Supreme Justice

For more than 30 years in Indonesia, almost everything revolved around one man: President Suharto.
 
From 1967 to 1998, Suharto held the country in an iron grip controlling both politics and the military. To some, he is credited with taking millions of his people out of poverty. But to his critics, he and his family amassed incredible personal fortunes at the expense of the state.

Time published allegations that Suharto and his family had stolen billions from state funds

His death may close an important chapter of Indonesian politics, but his legacy will be keenly contested for many years to come. Reformers in the government and judiciary tried for many years to bring Suharto before the court to answer allegations of corruption. These efforts were finally abandoned, officially due to Suharto’s continuing ill health.

But last year, the supreme court of Indonesia upheld a huge defamation payout against Time magazine, which had published corruption allegations about Suharto. Time are currently appealing this ruling.
 
Ginny Stein reports on the battle to bring Suharto to justice.

Watch part one of this episode of People & Power on Youtube

Watch part two of this episode of People & Power on Youtube

This episode of People & Power aired on Sunday, January 27, 2008.

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