A case at last in Riau court

PEKANBARU, Riau: Dormant court dealings received a jolt with the first case filed before the State Administrative Court here since its establishment three years ago.

A resident, Hasbullah, sued President B.J. Habibie, Minister of Home Affairs Syarwan Hamid and council speaker Darwis Rida over the appointment of Governor Brig. Gen. Saleh Djasit, Antara reported on Thursday.

Although not providing full details of the hearing, the agency reported the suit, brought by the public relations officer of a local private university, was thrown out in a session packed with curious visitors.

"He was not in any way disadvantaged by the officials," head of the court, Try Soejono, said. "This is the only case we've had so far." The agency also reported that the court's new building along the Pekanbaru - Bangkinang road was already in dismal condition.