Sukarno “Mentally Ill”

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31322, 18 March 1967, Page 13

Sukarno “Mentally Ill”

(N.Z. Press Assn.—Copyright.) DJAKARTA, Mar. 17. Two Indonesian psychiatrists declared that Dr. Sukarno was mentally ill three weeks\ before he was dismissed from office, informed sources said today.

The sources said that a private psychiatric examination of the former President was ordered by General Suharto on February 20, and that doctors who examined him agreed that he was mentally ill, United Press International said. General Suharto said on Monday that Dr. Sukarno was

ill, but he did not specify the nature of the illness. Observers believe that General Suharto is attempting to persuade the Indonesian Supreme Court to declare Dr. Sukarno to be mentally unfit to hold office. Such a move would mean that Dr. Sukarno could not be tried as a traitor, as has been recommended by some political elements.

It was reported that Dr. Sukarno slipped back into Djakarta last night from his summer palace at Bogor—dodging journalists who were waiting to catch sight of him for the first time since the supreme policy - making People’s Consultative Congress removed him from power. Although he is staying at

Merdeka Palace, the yellow Presidential standard has not been raised. Until now, Dr. Sukarno's presence at the palace has been signalled by a yellow flag above the palace. Observers believe it is doubtful that he will remain long in the place. He is expected to retire to Bogor or, alternatively, make a long foreign trip until the Indonesian situation settles. In Isolation ' Dr. Sukarno had been In isolation and under heavy guard at his palace in Bogor. 40 miles south of Djakarta. All calls to the palace had been blocked by Army intelligence officers and Dr. Sukarno had not been permitted to have visitors.