Jakarta (ANTARA) - Presidential candidate number 2, Prabowo Subianto, gave spirited replies to questions about human rights issues and violence in Papua during the first presidential debate on Tuesday.

He used body language, repeatedly clenching and gesturing with his fists, and even imitated some movements of pencak silat--a traditional martial art--during the debate held at the General Elections Commission (KPU) building in Jakarta.

He vigorously countered the arguments of his opponents, Ganjar Pranowo and Anies Baswedan, on human rights issues and violence in Papua.

Even when his time ran out, he continued to speak, eliciting laughter and applause from his supporters.

"Wait a minute!" Prabowo told his supporters, asking them not to applaud so that he could continue to make his argument.

Regarding the issue of human rights and violence in Papua, he said that a growing separatist movement exists, with suspected foreign involvement

He then outlined his strategy for resolving the violence, which included steps such as enforcing the law, strengthening personnel, and bolstering economic development.

Ganjar, presidential candidate number 3, said in his response that a dialogue is needed to address Papua violence.

Meanwhile, presidential candidate number 1, Anies, stated that the root cause of the violence in Papua is the lack of justice.

It is important to prevent the same cases from repeating and ending all human rights violations in Papua, he added.

Prabowo said he agreed with Ganjar and Anies but maintained that the situation in Papua is more complex than it appears.

"It's true that we need justice, but the situation is more complex than that," he told Anies, who responded with a smile.

Prabowo said there are geopolitical and ideological challenges in resolving the injustices in Papua.

"This is our nation's problem. We need to collect all power," he said.

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Translator: Genta M, Kenzu
Editor: Anton Santoso
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