KPU names 11 panelists for first presidential debate

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The General Elections Commission (KPU) on Saturday announced a list of 11 panelists for the first presidential debate scheduled for December 12 at the KPU office in Jakarta.

KPU Commissioner August Mellaz said that the selected panelists are people who are competent in their respective fields, most of them are academics from various state universities.

"We have received confirmation on who will become the panelists for the first debate," he said.

The 11 panelists are:

Mada Sukmajati, political science expert from Gadjah Mada University (UGM)
Rudi Rohi, political science expert from Nusa Cendana University (Undana)
Lita Tyesta, constitutional law expert from Diponegoro University (Undip)
Khairul Fahmi, law expert from Andalas University (Unand)
Agus Riewanto, constitutional law expert from Sebelas Maret University (UNS)
Susi Dwi Harijanti, constitutional law expert from Padjadjaran University (Unpad)
Bayu Dwi Anggono, professor at Jember University
Al Makin, professor of religious studies at Sunan Kalijaga State Islamic University
Gun Gun Heryanto, dean of the Faculty of Da'wah and Communication Sciences of Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University
Wawan Mas'udi, dean of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences of UGM
Ahmad Taufan Damanik, former chair of the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) for 2017–2022.

Mellaz said that all the panelists will be quarantined from December 10 until the debate date, during which they will formulate questions for candidates.

The KPU has scheduled for five debates during the 2024 election campaign period (November 28, 2023-February 10, 2024). All five debates will take place in Jakarta.

The first and second debates will be held on December 12 and 22, 2023. The third and fourth debates will take place on January 7 and 21, 2024. The final debate is scheduled for February 4, 2024.

KPU Chairperson Hasyim Asy'ari said on Wednesday that the first, third, and fifth debates will be presidential debates, while the second and fourth debates will be vice presidential debates.

The presidential and vice presidential candidates will attend all five debates.

The themes for the first debate will include government, law, human rights, eradicating corruption, strengthening democracy, improving public services, and harmony among citizens.

Three pairs of presidential and vice presidential candidates contending for the 2024 general elections are Anies Baswedan-Muhaimin Iskandar, Prabowo Subianto-Gibran Rakabuming Raka, and Ganjar Pranowo-Mahfud MD.

The elections will be held on February 14. An estimated 204.8 million voters are expected to cast their ballots.

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