Ahok joins ruling Indonesian party

Red hot comeback: Ahok (centre) meeting the press with Bali deputy governor Tjokorda Oka Artha Ardana Sukawati and Bali legislative council speaker Nyoman Adi Wiryatama after a visit to PDI-P’s Bali office in Denpasar. — The Jakarta Post/Asia News Network

Jakarta: Former Jakarta governor Basuki “BTP” Tjahaja Purnama, also known as Ahok, has officially joined the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), ending speculation of whether the Chinese-Indonesian politician would ever return to politics after being convicted of blasphemy nearly two years ago.

Ahok announced his decision in Bali on Friday following a meeting with leaders of the party’s chapter on the resort island, tribunnews.com reported.