Goenawan's verdict postponed

JAKARTA: The East Jakarta District Court postponed on Wednesday the handing down of the verdict of a civil lawsuit filed by well-connected businessman Tomy Winata against Tempo cofounder Goenawan Mohammad as the judge has yet to finish writing up the verdict.

Presiding judge Zaenal Arifin Sangadji said he needed more time to wrap up the verdict because he had been busy attending meetings at the Supreme Court and the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights for the preparation for the proposed new judicial system.

Darwin Aritonang, Goenawan's attorney, was dissatisfied with the delay. "We've been waiting for the verdict for two weeks, and must wait another week."

Tomy sued PT Tempo Inti Media and demanded US$14.6 million in compensation for publishing a statement issued by Goenawan, who likened him to a thug. He requested the court to seize Goenawan's house.

The judge adjourned the trial on May 17. -- JP