The recent presidential and vice presidential candidate debates have been widely panned in the media, including in The Jakarta Post, for being boring, uninspiring events lacking excitement or any real debate among the candidates.
Although undeniably true, such criticism fails to recognize that this was the first time there had been such debates in Indonesia. Understandably, the candidates faced a steep learning curve and had to develop presentation skills and overcome the traditional Indonesian reluctance to engage in public displays of conflict and emotion.
Of course, some people might say there is little likelihood of certain candidates ever developing a credible debating style no matter how much they practice, but this is unfounded. One only has to look at the long history of American presidential debates to see that just about anyone can be transformed from the most insipid and uninspiring personality to an accomplished debater or media sensation. No doubt the same thing will happen in Indonesia over time.
Regardless of the fact they may have lacked immediate impact, the debates show us that Indonesia's presidential and vice presidential candidates understand they now need to do much more in terms of articulating their policies and explaining to the public how they differ from the other candidates. This has to be a good thing for Indonesian politics to the extent it reflects a more demanding electorate which is gradually developing some interest in the policies and agendas of candidates. Maybe at last politics in Indonesia will move beyond cash handouts and free tee shirts and lunch boxes.
It is inevitable that the debates in Indonesia, as in other countries, will always be somewhat superficial and favor the accomplished media performers. Nevertheless, the very fact they are happening at all is surely a step forward for the electoral process in Indonesia.
William A. Sullivan
Jakarta
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