Indonesia's former president Suharto dies

By Telly Nathalia

Jan 27, Reuters

JAKARTA - Indonesia's former president Suharto, whose legacy of economic development was marred by graft and human rights abuses during his 32 years in power, died on Sunday, aged 86, after suffering multiple organ failure.

"I invite all the people of Indonesia to pray that may the deceased's good deeds and dedication to the nation be accepted by Allah the almighty. And to the family who are left behind, may Allah give them strength to face this trial," President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said in a statement.

"Mr Suharto has done a great service to the nation."

Suharto had been in critical condition in hospital since January 4. Despite his humiliating overthrow in 1998, many of the region's leaders and Indonesia's elite had rushed to his bedside to pay their respects as he lay dying.

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photo: Former Indonesian President Suharto listens as the national anthem plays during a visit to the Tomb of the Unknown soldier in Cairo in this May 14, 1998 file photo. Suharto, who ruled with an iron fist for 32 years, has died, a senior police official told reporters on January 27, 2008 at the hospital where he was being treated (REUTERS/Aladin Abdel Naby/Files)