"We will discharge him temporarily after his leave period is over," the minister said in Jatinangor, West Java, on Friday.
Ahok is currently on leave as Jakartas governor to campaign for another term as the election is scheduled for next February.
Currently, Ahok is facing legal action in a case involving religious blasphemy.
"If an official, such as a governor, district head or a mayor, even if it is me, is caught red handed in any such case, he can be directly discharged," Minister Tjahjo explained.
He added that if an official is not on leave, he or she could be discharged temporarily as soon as a district court issued a letter explaining that the official concerned will stand trial in court.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2016
