REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Former Jakarta governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (Ahok) decided to drop his appeal against the two-year jail sentence for the interests of all, his wife, Veronica Tan, stated at a press conference here on Tuesday.

"It is for the sake of all; the interests of all. It means we will not prolong the case. We will just carry out what has been decided," she noted.

On the occasion, Tan also read out a letter from her husband to his supporters in which Ahok thanked them and all the volunteers.

"I wish to thank all who consistently supported me by offering prayers, bouquets, food, greeting cards, letters, and books that have been sent to me so far as well as by holding candle-light vigils," Tan said while reading out Ahok's letters.

Ahok said it was not right to hold demonstrations to protest against the current process that he has been through. 

Also read: Ahok's family revokes appeal against the verdict

"I am afraid many parties may infiltrate if you (volunteers) hold rallies. Moreover, clashes could occur against those who do not like us," he noted.

Ahok expressed gratitude to all his supporters who had organized rallies and candle-light vigils in accordance with the law in their efforts to fight for the preservation of the Unitary State of Indonesia, the 1945 Constitution, and the Principle of Unity in Diversity.

Ahok was sentenced to two years in jail after being declared guilty of violating Article 156a on religious blasphemy.

He is now held at the Police Mobile Brigade detention center, pending confirmation of his sentence from the higher court where he had earlier submitted an appeal. 

Ahok had lost the Jakarta gubernatorial election to former education minister Anies Baswedan

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