"Our message is that we are concerned about the current condition. We are not supporting Ahok or others, but we wish to express our concern about the nation. It is not an action for Ahok," Tobing Jr., coordinator of the event, said.
Bandung, W Java (ANTARA News) - Thousands of people gathered with candle lights on Diponegoro Street in front of Gedung Sate in Bandung, the capital of West Java province, Saturday evening, calling for preservation of justice and peace in the country.

"We are concerned about the current social and political development (in the country). We are concerned over the divisive and disintegrative efforts that have developed," Tobing Jr., coordinator of the event, said.

He affirmed the event was not aimed at supporting Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (Ahok) but at calling for peace, solidarity and prevention of divisions in the community.

"Our message is that we are concerned about the current condition. We are not supporting Ahok or others, but we wish to express our concern about the nation. It is not an action for Ahok," he reiterated.

He revealed that around 5,000 people were estimated to take part in the candlelight event. "They come from different ethnicity and religions. We embrace them all. What is important is the common goal, which is the integrity of Indonesia," he remarked.

After lighting candles, some of the participants returned home while others continued to be part the event at Gasibu field.

Ahok, the former governor of Jakarta, was sentenced to two years in prison on May 9 after being proved guilty of blasphemy against Islam when he made a speech to encourage fishermen on Kepulauan Seribu in North Jakarta in September last year.

Ahoks supporters in many parts of the country have held candlelight vigils for the past few days following the courts decision, calling for justice for Ahok.

Ahok lost in the Jakarta gubernatorial election, which some think was caused in part by his blasphemous statement that triggered several huge demonstrations by Muslims in the capital city.

The controversial figure known for his outspokenness and anti-corruption stance is in detention while he awaits to initiate his appeal process against the verdict. (*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2017