Presidential Candidates Should Commit to Rural Regions: Expert

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Economic expert Professor Hermanto Siregar suggested that the two presidential candidates cshould ommit themselves to spreading infrastructure development in rural region, especially agricultural area.

"A commitment (of the presidential candidates) to spread infrastructure development in agricultural areas is probably a challenge in the future," the Perbanas Institute Professor told Antara here, Saturday.

Professor Hermanto explained urban people could afford paying fares of toll roads developed by the private sectors.

However, the rural community and farmers did not have money to build or repair infrastructure, therefore the government should build infrastructure in rural regions.

"Development that can be enjoyed by the lower classes of society, infrastructure that indeed has economic impacts, but is more pro-rural or agricultural," said the economist.

Previously Professor Hermanto Siregar estimated that the benefits of infrastructure development for four years will be discussed in depth in the second round of the 2019 presidential election debate.

Infrastructure is one of the topics to be discussed in the debate.

Incumbent Joko Widodo or Jokowi and rival Prabowo Subianto will meet in the second debate featuring five themes, namely energy, the environment, infrastructure, food, and natural resources.

The second of the total five debates is scheduled to be held at Sultan Hotel, South Jakarta, on Feb 17, 2019, at 8 p.m. local. The General Election Commission (KPU) has vowed this time not to reveal the questions to the candidates in advance.

Unlike the first debate, Jokowi and his rival, Subianto, will face off in the second debate without the vice presidential candidates accompanying them.

Indonesia will organize simultaneous legislative and presidential elections on April 17, 2019, across the country.

Of its total population of 260 million people, over 185.6 million are registered as illegible voters in Indonesia.

The 2019 presidential election is considered by many as a repeat of the bitter 2014 presidential race, wherein Jokowi and Subianto are again set to go head-to-head.

ANTARA