Indonesian politician’s mid-flight death sparks probe, casts spotlight on threats to environmental activists
- Helmud Hontong, the Vice-Regent of the northern Sangihe Islands, bled from his mouth and nose during a 90-minute flight and was pronounced dead on arrival
- Police say based on the results of initial toxicology tests, Helmud’s cause of death was due to complications of chronic illness and heart failure
When Indonesian politician Helmud Hontong boarded a flight from Denpasar in Bali to the city of Makassar in South Sulawesi last week, he was in good spirits.
The Vice-Regent of the remote Sangihe Islands in North Sulawesi province was on his way home after a meeting with other local regents.
But less than an hour into the 90-minute Lion Air flight, Helmud complained he was feeling faint, according to one of his aides. He then started to cough violently, as blood began to pour from his mouth and nose. The 58-year-old was declared dead on arrival when the plane landed in Makassar.
The incident has ignited a firestorm in Indonesia, with environmental groups and the human rights commission calling for an investigation into the mysterious circumstances of Helmud’s untimely death.
In the media, some observers have speculated he could have been a target of foul play, given what they describe as a familiar pattern of violence against those who choose to defend environmental causes in Indonesia.
In recent years, there has been an increasing level of threat against those working on environment and land rights issues
Usman Hamid, director of Amnesty Indonesia, said he had mobilised senior activists to push for a full autopsy and forensic investigation.