News analysis

Political comeback for Ahok? Not so soon

Basuki probably lying low for a while so as not to jeopardise Jokowi's re-election bid

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Francis Chan Ahok's release from prison on Thursday was widely anticipated, with many hoping that the former Jakarta governor, whose real name is Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, will make a quick return to politics amid the ongoing campaign for Indonesia's next president.

But his ardent supporters, who stuck by him while he was serving time following a conviction for blasphemy against Islam in April 2017, are set to be disappointed.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on January 26, 2019, with the headline Political comeback for Ahok? Not so soon. Subscribe