The vice-presidential candidates of this year’s general election avoided taking risks during the first and only vice-presidential debate pitting senior Muslim cleric and non-active Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) chairman Ma’ruf Amin against businessman Sandiaga Uno on Sunday evening.

The candidates were a study in contrast — one a 76-year-old cleric who wore a kopiah (cap worn by Muslim men) and a sarong; the other a 49-year-old businessman who wore a suit.

Yet, the debate was far from fierce, with Sandiaga often showing reverence for his older rival and Ma’ruf being soft-spoken in expressing his ideas.

During the two-and-a-half-hour debate at the Sultan Hotel in Jakarta, they exchanged arguments and ideas on the topics of education, health, manpower, social issues and culture.

The vice-presidential candidates were less aggressive than presidential candidates President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and Prabowo Subianto, who did not hesitate to trade barbs in the previous debate.

Both candidates gave better performances compared to the first debate in January, especially Ma’ruf, who then spoke the least of the four debaters.

Ma’ruf this time around seemed more comfortable in speaking in the allocated time and answering questions from panelists and Sandiaga.

The cleric, who wore his trademark sarong instead of regular pants, stayed true to his image as an Islamic cleric, as he used a number of Arabic terms during the debate, such as la tahzan (do not be sad).

Meanwhile, Sandiaga opened his performance on the night by congratulating Ma’ruf, whose birthday was last Monday. “Happy 76th birthday, Pak Ma’ruf Amin!” he said.

That was not his only display of politeness toward his debate rival, as Sandiaga was often seen bowing to Ma’ruf before answering moderators’ questions. On one occasion, Sandiaga even asked for the cleric’s permission before criticizing one of his statements.

It seemed that both candidates did their homework before going into the debate.

On the topic of education, Sandiaga said he would connect the national education system to employment opportunities by investing in science and technology, should he and his running mate Prabowo get elected.

“If we can coordinate the research and business worlds, I’m sure the Industry 4.0 revolution can allow the creative economy to explode, guaranteeing employment opportunities,” Sandiaga said.

Ma’ruf said he would consolidate research funds under a newly established agency called the National Research Agency and optimize the national research plan in order to make the country’s research efforts more effective.

Sandiaga challenged Ma’ruf’s statement by calling the establishment of a new agency “redundant”.

The Islamic cleric was quick to defend himself.

“The new research agency isn’t going to be redundant, as it will have a role in coordination. We will include any parties, the government, business and industry and universities so that research can help advance the country and meet the challenges of the next 10 years,” Ma’ruf said.

Regarding health, both candidates talked about National Health Insurance (JKN). Ma’ruf said his administration would improve services for more than 200 million program participants.

“We will continue to improve services, including by setting up health centers with doctors and health workers as well as making medicines readily available for all,” the cleric said.

Sandiaga later promised to “fix all commotion relating to the Health Care and Social Security Agency [BPJS Kesehatan] in his first 200 days in office”.

On the issue of manpower, Sandiaga repeatedly said he would ensure there is a “link and match” system between education and available jobs. Meanwhile, Ma’ruf said he would revitalize educational institutions and provide training through vocational centers and state-owned enterprises.

Jokowi-Ma’ruf campaign team deputy chairman Rosan Roeslani said Ma’ruf’s performance during the debate was “beyond expectations”.

“He answered questions calmly,” Rosan said. “He could answer [questions] and explained what the government should do in the future.”

Prabowo-Sandiaga campaign team member Sudirman Said said Sandiaga’s words were a reflection of his visits to more than 1,500 locations during the campaign.

Ma’ruf’s running mate Jokowi, who had just flown back from Sibolga in North Sumatra, paid a short visit to the debate venue at the Sultan Hotel. He said his attendance there was to provide mental support for his running mate.

“I met Pak Ma’ruf just now to support him. He was very confident and optimistic, that’s the most important thing,” Jokowi said, before leaving the site for “another event” right before the debate started at 8 p.m.

Prabowo could not make it to the debate as the airplane carrying him from Pontianak, West Kalimantan, was delayed. His campaign team spokesperson, Andre Rosiade, said the presidential candidate only watched a live screening of the debate from his residence on Jl. Kertanegara in South Jakarta.

“Pak Prabowo initially wanted to go with Pak Sandiaga to the debate venue this evening,” Andre said.

The fourth debate, which will pit the two presidential candidates against each other, will address ideology, governance, international relations and security and defense. It will be held on March 30. (mai)

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