LBH Jakarta has a new director

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)