Sick judge delays verdict

JAKARTA: The verdict on the high-profile libel suit filed against the Koran Tempo daily by businessman Tomy Winata has been delayed until Tuesday because the presiding judge was absent.

"Presiding judge Zoeber Djajadi is not feeling well," South Jakarta District Court panel member Samsul Ali told a courtroom packed with reporters on Thursday. He would not comment on what ailed Zoeber, the court's chief judge.

The court adjourned the hearing until Tuesday.

Tomy Winata has demanded a compensation of Rp 21 billion (US$2.47 million) from the daily chief editor Bambang Harymurti, reporter Dedy Kurniawan and publishing company PT Tempo Inti Media Harian for publishing an article titled (Southeast Sulawesi) Governor Ali Mazi Denies Tomy Winata To Open Gambling Den on Feb. 6, 2003. -- JP