Jakarta. Gubernatorial candidate Pramono Anung expressed confidence on Thursday that more Jakarta voters are becoming familiar with him and his plans for the city as the November election approaches.

The former state secretary was initially under the radar when pollsters began surveying potential candidates for the Jakarta governorship earlier this year.

His surprise nomination came at the last minute after the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) qualified to nominate a candidate without forming a coalition, following a Constitutional Court ruling that lowered the legislative seat threshold required to contest the election.

Shortly after Pramono was officially nominated, a poll by the Indonesian Survey Institute (LSI) showed that he was supported by 28 percent of respondents, trailing his rival, Ridwan Kamil, by around 20 points.

"The LSI survey was conducted just six days after I registered my candidacy. Getting 28 percent support isn't bad, especially considering that nobody expected me to enter the race until a few days before my nomination," Pramono said in Jakarta.

"The numbers may have shifted by now, as I've attended numerous public events. I believe in myself and my chances," he added.

Pramono, who is running alongside former Banten Governor Rano Karno as his deputy, emphasized that he is focusing on young, progressive voters, who make up a significant portion of Jakarta's population.

Jakarta's 8.2 million registered voters will choose their new governor on November 27, with three candidates in the race: Pramono, Ridwan Kamil, and independent candidate Dharma Pongrekun.

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