and supported Gibran’s decision.

The following is Prabowo’s full statement after receiving Gibran’s letter of resignation as vice-president:

My fellow Indonesians, wherever you may be.

I wish to make a statement in my capacity as President of the Republic of Indonesia regarding today’s constitutional and political developments.

At 10.15am today, I received a visit from the Vice-President of the Republic of Indonesia, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, who handed me a letter. In essence, the letter stated his resignation from the office of vice-president.

After that, he went directly to the leaders of the MPR and submitted his resignation letter in person.

With a heavy heart, I accepted the letter and respect and support the decision he has made.

In my view, he has shown a chivalrous and responsible attitude, as well as statesmanship. He naturally feels that he completed his education through a regular process. However, we all understand that education systems abroad differ from Indonesia’s.

On the other hand, based on the existing court ruling, there is a discrepancy or shortcoming in meeting the requirements set out by our constitutional system. On that basis, he decided to resign from the office of vice-president in the greater interest of the nation and state and the Indonesian people.

I want to say that he helped me greatly, beginning during the campaign to secure the people’s mandate. In the two years of our administration, we have achieved many tangible results for the people. His role and contribution were certainly part of those achievements.

From the outset of the administration, I asked him to go directly to regions across the country, including remote areas, to check on the progress of government programmes.

I arranged that division of responsibilities. At the time, I intended to focus on formulating national policy at the centre, improving regulations to achieve the best results and greater efficiency, curbing abuses in every sector, and improving our economic system so that it truly returned to the 1945 Constitution, particularly Articles 33 and 34.

I also felt that the uncertain global situation, with its conflicts and wars, required my direct attention. The latest situation, the war in the Middle East, has affected the world economy, including our own.

I therefore felt supported. He carried out those duties well. In two years, he visited 35 provinces and 149 districts and cities, and inspected 303 government project sites.

This demonstrates his hard work, dedication and commitment in carrying out his responsibilities.

For all his service and hard work, I express my deepest gratitude and appreciation.

I told him that I believe he is still very young and has a long future ahead of him. I am confident that he will succeed in the next stages of his career and public service.

I told him that I will continue to support him, and I pray that he and his family will always be given strength in facing these difficult times.

In my own life, I have also faced various trials and difficult circumstances. I therefore believe he will be able to get through this situation with fortitude, as he has demonstrated through his chivalrous and statesmanlike conduct.

He chose to come in person to deliver the letter, although he could have sent someone else. He came to meet me himself, and he also went to the MPR himself.

And today, right now, he is standing with me as we address our fellow Indonesians.

Over the past few days, he has continued to consult me and ask for my views. Today, he has demonstrated his resolve by coming directly to me and to the leaders of the MPR to convey his decision.

I believe that is all I have to say.

I call on all of you to always put the greater interest first: the interests of the state, the nation and the people.

Let us create a sense of calm for our people. Let us be alert to attempts to divide our nation and to create unrest. I believe we are all aware that these efforts come from groups that do not want to see Indonesia orderly or peaceful, or Indonesia prosperous and living in justice and prosperity.

Justice and prosperity can come only in a calm and peaceful atmosphere, where everyone shows magnanimity and statesmanship.

That is what I wished to say.

Peace be upon you, and God’s mercy and blessings.

May prosperity be with us all.

Shalom.

Salve.

Om Swastiastu.

Namo Buddhaya.

Rahayu, rahayu.

Thank you.