Helmud Hontong

In 2017, Helmud was elected vice-regent of the Sangihe Islands Regency.

Helmud was strongly opposed to a proposed gold mine in the islands that was proposed by PT Tambang Mas Sangihe. According to government mapping of the potential mineral resource, the mine would cover 42,000 hectares (160 sq mi) of the Sangihe Islands, more than half of their area.[8] An exploration permit had been granted in 1987 using karya (transl. creation) contract, which was a product of Suharto's New Order.[9][10]

On 29 January 2021, the company was granted a 33-year-long permit for production in the region.[9] Jabes Gaghana, however, said the mine would only cover around 60 hectares (0.23 sq mi) of land.[11][12] According to the Save Sangihe Islands Movement, which Indonesians organized to oppose the mining permit, Helmud delivered a letter to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources arguing the mine was against Law Number 1 of 2014 regarding mining permits in small islands and coastal regions.[13][14] Jabes stated he had never seen the letter himself while confirming he was opposed to the mining permit.[15]

In an interview on 21 April 2021, Helmud stated he strongly rejected any mining activity in the region for any reason.[16][3][17]

I firmly reject the existence of PT Tambang Mas Sangihe operating in Sangihe. Whatever the reason. I stand with the people. Because the people who voted for me to became Vice Regent. I feel sorry for the people, our children, and grandchildren that will be victims later due to the waste from gold production. Whatever happens, I stay with the people to reject the mine.

Two days after Helmund's death, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources confirmed to the public his rejection letter but stated they would continue to permit the mine with government surveillance.[18] On 12 January 2023, the mining permit was cancelled and declared as violation of the law by Supreme Court of Indonesia.[19]

Helmud's adjutant refused to allow an autopsy and asked for the vice-regent's body to be taken into a nearby hospital and put into a coffin. The medical team stated, according to Suara.com, while he may have died from a heart attack, the cause of death was not clear yet and it was possible other factors were involved.[25] Police said Helmud's family also rejected a request for autopsy in Makassar and instead asked that his body be taken right away to Manado.[26]

According to Helmud's nephew Engel Hontong, Helmud had no history of illness and routinely checked his health; he described Helmud's death as "very sudden".[27] Police eventually stated the suspected cause of death was a sudden heart attack.[28] Helmud's body arrived in Manado a day later and was returned to Tahuna by ship.[29][30] The Sangihe Islands' regency government ordered the national flag to be flown at half mast a day after his death.[22] According to CNN Indonesia, the police did not explain the process conducted to conclude he died because of a heart attack.[31]

Indonesian netizens quickly speculated about Helmud's sudden death in relation to his opposition to the gold mine.[32] Mining Advocation Network, an Indonesian NGO that advocates for the effects of the mining industry and communities and the environment, pleaded with the Indonesian government to investigate his death.[33][34] The organization described his death as "unusual and suspicious".[34][35] Helmud's death became a trending topic on Indonesian Twitter, with many netizens comparing his death to that of Munir Said Thalib, an Indonesian human rights activist who was poisoned during a flight.[36][32][37] Following Helmud's death, issues regarding the mining permit also trended with Indonesian netizens.[38] Commission II of the People's Representative Council also urged police to investigate his death.[39]

On 12 June 2021, North Sulawesi Regional Police and the Sangihe Islands Regency Resort Police formed a special team to investigate Helmud's death.[40] Police chief of Sangihe Islands Regency said according to his early investigation, Helmud had a history of diabetes and asthma but stated further investigation was needed.[40] The National Commission on Human Rights urged the police to investigate his death to clear up speculation.[41] Greenpeace declared support for Helmud's initiative to reject the mine and offered condolences.[42]

On 13 June 2021, police announced an autopsy team would arrive at Tahuna and would start work the next day.[43] The following day, police announced the autopsy found Helmud had died from disease complications but refused to comment any further, saying the forensic team would explain in a press conference.[44] Later, according to Kompas.tv and Liputan6, the forensic team said they found no trace of toxic substances in Helmud's body.[45][46]