Facts and Origins of Tanah Kusir Public Cemetery

TPU (Tempat Pemakaman Umum) Tanah Kusir is one of Jakarta's best-known public cemeteries, with a long history and a number of interesting facts.

This place is more than just a final resting place. It also holds many stories and meaning for the surrounding community. Let us explore the facts and origins of TPU Tanah Kusir in this article.

The Origins of TPU Tanah Kusir

TPU Tanah Kusir is located in the Kebayoran Lama area of South Jakarta. The name "Tanah Kusir" itself comes from a story from the Dutch colonial period.

Originally, the land was owned by a landowner of Chinese descent. One day, he held a gathering attended by many guests, including Dutch officials.

During the gathering, the landowner accidentally passed wind, causing the guests to cover their noses because of the unpleasant smell. The landowner then blamed his coachman for it.

Fearing punishment, the coachman eventually confessed that he was the one who had passed wind. This embarrassed the landowner. As a token of appreciation for his honesty, the landowner gifted the coachman a plot of land. That is why this land became known as "Tanah Kusir", meaning "the coachman's land".

The land in this area was later used as a public cemetery for the first time in the 1950s.

In the beginning, Tanah Kusir was a fairly remote area, far from the bustle of the city. As Jakarta grew, the area gradually transformed into a busy residential district. However, TPU Tanah Kusir has been maintained as one of Jakarta's main cemeteries.

Interesting Facts About TPU Tanah Kusir

TPU (Tempat Pemakaman Umum) Tanah Kusir is not only a final resting place for many people, but also has a number of interesting facts worth knowing. Here are some of them:

1. Size of the Area

TPU Tanah Kusir covers roughly 65 hectares, making it one of the largest cemeteries in Jakarta. At this size, it can accommodate thousands of graves from many different backgrounds and faiths. The spacious land also allows for a neat and orderly arrangement of graves.

2. Graves of Well-Known Figures

TPU Tanah Kusir is the resting place of many well-known figures from various fields, including arts, politics, and activism. Among them are:

• Abdurrahman Baswedan

Abdurrahman Baswedan, better known as AR Baswedan, was an Indonesian nationalist figure born on 9 September 1908 in Ampel, Surabaya, and died on 16 March 1986. He was a diplomat, journalist, and politician who played an important role in Indonesia's struggle for independence.

• Carlo Saba

Carlo Saba was an Indonesian singer known as one of the vocalists of the music group Kahitna. Kahitna is a band famous for its romantic pop songs and has become one of Indonesia's legendary bands.

• Glenn Fredly

Glenn Fredly was an Indonesian singer, songwriter, music producer, and activist who was born on 30 September 1975 and died on 8 April 2020. He is remembered as one of Indonesia's leading R&B and pop singers.

3. Religious Diversity

TPU Tanah Kusir reflects Indonesia's diversity by accepting the deceased of many faiths, including Islam, Christianity, Catholicism, Hinduism, and Buddhism.

This shows the tolerance and harmony among religious communities in everyday life in Indonesia. Each section of the cemetery is managed with consideration for the beliefs and rituals of each religion.

4. Available Facilities

Besides the burial areas, TPU Tanah Kusir is also equipped with various supporting facilities, such as:

• Spacious Parking
  Making it easier for visitors who come by private vehicle.
• Prayer Room (Mushola)
  A place of worship for Muslims who wish to perform their prayers.
• Public Toilets
  Providing comfort for visitors who travel from afar.
• Flower and Grave Accessory Sellers
  Making it easier for family and relatives who wish to pay their respects by bringing flowers or grave decorations.

5. Orderly Administrative System

TPU Tanah Kusir is known for a fairly orderly administrative system. Grave management and burial registration are carried out systematically, making it easier for families who wish to visit or arrange a burial.

This includes mapping the grave areas, recording burial data, and arranging burial schedules.

6. Military and Heroes' Burials

TPU Tanah Kusir also has a dedicated area for military and heroes' burials. This section is reserved for those who have served the nation, whether through military duty or as national heroes.

This area usually has a more orderly layout and receives special attention in terms of upkeep and management.

Need Funeral Services?

TPU Tanah Kusir is a place full of history, values, and stories that have touched many lives in Jakarta. With its range of facilities and well-managed system, TPU Tanah Kusir is a dignified final resting place for many people from all walks of life.

If you need funeral services, Kamboja is committed to helping you through every step of the process. We make sure the final farewell is a moment filled with meaning and respect.