KPU Sets Complex Regulations for Presidential Debate Moderators

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – General Election Commission commissioner Arief Budiman said the moderators for the next presidential debates must comply with a string of regulations and restrictions.

“There are things allowed and disallowed. This is far more complicated,” said Arief on Wednesday. Zainal Arifin Mochtar, the moderator for the previous presidential debate, was criticized by many for being awkward and incapable of sharpening questions for presidential pairs Prabowo-Hatta and Joko Widodo-Jusuf Kalla.

Arief said among the restrictions for the moderators is that he or she is barred from raising one or two fingers, saying the number one or two and many others. “Speech and gestures are controlled,” he said. Arief added these restrictions aimed at preventing the moderators from being accussed of favoring a specific candidate.

The second presidential debate is slated for Sunday, June 15, at Gran Melia Hotel in Jakarta. The debate, themed Pembangunan Ekonomi dan Kesejahteraan Sosial (Economic and Social Welfare Development), will be moderated by Brawijaya University Economics and Development Professor Ahmad Erani Yustika.

KPU has scheduled five presidential debates in a one-month campaign period. The debate will be conducted every week and broadcast by eleven TV stations. The themes of the debates encompass issues surrounding democracy, government, defense, education, food, energy and environment.

LINDA TRIANITA