Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama speaks to journalists at City Hall on Tuesday. (kompas.com/Kurnia Sari Aziza)

Jakarta Governor Basuki '€œAhok'€ Tjahaja Purnama has persisted on calling Jakarta resident Yusri Isnaeni ,who reported the governor to the Jakarta Police for slander, a thief for withdrawing cash from the Jakarta Smart Card (KJP) social assistance program to purchase a school uniform for her child.

'€œIf you withdraw cash with a KJP, it can be deemed as a corrupt act,'€ Ahok said in Jakarta on Wednesday.

'€œI told the truth. When she told me [about the use of  the KJP], I told her that she made a mistake. You'€™re a thief because you stole the money,'€ he added.

He also said that banking regulations prohibited the use of KJPs'€“which also function as debit cards'€“ at shops, therefore, such an action could be deemed as a banking regulation violation. '€œAs a public official it is my duty  to save funds. How am I at fault in this situation?'€ he said.

The Jakarta Police have opened an investigation into the slander case by questioning Yusri, who reported Ahok to the police on Dec. 16.

The case emerged when Yusri sought an explanation from Ahok on the use of her KJP to buy a school uniform on a  visit to City Hall. She said shopkeepers refused to serve her when she tried used the card for purchases. However, Ahok reportedly responded by accusing her of being a thief. '€œI cannot accept being shamed in public,'€ Yusri said.

Ahok stressed that although Yusri was guilty of violating the governor'€™s policy, she denied any wrongdoing.  (bbn)(+)

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