Wimar Witoelar suffers minor heart attack

JAKARTA (JP): Presidential spokesman Wimar Witoelar was rushed to Pondok Indah Hospital in South Jakarta on Thursday after suffering what is believed to be a minor heart attack.

Presidential Secretary Abdul Mudjib Manan said on Thursday evening he was informed of the incident by one of Wimar's staff.

Wimar did not accompany President Abdurrahman Wahid on his one-day visit to Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi, on Thursday.

The head of the Presidential Protocol Office, Wahyu Muradi, who was part of the entourage that followed the President to Kendari, said upon his return to Jakarta on Thursday evening that he had been informed that Wimar had suffered a minor heart attack.

However, another president spokesman, Adhi Massardi, said he was informed that Wimar had been admitted to the hospital due to exhaustion, and that he was now conscious and in stable condition.

He said Wimar often complained of pain in his stomach. "Maybe it is due to him being overweight," Adhi said as quoted by Antara. (amd/mds)