Jakarta (ANTARA) - Presidential candidate Ganjar Pranowo highlighted the importance of redefining Indonesia’s active and free foreign policy to fulfill the national aspirations and strengthen the state.

"This is important because we need to choose, sort, and prioritize the strengths and interests of this nation," he said while explaining his vision, mission, and work programs during the third presidential debate on Sunday.

The debate started with Ganjar explaining his program for Indonesia if elected as president, especially related to foreign policy.

He sees the need for Indonesia to strengthen diplomatic infrastructure by increasing the role of ambassadors and diplomats.

Ambassadors and diplomats need to be given the mandate to solve issues of national economic interest, such as attracting world investors to invest in Indonesia, he said.

Foreign investment aims to support better job creation so that all people can have jobs, he added.

"People need to work, they need more jobs. Investment must increase," he said.

After the presidential debate on December 12, 2023 and the vice presidential debate on December 22, 2023, the General Elections Commission (KPU) held the third debate.

Defense, security, and foreign policy topped the themes of the third debate.

Previously, the KPU determined the three pairs of the presidential and vice presidential candidates, namely the pair Anies Baswedan-Muhaimin Iskandar with serial number 1, Prabowo Subianto-Gibran Rakabuming Raka with number 2, and Ganjar Pranowo-Mahfud Md with number 3.

The KPU has also scheduled the campaign period from November 28, 2023 to February 10, 2024, with the voting day on February 14, 2024.

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Translator: Tri, Kenzu
Editor: Anton Santoso
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