Incumbent non-active Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (Ahok). Pool/Antara.
Jakarta, 14 Rabiul Awwal 1438’13 December 2016 (MINA) – Incumbent non-active Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, better known by his nickname Ahok, became tearful while reading his statement at the first court session over a case of alleged blasphemy in the North Jakarta District Court, Tuesday.
Ahok started crying as he relayed the story of his Muslim foster family after being asked by the judges to deliver his statement before they proceeded with the reading of the indictment.
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“I am extremely sad to be accused of insulting Islam, because it means that I insulted my foster parents and siblings,” he remarked.
In his statement, he was reminded of a message from his late foster mother Misribu binti Acca, who wanted to see him become a governor.
“I still remember her message, and I always will. She said she wanted to see me become a governor before she passed away. She wanted me to serve the less fortunate,” he stated.
A spokesperson representing Ahok’s campaign team for the 2017 governor elections, Ruhut Sitompul, noted that his legal team is currently preparing a demurrer for the case.
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“We are preparing a demurrer, and I am sure that Ahok’s statement (during his campaign in the Thousand Islands) has been politicized,” he stressed at the North Jakarta District Court.
The trial over the alleged blasphemy has been adjourned until next Tuesday.
“The response to the demurrer will be determined on Tuesday, December 20 at 9 a.m.,” said head judge Dwiarso Budi Santiarto.
The next scheduled trial proceedings will be held in the North Jakarta District Court as well. (T/R07/R01)
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