Helmud Hontong
Helmud Hontong (1962–2021) was an Indonesian politician who served as vice-regent of the Sangihe Islands Regency from 2017 until his sudden death in 2021. Before that, he spent eight years in the regency’s parliament, elected in 2009 and re-elected in 2014 as a member of the Golkar party.
He was known for opposing a proposed gold mine by PT Tambang Mas Sangihe in the Sangihe Islands. In April 2021 he sent a formal letter to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources asking to convert the mine concession into a Community Mine, arguing it would better protect local people and the environment. A production permit for the company had been granted in January 2021, but opposition to the project continued.
He was born in Mahengetang, North Sulawesi, and grew up in Tahuna. After finishing high school in 1982, he earned a Bachelor of Economics in Manado in 2004. He started as a barber, running a small barbershop business, before getting involved in politics after being recruited to help a member’s wife in Manado run for office.
On June 9, 2021, Helmud died on a Lion Air flight from Denpasar to Makassar while en route to Manado. He began coughing and bled from his mouth and nose after takeoff. The plane diverted to Makassar, where he died at the airport. His death led to police investigations and public calls for answers. An autopsy later determined he died from disease complications, with no toxic substances found in his body.
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 18:44 (CET).