REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA – The name of the former President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) were mentioned during the eight session of the alleged blasphemy case by Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (Ahok) in the Auditorium of the Agricultural Ministry, South Jakarta, on Tuesday.
His name was mentioned by one of Ahok’s lawyer when giving a question to the Chairman of Indonesian Council of Ulama (MUI), KH Ma’ruf Amin. "Before the meeting on Friday, was there any call from SBY at about 10.16 to arrange a meeting with candidate number 1, to be welcomed at the Central Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU), and SBY asked (MUI) to immediately issued a fatwa on blasphemy?” asked Ahok’s lawyer, Humphrey Djemat to Kiai Ma’ruf.
Kiai Ma’ruf immediately denied it. He insisted that, at that time, he did not receive text message from SBY. Listening to the answer, Humphrey reminded that he has sworn before giving a testimony. He also said for having strong evidence about it. "Do you know the consequences of giving false statement, whoever it is?” said Humphrey.
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Humphrey also tried to confirm about Kiai Ma’ruf’s profile mentioned in the police investigator report (BAP), especially on his former status as the member of presidential advisory board (Wantimpres). He asked why it was not mentioned on his profile.
Kiai Ma’ruf admitted the fact that he was ever been a member of Wantimpres in the SBY’s era. The answer was followed by next question asking on why it was not mentioned in the report. It became a debate for a while, until the judges tried to mediate it. “It’s okay. The witness has admit it, write it on,” he said, followed by the laugh of the audiences.