Ma'ruf admitted intentionally sharing roles with President Joko Widodo (Jokowi). He likened himself to a pair in a badminton doubles game. Ma'ruf said that badminton doubles players teach how to maintain harmony and share tasks, there is a front side and a back side.

"In the game, Ma'ruf continued, each position works according to their respective tasks so that the game or government runs smoothly. \u201cIt means that each person takes a position according to the tasks that are given, that's what I believe I am guarding so that this government runs well,\u201d he said."

Ma'ruf hopes that the Jokowi administration and himself can end well or with a good conclusion (husnul khatimah). In the remaining six months of his term, Ma'ruf acknowledges that there are a number of government targets that have not been achieved. "I hope that I and Mr. Jokowi end with a good conclusion (husnul khotimah), that's what's important. It is certain that there are achievements and non-achievements, I think that has become customary," said Ma'ruf.

According to him, not all targets can be achieved due to constraints or certain situations. However, he remains optimistic because what has been done by the current government will be continued by the next government. "Because it will be continued, we remain optimistic that Indonesia will be even better in the future," said Ma'ruf.