ICC Note:

In Indonesia, Muslim supporters of Christian politician and the candidate for Governor of Jakarta are being refused the right to a funeral. The Religious Affairs Minister of Indonesia also expressed concern over flyers being posted in mosques advising Muslim and leaders to deny funeral rights to supporters of the Christian politician widely known as Ahok. Recent detainment of extremist from an Islamic group who were planning an attack raises concerns over rising tension among Muslims and Christians, especially since Ahok has been projected by many to win the election. Ahok is the subject of a blasphemy case being brought against him by hardline Muslims, a move many see as an attempt to merely erode his lead in the elections.

3/16/2017 Indonesia (Asia News) – Some radical Muslim leaders refuse to celebrate an Islamic funeral for those who supported Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama in his re-election bid. Currently, elections are scheduled in 101 regencies and cities.

Last February, a local chief refused to officiate at the funeral of a resident because of his political preference for Ahok during the first round of voting. A similar incident occurred on 9 March, in the same residential area, arousing the indignation of moderate Muslim Indonesians.

Indonesia’s Religious Affairs Minister Lukman Hakim Saifuddin expressed great concern on Saturday about religious hate messages by some radical Islamist groups.

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