Foreign lawyers questioned

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)