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Agus Yudhoyono backs father's claims of wiretapping
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Jakarta gubernatorial candidate Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (left) greets residents on the campaign trail in Central Jakarta on Feb. 2. (Antara/Akbar Nugroho Gumay)
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pparently echoing his father's grievances about being wiretapped by a political rival, Jakarta gubernatorial candidate Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono has said illegal wiretapping could undermine the practice of "democracy in Indonesia".
"We are seeking justice here. It’s possible that all Indonesian citizens could experience the same thing [being wiretapped], isn't it?" Agus asked reporters after visiting residents in Cidodol, South Jakarta, on Friday.
Agus’ father, former president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, previously refuted claims by a lawyer for blasphemy defendant and Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama that he had influenced Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) chairman Mar'uf Amin’s decision to issue a fatwa to support Ahok's prosecution. Yudhoyono told reporters he might have been wiretapped by the government in relation to the claim.
"I am hoping that it [wiretapping] will not be a new norm in the country, which is ruled by law. [Illegal wiretapping] could mar civil rights and liberty," said Agus.
Neither Ahok's camp nor Yudhoyono have presented evidence suggesting wiretapping occurred when the latter made what he called "a courtesy call" to Ma'ruf on Oct. 6, five days before the MUI issued its religious opinion and stance on Ahok's allegedly blasphemous comments that triggered two large rallies in the capital last year. (evi)
