The Story Behind Tattoo Removal: A Youthful Trend That Makes It Hard to Get a Job

Jakarta — More than 200 people registered to have tattoos removed in a programme routinely held every Ramadan by the National Zakat Agency (Baznas) through Baznas Jakarta Timur. The East Jakarta Administrative City Mayor, Munjirin, said the programme is an annual agenda that has always received a warm response from the public. ‘Bazis Baznas Jakarta Timur mengadakan program hapus tato, ini adalah program rutin tahunan. Program rutin tahunan dan biasanya itu satu tahun diadakan dua kali dan alhamdulillah peserta pada hari ini itu yang mendaftar kurang lebih 200 orang,’ kata Wali Kota Administrasi Jakarta Timur Munjirin di gedung C Kantor Wali Kota Jakarta Timur, Selasa (3/4/2026). ‘With online registration, most participants are already in groups; once information is shared in the group, they register online.’ Fauzi (30) did not anticipate that the decision he made as a teenager would have long-lasting consequences. This year marks the second time he has taken part in the free tattoo removal programme. The tattoo on his left arm was done in 2013, right after graduating from high school. At the time, he admits he went along with friends without thinking about future consequences. ‘Back in 2013 I was just going along with it. I regret it now because it’s hard to find work,’ Fauzi said at the East Jakarta City Hall. ‘The tattoo bearing my name on my left arm often becomes a barrier when applying for jobs. Several times I felt my chances evaporate because my appearance was deemed unsuitable.’ Murni has tattoos on both arms. The tattoos were done in the 1980s. At the time, she says she went along with friends. ‘Because when I was younger many friends were getting tattoos, I joined in. I regret it now, especially when I see images of marijuana,’ Murni said. This is the third time Murni has taken part in Baznas’s tattoo removal programme. Her wish to remove tattoos arose after she frequently heard sermons about tattoos. ‘My intention was, because they say that tattoos can affect ablution, the prayers may not be valid; that’s why I would cry when listening to sermons at the mosque—Israa Mi'raj, Maulid,’ she said. Murni Dahlena said she has been greatly helped by the free tattoo removal programme. ‘That’s why I wanted to remove the tattoos; there were offers elsewhere charging as much as 500,000 rupiah. Thank God I arrived here; it’s free, I’m very grateful. I’m really happy that an event like this exists,’ she said. Murni hopes the free tattoo removal programme can continue so more people can benefit. ‘Hopefully the tattoo removal programme will continue; who knows, some of my friends in need might be able to come here. It’s all free, because someone offered 500,000 rupiah,’ she added.