Gus Dur's health improving

Gus Dur's health improving

Agencies, Jakarta

The condition of former president Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid improved on Saturday as he was being treated at Gatot Subroto Hospital after nearly fainting a day earlier due to exhaustion.

The chief of presidential doctors and the Hospital director, Mardjo Subiandono said that Gus Dur's blood pressure and blood- sugar level, which rose on Friday, were under control.

"He is already making jokes, as usual," he said.

However, although the condition did not appear serious, Gus Dur would remain under observation and needed total rest as he was very tired.

"Doctors advised relatives and friends for the time being not to see him so he could recuperate," said Gus Dur's daughter Zannuba Arifa Chafsoh "Yenni" Wahid.

Gus Dur, who ruled the country for 19 months before he was ousted in 2001, was admitted to Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital in Central Jakarta on Friday due to exhaustion following a series of trips to Central Java and East Java. He nearly collapsed during the day as he was about to hold a pressed conference.

Gus Dur was moved to Gatot Subroto Army Hospital on Friday night as the RSCM's Intensive Care Unit is still under reconstruction.

Born on Aug. 4, 1940, Gus Dur has suffered a series of health problems in recent years. He has lost most of his eyesight and cannot walk unaided after suffering a series of strokes.