Jakarta. Both Joko "Jokowi" Widodo and his rival Prabowo Subianto said on Wednesday (17/04) they are confident of winning the Indonesian presidential election, banking on full support from their electorates.  

"We are always optimistic," Jokowi said after casting his vote in Gambir, Central Jakarta.

The incumbent president is leading in pre-electoral polls. Several quick counts that randomly sampled election results have also pointed to a win for Jokowi. 

Prabowo said he is still hopeful of his chances of winning the presidency. He also said he will continue to work for the people if he is not elected president.

"I’m optimistic. We have large support. The people want change, reform, justice and prosperity," Prabowo said at his polling station in Bogor, West Java.

The Gerindra Party chairman believes he will win 63 percent of the total votes.

He is confident of winning in all regions, especially in Java.

"[We will win] everywhere in Indonesia and, God willing, Solo," he said, referring to Jokowi's home town in Central Java. "You saw [our campaign] there right?"

He also hopes that the General Elections Committee (KPU) makes sure there will be no vote-tampering today.

"Elections must be peaceful. As long as there is no fraud, today will be peaceful," Prabowo said. 

According to Prabowo, the government should do everything in its power to produce a peaceful election.

Prabowo likens the process to a football game; the teams and the crowd will feel cheated if the referee is biased.

"If the referee is one-sided, the teams and the crowd will be dissatisfied. If they are not satisfied, how can I calm them down? I am not in power," Prabowo said.