Gita's Resignation will not Disturb Cabinet's Performance

Jakarta (Antara) - The ruling Democratic Party (PD) stated that the resignation of Gita Wirjawan as the trade minister will not disturb the performance of the government's cabinet under the leadership of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. "The PD is convinced that the resignation of Gita Wirjawan from his trade ministerial post will not disturb the cabinet's performance," PD Spokesman Ikhsan Modjo noted in a press statement, here on Friday. Ikhsan expressed his conviction that President Yudhoyono, as the chairman of the PD, will take the necessary steps with regard to the latest development. He stated that the PD appreciated and can understand the step taken by Gita Wirjawan to resign. "This is an ethical consequence of his decision to take part in the PD presidential convention for the 2014-2019 presidential election." Ikhsan stated that the PD had expressed its gratitude for the services rendered by Gita as contribution to the nation and the state so far. The PD also prayed for his success in his future career. Gita Wirjawan resigned from his post as trade minister to pursue presidential candidacy from the ruling Democrat Party. "I announce my resignation as trade minister, today. I want to thank my family and friends for all their support," Gita stated in a press conference here on Friday. Gita explained that the decision to resign as minister was taken in order to focus more on his participation in the upcoming Democrat Party's convention to choose the presidential candidate from the party. Gita Wirjawan is one of the 11 participants in the Democrat Party convention, which will determine presidential candidate from the party. Among other participants in the convention, are State Owned Enterprises Minister Dahlan Iskan, Chairman of the House of Representatives Marzuki Alie and former Indonesian Ambassador to the United States Dino Patti Djalal. (*)