TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A member of the Press Council`s complaint department, Sabam Leo Batubara, died at the Central Jakarta Army Hospital (RSPAD) on Wednesday, August 29. The man who posted as the Deputy Chairman of the Press Council for the 2006-2010 period died after falling at the Press Council office this afternoon.
“I just heard the news of his death around 4:30 p.m.,” said a Press Council member Nezar Patria, when contacted.
Nezar said Leo Batubara died after falling while walking from his office to the bathroom. “A staff member at the Press Council reported that he fell and was immediately taken to the hospital.”
Nezar said Leo Batubara was one of the figures in the press world. He actively defended the press freedom. Leo was involved in the formulation of Law No. 40/1999 on the Press.
“Indonesia loses one of the most consistent figures in defending press freedom,” said Nezar.
Syailendra Persada
