Ambon airport developers sued

AMBON, Maluku: The city administration is suing the developers of the Pattimura International Airport for allegedly failing to pay Rp 600 million in fees for its building construction permit (IMB).

The lawsuit was lodged with the Ambon Prosecutor's Office. The airport was ready to be opened by President Megawati Soekarnoputri.

Local chief prosecutor Benny Ubleuw confirmed on Wednesday that they had received the lawsuit and would proceed to court.

Benny said the administration had attempted to settle the case with the airport constructors amicably on several occasions, but they did not show "good will".

The local government brought 10 other developers and 13 businesspeople to court in similar cases. Some are accused of refusing to pay advertisement tax. --JP