Klungkung’s Kampung Lebah Cemetery Now as Tidy as Elite Burial Sites

The atmosphere during Idul Adha 1447 H grave visits at Kampung Islam Lebah Cemetery in Semarapura Klod Kangin, Klungkung, Bali, presents a striking contrast to typical burial grounds. Amid hundreds of visitors carrying flower bags, the complex appears aesthetically pleasing and orderly, akin to elite cemeteries in major cities. A fresh expanse of golf turf covers the 10 are (1,000 square metre) cemetery area. Graves are arranged in blocks, ensuring every corner is clean and well-organised. Japanese plum trees and bonsai line the ends of each grave block, complemented by Klungkung’s natural backdrop. To the east, mountain ranges and Mount Agung form the backdrop, while to the west, the blue expanse of the Nusa Strait stretches out.

Mustofa Shodiq (40), a visitor from Kampung Lebah, expressed gratitude for the cemetery’s transformation. While scattering flowers on his family’s grave, he noted a dramatic improvement in visitor comfort compared to before. ‘Visiting graves is a sunnah strongly encouraged by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to remind us of death. Previously, this cemetery was disorganised, but now it’s neatly arranged, making visits much more comfortable,’ he told detikBali on Wednesday, 27 May 2026.

Mustofa added that residents are not charged for routine maintenance; only a voluntary donation box is available for those wishing to contribute. Due to limited space, some families combine relatives’ graves into a single tomb. ‘Here, spouses are buried together because the land is small,’ he explained.

The tidiness has encouraged more frequent visits. Previously, the cemetery was only busy during Idul Fitri or Idul Adha, but now visitors come almost daily. ‘There’s almost always someone visiting, especially on Fridays when it’s particularly busy,’ he said.

The transformation began with a volunteer movement. Rusdan (52), the caretaker and keyholder of Kampung Islam Lebah Cemetery, explained the site was once chaotic like typical village cemeteries before 2023. ‘In 2023, I rallied around 10 locals to act as volunteers. We wanted a neater, more comfortable space for visitors,’ he told detikBali at the site.

With minimal initial funding, the renovation proceeded gradually. Rusdan said the first phase used Rp 3.5 million to buy golf turf at Rp 50,000 per square metre, sufficient only for Block A. The drastic change in Block A attracted other residents, who began donating voluntarily to tidy their own family sections. Thanks to community cooperation, the entire cemetery is now covered in golf turf. At Rp 50,000 per square metre, the total turf cost for the 1,000-square-metre area is estimated at Rp 50 million.

The cemetery’s new appearance offers a different experience for visitors. It is no longer just a place for prayers and mourning but also a spot for families to take photos against the serene backdrop and Klungkung’s natural scenery. Rusdan said the gates are open daily, with dedicated staff sweeping and maintaining the turf to ensure cleanliness, not just during religious holidays like Idul Adha.