Fashion plays a vital role in building an image and this also applies to presidential candidates.

Ahead of the first presidential debate on Thursday evening, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo posted a photo of himself on Facebook at 10:37 a.m., showing him in traditional Javanese attire with the red-and-white national flag in the background.

He wrote in the caption, “Good afternoon. Stubbornness, narrow and angry traits will only be defeated by being wise, gentle and patient.”

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According to Antara, the photo wanted to show the president’s readiness to face the first round of the 2019 presidential debates.

On Wednesday, Jokowi and his running mate Ma’ruf Amin had gone through a debate simulation and evaluation conducted by their team in Djakarta Theater, Central Jakarta.

Following the simulation, Jokowi told the press while exiting the building that the preparation was mantul, meaning mantap betul (really great).

However, Jokowi seemed on guard when being asked more about his preparation for the debate.

He previously told the media that he would wear a tenun (weaving) shirt for the debate. However, when asked the same question at night, he did not want to elaborate on his choice of attire. (jes/kes)