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.

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.

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.