Budiman, Lebak, Banten – Two women in Banten province have been named suspects in a blasphemy case following the circulation of a viral video showing one of them stepping on a copy of the Quran, a police spokesperson said on Sunday.

The suspects have been identified only by their initials, NL and MT.

In a video statement shared on social media, MT apologized to the public, particularly Muslims, and said her actions were carried out under coercion by NL.

"I sincerely apologize to everyone, especially Muslims. I had no intention of insulting Islam – I acted under pressure and coercion," she said.

MT said the incident stemmed from an accusation that she had stolen perfume and face powder from a beauty salon owned by NL in Malingping district, Lebak regency. She denied the allegation and said there was no evidence of theft.

According to MT, she was then forced to swear that she had not stolen the items while stepping on the Quran.

"I was pressured. If I refused, I would be labeled a thief. I was only defending myself and never imagined it would turn out like this," she said.

MT also appealed for forgiveness, noting that she has two young children, aged three years and nine months.

"They are also affected, even though I am not guilty," she added.

Lebak Police spokesperson Moestafa Ibnu Syafir said that, based on the investigation, NL faces a more serious charge carrying a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

MT, meanwhile, has been charged under a different provision carrying a lighter penalty of between one and three years. Police did not specify the exact articles applied in the case.

Under Indonesia's latest Criminal Code, blasphemy offenses are regulated under Articles 300 and 301, with a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment.

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/two-women-named-suspects-in-banten-over-quran-desecration-vide