Two brothers of bribery convict Artalyta Suryani were reported to the police Thursday by a business associate for allegedly embezzling Rp 100 billion (US$10.98 million).

The victim, Soegeng Boediharto, 85, of Banjarnegara, Central Java, filed a report against Aman and Simon Susilo with the Banyumas Police, stating he initiated cooperation with the two in 2002.

Soegeng is director of PT Bumi Rejo, a construction firm. Aman and Simon are director and commissioner respectively of PT Aman Jaya Perdana located in Bandar Lampung, Lampung.

"We worked on a number of major projects in Lampung during 2002-2005 such as highway construction. But as far as I know, they stole my money," Soegang said.

"The two forged my signature on a letter to withdraw my money from accounts in private banks Danamon, Mandiri and BPR in Lampung, totaling Rp 100 billion."

Soegeng said Aman and Simon could easily have embezzled his money as they were backed by Artalyta, a businesswoman linked to tycoon Sjamsul Nursalim, once a suspect in the Bank Indonesia liquidity support (BLBI) fund graft case.

Artalyta was sentenced to five years in prison for bribing a prosecutor in Sjamsul's case with US$660,000.

Soegeng filed a report on the embezzlement with the Lampung Police in 2006 but the report was rejected, allegedly because of Artalyta's influence.

Soegeng's assistant, Suroso, said he witnessed Artalyta accompanying her brothers during questioning at Lampung Police headquarters.

"People in Lampung from all walks of life know Artalyta very well. They refer to her as bunda (mother)," he said.

Suroso said Artalyta's influence was so strong Lampung police released the two brothers after two hours of questioning.

Soegeng said the Lampung provincial prosecutors' office turned down the police dossier saying it was incomplete.

"That's why I am trying my luck now with the regional police here in Banyumas. I hope the case will not end up like the other one did in Lampung," he said.

"I also reported notary Setia Lindu in Purwokerto who notarized a letter stating Aman and Simon were acting on behalf of my company."

Soegeng said his Banjarnegara-based construction firm had branches in Jakarta and Lampung.

"I felt fooled by people with connections with those in power," Soegeng said.

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