TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jakarta Governor Basuki ‘Ahok’ Tjahaja Purnama expressed his apology in relation to his statement that quoted one of the verses in the Holy Quran, which was the Al-Maidah verse 51. His statement had created anger among several community groups which resulted in Ahok being reported to the police.

“I express my apologies all Muslims and the people that were offended,” he said on Monday, October 10, 2016.

Ahok admitted that he did not mean to insult Islam or even the Holy Quran. According to him, people can watch the real video and see the situation that happened during the time he delivered the statement. “There was no any intention. People at Seribu Islands at that time didn’t even get offended, they were laughing actually,” he explained.

He said that his intentions were to show people that he did not want anyone using the Al-Maidah verse in order to confuse people to not vote him. Because he has encountered a political rival that was racist by using Quran verses to attack him, which made Ahok himself able to memorize the verse.

Ahok understands that religion is a personal affair and should not be expressed in public. Therefore, he has no intention to mention the incident again as it could further complicate matters in the 2017 regional elections.

“Okay then, we don’t have to continue my comments (on the matter). I also ask the media to not keep going with it,” Ahok said.

The video where Ahok mentioned the verse of Al-Maidah 51 became viral after he had visited Seribu Islands on September 27, 2016. In the video, Ahok who wore a Jakarta official uniform said, “Don’t be fooled by Al-Maidah verse 51.” His statement then was considered insulting the Holy Quran and brought out various reactions from the public, including a criticism from his political rival.

Anies Baswedan, for example, asked the incumbent governor to not refer to the Holy Quran in an official government event. “Use respectful words and ways when referring to something that is considered holy by anyone. This nation is diverse, so respect the diversity,” he said in a written statement yesterday.

FRISKI RIANA