A number of Islamic organizations, including Muhammadiyah, the country's second-largest Islamic organization, immediately issued a joint statement to welcome the police's decision.

"[The investigation] was fast, transparent and it took the public's sense of justice into account," former Muhammadiyah chairman Din Syamsuddin told reporters in Jakarta.

Din, who is also the chairman of the advisory council of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), said the groups also appreciated the police for processing the blasphemy case professionally and in a timely fashion, and thanked President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo for not intervening in the case to protect Ahok, who many see as being close to the President.

After investigating the blasphemy case for almost one month, including questioning a number of Islamic scholars and linguists, the National Police eventually named Ahok a suspect in the case.

Ahok was accused of religious defamation after he commented about Al Maidah, verse 51 of the Quran, in a video that went viral last month.

Despite having apologized, Ahok's remarks on the verse triggered outcry among the Muslim community with two large rallies having been held to press the police and President to immediately arrest Ahok. (jun)

Popular

Java airports grounded by low demand, poor planning

'Dialogue' must be at heart of China, Australia ties, PM tells Xi

Rethinking ocean finance