Sherly Tjoanda Prepares Grave Next to Benny Laos, Pilgrimage on the Late's Birthday

Kapanlagi.com - Sherly Tjoanda is preparing her own grave next to the tomb of her husband, the late Benny Laos. This information was revealed through several family pilgrimage moments that touched many netizens. The cemetery complex is located in San Diego Hills, Karawang, West Java.

Benny Laos passed away in a speedboat fire tragedy while still a candidate for Governor of North Maluku. This position was then taken over by his wife, Sherly Tjoanda. In the same incident, Sherly suffered burns that made it difficult for her to move her legs and hips.

Since Benny's passing, the family has made visiting his grave a regular agenda every Sunday. Their daughter, Cece Lyn, refers to this activity as a new family ritual, visiting her father's grave while telling stories as if he were still there.

The latest pilgrimage moment took place on Benny's birthday, August 8. Sherly attended with the children, wearing all-white outfits, and scattered flowers as a form of tribute. On August 10, 2026, Sherly shared the moment through her personal Instagram account, @s_tjo, containing expressions of longing and reflections on the journey of living each day without the presence of her husband.

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1. Benny Laos's Tombstone and Adjacent Place for Sherly Tjoanda

In one of the pilgrimage videos circulating on March 2, 2025, a wide tombstone bearing the name Benny Laos is visible, with one grave on the left side already filled. On the right side of the same tombstone, the name Sherly Tjoanda has been installed, marking plans for her to be buried alongside him in the future.

The details on the tombstone have drawn attention as they showcase the arrangement of two sides that are adjacent to each other. The visual emphasizes that the family has prepared Sherly's final resting place next to Benny, within the same tombstone area.

The discovery of Sherly's name on the right side of Benny's tombstone has touched many residents of North Maluku who have seen it. The posts about the pilgrimage have sparked empathetic responses, recalling the family's mourning journey since the incident that took Benny's life.

2. Family Pilgrimage Routine at San Diego Hills

The family pilgrimage to San Diego Hills takes place consistently every Sunday, starting four months after Benny's passing. The resting place in Karawang, West Java, becomes a meeting point for the family to pray and remember.

Cece Lyn once mentioned that this habit has become a new family ritual. They visit their father's grave and talk as if they can still communicate directly, maintaining closeness even in a sorrowful atmosphere.

The consistency of the pilgrimage provides an opportunity for Sherly Tjoanda and the children to continue the family tradition in their own chosen way. This activity is captured in several posts showing the family gathered at Benny's grave.

3. A Different Birthday Celebration

Emotional moments were captured again when Sherly visited the grave on August 8, coinciding with Benny's birthday. She came with the children, dressed in all white, and scattered flowers on the grave as a form of tribute.

On August 10, 2026, Sherly shared this moment on Instagram @s_tjo. She expressed her feelings of longing for someone she knows will never come back. Sherly also revealed that living life without Benny's presence is not easy, but she is learning to be a stronger person than she ever imagined.

In the past, Benny's birthday was usually celebrated with a family dinner. Now, the celebration has shifted to prayers and pilgrimages with the children, as a way for the family to still feel connected to the loved one they cherish.

(kpl/ums)