From 1 April, Heroes' Cemetery Will Be Managed by Defence Ministry

JAKARTA — Management of the Heroes’ Cemetery (Taman Makam Pahlawan) will be transferred from the Ministry of Social Affairs to the Ministry of Defence (Kemhan) effective 1 April 2026.

Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf and Deputy Defence Minister Donny Ermawan Taufanto have agreed to accelerate the transition process to ensure completion on schedule.

“So, on 1 April, operations will already be under Kemhan,” said Gus Ipul, in a press statement on Thursday (12 March 2026).

The transfer of management to Kemhan follows a directive from President Prabowo Subianto with the aim of strengthening maintenance and oversight to ensure authenticity and respect in accordance with national values.

Donny stated that the management of the Heroes’ Cemetery would still involve military garrisons.

“Yes, the implementation will be at the Garrison as well. If not, then at the Kodam [Regional Military Command] too,” said Donny.

“I believe we should express gratitude and quickly implement the President’s order as soon as possible,” he added.