1Berita News – Minister of State-Owned Enterprises Erick Thohir responds to the resignation of Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, also known as Ahok, as the President Commissioner (Komut) of PT Pertamina (Persero). Erick stated that he had been contacted by Ahok regarding his decision.
According to Erick, Ahok’s choice is part of democracy. He mentioned that Ahok’s reason for resigning is to support the presidential candidacy of Ganjar Pranowo and Mahfud Md in the upcoming election.
“Mr. Ahok contacted me, expressing his intention to support Ganjar-Mahfud. It’s his choice. After all, we are a democratic country,” he said when approached at the Djakarta Theater, Central Jakarta, on Saturday (2/3/2024).
He stated that Ahok’s decision is similar to Mahfud Md’s resignation as the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs. However, Erick himself affirmed his commitment to continue working with President Joko Widodo (Jokowi).
“Just like when Mr. Mahfud decided to resign, it’s a choice. But as for me, I will continue to work for Mr. Jokowi, performing my duties as assigned,” he explained.
Erick admitted that he has not yet determined Ahok’s replacement at Pertamina. However, he mentioned that they will select the best candidate.
“Not yet (found a replacement), it just happened yesterday. We will find the best candidate,” he concluded.
Previously, Ahok’s resignation was announced on his personal Instagram account. In his @basukibtp post, Ahok also displayed the resignation letter he submitted today. The letter was addressed to PT Pertamina.
“This post serves as evidence of my resignation letter as the President Commissioner of PT Pertamina (Persero) which I submitted today, February 2, 2024,” Ahok wrote on his Instagram, quoted on Friday (2/2/2024).
Ahok explained that he resigned from his position at Pertamina because he supports Ganjar Pranowo-Mahfud Md as presidential and vice-presidential candidates for 2024. He stated that he will actively campaign for the pair.
“With this, I declare my support and will actively campaign for the presidential candidate pair Ganjar Pranowo and Mahfud Md. This is to eliminate any confusion regarding my political stance,” Ahok wrote.
