Pramono Encourages Completion of Betawi Indigenous Community Regional Regulation

The Jakarta government aims to finalize the drafting of the regulation concerning the Betawi indigenous community.

«I hope this culture will also become part of formal education in schools.»

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung stated that the enactment of the Betawi indigenous community bylaw is a mandate derived from Law No. 2/2024.

The statement was made during the event Sarasehan III Young Betawi Caucus: «Welcoming Jakarta’s 498th Anniversary and the Betawi Community’s Traditional Institution in 2025» at Mercure Hotel Ancol, North Jakarta, on Monday (6/2).

«This is part of our commitment to finalizing Law No. 2/2024. The law mandates it. Now, momentum must be built. Otherwise, we will face difficulties,» he explained.

One of the Jakarta government’s commitments to preserving and developing Betawi culture is the plan to prohibit the use of ondel-ondel art as a means for passenger transport. Pramono wants ondel-ondel art to be more highly valued by society.

«To elevate the dignity of Betawi culture, we must make it something universally respected, not just a culture meant for street performances,» he said.

Therefore, he requested the Jakarta Cultural Agency to promote Betawi culture by showcasing it in various locations. Previously, the Jakarta government collaborated with 10 five-star hotels to further promote Betawi culture.

One of them is the Borobudur Hotel, where traditional Betawi cuisine will be served for two months. Additionally, Betawi-style decorations will appear in various places, such as at the Tugu Stadium in Koja Subdistrict, North Jakarta.

Beyond symbols, Betawi culture should also be represented and displayed at various events.

He even suggested incorporating elements of Betawi figures into the names of some new hospitals to strengthen cultural identity.

«I have discussed this with the Head of the Health Agency,» he emphasized.

He added that Betawi culture is one of Jakarta’s main strengths, which should position it as a global cultural city.

«I strongly desire that the Betawi customary institution or Betawi identity be well-established,» he stated.

A similar statement was made by the Head of the Jakarta City Council, Horyudin.

«We are committed to enacting the bylaw on Betawi cultural development, insha Allah (God willing), I am deeply committed,» he emphasized.

Despite needing to complete 30 priority bylaw projects this year, he promised to prioritize finalizing the Betawi Cultural Development Regulation.

After receiving the draft from the executive branch, his party will prepare this bylaw draft through discussions in the Legislative Council (Bapemperda), inviting practitioners, community leaders, and stakeholders relevant to Betawi culture.

«Beyond the bylaw and ceremonial aspects, I hope this culture will also become part of formal education in schools,» he expressed.

Betawi indigenous community

The Betawi indigenous community is the native ethnic group of Jakarta, Indonesia, with a rich cultural heritage blending Malay, Chinese, Arab, and Dutch influences due to centuries of trade and colonization. Historically, the Betawi people emerged in the 18th century from intermarriages among these diverse groups, developing unique traditions such as *Ondel-ondel* puppetry, *Lenong* theater, and *Keroncong* music. Today, their culture is celebrated in festivals and preserved in cultural villages like Setu Babakan.

Mercure Hotel Ancol

The Mercure Hotel Ancol is a modern hotel located in the Ancol district of North Jakarta, Indonesia, near popular attractions like Ancol Dreamland and the Jakarta Bay coastline. It is part of the international Accor hotel chain and offers comfortable accommodations with easy access to entertainment and business hubs. While the hotel itself does not have a long historical background, the Ancol area has been a recreational destination since the Dutch colonial era and remains a key leisure spot in Jakarta today.

ondel-ondel art

Ondel-ondel is a traditional Betawi folk art from Jakarta, Indonesia, featuring large, colorful puppet figures made from bamboo and cloth. Originally used in rituals to ward off evil spirits, these giant puppets now perform in parades and festivals, accompanied by lively music. The art form reflects the cultural heritage of the Betawi people and has become a popular symbol of Jakarta’s identity.

Borobudur Hotel

The **Borobudur Hotel** is a historic luxury hotel located in Jakarta, Indonesia, named after the famous 9th-century Buddhist temple, Borobudur. Established in the early 1970s, it was one of the city’s premier hotels, known for its elegant design and high-profile guests. While it has undergone changes over the years, it remains a notable part of Jakarta’s hospitality heritage.

Tugu Stadium

Tugu Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, primarily used for football matches and local events. It holds historical significance as one of the oldest stadiums in the region, having hosted numerous sporting and cultural activities since its establishment. The stadium is named after the nearby Tugu Monument, a landmark symbolizing the spirit of Yogyakarta.

Koja Subdistrict

Koja Subdistrict is a coastal area located in North Jakarta, Indonesia, known for its bustling port, Tanjung Priok, which has been a key trade hub since the Dutch colonial era. Historically, it played a significant role in Jakarta’s maritime economy and remains an important industrial and logistics center today. The subdistrict also reflects a mix of urban development and traditional communities, with cultural influences from Betawi, Chinese, and other ethnic groups.

Jakarta Cultural Agency

The Jakarta Cultural Agency (Dinas Kebudayaan DKI Jakarta) is a government body responsible for preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Indonesia’s capital. Established to oversee cultural programs, it supports traditional arts, historical sites, and local traditions, reflecting Jakarta’s diverse influences from Betawi, Malay, Chinese, and Dutch cultures. The agency also organizes festivals and maintains museums to educate the public about the city’s rich history.

Betawi customary institution

The Betawi Customary Institution (Lembaga Adat Betawi) is a cultural organization dedicated to preserving the traditions, language, and heritage of the Betawi people, the indigenous inhabitants of Jakarta, Indonesia. Established to safeguard Betawi customs amid rapid urbanization, it promotes traditional arts, rituals, and communal values rooted in the region’s Malay, Chinese, Arab, and Dutch influences. The institution plays a key role in organizing cultural festivals, such as the annual *Lenong* (folk theater) and *Ondel-ondel* (giant puppet) performances, ensuring Betawi identity endures in modern Jakarta.