Blasphemer

It is definitely a great display of the the power of the law, where someone as high ranking as the sitting governor of Jakarta, Indonesia can be taken to prison. The law has been upheld by the judiciary and relevant enforcement bodies. This may be good for Indonesia, seeing that bribery and other "petty" crimes have become part-and-parcel of the daily lives of most Indonesians.

However, what is worrisome is this could become a landmark rulling, where non-Muslims are at risk of being prosecuted and sent to prison simply for discussing Islam in any way other than prescribed by the Indonesian Ulama Council. Honestly, I do not think these political and religious differences should be a divider of citizen unity. If one could not tolerate, accept or celebrate such differences, where can there be Unity in Diversity? There is no need to send someone into prison for two years under the crime of blasphemy.

Quoting from a discussion thread, "Indonesia along with Turkey, Malaysia, and other countries were once known as secular states. The world was led to believe that while Islam was the state religion, its treatment of all its citizens would be equal, regardless of religion. This is no longer the case as each of these states has taken the dictatorial route, where the line between politics and religion has slowly but surely disappeared".

In my own country, only the "liberal Muslims" are allowed to criticize the various activities done in the name of Islam while getting ostracized in the process. But should people who speak their mind be prosecuted? I do think every adult could think and reject any falsehood on their own. For instance, when Ahok lost the election, it is a clear sign that Ahok's administration is not appreciated by the people of Jakarta. Democracy gave its citizen a way to show their support for their leaders, though it does not entirely show the capability and integrity of the said leaders. As such, there is no need for such a conviction against Ahok.

Just my personal opinion.