Nasution recuperates after surgery

JAKARTA (JP): Retired Gen. Abdul Haris Nasution, a respected senior Indonesian military figure, is recuperating following minor surgery at the Gatot Subroto Army Hospital.

Nasution underwent prostate surgery Thursday, according to Suara Pembaruan yesterday. Dr. Fritz Kakiailatu, who is also a member of President Soeharto's medical team, conducted the operation.

"I feel much better now, and thank you for the visit," Nasution was quoted by Antara as saying. He also expressed gratitude for the care and attention given to him by his juniors, generals who are still in active duty. Antara did not identify the generals, but said Nasution looked refreshed and was still saying his daily prayers.

The 78-year-old general, whose illustrious military career included roles such as Armed Forces chief of staff and later defense minister during president Sukarno's administration, fell ill after exerting himself receiving guests during the Idul Fitri holiday last Sunday.

"Many relatives and friends came to pay him a visit, some of them came to discuss the country's current situation," his wife Johana Nasution was quoted as saying by the daily.

"His mind was always busy. He miscalculated his physical condition and so became ill again," she said.

Nasution was admitted to hospital Wednesday. He was suffering from an inflammation of the prostate. In addition, his rheumatism had worsened, forcing him to use a walking stick, according to his wife.

"It's the latter illness that really limits his movements," she said.

Nasution, perhaps the most prominent member of the ostracized group of government critics known as Petisi 50, was once chairman of the Provisional People's Consultative Assembly which stripped president Sukarno of power in 1967. The body later swore Soeharto in as the new president. (08)