Forestry minister say NGOs' suit unreasonable
Forestry minister say NGOs' suit unreasonable
JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Forestry, Djamaludin
Suryohadikusumo, said yesterday that it was unreasonable for non-
governmental organizations (NGOs) to sue President Soeharto for
his decision to apportion Rp 400 billion ($190 million) in
reforestation funds for the development of the national aircraft
industry.
The government raised the funds from forest concession
holders, not from the people, Djamaludin told reporters at his
office yesterday.
If anyone wants to make a fuss about the President's decree
that the money be transferred to the state-owned IPTN plane
manufacturer in Bandung, it should be the forestry companies
whose money is being apportioned, Djamaludin reasoned.
The Indonesian Environmental Forum (Walhi) is leading a group
of NGOs in suing President Soeharto at the Jakarta State
Administrative Court for his decree which, they said, was in
violation of the government's pledge that the reforestation funds
be used solely for the purpose of reforestation.
Under the decree, the government sets aside Rp 400 billion to
finance a project for the development of a new passenger aircraft
by the state-owned IPTN.
"The money did not come from the public. It came from forest
concession holders, who gave the funds based on forestry
agreements," Djamaludin said.
The minister pointed out that even though it was unreasonable
for the NGOs to file the lawsuit, Walhi had the right to do so.
He pointed out that the taxes obtained from the public are
managed through the state budget (APBN) and controlled by the
House of Representatives (DPR). In contrast, the use of
reforestation funds, which are raised from the business
community, is based on a presidential instruction.
The forestry ministry has given all necessary information
about the funds to Attorney General Singgih, who acts as the
president's lawyer, Djamaludin said.
The state administrative court ruled last month that the NGOs
have a valid case against President Soeharto but ordered the
plaintiffs to improve their lawsuit.
Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono says President Soeharto is
prepared to deal with the lawsuit. (sim)