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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