Partahi Mamora Halomoan Lumbantoruan
Partahi Mamora Halomoan Lumbantoruan
Image Source: indonesiamatters.com

By Beni Bevly
Yesterday, I wrote “WHEN A SOCIETY IS TOO DULL: Cho Seung-Hui’s Case” with opening statement in my first paragragh,

“Normally, I only write the topic that relates to Indonesia, however I could not resist to discuss Cho Seung-Hui’s case.”

I was wrong. It did relate to Indonesia directly. According to International Herald Tribune, April 20, 2007, one of Indonesia’s sons, Partahi Mamora Halomoan Lumbantoruan, 34, known as Mora was one out of 32 Cho Seung-Hui’s victims. He was a civil engineering doctoral student at Virginia Tech. Mora had been studying in America since January 2005 and last contacted his family in West Medan, North Sumatra, to wish them a happy Easter on 8th April 2007 (indonesiamatters.com).

Here are some memories and thoughts shared on Partahi Lumbantoruan (New York Times):

I don’t know you, but I read about you in the newspaper today (kompas.com) saw your mom and dad crying ..
I’ll pray for you and your family.

Peace be with you

— Posted by Rudy

he is a smart, full of attention guy who loves his big family. Persuing his dreams by taking his Phd in Virginia tech, hoping that he could get his doctoral there. His parents had to sell almost all their belongings just to send him to study in Virginia. Just 2 semester left until he finish his study but God called him already. Rest in peace my friend we all gonna miss you specially your family.

— Posted by ana

Partahi was relentless in trying to get into the best university for his study in America and he chose Virginia Tech.
Before he went to VT on 2004, as far as I remember from reading some articles online, Partahi tried several times to get into the U.S. but failed because his visa application was rejected.
Partahi died pursuing his biggest dream.
Even though I never knew him, he shared the dreams of many Indonesians of having an education in America.
He showed through his perseverance that we can all realize our dreams.
God bless you and your family, may you rest in peace.

— Posted by Shanna

Dear Bang Mora, you are more then a real cousin for me, I know you like my pocket. When we lived in Jakarta for many years, I like to cook your favorite food “Arsik” (Indonesian Tradisional Food from Medan,North Sumatera), but now you make me cry my brother. You are so smart and generous. You always told me that I should not study too hard, though. God loves us much. Don’t worry, all our family will be fine, just sleep well, you’ve worked so hard. One day we will meet again. Rista, now graduate student studying in Taiwan.

— Posted by Rista

May god bless the family. This goes to prove that God only takes the finest…A candle goes out to you

— Posted by Brenda

My deepest condolence to the members of Partahi’s family.

Please share your memories and thoughts on Partahi Lumbantoruan by leaving comments on this article.

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*Beni Bevly holds BA in Political Science, MBA in Marketing, and is a DBA (Doctor of Business Administration) candidate. He is the founder of Overseas Think Tank for Indonesia.