Jakarta, which is known as the world's most populous Muslim nation, welcomes Christian leader Basuki Purnama as governor.
The capital city of Indonesia made news when an ethnic Chinese Christian leader won the seat as governor after 69 years of having Muslims leaders. Some Muslims welcome Purnama with open arms. They believe their new leader is a man of action and integrity.
Purnama grew up as Christian. He worked at the Evangelical Reformed Church of Jesus Christ as an elementary Sunday school teacher and elder. Being a church leader, he already has a special inclination to politics. One of his churchmates, Ardes Goenawan, said Purnama loves Indonesia and God.
"Basuki loves Indonesia. He loves God. In every meeting he always says that he's just an extension of God to bless the people in Indonesia," he said.
"We have been requesting to be recognized as state teachers since 2003," said a Muslim teacher named Indria. "Still nothing happened. But today we have hope that Basuki will be able to help us because he is a good leader."
Purnama took the seat last month while his predecessor, Joko Widodo, won as the country's president. Pastoer Bigman, who is also a political analyst, said "the hand of God opened the door for Basuki."
"As a pastor I am very happy because there is hope and an open door for other Christians to be leaders in this country," he said.
The new Jakarta governor said he is not into the position and power but for humanity and service for others. He also added that faith and ethnicity do not contribute in becoming a political handicap.
"We don't talk about religion. If you ask me about my character and what I do for the people, it's for the nation," he said. "We are not for the position and the power, what's important is what you do for humanity and service for others," Purnama said.
When asked about his political aspirations, he replied with: "Every politician should dream to become president."
Amy is a Press Services International Columnist from Adelaide. She has a BA in Creative Writing and Screen & Media, and now works as a freelance photographer, videographer and writer. She was runner-up in the 2018 Basil Sellars Award. Her previous articles can be viewed here: http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/amy-manners.html