Indonesian Pastor Sentenced to Two Years for Blasphemy

A court in Indonesia’s Aceh Province has sentenced 31-year-old Christian pastor Dedi Saputra to two years in prison for blasphemy and disseminating hate speech. Saputra, a convert from Islam, was arrested in February 2026 after posting TikTok videos that discussed the Prophet Muhammad’s marriages. The content, which garnered nearly 2 million views, prompted complaints from several Islamic organizations in Aceh, the only Indonesian province where Sharia law is formally enforced.

During the trial, the prosecution requested a four-year sentence, though the three-judge panel ultimately opted for a two-year term. Prosecutors are currently considering an appeal to increase the duration of the sentence. The court ruled that Saputra’s actions violated the nation’s revised Criminal Code, which maintains strict provisions regarding religious expression.

Supporters of the pastor have challenged the verdict, citing testimony from linguistics expert Makyun Subuki, who argued that Saputra’s comments did not constitute incitement or hostility toward Islam. Saputra, who had been in detention since his February arrest, will have his time served credited toward the final sentence.