PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - The Bandung City Government has confirmed its commitment to providing free burial services for all residents.

This is in line with Regional Regulation (Perda) Number 5 of 2023 concerning Cemetery Management and Perda Number 1 of 2024 concerning Regional Taxes and Levies.

Head of UPTD IV Diciptabintar Cemetery in Bandung City, Rita Shafira revealed that of the 13 Public Cemeteries (TPU) in Bandung City, only TPU Rancacili and TPU Nagrog still have empty land.

"The average need for burial land reaches 1 to 4 hectares per year, with a daily death toll of between 18 to 23 people," explained Rita in a collaborative broadcast between Radio PRFM and Radio Sonata on Tuesday (25/2/2025).

To overcome land limitations, especially in TPUs that are already full, the Bandung City Government has implemented a policy of overlapping burials in accordance with Regional Regulation Number 5 of 2023.

In addition, a new TPU has been opened in Cidadap to meet the needs of the community.

Rita ensured that all burial processes in Bandung City are free of charge.

"In accordance with Regional Regulation Number 1 of 2024, all funeral services, from land procurement, type, to delivery of the body, are provided free of charge," he said.

However, Rita admitted that there were still individuals who took advantage of the situation by asking for funeral fees from the families.

For this reason, the public is urged to report such practices through official complaint channels so that they can be followed up.

Meanwhile, Head of Spatial Planning (Diciptabintar) of Bandung City, Deni Pathudin said that his party had conducted mapping of TPU such as Rancacili, Nagrog, and Cikadut.

"We have mapped the remaining grave areas and estimated land availability. In addition, we have developed the 'Ziarah Rindu' application which will make it easier for the public to access information related to graves," said Deni.

This application will also be integrated with the population system, so that death data can be recorded automatically and accurately.

Responding to this, Deputy Chairman of Commission III of the Bandung City DPRD, Agus Andi Setyawan, reminded of the importance of supervision of the implementation of the free burial policy.

"We will initiate the implementation of this regulation and ensure that no more individuals collect fees. The public is also expected to be proactive in reporting if they find violations," he said.

Member of Commission III of the Bandung City DPRD, Nunung Nurasiah added that the Bandung City Government must be present in every aspect of community life, including burial matters.

"From birth to burial, the government must be present. We will ensure through policies and regulations that these burial services are truly free and accessible to all citizens," he concluded. (Bandung City Communication and Information Service/Fauziah).