Crematorium Project in West Jakarta: Halted After Resident Protests

A proposed funeral home and crematorium development in Utan Jati, Kalideres, West Jakarta, has been temporarily halted following resident protests. Construction activities began without prior community notification or formal consultation.

Local resident Budiman Tandiono stated: “We never received any socialisation or official notification. Suddenly heavy equipment arrived and construction began.” Residents only discovered the project when machinery entered the site in mid-February, despite claims that construction permits were issued on 6 February 2026. No official signage or building permits were visible at the location.

The project site comprises public facilities and social infrastructure owned by the Jakarta Provincial Government, previously utilised as a football field. Provincial government signage indicated the 57,175 square metre land parcel remains government property.

Acting Camat (District Head) Raditian Ramajaya of Kalideres responded to resident complaints, offering to mediate between residents and the contractor. He noted that permit authority rests with the West Jakarta Sub-Division of Works and Spatial Planning, which confirmed the project possessed necessary approvals and Building Approval (PBG) documentation.

Residents have submitted petitions to the Indonesian Parliament and Regional House of Representatives, awaiting responses. The district administration offered to facilitate dialogue and coordinate meetings between stakeholders.

The project was subsequently suspended because the developer, the Rumah Swarga Abadi Foundation, has not obtained required environmental impact assessments (Amdal). Although environmental licensing requirements were agreed upon on 27 January 2026, documentation remains outstanding.

West Jakarta Mayor Iin Mutmainnah stated that environmental and other licensing documentation should be completed following PBG issuance. She said: “We are committed not to commence construction activities at the project location until the entire environmental licensing process is completed and official environmental approval is issued by the competent authority.”

Following administrative review, the mayor suspended the project pending complete regulatory compliance. “All processes are postponed until the entire licensing procedure is concluded in accordance with regulations,” she said.

Mediation sessions have been conducted, providing opportunities for residents, the Rumah Swarga Abadi Foundation, relevant government agencies, and Kalideres District officials to present their positions. The mayor emphasised that the city administration remains impartial in the dispute and that coordination efforts aim to achieve consensus and ensure all activities proceed smoothly and properly.