Nasution recuperates after surgery

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)