Indonesia was once known for its moderate and diverse Islam, but extremism is on the rise. Anger over the perceived “blasphemy” of former Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (better known as “Ahok”), a Chinese Christian, brought more than 200,000 people to the streets in 2016 and eventually led to his imprisonment. In August 2017 the government announced plans to further tighten blasphemy legislation, though a month earlier it ordered the disbandment of Islamist group Hizb ut-Tahrir “to protect Indonesia’s unity”.
Jakarta’s Christian ex-governor drops blasphemy appeal ‘for sake of the people’
Jakarta’s Christian ex-governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (also known as “Ahok”), has withdrawn his appeal against his two-year prison sentence for blasphemy in a controversial case that has challenged religious pluralism in Indonesia, with repeated clashes between Ahok’s supporters and radical Islamic groups. It was for this reason, said Ahok, that […]
Widespread condemnation for prison sentence of Ahok
Tuesday’s verdict of an Indonesian court, sentencing Jakarta’s outgoing governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, known as ‘Ahok’, to two years in prison for blasphemy, has received widespread condemnation globally as politicians, academics and rights groups express their concern about religious pluralism in Indonesia. Ahok, the capital’s first Christian and ethnic governor since the […]
Jakarta’s governor, Ahok, jailed for 2 years for blasphemy
In a verdict that surprised many, an Indonesian court has sentenced Jakarta’s outgoing governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, known as ‘Ahok’, to two years in prison for blasphemy. The sentence is higher than the prosecutors had asked for. The news was welcomed by Islamic hardliners who had gathered outside of the […]
Indonesia: Ahok’s blasphemy charges reduced after failed re-election bid
A day after failing in his bid for re-election as Jakarta’s governor, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, better known as “Ahok”, heard that he should at least avoid prison over alleged blasphemy charges. Prosecutors have downgraded the blasphemy charges against him and recommend that, if he is found guilty, Ahok will serve […]
Indonesia’s Christian governor Ahok fails in re-election bid, as ‘blasphemy’ trial continues
Preliminary results suggest that Jakarta’s Christian governor, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (better known as “Ahok”), has failed in his re-election bid, as his trial for “blasphemy” goes on. Ahok is accused of insulting a Qur’anic verse during a campaign speech. Hard-line Islamist groups have rallied large crowds against him in recent […]
Jakarta’s Christian governor reveals repeated sectarian attacks at trial testing Indonesia’s pluralism
The Indonesian Christian governor on trial for blasphemy said yesterday (4 April) that he has been the target of racist and religious attacks since he was elected to public office in 2005. Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (better known as “Ahok”), the governor of Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta, also reiterated to the court […]
Concerns about tolerant Indonesia: 3 more churches closed
Indonesian authorities in Bogor, West Java, have banned three churches from holding religious activities. According to UCANews the Methodist Church Indonesia, Huria Batak Protestant Church and a house used by Catholics for catechism classes were ordered to close their doors. Local authorities said they could not guarantee the safety of the […]
Injured Indonesian boy, 4, ‘ashamed’ by wounds after 17th operation since November church attack
Just over four months ago, on 13 November 2016, a two-year-old girl died after suffering 75% burns during a bomb attack on a church in Indonesia. Three other young children were also injured – Anita (also two), Trinity (three) and Alvaro (four) – during the attack on Oikumene Church in […]
Indonesia President blames democracy for ills
Indonesia’s President has blamed rising religious intolerance in the country on democracy. Joko Widodo said democracy has “gone too far” and that “political freedom paved the way for extreme political practices”. Human Rights Watch’s Deputy Director for the Asia region, Phelim Kine, wrote that while Indonesia “unquestionably has a problem […]
Ahok wins vote, but not enough for re-election
Jakarta’s Christian governor recorded the most votes in the Indonesian capital’s gubernatorial elections yesterday (15 February), but failed to achieve the 50% necessary to secure his re-election. Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (better known as “Ahok”) recorded 43% of the votes, around 3% more than his closest rival, Anies Baswedan. Voters will […]