TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Foreign Affairs Minister Retno LP Marsudi said that Indonesian third President B.J. Habibie is currently in a stable condition at the Starnberg Clinic, in Munchen, Germany. She received the information after she personally called Habibie on Saturday, March 3.
“[Habibie] is in a stable condition, he is able to talk very well as usual,” said Minister Retno at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta on Monday, March 5.
Read: Habibie Admitted to Hospital in Germany
Habibie had been treated at the hospital for the last five days due to a leaky heart valve. He explained to Minister Retno that the cause of his deteriorating heart condition at the time was fatigue.
The Indonesian Embassy in Germany continues to monitor Habibie’s condition. Minister Retno calls the embassy twice a day to get updates about Habibie’s condition.
Meanwhile, President Jokowi asserted that Habibie’s medical bills will be covered by the Indonesian Government. Upon granting Habibie’s wishes to be accompanied by the presidential team of doctors, the Presidential spokesperson Johan Budi Sapto Pribowo said that it was a reasonable request.
Read: Adrie Subono: BJ Habibie Sick but Can Still Communicate
According to Habibie’s personal secretary Rubijanto, Habibie had difficulties breathing and was immediately taken to the Starnberg Clinic on February 27. It was revealed later that the leaky heart valve caused 1.5 liters of water accumulated in Habibie’s lungs.
Doctors in charge of Habibie’s treatment said that Habibie is suffering a similar health conditions to his late wife Hasri Ainun Habibie.
AHMAD FAIZ IBNU SANI
