Presidential candidates kick off first TV debate

Erwida Maulia ,  The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Thu, 06/18/2009 7:49 PM  |  Presidential Election

Presidential candidates kicked off the premier televised debate at Trans TV studio in South Jakarta on Thursday.

The debate, broadcast live by Trans TV at 7 p.m., was themed "Creating Good and Clean Governance and Upholding the Supremacy of Law and Human Rights".

Incumbent President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono was the first candidate to arrive for the debate. He said he had spent Thursday afternoon preparing for the debate after attending to his state duties. He reviewed the policies he had issued and actions he had taken during his tenure with regard to good governance and the supremacy of law.

Vice President Jusuf Kalla, who arrived later, said that prior to the debate he had prepared himself by reading, recalling the problems and scrutinizing the latest issues related to the theme amid his state duties.

Megawati Soekarnoputri said she was ready to challenge the two other presidential candidates in the first-ever debate during this year's presidential election season.

"I've gathered input from friends and our campaign team members," Megawati said of her preparation for the debate.

The General Elections Commission (KPU) will hold a total of five debates until July 2, comprising three debates for presidential candidates and two for vice presidential candidates.

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