Former president Soeharto stable after minor surgery

JAKARTA (JP): Former president Soeharto was in a stable condition on Wednesday after cardiologists at Pertamina Hospital in South Jakarta successfully installed a permanent pacemaker to normalize his uneven heartbeat.

Heart specialist Miftah Suryadipraja stated that the 30-minute minor surgery in the morning had been completed successfully.

"Pak Harto's condition is relatively stable. The operation was a success. But there could still be complications, as his body needs to adjust to the device," he said at a media conference, where he was joined by cardiologists from other hospitals.

One of Soeharto's lawyers, O.C. Kaligis, claimed that just a few hours after the surgery, his client had fully recovered and had recognized him when he came to visit.

Another cardiologist, Juniarti Hatta, said Soeharto had to be treated for at least three more days at the hospital to recover from the surgery.

A team of cardiologists from Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, Pertamina Hospital and Harapan Kita heart hospital installed the battery-powered pacemaker in the left side of Soeharto's chest.

The pacemaker was set to regulate Soeharto's heartbeat to 70 beats per minute. The device was also set up to distribute oxygen to Soeharto's brain, liver and heart.

"We will also continue monitoring his body's adjustment to the device for the next six months because its battery will last no longer than that," Juniarti said.

Soeharto, who turned 80 only last Friday, was rushed to the hospital on Tuesday when doctors initially attached a temporary, external pacemaker to his thigh.

The widower was accompanied by his children and other family members, while some from within his inner circle, including former cabinet secretary Moerdiono and military chief Gen. (ret) Wiranto, were observed visiting.

Soeharto, a former five-star Army general, ruled Indonesia with an iron fist for 32 years before he was forced from office in 1998, following riots and prodemocracy protests.

Since then, health problems have prevented his prosecution over allegations of massive corruption.

The ailing former ruler has been treated regularly at the state's expense to restore him to a state of health sufficient for him to be brought to trial on charges of corruption.

He has been treated at Pertamina Hospital at least three times for various ailments, including a slight stroke, intestinal bleeding and -- last February -- an appendectomy. (bby)