Government to Take Legal Action in Hendra Rahardja Case

TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta:The Indonesian government is to take legal action through the Australian courts to get back state funds that were in the hands of the late Hendra Rahardja. Rahardja was a suspect in an embezzlement case regarding Bank Indonesia Liquidity Support (BLBI) funding. He fled to Australia and died there recently. The Indonesian government is reluctant to negotiate the matter with the Australian government as it considers this will not result on the hoped for solution. On the other hand however, the Indonesian government is to approve the Egyptian governments request, rather than that one of the Australian government, for the extradition of Abu Quessey, an Egyptian named as the main suspect in the smuggling of illegal immigrants to Australia. I am more inclined to surrender Quessey to the Egyptian government, Minister of Justice and Human Rights Yusril Ihza Mahendra told reporters at the State Palace in Jakarta on Friday (14/2). Mahendra said he had discussed the matter with President Megawati Soekarnoputri. Mahendra stated his disappointment over the Australian governments not granting the Indonesian governments request for Hendra Rahardjas extradition, up until the time of his death. The Australian government demands too much and gives little. This has forced me to take firm stance over this matter, he said. Mahendra also questioned the new offer from Australian government to extradite family members of Hendra Rahardja in Australia. Its so complicated to have Rahardja extradited from Australia. Now, they want to surrender those we did not ask for, he said. However, the government welcomes the legal offer from the Australian government to carry out an investigation into Hendra Rahardjas assets. (Retno Sulistyowati Tempo News Room)