Tangerang – A workers union in Banten has nominated its own candidate for the 2011 gubernatorial election in the province to challenge the incumbent Ratu Atut Chosiyah.

The Confederation of the Indonesian Labour Union (KSPSI) Banten Chapter has unanimously nominated its chairman Dwi Jatmiko as a candidate in the race.

Imam Sukarsa, a deputy chairman of the workers union said the decision came after the union consulted 215 KSPSI units in the province. "We will field him as an independent candidate," Imam said in a statement.

He said that by nominating their own candidates, workers could have their voices heard in the government. "We believe that if we have our people in the government, it will be easier for us to achieve our goals," he said.

Three politicians said they would run in the election. The three candidates are Ratu Atut, Tangerang mayor Wahidin Halim and Lebak regent Mulyadi Jayabaya.