TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Democratic Party chairman Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has denied any role in mobilizing and funding protests on November 4. Yudhoyono has also dismissed allegations that he is using the rally to call for investigation into alleged blasphemy committed by Jakarta governor candidate Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama.

“It’s dangerous to accuse someone or certain political party of doing it [funding the protests]. It is slander,” the Indonesia’s sixth president said yesterday in his residence in Puri Cikeas, Bogor.

Yudhoyono claimed that he was informed that Friday’s rally is funded and mobilized by the political party. He hopes that the report is not true. The Democratic Party, together with the National Awakening Party (PKB), the United Development Party (PPP) and the National Mandate Party (PAN), endorses Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono-Sylviana Murni pairing in Jakarta gubernatorial race.

Whereas Basuki and his running mate Djarot Syaiful Hidajat are backed by the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP), Functional Group (Golkar) Party, the National Democratic (Nasdem) Party and the National Consciousness (Hanura) Party. The third candidates Anies Baswedan and Sandiaga Uno are endorsed by the Great Indonesia Movement (Gerindra) Party and the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS).

Yudhoyono has urged the government to begin legal proceedings against Basuki over alleged blasphemy remarks. “We don’t want to see the nation burned with the anger of those seeking justice, Ahok must undergo legal proceedings,” he said.

Vice President Jusuf Kalla said that he refused to believe that Yudhoyono is the man behind the planned protests. “No, I don’t believe it,” Kalla said after meeting with Yudhoyono on Tuesday night.

Police deputy chief Comr. Gen. Syafruddin said that police have been investigating Basuki’s alleged blasphemy remarks by questioning expert witnesses and informants.

Basuki himself had declined comment on calls for his interrogation and arrest. He said that he had voluntarily gave statements to police over his speech in the Seribu Island. He had also extended his public apology to Muslims.

ISTMAN M.P. | AHMAD FAIZ | ARKHELAUS W. | FRANSISCO ROSARIANS