Why Ahok remains a man to watch in Indonesian politics

In the spotlight: When Ahok (left) filed for divorce from wife Veronica last week, it made news. The continual limelight given to him may provide a glimpse into what lies ahead for arguably one of the most popular politicians in Indonesia today.

Jakarta: In hindsight, it may appear that Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama has become the Kim Kardashian of Indonesian politics. Nearly a year after his upset defeat in the capital’s gubernatorial election and his controversial blasphemy conviction, the former Jakarta governor has never been completely out of the spotlight.

So it was no surprise that when news broke that Ahok had filed for divorce from his wife Veronica Tan, the Indonesian Twittersphere went crazy.