From food entrepreneur to Indonesian vice-president, Gibran Rakabuming Raka has undergone several transformations, remaining at the centre of public controversy throughout.

The 39-year-old ended his vice-presidential term after just two years on Thursday (12 November), with a scandal over his high school diploma proving the final straw for his political career.

Gibran, the eldest son of former president Joko Widodo, ventured into the food and wedding planning businesses in his younger years.

In 2021, he followed in his father's footsteps by entering politics and was elected mayor of his hometown, Solo, in Central Java. With no prior record in party politics, he faced widespread accusations that he had secured the position through nepotism.

In 2024, Gibran stirred controversy again when Prabowo Subianto chose him as his presidential running mate. Critics said he lacked political experience and policy proposals, and often evaded questions with terse or sarcastic replies.

Under Indonesian election law, presidential and vice-presidential candidates must be at least 40 years old, but Gibran was only 36 at the time. However, the Constitutional Court, headed by Widodo's brother-in-law Anwar Usman, ruled that those who had held elected public office were exempt from the age requirement, allowing Gibran to run. Critics consequently derided him as “the constitution's illegitimate child”.

Gibran's decision to run alongside Prabowo strengthened ties between Prabowo's Gerindra party and Widodo's camp, paving the way for Prabowo's presidential election victory.

However, two years into Gibran's vice-presidency, opponents filed a case with the Constitutional Court, arguing that he had failed to prove he had completed high school and was therefore ineligible to serve as vice-president.

When Gibran registered as a candidate in 2024, he submitted a certificate to the election commission showing that his overseas qualifications were equivalent to an Indonesian vocational high school education.

Gibran rejects education allegations: University would have been impossible without finishing high school

He denied the allegations, stressing that he had obtained a bachelor's degree in marketing in Singapore.

He said, “If I didn't graduate from high school, then I obviously wouldn't have been able to go to college. I studied up to a bachelor's degree in Singapore.”

Gibran once responded to critics by saying, “People called me clueless... said I was afraid to debate. But clearly, thanks to all of your prayers and support, Mr Prabowo and I are now here.”

Gibran is married to Selvi Ananda, and they have two children.

Analysts believe Gibran's departure could signal a rift between Prabowo and Widodo. The two faced off twice in presidential elections, with Widodo winning both times, before forming a governing alliance seen as a marriage of political convenience. Gibran and other Widodo allies were also appointed to key government posts.