Suharto Condition Better but Critical

Former Indonesian President Suharto’s condition improved slightly overnight but remains critical, his doctors at a Jakarta hospital said Wednesday.

The 86-year-old Suharto had deteriorated Tuesday after being admitted in critical condition last Friday to Pertamina Hospital, Antara news agency reported.

The New York Times said doctors were trying to stabilize his condition after the setback. The maladies include new signs of internal bleeding, heart problems and a buildup of fluid in his lungs, the report said.

Suharto has had numerous previous hospital stays for a number of ailments, including strokes, Antara reported.

Suharto was president of Indonesia from 1965 until 1998, when he resigned amid growing anti-government protests. He was accused of embezzling hundreds of millions of dollars but the case was dropped in 2000 due to his poor health.

During his three-decade-long rule, Suharto put down dissent and political opposition and held a firm grip on virtually on every aspect of Indonesian life from business to the military.