President Jokowi Receives Mahfud MD’s Resignation Letter

Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Mahfud MD accompanied by Minister of State Secretary Pratikno gives a press statement at the Presidential Office, Jakarta, Thursday (02/01). (Photo by: Presidential Secretariat’s Bureau of Press, Media, and Information/BPMI)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo accompanied by Minister of State Secretary Pratikno welcomed Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Mahfud MD, at Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Thursday (02/01).

During the meeting, Mahfud MD submitted a letter of resignation from his position as Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs in the Indonesia Onward Cabinet.

“I submit a letter concerning the continuation of my duties as Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs. I state that in essence I’ve submitted a request to resign,” said Mahfud in his statement after the meeting.

Mahfud explained that the letter included at least three things, one of which was his expression of gratitude to President Jokowi who had given him the trust and honor to carry out his duties as Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs. On this basis, Mahfud submitted his resignation letter in an honorable manner.

“I am officially and respectfully submitting a letter today to express my request to resign,” said Mahfud.

Additionally, the letter also contained substance concerning his request for resignation as Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs. Finally, in the letter Mahfud also expressed his apology to President Jokowi.

I express my apology to him for the problems that I couldn’t handle properly,” said Mahfud.

On this occasion, Mahfud also said that it was a warm and very friendly meeting. In fact, President Jokowi called Mahfud the longest-serving Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs ever throughout his administration.

“Because previously Mr. Tedjo served as the Minister for less than a year, Mr. Luhut for a year and 4 months, then Mr. Wiranto for 3 and a half years and 2 months, while I served for almost 4 and a half years. Just because of political developments, I have to focus on other tasks, therefore I submit a request to resign,” said Mahfud.

Mahfud also urged all parties to work hard together to develop Indonesia. He also expressed his hope that Indonesia’s development should proceed in accordance with the country’s goals in the future.

“We can’t be perfect and we can’t possibly solve everything in a short time and we can’t possibly know everything about the problems we face, so we have to work really hard,” he said. (Presidential Secretariat’s Bureau of Press, Media, and Information (BPMI)/UN) (TM/MUR)