Jakarta. Joko Widodo and Prabowo Subianto will face off tonight in the first debate of the presidential election campaign — streamed live on this website from 7:30 p.m. The debate, sponsored by BeritaSatu, focuses on the issues of law enforcement, clean government and democratization, spanning the ubiquity of corruption in Indonesia to the country’s ongoing efforts to professionalize its civil service.
Trimedya Panjaitan, a member of Joko Widodo and Jusuf Kalla’s campaign team, said Joko will seek to emphasize a more regimented law enforcement program and boost the resources available to antigraft chiefs.
“We’re basing things on positive laws to save state finances and avoiding police, prosecutors and justices from breaking the law,” he said ahead of the debate. “The [Corruption Eradication Commission] KPK will still play a big role.
“That’s what’s so great about Joko and Kalla, compared to the others. We cannot clean up a home using a dirty broom. We are certain that this is one of Joko and Kalla’s best elements.”
Prabowo’s running mate Hatta Rajasa from the National Mandate Party (PAN) pumped his credentials with the obligatory nod to the pair’s planned blend of nationalism and economic competence.
“The theme of the debate is an everyday issue — how to build a high quality democracy,” Hatta said on Sunday. “Prabowo-Hatta has a clear vision and mission — in the economy, we will be prioritizing economy and national identity,” adding that a focus on science and technology would boost Indonesia’s value-added.
Prabowo and Hatta’s campaign manager Mahfud M.D. said no special preparation had been taken prior to the debate.
“Prabowo has been traveling to meet constituents and supporters, so there was no prior practice for the debate,” he said. “We decided Prabowo would go on his own for the debate — if you’re used to leading, of course you’re used to debating.”
Tonight’s moderator, Zainal Arifin Mochtar, said the electorate would be able to glean more from the candidates after tonight’s head to head.
“It is not just their knowledge that will be on display but also their integrity,” he said.
Source/Fuente: http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/news/candidates-face-law-land-first-debate/
