West Java Human Rights Ministry: Depok Funeral Mass Polemic Caused by Miscommunication
The West Java Regional Office of the Ministry of Human Rights (KemenHAM) has stated that the controversy surrounding the alleged disruption of a Memorial Mass in the Cipayung District, Depok City, was triggered by miscommunication and differing interpretations that subsequently escalated on social media.
The Head of the West Java KemenHAM Regional Office, Hasbullah Fudail, stated that his office has conducted field verification through coordination meetings and audiences with the Depok City Government, the Religious Harmony Forum (FKUB), the Ministry of Religious Affairs office, local authorities, and community leaders.
“The results of the verification show that various social issues at the community level are often triggered by miscommunication and differences in interpretation, necessitating preventive measures capable of responding quickly to the spread of information in digital spaces,” Hasbullah said in a statement in Jakarta on Wednesday.
According to him, the controversy began when the family of the deceased requested permission to hold the Memorial Mass while the local neighbourhood heads (RT and RW) were out of town attending Depok City Government activities. A statement from the neighbourhood head, claiming they could not take responsibility if disturbances occurred due to the absence of local officials, was interpreted as a prohibition. This was recorded and shared on social media, creating the perception that a religious service had been forcibly disbanded.
Hasbullah noted that the local government, along with district officials, the police, the National Unity and Politics Agency (Kesbangpol), and the FKUB, immediately facilitated mediation that evening, allowing the prayer service to proceed until the funeral procession moved to the Cornelis Chastelein Foundation (YLCC) Funeral Home.
The West Java KemenHAM Regional Office also visited the funeral home and engaged in direct dialogue with the bereaved family to ensure the situation on the ground. “Based on the verification results, both parties have forgiven each other and the situation is confirmed to be conducive,” he added.
As a follow-up, the Depok City Government, alongside the FKUB, will strengthen the socialisation of Joint Ministerial Regulations Number 8 and Number 9 of 2006 down to the neighbourhood level. They also plan to reactivate public funeral homes for underprivileged communities through cooperation with regional public hospitals and draft a Regional Regulation regarding Human Rights Affairs.
Furthermore, the West Java KemenHAM Regional Office is encouraging the Depok FKUB to involve the younger generation, who possess digital literacy, to accelerate the spread of accurate information when sensitive issues arise in society. “The West Java KemenHAM Regional Office is fully committed to continuing collaboration and working alongside local governments to oversee all humanitarian matters and maintain a conducive ecosystem of tolerance,” said Hasbullah.
The incident involving the alleged prohibition or debate that led to the relocation of the Memorial Mass in Cipayung, Depok, occurred on Sunday evening, 28 June, at approximately 7:00 PM WIB. The incident took place at a funeral home in Gang Haji Abdul Azis, Bulak Timur, Cipayung, Depok.
The bereaved family intended to hold a requiem/memorial Mass and had attempted to seek permission from the local neighbourhood head, who was out of town. When the priest and congregants arrived on Sunday night, a debate and miscommunication occurred with local residents and officials. The matter was resolved peacefully through mediation involving the family, resident representatives, and relevant parties. The memorial Mass was ultimately relocated and held safely at the Cornelis Chastelein Foundation (YLCC) Funeral Home in Pancoran Mas, Depok.