'SCTV' asks time for defense

JAKARTA: The defense team for private television station SCTV asked for more time on Thursday to prepare their arguments to counter the lawsuit filed by the station's former producer Dandhy Dwi Laksono.

"We need to rewrite our defense in accordance with the latest rules made by the Jakarta Committee for the Settlement of Labor Disputes," lawyer Marisa Iskandar said.

She declined to elaborate further.

Dandhy is suing the channel over his dismissal and for hindering his duties as a journalist. He is demanding the station apologize publicly in 16 national print and electronic media and pay Rp 4.3 billion (US$505,882) in compensation.

The accused are SCTV President Director Lani Ratulangie Rahardja, Chief Editor Karni Ilyas and Senior Manager R. Nurjaman.

Dandhy became the station's morning news producer under a six- month contract from Nov. 25, 2002 to May 24, 2003.

The court was adjourned until next Tuesday. -- JP