Susno likely to choose legal forum to settle dispute

JAKARTA: The dispute between police observer Bambang Widodo Umar and former National Police chief of detectives Comr. Gen. Susno Duadji, about Susno's nomination as National Police deputy chief, is likely to continue with legal measures.

"We will not withdraw our lawsuit against Bambang, we have just delayed filing our report to the police due to the New Year's hush," Susno's lawyer Jhonny Situwanda was quoted by news portal detik.com as saying Friday.

Separately, Bambang's lawyer Taufik Basari said he would try and establish a settlement with Susno, whether it was through legal means or mediation.

"We regret his actions because the Constitution guarantees our right to express our opinion, but he has chosen legal means to deal with the matter," Taufik said.

Taufik added that as Bambang's statement was published in several publications, Susno could ask those publications to print his version of the dispute.

Susno is involved in the Bank Century scandal for allegedly receiving money from businessman Budi Sampoerna, but he has denied the allegations.

Susno is also implicated in the plot to incriminate Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), deputies Bibit Samad Rianto and Chandra M. Hamzah. - JP