Ahok-Djarot 'Masterful' in Gubernatorial Election Debates
Jakarta. The re-election campaign team for Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama applauded him for overcoming a fierce questioning from both his rivals — what one of the contenders' camp defended as "constructive advice" for the incumbent — in Friday's (27/01) televised public debate.
Members of the campaign teams for all three pairs of candidates flocked to a number of locations across the capital to watch the televised debate, which took place at Bidakara Hotel in South Jakarta in the evening.
Leading a crowd of supporters for incumbents Basuki Tjahaja Purnama and Djarot Saiful Hidayat that gathered at a public screening at Lippo Mall Kemang in South Jakarta, entertainer Yosi Mokalu praised Basuki's "composure."
"He faced all the attacks calmly and answered questions effectively," he said at the screening, which also drew hundreds of supporters for contenders Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono and Anies Baswedan.
"It was apparent that, as incumbents, they have already done most of what was questioned," Yosi, who wore Basuki's trademark red checkered shirt, said. "They gave detailed answers, what they have done and how they have done them. They really master the issues."
Basuki assumed office in October 2014 and has been known since as a tough reformer, with several of his policies drawing both support and protest from all sides.
During Friday's debate, Anies and Agus often took pot shots at the current administration's programs. Basuki replied mostly by highlighting his effort to reform the bureaucracy and improve public services.
"The criticisms are warranted," actor-turned-lawmaker Lucky Hakim, a leading supporter for Agus and running mate Sylviana Murni, said. "But don't view all criticisms as negative. They can be a constructive input for whoever wins the election."
Friday's debate was the second of three scheduled before the Jakarta gubernatorial election on Feb. 15.
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