Jakarta. Vice-presidential candidate Gibran Rakabuming Raka is set to deliver the opening speech during the forthcoming debate on Friday evening, the General Election Commission (KPU) said on Thursday.

This debate presents a crucial opportunity for Gibran to showcase his qualifications beyond being the son of President Joko Widodo and convince voters of his capabilities.

The mayor of Solo will be debating on economic matters, alongside Chief Security Minister Mohammad Mahfud MD and National Awakening Party (PKB) Chairman Muhaimin Iskandar.

The KPU prohibits teleprompters and communication devices on the debate stage at the Jakarta Convention Center. However, candidates are permitted to carry papers and pens to aid their presentations.

Unlike the previous debate involving presidential candidates on an open stage, each speaker will have a designated podium for this debate.

Hasyim Asya’ri, Chairman of the KPU, said the order of speakers aligns with the ballot numbers drawn among candidates.

In the inaugural debate, presidential candidate Anies Baswedan, who drew number one, spoke first. Gibran, a running mate to Prabowo Subianto, has number two on the ballot and will take the lead in the second debate.

"The third debate will see presidential candidate number three, Ganjar Pranowo, stepping onto the stage first," Hasyim said.

The KPU has outlined a series of five debates, comprising three for presidential candidates and two for their running mates, scheduled until February 10.

While the venue's attendance is limited to 75 individuals, the event will be broadcast live by national television networks, with BTV serving as the official broadcaster for the vice-presidential debate.

The debate's thematic focus encompasses economic development, digital economy, finance, investment, tax policies, trade, state budget management, infrastructure development, and urban development.

"Bearing a wealth of experience as the mayor of Solo, Gibran is well-versed in these issues within the municipal scope. Our task in the expert council is to assist him in projecting his local governance expertise onto a national platform," said Budiman Sudjatmiko, a member of the Prabowo-Gibran campaign team.

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