Erwida Maulia, Jakarta – Rights activist Fauzi Abdullah died at age 60 on Friday, just before he was to be awarded for his work defending the rights of laborers in Indonesia.

Fauzi died of lung and liver diseases, which hit him hardest during the past month, and is survived by his wife and nine-year-old son.

The former head of the labor division at the Jakarta Legal Aid Foundation was buried Saturday near his house in Empang, Bogor in West Java.

Todung Mulya Lubis, noted lawyer and fellow rights activist, said Fauzi was supposed to receive the prestigious Yap Thiam Hien Award for human rights workers, in the lifetime achievement category.

"It is a special category granted to figures with extraordinary dedication," said Todung, who chairs the committee for the award, to be presented early December.

"Fauzi defended the rights of laborers without expecting any rewards. He was the most sincere and humble rights activist; we've lost a figure that never tired during his struggles."

Todung said Fauzi used to avoid open conflict and chose to do his job silently by encouraging workers to fight.

"He was a type of worker that avoided publicity and crowds. His modest life signified his support for the poor and oppressed. It's so unfortunate that we've been too late to appreciate his work," he added. (nia)