Viral Jakarta Cremation Costs Touch IDR 48-65 Million, The Police Intervene And Start Investigations

Head of the Criminal Investigation Unit of the National Police, Komjen Agus Andrianto (Photo: Police Public Relations)

JAKARTA - The National Police intervened to investigate the growing information regarding the increase in cremation costs during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is suspected that the cost of cremation has increased due to the actions of irresponsible persons.

"Yes, (the information on the cost of cremation) is being investigated," said the Chief of the Criminal Investigation Department, Komjen Agus Andrianto, when confirmed, Wednesday, July 21.

In the process of investigation, the team has scheduled examination of several parties. It's just that, due to the pandemic period and the Emergency PPKM rules that limit mobility, the inspection process is slightly hampered.

"On the way to invite clarification, the PPKM situation has a grace period. Be patient," said Agus.

On the other hand, Agus also asked anyone who experienced an increase in cremation costs during the pandemic to report it. Thus, the report will become important information for the investigation.

"Please (report) because we really need information," said Komjen Agus.

The news that the cost of cremation has soared began when a resident's confession went viral on social media. He lamented that it was difficult to find suitable COVID-19 cremation services, and he was being blackmailed into paying a high price. This resident's confession indicates that the capital is in crisis in cremating the bodies of people who have tested positive for the coronavirus.

This problem was revealed from a chain message delivered by a resident of West Jakarta who claimed to be named Martin.

On Monday, July 12, Martin said his mother had died positive for COVID-19. He was offered assistance from a person who claimed to be an official from the Cemetery Service (Public Parks and Forest Service) to cremate the cremation at a cost of IDR 48 million.

Martin was surprised. Because, 6 weeks ago his brother died and was cremated at a cost of less than Rp. 10 million. Then, 2 weeks later his relative died and was cremated at a cost of Rp. 24 million. "How did the price skyrocket to this high in such a short time?" Martin wrote in his confession.

Martin is looking for another cremation service. There is a crematorium on the outskirts of the city with a price of Rp. 65 million. Seeing this condition, Martin asked the Governor of DKI Jakarta Anies Baswesan to solve the fraud committed by the crematorium provider.

"If by any chance, Mr. Anies also reads my story, as a resident of DKI, I would like to convey a request that you as the Governor of DKI, it is better to take firm action immediately if any funeral apparatus changes its function to brokers looking for profit. They work closely with mortuaries at the hospital and crematorium staff. who has the right to regulate slots," he said.