Court rules no negligence in city's flood handling

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Tue, 10/02/2007 3:45 PM  |  Jakarta

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

The Central Jakarta District Court on Monday rejected the class-action lawsuit filed by victims of February's floods against Jakarta's governor and five mayors.

A panel of judges, led by Moefri, said the local administration had performed their duties in accordance with procedures to help the flood victims.

""There was no negligence during the flood disaster,"" he said.

He said the plaintiffs failed to prove the accused had caused victims to suffer during the floods.

The lawsuit was filed by 11 people representing Jakarta's flood victims. Non-governmental organization Urban Poor Consortium assisted with the legal process.

The group demanded the Jakarta local administration and its mayors pay Rp 1.1 billion (US$120,879) for immaterial losses and Rp 51.7 million for material losses.

At least 70 percent of Greater Jakarta was severely hit by the floods, which claimed 48 lives. The capital was nearly paralyzed for more than a week during the flooding -- the worst in the city's history -- as most streets were inaccessible.

Efendi, one of the 11 victim representatives, said the group would appeal to the high court.

""The court's verdict is very disappointing and unfair. It has disfavored flood victims,"" Efendi said.

The same court is handling another flood-related lawsuit filed by non-governmental organization Jakarta Residents Forum (Fakta) against the city governor and is scheduled to hear defense witnesses Thursday. (12)

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