Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) appointed Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian as Acting Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs (Polhukam), replacing Mahfud MD who had resigned to focus on the 2024 presidential election.
The appointment was stated in Presidential Decree No. 20/P of 2024 signed in Jakarta on Friday.
"On Friday, February 2, 2024, the president signed Presidential Decree No. 20/P of 2024 which contains the honorable dismissal of Mr. Mahfud MD as Coordinating Minister for Polhukam," coordinator of the President's special staff, Ari Dwipayana, remarked here on Friday.
The decree also stated that Karnavian had been appointed to hold the duty, authority, and responsibilities of the coordinating minister for a while.
Dwipayana noted that Karnavian is currently the Acting Coordinating Minister for Polhukam of the Onward Indonesia Cabinet for the 2019-2024 period until the appointment of a definitive minister.
Related news: Mahfud's exit should not disrupt ministry functions: Jokowi's aide
Mahfud met President Jokowi at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Thursday (February 1) to submit his resignation letter from the ministerial position.
The vice presidential candidate number 3 said he intended to step down to set an example for other state officials to not use government facilities for election campaigns.
Mahfud explained that he had discussed his resignation with his running mate, presidential candidate No. 3 Ganjar Pranowo, as well as with the supporting political parties and the campaign team.
Meanwhile, Dwipayana expressed hope that Mahfud's exit would not disturb the ministry's service.
"We hope no issues arise following the coordinating minister's resignation. Hopefully, the government administration and ministry functions continue running smoothly," Dwipayana remarked earlier on Wednesday (January 31).
President Jokowi also earlier stated that he honored Mahfud's resignation.
"Yes, it is (Mahfud's) right, and I honor it," Jokowi remarked. (INE)
Related news: President's statement on campaign is part of democracy education: KSP
Translator: Rangga J, Kenzu
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
