The Indonesian Army is preparing five Hercules planes in anticipation of the worst development of former president Soeharto's health condition, Army Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Agustadi Sasongko said.

"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," Antara news agency on Tuesday quoted the Army chief as saying in Semarang, Central Java.

The Army continued monitoring Soeharto's health condition while making preparations, he said on Monday.

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 at the Astana Giribangung cemetery in Karanganyar district, Central Java," he said.

Soeharto was rushed to Pertamina Hospital in South Jakarta on Jan. 4, 2008 for severe anemia and edema. During his 11-day treatment at the hospital, he has gone through several critical stages.

On Sunday, Soeharto was in very critical condition after suffering multiple organ failure, with the function of his heart, lungs, and kidneys further declining.

However, his condition slightly improved on Monday.

(Xinhua News Agency January 15, 2008)