The Christian governor of the Indonesian capital went on trial today on charges of blasphemy over remarks perceived as insulting to Muslims.

Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama is accused of "publicly expressing hostility to, abusing and disparaging" a religion, which in Indonesia is punishable by up to five years in prison.

Security was tight for the trial at the North Jakarta District Court and hundreds of conservative Muslims dressed in white gathered outside to demand Purnama be jailed.

"I understand the charges but I don't understand why I'm being accused of blasphemy," Purnama said after prosecutors read out the indictment.

Under Indonesian law, a defendant does not have to enter a plea at the start of a trial.

The blasphemy allegations stem from remarks made by Purnama in September, when he said his opponents had used a verse from the Quran to deceive voters.

Some Muslims interpret the Quranic text in question as prohibiting them from electing non-Muslims as their leaders, although other Muslims disagree that Purnama's remarks were blasphemous.

Tensions have risen in Jakarta after more than 100,000 Muslims rallied on Nov 4 demanding the prosecution of Purnama, who is a member of the ethnic Chinese minority.

A second anti-Purnama rally on Dec 21 was attended by more than 200,000 people.

Purnama became Jakarta's first Christian governor in 50 years when he took over from Joko Widodo, now Indonesia's president, in 2014.

- dpa