The crisis involving the Christian governor started during Purnama's re-election campaign in September. Opponents said a Koranic verse forbids Muslims from choosing non-Muslims as leaders. Purnama accused them of "fooling" voters, triggering a wave of protests accusing him of blaspheming. Purnama quickly apologized for the remarks, saying he was criticising his rivals for misusing the Koran instead of the scripture itself.

But some Islamic groups did not accept this. A mass protest against the governor in November turned violent, leaving one man dead and dozens injured. Earlier this month, police named Purnama as a blasphemy suspect. He could be jailed for up to five years if found guilty.