Cremation Costs Soar, Police: Not A Cartel, But An Act Of Brokers

The DKI Provincial Government provides free cremation services in the Tegal Alur area specifically for Jakarta residents (FOTO IST)

JAKARTA - The police stated that the soaring cost of cremation during the COVID-19 pandemic was not caused by cartels or syndicates that deliberately raised prices. Instead, there are brokering practices that have an impact on the soaring cost of cremation.

"Unorganized like a cartel, their method is to increase prices with the motive of making a profit", said West Jakarta Metro Police Criminal Investigation Unit, Commissioner Joko Dwi Harsono to reporters, Friday, July 23.

This was found out after the police had independently examined seven witnesses. They are the manager of the funeral home to other related parties.

"We asked for information from the seven witnesses, consisting of 2 managers of a noble foundation in West Jakarta, 1 manager of a noble crematorium in Karawang, and 1 viral narrator and 3 other related witnesses", said Joko.

The West Jakarta Metro Police also did not receive reports from the victims directly regarding the alleged high price of cremation.

Therefore, people who feel they are victims are urged to report it immediately. So, the case or problem can be investigated thoroughly.

"We are still waiting for a report from the victim and we are continuing to investigate the alleged cremation practice", said Joko