Healthy looking Soeharto turns 81<\/p>\n
Annastashya Emmanuelle, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta<\/p>\n
Former president Soeharto celebrated his 81st birthday on
\nSaturday in a subdued gathering of close friends and relatives,
\none of his lawyers said.<\/p>\n
As if to dismiss recent media reports that Soeharto's health
\nwas fast improving, his lawyer Muhammad Assegaf was quick to
\nclaim that the former president was in the same poor health
\ncondition as he had been for the last six months, despite the
\nfact that he appeared fairly healthy and was able to walk and
\npray without assistance.<\/p>\n
The former autocrat was still apparently unable to communicate
\narticulately and appeared to have difficulty in comprehending
\nquestions aimed at him, Assegaf added.<\/p>\n
After the birthday prayers led by former Cabinet Secretary
\nSaadilah Mursjid, Soeharto cut the traditional rice cone, and
\nmingled with guests shortly before returning to his chamber.<\/p>\n
"He was not bedridden for the past six months. Therefore the
\nfact that Soeharto was able to walk on his own is not
\nsurprising," Assegaf told The Jakarta Post.<\/p>\n
Soeharto was also able to conduct his prayers, which requires
\nhim to kneel and recite prayers. "But the prayers are mostly
\nmumbled in incomprehensible words anyway," Assegaf quickly added.<\/p>\n
During his time in office, his birthday always received
\nnationwide media coverage.<\/p>\n
Soeharto has been evading trial for allegedly amassing at
\nleast US$571 million during his 32-year rule. His lawyers
\ncontend that he is physically and mentally unfit to stand trial.<\/p>\n
A team of state appointed doctors who were tasked with
\nchecking his health reportedly concluded the same.<\/p>\n
Soeharto stepped down in 1998 following an economic meltdown,
\nbloody riots and mass student demonstrations demanding his
\nresignation.<\/p>\n
Also present at the gathering were former vice president
\nSudharmono, former justice minister Ismail Saleh, his specialist
\ndoctors from Pertamina hospital and his team of lawyers.<\/p>\n
Other well wishers were expected to arrive later in the day at
\nhis house in Menteng, Central Jakarta, where flower bouquets from
\nformer Indonesian Military chief Gen. Wiranto and the family of
\nRukmana, whose son is married to Soeharto's eldest daughter Siti
\nHardiyanti, were arranged neatly in front of the house.<\/p>\n
All of three of Soeharto's daughters were present along with
\nsome of his grandchildren. His favorite son Hutomo Mandala Putra,
\nwho is currently being held at Cipinang penitentiary on murder
\ncharges, and his other sons, Sigit Haryojudanto and Bambang
\nTrihatmodjo, were apparently not in attendance.<\/p>",
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