Agus, who has a strong base of support from Muslim voters, claimed that Jakarta society was divided and said reconciliation was needed to rectify this.

"It's not good if after a four-month campaign period, we remain divided, which may trigger unnecessary conflict," Agus told a press conference late Friday after the third gubernatorial debate at Bidakara Hotel in South Jakarta.

(Read also: Ahok defends himself against Agus' criticism of tough-talking style)

Political tension in Jakarta reached a new high following two massive rallies last year. Initiated by several Islam organizations, including the Islam Defenders Front (FPI) led by firebrand cleric Rizieq Shihab, the demonstrators demanded Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama, who is running for reelection, be prosecuted for alleged blasphemy.

Before the rallies, Ahok was the frontrunner in the race, ahead of Agus and another candidate, former education minister Anies Baswedan. Pollsters found, however, that support for Agus had drastically risen in aftermath of the events, partly due to the stronger perception among Jakarta voters, 85 percent of whom are Muslim, that Ahok had committed blasphemy.

Surveys conducted during the January-February period found, however, that Agus is no longer the candidate to beat in the three-horse race, as polls suggested that Agus did not perform well in the first two debates.

“I’m committed to forging relations with all entities in Jakarta by pursuing dialogue,” Agus said on the reconciliation he aimed to carry out. (ebf)

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