Jakarta – Ex-president Soeharto's children were under siege yesterday as son Bambang Trihatmodjo was questioned by state prosecutors while a company controlled by daughter Siti 'Tutut' Hardiyanti Rukmana faced a lawsuit filed by state toll road operator PT Jasa Marga.

Bambang was interrogated by the state prosecutors for alleged embezzlement involving giant textile maker PT Kanindotex. Soeharto, who was forced down in May 1998 after 32 years in power, also faces a widening corruption probe.

Bambang, owner of widely-diversified Bimantara Group, was accompanied by his lawyer Juan Felix Tampubolon. Bambang smiled and exchanged words with reporters after the questioning. His lawyer, however, asked him to leave immediately.

Meanwhile, one of the companies owned by Soeharto's eldest daughter Tutut, PT Citra Marga Nusapala Persada (CMNP), said yesterday it is well-prepared to face a lawsuit filed by Jasa Marga. PT Jasa Marga has accused CMNP of inflicting losses on the part of Jasa Marga due to its alleged corrupt practices. Jasa Marga said it is determined to take CMNP to court.

CMNP President Director Teddy Karsadi, meanwhile, said yesterday his company had contacted State Minister for State Enterprises Laksamana Sukardi in an attempt to reach an out-of-court settlement. "But we are also ready to face Jasa Marga [in court] should it wants to press ahead with the case," Karsadi said.

He added that talks with PT Jasa Marga are now underway as part of efforts to settle the problem. "It is expected that the process would be completed by the end of this month."