Ahok’s Odds in Jakarta’s 2017 Gubernatorial Election

The only other person who is as much a phenomenon as Joko “Jokowi” Widodo in Indonesia’s contemporary politics is the Governor of Jakarta Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama. He is Indonesian of Chinese descent, and he’s a Christian. And so he became an easy target of vicious, racial attacks during the 2012 Jakarta gubernatorial election. But even through that rough moment, Ahok appeared triumphant as the running mate of Jokowi. The pair won the leadership of Jakarta, and after Jokowi’s ascent to national prominence, Ahok assumed the highest command of the Capital City. And again, he faced serious, multiple attempts to throw him off the seat of power. But nearly a year has passed since he became the Governor of Jakarta, and he’s still the man in charge. Indeed, it appears as if he’s getting even more popular by the day.To subscribe please click here