Jakarta: Doctors on Monday struggled to save the life of former Indonesian President Suharto who is in a “very critical condition”, his doctor said.

Suharto's family has granted doctors permission to take him off life support when they see fit, but doctors said they will continue to keep Suharto on a ventilator until all his organs stop functioning.

Doctor Mardjo Soebiandono, who is treating the 86-year-old, at Pertamina Hospital, said Suharto has a 50-50 chance for survival.

"We have gathered the family twice today to tell them about the possibility that the situation could get worse," Soebiandono said.

Suharto, who also suffered multiple organ failure on Friday and has since been on a ventilator, was visited by friend and Singapore's Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew at the weekend.

On Saturday, Indonesian police and authorities were preparing for his death, with workmen preparing his grave at the family mausoleum northeast of Solo.

Suharto suffered anemia and low blood pressure due to heart, lung, and kidney problems, and was taken to the hospital on January 4.