Corruption courts await decrees

JAKARTA: Chief Justice Bagir Manan said on Monday the Supreme Court was waiting for two presidential decrees that would establish a special court to hear corruption cases.

The decrees being prepared are a decree on a corruption tribunal and another on an ad hoc corruption court, which are to be set up at the Central Jakarta District Court.

He said the establishment of an ad hoc corruption tribunal was a realistic target, as it would take a long time to set up a permanent corruption court.

Either court will have the authority to try high-profile corruption cases, such as that involving Aceh Governor Abdullah Puteh.

Bagir said he had submitted draft decrees to the President last week. "It is our experience that the President always approves our suggestions," he said. -- JP