Rachmad Buchori released from jail

JAKARTA (JP): Rachmad Buchori, currently on trial for defaming President Soeharto, was released from Cipinang Prison yesterday because his detention period had expired.

Rachmad's lawyer, Johnson Panjaitan, expressed surprise that the South Jakarta District Court did not extend the detention period again.

"We are surprised, it's beyond our expectations," he said.

Rachmad Buchori alias Buyung, 34, personal secretary of former politician Soebadio Sastrosatomo, was charged with defaming the President through his involvement in the publishing of a banned book titled Era Baru Pemimpin Baru, Badio Menolak Rekayasa Regim Orde Baru (New Era, New Order -- Badio Rejects the New Order Regime's Engineering).

The book was written by Soebadio, 78, the founder of the now defunct Indonesian Socialist Party. Soebadio allegedly dictated the script while Buyung typed it.

On March 4, the Attorney General's Office banned the 22-page book saying it could provoke unrest and create a negative image of the government.

Buyung had been detained at Cipinang Prison, East Jakarta, since March 20. His initial detention period of 30 days had been extended four times.

There was no explanation why the court did not extend his detention for another 30 days.

Buyung's court case continues again today. (05)