PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - The Bandung City Government appreciates the community's initiative to restore the Cikadut TPU Monument as part of efforts to preserve the city's history and culture.

Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan stated that the government's presence at the inauguration was a form of support for the community movement and also to ensure that the cultural heritage designation process was carried out according to regulations.

"This is a good opportunity to align perceptions. What the community is doing is a positive initiative, and the government is here to support it and ensure everything complies with regulations," he said at the Cikadut Public Cemetery Monument on Sunday (March 29, 2026).

Farhan explained that administratively, the Cikadut Public Cemetery area currently holds the status of a suspected cultural heritage site (ODCB). However, this status still enjoys protection under the Cultural Heritage Law.

"The protection for ODCB is the same, but to become a cultural heritage site, it must undergo a study. It can't be based solely on assumptions; there must be a scientific basis," said Farhan.

He stated that the Bandung City Government will encourage and facilitate a joint study process between the community and the Department of Culture and Tourism.

The study includes collecting documentation, testimony, and tracing the historical value of the area.

"Please continue this. The Culture and Tourism Office will assist in compiling the study. Once the study is complete, we will issue the decree," Farhan emphasized.

Furthermore, Farhan also highlighted the building permit aspect. He revealed that the monument, which had been constructed, did not yet have a Building Permit (PBG), so the administrative process needed to be completed immediately.

"I've ordered the PBG to be processed immediately. Because this involves cultural elements, please allow construction to proceed while the administration is completed," he said.

According to him, the Cikadut Public Cemetery, which covers approximately 56 hectares, also presents a challenge in the designation process. Not the entire area can be immediately designated as a cultural heritage site; it must go through a clear classification process.

"We have to determine what's included, what category it's categorized into, and how it's classified. Whether it's all graves or just certain sections. That all depends on the study," he said.

Farhan also emphasized the government's commitment to maintaining the area according to its intended use. He confirmed that there are no commercial development plans within the Cikadut Public Cemetery (TPU).

"It's impossible. Access alone is impossible, and we won't issue a permit for it," he said.

He also clarified the issue of grave relocation. He stated that relocation can only be carried out with the consent of the heirs and the mayor's permission.

"Without these two things, there cannot be any relocation of graves," said Farhan.

Meanwhile, the Chair of the Cikadut TPU Monument Restoration Committee, Oting Hambali, through a committee representative, said that the Cikadut TPU area has long historical value.

"The Cikadut TPU has been around since the late 19th century, and is over 100 years old. Many historical events have taken place here," he said.

This restoration aims to raise public awareness in caring for graves as part of civilization and history.

"We don't worship graves, but we care for them as proof that we are a civilized people who respect our ancestors," he said.

The committee hopes that the Cikadut TPU area can be developed better, and even has the potential to become a history and culture-based tourist destination.

With the commencement of this review process, the Bandung City Government and the community are expected to strengthen the basis for officially designating the Cikadut TPU Monument as a cultural heritage site. (Bandung City Communications and Information Office)