From cells to wedding bells: Is the man formerly known as Ahok getting married?

Speculation is rife that BTP (right) and be marrying Puput (left) soon.

JAKARTA (The Jakarta Post/Asia News Network): It may soon be time to cue the wedding bells for the recently released Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama, who has asked to be referred to as BTP, as reports are circulating that his marriage forms have been submitted.

A rumored wedding between BTP and Second Brig Puput Nastiti Devi has been a hot topic among netizens over the past week – and now that the former governor has been released from prison, the rumors are only picking up steam.

City Council speaker Prasetio Edi Marsudi, who is also a PDI-P politician, recently confirmed the news, according to tempo.co, which quoted him as saying; "It is true, Ahok will get married on Feb 15. I see that his condition is healthy and he has a lot of plans upon his release."

Prasetio received the news when he visited BTP at the Indonesian police's mobile brigade headquarters several weeks ago.

"I will be their witness," he added.

However, Teguh Sriyono, Puput's father, said he had not heard of any such plans.

"We will know if there is going to be a wedding, but so far there is no info yet," he said on Monday.

BTP's sister, Fifi Letty Indra, posted a childhood photo of her and her siblings on her Instagram account five days ago, with a caption that said, "Honestly, it's strange that none of us (the family) know about the Feb 15 wedding. As a family, we should know these things, shouldn't we? So please ask Pak Pras (Prasetio) why things are the way they are. Also about #Ahok converting to another religion, we must say firmly that there is no such thing. Whatever happens, (he) will not convert to another religion. (This) reminds me of the song #IHaveDecidedToFollowJesus."

Pasir Gunung Selatan subdistrict head Aselih told The Jakarta Post on Jan 24 that he had signed the marriage documents for BTP and Puput.

"It is all done, meaning I have signed (the documents), which means it is not a rumour anymore. The truth is, Puput will (be married), although I don't know exactly when. And that is true. I have written a letter of recommendation for the marriage. When the wedding is held is entirely up to her. It is not a rumour anymore," he said.

Aselih noted that, after obtaining the signed documents from the subdistrict head, couples usually go to either the Religious Affairs Office (KUA) if they are Muslims or the Civil Registration Agency (Dukcapil) if they are Christians. "There is no expiration date on the papers. However, if the wedding is not held for months after, the KUA or Dukcapil will usually ask for fresh ones," Aselih said, adding that the documents were signed on Jan 17.

Regarding Puput's alleged conversion to Christianity, Aselih said: "I am stating the facts because, on her ID and family card, she's recorded as a Christian. I don't deviate from that. What (religion) she was prior to this, I don't know. I am only adhering to administrative facts. According to my records, there was no change in religion."

BTP was previously married to Veronica Tan until their divorce in April 2018. Puput was Veronica's aide. – The Jakarta Post/Asia News Network