Mahfud MD Admits He Never Campaigned And Installed Banners Because He Is Still Jokowi's Minister

Mahfud MD (Photo: Wardhany Tsa Tsia/VOI)

JAKARTA - Ganjar Pranowo's vice presidential candidate, Mahfud MD, said he had never campaigned for him to run in the 2024 Presidential Election (Pilpres). This is because he is still serving as Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs (Menko Polhukam), one of whose duties is to take care of general elections (elections). "I currently carry out my mandate as Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, whose duties include ensuring that the elections run smoothly safely," Mahfud said at the PDIP DPP Office, Menteng, Central Jakarta, Wednesday, October 18. "Because of my task, so far I have never once stated that I will participate in the election contestation. I have never campaigned, put up banners, etc.,” he continued. Mahfud has just announced that he is participating in the contest now. Because, he has received the mandate from the general chairman of the party supporting Ganjar Pranowo. "For those who have been delaying making choices because they are waiting for confirmation from me, then at this time I state that I am willing to participate in the contestation," said the former Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court (MK). " “ With Mas Ganjar I will dedicate myself, all my abilities, my knowledge, my experience, my firmness and determination of my attitude, and the courages that I have tried to always be shown to the Indonesian nation and state," continued Mahfud. As previously reported, the General Chairperson of the PDI-P (PDIP) Megawati Soekarnoputri officially announced Mahfud MD as Ganjar's companion in the 2024 presidential election. This decision was taken after the contemplation was carried out and had a dialogue with the general chairmen and other figures. As for the announcement of the vice presidential candidate, all general chairmen of the party carrying Ganjar were present, such as Plt Chairman of PPP Muhamad Mardiono, Chairman of the Hanura Party Oesman Sapta Odang, Chairman of the Perindo Party Hary Tanoesoedibjo, and Chairman of the National Winning Team Ganjar Presiden (TPN GP) Arsjad Rasyid.

Then were PDIP officials, such as PDIP Secretary General Hasto Kristiyanto, PDIP General Treasurer Olly Dondokambey, PDIP DPP Chairperson who is also Megawati's son, Prananda Prabowo and Puan Maharani and other cadres.