“We sent the invitations yesterday,” Dahliah said as quoted by kompas.com.

Previously, the commission had only invited the parties’ provincial executives, she added.

“We saw the huge enthusiasm from the public. Matters related to Jakarta as Indonesia’s capital are attractive to the general public,” Dahliah said.

As of Friday afternoon, however, none of the party leaders had confirmed their attendance.

The second debate will discuss bureaucratic reform, public services and urban planning.

Unlike the first debate, which had only one moderator, the second debate will feature two moderators — namely TV presenter Tina Talisa and public administration expert and former deputy bureaucratic reform minister Eko Prasojo.

(Read also: Jakarta Election: Second clash to see fiercer exchanges)

Three candidate pairs are competing to be the next Jakarta governor and deputy governor.

Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono and Sylviana Murni are supported by the Democratic Party, the National Mandate Party (PAN), the National Awakening Party (PKB) and the United Development Party (PPP).

The incumbent Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama-Djarot Saiful Hidayat ticket is backed by the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), the Golkar Party, the Hanura Party and the Nasdem Party.

Anies Baswedan and Sandiaga Uno, meanwhile, are supported by the Gerindra Party and the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS). (bbs)