Ahok: Indonesia's religious tolerance on trial? - Talk to Al Jazeera

Ahok: Indonesia's religious tolerance on trial? - Talk to Al Jazeera

The governor of the Indonesian capital Jakarta, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama "Ahok", is standing trial for blasphemy. Ahok is the capital's first Christian and ethnic Chinese governor since the 1960s, and under Indonesia's strict 1965 blasphemy law, could be punished with up to five years in prison.

The court case against the governer was filed by several conservative Islamic groups after a statement he made on his reelection campaign trail went viral on YouTube. Ahok quoted the Quranic verse Al Maidah 51 while introducing an economic programme in a village - his concern lay in his political opponents trying to discourage people to accept his leadership as a non-Muslim using this very verse. The message was seen as Ahok criticising the verse itself, as opposed to those who may misuse it to undermine his political aspirations.

In spite of some major achievements, including cleaning up the river system, providing low cost housing to the poor and improving infrastructure, Ahok's words took hundreds of thousands to the street, dividing the country in opinion.

Indonesia has the largest Sunni Muslim population in the world and recognises 6 religions based on the countries ideology named Pancasila - a set of interrelated principles. According to the constitution, these 6 religions are all equal.

However, in the past two decades the blasphemy law has been increasingly used against religious minorities. In 2012 a public servant in Sumatra was jailed for 2.5 years after declaring himself an atheist on Facebook. A Muslim cleric received a two year prison sentence for preaching Shia teachings. Ahok is running for re-election against two Muslim candidates - his supporters claim the 'blasphemy' accusations are politically driven.

This week, we discuss the legal and political battle facing the governer, whether Indonesia's religious tolerance is at a crossroads and if he wants to become Indonesia's first ethnic Chinese president.

Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama talks to Al Jazeera.

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