The Indonesian government says former President Suharto has handed over seven charity foundations, which his critics say were used as a front for accumulating wealth during his years in power.

The Minister for Welfare and Poverty Eradication, Haryono Suyono, said the funds were worth over five hundred million dollars.

They would be used to combat poverty and boost education.

Mr Suharto's move comes as he faces a new investigation into his wealth, which some estimates have put as high as forty-billion dollars.

Anti-government protesters have again taken to the streets of the capital, jakarta, with some students attempting to march on the house of the former president.