Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno said on Wednesday that he respected vice presidential candidate and Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Minister Mahfud MD's resignation from President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s cabinet.

Sandiaga said he respected Mahfud’s decision on behalf of the United Development Party (PPP), where he currently serves as the chairman of its campaign team.

“The responsibility of running in an election is tough and requires us to campaign every day. We have to engage with society and possibly attend up to 12 events in a day,” Sandiaga said during a working visit to Gianyar regency, Bali, as quoted by kompas.com.

The tourism minister said he also had to resign from his position as the deputy governor of Jakarta during his candidacy as Prabowo Subianto’s running mate in the 2019 presidential election.

Mahfud announced his resignation from his ministerial post on the campaign trail at Pura Ulun Danu in Central Lampung regency, Lampung, on Wednesday.

He cited avoiding potential conflicts of interest ahead of the 2024 election as the reason. Last week, Mahfud announced his intention to depart from his role at the Tabrak Prof event in Semarang.

In his announcement, Mahfud said he intended to deliver his resignation letter after scheduling a meeting with the President.

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