Muninggar Sri Saraswati The Jakarta Post Jakarta

The Central Jakarta District Court's decision to release former President Soeharto's grandson Ari Haryo Wibowo from custody is counter to the public's desire to see justice done, lawyers asserted on Friday.

The critics were referring to the decision made by the court on Thursday to grant the request made by Ari Haryo, also known as Ari Sigit to be transferred to house arrest from his cell in Salemba Penitentiary.

Lawyers Nursyahbani Katjasungkana, Frans H. Winarta and Irianto Subiakto shared the same position that the public were yet again embittered by the justice system which has apparently failed to consider the public interest.

"The approval (of Ari's request) could not be based on any legal or extenuating factors. The court has to consider other aspects in society, including public expectations of justice," Nursyahbani told The Jakarta Post.

In today's climate she claimed, people worry that Ari might escape, as his famous uncle, Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra did while under house arrest.

Ari's trial for illegal possession of firearms is ongoing. The charge carries a maximum sentence of death or life imprisonment.

The defendant left his cell at the Salemba penitentiary in Central Jakarta on Thursday after the panel of judges, presided over by Herri Swantoro, approved his request for a transfer to house arrest.

The judges granted his request based on a signed guarantee given by Ari that he would continue to attend his trial in addition to Rp 100 million in bail and a medical report suggesting that the defendant should have medical treatment for apparent poor health.

The guarantee document was signed by Ari's father, Sigit Hardjojudanto and lawyers Juan Felix Tampubolon, Petrus Bala Pattyona and Indriyanto Seno Adji while the medical report was prepared by Dr. Hari Sabardi.

"The judges should be certain that Ari is really sick, considering that many defendants use the same excuse to ask for leniency or house arrest," Irianto said.

The public's already weak trust in the justice system was dealt yet another devastating blow last week when the Supreme Court issued a decision to completely exonerate Tommy, who had earlier admitted guilt and been sentenced to 18 months in jail for corruption.