JAKARTA With a legal background, it turns out that it did not reduce Mahfud MD's expertise in conducting an economic-themed vice presidential candidate (cawapres) debate, last December 22. Armed with his experience as an academic and bureaucrat, Ganjar Pranowo's companion seemed to prove that he also controlled the economic sector.
Maybe it's not too much to mention that Mahfud MD is the most insightful figure, giving an appearance that combines the depth of knowledge with a calm attitude.
This is because Mahfud was able to collaborate on the diversity of strategies, expertise, and character in highlighting the complexity of the problems that became the theme of debate. According to the spokesman for the Ganjar-Mahfud National Winning Team (TPN), Michael Victor Sianipar, Mahfud's approach in the debate shows himself as an academic who has experience in providing knowledge.
He gave an example, the response to Gibran's question about how to make Carbon Capture and Storage regulations, was answered correctly, because Mahfud was indeed a legal expert. Although the question deviates from the main theme of the debate, Mahfud is able to answer it easily. The explanation is not only answering questions, but also a discourse that educates, explaining the complex regulatory aspects quite clearly," said Michael, Monday, December 25.
He emphasized that this moment was proof of Mahfud's deep understanding of policy and government, which strengthens his position as a heavyweight intellectual in the political arena.
However, Michael admitted that in addition to his insights and experience, Mahfud also received a lot of input from the TPN economic team, including from Arsjad Rasyid, Sandiaga Uno and Hary Tanoesoedibjo.
Mr. Mahfud has also absorbed the aspirations that exist in society. Like when he met the Marunda fishermen, Jakarta. Regarding the conditions in the field that have been met so far, he already has a solution to be offered," he added.
Mahfud's Appearance Raises Positive Sentiment
Mahfud himself admitted that he was satisfied with his performance in the inaugural debate of the vice president. He revealed that there was no special preparation to face Gibran and Cak Imin during the vice presidential debate. Because, everyone has their own capacity in mastering the debate material or not.
"Debat itu adalah apa yang ada sekarang, yang dimiliki, lalu debat, dia menguasai atau tidak, begitu saja. Kalau persiapan khusus dengan bidang yang begitu luas itu, saya kira, menurut saya, tidak perlu," tuturnya.
"For me, it's the same, I'm sure from the beginning until it's finished. I have prepared the matter on my head, while reading newspapers, watching TV. The most satisfying thing is that I am in the fifth segment because I am concrete in conveying what we will do. We are sure that the performance in the two debates will increase Ganjar-Mahfud's electability," continued Mahfud.
Secretary General of the PDI-P DPP, Hasto Kristiyanto, was also satisfied with Mahfud's appearance during the vice presidential debate. He considered that the man from Madura proved to be a mature and experienced figure at the national level.
Hasto stated that his party was satisfied with Mahfud's appearance as an experienced figure, firm in eradicating corruption, but always talking about policy benefits for improving the welfare of children.
He claimed, based on the results of social media monitoring during the debate, the highest positive sentiment led to Mahfud MD which reached 39.7 percent, while Gibran 19.2 percent and Cak Imin 14.4 percent.
"The final conclusion is that Prof. Mahfud is able to ensure that by eradicating corruption, it will benefit the little people in the form of improving the quality of education, decreasing the prices of the people's basic needs, and creating massive jobs," said Hasto.
Meanwhile, the Director of Communication for Indonesia Indicator, Rustika Herlambang revealed that from research conducted related to conversations on social media during the debate between 18.00 - 23.00 WIB on the day of the debate, Mahfud MD was the vice presidential candidate with the highest level of positive discussion of around 65 percent, Mahfud's appearance was considered as the result of experience with calm in every answer.
Likewise from the research results of the Continuum Indef which conducted an analysis of the public's response regarding the vice presidential debate using a big data approach. The Ganjar-Mahfud pair achieved 64.03 percent positive sentiment with negative sentiment reaching 35.97 percent. Like Indonesia Indicator, the research results of the Continuum Indef also show that Mahfud MD is considered an experienced vice presidential figure.
Researchers from PARA Syndicate, Virdika Rizky Utama assessed that Mahfud MD's appearance still had shortcomings. According to him, in terms of delivery, even though informative, does not have the dynamics and emotional involvement that often affects public opinion.
"His consistent and steady speech sometimes feels flat, does not have rhetoric talent which is often a characteristic of successful political communication," he said, Saturday, December 23.
However, Rizky continued, Mahfud's ability to dissect and present complex policy issues that are clearly unmatched on stage, establishing his role as the most valuable participant of the debate. In political debates, the way candidates communicate their ideas is often as important as the idea itself.
Therefore, Mahfud MD's approach, which is characterized by academic attitudes, is undoubtedly attractive to audiences who seek depth and detail. However, in a political debate, where public perception plays an important role, the lack of emotional resonance in its submission limits its appeal to a wider audience," Rizky said.
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