Jakarta. Megawati Soekarnoputri, chairwoman of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), was absent from the inaugural presidential debate on Tuesday evening, showing no direct support for presidential nominee Ganjar Pranowo.

Despite the presence of all other party leaders in the Ganjar coalition at the makeshift oval arena, which served as the debate venue in front of the General Election Commission (KPU) building in Jakarta, Megawati was notably missing. Meanwhile, representatives from rival coalitions were in attendance.

"Madame Megawati couldn’t be present due to a conflicting schedule -- she's currently in Australia accompanying her grandchild for a school graduation," PDI-P Secretary-General Hasto Kristiyanto said at the debate venue.

United Development Party (PPP) Chairman Mardiono, United Indonesia Party (Perindo) Chairman Hary Tanoesoedibjo, and People’s Conscience Party (Hanura) Chairman Oesman Sapta Odang were present to extend their support for Ganjar and his running mate, Mohammad Mahfud MD.

Ganjar is contending against Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto and former Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan in the upcoming February 14 election.

In the series of five scheduled debates, candidates will discuss crucial themes, including the rule of law, democracy, anti-corruption measures, and human rights issues in the first debate.

The subsequent debate, scheduled for December 22, will center on discussions regarding populist economic programs, the digital economy, finance, investment, trade, tax policies, state budget management, and infrastructure development.

Following this, two additional debates are planned for January 7 and 21, focusing on security and international relations, followed by a debate centered on environmental issues.

The concluding debate, scheduled for February 4, will encompass discussions on social welfare, culture, education, information technology, healthcare programs, job creation, and human development.

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