Is Helmud Hontong Living or Dead?

About Helmud Hontong

Helmud Hontong: The Indonesian Politician Making Waves

Helmud Hontong was born on November 9, 1962, in the city of Ambon, Indonesia. He grew up in a family of educators and was raised with a strong sense of social justice and community service. Hontong went on to study law at the University of Pattimura in Ambon and later earned a master's degree in public administration from the University of Indonesia.

Hontong's political career began in 2004 when he was elected to the Indonesian House of Representatives. He quickly gained a reputation as a vocal advocate for human rights and social justice, particularly for the people of Maluku, the province where he was born. Hontong's work in the House of Representatives earned him a nomination for the prestigious Yap Thiam Hien Award in 2007.

In 2014, Hontong was elected to the Maluku Provincial Parliament and was appointed as the Deputy Speaker. He continued to champion the rights of marginalized communities and worked to improve access to education and healthcare in the province. Hontong's efforts earned him the title of "The People's Representative" among his constituents.

Hontong's political career took a dramatic turn in 2019 when he was arrested on charges of corruption. He was accused of accepting bribes in exchange for awarding government contracts to certain companies. Hontong denied the charges and maintained his innocence throughout the trial. Despite widespread support from his constituents and fellow politicians, Hontong was ultimately found guilty and sentenced to five years in prison.

The case against Hontong has been controversial, with many of his supporters claiming that he was targeted for his outspoken advocacy on behalf of marginalized communities. The case has also raised concerns about corruption in Indonesian politics and the need for greater transparency and accountability.

Despite his imprisonment, Hontong remains a popular figure in Maluku and continues to inspire others with his commitment to social justice and community service. His story serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by those who speak out against corruption and injustice in Indonesia.

References:

- "Indonesian politician Helmud Hontong jailed for corruption." BBC News, 27 May 2020.

- "Helmud Hontong: The People's Representative." Tempo.co, 10 October 2018.

- "Helmud Hontong: A Champion of Human Rights in Maluku." The Jakarta Post, 6

About Death

According to an official statement from Lion Air, Helmud and his adjutant boarded transit flight JT-740 from Denpasar to Makassar en route to Manado at 15:08 Central Indonesian Time on 9 June 2021. Previously, he attended an annual meeting between all regents and vice-regents in Indonesia. He was tested negative for COVID-19 and boarded the plane. At 15:40, not long after the take-off, the flight crew were told Helmud needed emergency medical help. Helmud suddenly coughed and bled from both his mouth and nose; having earlier asked for a drink of water after feeling discomfort in his neck, The crew obtained assistance from a licensed doctor on the flight. Helmud was given a portable oxygen tube while the crew loosened his clothes and cleaned his face, which had blood on it. The pilot was instructed to land at the nearest airport, which was the original destination Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport. At 16:17, the plane landed and he was quickly evacuated to a waiting medical team, who declared him dead.