Nadiem Makarim Resigns from Gojek, Ready to Be Jokowi's Minister

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Nadiem Makarim, the founder of the country’s first decacorn Gojek, said that President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo had asked him to be a minister of the new cabinet.

“This is a great honor to be asked to join Pak President’s cabinet,” said Nadiem after he was summoned by Jokowi at the Presidential Palace, Jakarta, Monday, October 21.

Nadiem affirmed he had accepted the offer despite still being in the dark of which post he would be assigned to. 

“I did not talk about the specific position because it is the president’s prerogative rights,” he said.

When asked about his position as Gojek’s CEO, Nadiem asserted that he had quit. “I have stepped down from my post in Gojek and have no more authority as of today,” he affirmed.

Gojek’s Chief Corporate Affairs Nila Marita confirmed the resignation of Nadiem, adding the company would announce a new leader later. “Gojek will present a new leader,” said Nila in a written statement today, Oct. 21.

She explained the startup’s president, Andre Soelistyo, and co-founder Kevin Aluwi would share the responsibilities “to run the company as co-CEO and focus on bringing the firm to the next level.”

Gojek, Nila added, was proud of Nadiem Makarim's possible appointment as a minister. “We are truly proud that the Gojek founder would contribute to bringing Indonesia to the world’s stage.”

Gojek said it had a solid plan for the company's future and would make an announcement in the near future. “Gojek respects the ongoing process and will not comment any further before the official announcement from the palace,” Nila concluded.

AHMAD FAIZ | ANTARA