"The Lampung gubernatorial election has the most candidates for any such election in Indonesia, including the two pairs of independent candidates. Lampung also has the largest number of candidates for the election of a regional head (for a regency). The multi candidate phenomenon, however, is best explained by local culture.

Cultural observer Isbedy Setiawan Z.S. said the phenomenon was ascribed to the piil pesenggiri life philosophy imbued by Lampung people which means "no retreat or backing down". In their daily lives, people local to Lampung refuse to allow their dignity to be belittled and will not allow themselves to be looked down on." (Jakarta Post)