Han Revanda Putra, Jakarta – Presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto responded to his rival Anies Baswedan's satire on his running mate Gibran Rakabuming Raka during the first debate tonight, Dec. 12, at the General Elections Commission (KPU) Office in Jakarta.
Anies, who had the first turn to convey his vision and mission, mentioned Gibran's nomination process which was seen as bending the law in the interest of the power.
In response to Anies' sarcasm, Prabowo reminded everyone not to incite and insult each other, emphasizing the need for serenity and harmony in the country. "For the sake of the people we love," he said presenting his vision and mission.
This country, Prabowo said, is a pluralistic country with hundreds of ethnic groups and different religions, so leaders must be calm to manage this diversity. "Leaders must be mature," he said.
Without giving a closing statement as his time ran out, Prabowo ended his speech and raised a soldier's salute, turned to his seat, and high-fived Gibran.
Anies Baswedan's satire of Gibran
In presenting his vision, Anies Baswedan stressed that the law should be the key reference to ensure justice and provide benefits and security for all. "But what has happened instead is that many regulations are bent according to the interests of those who hold power," the former Jakarta Governor said.
The presidential candidate from the Coalition for Change said Indonesia has a millennial who is running for vice president. However, that privilege does not extend to most young people in Indonesia who often face violence when they speak out and criticize the government.
Tonight's debate is the first of the five rounds of presidential and vice presidential debates being held by the KPU for the upcoming election in February 2024. This first debate covered issues of government, law, human rights, democracy, public service, and tolerance.
Apart from Anies Baswedan, Prabowo Subianto, and Gibran Rakabuming Raka, another presidential candidate, Ganjar Pranowo and his running mate Mahfud Md as well as Anies' running mate Muhaimin Iskandar, were also present.