REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA - Indonesia, facing General Elections in 2014, could learn much from US Presidential Debate, Paramadina University President Anies Baswedan said at an event entitled “Being Diplomatic: Understanding the US Presidential Debate on Foreign Policy”. Indonesia, he said, was the first in Asia who had used debate in election.

"Both Obama and Romney used simple language. That is a leadership should be," Baswedan said on Tuesday night after watching the video of presidential debate. A good leader, he added, should not confuse audience even though the issue was complex.

"They always answer question with audience in mind. We must also educate our audience," he said.

However, Indonesian Presidential Debate is as dynamic as in the US. In fact, the debate of Jakarta Gubernatorial Election between Fauzi Bowo and Joko Widodo is more dynamic than Indonesian Presidential Debate. "Our Presidential Debate is much closer to debate at the House in London," he said.

Indonesian candidates can also learn from how US candidates "attack" each other. Both Obama and Romney did not attack on personal matters. "In Pilkada Jakarta (Jakarta Gubernatorial Election), they talked on racial issue. It is rather personal," he said.

Baswedan admitted that he was interested on how Obama listen to Romney in the debate. "Obama always looked at camera and smiling. He spoke with confident," he said praising Obama. Debating on foreign policy, he added, was not only about the substance of the debate, but also the style and how they approach the question.

Deputy Chief Mission at US Embassy to Indonesia, Kirsten F. Bauer, agreed that the US Presidential Debate was a lot of spirit and energy. "They are strong leaders," she said.

Bauer said that she was impressed with the enthusiasm of Indonesian people towards US General Elections.

Ikuti Whatsapp Channel Republika