Tenggara Backgrounder February 22

Presidential debate reveals characters and attitudes

The Feb. 17 debate between the contenders for the presidential race revealed more about the candidates’ characters, attitudes and communication skills, and less on their policy intentions. Incumbent President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo outsmarted challenger Prabowo Subianto and even earned two Gotcha! points. But with one candidate going into the debate barely prepared and with little or no ammunition, some observers say his lack of motivation indicated that the election is more or less settled.

Muhammadiyah mired in politics

In its tanwir (enlightenment) meeting on Feb. 15 in Bengkulu, Indonesia’s second-largest Islamic organization Muhammadiyah reaffirmed its political neutrality and preference for moderation ahead of the April general election. While some may praise Muhammadiyah’s consistent neutrality, its distinct detachment from partisan politics may push the organization into the periphery and into irrelevance. Its disengagement from political parties hinders the organization from effectively pushing its moderate values into domestic politics.

Importing rice not a sin for Indonesia

During the second presidential debate, presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto attacked incumbent Joko “Jokowi” Widodo for the latter’s importation of rice and claimed that if he was elected president, he would make Indonesia self-sufficient not only in rice but also in other foodstuffs. Jokowi responded that achieving self-sufficiency in rice without importation would take time as it needed infrastructure to support rice production.

It's time for airlines to lower air fares

Air transportation users were surprised to find airfares remained relatively high in the middle of January and as late early February, despite the high season supposedly ending. Not only that, customers of courier companies also complained that their goods were delivered late to their destinations. They found out later that the courier companies had used land and sea transportation means instead of airlines because of rising freight charges. This situation led to public outcry, prompting the government to intervene.