Indonesia’s religious leaders appeal for peace ahead of Jakarta election ‎

Two days ahead of the vote to decide the governor of Indonesia’s capital Jakarta, that has seen a bitterly divisive campaign split along political, religious and ethnic lines, leading religious organizations of the world's most populous Muslim nation have appealed to their respective communities for a peaceful democratic process and good sense.  Leaders of seven organizations and Christian confessions held a joint press conference on Monday in Jakarta at the headquarters of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Indonesia’s largest moderate Islamic organization.  The organizations are the NU executive council, the Indonesian Bishops Conference (KWI), the Indonesian Communion of Churches (PGI), the Nichiren Shoshu Indonesia (NSI), the Indonesian Parisada Hindu Council (PHDI), the Islamic Organisation Friendship Body (LPOI) and the Confucian Supreme Council of Indonesia (Matakin).   Reiterating their support for the country’s pluralism

The representatives of the organizations urged their members to exercise their civil rights without delay and respect the outcome of the April 19 election.  "We have to keep calm and remain focused in addressing the situation,” said the representatives. “We have a moral obligation to support the government's efforts in the second round of election in Jakarta and safeguard peace and the nation's unity”.  NU president Said Aqil Siradj condemned the political use and manipulation of religion by extremist groups.  He strongly criticised President Joko Widodo for not being resolute enough with those who pose a direct threat to democracy and the government.

The race to lead the city of more than 10 million has seen a bitter fight between two candidates - an ethnic Chinese Christian and a Muslim.  It has triggered mass protests and stirred religious and political tensions in the world's third largest democracy.  Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, known by his Chinese nickname as "Ahok", is the incumbent governor who favours a democratic and pluralistic Indonesia.  Ahok became the city’s first ethnic Chinese and Christian leader in in 2014 when his then boss, Joko Widodo, won the presidency.  He is backed by the ruling Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P).  Akok’s rival, Anies Baswedan was Widodo’s campaign manager for the presidency and former education minister who has shifted allegiance to Widodo’s 2014 presidential rival, Prabowo Subianto, and now represents Subianto's Gerindra Party. He is supported by radical Islamist movements and groups who have exploited ethnic and religious tensions for political gain. 

Purnama is standing trial on blasphemy charges after allegedly insulting the Koran during the campaign. Hundreds of thousands of protesters rallied after an edited video of his comments about a Koranic verse were circulated. He has appeared in court throughout the campaign. If he wins the election but is convicted of blasphemy, Purnama can assume office as long as an appeals process is going on.

A simple majority will decide the winner of the April 19 vote. Official results are expected to be announced by the elections commission by May 5-6.   (Source: AsiaNews/…)