REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Attorney of Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (Ahok), Teguh Samudera, stated that his client has not considered joining a political party even though he would be released from jail soon. He said that Ahok will see the situation in the community first.

"He does not want to harm other people, society, nation and state, that's his principle," Teguh said when contacted by Republika.co.id, Wednesday.

Earlier, Teguh also said that the former Jakarta governor plans to pursue the oil trade business and become a talk show host after finishing his jail term on January 24. Teguh confirmed through a text message received in Jakarta on Tuesday that the oil business plan had been planned for a long time.

"After being released, Pak Ahok is likely to pursue the oil trading business as discussed earlier," Samudera stated, adding that he was looking for offices around the HI Roundabout.

Meanwhile, political observer from UIN Jakarta Adi Prayitno reminded that identity politics continued to strengthen lately. Therefore, he suggested that Ahok should think twice before returning to politics.

Adi advised Ahok to enjoy his freedom first. Moreover, political parties also would restrain to embrace him with his past as convicted in blasphemy case, ahead of general elections.

"Especially now that the issue of identity politics is getting stronger, of course Ahok needs to think carefully to return to politics," Adi told reporters on Wednesday (Jan 23).