Conflict wrecks legal aid body

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)