BOGOR —-— Under the scorching sun at the Jabon Mekar Public Cemetery in Parung, Bogor, a group of men were busy pulling out weeds and cleaning gravestones. They were Team B’Beres, a special team consisting of people with mental disabilities under the Community Service Institution (LPM) Dompet Dhuafa.
The activity, which took place on Thursday (February 12, 2026), was carried out in preparation for the holy month of Ramadan, when the tradition of visiting graves begins to gain momentum among the community.
Kamaludin, Manager of LPM Dompet Dhuafa, explained that the presence of the B’Beres Team is a gesture of care aimed at providing comfort for visitors.
“The B’Beres Team cleans the graves before Ramadan as part of its service to pilgrims so that the cemetery is clean and comfortable to visit,” said Kamaludin.
However, this action is not just ordinary cleaning. For survivors whose recovery rate has now reached 80%, physical activity in public spaces is part of a long journey towards full recovery.
“The contribution of the B’Beres Team in cleaning the graves is also a form of therapy for survivors of mental disabilities in the B’Beres Team … This cleaning activity is a positive activity for both themselves and the community,” added Kamaludin.
Irawan, the Action Coordinator, confirmed that there has been a significant change in behavior since the program was launched last November. Interaction with the outside world has proven to be effective in reducing the symptoms often experienced by survivors.
“From activities like this, we can see progress in their behavior. Previously, they would just stay indoors and eventually experience hallucinations. But with these activities, they get tired and go to sleep. And, thank God, those who used to refuse our orders to be quiet or do something else can now be guided,“ explained Irawan.
Not only in terms of discipline, but communication skills among the participants have also improved dramatically.
”Thank God, their condition has also stabilized. They can also communicate with their friends now,” he added.
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In the future, Dompet Dhuafa hopes that the B’Beres Team will not only stop at seasonal activities. This empowerment model is expected to become a model of how to humanize survivors through real work.
“The hope for the future is that B’Beres can become a flagship program promoting mental health recovery, environmental sustainability, and empowerment for Team B’Beres members,” concluded Kamaludin. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: Aji Pangestu
Editor: Ronna