RSCM doctors

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