LBH Jakarta has a new director

JAKARTA (JP): Apong Herlina, a lawyer with a long history of being involved with non-governmental organizations, was elected yesterday to lead the Jakarta Legal Aid Institute (LBH).

Apong replaces Luhut M.P. Pangaribuan, director since 1993, who is opening up his own law firm after more than 16 years of service with the organization.

Apong previously served as labor division chief.

At the balloting yesterday, she received 32 of 44 votes cast, beating two other contestants: criminal division chief Irianto Subiakto, and land division chief Waskito Adiribowo.

The election was a formality since her rivals planned to leave the institute.

Operational division chief Dwiyanto Prihartono withdrew his candidacy at the last minute, saying he was going into private practice and would focus his activities toward the Indonesian Legal Aid and Human Rights Association.

Irianto and Waskito will pursue studies in Britain next month.

Apong, who graduated from the University of Indonesia School of Law in 1989, is active in other advocacy and research organizations as well.

She is coordinator of the Group of Women for Labor Justice, a researcher for the Agency for National Legal Development (BPHN), a member of the Convention Watch Monitoring Group of the University of Indonesia's Post-Graduate Program and a board member of the Indonesian Women's Association for Justice.

Her other activities include being a member of the Asia Migrant Forum in 1994, a board member of the Center for Indonesian Migrant Workers in 1996 and a researcher of children workers for BPHN in 1995 and 1996.

Born on May 25, 1965, in Tasikmalaya, West Java, Apong had earlier aspired to become a judge, but she decided to become a lawyer upon completion of law school.

Apong, who will officially take up her new position Monday, said after the election that she was ready to lead the organization. "I will continue my predecessors' policy which is based on LBH's vision and mission," she said.

Luhut said he had no doubt about LBH's future under Apong, given her qualities and experience.

He said her election made LBH a model in promoting women in leadership positions.

Luhut said he would continue to make his services available.

"I think I've done enough time with LBH, but I will make myself available for advocating political cases," Luhut said. (05)