Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (L) places a hand on a bible during his swearing-in at the Presidential palace in Jakarta, November 19, 2014.

A Christian has been appointed governor of Indonesia’s Jakarta, the capital city of the country with the world’s largest Muslim population, the Associated Press reported.

Basuki Tjahaja Purnama’s is the city’s first Christian governor in 50 years, despite protest from Islamic hardliners who insisted the job be reserved for a Muslim.

Purnama, who took oath of office in a Wednesday ceremony conducted by President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, is also the first ethnic Chinese to assume the role.

Widodo is Puranma’s predecessor. The new governor had served as his deputy.

An outspoken figure, Purnama has a track record of combating graft and cutting red tape.

His installment as head of the city of 12 million people comes despite frequent street protests by Islamist groups, who say a Muslim should get the job.

Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama is greeted by Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo after his swearing-in at the Presidential palace in Jakarta.

 
[wpResize]