RSCM doctors

Most people are disappointed with the "verdict" of the medical team from a reputable public hospital (RSCM), who did not allow Soeharto to be brought to the court room.

Actually the doctors were only asked to evaluate Soeharto's health condition and whether he could withstand the pressure of an open trial, nothing more and nothing less.

The new examination revealed the same results as the previous examination in his house before he underwent a judicial examination. He was then able to answer questions from officials of the Attorney General's Office and the questioning was only halted by the doctors because of a rise in his blood pressure.

Nobody, including the doctors, knows what effect a trial will have on him. The notion that a trial would kill Soeharto is going too far.

This trial of Soeharto is extremely important for Indonesia, because many things depend on its outcome. For this historic, important event, it would be advisable if the doctors' advice were to allow Soeharto to attend the trial, but with the proviso that he be assisted by a team of doctors in case he develops more trouble with his blood pressure.

SUMARSONO SASTROWARDOYO

Jakarta