Army preparing planes in anticipation of Soeharto`s deteriorating health

"We have prepared five Hercules planes in Jakarta that could be used to transport a coffin, family members and officers who would be involved in a funeral ceremony," the Army chief said after attending a ceremony in which Central Java Military Commander Maj. Gen. Agus Soeyitno handed over his post to Maj. Gen. Darpito Pudyastungkoro.
He said that the Army continued monitoring Soeharto`s health condition while making preparations.
The Central Java Military Command was also preparing its personnel to carry out tasks any time when undesired condition happened to the former president, he said.
"The Army is ready to organize a funeral ceremony here (at the Astana Giribangung cemetery in Karanganyar district, Central Java)," he said.
Sasongko said that in the funeral procession the coffin of a five-star general would be flanked by the Indonesian Defence Forces Commander and the three chiefs of staff.
Soeharto was rushed to Pertamina Hospital in South Jakarta on January 4, 2008 for severe anemia and edema. During his eleven day treatment at the hospital, he has gone through several critical stages.