JAKARTA (Reuters) -- Former Indonesian president Suharto was in an unstable condition after being admitted to a hospital in Jakarta due to internal bleeding, his doctor said on Friday.

"He was admitted yesterday around 6:30 P.M. (1130 GMT). The complaints were similar to the previous ones. Bleeding at his digestive system, but doctors are discussing the matter," doctor Kunindro Dadi told Reuters.

The head of the 84-year-old's medical team told reporters the bleeding had lowered his body's oxygen level, including in the brain, prompting doctors to prepare an endoscopic examination of his bowels.

"The doctors will review the source of bleeding and prevent bleeding recurrence. His current condition is unstable as the bleeding is still occurring," said doctor Mardjo Soebiandono.

He added that intensive care was imperative to avoid other complications.

Suharto stepped down in 1998 when social and political chaos engulfed Indonesia. He has suffered several strokes since then. His lungs and kidneys have also been sources of medical trouble.

The former general sharply raised incomes in Indonesia at the expense of political freedoms and widespread graft during his 32 years in power.

Attempts to prosecute Suharto for alleged corruption have foundered because of doctors' findings of ill health, although he occasionally makes public appearances, where witnesses have said he seems in good spirits.

Attorney General Abdul Rahman Saleh indicated last month he wanted to restart the legal process against the former dictator if he could pass fresh health checks.