Jakarta (ANTARA) - Chairman of the Custom Council of the Betawi Clans\nAssembly (MKB) Fauzi Bowo, or Foke, highlighted the 2026 Betawi Lebaran\ncelebration with a simplified atmosphere as a manifestation of concern\nfor the ongoing social conditions and global situation.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe current global situation creates uncertainty. We also see that\nmany of our fellow citizens are still facing difficulties. Therefore, we\nhave decided to simplify this celebration,\u201d said Fauzi Bowo during his\nspeech at the 2026 Betawi Lebaran event at Lapangan Banteng, Central\nJakarta, on Saturday.<\/p>\n
In addition, he said, simplifying the organisation of Betawi Lebaran\nis also done considering the distressing conditions, both domestically\nand globally.<\/p>\n
According to him, many communities have not yet recovered socially\nand economically due to recent natural disasters.<\/p>\n
On the other hand, the humanitarian conflict in the Gaza Strip and\ntensions in the Middle East region also affect the world situation\nbroadly.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs a form of concern for the prevailing inner atmosphere lately,\nmany of our fellow citizens have not yet recovered from the natural\ndisasters that occurred, so their social and economic lives have not\nrecovered, then the ongoing oppression in the Gaza Strip, and lately the\nwar in the Middle East which impacts uncertainty throughout the world,\u201d\nFauzi explained.<\/p>\n
He also invited the entire community to understand this decision and\nmake it a momentum to enhance empathy and social solidarity.<\/p>\n
He also expressed appreciation to the Governor of DKI Jakarta,\nPramono Anung, along with his team and the organising committee who have\nprepared the event well.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe can be present to celebrate Betawi Lebaran at this historic\nplace. Thank you to the Governor and all parties who have supported the\nimplementation of this activity,\u201d said Fauzi.<\/p>\n
Foke emphasised that Betawi Lebaran is not just an annual ceremonial\nevent after Ramadan.<\/p>\n
More than that, the activity serves as an important reminder for the\npeople of Jakarta to preserve, nurture, and maintain Betawi culture as\npart of the city\u2019s identity.<\/p>\n
Amid the strong currents of modernisation and the dynamics of Jakarta\nas a global city, noble values such as maintaining ties, mutual\ncooperation, togetherness, and respect for elders must continue to be\nupheld and passed on to the younger generation.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese values must not be lost. Instead, we must nurture them and\npass them on to the next generation,\u201d Fauzi stressed.<\/p>\n
As a concrete manifestation of this commitment, the Betawi Clans\nAssembly actively involves the younger generation in organising this\nyear\u2019s Betawi Lebaran. This step is considered important to ensure the\ncontinuity of the tradition in the future.<\/p>\n
Even though it is held more simply, Fauzi assured that the essence of\nBetawi culture remains intact.<\/p>\n
He stated that the tradition is part of Betawi culture rich in moral\nand spiritual values, not a form of gratification.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is an expression of reverence and respect. So it is not\ngratification, but a culture that we must understand together,\u201d said\nFauzi.<\/p>\n
He explained that the tradition reflects a harmonious social\nstructure, while also serving as a means to strengthen\ninter-generational and inter-institutional relations in government and\ncommunity environments.<\/p>\n
In addition, with the theme \u201cBetawi Lebaran for Jakarta:\nStrengthening Unity, Nurturing Traditions Towards a Global Jakarta\nCity\u201d, this year\u2019s Betawi Lebaran celebration is also designed as an\ninclusive space for all communities.<\/p>\n
Not only as a grand halal bihalal event, Betawi Lebaran also features\nvarious cultural attractions and typical Betawi cuisine that can be\nenjoyed by residents from various backgrounds.<\/p>\n
Foke assessed that this inclusive approach is important to introduce\nBetawi culture more broadly while strengthening Jakarta\u2019s position as a\nglobal city that remains rooted in local values.<\/p>\n
He also invited all Jakarta residents to make Betawi Lebaran a\nmomentum to strengthen unity and brotherhood, quoting a verse from Allah\nSWT in Surah Ali Imran which reminds the importance of holding firmly to\nunity and avoiding division.<\/p>\n
According to him, Jakarta\u2019s diversity must become a strength, not a\nsource of difference.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe must strengthen our sense of belonging to Jakarta. Together,\nbuild this city while still preserving cultural values,\u201d said Fauzi.<\/p>\n
He also expressed thanks for the planned inauguration of the Custom\nCouncil of the Betawi Clans Assembly to be held at the DKI Jakarta City\nHall in the near future, as a form of government support for the Betawi\ncustomary institution.<\/p>\n
On the other hand, Fauzi hopes that Lapangan Banteng can become a\npermanent location for future Betawi Lebaran events, considering its\nhistorical value and representation as a public space that is deemed\nvery appropriate.<\/p>\n
\u201cNow the atmosphere is much better. I think this is the right place\nfor future Betawi Lebaran,\u201d said Fauzi.<\/p>\n
He invited the entire community to continue maintaining unity and\ncontributing to Jakarta\u2019s development.<\/p>\n
Betawi Lebaran 2026 took place from 10-12 April with the theme\n\u201cBetawi Lebaran for Jakarta: Strengthening Unity in Nurturing Traditions\nTowards a Global Jakarta City\u201d.<\/p>\n
The event began with a thanksgiving night filled with recitations,\nmaulid, tahlil, sermons, and joint prayers on Friday (10\/4) from\n18.30-21.30 WIB.<\/p>\n
On Saturday, from 08.00-23.00 WIB, various cultural attractions were\nheld, including ondel-ondel, tanjidor, silat, gambang kromong, as well\nas ceremonial activities, grand silaturahmi, and public entertainment\nsuch as Betawi lenong and layar tancep.<\/p>\n
Then, on the final day, Sunday, 12 April, from 06.00-22.00 WIB, it\nwas filled with casual and interactive activities, starting from joint\nexercise, Betawi traditional games, folk tales, cultural carnivals,\nprocession of hantaran, Betawi culinary presentations, to music\nperformances.<\/p>\n
The public can enjoy various Betawi cuisines and visit a bazaar of\nlocal products as part of efforts to encourage economic growth.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/betawi-lebaran-2026-simplified-foke-emphasises-social-empathy-1775893843", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }