Land Running Short, This Cemetery Becomes a Designated Site for Covid-19 Burials

Several Cemeteries Designated as Special Sites for Covid-19 Burials

Covid-19 cases in Indonesia continue to rise. On Wednesday, 21 July 2021, new positive cases reached 33,772 people. The total number of cases in Indonesia has reached 2.95 million since the first case was announced. This situation has also caused the number of Covid-related deaths to keep growing. From 20 to 21 July, 1,383 Covid patients passed away.

These figures are not just statistics. Behind them are lives lost and families left behind. The ongoing pandemic has also been reducing the available land for burials. To reduce Covid-related deaths, the Government continues to respond in various ways, one of which is through vaccination. In addition, the Government has also set up dedicated burial land for Covid patients who have died.

Here are some cemetery sites that have been designated as special places for Covid-19 burials.

1. Rorotan Cemetery, North Jakarta

Some time ago, Rorotan Cemetery went viral on social media after images showed ambulances lining up to deliver bodies. The scene moved many netizens with sympathy for a pandemic that seemed to have no end. Rorotan Cemetery is located in Cilincing, North Jakarta, and has served as a Covid-19 burial site since March. To date, thousands of bodies have been buried there.

For now, the total land that has been used for Covid-19 burials is 3 hectares. Some time ago, the Government also planned to expand the Covid burial land to 10 hectares. This expansion followed a surge in positive Covid cases in Jakarta.

The Jakarta Provincial Government explained that the expansion is being carried out in stages. So far, roughly 6 hectares are being completed. The expansion will be adjusted to the Covid-19 situation in Jakarta.

2. Selapajang Cemetery, Tangerang

Another cemetery used for Covid-19 burials is Selapajang Cemetery. It is located in Neglasari, Tangerang City. The site was expanded one month ago, but by only 3,000 square meters. The rise in positive cases and Covid deaths has left the Selapajang land almost full. As a result, the Tangerang City Government has reopened burial land elsewhere as an alternative.

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The new cemetery dedicated to Covid-19 victims is located in Kedawung Wetan, Tangerang City. According to available information, the burial land at Kedawung Wetan Cemetery covers 2.8 hectares. The site has also been confirmed to be accessible by four-wheeled vehicles or hearses, to make access to the burial ground easier. For now, Selapajang Cemetery still operates to prioritize Covid-19 burials. Once the new burial area at Kedawung Wetan Cemetery opens, Selapajang Cemetery can again accept burials for people who were not exposed to Covid-19.

3. Cikadut Cemetery

Cikadut Cemetery drew attention some time ago due to an alleged case of illegal levies (pungli). The case has since been handled by the local police. The alleged levies were believed to have occurred because there were not enough field staff, while the number of Covid deaths kept rising. The shortage of staff led nearby residents to offer their help. To prevent similar cases, police personnel and Satpol PP (municipal police) are now on duty at Cikadut Cemetery.

So far, the burial land available at Cikadut Cemetery is still sufficient. As of today, about 3 hectares remain available, with roughly 5,000 grave plots provided. The unused land can still be used for Covid burials should the prepared land fill up at any time. However, the city government and cemetery staff hope the pandemic will end soon so that the land will not need to be used.

These are some cemetery sites that have become designated burial places for Covid-19. Since the start of the pandemic, the Government has provided special land for people who were exposed to Covid. This is because the virus spreads very quickly, and there was concern that public cemeteries might not be able to accept bodies of people who had been exposed to Covid. However, the available land is gradually decreasing. To anticipate this, we should always follow health protocols and get vaccinated so that the pandemic can end sooner.