Bintang files lawsuit

Bintang files lawsuit

JAKARTA (JP): Controversial politician Sri Bintang Pamungkas
filed a lawsuit with the Jakarta State Administrative Court
yesterday asking that he be reinstated as a member of the House
of Representatives.

A draft of the lawsuit, made available to the press, did not
name President Soeharto as the defendant, but asked the court to
revoke a May presidential decree that led to Bintang's formal
dismissal from the House.

Bintang, who is represented by lawyers from the Indonesian
Legal Aid Foundation, said his dismissal violated House's
procedures and that he has suffered material and non-material
losses, including his good name, as a result.

Bintang was an elected member of the House representing the
United Development Party. His dismissal was initiated by party
leaders who felt that he had gone against the party's official
line on many issues.

He is asking for Rp 5 million ($2,200) in compensation.

The politician is currently being investigated by police for
allegations that he attacked the credibility of President
Soeharto during a speech in Germany in March. (emb)