The three tickets took part in the second official debate at Bidakara hotel in South Jakarta on Friday night.

When Anies and Sandiaga were given the opportunity to ask Agus and Sylviana Murni a question,  Sandiaga asked Sylviana, a former long-time Jakarta bureaucrat who used to serve as governor’s assistant during Ahok's term, how she felt about Ahok's leadership and policies.

Sandiaga's question caused laughter to erupt in the audience.

But Agus said he was not agitated by Sandiaga's move.

"It was interesting that [Sandiaga apparently tried to pit Sylviana against Ahok]. However, I think it’s a common tactic used in debates," Agus told reporters after visiting the residents of Pasar Manggis subdistrict in South Jakarta.

Without commenting on Sylviana's response to the question from Sandiaga, Agus, a former Indonesian Military (TNI) member, claimed he had explained deliberately during the debate that he envisioned "the Jakarta bureaucracy implementing a merit-based system like in the military."

(Read also: Agus' support down after 1st debate: Survey)

"The military is a very effective institution. We have to use incentives, disincentives and, more importantly, our hearts," Agus said.

Recent polls showed that Ahok-Djarot's electability bounced back to the top after the first debate on Jan. 13. (bbs)