Forward To The East Java Regional Election, Jokowi Respects Risma Resigning From The Minister Of Social Affairs

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) together with Social Minister Tri Rismaharini (doc: State Secretariat)

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) received Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Friday, August 30 morning after he officially registered as a candidate for Governor of East Java on Thursday.

"This morning, at around 08.30 WIB, the President received the Minister of Social Affairs, Mrs. Tri Rismaharini at the Merdeka Palace," said Presidential Special Staff Coordinator Ari Dwipayana in a written message Friday, August 30.

During the meeting, Ari explained that Social Minister Risma reported to President Jokowi that he was nominated by his political party, in this case PDIP, as a candidate for governor in the East Java Pilkada. Risma also reported that she had registered with the KPU for East Java Province.

According to Ari, President Jokowi respects the political rights of every citizen, including Risma, who currently serves as Minister of Social Affairs.

"In principle, the President respects the political rights of every citizen, including those who currently serve as ministers or heads of institutions to be nominated by political parties, as candidates for regional heads/deputy regional heads in the 2024 regional elections," said Ari.

Regarding Risma's resignation from her position as Social Minister, Ari explained that based on the provisions of the Pilkada Law, there is no obligation for a minister, ministerial-level officials, or heads of institutions who want to run as candidates for regional heads/deputy heads to resign from their positions.

However, Risma's decision to resign as Social Minister was a personal choice that must be respected.

"However, the decision to resign from this position is the right or personal choice concerned which deserves respect," said Ari.

The candidate for Governor of East Java who was promoted by the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI) Tri Rismaharini previously confirmed that he would resign from the position of Minister of Social Affairs (Mensos) to contest the 2024 East Java Regional Head Election (Pilkada).

"Come on, I will resign," he said when asked about his position as Social Minister, after a pilgrimage to the Sunan Bungkul Cemetery, Surabaya.

Risma will submit her resignation after completing the registration of the Candidates for Governor-Deputy Governor of East Java. Risma and Zahrul Azhar Asumta (Gus Hans) registered with the East Java KPU at around 18.00 WIB on the last day of registration, namely last Thursday.

Regarding his resignation plan, Risma will meet President Joko Widodo on Friday and directly ask to resign because she wants to focus on nominating the East Java Pilkada.

"Tomorrow, God willing, if possible, ask the President for time to resign. But the rules are not regulated. But I will resign. And that is his authority," said Risma.