23-12-2023 (JAKRTA) During the vice presidential debate held at the Jakarta Convention Center on Friday, Mahfud MD, the third vice presidential candidate, outlined three strategies aimed at enhancing Indonesia’s export performance. He revealed that these strategies were developed in collaboration with his running mate, Ganjar Pranowo.
The first strategy focuses on promoting economic diplomacy by leveraging the presence of ambassadors stationed abroad. Mahfud emphasized the importance of ambassadors serving as agents of economic diplomacy, a directive previously set forth by President Joko Widodo, to foster stronger economic ties with other countries.
The second strategy, jointly pursued by Mahfud and Pranowo, aims to integrate national trade with the global market and introduce international standards in domestic trade. Mahfud stressed the need for Indonesian goods to meet acceptable standards to ensure their marketability on the global stage.
Additionally, Mahfud disclosed the third strategy, which involves enhancing the competitiveness of the national economy. He expressed the intention to prioritize the strengthening of the national economy, enabling it to flourish and meet international standards required for global trade.
The vice presidential candidate debate constituted a crucial part of the General Elections Commission’s (KPU) series of election debates. Prior to this debate, a presidential candidate debate took place on December 12, 2023.
Alongside Mahfud, the debate featured two other vice presidential candidates, namely Muhaimin Iskandar and Gibran Rakabuming Raka.
The second debate revolved around various themes, including the people’s economy, digital economy, finance, investment, taxes, trade, state budget and regional budget management, infrastructure, and cities.
In the initial presidential debate, the three candidates—Anies Baswedan, Prabowo Subianto, and Ganjar Pranowo—presented their arguments on governance, law and human rights, corruption eradication, strengthening democracy, improving public services, and fostering harmony among citizens.
Hasyim Asy’ari, the chairperson of the KPU, urged the public to carefully listen and pay attention to the ideas, vision, and mission outlined by the vice presidential candidates.
