Kalideres residents sue the Administrative Court; response from West Jakarta Mayor

Jakarta (ANTARA) — West Jakarta Mayor Iin Mutmainnah described the Kalideres residents’ lawsuit against her over the Building Permit Approval (PBG) for the Swarga Abadi Crematorium project on Jalan Utan Jati as part of democracy. ‘Part of democracy; as long as you follow the rules, part of citizens’ obligations, please,’ she told reporters in Jakarta on Thursday. Iin appreciated the legal steps taken by residents as an effort to oversee government operations. According to Iin, the residents’ move to the Administrative Court (PTUN) is a form of aspiration that must be aligned with applicable regulations. ‘When residents’ aspirations reach the courts, that is fine—just be in line with the regulations,’ she said. Coordinator of Warga Citra Garden 2, Budiman Tandiono said the lawsuit, registered as case number 83/G/2026/PTUN JKT, was filed because residents view the crematorium permit as breaching Peraturan Daerah (Perda). ‘Defendant is the West Jakarta Mayor’s Office, represented by the Head of the Investment and One-Stop Integrated Service Unit (PM-PTSP) of West Jakarta City,’ Budiman said. The legal step has been taken since last week and is now officially registered with the court. ‘Yes, yesterday we, Kalideres and Pegadungan residents opposing the funeral home and crematorium, have filed a lawsuit with PTUN over the project permit. Submitted last week, and registered with the court on Tuesday (3 March),’ he said. The legal basis cited is Peraturan Daerah (Perda) Number 3 of 2007 on Burial, particularly Article 7(a), which prohibits the establishment of crematorium facilities in densely populated areas. ‘Yes, the lawsuit concerns the PBG. Because the granting of the PBG and the construction violate the rules, violate the Perda, which prohibits building in densely populated areas,’ Budiman added. He explained that the action is taken collectively on behalf of the RW administrators whose areas border the project site. ‘(The) lawsuit is filed on behalf of the RW leadership, representing residents. RW 12 and RW 17 of Perumahan Daan Mogot, Kalideres, and RW 12 and RW 17 of Kelurahan Pegadungan (Citra Garden 2),’ he said. Budiman noted that they have received a summons for the first hearing, scheduled for Wednesday (11 March) at PTUN Jakarta. Through the legal channel, residents hope the judges can objectively identify irregularities in the licensing process and permanently cancel the crematorium project. ‘We hope for justice and that the grant of this permit is shown to be improper and that construction must be halted,’ Budiman said.