A photo of Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan reading a book on Sunday morning has sparked debate among social media users.
Some claiming that the photo is a subtle jab at President Joko Widodo’s administration.
In the viral photo posted on the official Instagram page of Anies, the governor is seen reading How Democracies Die, a best-selling book written by American political scientists Daniel Zibllat and Steven Levitsky.
The book was widely interpreted as a manual to resist the United States President Donald Trump’s supposedly authoritarian tendencies.
“Good morning, everyone. Enjoy your Sunday morning,” Anies wrote in the caption.
The photo has since fueled speculation among Instagram users, with many interpreting it as a message to the Jokowi administration given the timing of the post.
Anies was at the center of public scrutiny following his alleged leniency toward those who violated COVID-19 protocols during a series of mass gatherings for Islam Defenders Front (FPI) leader Rizieq Shihab in Greater Jakarta between Nov. 10 and 14.
Responding to Anies’ Instagram post, Universitas Pelita Harapan political communications expert Emrus Sihombing said the photo may have been a message to the people aimed at shaping public opinion.
Anies has 4.8 followers on Instagram.
At the time of writing, Anies’ Instagram post has garnered over 273,000 likes. On Twitter, How Democracies Die is currently trending in Indonesia.
