KPI members tried for illegal tenancy

JAKARTA: The trial of six members of the Indonesian Seafarers Union (KPI) central board started on Monday on charges of illegally occupying the union's office building in Cikini, Central Jakarta.

The Central Jakarta District Court, however, has adjourned the hearing until Nov. 17, because the defendants are still at sea.

Prosecutor M. Manik told reporters that the defendants were charged of violating Article 167 of the Criminal Code for illegally entering and occupying others' properties. The article carries a maximum sentence of 16 months in jail.

The case was filed by the outgoing KPI central board, led by Iskandar Ilahude, who was ousted during the union's extraordinary meeting in April 2001. He was said unfit for the post, as he was also an official with the communications ministry. -- JP