Preparations to move Ahok started after his lawyers and prosecutors retracted their appeal against Ahok’s two-year prison sentence for blasphemy.

 “Normally, [Ahok would be transferred to] Cipinang. There has not been any other directive from general prosecutors,” said head of the North Jakarta Prosecutors’ Office’s General Crimes Unit, Dicky Oktavia, as quoted by kompas.com.

Read also: Sandiaga says he wants to visit Ahok in detention

However, he added that Ahok could still be moved to a different prison amid security concerns. The final decision would be made after the Prosecutors' Office received a ruling from the Jakarta High Court on the withdrawal of the appeals, which would officially make the verdict final and binding.

“The security is indeed our concern,” Dicky said.

Deputy Djakarta Governor Djarot Saiful Hidayat is sworn in as Jakarta governor at the State Palace on Thursday. (JP/Anton Hermansyah)

Newly-inaugurated Governor Djarot Saiful Hidayat, who took the seat after Ahok was found guilty of blasphemy, previously said he hoped his former superior would not be taken to Cipinang due to the condition of the prison, which is deemed overcrowded.

Read also: Visiting Ahok: Djarot’s first day as Jakarta governor

Reports previously said there were threats to harm Ahok from Cipinang prisoners.

Ahok is currently being detained at the Mobile Brigade Command detention center (Mako Brimob) in Kelapa Dua, Depok, West Java. (fac/bbs)

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