'Tracing Hendra's assets difficult'

JAKARTA: Minister of Justice and Human Rights Yusril Ihza Mahendra claimed on Friday that the government would still have difficulties tracing down the assets of the late Hendra Rahardja.

"In the case of freezing the assets, the action can only be done by the Australian Court," Yusril was quoted by Antara as saying Friday.

He was quick to remark that although the Australian government had offered legal cooperation, it meant nothing as it was the authority of its court to enact the law.

Yusril said that given the complicated legal matters, his ministry would hold talks with the Australian government to settle the problems concerning Hendra Rahardja's assets.

Hendra Rahardja, who died in Australia on Jan. 26 2003, was sentenced to life imprisonment for misusing Bank Indonesian Liquidity Assistance (BLBI) money. --Antara