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)