Jokowi's supporters lodge police report against singer Ahmad Dhani

Just as Indonesia's police began investigations into Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, better known as Ahok today, a group of supporters of President Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo lodged a police report against popular singer Ahmad Dhani for allegedly insulting the president.

The supporters, known as Jokowi's People's Soldiers (LRJ), lodged the report at the Metro Jaya police station here this morning, claiming the 'Dewa' lead singer uttered harsh words in the presence of the public which were insulting to the president during a mass demonstration on Friday.

LRJ leader Riano Oscha said he also handed over a video recording of Ahmad Dhani's speech as evidence to the police.

Ahmad Dhani was one of several artistes who joined the rally which saw over 100,000 Muslims from throughout Indonesia turning up as a sign of protest against against Ahok who was accused of committing blasphemy.

"Frankly speaking, we are all offended by his (Ahmad Dhani's) words which are uncalled for and too much. (He) labelled the president, using words which shouldn't have been used, such as 'animal'," said Riano as quoted by the online media.

Ahmad Dhani, who is also a music composer and popular in Malaysia, will contesting for the post of Bekasi district deputy officer in the 2017 regional head election (Pilkada).

Riano said LRJ urged the authorities to take action against Ahmad Dhani for insulting the country as the president was a national symbol.

Meanwhile, Ahok was reported to have turned up at the Criminal Investigation Department Division here at 9am to facilitate police investigations.

The man was reported to have urged the Muslim community not to be tricked into believing the Surah Al-Maidah verse in Al-Quran which prohibited Muslims from electing a non-Muslim as a leader during an election campaign in Pulau Seribu last month.

Yesterday, Ahok said he was a victim of slander because the video recording of his speech had been edited by certain people to make it look like he had insulted Islam.

Ahok will defend his governor's post in the 2017 Pilkada to contest against Anies Bsawedan and Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono. -- Bernama