Jakarta. The campaign teams of presidential candidates Prabowo Subianto and Anies Baswedan criticize the upcoming presidential debate organized by the MNC television networks. These networks are owned by Hary Tanoesoedibjo, the chairman of the Perindo Party, which supports presidential candidate Ganjar Pranowo

"The National Campaign Team for Prabowo Subianto requests that there should be no monopoly of television networks owned by politicians endorsing presidential candidates," Deputy Chairman of Prabowo's team Juri Ardiantoro told Beritasatu on Tuesday.

The upcoming presidential debate is set for Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, organized by MNC Group and will be aired on MNC TV, Global TV, Inews TV, and RCTI.

The previous debate, showcasing vice presidential candidates Muhaimin Iskandar, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, and Mahfud MD, was broadcast on BTV, Kompas TV, and CNN Indonesia (Trans Corp).

Furthermore, Prabowo's team has urged the General Election Commission (KPU), the event organizer, to conduct the presidential debate at a neutral venue. As of Wednesday, both the KPU and MNC Group have not disclosed the debate location.

Anies' running mate, Muhaimin Iskandar, commonly known as Cak Imin, voiced his objections to MNC Group as the organizer of the upcoming debate. 

"Yes, of course, we share the same concerns because this involves the independence of a television channel. Therefore, we request all television stations to demonstrate their commitment to maintaining independence," said Cak Imin on Tuesday.

"As a broadcasting institution like this, independence is crucial. We hope MNCs prove that they are truly independent. If they cannot prove it, then a protest will be filed, and this must be heard by the KPU," he added.

KPU Commissioner, August Mellaz, confirmed that they have received a letter of objection from Prabowo and Anies' campaign teams. He said that the MNC Group has the right to organize the debate.

"KPU has no bias towards the debate organizer. All media organizers that we invite have the qualifications to organize debates and fall under the category of broadcasting institutions. This is a separate entity from political parties. All other television stations have the same principle," said August.

He said that there is no special treatment by the KPU towards the debate organizers and specific presidential candidates.

"We invited everyone (TV stations) to broadcast the debates. Everyone sat at the same table discussing issues and dividing their respective roles," he said.

The third presidential debate will bring together the three presidential candidates, Anies Baswedan, Prabowo Subianto, and Ganjar Pranowo, to discuss defense, security, international relations, and geopolitics.