"Not My Right, So I'm Returning It": When Residents Leave Cemetery Land in West Jakarta

Heartfelt, sad, and resigned feelings envelop residents in the Kamal and Pegadungan areas of Kalideres, West Jakarta, as they pack their belongings for relocation to high-rise apartments.

After decades living on government-owned public cemetery land, they are now leaving homes that have become part of their lives.

Some choose to accept the relocation, despite the heavy emotions.

“Yes, actually it’s sad, but what can I do? I have to move to the rusun because this isn’t my right, so I’m returning it to the rightful owner. That’s it,” said Sutini.

Sutini recounted that she lived on the cemetery land due to economic limitations, while funding the education of her four children.

Now, she sees the relocation as a chance for a more decent life. She will occupy a unit in Rusun Tegal Alur and hopes to spend her old age more peacefully.

“Yes, it’s better there. The important thing is to live comfortably,” she said.

“Because it’s government land, how could I hold on to it? I’ve already been lucky to live there for 20 years,” she added.

With economic limitations, relocation is the only option. She admitted she couldn’t afford to rent a place nearby in Kamal, which costs around Rp1 million per month.

In the rusun, she receives a rent subsidy of Rp550,000 per month, plus a waiver for the first six months.

“The important thing for me is to be registered in the programme. I can get elderly assistance, social aid, PKH. So there’s a bit of income guarantee,” she explained.

More than just a place to live, Susilawati sees the relocation as an opportunity for a healthier life. She is currently undergoing treatment for lung disease.