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Infrastructure, economic equality may become focal points in the VP debate
There are differences in how each presidential candidate views President Jokowi's aggressive approach to infrastructure development.
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A street food vendor passes by a poster of the three pairs of presidential and vice presidential candidates on Dec. 20, 2023, in Jakarta, ahead of the 2024 general election voting day, slated for Feb. 14, 2024. (AFP/Yasuyoshi Chiba)
The vice presidential candidates will take the stage in the second election debate on Friday, which will cover topics related to the economy, finance, taxes, investment, trade, the state budget and infrastructure.
The debate will feature National Awakening Party (PKB) chairman Muhaimin Iskandar, Surakarta Mayor Gibran Rakabuming Raka and Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Mahfud MD.
They are, respectively, the running mates of presidential candidates Anies Baswedan, Prabowo Subianto and Ganjar Pranowo, who participated in a heated debate on Dec. 12 on politics, corruption and human rights, among other things.
The infrastructure topic may raise tension in the debate, as candidates appear to have different opinions about President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo’s aggressive approach to infrastructure development, analysts have said.
Muhaimin criticized the massive development infrastructure, saying that it only benefits a few people, citing toll roads and car owners. According to him, infrastructure development should be equal and accommodate people's aspirations.
"Yesterday, I met a rickshaw rider who questioned why he could not enjoy the toll road, even though he pays taxes that helped build the road," Muhaimin said on the campaign trail in West Java on Monday.
He added that he would make use of taxpayer money to build public transportation instead, if he is elected.
