Ex-Indonesia strongman Suharto treated for bleeding

JAKARTA (Reuters) – Former Indonesian president Suharto was
in an unstable condition after being admitted to a hospital in
Jakarta due to internal bleeding, his doctor said on Friday.

“He was admitted yesterday around 6:30 p.m. The complaints
were similar to the previous ones. Bleeding at his digestive
system, but doctors are discussing the matter,” doctor Kunindro
Dadi told Reuters.

The head of the 84-year-old’s medical team told reporters
the bleeding had lowered his body’s oxygen level, including in
the brain, prompting doctors to prepare an endoscopic
examination of his bowels.

“The doctors will review the source of bleeding and prevent
bleeding recurrence. His current condition is unstable as the
bleeding is still occurring,” said doctor Mardjo Soebiandono.

He added that intensive care was imperative to avoid other
complications.

Suharto stepped down in 1998 when social and political
chaos engulfed Indonesia. He has suffered several strokes since
then. His lungs and kidneys have also been sources of medical
trouble.

The former general sharply raised incomes in Indonesia at
the expense of political freedoms and widespread graft during
his 32 years in power.

Attempts to prosecute Suharto for alleged corruption have
foundered because of doctors’ findings of ill health, although
he occasionally makes public appearances, where witnesses have
said he seems in good spirits.

Attorney General Abdul Rahman Saleh indicated last month he
wanted to restart the legal process against the former dictator
if he could pass fresh health checks.