The presidential candidates in Indonesia have failed to reach an agreement on a solution to the ongoing conflict in the South China Sea.

According to Voice of America today, the presidential candidates discussed the South China Sea conflict and Indonesia's relationship with China earlier this week on the national central television channel. The Indonesian people will elect a new president on February 14. In the recent debates, the three presidential candidates exchanged views on security, political geography, and international relations.

Analysts suggest that the different approaches of the three candidates in dealing with China could affect bilateral relations, including conflicts in the South China Sea.

Jangkar Peranovo, the candidate from the ruling Indonesian Democratic Struggle Party, stated that "different measures to resolve the conflict in the South China Sea, including the Code of Conduct (Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea), have been entirely unsuccessful."

Jangkar called for a temporary agreement with China on this issue and proposed a three-pronged solution: enhancing the Indonesian navy and patrols, initiating exploration of natural gas reserves in the North Natuna Sea between Indonesia and Vietnam in the southern South China Sea, and highlighting the need to prioritize the development of the Indonesian navy and supplement operational naval vessels in the region.