Report says 31 Wae Rana graves dismantled in 2026

Labuan Bajo — A report published on 13 November states that 31 graves were dismantled at Wae Rana public cemetery during 2026, following 105 removals the previous year. The remains were moved to Gorontalo public cemetery, according to Floresa.

The cemetery is in Labuan Bajo, Komodo district, West Manggarai regency. Floresa reported that the 31 graves were among 136 graves dismantled in two stages. It said Abdul Haji, a gravedigger paid for the work, provided the figures.

Floresa reported that 26 graves dismantled in 2026 had approval from Arwin. Family members excavated five other graves, the report said. The remains were transferred about seven kilometres to Gorontalo public cemetery.

The report linked the dismantling to PT Fortuna Paradiso Optima, identified as the company controlling the Wae Rana cemetery land and managing a luxury resort in Labuan Bajo. Some heirs told Floresa they had not agreed to the excavation and relocation of family graves.

Why it matters to Labuan Bajo readers

Floresa reported that Wae Rana had been designated as a public cemetery in 1970. The report said the government prohibited new burials there from 1990 and directed new burials to a cemetery behind Pasar Baru in Gorontalo.

The prohibition on new burials did not, according to residents cited by Floresa, require the relocation of older graves. The report described disputes involving heirs, the company and mediation over the removals.

Floresa also reported that 105 graves moved in the previous year had been given tiled finishes at Gorontalo. It said heirs received only part of the work in that stage, while the graves moved during 2026 were handed over to heirs.

Sources

• Floresa — local investigative report
• obortimur.com