Fatwa writes way into record book

JAKARTA: Deputy House of Representatives (DPR) speaker Andi Mappetahang Fatwa on Friday was granted two awards from the Museum of Indonesian Record (MURI) for his ability to write.

The first award was given for his 1,118-page defense argument presented at his trial in 1984 for his involvement in the Tanjung Priok shooting incident that year.

The defense argument was deemed the longest ever.

MURI also awarded Fatwa for his productivity in writing books. He has written some 20 books since becoming a House member in 1999 as a National Mandate Party representative.

The awards were presented by MURI director Jaya Suprana in a ceremony attended by People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Speaker Amien Rais and House speaker Akbar Tandjung. -- JP