Phase I backfilling work at Bambu Apus Public Cemetery (TPU) on Jalan Bambu Wulung, Bambu Apus Urban Village, Cipayung Sub-district, East Jakarta, completed.

Phase 1 work is carried out from June 2021 to November 10, 2021

East Jakarta City Park and Forestry Sub-agency Head, Christian Tamora Hutagalung mentioned, three heavy equipment were deployed to backfill 2.5 hectares land.

"Those heavy equipment are assistance from Bina Marga Sub-agency and Environment (LH) Sub-agency. Phase 1 work is carried out from June 2021 to November 10, 2021," he said, Tuesday (11/16).

According to him, soil used for backfill was from dredging projects of Munjul Reservoir, Tiu Reservoir, and infiltration wells construction in East Jakarta. At the location, his side had previously cleared 2.5 hectares land, which was used as COVID-19 burial ground.

"Now, the backfilling project is continued in Bambu Apus TPU area which is still in form of swamp. It is carried out in order to expand burial ground for TPU," he explained.

Meanwhile, East Jakarta City Park and Forestry Sub-agency's TPU Zone 19 Supervisor, Muhaimin conveyed, Bambu Apus TPU is a solution to meet the increasing demand for burial grounds in East Jakarta, which has limited land.

"The 2.5 hectares land in this TPU has been used for COVID-19 burial ground. Now, we are gradually backfilling 2.5-hectare land for public or non-COVID-19 burial ground. Then, in the same location, we will build a pond on an area of 3,000 square meters," he stated.