The Unsung Heroes of the Cemetery: The Life of a Cemetery Worker

TheIndonesia.co - On a sunny afternoon at the Karet Pasar Baru Barat Public Cemetery (TPU) in Central Jakarta, the serene greenery of the grass, the low shrubs, and the black tombstones create a peaceful atmosphere. As far as the eye can see, visitors dressed in colorful clothes are seen praying, crying, scattering flower petals, and watering rose water on their loved ones' graves. Some visitors simply sit, reflecting deeply, gazing at the final resting places of their dearly departed.

According to Antara News Agency, a long the road dividing the cemetery, street vendors line up, selling offerings like flower petals, rose water, fried snacks, and bottled water, catering to the needs of the mourners. Beyond the cemetery's gates, the tall blue buildings of Jakarta rise into the sky, their purpose a mystery to those observing from the cemetery.

This familiar scene plays out every year during Eid. It’s a view of a cemetery located in the heart of the city, where life and death coexist side by side.

Among the mourners, a group of men is seen moving from one grave to the next, sweeping fallen leaves with 70 cm long broomsticks. Their clothes are worn, stained by the dirt of the cemetery. They know exactly which graves need cleaning, and each grave they attend to appears neatly trimmed, with no overgrown weeds.

One of these workers is Dadang, a man in his fifties. He sits under a plumeria tree, wearing faded black clothes, a cap to shield himself from the sun, and flip-flops. A small bag rests across his chest, and a large white gemstone ring adorns his left ring finger. Near him, on the ground, are his cleaning tools—his broomstick and a grass trimmer.

Despite the fatigue from cleaning the thousands of graves that day, Dadang takes a short break. He knows that his work is far from over, as the day isn't done yet, and more graves await attention. But for now, rest is a luxury he allows himself.

Dadang, originally from Karawang, West Java, has been working as a cemetery caretaker since 1991. Every Thursday, he travels by motorcycle to Karet Pasar Baru Barat, returning to Karawang on Sunday. Since there are no accommodations at the cemetery, he and his colleagues often rest between graves or seek shelter in the cemetery’s parking area during rainy weather.

Dadang has been in this line of work for many years, starting as a grave digger before the task was taken over by the Jakarta Parks and Forestry Service (Tamhut). Now, he focuses on maintaining the graves—sweeping fallen leaves and trimming grass. He and his colleagues are responsible for around 50 graves within the cemetery.

His job requires him to stay overnight to care for the graves. While no one is likely to steal tombstones, Dadang must remain vigilant as relatives or grave owners may visit at any time. Therefore, keeping the graves clean is a constant priority.

In exchange for his services, Dadang offers grave maintenance packages to the relatives of the deceased. He can earn up to 35,000 IDR per month per grave. However, negotiations with some relatives can be challenging, with some refusing to pay the full amount offered. Despite these challenges, Dadang continues to make ends meet and provide for his family.

Dadang's work is physically demanding, and at 50 years old, it's uncertain how much longer he can continue his routine of traveling back and forth from Karawang to Jakarta. But for now, it's the only work he knows, and it ensures his family’s survival.

As the clock strikes 2:00 PM, light rain begins to fall on Karet Pasar Baru Barat Public Cemetery. Some mourners stay at the gravesites of their loved ones, while others seek shelter. In contrast, Dadang and his colleagues return to their duties, cleaning the graves even as the weather grows worse. Sometimes, they receive small donations from kind-hearted visitors as a simple act of charity and gratitude.

While visitors come to the cemetery only occasionally, for the cemetery workers, this place is their home. Even as the rain intensifies and visitors leave, the cemetery caretakers remain, continuing their work—caring for the resting places of the deceased, day after day.