Residents Protest Against Crematorium Project in Kalideres, West Jakarta
A number of residents of the Citra 2 housing estate staged a protest against the construction of a funeral home and crematorium in the Kalideres area of West Jakarta. The residents claimed they had received no prior consultation regarding the project.
The crowd descended on the project site, located directly beside Kalideres Regional General Hospital, erecting banners of opposition signed by local residents.
Budiman Tandiono, a representative of Citra 2 residents, said the community had never been informed about the construction of the funeral home and crematorium situated in front of their housing estate. He said residents only became aware of the project after heavy machinery arrived at the site in the middle of the month.
“We never received any consultation or official notification. Suddenly there was heavy machinery on site and construction was under way,” he said.
According to Budiman, the project permit was reportedly issued on 6 February 2026. However, he noted there was no visible information board or Building Permit (IMB) signage at the location.
He explained that the project site is public and social facilities land belonging to the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government, previously used as a football pitch. A sign at the location indicates the land belongs to the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government, covering an area of 57,175 square metres.
“If something is going to be built here, it should be a sports facility too. They say Jakarta lacks green open spaces, yet this is being turned into a funeral home without the consent of surrounding residents,” he said.
Residents also questioned the rationale for the construction, noting that a large funeral home already exists in the Menceng area of Tegal Alur, still within Kalideres sub-district.
Beyond the consultation and land-use conversion issues, residents highlighted concerns about worsening traffic congestion. The construction site is located on a road considered narrow and already heavily congested.
The surrounding area contains two schools, a hospital, a Hindu temple, another school at the rear, and a petrol station.
“Our area is already congested. Adding a funeral home will only make it worse. Moreover, it is near schools — there is a psychological factor for children who would frequently encounter sirens and funeral-related activity,” he said.
Residents also expressed concern about potential air pollution from crematorium operations. He said the local ward office claimed to have no knowledge of the project details and stated that the decision came from the central government.
“Residents are currently submitting a request for a formal hearing with the House of Representatives, DKI Jakarta Regional Legislative Council Commission A, and relevant agencies,” he said.
Residents called for construction to be suspended until there is clarity on permits and open dialogue with the community.
“We are asking for time and for construction to stop. If not, we could mobilise in greater numbers. This is only a portion of the residents speaking out,” he said.
A workers’ representative claimed all permits for the funeral home and crematorium construction had been completed. However, following the protest, they agreed to temporarily halt construction pending further agreement.
“We respect the protest expressed by residents. We will certainly convey this to our management regarding the protest, and for the time being we have agreed to suspend work at this site,” said Hari DP, one of the workers’ representatives.