ICC Note:
Indonesia’s upcoming election will either “make or break” the country’s tolerance over religious freedom. Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, otherwise known as Ahok, is up for election in Indonesia. However, he still stands trail over an alleged blasphemy case against Islam. While some believe he will lose because of these allegations, his supports believe he will win regardless. “Christians believe Ahok is an answer to prayer in the world’s most populated Muslim country.” If elected, Ahok will “open the way for double minority” because he is both Christian and Chinese. The final results are expected in three weeks. If the votes of the winners are less than 50 percent, a second round between the top two candidates will be held in April. 
02/23/2017 Indonesia (CBN News) – Indonesia’s commitment to democracy and religious tolerance may be at stake as voters in Jakarta choose their next governor.
Up for election is the current governor, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, also known as Ahok.  Ahok is a Christian who is still on trial for allegedly committing blasphemy against Islam.
Some Indonesians believe that may cause him to lose this election. But his supporters say his record of good governance may lead to victory regardless of the charges against him.
“Ahok is one of the best governors Jakarta ever had. Ahok does not have a problem with the Muslims. The Muslim are moderate, rational and compatible with democracy. But the Hardliners are rejecting democracy,” said Boni Hargens, a Muslim analyst.
Christians believe Ahok is an answer to prayer in the world’s most populated Muslim country.
“This has been going on now for almost 30 years…this momentum of prayer for Indonesia for its government. I see the rise of Basuki Purnama as God-ordained leader being raised up,” reflected Mark McClendon of CBN Indonesia.
“Fearless in integrity, focused on being transparent godly leader,” he continued.
McClendon says if Ahok becomes the freely elected governor of Jakarta, this can open the way for a double minority with Ahok being a Christian and Chinese, to be president of Indonesia in the future.
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