Jonathan Head in Jakarta: "The announcement is bound to be treated with scepticism by many Indonesians."

It will be the second inquiry of its kind. Less than three months ago he was questioned by the attorney general's office, but the government said it could find no evidence of wrong-doing.

That conclusion provoked a public outcry and there has been strong public pressure on the government of Mr Suharto's successor, BJ Habibie, to bring the former ruler to justice.

Students have been taking to the streets almost every day. The government has deployed thousands of troops to prevent protesters reaching Mr Suharto's home in central Jakarta.

Security has been tight in Jakarta

Last month, violent clashes between students and the security forces left 15 people dead.

The inquiry was ordered last month by Indonesia's highest legislative body, the People's Consultative Assembly.

It is intended to be more thorough than the previous investigation, but BBC Jakarta Correspondent Jonathan Head says there are doubts over how far Mr Habibie is prepared to proceed against his predecessor.

Mr Suharto has threatened to implicate others if he is put on trial - a thinly-veiled threat against members of the current government, many of who are believed to have benefited from corruption during Mr Suharto's rule.

Unknown wealth

Mr Suharto's family and friends built up large business empires when he was in power.

His children were extensively involved in lucrative government-sponsored projects, from toll roads to buying aircraft for the state-owned airline.

Some estimates have put their total wealth as high as $40bn, although others are much lower.

Since his fall from power in May, the authorities have managed to track down $3m in Mr Suharto's name. He says this is money honestly accumulated over the years from his official salary and from the rental of two of his houses.

Last month the Indonesian Government said he had handed over seven charity foundations worth $500m, which his critics said were used as a front for accumulating wealth during his years in power.