He was raised in a bamboo shack in a riverbank slum on Indonesia's main island of Java.

Now Joko Widodo stands a good chance of becoming the country's next president, a remarkable rise for the down-to-earth outsider in a political scene long dominated by aloof dynasties and elites from the era of dictator Suharto.

But what many had expected to be an easy victory for Widodo, widely known by his nickname Jokowi, at Wednesday's election may now be slipping from his grasp.

The 53-year-old's huge poll lead months ago has dwindled to a few points against a tough challenge from his only rival, Prabowo Subianto, and as doubts grow about the relative newcomer's ability to lead Indonesia.

The former furniture exporter shot to prominence when he was elected governor of the capital Jakarta in 2012, following a successful stint as mayor of his hometown Solo, on Java.

His hands-on-approach proved wildly popular with a public weary of corrupt, aloof politicians.

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He regularly tours the teeming slums of the sprawling metropolis, which has a population of around 10 million, in casual clothes, and does impromptu check-ups on officials to ensure they are doing their jobs.

Despite his heavy workload, the father-of-three still takes time out to indulge his love of heavy metal and is on occasion spotted headbanging at concerts in Jakarta.

His humble demeanour is a stark contrast to the political dynasties and ex-military figures with deep roots in the Suharto era who have dominated Indonesian politics since the end of the dictator's three-decade rule in 1998.

Outgoing President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is a former general, and Widodo's election rival Prabowo was a top military figure under Suharto who has admitted ordering the abduction of democracy activists.

New style of leader

"This is something new for Indonesians -- to have a leader who is also a grounded figure," said Tobias Basuki, an analyst with the Jakarta-based Centre for Strategic and International Studies.

Widodo completed a forestry programme at an Indonesian university, started up his own successful furniture business, and then entered politics in 2005 as mayor of Solo.

He is credited with regenerating the city during seven years in charge, moving slum dwellers into multi-storey flats with working toilets, and relocating to a market hundreds of vendors clogging footpaths.

And during his time in charge in the capital, construction started on several new public transport projects aimed at easing chronic traffic jams, and he pushed a series of pro-poor policies, such as easier access to free healthcare.

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Foreign investors are betting on Widodo, with markets rising whenever there is positive news about his presidential run, believing he will be easy to work with and is more likely to introduce much-needed reforms in Southeast Asia's top economy.

His time leading the capital has not been without criticism, however, with many of the projects he initiated in Jakarta nowhere near finished after such a short stint in charge.

There are also severe doubts that the slightly-built, soft-spoken man is ready to lead the world's biggest archipelago nation, after never having had a role in national politics.

In addition a lacklustre, disorganised election campaign, which has contributed to a steep fall in support, has added to doubts.

It stands in stark contrast to Prabowo's slick, well-funded campaign, that has helped him win much support.