First Presidential Debate Deepens Understanding of Key Issues In Indonesia

JAKARTA, Dec 14 (Bernama) -- Three Indonesian presidential candidates – Anies Baswedan, Prabowo Subianto and Ganjar Pranowo – delved into critical topics, including the country’s capital city, in the first televised presidential debate on Wednesday.

The debate, themed 'Governance, Legislation, Human Rights, Eradicating Corruption, Strengthening Democracy, Improving Public Services and Community Harmony', also saw the candidates discussing allegations of interference in the Constitutional Court and combating corruption.

They presented their visions, with former Jakarta governor Anies Baswedan pledging to transform law enforcement for the benefit of all parties involved.

Prabowo, leading in recent polls, is committed to addressing weaknesses, upholding justice, and intensifying efforts to combat corruption.

Ganjar is aiming to enhance public facilities, particularly in health and education, as well as emphasising moral values and religious simplicity.

In the Q&A session, former Central Java governor Ganjar asked Anies about his stance on relocating the national capital from Jakarta to Kalimantan.

Anies, not answering directly, emphasised the need to address issues in Jakarta and highlighted the importance of comprehensive public dialogue for project implementation.

The issue of subsidised fertiliser shortages in Central Java raised by Prabowo prompted Ganjar to explain that the issue also occurred in other regions, and complete farmer data was necessary to resolve it.

The debate heated up when Anies and Ganjar targeted Prabowo regarding last month's Constitutional Court decision on the age limit for presidential and vice-presidential candidates.

The decision paved the way for President Joko Widodo's 36-year-old son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, who is also the Mayor of Solo in Central Java, to become Prabowo's vice president.

Prabowo, also the Defence Minister, defended the court's decision, stating that legally there was no issue.

Regarding corruption, Anies emphasised asset forfeiture laws, a review of legislation, rewards for whistleblowers, and promoting ethical standards in the anti-corruption agency, KPK.

Prabowo aimed to strengthen legal institutions and oversight bodies, while Ganjar focused on law enforcement and urged leaders to live a simple life.

-- BERNAMA