Malang, en.SERU.co.id — Tucked away in Pandanwangi Village, Blimbing District, lies a modest road with a deeply meaningful name: Jalan Menuju Surga (The Road to Heaven). What began as a narrow drainage ditch with a footpath has become a vital alternative route for motorcyclists, but its true purpose was far more poignant.
The road was created to make funeral processions smoother and faster. Before it existed, residents had to detour through the often-congested Jalan LA Sucipto, turning what should be a solemn journey into a frustrating ordeal.
Winar Kholili, head of RW 9 in Pandanwangi, recalled the frustration that sparked the project.
“It started as nothing more than a drainage channel with a small path alongside it. Residents from RW 1, 9, and 10 agreed to build a proper road so that when someone passes away, the procession could reach the cemetery more quickly without getting stuck in traffic,” he said on Friday, July 10, 2026.
Because the land was still technically a drainage area, the local government couldn’t fund its development. So, the community took matters into their own hands through gotong royong, traditional mutual cooperation.
Construction began around 2016 and took roughly two years. Residents funded it entirely through jimpitan, a weekly collection where people contributed money or rice. The donations were pooled, sold when necessary, and used to buy soil, materials, and other essentials.
“It was all done together, without any government budget. We used jimpitan to speed things up. Some gave cash, others gave rice. It was pure community effort,” Winar explained.
The evocative name “Jalan Menuju Surga” was chosen deliberately. “We named it that to motivate everyone. We hope this collective work becomes an act of worship, not just building a road, but strengthening our spirit of togetherness,” Winar said.
Today, the 600-meter road serves a much broader purpose. It has become a popular shortcut, especially for motorcyclists looking to avoid heavy traffic on Jalan LA Sucipto. Its width varies, about 1.2 meters on the eastern side and up to 2.5 meters in the middle.
Asmuri, who chaired the construction committee, confirmed the difference it has made.
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“Funeral processions used to have to take the long way around. Now it’s much easier, and the road benefits everyone who uses it,” he said.
He added that the community is hoping for greater attention from the Malang city government.
“We’ve done a lot through self-help. We hope the city can help make the road more permanent and improve the lighting,” Asmuri said.
What started as a practical solution born from compassion has grown into a lasting symbol of community resilience and solidarity in Pandanwangi. (bas/mzm)
Indonesian Version:
Kisah Jalan Menuju Surga di Malang, Dibangun Swadaya Demi Memuliakan Jenazah
