Denpasar (Antara Bali) - The remains of former Bangli District Chief Ida Bagus Agung Lagip who was also a Hindu priest will be cremated according to Balinese tradition next October 3, Ida Bagus Gede Giri Putra, a brother of the deceased, said here Tuesday.
"After a discussion among local Hindu priests, it was decided that the late Agung Lagip will be cremated on Sunday, October 3," Giri Putra said.
Before the cremation, there would be a ceremony to cleanse Agung Lagip's body on Thursday (Sept 23).
"A week later, on Thursday (30/9), there will be a Munggah Pelebon ceremony in preparation for the Ngaben (cremation)," he added.
He said the late Agung Lagip passed away on Monday (Sept 13) at 03.00 local time at Sanjiwani Hospital, Gianyar.
"He passed away after undergoing medical treatment for several hours to alleviate asphyxiation " he said.
Lagip had previously not complained about pains or being unwell and on Sunday (Sept 12) he still presided over religious ceremonies in Bangli until 23.00 local time, he said.
But at 12.00 on Sept 13, Lagip had difficulty breathing and was rushed to a hospital in Bangli and later transferred to Sanjiwani Hospital in Gianyar.
"An examination at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) showed he was suffering asphyxiation with complications," he said.
The asphyxiation coupled with hypertension caused him to pass away.
"We all cried when we saw him go," he added.
Giri Putra said his brother was suffering from an inherited heart ailment and he probably also died because of exertion in conducting his many activities.(*)
