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Ahok welcomed on island where blasphemy case began
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Jakarta gubernatorial candidate Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama hugs a resident of Pramuka Island in Thousand Islands regency on Jan. 30 during his campaign trail. (Courtesy of Ahok-Djarot Team/File)
J
akarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama paid a visit to Pramuka Island in Thousand Islands regency on Monday in what marked his first visit to the island since last year when he gave a speech, considered by some as offensive to Islam, that spurred controversy.
Local residents greeted Ahok with a traditional percussion ensemble known as marawis, which is typically used when welcoming important guests. Residents also applauded and cheered him as he arrived at the island’s pier.
“Long live Ahok!” “Long live [candidate] No. 2!” some visitors said, referring to his ticket number in the Jakarta gubernatorial election, as reported by Antara news agency on Monday.
The participants of the event, most of whom were fishermen, also handed over a replica of a fishing boat to the governor. Some residents were seen taking pictures with the incumbent governor as the ensemble music played continuously in the background.
The governor visited the island for his political campaign, briefly strolling throughout it to greet local residents. The campaign period, which started on Oct. 28 last year, will end on Feb. 11 before the election takes place four days later on Feb. 15. (saf)
