The second vice presidential debate highlighted the themes of sustainable development, natural and mineral resources, environment, energy, food, and agrarian affairs, as well as indigenous and village communities. This theme is very crucial in responding climate change that threatens the survival of humanity in various parts of the world, including in Indonesia. Food security, agriculture and the quality of human life are at stake, as for natural resources and the environment issues should be managed wisely.
The second debate also discussed mining, land distribution, and greenflation. Each vice presidential candidate has delivered their ideas and policies that will be taken if they are elected as Indonesian VP. There is something a little intriguing about the issue of 'greenflation' raised by one of the vice presidential candidates at the debate which in turn became public discourse. It seems that the greenflation issue in Indonesia is somewhat different from what is happening abroad. In Indonesia, greenflation has a tendency to deal with green commodities, namely agricultural products. However, the greenflation issue abroad is triggered by an increase in goods prices related to the green transition.
Muhaimin Iskandar emphasized the importance of ethics in every policy making, especially those concerning the lives of many people. Meanwhile, Gibran Rakabuming Raka explained that he will revoke all investor permits if they are proven to have violated natural resource and environmental regulations. Mahfud MD explained that all activities must refer to the article in the 1945 Constitution which states that all potential resources in Indonesia must be used for the benefits of the Indonesian people. He observed the needs to strengthen law enforcement against violators of the natural resources and the environment.
Whatever promises, ideas, proposals and innovations are delivered by the vice presidential candidates, we are waiting for them after the inauguration in October 2024, especially, the first 100 days in office which usually become public talks. All vice presidential candidates have different capacities and abilities. Besides, each vice presidential candidate has strengths and weaknesses that are worth paying attention to, especially their track record and leadership. According to the latest survey results, the electability of the three presidential and vice presidential candidates has fluctuated in line with their success in the presidential election debate. The fourth presidential election debate which is also the second VP debate is a crucial stage in the campaign, especially for the VP candidates because it is the last opportunity for them to gain public sympathy before general election day on February 14, 2024.
