WEST JAVA — Starting various actions carried out during the 1446 H Ramadan Month, the Community Service Institute (LPM) Dompet Dhuafa held an action Aware of Cemetery Area Cleanliness (SEKAR) at the Dreded Heroes Cemetery (TMP), Bogor City, Friday (28/02/2025). This activity aims to honor the services of heroes and at the same time raise awareness of the importance of maintaining cleanliness in the cemetery area.
This activity was attended by representatives of Empang Village, the Indonesian Veterans Legion (LVRI) of Bogor City, and the families of veterans. LPM chose Dreded Cemetery as the main location for the SEKAR action because this is the resting place of a number of important figures, including the late Captain Muslihat and Major General Oking.
As part of the series of activities, the Dompet Dhuafa Team together with the Bersih Itu Sehat (Clean is Healthy) Team cleaned the tomb area of trash and weeds. In addition, they also repainted the gravestones and tomb fences to keep them well maintained. This activity was followed by a collective recitation of zikir (prayers), as a form of respect and prayer for the heroes who had fallen defending the nation.
Not only that, but this action also included the provision of assistance to veterans who are members of the LVRI and their families. This assistance is a form of appreciation for the services and sacrifices of the heroes who fought for Indonesia’s independence.
The chairman of the Bogor City LVRI, H Suratman, welcomed this activity. According to him, this activity is an excellent way to welcome and start the month of Ramadan. He was also pleased that this activity succeeded in bringing together the families of veterans to maintain relationships with each other.
“This is a very good momentum, especially ahead of Ramadan. I hope that activities like this can be carried out periodically and spread to other memorials. The presence of veteran families is also very meaningful for us. Not only as a condolence, but also as a reminder that one day we will all pass away,” he said.
The SEKAR (Honor the Fallen) program is not only carried out at the Dreded Cemetery, but also at various public cemeteries in the Greater Jakarta area. Some of the points targeted by this program include the Rorotan Cemetery in Jakarta, the Tanah Kusir Cemetery, the Parung Serab Cemetery in Depok, the Pedurenan Cemetery in Bekasi, and the Jabon Mekar Cemetery in Parung, Bogor Regency.
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According to Fitroh, Social Program Staff of LPM Dompet Dhuafa, the SEKAR Program is a form of Dompet Dhuafa’s concern for the condition of public cemeteries which are often poorly maintained. In fact, just before the month of Ramadan, the tradition of nyekar is carried out so massively in almost all cemeteries in Indonesia. This is because it is a tradition commonly practiced by the people of Indonesia.
“Many cemeteries are filled with trash and weeds. Through the SEKAR action, we want to invite the community to be more concerned about maintaining the cleanliness of the final resting places of heroes and the general public,” he said.
Furthermore, Fitroh added that the cleanliness of the cemetery area is not only the responsibility of the government or the TPU manager, but also a shared responsibility. Therefore, SEKAR activities are expected to inspire the wider community to participate in keeping the cemetery environment clean and comfortable.
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Apart from maintaining cleanliness, this activity is also a means of educating the younger generation about the importance of respecting the services of heroes. Dompet Dhuafa wants young people to better understand history and appreciate the fighters who have sacrificed for this country. That way, they can grow up with a high awareness of the importance of respecting and preserving historical heritage.
With a spirit of mutual cooperation and social awareness, Dompet Dhuafa hopes that this action can inspire the wider community to play an active role in creating a clean and comfortable environment. Dompet Dhuafa is committed to continuing to present social programs that provide real benefits to the community. Serve Better, to Cultivate Kindness. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: Riza Muthohar, LPM
Editor: Dhika