Disaster for RI democracy

The verdict handed down by an Indonesian court on Tempo weekly news magazine (The Jakarta Post, Sept. 17) is a disatrous star for the country's young democracy.

This again shows the inability and partiality of the courts -- they have failed expectations that they become one of the pillars of democracy.

The Jakarta court's decision endangers the freedom of expression for which the people of Indonesia have been fighting.

The authorities should act quickly to remedy this very risky situation.

FRANCISCO DA COSTA GUTERRES, Brisbane, Australia, Queensland-Australia