"The legal process is proven, and there is absolutely no need for government intervention affecting the enforcement of justice," Wiranto said in a written statement received by Antara here on Wednesday.
The security minister said the process of naming Basuki, known by his nickname Ahok, as a suspect was purely based on investigation of testimonies given in a professional manner.
Wiranto appealed to the people to respect the legal process at this time and entrusted it entirely to law enforcement authorities, in order to resolve the problem completely.
The Indonesian Police on Wednesday formally named Ahok a suspect in the blasphemy investigation, after allegations that he has insulted Islam.
"The investigation has been upgraded with Ahok as the suspect," Indonesia Police spokesman Senior Commissioner Rikwanto said in a written statement received here on Wednesday.
He said the police have also decided to ban Ahok from going abroad in connection with his status.
He said the police would immediately submit the dossiers of the case to the prosecutors office.
Ade Komarudin, Speaker of the House of Representatives, hailed police investigators for having worked professionally to name Ahok as the suspect.
"My praise goes to the Indonesian Police, especially the investigators, who have worked professionally," he said.
He said the legal process must be independent and not done based on pressure from anyone, be it the executive, legislative or the public.
He said the House Commission III had been invited to attend the case deliberations, but it declined to attend to avoid impression of intervention.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2016
