JAKARTA - Former Indonesian President Suharto Friday was placed on a ventilator to help him breathe at a Jakarta hospital, the Los Angeles Times reported.

The 86-year-old former Indonesia strongman was admitted to Pertamina hospital a week ago and since then his condition has fluctuated from improving to very critical.

The VOA quoted his medical team saying Suharto was not strong enough for surgery to implant a pacemaker.

Indonesia's Antara news agency had earlier reported doctors stopped a blood transfusion after his hemoglobin count rose to 10.6. Doctors said his health deteriorated Friday as his blood pressure and hemoglobin levels dropped and he was placed on a ventilator, the Times said.

On Thursday, doctors and visitors said he was able to recognize and speak to a limited number of visitors, including his adult children, the report said.

Suharto was president of Indonesia from 1965 until 1998, when he resigned amid growing anti-government protests. He was accused of embezzling hundreds of millions of dollars. He and his family have denied any wrongdoing.

During his three-decade-long rule, Suharto put down dissent and political opposition and held a firm grip on power.

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