The inaugural debate among the presidential candidates for the 2024 election unfolded at the KPU Office in Central Jakarta on Tuesday night (Dec. 12).
The themes under scrutiny spanned law, human rights, governance, corruption eradication, and strengthening democracy, with 11 panelists from diverse backgrounds guiding the discourse.
Dr. Wawan Mas’udi, the Dean of the UGM Faculty of Social and Political Sciences and a seasoned political observer, was one of the 11 panelists.
He shared his impressions, characterizing the first debate as a dynamic exchange. The issues discussed were deemed to amplify public interest in the ongoing presidential election.
“The debate process was quite vibrant because, apart from the questions being highly relevant to ongoing societal discussions, the interaction, mutual questioning, and responses from the presidential candidates were lively,” he remarked at the UGM Campus on Wednesday (Dec. 13).
“While many might have hoped for a more extended duration, I believe what transpired last night already provided a glimpse into each candidate’s vision.”
Dr. Mas’udi clarified that the panelists’ role is to distill the most crucial issues and questions for discussion presented to each presidential candidate.
“These panelists, hailing from various legal, political, and governmental backgrounds, collaboratively formulate these issues dynamically and engagingly. Hopefully, the questions posed last night accurately represent the public’s queries,” he explained.
Discussing the questions raised, Dr. Mas’udi noted their intention to stimulate each presidential candidate’s outlined agenda requiring attention and public scrutiny.
While conceding that the candidates’ responses cannot be predicted, the answers reveal their perspectives, articulated through crucial phrases.
For instance, on the issue of Papua, Prabowo Subianto emphasized a security-centric approach along with economic development. In contrast, Ganjar Pranowo underscored the necessity of continued dialogue as a conflict resolution mechanism.
“All entry points converge on justice. This showcases the perspectives or approaches each candidate would adopt to address the Papua issue. This is just one example,” he elucidated.
The approaches vary regarding the pressing issue of political party reform currently occupying public discourse.
Anis Baswedan asserted that party financing should be a state responsibility, while Prabowo stressed the functional role of parties in electoral competition. Ganjar Pranowo questioned the governance position of parties aimed at securing their functions, particularly in political education.
“Each candidate maintains a distinct stance on each issue, which can be expanded upon further. The candidates’ points are quite clear, using specific keywords,” he opined.
“While the intricacies of the issues cannot be unpacked in 2 or 3 minutes, the use of keywords provides a glimpse, offering the public insight into how the presidential candidates would shape policies if elected.”
Dr. Mas’udi believes that the presidential debate is a vital platform to sway undecided voters, a significant portion, according to the latest Kompas survey, which indicates around 28 percent of voters remain undecided.
“The latest Kompas survey places this figure at around 28 percent. This is almost one-third of the total voters. They have yet to make up their minds, and what the candidates convey in the debate will probably influence the direction these 28 percent will take,” he added.
Author: Agung Nugroho
Photo: Viva