JAKARTA: Indonesian presidential candidate Jusuf Kalla and his running-mate Wiranto wrapped up their campaign in Jakarta on Thursday. However, they did not hold the traditional mass rally at Jakarta's main stadium.

Mr Kalla said they decided against using the stadium to avoid worsening the traffic in the capital and to keep away from the turf prepared for a Manchester United football match later this month.

Five rallies were held at smaller venues across the capital, attended by thousands of supporters.

The incumbent vice-president fielded several questions at one of the rallies. He reiterated that Indonesia needs to speed up its progress because it has been left behind by other countries in the region, such as India and China.

Mr Kalla said he has the capability to bring economic progress and prosperity to Indonesians.

Several surveys have indicated that Mr Kalla's popularity has climbed since the start of the campaign two weeks ago. However, he is still trailing incumbent President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.


- CNA/so