Breaking News: Mahfud MD Resigns from Jokowi's Cabinet

Mahfud Md. (Source: Instagram)

JAKARTA - Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, Mahfud MD, has officially announced his resignation. The number 03 vice-presidential candidate will soon submit his formal letter of resignation to President Joko Widodo.

Mahfud's decision to step down is part of his commitment to maintaining independence during the 2024 Presidential Election process. The former Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court revealed that discussions about resigning from his current post had been ongoing since he was nominated as the vice-presidential candidate alongside Ganjar Pranowo.

Having previously met with the Minister of State Secretariat Pratikno, Mahfud is scheduled for a direct meeting with President Joko Widodo. Mahfud emphasizes the importance of resigning amicably, as he wishes to uphold the same level of decency as when he assumed the position, avoiding any negative perceptions.

The resignation, announced during a grand campaign event in Central Lampung on Wednesday (January 31, 2023), has been mutually agreed upon with presidential candidate Ganjar Pranowo. According to Mahfud, maintaining independence throughout the election process, scheduled for February 14 and beyond, is crucial.

"I have packed all my personal belongings and am ready to vacate the official residence, relinquishing all state facilities," he stated.

This decision has been discussed with coalition parties and the National Campaign Team (TPN) of Ganjar-Mahfud. After consultations with coalition parties and TPN, the conclusion was reached that stepping down during the 2024 Presidential Election process is a wise move.

Mahfud hopes that his resignation will serve as a moral and intellectual guarantee for a fair and honest presidential election, avoiding conflicts of interest and political interference.

It is noteworthy that, among the three presidential candidates in the 2024 election, there are candidates still holding ministerial and regional leadership positions. These include Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto, running as the number 2 presidential candidate, and Gibran Rakabuming Raka, number 2 vice-presidential candidate and current Mayor of Solo.

Mahfud made this statement in the company of the Advisory Board of the Ganjar-Mahfud National Campaign Team, Yenny Wahid, and several representatives of the Regional Campaign Team (TPD). The announcement took place at a historical site in Central Lampung, precisely in front of Pura Ulun Danu located in the middle of Tirta Gangga Lake, Swastika Buana Village, Seputih Banyak District, Central Lampung.

This moment was deemed fitting as Pura Ulun Danu holds sacred significance for the Hindu community in Lampung, symbolizing the beginning and faithful completion of human tasks. The location is historically relevant, as it signifies the start and dedicated completion of tasks for the welfare of the people and the nation.