@RoboBlue:
Indonesia's having violent protests over religion or something.
Yeah, it was relatively peaceful (at first). Which was a surprise for all of us since this was mostly being piggy-backed by right-wing religious extremists. Put simply, the root of this stuff happening is due to a high-stakes election in the capital next year, and Ahok the front-runner is non-muslim. Just like you guys have your own religious nutjobs on the right, we have some of our own to deal with too.
The fact that he's non-muslim is unacceptable for these religious zealots. And let me tell you, if you read the comments section on our local news portals (especially Kompas) a lot of us really want these guys outlawed given their bigoted messages. Another thing, people call Ahok an asshole with a mouth as bad as Donald's, except the difference between him and the latteris that the former actually knows how to run an office, whereas the latter is just a delusional sexist, racist, and bigoted blowhard.
The results of Ahok's rule in the capital is extremely noticeable. It also helps that he's just continuing our President's work before he rose to his current position. He was formerly his deputy. The capital's election is also basically an affirmation of our President's rule. If Ahok, his former deputy wins, then that basically strengthens his position as President. It also paves Ahok a clear path to vice-presidency then presidency.
Ahok is currently one of the most popular politicians for his tell-it-like-it-is attitude, which is why some of the attacks aimed at him is outrageous, but luckily, Jakarta's citizens aren't that stupid. Especially the college-educated middle class.