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Elections commission head clarifies meeting with anti-Ahok rally initiator
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A photograph of a meeting between Jakarta Elections Commission (KPU Jakarta) head Sumarno (center) and Muslim People's Forum (FUI) secretary general Muhammad Al-Khaththath (third right) at KPU Jakarta office in Central Jakarta on March 28, was posted on @ulinyusron's Twitter account. (kompas.com/File)
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akarta General Elections Commission (KPU Jakarta) head Sumarno has finally addressed his controversial meeting with firebrand cleric Muhammad Al-Khaththath, an initiator of the March 31 rally against Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama, following intense backlash on social media.
"The KPU's door is open to anyone, including institutions, civil groups, the police, the police chief, military commanders, governors, students and campaign teams as long as they come here to convey their aspirations," Sumarno explained.
Muslim People’s Forum (FUI) secretary-general Al-Khaththath was arrested for alleged treason hours before last Friday’s rally, which called on the government to dismiss Ahok from his post as governor.
Ulin Yusron, who is an Ahok supporter, uploaded a photo of Sumarno speaking with Al-Khaththath on March 28 to his Twitter account.
Ulin questioned the reason behind their meeting as it had taken place on a public holiday and Sumarno was not seen accompanied by other KPU Jakarta commissioners. Ulin then suggested that Sumarno was biased against Ahok in his ongoing blasphemy trial, and showed favor for gubernatorial candidates Anies Baswedan and Sandiaga Uno.
In defense of his actions, Sumarno explained that during the election runoff, the KPU operated every day and only he had been available to meet with the cleric on the day in question, kompas.com reported.
He added that Al-Khaththath had not spoken about FUI’s support of Anies and Sandiaga, but had asked about the KPU’s rules involving unregistered voters and voting requirements.
