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JAKARTA: As campaigning in Indonesia's Presidential Election enters its final week, challengers to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono continue to pile on the pressure.
They accuse him of conducting a smear campaign and trying to curb the powers vested in the country's anti-graft agency.
The war of words has intensified as campaigning in Indonesia's presidential election enters its final week.
Challenger Ms Megawati Sukarnoputri has accused President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono of trying to limit the power of the country's anti-graft agency. The agency was formed in 2003 under Ms Megawati's presidency.
She said: "I'm concerned about the intent. No individual or institution should be allowed to intervene or reduce the power of the anti-corruption commission."
The controversy surfaced after Dr Yudhoyono said the powers of the commission must not go unchecked.
Dr Yudhoyono hit back at his rivals, accusing them of waging a smear campaign against him. He said his track record proves his commitment to fighting corruption.
The incumbent also defended his running mate, Mr Boediono, against persistent attacks from rival and Vice President Jusuf Kalla.
Mr Yudhoyono said: "My running mate, Mr Boediono, was accused of hindering the development of the 10,000 megawatt power plant. That's not what it was. I made the decision. There was the vice president and also other ministers."
Mr Kalla's camp is also pointing fingers at Dr Yudhoyono's campaign team. Last week, a suspect was detained by police for allegedly distributing materials, claiming Dr Boediono's wife is a Catholic.
The suspect has now apparently admitted that the articles had originated from a member of Dr Yudhoyono's campaign team.
Jusuf Kalla, Indonesian presidential candidate, said: "There is a black campaign targeted at us and trying to trap us. We will leave the matter to the law enforcers."
Candidates will have one last chance to re-focus the vote on their plans for Indonesia when they engage in the last of the three presidential debates ahead of the July 8 election.
Besides the mass rallies, dialogue sessions and debate, the candidates and their campaign teams are busy meeting voters' groups to secure their support.
This so called ground assault is believed to be more effective in getting the much needed votes on polling day. - CNA/vm
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