Ma'ruf Amin to Talk on Terrorism and Islam in Election Debate

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Vice presidential hopeful number 01 Ma'ruf Amin will answer questions which are related to terrorism issue in the presidential election debate. A legal advisor of Jokowi - Ma'ruf pair, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, said the incumbent candidate will emphasize the government’s efforts in tackling terrorism does not mean opposing Islam.

“The point is that combating terrorism does not merely mean the government opposes Islam,” said Yusril in Djakarta Theater, Central Jakarta, Wednesday, January 16.

According to Yusril, Ma'ruf wants to correct understandings about Islam. Thus, the public will be peaceful, tolerant, and friendly. Jokowi is currently amending Law on Terrorism issued in 2002.

Terrorism issue is listed as the first election debate material for presidential and vice presidential candidates which will take place tonight, January 17, 2019, in Bidakara Hotel, South Jakarta. Other issues include the legal, human rights, and corruption. The debate will be divided into six segments within 90 minutes.

A director of Indonesian Political Indicator, Burhanuddin Muhtadi, said Ma'ruf Amin could potentially present stunning in the first debate despite public often underestimated the latter. Burhanuddin opined Ma'ruf could surprise the public as his running mate Joko Widodo or Jokowi during the presidential election debate in 2014.

LANI DIANA | BUDIARTI UTAMI PUTRI