West Jakarta Residents Voice Grievances Over Crematorium Project in Kalideres
The construction of a funeral home and crematorium in the Kalideres area of West Jakarta has caused unrest among local residents, who claim there was no public consultation before the project commenced.
Residents gathered directly at the project site, located adjacent to the Kalideres Regional Public Hospital, to voice their concerns. Banners of rejection signed by residents were erected at the location.
They raised a number of issues regarding the lack of socialisation, change of land use, and concerns about traffic congestion and environmental impact from the crematorium construction.
Budiman Tandiono, a representative of the Citra 2 housing estate residents, said they were never informed about the funeral home and crematorium being built in front of their estate. Residents only became aware of the construction after heavy equipment entered the project site in the middle of this month.
“We never received any socialisation or official notification. Suddenly there was heavy equipment and construction was underway,” said Budiman, as reported by Antara on Monday (23 February 2026).
He said the project permit was reportedly issued on Friday (6 February), yet there was no visible information board or Building Permit (IMB) signage at the site.
He revealed that the land designated for the funeral home and crematorium is public facilities (fasum) and social facilities (fasos) 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 this is going to be built, it should at least become a sports facility too. They say Jakarta lacks green open spaces, yet here they are building a funeral home without the consent of local residents,” he said.
Residents also questioned the rationale behind the construction, noting that a large funeral home already exists within Kalideres Subdistrict, specifically in the Menceng area of Tegal Alur.
Concerns Over Congestion and Health
Residents also highlighted the potential for worsening traffic congestion, noting that the construction site is on a road considered narrow and heavily trafficked.
Budiman said the surrounding area includes two schools, a hospital, a Hindu temple, another school to the rear, and a petrol station. They also expressed concern about the psychological well-being of schoolchildren.
“Our area is already congested. If a funeral home is added, it will certainly get worse. Especially as it is near schools — there is a psychological factor for children who would frequently encounter sirens and funeral activities,” he said.
Residents also raised concerns about potential air pollution from crematorium operations. He said the local kelurahan (village administration) claimed to have no knowledge of the project’s details, stating that the decision came from the central government.
“Residents are currently submitting a request for an audience with the DPR, DKI Jakarta DPRD Commission A, and related agencies,” he said.
Request to Halt Construction
Residents demanded that construction be temporarily halted until there is clarity on permits and an open dialogue with the community.
“We are asking for time and for the construction to stop. If not, we could mobilise on a larger scale. This is only a fraction of the residents speaking out,” he said.
Workers’ representatives claimed to have completed all permits related to the funeral home and crematorium construction. However, following the residents’ protest, they agreed to temporarily halt construction until further agreement is reached.
“We respect the protest conveyed by residents. We will certainly relay this to our superiors regarding the protest, and for the time being we have agreed to halt work at this site,” said Hari DP, one of the workers’ representatives.
Municipal Government to Mediate Between Residents and Contractor
The West Jakarta Municipal Government declared its readiness to mediate between residents and the contractor, with the aim of finding a solution for both parties.
“Regarding the funeral home, I have already reported to the Mayor about the residents’ rejection yesterday,” said Acting Kalideres Subdistrict Head Raditian Ramajaya, as quoted from the official West Jakarta Municipal Government website.
He said the project permit authority lies with the West Jakarta Sub-department of Spatial Planning and Land Affairs (Sudin Citata). He noted that the Subdistrict Sectoral office confirmed the project already holds a permit and a Building Approval (PBG) has been issued.
“Yesterday I also communicated with the residents about how we could arrange mediation or a meeting with the developer and contractor,” he said.
Raditian said residents have already written to the DPR and DPRD and are awaiting follow-up on their letters. He confirmed that the West Jakarta Municipal Government would facilitate the dialogue.
“Their request is for an audience with DPRD Commission A members and the DPR. We have been in constant communication. We are ready to facilitate and arrange mediation. However, the information we received from the administrators, the RW Secretary, is that they are awaiting the audience from the DPRD — that they have already sent their letter and are waiting for follow-up on their audience request,” he said.