TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The performance of vice president candidate number 01 Ma'ruf Amin in the first election debate has become public limelight as he did not talk much during the event. Vice President Jusuf Kalla (JK) backed the chairman of Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI).

JK said that Maruf's attitude resembled vice presidents in general. "A vice or deputy is commonly like that because the number one position (president) is much more than number two (vice president)," Kalla said at his residence in Central Jakarta, Thursday, January 17.

Throughout six segments of the debate, Ma'ruf Amin did not much convey his statement. The incumbent candidate Jokowi dominated in answering questions thrown by the panelist in the first segment, while the opponents, Prabowo Subianto-Sandiaga Uno answered each question alternately.

In the second session, Jokowi passed the time to Ma'ruf but then he refused to take the chance. "That's enough, I support what Mr. Jokowi said," he remarked.

Nearing the end of the second session, Ma'ruf gave an additional statement after Jokowi explained their vision and mission in fulfilling disability rights. However, he was cut short by a moderator Ira Koesno after the time limit alarm rang.

In the next segment, Ma'ruf Amin had longer time and answered questions related to terrorism and disability.

Jusuf Kalla, who is also a board member of Jokowi - Ma'ruf campaign team, further opined the presentation of Ma'ruf Amin and Jokowi in the election debate seemed more prepared in answering and throwing questions than their opponents Prabowo - Sandiaga.

VINDRY FLORENTIN