Jakarta – The General Election Commission (KPU) in various regions emphasized the importance of candidate debate sessions ahead of the 2024 Regional Head Elections (Pilkada). This is not only a forum for direct interaction between prospective leaders and the community, but also emphasizes the position of the community as a crucial element in the Pilkada process.
Chairman of the Batam City KPU, Mawardi said that the public debate held in his area was not just a campaign formality, but a real effort to educate voters. Carrying the theme “Strengthening Inclusive and Transformative Development Towards Batam Emas 2045,” this debate is expected to be able to introduce transformative ideas that are relevant to the people of Batam City.
“This public debate is a means of political education for the public, because the candidate pairs will present their vision, mission, and work programs that refer to Batam’s long-term development plan,” said Mawardi.
Similar to Batam, the Semarang City KPU also held a debate with a focus on political education. The Head of the Semarang City KPU, Ahmad Zaini, said that this debate aims to provide comprehensive information to voters, so that it can be one of the main guides in determining their choice.
The first debate theme raised aspects of the Economy, Infrastructure, and Resilience of Semarang City, allowing each candidate pair to explore their ideas in a question and answer format.
“Hopefully this forum can be a political education for the people of Semarang,” said Zaini.
The debate is also strengthened by the presence of panelists from various academic backgrounds, which provides a deeper dimension to crucial issues. The series of debates will take place three times until November 15, 2024, with each session attended by different panelists, including academics and economic experts.
“Through this theme and Q&A format, each candidate has the opportunity to dissect their programs, while also comprehensively answering the challenges of city development,” he added.
In Central Kalimantan, the local KPU Chairman, Sastriadi, also emphasized the importance of political debates in building public trust in prospective leaders. According to him, debates are a medium that allows the public to better understand the vision and mission of the candidate pairs.
“Through this debate, the public can increasingly trust their prospective leaders, because they can see and assess the commitment and work programs offered,” said Sastriadi.
The KPU as the organizer of the Pilkada has an important role in ensuring that the quality of the debate is maintained. Regulations in the form of KPU Regulations (PKPU) and KPU Decrees regarding the technical implementation of the debate are implemented firmly to create a conducive and educational campaign climate. With good governance, this debate not only functions as a stage for prospective leaders, but also as a medium for political education for the participating community.
