Blasphemy Law in Indonesia: A Study of Ahok's Case

Abstract

This paper seeks to argue that Indonesia’s Blasphemy Law is capable of being applied and has been applied in ways that limit and violate Indonesian’s Political rights. This is in contravention of the Indonesian Constitution, particularly Article 28D(3). This paper will closely examine the blasphemy trial of Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (“Ahok”) as a case study. It then concludes that the Blasphemy Law would likely to be declared unconstitutional if it were reviewed again by the constitutional court on the ground that it violates the political rights of Indonesians. In any case, it is submitted that the time is now ripe for the legislature to reform the current Blasphemy Law.