Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto and his running mate Sandiaga Uno have arrived early to attend the first presidential debate ahead of presidential election in April 2019.

Prabowo-Sandi arrived at the debate`s venue, Bidakara Hotel in South Jakarta, on Thursday, Jan 17, at 6.55 p.m., or an hour before started.

The pair arrived by a black Alphard SUV and received warm welcome from their supporters.

Meanwhile, their opponents, incumbent presidential candidate Joko Widodo and his running mate Ma`ruf Amin arrived at around 7.30 p.m. since they were caught in a heavy traffic jam in Jenderal Sudirman Street, on their way to Bidakara Hotel.

The General Election Commission (KPU) would hold a total of five presidential debates ahead of elections in April 2019, in a bid to give the two pairs a chance to present their views on various topics.

Earlier on Wednesday (Jan 16), the presidential candidates, who hold number 1 on their ballots, Jokowi-Ma'ruf, had a rehearsal at Djakarta Theatre in Central Jakarta.

While their opponents who hold number 2 on their ballots, Prabowo-Sandi`s rehearsal was at Prabowo`s private residence in Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta.

Reporter: Antara
Editor: Azizah Fitriyanti
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