Bandung City Government Commits to Eradicating Illegal Levies at Public Cemeteries

The Bandung City Government (Pemkot Bandung) has emphasised its commitment to eradicating illegal levies (pungli) at public cemeteries (TPU), especially during the Eid celebrations. This measure aims to guarantee the comfort of residents intending to pay respects at gravesites. Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan acknowledged the unique challenges in regulating pungli in cemetery areas. Nevertheless, the administration is not standing idle and has directed all local administrative units to tighten oversight. “It is very difficult for us to regulate pungli at TPU. That is why I have given instructions to all local administrations to truly pay attention to the comfort of residents visiting family graves,” Farhan stated in Bandung on Friday (27/3). He cited the Nagrog TPU as a key area of serious concern. Farhan explained that improvements in the area target not only pungli practices but also traffic flow arrangements and supporting facilities. Pemkot Bandung plans to convert the traffic scheme on the Nagrog route to one-way to alleviate congestion that often occurs during the pilgrimage season. Farhan also appreciated the contributions of local community figures who have volunteered residential land to serve as additional parking pockets. “In the future, we will make the Nagrog route one-way for entry and exit, not two-way as it is now. This is one example of the steps we are taking,” he said. Furthermore, Farhan stressed the importance of synergy between the city government and local enforcement apparatus in limiting the manoeuvrability of unscrupulous pungli perpetrators. He hopes that with stricter supervision, the public can carry out the tradition of grave visits peacefully without being burdened by unofficial collections. “We are working together with all local administrations to ensure that this pungli can be stopped and restricted. We want to make sure that grave visits at cemeteries during this Eid holiday period run smoothly, safely, and without complaints from the public,” he added.