Karet Bivak Public Cemetery in Central Jakarta Bustling with Visitors Ahead of Ramadan

Grave pilgrimage is one of the cherished traditions observed ahead of the month of Ramadan in Indonesia. Karet Bivak Public Cemetery (TPU) in Central Jakarta is among the sites drawing large numbers of visitors in the lead-up to Ramadan.

Based on observations at the location on Tuesday (17 February 2026) at 14:00 Western Indonesian Time (WIB), pilgrims were arriving in a steady stream. Visitors could be seen praying at the graves they had come to visit.

Several visitors’ cars were parked along the roadside as the cemetery’s internal car park had already reached capacity. Beyond the pilgrims themselves, the area surrounding Karet Bivak cemetery was also filled with flower vendors catering to those making their visits.

One visitor, Akwan (34), said he had come with his wife and child to visit his parents’ graves. He explained that the purpose of his visit was to pray for his deceased parents.

“We’ve just come from my parents’ graves. We prayed for them — Ramadan is approaching, after all. The drizzle doesn’t bother us; we rarely get the chance to come here anyway,” said Akwan.

Akwan noted that visiting graves ahead of Ramadan has become a family tradition. He believes the pilgrimage serves as a way to remember the contributions of one’s parents.

“We come here every year. We pray for them — one must never forget one’s own parents,” he said.

Another visitor, Nunur (39), said she had come to visit the graves of deceased family members. She explained that the pilgrimage began with the family gathering at her home first.

“We gathered together first at home. After that, we set off in a convoy on motorbikes. We come here every year, together with the family,” she said.