A coalition of 13 government-aligned parties has registered former West Java governor Ridwan Kamil as its candidate, meaning there are no other parties left to back Anies, who is not a member of a political party.
Anies did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters.
The high-profile Jakarta governor position, once held by Jokowi, is seen as a stepping stone to the presidency.
Recent surveys, including this month, showed Anies had an 8-point lead in the Jakarta contest.
Pramono’s nomination follows widespread backlash directed at Jokowi and his perceived efforts to shore up his power base before he steps down this October.
During his presidential bid, Anies had alleged the Jokowi administration had unfairly intervened in the campaign, including through widespread pork-barrelling, which the government denied. He unsuccessfully contested the results in court.
