Jakarta. Presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto emphasized the importance of conducting an audit and reviewing the current education system. Prabowo highlighted numerous financial leaks in fund allocations down to the district level.

"We must audit and assess whether the system is good or not. This involves the mental and cultural issues of our officials. We need self-correction, conduct audits, and rectify systemic issues," said Prabowo in response to statements from candidate Anies Baswedan during the Presidential Debate at JCC, Jakarta, on Sunday.

"We must be willing to fix the inadequate system," Prabowo asserted.

Anies highlighted ongoing challenges, including tens of thousands of unappointed government contract teachers and 1.6 million uncertified teachers.

Anies said the education sector in Indonesia should not be viewed as a "cost" but rather as an "investment." 

"The government should not be stingy when talking about investment in education and should not be stingy towards teachers," the former education minister said during the presidential debate.

Anies also promised programs ranging from the acceleration of certification for 700,000 teachers, scholarships for the children of educators, awards, allowances, and performance-based research.

Meanwhile, presidential candidate Ganjar Pranowo referred to low salaries as one of the problems faced by teachers in Indonesia, especially those teaching at special needs schools (SLB).

"If education is to progress, facilities need to be provided. The state must be present and more inclusive," said Ganjar during the debate.

He shared his experience as the former Governor of Central Java, encountering SLB teachers earning only Rp 300,000 ($19) per month.

"Give them a salary equivalent to the minimum wage in Central Java, plus 10 percent. Then, we push for the certification process and capacity building," Ganjar said.

The fifth and final presidential debate of the 2024 Presidential Election focuses on social welfare, culture, education, information technology, health, employment, human resources, and inclusion issues.