ICC Note:
Jakarta, Indonesia’s race for governor is becoming a litmus test for Indonesia’s claim of religious freedom and plurality. While Indonesia technically protects religious freedom under its constitution, minority religions like Christianity often face persecution. More recently, Jakarta’s first Christian governor was accused of blasphemy by Islamist extremists who do not want a Christian governor. If Jakarta, a majority Muslim district, re-elects a Christian governor, then it is a promising sign of religious freedom.
02/24/2017 Indonesia (Newsweek) – As Jakarta holds elections to decide its next governor, the Indonesian capital has been rocked by religious tensions.
The incumbent governor, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, a Chinese Christian popularly known as Ahok, is battling Muslim candidate Anies Baswedan. After the first round of votes on February 15, Ahok is leading with 42.87 percent of the vote, while Baswedan has 39.76 per cent.
Candidates need 50 percent share of the vote to win, so the election will now go to a second round.
Whoever is elected will control the city of more than 10 million people for five years.
Christian candidate Ahok’s campaign has been beset by allegations from Islamist hardliners that he insulted the Quran, after doctored clips of a speech he made went viral. Prosecutors eventually charged him with blasphemy and he is currently on trial.
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