Callistasia Anggun Wijaya, Jakarta – Jakarta gubernatorial candidate Anies Baswedan said his recent visit to Islam Defenders Front (FPI) leaders aimed to straighten out rumors surrounding his religious identity, which might disadvantage him in the election.
The former culture and education minister said certain people had raised issues regarding his religious background, including labeling him a Shiite Muslim, Wahhabist and liberal Muslim, which might prejudice Jakartans against him.
"I didn't come to give a lecture but to answer questions. The question is whether Anies is a Shia, and I said 'no.' I am a Sunni Muslim," Anies said during a visit to The Jakarta Post on Monday, adding that he was neither a member of the Liberal Islam Network (JIL) nor a follower of Wahhabism.
"I've never disputed how people call me because it is their business. However, when some people decide not to vote for me because they doubt that I am a part of Sunni Islam, I have to clarify," he said, adding that candidates' religious backgrounds still mattered to voters.
Anies added that he would keep forming good relationships with all groups in the capital by holding various discussions. "I'm not worried about attending discussions where the people have a different point of view from me," he said. (dan)