Residents sue West Jakarta Mayor at PTUN over crematorium project permit

Residents of Kalideres have filed a case with the Jakarta Administrative Court (PTUN) against the West Jakarta City Mayor, Iin Mutmainnah, concerning the crematorium construction project on Jalan Utan Jati. The residents allege that the grant of the Building Permit (PBG) for the crematorium violates Local Regulation (Perda). Budiman Tandiono, Coordinator of the Citra Garden 2 residents, said the lawsuit, case number 83/G/2026/PTUN JKT, was filed because the permit decision is in contravention of the Perda. ‘The defendant is the West Jakarta City Mayor’s Office, specifically the Head of the Investment and One-Stop Services (PM-PTSP) of West Jakarta,’ he said, reported by Antara on Friday 6 March 2026. The action has been registered at PTUN Jakarta on Tuesday 3 March. He emphasised that the case concerns the Building Permit (PBG) currently held by the developer, even though an environmental permit has not yet been issued. The legal basis cited is Perda No. 3 of 2007 on Cemeteries, particularly Article 7(a), which prohibits crematorium facilities within densely populated residential areas. ‘Yes, the suit is over the PBG. The grant of the PBG and the construction violate the rules, violate the Perda, which prohibits building in a dense residential area,’ Budiman said. He added that the legal step was taken collectively on behalf of Rukun Tetangga (RW) leaders whose areas border the project site: ‘The suit is on behalf of the RW, representing residents. RW 12 and RW 17 of Perumahan Daan Mogot Kalideres, then RW 12 and RW 17 of Kelurahan Pegadungan (Citra Garden 2),’ he said. Residents are prepared to face representatives of the Jakarta Barat city government at court. They have received summons for the first hearing, scheduled for Wednesday 11 March at PTUN Jakarta. Through this legal avenue, residents hope the panel can objectively identify irregularities in the permitting and permanently halt the crematorium project. ‘We hope for justice and that the claim will prove the permit grant was wrong and the construction should be stopped,’ Budiman said.

Response from West Jakarta Mayor

West Jakarta Mayor Iin Mutmainnah regards the Kalideres residents’ suit against her over the Building Permit for the Swarga Abadi crematorium project on Jalan Utan Jati as part of democracy. ‘A part of democracy, just follow the rules, part of the citizens’ duty, please,’ Iin said. Iin appreciates the residents’ legal action as an effort to monitor government operations. According to Iin, the legal action by residents to PTUN is a form of aspiration that must be aligned with applicable rules. ‘When residents’ aspirations go to court, please align with the regulations,’ she added.