AntaraJakarta (ANTARA) - The General Elections Commission (KPU) conducted two rehearsals at 02.00 pm and 07.00 pm local time to ensure the fourth round of the presidential debate to be held at the Shangri-La Hotel, Central Jakarta, on Saturday evening, would run smoothly.
KPU Commissioner Wahyu Setiawan confirmed this, saying his personnel
did not face any hurdles during the rehearsals held several hours before the debate could take place.
During the rehearsals, the KPU conducted a simulation by referring to the format of the third round of the debate. As was the case with the three previous debates, Saturday evening's event would also be broadcast live and live-streamed by several television channels, including SCTV and Indosiar.
During the fourth round, incumbent President Joko Widodo and his contender Prabowo Subianto would put forth their views and perspectives, as well as debate over issues pertaining to ideology, administration, security, and international relations.
For this debate, the list of questions has been prepared and drafted by nine panelists—Zakiyuddin, J Haryatmoko SJ, Erwan Agus Purwanto, Valina Singka Subekti, Al Araf, Apolo Safanpo, Dadang Tri Sasongko, I Basis Eko Soesilo, and Kusnanto Anggoro.
As part of the 2019 presidential elections, the KPU has organized five rounds of presidential debates for the Joko Widodo-Ma'ruf Amin and Prabowo Subianto-Sandiaga Uno pairs.
The first and second presidential debates were held on January 17 and February 17, 2019, respectively, during which the two presidential candidates shared their views and perspectives on issues pertaining to law, corruption, terrorism, environment, and infrastructure.
The third debate, held on March 17, focused on educational, employment, health, as well as social and cultural issues. The debates are expected to offer a clear picture of the capacity and capability of the two pairs to some 192 million eligible voters.
Besides holding the presidential debates, the KPU has also allowed the two pairs of the presidential and vice presidential candidates to conduct open campaign trails from March 24 to April 13.
On March 28, for instance, Joko Widodo conducted an open campaign at the Ahmad Kirang field in Mamuju District, West Sulawesi Province, during which he urged his loyalists to wear white shirts when they vote on April 17.
"I call on all the people, including the residents of West Sulawesi Province, to cast their votes on April 17," he said, recalling that he had gained 74 percent of votes in West Sulawesi Province in the 2014 Presidential Elections.
Jokowo, who has chosen Ma'ruf Amin, a Muslim preacher, to be his running mate, expressed his desire to secure more votes in West Sulawesi. He also appealed to the entire nation to maintain national unity despite the fact that they may have different political preferences.
Meanwhile, on March 29 or a day before the convening of this fourth round of the presidential debate, Indonesian Presidential candidate number 02 Prabowo Subianto surprised journalists covering his campaign event in Karawang District, West Java Province.
Subianto acknowledged the presence of media workers at his campaign event on Friday but, at the same time, urged them to keep in mind that they "belong" to the people, including those currently seeking a change in regime.
"All brothers and sisters are present here, and among you, our media. Hello, media!" he shouted from the stage to the working journalists before concluding his speech at the campaign event attended by several thousand people.
Appearing at ease, Subianto also sent a message that his supporter has consistently made demands from media workers.
"Hello, media in Indonesia. You all belong to the people. Do not broadcast lies. Our people are demanding a regime change, justice, prosperity, and peace. Our people do not want to be cheated anymore," he stated.
With sufficient information that the eligible voters obtain about the two pairs of the presidential and vice presidential candidates from the five rounds of debates and open campaign trails, they are expected to be able to cast their votes rationally.
Regardless of which pair wins the upcoming presidential election, Indonesia will certainly be ruled by a new and capable president and vice president.
EDITED BY INE
Translator: Imam Budilaksono, Rahmad Nasut
Editor: Eliswan Azly
Copyright © ANTARA 2019
