Indonesia’s three presidential candidates engaged in a heated debate on Jan 7, focusing on the South China Sea dispute and the role of ASEAN in maintaining peace in the region. The candidates also tackled issues pertaining to defense, foreign policy, and ethics during the lively discussion.
Former Central Java governor, Ganjar Pranowo, proposed a temporary agreement between the involved parties to prevent further escalation of tensions in the South China Sea. However, his suggestion drew criticism from former Jakarta governor, Anies Baswedan, who emphasized the importance of ASEAN’s role in resolving issues related to the waterway.
Ganjar responded by calling for the revitalization of ASEAN, highlighting the complex nature of the bloc’s relationships and how it complicates decision-making processes. The debate, which lasted nearly three hours, marked the third of five scheduled debates leading up to Indonesia’s presidential elections on Feb 14.
Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto, the third candidate, stressed the significance of maintaining a strong national defense system in light of the tensions in the South China Sea. Although Indonesia is not directly involved in the territorial dispute, Prabowo emphasized the country’s vested interest in maintaining stability in the region.
The South China Sea remains a contentious issue, with China and several ASEAN member states, including Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, asserting overlapping claims over the strategic waterway. Despite a 2002 agreement to establish a code of conduct, negotiations have stalled in recent years, partly due to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The debate also touched on ethical considerations, with Jakarta governor Anies questioning Prabowo’s ability to uphold ethical standards given allegations against his running mate, President Joko Widodo’s son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka. Anies suggested that ethical leadership is crucial, particularly because the president controls the military.
In response, Prabowo defended the importance of fundamental values in leadership, such as patriotism, honesty, and integrity. He dismissed Anies’ critique and invited him to discuss defense ministry programs in an open forum.
The latest poll by local pollster Indikator Politik Indonesia indicates that the Prabowo-Gibran pair has a strong lead, with 46.7% support. Ganjar and his running mate, Mahfud MD, trail behind at 24.5%, while Anies and Muhaimin Iskandar received 21% support.
The debate provided voters with insights into the candidates’ positions on critical issues, including regional disputes and ethical standards. As the elections draw near, candidates continue to present their perspectives on numerous pressing matters. The next debates will address additional topics to further inform Indonesian voters ahead of the decisive election on Feb 14.
