Candidates backed by Prabowo's broad coalition, some of whom were also endorsed by former President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo, won most key provinces, including Central Java, West Java and East Java, according to initial results from the pollsters.

Candidates backed by new Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto look set to triumph in key regional elections, apart from in the capital Jakarta, facilitating the implementation of his agenda and reinforcing his domination of national politics.

The results so far attest to the influence of new president Prabowo and his predecessor Joko Widodo, who endorsed their preferred candidates in several provinces ahead of polling day.

JAKARTA -- Gubernatorial candidates backed by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto are likely to secure victory across the country's key provinces -- except in Jakarta, where the opposition-backed hopeful has gained a lead, results from usually reliable surveys show.

Indonesians voted on Wednesday to pick local leaders in the country's biggest simultaneous regional election, with President Prabowo Subianto seeking to consolidate his grip on power.

Unofficial counts showed Pramono Anung leading with 48 per cent to 50 per cent of the vote. Read more at straitstimes.com.