Jakarta. The candidates of the Central Java gubernatorial election, which pits two retired generals against one another, underwent health screening on Thursday.

Retired military general Andika Perkasa is a former commander of the Indonesian armed forces. He has picked Hendrar Prihadi -- an ex-mayor of the Central Javan capital of Semarang -- as his running mate. Andika’s rival in the gubernatorial race is Ahmad Luthfi, who was once the province’s former police chief. Ahmad has partnered with Taj Yasin who wishes to be reelected as Central Java’s vice governor.

Both pairs visited Dr Kariadi General Hospital in Semarang on Thursday morning to get their health screening. Anyone who wishes to join the gubernatorial race must undergo a medical checkup to prove they are fit for the job.

The hospital has readied 65 specialist doctors to carry out the health screening. The screening is not only limited to their physical state but also mental health. There are also drug tests in these checkups.

“The Kariadi hospital will carry out a comprehensive health screening that encompasses 18 items. They will also check on their physical health, mental health, as well as test them for drugs,” Handi Tri Ujiono, the head of Central Java’s general election commission, said.

The hospital will also conduct similar health screenings for regent and mayor candidates on Friday morning.