President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo gave his Cabinet ministers permission on Friday to leave their jobs temporarily to campaign for the 2019 legislative election.

Jokowi said a number of ministers in his administration were also politicians who were likely to receive mandates from their political parties.  

“I suppose it is understandable if [the ministers] are assigned by their parties to run as legislative candidates,” Jokowi said on Friday. “However, no one has yet to convey their [intention to run in the election] to me.”

He added that the ministers did not have to resign but they did have to request leave.

The President said other ministers could take over the job temporarily.

The General Elections Commission (KPU) has opened registration for legislative candidates from July 4 to 17 and the verification is set to take place from July 5 to 18. The results of the verification will be announced from July 19 to 21.

Coordinating Human Development and Culture Minister Puan Maharani, a member of the ruling Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), and Manpower Minister Hanif Dhakiri of the National Awakening Party (PKB), are contesting for legislative seats. (evi)