Indonesia vote frontrunner draws fire in final debate

The frontrunner in Indonesia’s upcoming presidential election drew flak in his final debate with poll rivals on Sunday over issues from women’s rights to remarks about voters’ intelligence, as they battle to run the world’s third-largest democracy.

Nearly 205 million people are eligible to cast their ballots in the February 14 vote that will determine the successor to popular two-term President Joko Widodo, who is barred from running to lead the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation again.

Third-time candidate and current Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto is ahead in opinion polls, widening the gap since choosing Widodo’s eldest son Gibran Rakabuming Raka as his running mate last year.

But in the last of three debates, he was criticized by former Jakarta governors Anies Baswedan of Jakarta and Ganjar Pranowo of Central Java, who polls show are neck and neck for a potential second-round runoff vote against Subianto.

Pranowo criticized Subianto for suggesting last month that people who wanted free internet instead of free lunches — a key policy of the defense chief — were not intelligent.

“Which is more important, free internet or free food for those who are struggling, for the poor? That’s what I meant to say,” said Subianto.

Baswedan questioned him about the rates of violence against women under the current government.

“The level of violence against women is extremely high ... from catcalling to physical violence,” said Baswedan. “All of it must be dealt with firmly.”

Subianto said he would do more to protect women and support women’s rights-focused nongovernmental organizations if elected.

Baswedan also appeared to accuse the government of increasing social aid before election day to win over lower-income voters.

“Social aid is a help for those who accept it, not for those who give it,” he said.

After appearing to support his son and Subianto, Widodo has been widely criticized for trying to create a political dynasty in a Southeast Asian country long known for its nepotistic politics.