Betawi cultural reserve inaugurated

JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso inaugurated on Saturday the completion of the first-phase construction of a Betawi (native Jakartan) cultural reserve in Srengseng Sawah subdistrict in the Jagakarsa area of South Jakarta.

The first-phase of the project, which cost Rp 1.2 billion, includes a nine-meter-wide entrance gate, a Betawi traditional house, a guest house, and an open air theater facing the lake in the area.

"I hope people can use the complex as a source of information on Betawi culture," Sutiyoso said.

He called for the participation of Jakartans in the project, saying that it was a part of the effort to preserve the traditions of native Jakartans.

"If it's not us (residents) who take care of our kampong (urban village), then who else will?" he asked.

The cultural reserve development in the area, which is currently home to some 34,000 people, half of whom are Betawi people, will also require residents to build and renovate their houses using classic Betawi architecture.

Sutiyoso said the first phase of the project, which is funded through the city budget, had cost some Rp 1.2 billion, which was lower than the projected Rp 1.5 billion.

The 165-hectare area of Srengseng Sawah was chosen for the project due to the large population of ethnic Betawi living in and around the area.

The project is the successor to an earlier one in Condet, East Jakarta, which was abandoned because many of the residents sold their properties .

Lack of funds was also a constraint in the Condet project and resulted in traditional homes not being built due to the high price of timber and maintenance.

There are about two million Betawi people in Jakarta, living in the city's kampongs, especially on the outskirts. (04)