Mahfud MD's Argument In The Candidate Debate Is Called The Most National Observer

Mahfud MD was greeted by his supporters while attending the Vice Presidential Debate at JCC Senayan, Friday (22/12/2023). (VOI/Bambang E Ros)

JAKARTA - Executive Director of the Voxpol Center Research & Consulting Pangi Syarwi Chaniago assessed that Mahfud MD's arguments in the debate were much more national than other candidates.

"Pak Mahfud appeared to be more in control of the debate stage in terms of narrative, thoughts, insights, and intelligence. Judging from that, he won the debate stage this time," Pangi said in Jakarta as quoted by Antara, Saturday.

The same thing was conveyed by a political analyst from the Citra Institute Yusak Farchan. He considered Mahfud Md. looking stunning when he talked about the substance of the debate.

Mahfud mainly looks very fluent when talking about law enforcement for certainty in boosting investment.

When discussing the eradication of corruption in the investment and economic growth sector, according to Yusak, Mahfud also agreed to include issues regarding the distribution of justice.

"As Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs, I think Mr. Mahfud understands the problem well and what is the solution to providing solutions to economic and investment problems. Indeed, legal certainty is quite important," said Yusak in Jakarta, Saturday.

Another example, Mahfud dared to admit that the current land distribution was unequal. He explained that inequality occurred because law enforcement related to land ownership in accordance with Law Number 5 of 1960 concerning the Basic Regulations of Agrarian Principles was never taken seriously by the government.

On that occasion, Mahfud also shared his experience when he was criticized about the distribution of certain land by the community. Mahfud also asked the list of land to the Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning or the National Land Agency (BPN). He found that many lands were controlled by individuals and companies due to collusion.

"Oh, this (land management permit) was made all over the time. This is so many years, so many years. I know where the problem is and who made this. This is what must be brought under control. Moreover, now this land is suddenly occupied by people for decades, the state is silent," said Mahfud.

Meanwhile, looking at the answers of other Vice Presidential Candidates, Gibran, for example, Pangi assessed that Gibran's arguments were lacking.

Gibran looks much busier "degrading" competitors with trap questions.

In one of the debate moments, for example, Gibran gave a short question about the issue of carbon management to Mahfud.

He asked about the carbon capture and storage regulation which should be part of the theme of the fourth debate related to the environment.

Therefore, it is not surprising that Mahfud answered by studying Gibran about the procedures for making regulations.