Dewi Sukarno irked by magazine photos

JAKARTA (JP): A widow of Indonesia's first president Sukarno, Ratnasari Dewi, lodged a complaint on Tuesday with the Jakarta Police against a tourism monthly for allegedly using copyrighted pictures without permission.

Arriving at police headquarters on Jl. Sudirman in South Jakarta at 9 a.m. with her two lawyers, Dewi accused What's On - Jakarta Program of violating copyright laws. The magazine is owned by businessman Sudwikatmono, a relative of former president Soeharto.

She refused to speak in detail on the complaint, referring questions on legal matters to her lawyers Amir Abiyoso and Didi Supriyanto.

"I never expected that you (journalists) would come to cover me," said the 59-year-old woman.

According to Didi, the November 1998 edition of the magazine carried a cover story on Dewi, accompanied by photographs of her nude and scantily clad, which were copyrighted material from her book Madame D Syuga.

"There are several photos taken from the art book Syuga, which were used in that edition, but the editors of the magazine never ask for Ibu Dewi's permission," the lawyer said.

The article in the magazine, which is mostly distributed in hotels and travel companies, also contains libelous allegations, the Japanese-born Dewi said.

She said she would pursue the libel issue later.

In her complaint, Dewi named the monthly's founders and executives, including Sudwikatmono, Hudiono Kadarisman and chief editor Warsito Wahono.

"We've given a copy of the magazine to the police as evidence, and we hope that they'll summon those responsible as soon as possible so we can settle the matter right away," Didi said.

Law No. 6/1982 on copyrights stipulates a maximum penalty of a seven-year jail sentence and Rp 100 million fine.

None of the magazine executives could be reached for comment on Wednesday. (emf)