Ahok, wearing a long-sleeved batik shirt, arrived to a packed courtroom at 9 a.m. local time, an hour after his legal team, including Trimoelja D Soerjadi, Humphrey Djemat, Sirra Prayuna, and Tommy Sihotang, as well as his sister, Fifi Lety Indra, had arrived.
Court Chief Justice Dwiarso Budi Santiarto confirmed that Ahok was composed enough to continue before beginning the proceedings.
Ahok, seated in front of the judges, smiled and waved, thanking the volunteers who attended the trial.
Ahok is scheduled to participate in the Jakarta gubernatorial election, to be held in February next year.
The Jakarta Metropolitan Police Command had earlier adopted a number of security measures ahead of the trial.
"In connection with (Ahok) being named a suspect, the police have an obligation to secure the trial. The first security measure is for those watching and attending the session, followed by securing the location and activities on site," Head of Public Relations Senior Commissioner RP Argo Yuwono remarked here on Sunday.
He noted that the Jakarta Metropolitan Police Command would ensure the security of those attending as well as those involved in the trial so that they feel comfortable while testifying in court.
He said security measures would also be enforced at the entrance and exits around the venue, adding that police would station personnel at several access points, such as the shopping complex, to ensure the smooth flow of traffic.
The court sessions will also be secured, he stated.
"We will secure the process from the opening and the actual session to the conclusion and the return (of attendees)," he added.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2016
