Jakarta Gubernatorial Debates Won`t Touch on Blasphemy Case

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jakarta will see three gubernatorial debates before the end of campaign period. The General Election Commission (KPU) has decided that debates will be held on January 13 and 27 as well as Febuary 10, 2017. “Debates [will be held] at the end of campaign periode in order for people to have fresh memories on the candidates’ programs before election on February 15,” KPU Jakarta chairman Sumarno said yesterday.

The last debate will be held two days before quiet period and campaign attribute removals are scheduled for February 12-14, 2016. The three debates will be held live on television. The KPU has yet to formulate its format, Sumarno said. “We have to summon experts to formulate the questions and format,” he said. Moreover, the KPU has not set the venue and length of time.

Sumarno said candidates will be barred from questioning Basuki Tjahaja Purnama-Djarot Saiful Hidayat pairing on blasphemy case. Three debates will be centered around programs to develop Jakarta. “I think we shouldn’t talk about controversies surrounding any individual,” he said.

Ahok-Djarot spokesman Raja Juli Antoni agrees with Sumarno. The first debate should immediately touch on the candidates’ vision and mission, he said. “Blasphemy allegations shall be proven in court,” Juli said. “Debate should be held on health, education, social welfare, etc.”

Anies Basweda-Sandiaga Uno pairing spokesman Pandji Pragiwaksono said similar remarks. “We have an opportunity to get back on track that Jakarta election discussion should be about programs and competition. Blasphemy should never be associated with debate,” he said. Agus Yudhoyono-Sylviana Murni Rico Rustombi also agrees on the issue.

Gubernatorial candidate Agus Yudhoyono said that he has no special preparation ahead of the first debate on January 13. He will continue his campaign across Jakarta. “For me, preparations for debate are made every day,” he said.

Other gubernatorial candidate Anies Baswedan said that preparations for debate will not mean much in influencing people. “Debate will be the accumulation of track record and it will show when expressing [ideas] in debate. I believe that it cannot be taught in a short period,” he said.

Meanwhile, Basuki said he will refer to his development programs during his tenure as Jakarta governor. “Other gubernatorial candidates can only say ‘I will’. Whereas, I can say ‘I have’. We will elaborate our programs,” Ahok said.

LARISSA HUDA | KURNIA RIZKI