SUPPORTERS RALLY FOR AHOK’S RELEASE

More than 1,000 supporters pack the courtyard of city hall

JAKARTA

SUPPORTERS of Jakarta’s Christian governor staged a colourful rally outside city hall yesterday a day after he was jailed for blasphemy, in a case that has damaged the country’s image as a bastion of tolerant Islam.

A crowd wearing red and white — the colours of the Indonesian flag — gathered outside the colonial-era building calling for Basuki Tjahaja Purnama’s release, and singing the national anthem.

“Let’s fight for justice,” said acting governor Djarot Saiful Hidayat, who was Purnama’s deputy and has taken over his powers, to cheers from the crowd.

Purnama was jailed on Tuesday for two years after being found guilty of blasphemy against Islam, a shock after prosecutors recommended only probation.

The jail sentence and his loss in last month’s city election to a Muslim rival amid the blasphemy controversy have stoked concerns that a much-vaunted brand of tolerant Islam in the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country is under threat.

The United Nations and European Union have expressed concerns over the verdict, while Amnesty International said it “will tarnish Indonesia’s reputation for tolerance”.

Despite the claims he insulted Islam, Purnama, 50, retained a loyal following due to his determined efforts to clean up the chaotic capital.

Over 1,000 supporters packed out the courtyard of city hall at the rally, chanting “Free Ahok”.

“I admire Ahok, the way he leads, regardless of his religion,” said Diana Sari, 49, adding she was a Muslim.

Acting governor Hidayat added: “Last night I met with Ahok and he wants me to convey this message: ‘We have to respect whatever the judges have decided, but the fight is not over yet’.”

Purnama was transferred early yesterday to a high-security detention facility outside the capital after hundreds of supporters descended on the jail where he was initially sent.

Hardliners, who led a series of mass protests last year against Purnama, celebrated after the verdict was handed down, although some were angry the governor did not receive the maximum jail term of five years. AFP

AGENCY PIX Supporters of Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, also known as Ahok, gathering at Jakarta City Hall to call for his release yesterday.

Ahok supporters reacting after his verdict (above) and pushing a gate at the Cipinang Prison where the Jakarta governor is being held on Tuesday (left).