Indonesian politician’s mid-flight death sparks probe, casts spotlight on threats to environmental activists Helmud Hontong, the late Vice-Regent of Sangihe Islands in North Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. Photo: Handout
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.
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Farmers detained amid conservation work
Samsul Bahri and Samsir, father and son from a farmer community in North Sumatra province, have been detained since 10 February 2021 in what is feared to be spurious charges. Advocates have labelled their arrest as a form of criminalization that specifically aims to stifle the farmers’ work in rehabilitating a mangrove forest in the area and their work to claim their rights to land. Environmental human rights defenders in Indonesia are among the most persecuted activists in the country. Many continue to face intimidation, threats, and accusations that appear to be used to undermine their activities. TAKE ACTION