The first debate made headlines before the actual event because the candidates had received a list of questions from the General Elections Commission’s (KPU) beforehand. The decision sparked questions and criticisms about the merits of giving the four cheat sheets.

A few days after the first debate, however, the KPU decided to no longer give the candidates their questions, saying it had taken into account the public’s aspiration for livelier debates.

In the five debates, the candidates will talk about 25 topics and have a chance to communicate their platform to the public.

What is each candidate’s platform?

Both pairs submitted their campaign platform to the KPU in December.

Jokowi and Ma’ruf have named their platform Indonesia Maju (Onward Indonesia), which comprises nine “missions”, each with several points and programs. The number of missions is also an echo of the incumbent’s 2014 Nawa Cita, or nine-point development program. However, while the President’s new platform certainly has areas of continuation from his first term, there are also some key differences.

Presidential candidates Joko "Jokowi" Widodo (left) and Ma'ruf Amin make statements during the first candidate debate on Jan. 18, 2019. (JP/Dhoni Setiawan)

Read also: Here are Jokowi-Ma'ruf's nine 'missions' for 2019's presidential poll

Meanwhile, Prabowo and Sandiaga initially went with Indonesia Adil Makmur (Fair and Prosperous Indonesia). The pair divided the platform into seven main parts: the economy, human development, food and energy sovereignty, social programs, infrastructure development, environmental protection and government.

Read also: Salient points in Prabowo-Sandiaga’s plans for Fair and Prosperous Indonesia

Vice presidential candidate Sandiaga Uno (right) gives running mate Prabowo Subianto a backrub during the first candidate debate on Jan. 18, 2019. (JP/Dhoni Setiawan)

However, they submitted a new vision and mission document on Wednesday under a platform titled Indonesia Menang (Indonesia Triumphant). The KPU rejected the document because no more changes could be made to any submitted documents.

Which platform will Prabowo-Sandi use?

Most likely the new one. Prabowo-Sandi team spokesman Andre Rosiade said that they “did not make the document for the KPU, but for the public.”

KPU commissioner Wahyu Setiawan also said that candidate pairs would still be allowed to convey their new vision and mission to the public.

During their first town hall meeting in the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC) on Monday evening, Prabowo and Sandiaga also used the Indonesia Triumphant platform.

When will the debates take place? What are the themes?

First debate

• When and where: Jan. 17 at Bidakara Hotel in South Jakarta
• Theme: Law, human rights, corruption and terrorism
• Who: Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and Ma’ruf Amin vs Prabowo Subianto and Sandiaga Uno
• Where to watch: TVRI, RRI, Kompas TV and RTV

Second debate

• When and where: Feb. 17 at Sultan Hotel in Central Jakarta
• Theme: Food and energy, natural resources and environment, infrastructure
• Who: Joko “Jokowi” Widodo vs Prabowo Subianto
• Where to watch: RCTI, GTV, MNC TV and iNews TV

Third debate

• When and where: March 17 at Sultan Hotel in Central Jakarta
• Theme: Education, health, manpower, social and culture
• Who: Ma’ruf Amin vs Sandiaga Uno
• Where to watch: Trans TV, Trans 7 and CNN Indonesia TV

Fourth debate

• When and where: March 30; venue to be announced
• Theme: Ideology, governance, security and defense, and international relations
• Who: Joko “Jokowi” Widodo vs Prabowo Subianto
• Where to watch: Metro TV, SCTV and Indosiar

Fifth debate

• When and where: April 13; venue to be announced
• Theme: Economy and social welfare, finance, investment, trade and industry
• Who: Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and Ma’ruf Amin vs Prabowo Subianto and Sandiaga Uno
• Where to watch: tvOne, ANTV, BeritasatuTV and NET TV

Editor's note: This article has been updated with the date of the fifth and final debate.