Management of Kalibata National Heroes Cemetery to be Transferred to Defence Ministry

JAKARTA — Management of Kalibata Principal National Heroes Cemetery (TMPN) will be transferred from the Ministry of Social Affairs to the Ministry of Defence.

Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf and Deputy Defence Minister Donny Ermawan Taufanto have agreed to accelerate the transition process to be completed by April.

“From a legal and technical standpoint, the target is 1 April for the handover. However, the documentation can be transferred before April, even during Ramadan,” said Saifullah Yusuf, known as Gus Ipul, at a press conference on Thursday, 12 March 2026.

During the transition process and regulatory formulation, the Ministry of Social Affairs will establish a transition team and continue to support management involving human resources and financing for maintenance and other purposes.

Currently, there are 216 National Heroes’ Graves at Kalibata Principal National Heroes Cemetery.

The transfer of management to the Defence Ministry is a direct order from President Prabowo Subianto aimed at strengthening maintenance and oversight of authenticity and honouring in accordance with national values.

“The Defence Ministry is the most appropriate authority; there is no longer any other ministry for the Heroes Cemetery. I have thought about Social Affairs Ministry managing the cemetery for a long time,” said Gus Ipul.

“The Defence Ministry will implement it through garrisons or military regional commands,” said Donny.

Donny also appreciated the swift action taken by the Social Affairs Ministry and Defence Ministry to immediately transition management of the cemetery.

“I am grateful; we will implement the President’s order as quickly as possible,” he said.