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Debate invigorated by Prabowo’s fiery attacks
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Presidential Candidate Prabowo Subianto Speaks during the presidential candidate held in Shangri-La Hotel, Jakarta, March 30, 2019. (JP/Seto Wardhana)
T
he fourth presidential debate between incumbent Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and challenger Prabowo Subianto on Saturday unexpectedly provided a platform for heated arguments — and laughter.
As the candidates delved into ideology, governance, security and foreign affairs, they confronted each other while also finding common ground on being victims of smear campaigns. At the end, they 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 procaliphate 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 the younger generation.
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 state of the military, calling it “weak” and claiming that government spending was too low.
At times Prabowo was tough on the audience, saying at one point, “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 points.
