Rise of religious forces a threat to Indonesia

The second round of Jakarta Governor election has ended. Chinese Christian Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, who is also known as “Ahok” failed in his attempt to seek re-election. He lost to Anies Baswedan.
Despite the election committee will only announce the official results in May, based on quick calculation by media and public poll agencies, Anies bagged 58 per cent of votes, defeating Basuki who only polled 42 per cent of votes. Basuki has conceded defeat and congratulated Anies.
In the preliminary round of election held in February, Basuki was leading in a three-corner battle. However, as he received less than 50 per cent of the votes and was unable to be directly elected. A second round of election was required to have another round with Anies, who secured the second highest votes. 
Analysts have pointed out that the second round of election would not be favourable to Basuki as voters who opposed Basuki would vote for Anies.
As it turned out, Basuki lost in the second poll.
While the governor election has concluded, its impact and influence would be subjected to further observation. 
It is not a simple governor election but the run up to the presidential election in 2019. Basuki is an ally of Indonesian president Joko Widodo. His defeat adds shade to Widodo’s plan to seek re-election.
During the campaign, Gerindra Party chairman Prabowo Subianto, who fully supported Anies, is now not ruling out challenging Widodo for the presidency in 2019 for a second time. 
Although Widodo is still popular among the public, Basuki’s defeat has rung the alarm revealing that one should not undermine the opposition.
Another point worth paying attention is that the governor’s election was held in an intense and tight atmosphere, described as the most polarised and divisive election due to religious factors. 
Prior to election, the Muslim hardliners claimed Basuki had committed blasphemy against 
the Koran. Huge protests were 
organised which impacted on 
the governor’s election.
The election is also seen as a test for religious and racial tolerance in Indonesia. Basuki’s failure to seek re-election points to the rise of religious power. These communal forces will be further encouraged by Anies’s victory. It will expand quickly, becoming a threat to Indonesia’s diversity and tolerance.
The surge of religious hardliners is poses a threat to Indonesia’s character.
Indonesia, on its reform path, needs moderate voices, not extreme views, which could hamper development.
The Jakarta governor election is over. Voters have made their choice. But the lessons it held out need to be learnt. 
How can Indonesia curb the widespread surge of religious radicals? 
This is a herculean challenge that Widodo will have to confront sooner rather than later.