10 South Jakarta Teams Showcase Cultural Traditions at Bedug Festival 2026
South Jakarta Deputy Mayor Ali Murthadho said the Bedug Festival represents an important moment in preserving community cultural traditions, speaking at the 2026 Bedug Festival held at the South Jakarta Mayor’s Office grounds on Tuesday.
He said the event was in line with the directive of DKI Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung, describing it as an activity that could serve as a tourist attraction for the public during Ramadan.
The event is also expected to boost positive activities within the community, particularly among young people.
“This event can serve as a positive space for young people to steer them away from negative behaviour, such as street brawls,” Ali said.
He also expressed hope that the Bedug Festival concept could be expanded beyond the village, sub-district, city and provincial levels, to also be held within local communities — in alleyways, mosques and prayer halls — creating a more vibrant series of festivals.
Ali conveyed his appreciation to the organising committee and all ranks of the South Jakarta City Government who supported the event.
“May this Bedug Festival become part of the Ramadan celebrations and bring blessings for us all,” Ali said.
South Jakarta Culture and Tourism Agency Head Encu said the event was also intended to strengthen the identity and preservation of Betawi cultural values in South Jakarta.
According to him, the event also aims to preserve arts and culture, particularly the tradition of beating the bedug drum, to foster and develop the skills of arts practitioners, and to cultivate a spirit of healthy competition and cooperation among participants.
“Participants come from each sub-district, with one team per sub-district, making a total of 10 teams. Assessment criteria include basic drumming patterns, vocal technique, Arabic letter pronunciation, creativity, and overall performance,” Encu explained.
He noted that the first, second and third-place winners at the city-level festival would represent South Jakarta in a similar competition at the DKI Jakarta provincial level, planned for March 2026.
City-level winners will receive certificates of appreciation, trophies and development grants of Rp12.5 million for first place, Rp10 million for second place, and Rp8.5 million for third place.
Additionally, the first consolation prize winner will receive development funding of Rp7.5 million, whilst the second consolation prize winner will receive Rp6.5 million.
“We extend our gratitude to all parties who have supported the organisation of this event. To all participants, best of luck and give your best performances,” Encu said.