The inauguration of Jakarta’s first Christian governor in 50 years was postponed to next week to allow for a presidential decree on his appointment, the Jakarta Globe reported today, quoting the home affairs minister.

Deputy Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, better known by his nickname ‘Ahok’, was initially scheduled to be sworn in today to succeed Joko Widodo, who stepped aside last month to become president.

Ahead of the inauguration, hundreds of religious hardliners have staged protests in the capital city to oppose a Christian taking over one of Indonesia’s most powerful political jobs.

Ahok, an ethnic Chinese, has served since last month as acting governor of Jakarta, capital of the country with the world’s largest Muslim population.

Home Affairs Minister Tjahjo Kumolo said the ceremony would not take place this week and that the president would conduct the swearing in, the newspaper said.

No comment was immediately available from the ministry.

- Reuters