The most disturbing thing about this is — Ahok ( the nick name of the Christian governor who was jailed ):
1) Was the governor of Jakarta, Indonesia’s LARGEST city.
2) Was the friend and ally of the Indonesian President.
3) Was jailed for 2 years ( a harsher sentence than what the prosecution requested, which was a light suspended sentence ).
If such a prominent and well known person can be brought down and humiliated this way, what will happen to normal Indonesian citizens who say something the religious authorities consider blasphemous?
And note this — Indonesia is considered one of the most moderate and relatively tolerant Muslim countries in the world.
This does not bode well.
This case was only about 10% about religion, and 90% about politics. Ahok was the best governor Jakarta has had in the last 50 years, since Ali Sadikin, who was the only other Christian to hold the position. His approval rating was almost 80%, and he was quite effective in his policies and operational manner.
But he is Jokowi’s man, and Jokowi must be weakened before the next presidential election in 2019. This is all being orchestrated by Prabowo, SBY, Kalla, and remnants of the Cendana mob, who have made a diabolical pact with the FPI and some disgruntled generals. The scumbag Prabowo will have another shot at winning the presidency, with SBY’s son as his VP.
I do hope that Jokowi has the sack to pardon Ahok, as I believe he may hold that power.