Jakarta. The General Election Commission (KPU) is finalizing arrangements for the inaugural debate among vice-presidential candidates, including the president’s son, a senior minister, and a party leader.

Scheduled for December 22, the debate will center on pivotal economic topics such as the digital economy, finance, investment, tax policies, trade, state budget management, infrastructure development, and urban planning.

This event marks a major test for Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the eldest son of President Joko Widodo, as he embarks on his first foray into the upper echelons of governance.

In contrast to his father, the mayor of Solo is known for his reserved demeanor in speeches, leaving voters with limited insight into his unique ideas beyond continuing his father’s legacy.

The 36-year-old will engage with seasoned politicians, namely Chief Security Minister Mohammad Mahfud MD and National Awakening Party Chairman Muhaimin Iskandar -- both have experience as House of Representatives members.

KPU Chairman Hasyim Asy’ari announced on Monday that two senior TV journalists have been selected as moderators, with 11 academics and experts tasked with formulating questions for the candidates.

“Alfito Deannova from Trans Corp and Liviana Cherlisa from Kompas TV will serve as moderators in the upcoming debate,” Hasyim told reporters at his office in Jakarta.

The panelists include former Ombudsman Alamsyah Saragih; Adhitya Wardhono, an economist at Jember University; Agustinus Prasetyantoko, who recently retired as the chancellor of Atma Jaya Catholic University; Fauzan Al Rasyid, dean of the Law Faculty at Gunung Djati Islamic University; Handri Saparini, founder of the research firm CORE Indonesia; Hyronimus Rowa, deputy chancellor at the Institute of Public Administration (IPDN); Poppy Ismalina, associate professor at Gadjah Mada University’s Economic Faculty; Retno Agustina Ekaputri, chancellor of Bengkulu University; Suharnomo, dean of Diponegoro University’s Economic Faculty; Tauhid Ahmad, executive director of the research firm INDEF; and Yosa Rizal Damuri, executive director of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).

The debate will encompass six segments, including two segments allowing candidates to pose questions and engage in responses with each other.

The Jakarta Convention Center has been chosen as the venue for the debate, commencing at 7:00 p.m. Jakarta time and expected to last approximately 150 minutes, including TV commercials for viewers at home.

BTV news network, a subsidiary of B-Universe Media Holdings, is among the official broadcasters for this upcoming debate.

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