Indonesia's third president, Bacharuddin Jusuf Habibie or BJ Habibie, has passed away this evening aged 83 after battling a number of health problems.

According to his son, Thareq Kemal, the former president passed away at 6.01pm local time after undergoing intensive treatment since his admission to the Rumah Sakit Pusat Angkatan Darat Gatot Soebroto on Sept 1.

BJ Habibie served as Indonesian president during a transitory phase, replacing fallen dictator Suharto.

He held office from May 21, 1998 until October 20, 1999.

In March 2018, BJ Habibie also underwent intensive care in Munich, Germany due to various heart, lung, and breathing complications.

- Bernama