Healthy looking Soeharto turns 81

Annastashya Emmanuelle, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Former president Soeharto celebrated his 81st birthday on Saturday in a subdued gathering of close friends and relatives, one of his lawyers said.

As if to dismiss recent media reports that Soeharto's health was fast improving, his lawyer Muhammad Assegaf was quick to claim that the former president was in the same poor health condition as he had been for the last six months, despite the fact that he appeared fairly healthy and was able to walk and pray without assistance.

The former autocrat was still apparently unable to communicate articulately and appeared to have difficulty in comprehending questions aimed at him, Assegaf added.

After the birthday prayers led by former Cabinet Secretary Saadilah Mursjid, Soeharto cut the traditional rice cone, and mingled with guests shortly before returning to his chamber.

"He was not bedridden for the past six months. Therefore the fact that Soeharto was able to walk on his own is not surprising," Assegaf told The Jakarta Post.

Soeharto was also able to conduct his prayers, which requires him to kneel and recite prayers. "But the prayers are mostly mumbled in incomprehensible words anyway," Assegaf quickly added.

During his time in office, his birthday always received nationwide media coverage.

Soeharto has been evading trial for allegedly amassing at least US$571 million during his 32-year rule. His lawyers contend that he is physically and mentally unfit to stand trial.

A team of state appointed doctors who were tasked with checking his health reportedly concluded the same.

Soeharto stepped down in 1998 following an economic meltdown, bloody riots and mass student demonstrations demanding his resignation.

Also present at the gathering were former vice president Sudharmono, former justice minister Ismail Saleh, his specialist doctors from Pertamina hospital and his team of lawyers.

Other well wishers were expected to arrive later in the day at his house in Menteng, Central Jakarta, where flower bouquets from former Indonesian Military chief Gen. Wiranto and the family of Rukmana, whose son is married to Soeharto's eldest daughter Siti Hardiyanti, were arranged neatly in front of the house.

All of three of Soeharto's daughters were present along with some of his grandchildren. His favorite son Hutomo Mandala Putra, who is currently being held at Cipinang penitentiary on murder charges, and his other sons, Sigit Haryojudanto and Bambang Trihatmodjo, were apparently not in attendance.