Jakarta – The fourth presidential debate between incumbent Joko "Jokowi" Widodo and challenger Prabowo Subianto on Saturday unexpectedly provided a stage of heated arguments – and laughter, too.
As the candidates delved into ideology, governance, security and foreign affairs, they confronted each other on the issues, found common ground on being victims of smear campaigns and finally, vowed to cherish their friendship.
Unlike the previous debate, Prabowo got personal and fiery as he talked about his commitment to Pancasila while facing allegations that he supported pro-caliphate groups.
"My mother was a Christian. I was born from the womb of a Christian," he said, emphasizing that Pancasila is a foundation that should be instilled in younger generations.
The former army general, the son-in-law of former president Soeharto who was dismissed from the force after the fall of the country's longest-serving president, criticized the country's military and defense, calling them "weak" and claiming that government spending was too low.
At some moments, Prabowo appeared to be tough on the audience. He even said, "So, you're laughing? I say that Indonesia's defense is weak and you're laughing? Go ahead and laugh."
Jokowi appeared to be more poised and reserved, throwing jokes while emphasizing his point.
"We need a Dilan [digital melayani or digitally serving] government because service is also about speed," he said in the governance session, in a direct reference to a popular character in a blockbuster coming-of-age movie.
Both Prabowo and Jokowi lamented how misleading information and hoaxes had tarnished their image. Prabowo denied a rumor saying that he was in a position to support the establishment of a caliphate in Indonesia.
Meanwhile, Jokowi said he had been a target of hoaxes for the past four and a half years, since being elected president, including accusations of being a communist.
Jokowi also criticized politicians who proliferated hatred. "Let's show that we are good leaders who never insult one another. Let's be great examples of tolerance and friendship to the young generation," he said.
Jokowi gave a warm closing to the night. "Pak Prabowo, I love to ride my bike. When I'm riding my bike, the bike's chain often breaks. But please rest assured that the chain of friendship between us will never be broken," he said.
Prabowo apologized for raising his voice during the debate in his closing statement, saying that it was because the audience "would not like a too-friendly debate session".
"I'm sorry if my voice was too loud because I'm half Banyumas and half Minahasa. You are from [Surakarta], so you're soft-spoken. People from Banyumas are like the Batak people of Java," he said. (fac)