Jakarta – Thousands of balloons were delivered to Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaha Purnama at City Hall ahead of the announcement of the verdict in his blasphemy case on Tuesday.
The red-and-white balloons, sent by members of the Women Care for Jakarta (PPKJ) movement and a group called the Sanur community, can be seen alongside floral arrangements sent to the governor and deputy governor following the gubernatorial election.
"We believe the verdict won't negatively affect Ahok because he did not do what [prosecutors] are accusing him of," PPKJ member Ilma Sovriyanti said as quoted by kompas.com.
Ahok's supporters have also urged Jakarta residents to remain calm on Tuesday. A panel of judges comprising four Muslims and one Hindu is set to determine on Tuesday the fate of Ahok, a Christian of Chinese descent, who is on trial for allegedly insulting the Quran. (vny)