Foreign lawyers questioned

JAKARTA (JP): National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. Da'i Bachtiar said yesterday that officers had questioned several foreign lawyers over alleged unauthorized practices here.

But he declined to disclose the exact number of foreign lawyers, or the regulations or laws the lawyers had allegedly violated.

"The case is still under investigation. We're still examining some related regulations and laws to see whether these lawyers have really committed violations."

Da'i, who also declined to name the lawyers, said all foreigners intending to work in Indonesia must first obtain official work permits from the related government institutions, such as the Ministry of Manpower and the Directorate General of Immigration.

None of the foreign lawyers were detained.

Foreigners must have valid passports and working visas to be able to work here, he said, adding that the lawyers had reportedly offered their services to local parties.

Da'i said his office was also investigating the parties that used the legal services offered by the foreigners.

"That will not be easy because they will not spontaneously and gladly tell us that they hired foreign lawyers."

Da'i said his office had also taken statements from some of the 14 Indonesian lawyers who reported their foreign counterparts' activities.

Some local lawyers, including Amir Syamsuddin, Mulya Lubis, and Kartini Mulyadi, had named and reported to police the alleged activities of about eight foreign lawyers in Jakarta. (cst)