Former Governor to be Released Early

Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (Ahok) - Photo: Open Doors
Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (Ahok)
Photo: Open Doors

In May 2017, the governor of Jakarta was convicted of blasphemy and received a two-year prison sentence. The charges arose from a statement made by Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, questioning a claim of some clerics that the Quran forbade Muslims from voting for a Christian. For more details, go to this page.

The judge's sentence came despite calls from prosecutors for probation. An appeal of the conviction was rejected by the Supreme Court in March. During the month of July, Indonesia's Human Rights Commission also proposed guidelines in an effort to avoid sectarian clashes in the 2019 national elections. The new code attempts to prevent future issues like this conviction.

On December 10th, it was announced that Basuki, also known as "Ahok," will be released more than three months early due to good behaviour. His family and supporters are thankful to receive the encouraging news that he is scheduled to be released on January 24th.

  • Country Information

    Population
    279,476,346 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Javanese (40.1), Sundanese (15.5), Malay (3.7), Balak (3.6), Madurese (3), Betawi (2.9), Minangkabau (2.7), Buginese (2.7), Bantenese (2), Other (23.8)

    Religion (%)
    Muslim (87.2), Christian (9.9), Hindu (1.7), Other (0.9), Unspecified (0.4)

    Leader
    President Joko Widodo (2014)

    Government type
    Presidential republic

    Legal system
    Civil law system based on the Roman-Dutch model and influenced by customary law

    Sources: CIA World Factbook.

  • Pray for Indonesia

    Pray for the continued growth of the church in Indonesia, despite the intense opposition and persecution that has taken place. May the destructive plans of the enemy to eradicate Christianity be frustrated and nullified.

    Pray that whatever is intended for evil, God will turn around for good – causing such hatred and violence to not only discredit extremism, but to also compel many to seek salvation in Christ... including the perpetrators of persecution.

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