REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Jakarta Metro Police has recommended the North Jakarta District Court to shift the trial location of alleged blasphemy case involving the inactive Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (Ahok) as the suspect.  “The police recommend the location, but the District Court should decide,” said the Head of Public Relations of Jakarta Metro Police, Commissioner Argo Yuwono in Jakarta, Friday (12/9).

According to Argo, the advice was given considering the potential security vulnerabilities. He claimed that the police had prepared a safer alternative place to hold the hearing of Ahok’s case. Previously, the trial was planned to be held in the temporary office of North Jakarta District Court, which was located at Gajah Mada Street, Central Jakarta.  

Argo added that the court location in Central Jakarta was close to the center of economic and government activities. The trial is also predicted to be witnessed by some elements of societies, so that it may cause a traffic disruption. "Basically, the police is ready to safeguard the trial," said Argo.

Previously, the Head of Public Information Bureau (Karopenmas) of National Police Commissioner Rikwanto said Cibubur and Kemayoran might become alternative places for the inaugural session. There were some venues considered to be the location of the trial, such as Jakarta International Expo (JI Expo) center in Kemayoran, Graha Wisata Pramuka Campground (Buperta) in Cibubur, and some others. 

The consideration would concern on the estimated number of visitors.  “It is concerned with an estimated number of visitors who come to watch it," said Rikwanto in Jakarta, Wednesday (12/7).

Related to the number of personnel would be deployed to safeguard the trial, the National Police could not confirm it yet. "We will consider the situation," said the former Head of the National Anti-terrorism Board (BNPT).

Meanwhile, five judges were appointed to precede the Ahok’s case, namely Budi Santiarto Dwiarso as the chief judge, and four others of Jupriadi, Abdul Rosyad, Joseph V Rahantoknam, and I Wayan Wijarna. 

Ikuti Whatsapp Channel Republika