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)