Jakarta. Chief Security Minister Mohammad Mahfud MD has sought a private meeting with President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, according to an aide on Tuesday.

The request comes amid widespread speculations that Mahfud is contemplating resignation from the cabinet to fully concentrate on his vice-presidential candidacy.

“Minister Mahfud met with State Secretary Pratikno last night, requesting a meeting with Mr. President,” said Ari Dwipayana, coordinator of expert staff for the president.

Ari further elaborated that Mahfud wishes for the meeting to take place immediately after the president returns to Jakarta from his regional tours.

Clarifying the protocol for cabinet resignations, Ari mentioned that a cabinet member must formally submit a resignation letter before meeting the president in person. 

“In this case, the chief security minister has not handed in a resignation letter. He wants to meet the president at the earliest opportunity,” Ari said.

Earlier this month, Mahfud, who is the running mate of presidential candidate Ganjar Pranowo, publicly announced his intention to resign "gracefully" from the Jokowi cabinet. 

During the vice-presidential candidates’ debate, he expressed gratitude to Jokowi for entrusting him with a key cabinet position, which he has held for four and a half years.

He is competing against Jokowi’s eldest son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, who becomes the ticket mate of presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto.