Social Minister: Management of Heroes' Cemeteries Transferred to Defence Ministry Due to Limited Budget

JAKARTA - Social Minister Saifullah Yusuf (Gus Ipul) has revealed the reasons behind the transfer of Taman Makam Pahlawan management from the Social Affairs Ministry to the Defence Ministry.

Gus Ipul stated that the decision was made solely to enhance the quality of TMP management, as the Social Affairs Ministry lacks the budget and faces human resource limitations.

“There is nothing more to it; it’s just to make it better. I must also convey that our budget has been limited, and we indeed do not have sufficient resources to manage so many national heroes’ graves,” said Gus Ipul when met at the Social Affairs Ministry office in Central Jakarta on Thursday (2/4/2026).

“Moreover, the National Heroes’ Cemetery and National Heroes’ Graves there embody values of struggle, patriotism, and heroism that should serve as inspiration,” he added.

The Social Minister explained that managing TMP requires adequate resources and budget.

“So, once again, this is not merely about physically managing the gardens but involves greater values that I believe the Defence Ministry has sufficient and greater resources to realise everything I mentioned earlier,” he said.

“Yes, so there is no other issue except to make the management better,” he continued.

“Essentially, this is for better management and so that the Social Affairs Ministry can focus on its primary duties,” he stated.

After relinquishing TMP management duties, the Social Affairs Ministry will focus on its core tasks and functions to enhance social welfare through assistance related to social protection, social security, social rehabilitation, and social empowerment.