Getting to Know Karet Bivak Cemetery in Jakarta, Resting Place of National Figures

Many Jakarta residents will already be familiar with Karet Bivak Cemetery. It is very well known as the final resting place of many of the nation's famous figures. Its strategic location also makes it busy with visitors, especially during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, whether for pilgrimage or simply to visit.

If you want to know where Karet Bivak Cemetery is located, how its history began, and which famous figures are buried there, read this article through to the end.

What Is Karet Bivak Cemetery?

According to Wikipedia, Karet Bivak Cemetery is a public cemetery (TPU) located in the centre of Jakarta, specifically on Jalan Karet Pasar Baru Barat, Karet Tengsin Village, Tanah Abang District, Central Jakarta.

Covering an area of 16.2 hectares, this public cemetery is one of the largest in Central Jakarta. Its location is very strategic, sitting at an intersection connecting the Tanah Abang, Kampung Melayu, Slipi and Sudirman areas.

In addition, the cemetery is easy to reach, being close to various public transport facilities such as Karet Station, Sudirman Station and several TransJakarta bus stops. At present, the graves at Karet Bivak Cemetery are full, with an estimated 48,000 graves on site.

For this reason, cemetery administrators apply a stacked burial system, in which the remains of family members may be interred in the same plot. Meanwhile, graves whose lease is not renewed by the heirs will be allocated for new burials.

History of Karet Bivak Cemetery

Originally, Karet Bivak was a rubber plantation. During the Dutch East Indies period, the government decided to build a burial area in the Tanah Abang area, as land in Old Batavia was no longer sufficient.

After Indonesia's independence, the cemetery at Karet Bivak was further developed. In 2009, the Jakarta government ran a headstone standardisation programme at Karet Bivak Cemetery.

The programme required plain grey headstones and prohibited the use of tiles on graves. The aim was to improve water absorption in Jakarta while reducing the somewhat eerie impression of burial grounds.

Karet Bivak Cemetery became one of the favourite burial places for national figures and well-known artists in Jakarta. As a result, in 2022 the government built the 1,301 square metre National Figures Burial Garden, designed in a modern tropical concept.

Notable Figures Buried at Karet Bivak Cemetery

Many notable figures are buried at Karet Bivak Cemetery. Besides national leaders, there are also the graves of figures from various fields, including social affairs, culture, the arts and sports. Here are their names:

1. State Figures

• Fatmawati: The third wife of Ir. Soekarno and the seamstress of the first red and white flag.
• Muhammad Husni Thamrin: An Indonesian national hero, former deputy mayor of Batavia, and the first indigenous person to become a member of the volksraad (Dutch East Indies People's Council).
• Chaerul Saleh: The first Chairman of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) of the Republic of Indonesia.
• Kusumah Atmaja: The first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court (MA) of the Republic of Indonesia.
• Soerjadi Soerjadarma: The first Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Air Force and the fourth Commander of the ABRI.
• Abu Hanifah: The seventh Minister of Education and Culture of the Republic of Indonesia.
• Muhammad Natsir: Founder of the Masyumi Party and the fifth Prime Minister of Indonesia.
• Roehana Koeddoes: The first female journalist in Indonesia.
• Abraham Lunggana: A former politician of the United Development Party (PPP).
• Ferry Mursyidan Baldan: Former member of the House of Representatives (DPR) and former Minister of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning.
• Hartini: The fourth wife of Ir. Soekarno.
• Iwa Koesoemasoemantri: Politician and national hero.
• Mohammad Natsir: Islamic scholar, politician, and national hero.
• Muhayat: Former Regional Secretary of DKI Jakarta.
• Rachmawati Soekarnoputri: Politician and daughter of Ir. Soekarno.
• Soemarno Sosroatmodjo: Former Governor of DKI Jakarta.
• Soemitro Djojohadikoesoemo: Minister during the presidency of Ir. Soekarno.
• Zumarnis Zein: Former Head of the General Information Service of the Indonesian Army (ABRI Angkatan Darat).

2. Figures in Social, Cultural, Arts, and Sports Fields

• Chairil Anwar: Renowned Indonesian poet and writer of poetry.
• Benyamin Sueb: Actor, comedian, film director, and singer.
• Syahmardan: Betawi writer who was also a poet and author.
• Firmansyah Muntaco: Betawi writer.
• Pramoedya Ananta Toer: Great Indonesian author.
• Ismail Marzuki: Renowned national composer and artist.
• Siti Aminah Cendrakasih: Senior Indonesian actress.
• A. Rafiq: Singer and dangdut music composer.
• Amak Baldjun: Actor.
• Bing Slamet: Comedian.
• Chairul Daud: Drummer legendary band D'Lloyd. HIM Damsyik: Actor and dancer.
• Ustadz Jeffry Al Buchori: Preacher.Iswadi Idris: Indonesian football legend.
• Laila Sari: Veteran actress and singer.Lies Noor: Actress.
• Lutfiah Sungkar: Preacher.Dicky Suprapto: Actor and film producer.
• Dicky Topan: Actor.Djamaluddin Malik: Director, politician, and actor.
• Marlia Hardi: Actress.Mimi Mariani: Actress and model.
• Nurbani Yusuf: Lawyer and actress.Habib Selon: Preacher.
• Ridwan Saidi: Historian, politician, and cultural figure.Sabeni: A well-known figure in Betawi culture.
• Shinta Muin: Actress.Tien Santoso: Fashion designer.
• Usmar Ismail: Director and pioneer of the national film industry.Wolly Sutinah: Actress.
• Marlia Hardi: Actress.
• Mimi Mariani: Actress and model.
• Nurbani Yusuf: Lawyer and actress.
• Habib Selon: Islamic preacher.
• Ridwan Saidi: Historian, politician, and cultural figure.
• Sabeni: A well-known figure in Betawi.
• Shinta Muin: Actress.
• Tien Santoso: Fashion designer.
• Usmar Ismail: Director and pioneer of the national film industry.
• Wolly Sutinah: Actress.
• Yockie Suryo Prayogo: Musician.

Do You Know About Karet Bivak Cemetery?

Available burial land in Jakarta is indeed becoming increasingly limited. Even so, many Jakarta residents still choose Karet Bivak cemetery to bury their family members because it is easy to reach. Besides being known for its historical tourism, the good management of this public cemetery has made it increasingly sought after.

If you are looking for a burial place that is clean, comfortable, well-maintained, and strategically located, Karet Bivak may be the right choice. Giving a loved one a dignified final resting place is one of the best ways to honor those who have passed away. For funeral arrangements, you can entrust them to Kamboja.

Kamboja is a professional funeral service provider offering complete grieving processions. The Kamboja team will ensure that the entire burial process runs smoothly and with full respect. You can also choose a Kamboja funeral home package according to your needs.