Ahok Responds to Abdul Somad's Remarks on Christian Cross
Translator
Dewi Elvia Muthiariny
Editor
Petir Garda Bhwana
Selasa, 20 Agustus 2019 08:04 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Surabaya - Former Jakarta governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama or Ahok has responded to the issue about insulting statement conveyed by Muslim preacher Abdul Somad.
Basuki, who is now preferred to be called BTP, stated that those who criticized Christian cross did not acknowledge the philosophy.
“For us, the cross is a symbol of Allah’s glory. So if the cross is mocked by people who don’t understand it, there is no problem for us,” said BTP after giving a speech at a national seminar in Petra Christian University, Surabaya, Monday, August 19.
During the event, he mentioned his experience in serving prison sentences in Mako Brimob, Kelapa Dua, Depok for blasphemy.
He was, at that time, answering a question regarding the role of marginalized Chinese Christian in Indonesia. He asserted that no one should be pessimistic. “That the fate to be Chinese Christian does not mean to be a double minority,” he added.
Ahok also said he did not shut himself from politics despite being prisoned in Mako Brimob. “My time in Mako Brimob prison, i saw it as a promotion. We have to show the positive side, be chill, don’t let the environment influences us,” he said jokingly.
KUKUH S. WIBOWO