US hails Suharto as a 'historic figure'

The United States Sunday hailed former Indonesian president Suharto as a "historic figure" who "achieved remarkable economic development," in a statement released by its embassy here.

"President Suharto led Indonesia for over 30 years, a period during which Indonesia achieved remarkable economic and social development," ambassador Cameron Hume said in the release.

Suharto died aged 86 Sunday from multiple organ failure after a three-week fight for life with heart, lung and kidney problems.

Offering his condolences on behalf of the United States, Hume praised Suharto for his close ties to the United States and his role in creating the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The ambassador did not mention the accusations of widespread graft and human rights abuses that plagued Suharto's 32-year rule.

"Though there may be some controversy over his legacy, President Suharto was a historic figure who left a lasting imprint on Indonesia and the region of Southeast Asia," the statement read.

The United States was a steadfast ally of Suharto for much of his rule, seeing the authoritarian ruler as an effective bulwark against communism and a force for stability in the region.

Human rights abuses during Suharto's rule included a 1965-1966 crackdown on suspected communists and sympathisers that historians estimate killed at least half a million people.AFP