Jakarta. Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, popularly known as Ahok, confirmed his resignation from the position of chief commissioner at the state-run oil company Pertamina on Friday. The decision is in pursuit of his commitment to join the campaign team of presidential candidate Ganjar Pranowo.

Ahok shared a photograph on the social media platform X, holding a document that verifies his resignation. 

“This post shows a receipt of my resignation letter as the chief commissioner of Pertamina, which I submitted today, February 2, 2024. I declare my support and intention to join the campaign team of presidential candidate Ganjar Pranowo and [running mate] Mahfud MD,” he wrote.

He said the post is intended to clarify his "political position" in preparation for the upcoming February 14 election.

Ahok served as the Jakarta governor from 2014, succeeding Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, who was elected president. However, he was defeated in his reelection bid in 2017 against Anies Baswedan following rallies by tens of thousands of Muslims demanding his resignation.

Anies is currently one of the contenders in the three-person presidential election, competing against Ganjar and Prabowo Subianto.

After his electoral loss, Ahok was convicted of blasphemy and sentenced to two years in prison. Following his release, Jokowi appointed him to the position of chief commissioner at Pertamina.

With Prabowo aligning with Jokowi’s son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, as the running mate, Ahok finds himself in the opposing camp of the current president.

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