Suharto condition worsens

JAKARTA, Jan. 8 (UPI) -- The condition of former Indonesian President Suharto, who is ailing from several complications, deteriorated Tuesday at a Jakarta hospital.

Doctors at the Pertamina Hospital stopped him from receiving visitors other than family members, Antara news agency reported.

Mardjo Soebiandono, head of the medical team treating Suharto,said Suhato's condition "deteriorated again on Tuesday, he needs more intensive treatment and monitoring."

Suharto, 86, had shown improvement until Monday but his condition reversed after his hemoglobin level reportedly dropped and fluid entered his lungs. He was admitted Friday after suffering from anemia and low blood pressure resulting from heart, lung and kidney problems.

He 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.

Britain's Guardian reported Suharto has been visited in recent days by a number top officials including President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Cabinet ministers and Muslim clerics, indicating he still retains influence over the ruling class.

The New York Times reported that 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, ranging from business to the military. It quoted some as saying he might die before facing justice on various charges of corruption and human rights abuses.