Jakarta – Home Affairs Minister Tjahjo Kumolo said any decision to suspend Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama from his position as Jakarta governor is contingent on developments in the blasphemy case against him.

The minister reported to President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo that any decision on Ahok's suspension before a guilty verdict will only be taken if prosecutors decide to seek a term of imprisonment of more than five years for him.

Article 83 of the 2014 Regional Government Law states that regional heads may be suspended if they have been charged with any crime that carries a prison sentence of more than five years. However, the charges Ahok currently faces involve less than five years' imprisonment.

"The understanding is [that the suspension] will be done after the Ministry of Home Affairs has legal certainty; that was what I reported to the president, twice," Tjahjo said in Jakarta on Monday (20/02).

Tjahjo also pointed out that the Supreme Court has yet to issue a ruling on Ahok's suspension.

"As there is an ongoing trial, the Supreme Court cannot make a ruling. I, as the minister, understand the Supreme Court's position very well," Tjahjo said. He added that the public should not turn the ruling into another polemic.

Supreme Court chairman Hatta Ali said last week that the Home Affairs Ministry should resolve Ahok's status independently. "There is also a legal division in the Home Affairs Ministry, and they can discuss it. It is better for the ministry to take a stance," Hatta said.

He added that the Supreme Court will not make a ruling while Ahok's blasphemy case is still ongoing in the North Jakarta District Court.

Thousands of protesters were meanwhile expected to take part in yet another rally in Jakarta on Tuesday to demand Ahok's suspension.

Source: http://jakartaglobe.id/news/decision-to-suspend-ahok-depends-on-trials-outcome-minister/