Jakarta has lost one of its most colorful politicians, as Haji Lulung passed away this morning after being treated for a heart condition.
The former member of the Jakarta City Council (DPRD), whose real name is Abraham Lunggana, died at Harapan Kita Hospital, where he had been since being admitted for an undisclosed heart condition on Nov. 24. He was 62.
Lulung’s death was confirmed by the United Development Party (PPP) leadership. Lulung last served as the chairman of the party’s Jakarta chapter.
Before entering politics, Lulung was heavily involved in organizations in Central Jakarta trading hub Tanah Abang, rising up the ranks before calling himself “The Godfather” of the ‘hood.
Lulung was elected as a member of DPRD Jakarta in 2009, and served as a councillor until 2018. Throughout most of that time, he served as DPRD’s deputy speaker.
Lulung was notably renowned for his staunch opposition to former Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama. The pair would often be involved in high profile and, at times, deeply personal, spats.
