Jakarta – Because of his refusal to obey the ruling from the Supreme Court, together with his defiance of various recommendations from the National Resilience Council (Wantannas) and the National Ombudsman Commission, Bogor Mayor Diani Budiarto could be removed according to constitutional law.

Speaking at a press briefing on the long-standing dispute concerning the Indonesian Christian Church (GKI) Yasmin on Tuesday, law expert and noted lawyer Todung Mulya Lubis confirmed that Diani's removal could occur should the leader be proven to have violated the law.

"The only way [to solve the GKI Yasmin saga] is to 'impeach' the mayor who has not obeyed the court's ruling," he told reporters, adding that Diani's refusal to reopen the Yasmin church, despite the Supreme Court's decision in 2010 that went against him and ordered him to reopen the church, was a clear violation of the law.

Todung, however, explained that any impeachment would be a long process as it would put many political interests at stake. He said that, for an impeachment to occur, political parties or factions that supported Diani should first withdraw their support.

"So far, the only political party withdrawing its support for the Bogor mayor is the PDI-P [the Democratic Party of Struggle]; we are yet to see other parties follow suit," the lawyer said. "I recommend that political parties [that support him] withdraw their support. How come they support a rebellious mayor?"

Todung argued that the government should not view the GKI Yasmin dispute lightly, saying that the government's negligence in addressing the matter had severely damaged the country's international image.

"We may boast robust economic growth and strong diplomatic power, but the country's image will be tainted if we fail to guarantee the rights of our minority groups to worship," Todung said.

"Foreigners view Indonesia as an ideal Muslim country whose citizens live in harmony according to a principle of pluralism. When Barack Obama visited us [in 2010], for example, he used Indonesia as an example where Islam and democracy can coexist and thrive," he added. (sat)