Yesterday, the incumbent for Governor of Jakarta, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, better known as Ahok, congratulated his rival after exit polls showed Anies Rasyid Baswedan clearly ahead in the race. Baswedan, a former Cabinet minister, is said to be a respected academic as a former university rector. Known to be a moderate, he attracted criticism however for courting muslim extremist group Front Pembela Islam during his campaign.

Today on Current Affairs, BFM asks what lies behind the apparent appeal to ethnic and religious sentiments in the recent Jakarta gubernatorial elections.

This is a report by Sharaad Kuttan.

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Tags:  Indonesia,  Jakarta elections,  Governor of Jakarta,  Basuki Purnama,  Ahok,  Anies Baswedan,  Joko Widodo,  Jokowi,  Front Pembela Islam,  Prabowo Subianto,  Gerindra