Elderly Woman's Tears of Remorse as She Undergoes Fourth Tattoo Removal Session
Jakarta — Tears of remorse flowed uncontrollably as Murni Dahlena, 61, a resident of Lubang Buaya in East Jakarta, participated once again in the free tattoo removal programme organised by Baznas DKI Jakarta at the East Jakarta Walikota Office.
For Murni, this was not her first time. She had already undergone the procedure three times, and today marked her fourth attempt to erase traces of her past.
“I have had tattoos removed here three times already. This is now the fourth time,” Murni said at the East Jakarta Walikota Office on Tuesday.
The elderly woman explained that she had acquired her tattoos in the 1980s when she was young and influenced by her peers. “Around the 1980s. I was still young and wild, going everywhere with friends and relatives. Many friends had tattoos, they invited me, and well, I did it,” Murni recalled.
However, as she aged and her religious understanding deepened, remorse began to set in. Particularly distressing were the cannabis leaf designs on both her hands, which intensified her regret. “When I see that cannabis image, I feel so sorry. I even cried many times during prayer. I asked God to forgive my sins,” she said, tears streaming down her face.
From this realisation, Murni became aware that tattoos are often associated with questions regarding the validity of ablution (wudhu) and prayer. “My intention was clear. Because they say that prayer does not allow water to reach the tattooed areas during ablution, making the prayer invalid. Since then, I have often cried when I hear sermons. Eventually, I decided to leave everything behind,” she explained.
Beyond improving herself, Murni actively encourages her friends who still have tattoos to participate in the programme. Despite facing ridicule, she chooses patience and approaches them kindly. “Some friends teased me, saying I had become a religious teacher. But eventually, one asked me to take her. She has now had her tattoos removed too. She was very happy. She thought it would be very painful,” Murni said.
Initially, she admitted feeling fearful about undergoing the tattoo removal procedure. However, after several sessions, that fear disappeared. “I was afraid at first, but after doing this several times, the fear is gone,” she noted.
Now, with only a small amount of tattoo remaining on both sides of her hands, Murni is determined to remove it all completely. “I want to remove both. Everything, so nothing remains on my body. We do not live forever. I fear being tormented later. I feel I have sinned,” she said.
Murni revealed that she had previously been offered tattoo removal services elsewhere at a cost of up to Rp500,000 (£23) per session. “Tattoo removal outside is very expensive. Alhamdulillah, everything is free here. I am very happy there is an event like this,” she expressed.
As an East Jakarta resident, Murni regularly participates in the programme whenever it is held in her area because of its proximity to her home. She hopes the social activity continues so that more people are motivated to improve themselves. “Do not be ashamed. It is not about exposing secrets; rather, it is shameful to still have them on our bodies. Hopefully, this tattoo removal programme continues. Perhaps I can bring friends who need it here,” she said.
At 61 years old, Murni chose to close an old chapter of her life with determination and tears of repentance. For her, undergoing the tattoo removal programme four times was not merely a medical process but a spiritual journey to find peace in worship.
The free tattoo removal service, initiated by Baznas Bazis East Jakarta, has become a draw for people seeking to erase their tattoos as part of their hijrah (spiritual reformation) journey and personal improvement.
The programme is not solely a medical tattoo removal service but also symbolises an intention to improve oneself. During this Ramadan, Baznas/Bazis DKI Jakarta is again offering free tattoo removal services across various Jakarta locations for individuals seeking hijrah.
Sessions are scheduled for the Dirgantara Room Block B/C, Level 2 at the South Jakarta Walikota Office on 26 February 2026, and the Multipurpose Hall Block C at the East Jakarta Walikota Office on 3 March 2026. Registration opens from 23 February to 4 March 2026 online through the website baznasbazisdki.id/daftarhapustato, targeting 1,000 participants.
Prospective participants must complete the registration form accurately and attach a photocopy of their identity card and a photograph of the tattoo they wish to remove. They will then be added to a WhatsApp group for the Tattoo Removal Service in their respective area and must re-register at the activity location.
The service is open to residents with Jakarta identity cards and those living in Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang and Bekasi (Jabodetabek).