Conflict wrecks legal aid body

MEDAN, North Sumatra: Internal bickering has struck the local chapter of the Indonesian Legal Aid Institute, often dubbed "locomotive of democracy".

Conflict flared Thursday when three senior activists went on the rampage because their names were not on the list of chairmanship candidates.

The three have threatened to break away and form their own legal aid institute, Antara reported.

"We will liquidate the Medan legal aid institute led by Alamsyah Hamdani and set up a new one under the leadership of Borkat Harahap and Jacop Hamzah," said lawyer Syafrudin.

The rebel members insist they have every qualification required for the top slot but, they say, Hamdani has used his close connections with Jakarta institute officials to block their way.

In yesterday's election, Hasby Ansyori emerged as the winner with six votes, defeating Kusbianto who obtained four votes and Djaffar Sidik and Asma Dinata, who each got one vote. (pan)