Indonesia's Widodo rallies supporters

Presidential hopeful Joko Widodo has pledged to build a "new history" for Indonesia at a huge final campaign rally before Wednesday's election.

Indonesian presidential candidate Joko Widodo.

Presidential hopeful Joko Widodo has pledged to build a "new history" for Indonesia at a rally. (AAP)

Presidential hopeful Joko Widodo has pledged to build a "new history" for Indonesia at a huge campaign rally, a last push to win votes in a tight election race.

Tens of thousands of cheering supporters on Saturday waved flags emblazoned with pictures of Widodo, known by his nickname Jokowi, at Jakarta's main stadium on the final day of campaigning before Wednesday's election.

Backers of his only rival, Prabowo Subianto, were holding rallies to show their support across the country, although the ex-general took time out to prepare for a TV debate in the evening.

At the rally, Widodo - seen as a fresh face in a country still dominated by figures from the autocratic Suharto era - told the cheering crowd: "We are on the verge of building a new history."

The Jakarta governor added that his push for the presidency had been "hit by smear campaigns but we didn't fall apart because we truly believe in the Republic of Indonesia".

He was referring to a flood of negative attacks on him that have eroded his popularity, including that he is not a Muslim, a damaging charge in the world's most populous Muslim-majority country.

As well as the smear campaigns, Prabowo has extended his lead due to a slick, well-funded campaign, a contrast with Widodo's often disorganised effort.

Before Widodo's speech, dozens of singers and bands performed for free to show their support. From Sunday, no more campaigning is allowed before the vote.

Later on Saturday, the candidates and their running mates clashed in the last of five televised debates, which focused on food, energy and the environment.

Widodo and his running mate, former vice-president Jusuf Kalla, appeared more energetic and commentators said they outclassed Prabowo and his deputy, Hatta Rajasa, with several well-judged attacks.

In their closing statements, Widodo pledged to "bring change, breakthrough" to Indonesia, while Prabowo vowed to "prioritise welfare and sovereignty".


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