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