In his remarks, Chairperson of the KPU, Hasyim Asy'ari quoted a verse from the Islamic holy book, Al-Quran about asking for power. Hasyim initially told that he asked his teacher one day about whether it was permissible to ask for power in Islam. His teacher opined that asking for power is permissible in Islam, argued by citing Shad: 35.
"(The verse means) '[Solomon] prayed:) 'My Lord! Forgive me, and grant me an authority that will never be matched by anyone after me'," Hasyim said.
He later said that the verse calls on elected leaders to start Indonesian leadership with a pure heart and good intention. He also said that whoever elected should only lead the nation to seek God's blessings.
"The essence of this verse is that before we take power, before we lead this country, we must start by asking God for forgiveness so that in leading, we start with a pure heart, good intentions, and sincerity only to seek blessings and mercy from God Almighty," he continued.
Hasyim invited all those watching the debate to pray that whoever the elected leaders and members of parliament would be able to shoulder the mandate given by the people. He also reminded the candidates not to waste the mandate given by the people.
At the debate, three presidential candidates delivered their ideas on education, health, jobs, culture, information technology, social welfare, and social inclusion. The candidates are former governor of Jakarta, Anies Baswedan, Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto, and former Governor of Central Java, Ganjar Pranowo.
