The Jakarta Post
Aptripel Tumimomor, the regent of North Morowali in Central Sulawesi, passed away on Thursday after receiving treatment at Wahidin Sudirohusodo General Hospital in Makassar, South Sulawesi. He was 53 years old.
North Morowali administration spokesperson Heri Pinontoan said the late regent was previously treated at the regency's Kolonadale General Hospital before being referred to the Makassar hospital on Wednesday for further treatment.
"[Aptripel] was tested [for the coronavirus] with a rapid test kit at Kolonodale General Hospital but the result was negative," Heri said on Friday.
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The regent had taken a swab test in Makassar to confirm whether he had contracted the contagious virus, Heri said, but the result was not yet available at the time of his death.
Central Sulawesi Provincial administration spokesperson Haris Karming said Aptripel had been laid to rest in a cemetery for civil servants in South Sulawesi's Gowa regency on Friday morning in accordance with burial procedures for COVID-19 patients.
The safety protocol to bury people with the coronavirus includes that the deceased be wrapped in plastic and placed in a coffin. Those who help burying the body are advised to wear protective gear, such as a hazmat suit and mask.
Aptripel was elected regent in February 2016 and owned several businesses, namely plantation and construction businesses and hotels. He is survived by his wife HO Liliana and three children. (mfp)