Jakarta (ANTARA) - Presidential candidate number 3, Ganjar Pranowo, outlined his vision of developing Indonesia by ensuring equal access and employment for all citizens during the first presidential debate in Jakarta on Tuesday.

"We want to build a great nation with superior human resources, but ave we given them the attention they deserve?" he asked.

Ganjar said that his vision of equal development originated from his campaign that started in Merauke, Papua, while his running mate, Mahfud MD, began his campaign in Sabang, Aceh.

Merauke and Sabang represent two of the country's most eastern and western cities.

Ganjar said that during his visit to East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), he met local youth who were facing difficulties accessing the internet to study and find jobs.

The meeting inspired him to offer free internet access to students as part of an effort to realize equal human resource development throughout the country.

In addition, he said he would fight for the rights of people living with disabilities, ensure their access, and accommodate their needs enabling them to contribute to national development.

Ganjar said that efforts to improve the quality of human resources cannot be independent of the role of teachers, including religious teachers and Quran teachers.

He also said that the role of educators is vital for building the morale of the nation's future generations.

"We are focusing on teachers, including religious teachers, by giving them incentives to teach with noble character in accordance with religions," he added.

The first presidential debate on Tuesday focused on issues involving governance, law, and human rights, as well as corruption eradication, democratic strengthening, public service improvement, and the creation of harmony among citizens.

The General Elections Commission (KPU) has named three pairs of presidential and vice presidential candidates: Anies Baswedan-Muhaimin Iskandar, Prabowo Subianto-Gibran Rakabuming Raka, and Ganjar Pranowo-Mahfud MD.

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Translator: Fianda Sjofjan R, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Anton Santoso
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