The Indonesian Embassy in Canberra has received information from an official of the Australian Attorney General Department confirming that the convict in the case of the misuse of Bank Indonesia liquidity support funds, Hendra Rahardja, passed away on Sunday, 26 January 2003 in Sydney, Australia. Hendra Rahardja was a detainee of the Australian Federal Government, at the request of the Indonesian government to be extradited to Indonesia in connection with the case.

        The extradition process of Hendra Rahardja had reached the final stages as his extradition warrant had been signed by the Australian Federal Minister of Justice and Customs on 14 October 2002. The implementation of his extradition however had been delayed following Hendra Rahardja's lawyers submission over the decision.

        While the criminal charges against Hendra Rahardja will be discontinued, the Indonesian government has indicated that it will proceed with the civil aspects of Hendra Rahardja's case in order to recover the misappropriated funds. In this case, the Australian government has conveyed its willingness to assist Indonesia.

Canberra, 27 January 2003