Two potential candidate pairs registered their candidacy for the Jakarta gubernatorial election with the local branch of the General Elections Commission (KPU) on Wednesday, setting the stage for a three-horse race in November.

Cabinet secretary Pramono Anung, backed by the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), was the first candidate to register with the Jakarta KPU on Wednesday. In traditional Betawi attire, Pramono and his running mate, PDI-P politician and actor Rano Karno, arrived in an oplet (classic Jakarta minivan) at the Jakarta KPU office at around 11 a.m.

Former West Java governor Ridwan Kamil was the second candidate for Jakarta governor to register on Wednesday. Arriving at the Jakarta KPU office at around 2 p.m., he and running mate Suswono were also in traditional Betawi dress for the registration.

Meanwhile, former police general Dharma Pongrekun and academic Kun Wardana were expected to register as an independent candidate pair on Thursday, the final day of the registration period.

Pramono told reporters after registering that he expected running for governor to be a big challenge, especially considering that Ridwan had strong polling figures and would be supported by a big tent coalition.

"However, my decision to run in the race means that I'm ready to fight. I don't mind that [Ridwan] is backed by a lot of parties. I'll simply build a coalition with the people," Pramono said, as reported by kompas.com.

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