Indonesia plans to appeal a French court ruling that permitted the seizure of its diplomatic assets due to a lawsuit from Navayo International AG over unpaid bills. The appeal is in response to concerns over fraud accusations against the company, and Indonesia seeks to uphold international diplomatic protections as outlined in the Vienna Convention. A French lawyer has been retained to support Indonesia’s legal efforts.
Indonesia is set to appeal a French court ruling that allowed the seizure of its diplomatic assets, following a dispute with the Liechtenstein-based technology firm Navayo International AG. The case originated from a contract for a satellite project, which was signed in 2016 but encountered significant delays, leading to Navayo suing the Indonesian Defense Ministry over unpaid expenses totaling $16 million. The arbitration court in Singapore ruled in favor of Navayo, subsequently demanding payment of approximately $24.1 million by November 22, 2024, with accruing daily penalties post-deadline.
In response to suspicions of fraud regarding Navayo’s performance, Indonesia deferred the payment, prompting the company to seek enforcement of the judgment in France. This resulted in a court authorizing the seizure of properties occupied by Indonesian diplomats in Paris. Indonesia’s Minister of Legal Affairs, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, visited France to argue against the seizure, stating that the action lacked justification and violated customary international judicial practices due to the absence of Indonesia’s input in the proceedings.
Yusril indicated that the foreign court’s decision could set a troubling precedent by undermining the protections for diplomatic properties outlined in the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. He remarked that the court’s ruling is disappointing as it disregards fundamental diplomatic immunity principles. As preparations for the appeal unfold, scheduled for May, Yusril mentioned Indonesia’s engagement of a seasoned French legal representative to manage the case. Moreover, the Indonesian government is actively pursuing legal actions against Navayo for alleged fraud, revealing that investigations showed the company only completed work valued at Rp 1.9 billion ($114,531) out of the $16 million claimed. Plans include seeking an Interpol red notice for Navayo’s accountability.
Indonesia’s impending appeal against the French court ruling demonstrates its commitment to diplomatic protections and legal accountability. The government’s insistence on challenging the seizure of diplomatic properties illustrates its position on international legal practices and fraud allegations against Navayo. Engaging a prominent French attorney and pursuing Navayo in court reflects Indonesia’s broader efforts to safeguard its interests and uphold international norms governing diplomatic relations.
Original Source: jakartaglobe.id
