Mahfud MD Resigns, Jokowi: The Presidential Decree Is Being Prepared And Its Substitute Is Announced Immediately

Indonesian President Joko Widodo delivered a press statement after attending the XVI GP Ansor Congress at Tanjung Priok Port, Jakarta, Friday (2/2/2024). (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) said that the presidential (Cepress) decision regarding the resignation of Mohammad Mahfud MD. as Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs (Menko Polhukam) is being prepared. "Yes, yesterday (Pak Mahfud) has submitted a letter of resignation to me, and in the morning we have prepared the presidential decree," said Jokowi after attending the XVI GP Ansor Congress at Tanjung Priok Port, Jakarta, quoted by ANTARA Friday, February 2. Jokowi assessed that Mahfud's decision to resign from the position of Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs was common, and repeatedly emphasized that he respected the decision. When asked about the candidate for replacement Mahfud, the President admitted that it took several days to decide. Not yet. Give time a day, 2 days, 3 days... 'just yesterday afternoon the resignation letter was submitted," said Jokowi. Mohfud MD. Meeting President Jokowi at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Thursday (1/2), to directly submit his resignation letter from the position of minister in the Advanced Indonesia Cabinet. Mahfud, who is a candidate for vice president number 3, stated that he wanted to resign to provide an example to other state officials not to abuse the position and facilities of the state for the election campaign. He has also discussed that political step with his running in the 2024 presidential election, the Presidential Candidate of the Republic of Indonesia Ganjar Pranowo, as well as with the support/supporting party and the campaign team.

However, Mahfud emphasized that he would not leave his obligations or what he called colong playu as Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs until the president's decision was issued. "Until there is a presidential decree, please. If there is no president, then I will go, 'it's a colong playu," said Mahfud.