 With incumbent Awang Faroek Ishak having served two terms, former regent of East Kutai won a four-way race with 31 percent of the votes.Other candidates are mayors of Samarinda Syaharie Ja'ang and Bontang Andi Sofyan Hasdam, in addition to the provincial secretary Rusmadi Wongso.Registration for party-backed candidates were opened between 8 and 10 January 2018, while independent candidates were required to register earlier in late 2017.