Indonesia to Challenge French Court Decision on Diplomatic Asset Seizure

Indonesia is filing an appeal against a French court decision to seize its diplomatic assets linked to a legal case involving Navayo International AG. Following a stalled satellite project, Navayo sued Indonesia for unpaid bills. Indonesia claims fraud and contends that diplomatic properties should be protected under international law. Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra is seeking to overturn the court’s ruling and has engaged a French lawyer for representation while pursuing legal action against Navayo.

Indonesia has announced plans to appeal a French court decision that sanctioned the seizure of its diplomatic assets. The case stems from a contract between Indonesia’s Defense Ministry and Navayo International AG for a satellite project initiated in 2016, which did not come to fruition. In response to unpaid bills totaling $16 million, Navayo pursued legal action, obtaining a ruling in its favor that requires Indonesia to pay $24.1 million by November 22, 2024, with additional daily penalties thereafter.

Indonesian authorities have hesitated to pay this award due to suspicions of fraud related to Navayo’s performance. Consequently, Navayo sought intervention from a French court to seize properties occupied by Indonesian diplomats in Paris, and this request was granted. During his recent visit to Paris, Senior Legal Affairs Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra approached French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin to advocate for the cancellation of the seizure, arguing that the decision to seize assets was unjustified.

Minister Yusril emphasized that the Indonesian government respects the French court’s decision, but expressed disappointment over the lack of opportunity for Indonesia to present its case. He described the court’s ruling as a potential violation of international legal standards, given that diplomatic assets should be immune from seizure per the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. He remarked, “If the French court grants the request, this could be a bad precedent for the rest of the world as it shows diplomatic assets are seizable based on the decision of the court of the country concerned.”

To support its appeal, Indonesia has engaged a qualified French attorney and is concurrently pursuing legal action against Navayo for alleged fraud. Internal audits revealed that Navayo only executed work valued at approximately Rp 1.9 billion ($114,531), far below the contested $16 million. Indonesia aims to request an Interpol red notice to apprehend Navayo in connection to these claims.

In conclusion, Indonesia’s intention to appeal the French court’s decision is rooted in concerns over the seizure of diplomatic assets. This case highlights significant issues regarding the treatment of diplomatic properties and international legal practices. As Indonesia takes steps to challenge the ruling and pursue justice against Navayo, the implications of this situation may set new precedents in international diplomacy and asset protection.

Original Source: jakartaglobe.id