Callistasia Anggun Wijaya, Jakarta – Supporters of Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama have said they will continue to support the incumbent in the 2017 election despite mounting public pressure over his blasphemy case.
Hundreds of Ahok supporters filled his campaign headquarters, Rumah Lembang in Menteng, Central Jakarta, on Thursday, to show their support.
In front of his supporters, Ahok confidently described several programs, concerning health and education, he promised to create if he was elected in next year's gubernatorial election.
All visitors, including several celebrities, enthusiastically listened to Ahok's speech. They also took an opportunity to take photos with the governor.
"I will keep supporting Pak Ahok who has been mistreated in this case. This is a character assassination committed by people who have ulterior motives," Rahmi Prabawa, 39, a resident from Cilandak, South Jakarta.
Another supporter, Aini, 47, a South Jakarta resident, expressed her optimism that the case would not decrease Ahok's electability because of his satisfying work performance.
"Several people have used this case for the sake of their own interests because they can't beat Ahok's vision, mission and programs. As a Muslim, I don't feel offended by Ahok's speech, this case is just politically-motivated," she said.
Ahok could not hold back his tears when he read out his exception before a judge panel during his first blasphemy trial at the North Jakarta District Court on Tuesday.
The non-active governor told the judges that he had never intended to insult the Quran in his remarks during his working visit to Thousand Islands on Sept. 27. (ebf)