The blasphemy trial of the Governor of Jakarta is capturing headlines globally as it is seen as a barometer of the influence of Islamic supremacists in Indonesian politics. It resumes today after a brief adjournment. Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, or Ahok as he is called, was accused of committing blasphemy after he referred to a verse of the Qur’an while he was delivering a speech in September this year.
Today we ask if this trial is about an instance of blasphemy or is it more about the identity of the Governor – both a Christian and an Ethnic Chinese. We also ask if the trial will address the underlying struggle for state power that is being played out in the background.
Sharaad Kuttan reports.