Local Opposition to Open-Air Cremation

Plans to cremate prominent Murdaya Property entrepreneur, Widyawimarta Poo, in Ngaran II Hamlet, near the famed Borobudur Temple, have met with resistance from local residents. A mediation session held on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, involving representatives from the Indonesian Buddhist Association (Walubi) and the Magelang Regency Government, failed to resolve the impasse.

The core issue revolves around the proposed location of the cremation site within a residential area. Maryoto, the head of ngaran I and II Hamlet, stated unequivocally that residents reject any form of cremation taking place in their neighborhood. This sentiment reflects a broader concern about the potential impact on their community.

Residents’ fears: Habitat, Health, and Social Impact

The unease among residents stems from several factors. They express worries about potential environmental hazards, public health risks, and the overall social well-being of their community. The proposed method of open cremation, utilizing sandalwood, has heightened these concerns.

Specifically, residents have voiced anxieties regarding:

• The potential impact of smoke and odors from the burning of human remains.
• The possibility of long-term psychological trauma, particularly for children and the elderly.
• General disruption to their peaceful living environment.

the cremation is scheduled to take place on May 7, 2025, on land owned by Murdaya Poo‘s wife, Siti Hartati Murdaya, near Graha Padmasambawa.This proximity to residential areas is a key point of contention.

Walubi Defends Cremation as a Religious Tradition

Tanto Soegito Harsono, chairman of the Central Java DPD Walubi, explained that the cremation is being carried out at the request of the Murdaya poo family, honoring a tradition reserved for respected figures and religious leaders. He emphasized that this is not a common practice for ordinary Buddhists.

Harsono detailed the planned cremation process, stating that sandalwood would be stacked up to two meters high and surrounded by stones to contain the fire. He assured residents that the area would be thoroughly cleaned after the ceremony. We have never planned to build crematoriums, Harsono stated, addressing concerns about a permanent facility.

he also cited a precedent, noting that a similar cremation was conducted for Bhante Win, a prominent Buddhist leader, in the Bukit Dagi area of Borobudur Tourism Park approximately 20 years ago.

The tradition of wood cremation is only carried out for religious leaders or respected figures, not general practices for ordinary Buddhists.

Tanto Soegito Harsono, Chairman of the Central Java DPD Walubi

Mediation Ends without Resolution; Future Discussions Planned

Despite a nearly four-hour mediation session, no agreement was reached between the residents and Walubi representatives. The Regent of Magelang, Grengseng Pamuji, expressed his appreciation for the willingness of all parties to engage in dialogue and suggested further discussions to find a mutually acceptable solution.

If there is no (agreement),with all humility,let’s sit together again, Pamuji stated,highlighting the ongoing effort to address the concerns of the community.

Looking Ahead: Finding Common ground

The situation remains unresolved, underscoring the complexities of balancing religious traditions with the concerns of local communities. Further discussions and potential compromises will be necessary to reach a solution that respects both the Murdaya Poo family’s wishes and the well-being of the residents of Ngaran II Hamlet.