Many were devastated when Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama, widely recognized for his fights against systemic corruption and simply for being that rare breed of Indonesian politician who actually, you know, does his job well, was sentenced to two years in prison for blasphemy yesterday.
In their grief, the public has shown some amazing support for the former Jakarta governor (we’ll have to get used to saying that) decrying the perceived injustice against Ahok and, looking at the bigger picture, expressing their worries about the state of justice, pluralism and equality in Indonesia.
The first notable show of mass support for Ahok occurred last night just outside Jakarta’s Cipinang prison, where Ahok was being held and where a huge crowd gathered for a candlelight vigil.
Cipinang malam ini. #FreeAhok pic.twitter.com/EYZ0AN9IW2
— Joko Anwar (@jokoanwar) May 9, 2017
https://twitter.com/krithikaltheory/status/861930733040005122
Then, this morning, renowned Indonesian conductor Addie MS led mass recital of several Indonesian national songs on the front lawn of City Hall as a tribute to Ahok.
Mars Pancasila aka Garuda Pancasila! :)) #PaduanSuaraBalaikota pic.twitter.com/8wTNAkcIW4
— Bentara Bumi (@bentarabumi) May 10, 2017
One fine morning at City Hall #paduansuarabalaikota pic.twitter.com/bQLXWQJfvx
— Ndoro Kakung (@ndorokakung) May 10, 2017
https://twitter.com/WulanHanson/status/862157769637376000
The scene in City Hall today was so awe-inspiring that Djarot Saiful Hidayat, who was recently appointed acting governor but has said he’s willing to be jailed for Ahok, was moved to tears.
#paduansuarabalaikota Watching him in tears for supporting his best friend #Ahok when mass sing the national anthem. pic.twitter.com/lYDOLbNJf1
— Heintje (@heintje_han) May 10, 2017
Ahok is set to appeal the Jakarta Court’s decision against him to the High Court in the near future.
