Panelist Debate Highlighted By Cak Imin, TKN Calls Defense University Independent And Not Involved In Political Interests

TKN spokesman Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak (ANTARA/Walda)

JAKARTA - Spokesperson for the Prabowo-Gibran National Campaign Team (TKN), Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak stated that the Defense University (IDU) has independence and is not affiliated with political interests.

This was said by Dahnil to answer the criticism of the Candidate for Vice President number 1 Muhaimin Iskandar (Cak Imin) who protested because the third debate panelist came from the Defense University.

Cak Imin assessed that the panelist from the Defense University was not independent because the educational institution was under the Indonesian Ministry of Defense, led by Prabowo Subianto.

"My understanding is that universities have academic independence and academic independence means independence," said Dahnil, quoted by ANTARA, Friday, January 5.

On the other hand, according to Dahnil, the Defense University represents academic freedom so that the educational institution is not involved in practical politics. This is in line with the Ministry of Defense which is also independent and does not represent any political party.

In addition, Dahnil also assessed that the KPU had considered many things to determine the right panelist in every debate. Therefore, his party still respects the KPU's decision and will follow the debate in accordance with applicable procedures.

"It seems that Cak Imin's rejection is not appropriate, why? Because it is related to academic independence," he said.