Disputed presidential decree hearing delayed

Disputed presidential decree hearing delayed

JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto's representative failed to
show up at the State Administrative Court to examine a disputed
presidential decree, forcing the court to adjourn the session
until Oct. 31.

The court was scheduled to examine seven non-governmental
organizations' law suit seeking the abolition of a presidential
decree allowing appropriation of reforestation funds for the
state-owned aircraft industry (IPTN).

The President is represented by the Attorney General in the
case. It is the first it has handled a law suit against the head
of state since it was established in 1991.

Emmy Hafild, an executive of the Indonesian Forum of
Environment (Walhi), one of the plaintiffs, said she was informed
that the Attorney General failed to show up due to some
"technical problem".

Walhi and six other Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
filed a lawsuit against Soeharto for issuing Presidential Decree
No.42 dated June 2, 1994, authorizing the IPTN to use Rp 400
billion (US$190 million) in reforestation funds for the
development of its N-250 aircraft.

Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono had earlier stated that the
government would not interfere in the legal process and that he
was ready to meet the NGOs in court. (sim)