Buni Yani named suspect

JAKARTA. Jakarta Police named Buni Yani a suspect on Wednesday evening for allegedly uploading edited footage that defamed non-active Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama—as the incumbent gubernatorial candidate's comments in the video were purportedly blasphemous—and caused nationwide uproar, particularly through mass demonstrations.

"We have found sufficient evidence to build a case and name him a suspect," Jakarta Police spokesperson Sr. Comr. Awi Setiyono said.

Awi said Buni's video post had ignited hatred and animosity among the public.

According to Awi, Buni was charged for allegedly violating Article 28 of the Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE) Law that carried a maximum sentence of six years in prison.

Buni had been accused of editing footage of Ahok’s speech made during a working visit to the Thousand Islands regency in late September. The footage was uploaded onto Buni's Facebook page, where it eventually went viral sparking public outrage.

Buni denied the allegation, saying that he only deleted some of the footage before uploading it. However, he admits to making errors in transcribing the speech.  

Buni, who was reported to the police by supporters of Ahok, said he only failed to include the word “using” in the subtitles.