Grief, Prayer, and the Scent of Intolerance in a Depok Home
The profound grief enveloping the Sihotang family in Cipayung, Depok City, West Java, briefly escalated into tension. A service and prayer of comfort, intended to provide solace for the Catholic family, could not be held due to objections from local neighbourhood administrators. The incident not only left a wound for the bereaved family but also ignited public discourse on the urgency of tolerance and communication among residents in a heterogeneous environment.
The incident took place in Kampung Bulak Timur, Gang Haji Abdul Aziz, RT 005 RW 09, Cipayung Village, Cipayung District, Depok City. According to information gathered at the location on Tuesday (30/6/2026), the late Mr Sihotang’s family had planned to hold a prayer of comfort following his passing on Sunday (28/6/2026).
However, when the congregation and pastor arrived to lead the service, they faced strong rejection from the local RT head. Due to the unconducive situation, the group was forced to disperse without being able to offer prayers for the deceased. The incident was recorded and went viral on social media, triggering widespread public condemnation of the discriminatory attitude shown towards a family in mourning.
In response to the uproar, the Depok City Government facilitated a mediation on Monday (29/6/2026). The meeting involved sub-district and village officials, community leaders, the police (Polres Metro Depok), the military (TNI), and the affected family.
Cipayung Village Head, Husni Mubarok, explained that the incident stemmed from a misunderstanding and miscommunication. According to his account, on the night of the incident, the family had actually attempted to visit the RT head’s residence to inform him of the bereavement and seek permission for the service.
However, the RT head was not at home as he was working outside the Depok City area. This led to a misunderstanding between the neighbourhood administrators and the grieving family, Husni stated on Tuesday (30/6/2026).
The mediation brought a positive resolution for community harmony. The head of RT 005 RW 09 publicly apologised to the Sihotang family. He confirmed that the family is now permitted to hold the prayer and comfort service at the house of mourning without any further hindrance.
Local authorities have affirmed that the matter has been resolved amicably. The prayer service can now proceed with guarantees of security and smooth conduct from the regional authorities.
This case in Cipayung serves as a crucial reminder for urban communities about the importance of formal and informal communication procedures within RT/RW neighbourhoods. In the context of Indonesia’s pluralistic society, an understanding of community rules and sensitivity towards the right to worship must go hand in hand.