Consumer protection to sue firm
JAKARTA: The Surabaya Consumer Protection Institute (LPKS) has sent a legal notification to a consumer products company, PT Unilever Indonesia, for its live program broadcast by all but one private channels on Oct, 4.
LPKS director Paidi Pawiro Rejo said the program, called Clear Top Ten Award for Indonesian musicians, violated Article 4 of the Law No. 8/1999 on consumer protection and Article 40 paragraph 10 of the Law No. 32/2002 on broadcasting.
"The live broadcast on the 10 national private TV channels has robbed people's freedom from watching alternative programs," Paidi said.
The program was televised between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Paidi said his institute gave the company until Nov. 2 to announce its apology in all the 10 TV channels and three print media, unless LPKS would file a lawsuit with the Central Jakarta District Court.
The company's corporate relations director Maurits Lalisang said in a statement that the program was widely broadcast "in response to the enthusiasm shown by the public, who not only live in Jakarta but other cities".
The statement also said the company regretted inconvenience caused, but it remains unclear whether it will fulfill LPKS demand. -- JP
;JP;AMD; ANPAa..r.. Scene-book-lawmaker Lawmaker starts a joke JP/4/SCENE
Legislator starts a joke
JAKARTA: House of Representatives legislator Baharuddin Aritonang launched on Tuesday his book that compiles dozens of jokes and funny experience of the lawmakers inside the legislative building.
Titled "Big laughs in Senayan", he collected the jokes and stories during the House sessions and working visits made by the legislators
Senayan refers to the area in Central Jakarta where the House is situated.
Baharuddin said lawmakers needed jokes not only during a break or leisure time, but during sessions in the meeting rooms.
"Big laugh, whether it is beyond control or not, happens quite often. It means to laugh loudly is very common among the Senayan community," Baharuddin of Golkar Party said.
Senior journalist and writer Arswendo Atmowiloto said in his preface Baharuddin deliberately used euphemism or blurred the characters in order not to offend his colleagues.
Baharuddin previously published another book titled "Batak man makes a haj pilgrimage." -- Antara
;JP;AMD; ANPAa..r.. Scene-bombing-verdicts Bombing suspects to hear verdicts JP/4/SCENE
Bombing suspects to hear verdicts
MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: The Makassar District Court on Thursday will deliver verdicts of five people implicated in the bomb attack that claimed three lives in the South Sulawesi capital in December last year.
The defendants to hear the verdicts are Anthon bin Labasse, Masnur, Usman Nuraffan, Ilham Riyadi and Lukman, prosecutor Adriyanus said on Tuesday.
A 20-year jail term has been sought each for Anthon and Masnur, 15 years for Usman, 12 years for Ilham, and 10 years for Lukman.
Adriyanus said the court expected to complete all trials before the suspects' detention period expires on Oct. 20.
Of the 17 suspects linked to the bomb attack a car showroom and a McDonald's outlet, five have been sentenced -- Suriadu (7- year jail term), Imal Hamid (6 years), Chaerul (7 years), Suryadi Mas'ud (8 years) and Muh Tang alias Itang (7 years).
Three main suspects remain at large. -- Antara