TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Candidate vice president number 02, Sandiaga Uno, opened the presentation of his vision and mission with a birthday greeting to his rival, Ma'ruf Amin. This happened at the vice presidential debate venue that is held at the Sultan Hotel, Central Jakarta, Sunday, March 17, 2019.

"To whom i respect, KH Ma'ruf Amin, happy 76th birthday, i hope you will stay healthy and continue tobuild the country," Sandiaga said at the beginning of his presentation.

Ma'ruf has just celebrated his birthday. The birthday of the non-active General Chair of the Indonesian Ulema Council fell on March 11, 2019. At that time, Sandiaga also had a chance to congratulate Ma'ruf indirectly. "(Hopefully) it will be easier to debate later," said Sandiaga at the time.

Read also: Prabowo will Not Attend Vice Presidential Debate: BPN

Ma'ruf's 76th birthday took place in the midst of his campaigning activities in North Sumatra. Even though he was away from home, Ma'ruf got a surprise in the form of a birthday cake from his grandson, Syaikha Aulia.

"Today my birthday coincides with Super Semar March 11. I hope that in the future I will get blessings, good luck, in a year that will bring good for me, my family, and of course for the nation and country," said Ma'ruf at that time.

The vice presidential debate held by the General Election Commission is held at the Sultan Hotel, Central Jakarta. This time, the debate raised the theme of Education, Health, Employment, and Social and Culture. This is the third debate in the series of debates of the presidential and vice presidential candidates in the 2019 Presidential Election.