ICC Note:

Furor against the Chinese Christian candidate in Jakarta’s race for a new Governor has returned. Hardline Muslim organizations have called for his death and threatened Muslims who would vote for him. Channel News Asia said, “The hate speeches and violence triggered by the anti-Ahok movement exposed the growth of extremism in a country long known as the moderate face of Sunni Islam in the world, worrying Muslim leaders and counter-terrorism experts.” Indonesia, who has long been known as a country of predominantly moderate Islam, is running the risk of becoming a hotbed for radical ideology. This is dangerous, not only for the stability of the country, but especially for the safety of religious minorities.

3/28/2017 Indonesia (Channel News Asia) – As campaigning for the second round of Jakarta’s gubernatorial elections goes into full swing, hate speeches against incumbent Basuki Tjahaja Purnama and his supporters have returned with renewed ferocity.

Purnama, also known as Ahok, a Christian Chinese, is seeking re-election. He faces former Education Minister Anies Bawesdan, a Muslim, in the run-off scheduled for Apr 19.

Muslim hardliners are opposing Ahok’s candidacy and have accused him of insulting the Koran during a campaign speech to a fishing community last September. Ahok is currently standing trial for blasphemy and has denied all charges.

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