Indonesian Ulema Council’s (MUI) Jakarta chapter general secretary Zulfa Mustofa has said legal processes will continue although Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama has offered an apology related to his statement about a verse from the Quran on Sept. 27 in Thousand Island regency.

“If people apologize, we will forgive. However, it doesn’t mean that the criminal element in this case is over,” Zulfa said on Monday, adding MUI’s South Sumatra chapter has reported Ahok for defamation to the National police.

Besides MUI’s South Sumatra chapter, several other groups like Muhammadiyah Youths and Forum against Religious Defamation (FUPA) have reported Ahok to the police over the allegation of religious defamation.

Zulfa added MUI’s Jakarta chapter delivered a warning letter to Ahok this morning.

In a letter, which was signed by Jakarta MUI head A. Syarifuddin A. Gani and Zulfa, MUI urged Ahok to avoid making statements that could cause unrest among people.

“The Governor must keep harmony among religious people. If he fails to do so, he has neglected his purpose as governor,” Zulfa said.

Early on Monday, Ahok offered an apology to Muslims, following the uproar to his statement on Surah al-Maidah, verse 51 of the Quran.

 "I want to apologize to Muslims and to anyone else who feels offended. I never intended to insult Islam or the Quran," Ahok said at City Hall. (bbn)