Police Consider Moving Ahok Blasphemy Trial Venue Over Security Concerns

Bayu Marhaenjati
December 7, 2016 | 5:46 pm
SHARE
Police may move Jakarta Governor Basuki 'Ahok' Tjahaja Purnama's upcoming blasphemy trial to Cibubur in West Java over security concerns. (Antara Photo/Muhammad Adimaja)
Police may move Jakarta Governor Basuki 'Ahok' Tjahaja Purnama's upcoming blasphemy trial to Cibubur in West Java over security concerns. (Antara Photo/Muhammad Adimaja)

Jakarta. Police may move Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama's upcoming blasphemy trial to Cibubur on the outskirts of Jakarta over security concerns.

The trial, which will commence on Dec. 13, was initially planned to take place at the Central Jakarta District Court in Jalan Gajah Mada, but business owners have expressed concern that it will disrupt economic activities in the area.

Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Raden Prabowo Argo Yuwono said they are now considering several venues, including the Jakarta International Expo in Kemayoran and an undisclosed building in Cibubur, West Java.

"We are still weighing up the options and have yet to make a decision, since we have a possible venue in Cibubur. The police's operational bureau head is checking out the venue," Argo told reporters in Jakarta on Wednesday (07/12).

Advertisement

Police are also preparing to implement special security measures during the trial, as several mass groups have already stated their intention to attend the hearing and to stage demonstrations outside the court, both in support of Ahok and against him.

The governor, who is a Christian of Chinese ethnicity, is charged with contravening Article 156 on harassment and Article 156a on blasphemy under the Indonesian Criminal Code. He can face up to five years in prison if convicted.

Tags: Keywords:
SHARE

The Latest


News 16 hours ago

Canada Wants to Help Indonesia Use Nuclear Power

Canada, which is already using nuclear energy to generate 15 percent of its electricity, is open to providing its expertise for Indonesia.
Special Updates 18 hours ago

2025 ASG Expo: Property Exhibition Showcases Beauty of Indonesian Textiles

Property giant Agung Sedayu Group (ASG) is hosting the 2025 ASG Expo at the Signature Gallery CBD PIK 2 on Feb. 14-23.
Business 21 hours ago

Government Spending Cuts Cost Bandung Hotels Rp 12.8 Billion

Bandung hotels face Rp12.8 billion in losses as government budget cuts reduce official events.
News 22 hours ago

Nader Thaher, Convict in Rp 35 Billion Graft Scandal, Arrested After 19 Years on the Run

Now 69 years old, Nader changed his identity and obtained a new ID card in an effort to avoid capture.
News 22 hours ago

PSSI Completes First Phase of FIFA-Funded Training Center in Nusantara

The first phase of PSSI's training center in Nusantara has been completed.
COPYRIGHT © 2025 JAKARTA GLOBE. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED