Royal cemeteries declared closed

MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: Cemeteries containing the graves of royalty and respected Muslim ulemas, which have been registered as historical sites, should no longer be used, a noted local archeologist said.

Muhammad Muttalib, a former head of the South and Southeast Sulawesi office of historical relics, said descendants of the royalties continued to use these cemeteries in violation of a bylaw declaring them protected.

Any exception must have the approval of the Directorate General of Culture at the Ministry of National Education in Jakarta, Muhammad said.

The Gowa royal cemetery near the Katangka Mosque and the cemeteries of the Binamu and Bantaeng royalties continue to be used by their descendants, he said. (04)