'Tempo' vs Texmaco verdict delayed

JAKARTA: The panel of judges at the Central Jakarta District Court failed to deliver on Wednesday the most-awaited verdict on defamation suit filed by Texmaco group owner Marimutu Sinivasan against Tempo magazine as one of panel members was absent.

Presiding Judge Sylvester Djuma told the courtroom that judge Herry Swantoro was on leave and therefore the panel could not deliver the verdict.

"Because of the absence of one of the panel member, the trial is adjourned until Nov. 19," Sylvester said to the courtroom packed with journalists, including Tempo chief editor Bambang Harymurti and former chairman of Press Council, Atmakusumah Astraatmadja.

Marimutu, chairman of the ailing Texmaco group filed a lawsuit against the weekly for publishing about 50 articles that, he alleged, had tarnished his image and businesses. He demanded the weekly to pay US$51 million in compensation.

Tempo fought back and sued the businessman for obstructing the press freedom with the lawsuit. The lawyers sought a financial compensation of $100 million. -- JP