LBH to lose Munir, Widjojanto

LBH to lose Munir, Widjojanto

JAKARTA: The conflict-ridden Legal Aid Institute (LBH), one of
the country's most respected nongovernmental organizations, is
set to lose two senior executives very soon.

Munir, a noted human rights activist, tendered his resignation
on Tuesday and Bambang Widjojanto will reportedly go too.

"After more than 12 years dedicating my life to this job, I
have officially resigned from LBH. I can't stand the internal
bickering," Munir told reporters. "LBH has failed to bring about
democratization."

The conflict within the LBH escalated after the founders
rejected the board of executives' proposal to change the
organization from a foundation to a loose association.

The board of executives, consisting of Munir, Bambang
Widjojanto, Bambang Ekalaya, Dadang Trisasongko and Lili
Dakidhae, have also irked the founders by pressing for financial
transparency, more delegation of authority to its branches and
for distancing itself from the military.

At the helm of LBH is controversial lawyer Adnan Buyung
Nasution, known for his close links with several army officers,
including former military commander Gen. (ret) Wiranto, who is
implicated in human rights abuses in East Timor in 1999.

The board of founders decided to fire Bambang Widjojanto, the
director of the Foundation of the Indonesian Legal Aid Institute
(YLBHI). It has appointed a team of caretakers to take on his
responsibilities. --JP