"I have just met with President Jokowi, accompanied by State Secretary Pratikno. I submitted my resignation letter," he informed after meeting the President.
The meeting was closed for media. The minister's resignation letter contained three points.
In the first, he thanked President Widodo for appointing him as a minister on October 23, 2019, with full respect. He then said he was officially submitting his resignation request with great respect.
The second point formed the substance of his resignation.
In the third, he apologized for any mistakes or lapses in behavior during his ministerial term.
"President Jokowi and I talked heart-to-heart with warmth and full of smile," Mahfud informed.
He said his resignation will become effective after the issuance of a presidential decree by Widodo.
Mahfud, who is contesting the 2024 election as a vice presidential candidate, informed that he wants to resign to set an example for other state officials to not abuse their position or state facilities for the election campaign.
He discussed his resignation with his running mate, Ganjar Pranowo, other supporting parties, and his campaign team.
He first shared his desire to resign from his post during an event in Semarang, Central Java, on January 23, 2024. At the event, Mahfud said that he was waiting for the right time to resign from the Onward Indonesia Cabinet.
"I am waiting for the right timing," he said.
He added that his resignation would be on amicable terms to prevent any turmoil.
He further said that he did not want to run from his responsibility.
President Widodo earlier said that he appreciated Mahfud's decision to resign and would respect it.
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Translator: Rangga Pandu A J, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2024
