Jakarta. Supporters of Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama gathered in front of Cipinang Prison in East Jakarta on Tuesday (09/05) afternoon to seek an audience with the embattled governor, who has been sentenced to two years in prison for blasphemy.

The head of East Jakarta Police, Chief Comr. Andry Wibowo, said the pro-Ahok crowd numbered around 300.

"They want to pray for Ahok," Andry told suara.com.

Police have deployed extra personnel to guard the prison and its perimeters.

"We will ask the crowd to disperse if they cause too much of a ruckus," Andry said.

Ahok’s supporters yelled slogans outside the prison gates and at one point started shaking the fence before a man, who seemed to be their leader, told them to stop.

Ahok’s family has reportedly told the supporters not to protest the verdict and to respect the ongoing legal process. The governor has said he will appeal the verdict.