Apriadi Gunawan, Medan – One more member of the Medan District Court judicial panel that refused punishment for logging boss Adelin Lis has been promoted.

Arwan Byrin said his appointment as chief of the Palembang, South Sumatra High Court was unrelated to Adelin's acquittal by the panel on charges of forestry corruption, a case over which Arwan presided. "I was promoted at the proper time and this has nothing to do with the Adelin case," he said at a ceremony.

Robinson Tarigan, also a member of the panel of judges that cleared Adelin, was previously promoted to the top spot at the East Jakarta District Court.

According to reliable sources at Medan District Court, Doman Sinaga and Jarasmen Purba – members of the Adelin panel – are to receive promotions as well.

Doman will become chief of the Pematang Siantar District Court and Jarasmen deputy chief at the Surabaya District Court, according to the sources.

Arwan defended the outcome in the high-profile case where the court found no evidence of corruption or illegal logging.

Adelin was arrested in Hong Kong and charged with taking timber from Natal Mandailing and South Tapanuli regencies and bribing government officials.

Prosecutors have appealed the decision, however Adelin disappeared after being released from custody as a result of the controversial verdict.

Medan High Court chief Kemar Saragih Siadari counseled the Medan District Court to take reform measures in view of judicial corruption at the court having received national and international media attention. Sunaryo said he has yet to determine what measures to take to improve the court's image.