Suharto assets seized

Prosecutors say their action proves they are serious

Government prosecutors in Indonesia have begun seizing assets of former President Suharto and say they intend to bring him to trial on corruption charges within a few weeks.

They have taken over a multi-storey office building in the capital, Jakarta, where Mr Suharto set up charity foundations, and have also seized a holiday villa south of the capital.

The building houses several Suharto family foundations

The attorney-general is pursuing an inquiry into allegations that Mr Suharto illegally amassed a fortune worth billions of dollars whilst in office.

It is the first time since the inquiry began that property linked to Mr Suharto has been seized.

"The seizure of this building will prove that we are serious in dealing with the Suharto case," prosecutor Umbu Lagelozara told reporters.

House arrest

The former president - forced from power two years ago - has been accused of using tax-exempt charities as a vehicle to enrich his family and friends.

Suharto's lawyers say he is too ill for trial

Companies and civil servants were obliged to make donations to the foundations during Mr Suharto's 32 years in power.

The former president, who is under house arrest in central Jakarta, has denied the charges and his lawyers say he is too ill to answer questions.

Mr Suharto is 79 years old and has suffered a stroke.

Earlier this month, the attorney-general's office was hit by two bomb alerts thought to have been linked to the Suharto investigation.

President Abdurrahman Wahid has said Mr Suharto will be pardoned if found guilty, but should face trial.

He has tried to broker a deal with the Suharto family for the return of the alleged stolen funds.

The attorney-general's office says it should be ready to begin a trial by 10 August.