TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Vice Presidential candidate number 3 Mahfud Md finally announced his resignation as the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs. Mahfud mentioned that the official resignation letter will be delivered directly to President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo.

"I was trusted with this position and worked with care, so [I hope] it was a good run. I will honorably bid my farewell [to President Jokowi]," Mahfud said on the sidelines of his campaign event in Lampung today, Wednesday, Jan. 31.

The resignation was announced at the Ulun Danu Temple area, located in the middle of Lake Tirta Gangga, Swastika Buana Village, Seputih Banyak, Central Lampung. Mahfud was accompanied by the the advisory council of his winning team Yenny Wahid and several representatives of the regional winning team of Ganjar Pranowo-Mahfud Md.

The location of Mahfud's declaration was proper, said Swastika Buana Village Head Made Rimbawan, since Ulun Danu Temple is a sacred place for Hindu people in Lampung and symbolizes a good and loyal beginning and ending of human duty.

Meanwhile, Mahfud Md mentioned that his resignation had been discussed with State Secretariat Minister Pratikno a few days prior. Mahfud is scheduled to meet with Jokowi after the president returned from his visit to Central Java.

"I have packed all of my personal effects, and am ready to leave the residence and state facilities," he said during his campaign in Lampung today.

Mahfud also explained that his decision has been informed with the entirety of his coalition and winning team. The team arrived at the conclusion that Mahfud Md's resignation was a wise move.

"This decision is considered as a return to an honest democracy," he said.

The media deputy of the Ganjar-Mahfud winning team Karaniya Dharmasaputra said Mahfud is steadfast in his decision to resign. This resignation, Karaniya said, was a form of moral protest over the blatant move by state power to win certain running candidates for the 2024 general elections.

"The resignation process is currently formally being conducted and will be announced soon," Karaniya confirmed on Wednesday. "[Mahfud Md] will deliver his resignation letter during his meeting with the president. The schedule is currently being adjusted by Minister Pratikno," Karaniya concluded.

ADIL AL HASAN

Editor's Choice: Political Observer Says Mahfud Md's Resignation is 'Elegant and Honorable'

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News