Soeharto's health to be checked again

JAKARTA (JP): Prosecutors on Tuesday instructed a team of doctors from Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (RSCM) to conduct a complete medical check-up on Soeharto to determine once and for all if questioning of the former president can be resumed.

The order for a thorough medical check came as officials continued to confiscate documents relating to four of Soeharto's charitable foundations and formal notification of the extension of his city arrest status for another 40 days was given.

Attorney General Marzuki Darusman said a comprehensive medical examination was necessary after a doctor suggested that one be conducted as the first check-up at the Cipto was a limited examination.

"We have to analyze whether he is fit enough to resume questioning," Marzuki said without mentioning when the check-up was due to take place.

Soeharto is suspected of allegedly abusing his power when president by issuing decrees and regulations to amass funds for his foundations.

After confiscating papers relating to the Supersemar Foundation last week, prosecutors on Tuesday further confiscated documents relating to another two foundations -- Dana Karya Abadi and Dana Sejahtera Mandiri -- for use as evidence in the case they are building.

On Monday they took documents relating to the Dharmais Foundation.

Separately, a team of state prosecutors led by director of the investigation Ris Pandapotan Sihombing officially presented the papers notifying the extension of Soeharto's city arrest to defense lawyer Juan Felix Tampubolon at the former president's residence in Central Jakarta.

The extension is valid for 40 days, from Wednesday May 3 to June 11.

Marzuki had earlier said it would be effective for 20 days.

Attorney General's Office spokesman Yushar Yahya said the extension was signed by the deputy head of the Jakarta Prosecutor's Office Suroyo on April 28.

"The Attorney General's Office authority to place someone under city arrest is only for the first 20 days. Extensions should come from the provincial prosecutor's office," he explained. (01)