Police Quick Steps In Investigating Alleged Cremation Fee Games During COVID-19 Pandemic

Illustration (Pixabay)

JAKARTA - The National Police immediately intervened to investigate information regarding the increase in cremation costs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The reason is that the cause is suspected to be the act of irresponsible persons.

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 Rp48 million.

Martin was surprised. Because 6 weeks ago his brother died and was cremated at a cost of less than Rp10 million. Then, 2 weeks later his relative died and was cremated at a cost of Rp24 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 Rp65 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.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Criminal Investigation Unit of the National Police, General Commissioner Agus Andrianto, said that investigations were currently underway. Various information and instructions regarding this are being collected.

"Yes, (information on the cost of cremation) is being investigated," said General Commissioner Agus.

In the process of investigation, the team has scheduled an 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.

The statement about the investigation was proven. This is because the West Jakarta Metro Police investigated parties related to the cost of cremation.

Head of Criminal Investigation Unit for West Jakarta Metro Police, Commissioner Joko Dwi Harsono, said his party was investigating two people who were in charge of the Eternal Funeral Home.

"Currently the manager is being questioned," said Commissioner Joko.

However, Joko refused to reveal the identity of the two. Just to confirm, the inspection has been going on since 10:00 western Indonesia time.

"He has been questioned since 10 o'clock and there are two people who are being questioned by the police," he said.

Later, after the inspection is complete, investigators will determine the next steps. Because this case will be investigated thoroughly because it is very detrimental to the community. Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.