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Christian leaders call for calm in wake of Jakarta violence

Blasphemy allegations against Christian governor dismissed as being politically, not religiously motivated
Christian leaders call for calm in wake of Jakarta violence

Protesters near two burned cars outside the Indonesian presidential palace in Jakarta on Nov. 4 during clashes with police that marred an otherwise peaceful rally against Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, a Christian accused of insulting Islam. (Photo by AFP)

Published: November 10, 2016 09:59 AM GMT
Updated: November 10, 2016 10:04 AM GMT

Catholic and Protestant leaders in Indonesia have warned Christians not to stoke tensions following last week's violence at a protest staged by hard-line Muslims against Jakarta governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama.

The Christian governor known as Ahok and who is of Chinese descent, is being accused of blasphemy for allegedly insulting the Quran during a speech in September.

On Nov. 4 about 150,000 Muslims took to the streets of Jakarta demanding that Ahok be handed the death penalty. Violence flared in which one person was killed and at least 100 others injured, including police officers. Chinese-owned businesses were also targeted by the mob.

Ahok's supporters, both Christian and Muslim, have since taken to social media to back the embattled governor.

"I can only support the governor through social media," said Maria Manalu, a Christian from South Jakarta.

"I am angry at those who blame the governor and post messages of hatred on social media," she said.

The messages of support have sparked fears among Catholic and Protestant leaders that they could lead to further unrest. They said the blasphemy allegations against Ahok were politically rather than religiously motivated.

Ahok is seeking a second term as Jakarta governor and was leading his main rivals, according to recent opinion polls.

Earlier this week, the governor underwent nine hours of questioning by police in connection with the blasphemy allegations.

Father Antonius Benny Susetyo, a senior researcher at the Para Syndicate, an institute for policy studies, told ucanews.com on Nov. 9 that Christians must show calm and refrain from interfering in the legal process surrounding the governor's alleged blasphemy.

"See this case wisely, because it's about politics" rather than religion, Father Susetyo said.

The Rev. Palti Panjaitan of the Batak Huria Protestant Church said Christians should not look upon the blasphemy accusation as an attack against Christianity.

Instead of reacting negatively, Christian supporters must engage in spreading the message of peace and unity, he said.

"Christians should flood social media with images, videos or articles that cultivate peace not items that echo the message of hatred and violence," he told ucanews.com.

The Rev. Gomar Gultom, Secretary of the Communion of Churches in Indonesia also warned Christians not to look upon the blasphemy allegations as an attack on Christianity. 

"It's about Islam, let Muslims settle it," he said. "There are many good Muslims out there who can see clearly the problem." 

Many moderate Muslim leaders see the accusation as a political move ahead of local elections next year, he said.

According to the Rev. Gultom, during informal meetings with leaders of other churches, they agreed to advice Christians to stay away from commenting or interfering in the process. 

 

 

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