Indonesia's chief economics minister steps down

National Mandate Party chairman Hatta Rajasa (centre) shakes hand with Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (right) accompanied by an Indonesian president candidate and head of the Great Indonesia Movement Party (Gerindra) Prabowo Subianto (
National Mandate Party chairman Hatta Rajasa (centre) shakes hand with Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (right) accompanied by an Indonesian president candidate and head of the Great Indonesia Movement Party (Gerindra) Prabowo Subianto (left), during their meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia, 13 May, 2014. Mr Hatta, announced on Tuesday he was resigning to focus on his political career in the run up to July's presidential election. -- PHOTO: EPA

JAKARTA (REUTERS) - Indonesia's chief economic minister, Hatta Rajasa, announced on Tuesday he was resigning to focus on his political career in the run up to July's presidential election.

"I sent the letter yesterday, and today I reported verbally to the president. Of course, the president approved and wished me the best," he told reporters.

Presidential contender Prabowo Subianto, also at the meeeting, said the outgoing minister would be his running mate in the July 9 election.

Opinion polls show Prabowo is trailing frontrunner and Jakarta governor, Joko "Jokowi" Widodo, in the race.

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.