Legal aid undemocratic?

YOGYAKARTA: The central branch of the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) in Jakarta is receiving harsh criticism for its decision to appoint Ari Suseta as director of its Yogyakarta office.

In a press conference here yesterday the National Analysis and Legal Aid Foundation (LPBHN) said the appointment does not represent the aspirations of YLBHI's lawyers or of its other staff.

LPBHN executive Martimus Amin said that, although the matter was an internal one and the decision the prerogative of the YLBHI, the aspirations and wishes of the foundation's Yogyakarta employees should be taken into consideration.

In a recent ballot conducted by YLBHI employees, Budi Hartono was favored over Ari Suseta as the new director, Martimus said. (mds)