LBH answers military charges

LBH answers military charges

SURABAYA, East Java: The local chapter of the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (LBH), threatened by a military lawsuit for slander, is calling for an improvement in worker welfare.

LBH director Indro Sugiarto reminded Commander of the Brawijaya Military Command Maj. Gen. Imam Utomo that the military should consider the political effects of the planned lawsuit.

"He should be brave (enough to risk) the political effects of the lawsuit," he was quoted by Antara as saying. "The most important thing is (not the lawsuit but the) improvement of the workers' situation."

The foundation last week accused the military of using violence in dispersing a recent labor protest in the town of Jombang. More than 20 workers were reportedly injured in the incident.

The military denied the allegation and threatened to sue the foundation. (swe)