Jokowi - Ma'ruf to Present Umara-Ulama Image in Election Debate

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The deputy director of political communication of the National Campaign Team (TKN) of Joko Widodo or Jokowi - Ma'ruf Amin, Meutya Hafid, said that her camp would present a combination image of umara and ulema (leader and scholar) during the election debate, which was slated to take place January 17. According to her, the image is a natural power of the incumbent candidate.

“So, from the beginning, we say that [Jokowi and Ma'ruf represent] umara and ulema (Islamic religious leaders). That’s what we see from this pair,” Meutya told Tempo in Menteng, Central Jakarta, Monday, January 14.

Meutya opined that Jokowi represents an image of populist leader due to his communication style which using simple words. However, the time adjustment is still an issue because Jokowi tends to provide a short answer. Thus, additional information is required for the answer, even though it does not directly answer a question during the debate.

“In communication, effectiveness in time and efficiency in words are vital. But, there should not be a short time because candidates must explain an issue clearly,” said the member of the House of Representatives (DPR) Commission I.

Meanwhile, the communication style of Ma'ruf Amin, she added, represents an ulema figure. Ma'ruf usually refers a Hadits and using the Arabic language during his speaking which will support the character of Islamic scholar during the upcoming debate.

Meutya further said that her camp’s election debate team would not change the communication style of Ma'ruf as it was the latter’s strength. Ma'ruf Amin is expected to support Jokowi`s argument regarding governance based on his perspective as an ulema.

FIKRI ARIGI