Agnes Anya, Jakarta – The latest survey conducted by the Indonesia Survey Institute (LSI) shows that the number of people who think Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama insulted Islam is decreasing.

The survey, which was conducted from Dec. 3 to 11, revealed 54 percent of 800 respondents thought Ahok insulted Islam. However, the results from the same survey conducted in Nov., showed 62 percent of Jakartans thought Ahok defamed Islam.

"Although it's still the majority, the percentage is decreasing," LSI executive director Kuskridho Ambardi said on Thursday. He said Ahok's change of attitude has contributed to the decreasing objections from the respondents and has also served to rebound his electability.

Ahok, a Christian of Chinese descent, is being tried at the North Jakarta District Court for alleged blasphemy related to his statement on a verse in the Quran at an event in Thousand Islands regency in September.

At his first trial on Tuesday, Ahok shed tears, saying that he never intended to insult the Quran and Islam. (jun)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/12/16/fewer-people-think-ahok-defamed-islam-survey.html