Sisters go to court over house

JAKARTA (JP): Fashion designer Dhanny Dahlan has sent her only sister to court in a dispute over a house in Menteng, Central Jakarta, which they inherited from their parents.

"I have a message from my father to settle all things related to the house even if this case has to be handled by the court," Dhanny told Central Jakarta District Court.

The court is trying Asih Dahlia Sandjoyo Subono, alias Lili, 46, on embezzlement charges.

The case started in 1989 when Ahmad Dahlan Ranuwihardjo signed his will, giving the family's house on Jl. Sumatra 25A to his two daughters, Lili, the eldest and Asih Dahyani Dahlan, alias Dhanny Dahlan.

In 1993, Ahmad and his wife Sumarni divorced and Ahmad moved out.

When Dhanny got married later in the year, she moved to Jl. Latuharhary. Sumarni then joined her.

At that time, Lili was in France, where her husband was studying. The same year, Lili returned home and the couple lived in the house. Lili turned the 436-square meter building into a boarding house with about 10 rooms, which were rented for Rp 375,000 each.

From 1993 until this year, Lily earned at least Rp 250 million from renting out the property, which she kept for herself.

Dhanny, who didn't receive a share, suggested that the house be sold. Lily refused, saying that her mother once said that she would die in the house.

Dhanny then reported the case to police.

Before Dhanny began to testify, Judge Andi Samsan Nganro suggested that she make peace with her sister and told the two to shake hands. But this only heightened the atmosphere.

Dhanny said it was hard to deal with her sister.

"She is high-tempered. She often scolded our parents," Dhanny told the court.

Lili was quick to respond. "Don't let her slander me. You can't trust her." (04)