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Djarot replaces Ahok as Jakarta governor
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Deputy Djakarta Governor Djarot Saiful Hidayat (center) is sworn in as Jakarta governor at the State Palace on Thursday. (JP/Anton Hermansyah)
I
t’s official: Djarot Saiful Hidayat is now Jakarta governor, replacing Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama, who was convicted of blasphemy last month.
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo inaugurated Djarot as the new Jakarta governor at the State Palace on Thursday.
Ahok was supposed to end his term in October this year following his election defeat on April 19.
However, the North Jakarta District Court sentenced him on May 9 to two years in prison for blasphemy, in a controversial ruling that has, again, put the credibility of the nation's criminal justice system into question.
Ahok tendered his letter of resignation to the President on May 23, one day after dropping an appeal against his two-year prison sentence. His surprise decision not to challenge his conviction has shut down any hopes that he could ever return to his post and finish his term.
Ahok signed the letter at the police’s Mobile Brigade Command headquarters detention center in Depok, West Java, where he is currently being detained.
Jakarta governor-elect Anies Baswedan will replace Djarot in October. (ary)
