On Friday, Ahok posted his official resignation letter bearing the Pertamina logo on his social media account.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) Minister Erick Thohir said that he respects the decision of Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, popularly known as Ahok, to resign from the post of president commissioner of state oil and gas company PT Pertamina.

"Mr. Ahok contacted me that he wanted to join the (presidential and vice presidential candidate pair number 3) Ganjar-Mahfud team. It is a choice. We are a democratic country," he informed here on Saturday.

When asked about who would succeed Ahok, he said that he has not taken a decision yet.

"Not yet, he just resigned yesterday. We will look for a good replacement," he informed.

On Friday, Ahok posted his official resignation letter bearing the Pertamina logo on his social media account.

"This upload is proof of my resignation letter as president commissioner of Pertamina, which I handed over today, February 2, 2024," he informed in the photo caption.

He said that his resignation stemmed from his desire to support the presidential-vice presidential candidate pair Ganjar Pranowo and Mahfud MD.

"So, there will be no more confusion regarding my political direction," Ahok explained.

Earlier, Minister Thohir said that commissioners and directors of SOEs who wish to be involved in political party campaigns and presidential candidate winning teams must resign from office.

He added that his ministry has issued a letter to all employees, asking those who wish to take part in campaigns to resign immediately as per the ministry's regulations.

The KPU has determined three presidential and vice presidential candidate pairs for the upcoming election: Anies Baswedan-Muhaimin Iskandar (serial number 1), Prabowo Subianto-Gibran Rakabuming Raka (number 2), and Ganjar Pranowo-Mahfud MD (number 3).

Voting is scheduled to take place on February 14, 2024.

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Translator: Nadia R, Kenzu
Editor: Arie Novarina
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