Tommy verdict upsets public

Damar Harsanto The Jakarta Post Jakarta

The controversial move of the Supreme Court to declare former president Soeharto's fugitive son Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra not guilty upset some people on the street amid fears that the decision might reincite anti-Soeharto protest movements.

Noerhadi, 33, a parking attendant at Jl. Kebon Sirih, Central Jakarta, said he was quite surprised to learn that the court had annulled its earlier conviction and 18-month prison sentence on Tommy.

He felt that such a verdict could further damage the country's ailing socio-political situation.

"I'm afraid there will be many anti-Soeharto demonstrations, which in turn may disturb security here," he told The Jakarta Post.

Noerhadi said the police would find it difficult to uphold security if such protest movements arose, given that the police were still working hard on many unresolved cases, including a spate of bombings in Jakarta, which had also been linked to Tommy.

"How could the Supreme Court annul its earlier ruling ... ? There must be something wrong," he questioned.

Widya, 54, owner of a food stall at Jatinegara market, East Jakarta, had a similar concern, suspecting that there must have been manipulation involved in the decision-making process.

"Tommy can easily manipulate anything with his money." Widya said.

Ramli, 56, who sells plants in front of the Senayan sports center, also said that any judgment should take into account the sentiments of ordinary people.

"Our society, which is thirsty for justice, will be satisfied only if Tommy undergoes due legal process," he said.

"At present, we can't judge whether Tommy has undergone due legal process as he is still on the run," he said.