Tough blasphemy laws in Indonesia

Thousands of Indonesians rallied in the center of the capital Jakarta on Sunday Dec 4, 2016, calling for tolerance and unity after massive protests by conservative Muslims against the city’s minority Christian governor …

They accuse the Christian and ethnic Chinese politician of blasphemy for comments he made about the Koran, while campaigning for a local governor election due in February next year.

Over 100,000 Indonesians are expected to assemble for the rally demanding the arrest of Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama for allegedly insulting the Quran.

His popularity has suffered since a video clip posted online showed him telling constituents not to be misled by his opponents who cited a verse in the Quran to urge Muslims not to vote for a non-Muslim like himself.

The accusation of blasphemy has animated the political opponents of Ahok and Jokowi, including hard-liners who have used the issue to seize a national stage for their extreme agenda, which includes the imposition of Shariah law in a secular nation.

After working hard in the past few weeks meeting with political parties and Muslim leaders in an effort to defuse tensions, the president walked from the nearby state palace to the national monument to join the protesters for Friday prayers.

Police officials estimated that at least 150,000 people, including many who travelled to Jakarta from towns and cities across the island of Java, had gathered under drizzling rain.

Meanwhile police said eight people were detained in early morning raids on suspicion of treason before the protest, with reports saying they included the sister of an ex-president and a retired general.

A protest November 4 against Gov. Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama, who is being prosecuted for blasphemy, attracted about 100,000 people.

Islamic groups said he had criticised the Koran and lodged complaints with the police.

He is now standing for re-election as governor, and has faced attacks on his Christian faith, with some opponents claiming that Muslims were forbidden by the Quran to vote for him.

Indonesia is home to the world’s biggest Muslim population but recognises six religions and is home to dozens of ethnic groups, some of which follow traditional beliefs.

He called for demonstrators to leave peacefully.

The protesters, among them women and youths, began gathering as early as 5am after the dawn prayers at the Istiqlal Mosque and marched to the National Monument grounds to listen to talks and say prayers prior to the Friday prayers.

“They are still being questioned by the Jakarta police”, he said.

Twenty-two thousand police and military have been deployed to protect the city amid fears the protest against the Governor could turn violent, as it did during a similar rally a month ago.

On Wednesday, Indonesian prosecutors confirmed his case could go to trial. This means Basuki will have to answer to the allegations in court and if found guilty, may face up to five years in jail.