Indonesia: Jakarta has a Christian governor despite Muslim protests

Written by Super User 22 Nov 2014

Members of the Islamic Defenders Front protested against Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (nicknamed Ahok) being sworn in as Jakarta's first Christian governor in nearly 50 years. He is ethnically Chinese and a Christian and will take over one of Indonesia's most powerful political jobs. Hundreds of religious hardliners have staged protests against Ahok, underlining the difficulties facing the president's battle against religious intolerance in a nation with the world's biggest Muslim population. Thousands of police have been deployed around the capital in case of violence. Secular Indonesia has seen a rise in attacks against Christians and minority groups. ‘Some do not have high hopes for the administration because parliament is not controlled by his coalition.’ said Indonesia’s director for Human Rights Watch.

Additional Info