Mr Suharto has suffered several strokes since leaving office

Doctors at Pertamina hospital said his condition had improved after several operations and he could go home.

Mr Suharto, 84, who ruled Indonesia for 32 years until ousted in 1998, smiled weakly as he left hospital.

Charges of embezzling $600m (�322m) from the state were dropped recently on account of his ill health.

Pertamina Hospital Director Dr. Adji Suprajitno said the former leader's kidneys and intestines were now functioning more effectively.

"Suharto wanted to go home because he has been hospitalized for so long, and the team of doctors also believed that medical treatment for Suharto can be moved to his house," he said, according to the Associated Press news agency.

RISE AND FALL OF SUHARTO Born in Java, June 1921 As army minister, plays a central role in helping Sukarno overcome a coup in 1965 Becomes president March 1967 Modernisation programmes in the 70s and 80s raise living standards East Timor forcibly annexed in late 1975 Asian economic crisis of the 1990s hits Indonesian economy Spiralling prices and discontent force him to resign in May 1998 Judges rule he is unfit to stand trial for corruption in 2000

He was discharged despite being in critical condition for several weeks. Only last week, doctors said his condition was deteriorating.

Mr Suharto has suffered several strokes since he left office in 1998 amid street protests and riots.

Earlier this month, Indonesian prosecutors issued a letter to close the corruption case against him on health grounds.