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Wednesday, November 25, 1998 Published at 15:28 GMT

Suharto hands over charities

Students demand Suharto be brought to justice

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 more than $500m.

They would be used to combat poverty and boost education, he said.

Mr Suharto's move comes as he faces a new investigation into his wealth, which some estimates have put as high as $40bn.

The former president faces growing calls to be tried over allegations of corruption and human rights abuses after he was forced to resign in May.

Student protests continue

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.

At least 2,000 students rallied in central Jakarta, shouting "Suharto should go on trial immediately" as they headed towards his home in the elite area of Menteng.

They were eventually dispersed by hundreds of troops and police, but there were no signs of violence.

Witnesses said the students looked well organised and linked arms, a practice they have increasingly adopted to keep out provocateurs.