JAKARTA (ANN/STRAITS TIMES) – Indonesia’s Minister of Security Affairs and vice-presidential candidate, Mahfud MD, announced his resignation on January 31.
His chief campaign spokesman characterised the move as a protest against perceived bias from parties openly taking sides in the upcoming February 14 general election.
Indonesia is preparing for a three-way presidential election featuring Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto, paired with President Joko Widodo’s elder son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka. Other contenders include former Central Java governor Ganjar Pranowo, running with Professor Mahfud, and former Jakarta governor Anies Baswedan, in alliance with Muhaimin Iskandar, chairman of a prominent Islamic party.
Local media has criticised President Widodo for alleged support of his son and Prabowo, highlighting reported intimidation by police and military against supporters of rival presidential pairs. Both the police and military deny these allegations.
Despite the controversy, Widodo was photographed sharing a meal with Prabowo on January 29 in Magelang, Central Java, drawing criticism from political analysts who interpreted it as an endorsement.
Speaking from Lampung province on January 31, Prof Mahfud stated that he and Ganjar agreed that anyone running for the nation’s top office should resign from their Cabinet post. However, Prabowo has not signaled any intention to step down from his defense post.
“I have spoken to Mr. Ganjar, leaders of the political parties that support our ticket… This letter I will hand to the President once I get a chance to meet him. I will report to the President that I am done,” said Prof Mahfud in a YouTube broadcast, displaying a resignation letter to the camera.
Widodo, responding to reporters on January 31, said: “That is his right, and I much respect that.” Mr. Ari Dwipayana, coordinator of the presidential special staff, stated that Prof Mahfud’s intention to meet the President and hand in his resignation letter is appreciated.
In the aftermath of the resignation, Karaniya Dharmasaputra, chief spokesman of the Ganjar-Mahfud ticket, asserted that state apparatuses had abused their authority openly and blatantly to favor specific presidential and vice-presidential candidates. He characterised Mahfud’s resignation as a moral protest, echoing the concerns of the majority of the Indonesian people.
Recent incidents, including a banner unfurled in support of Ganjar during President Widodo’s visit to Gunungkidul, Central Java, on January 30, have added to the election-related tensions.
The banner supporters were reportedly shoved aside by local security officers, leading to a video of the incident circulating on social media. One resident claimed to be taken away and beaten by security officers during the episode.
