Presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto (center left) and his running mate the eldest son of Indonesian President Joko Widodo Gibran Rakabuming Raka deliver his closing remarks as other pairs Anies Baswedan (left) and his running mate Muhaimin Iskandar and Ganjar Pranowo (second right) and his running mate Mahfud MD listen during the fifth and the last presidential candidates' debate in Jakarta, Indonesia, Feb 4, 2024. (PHOTO / AP)

JAKARTA - Indonesia's presidential candidates struck a conciliatory note in the latest televised debate as the hotly contested race to lead the most populous Muslim country enters its final stages.

Ahead of the Feb 14 poll, Defense Minister and leading candidate Prabowo Subianto, ex-Jakarta governor Anies Baswedan, and ex-Central Java governor Ganjar Pranowo appeared cordial, unlike in previous debates where pointed attacks were leveled against the frontrunner.

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With election day looming and a forced 'cooling off' period scheduled from Feb 11-13, the rivals were seen agreeing on a range of topics from public health and education to culture

Prabowo is running with outgoing President Joko Widodo's son. Opinion surveys give him a solid 20-point lead over rivals, with the backing of about 45 percent of respondents.

Watched by millions, Ganjar urged voters to fight against dynastic politics, saying the interest of a family had been prioritized over a nation. 

Meanwhile, Anies criticized what he described as the politicization of the government social assistance program. Media has reported that rice handouts were distributed with Prabowo campaign stickers.

The government has denied any one candidate benefited from the program.

"We need to be aware that the social aid is aimed at the recipient not at the (interests) of the giver," Anies said.

With election day looming and a forced 'cooling off' period scheduled from Feb 11-13, the rivals were seen agreeing on a range of topics from public health and education to culture.

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"If there are good ideas, we accept and support them. We believe the three candidates are fighting for Indonesia. Let's maintain harmony," Prabowo said in a press conference after the debate.