Mangunwijaya's wealth in dispute

SLEMAN, Yogyakarta : The death of well-known social activist and Catholic priest Y.B. Mangunwijaya last year has been followed by legal wrangling between the church and six of his 11 children.

Six of the siblings, lead by Agustinus Purnama, claim they have a right to Romo Mangun's, as he was affectionately referred to, Rp 1.3 billion (US$153,000) inheritance and 18,000 square meter property.

The dispute stems from a 1994 decision in which Romo Mangun is said to have bequeathed his possessions in Semarang, Central Java, to the local archdiocese.

"It is true Romo Mangun bestowed his fortune to the Semarang archdiocese, but it cannot be forgotten that we are his heirs and (also) deserve the inheritance," Agustinus said on Monday.

The case is currently being heard at the Sleman District Court and has undergone five hearings. (swa/dja)