Betawi Lebaran 2026 Simplified, Foke Emphasises Social Empathy
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Chairman of the Custom Council of the Betawi Clans Assembly (MKB) Fauzi Bowo, or Foke, highlighted the 2026 Betawi Lebaran celebration with a simplified atmosphere as a manifestation of concern for the ongoing social conditions and global situation.
“The current global situation creates uncertainty. We also see that many of our fellow citizens are still facing difficulties. Therefore, we have decided to simplify this celebration,” said Fauzi Bowo during his speech at the 2026 Betawi Lebaran event at Lapangan Banteng, Central Jakarta, on Saturday.
In addition, he said, simplifying the organisation of Betawi Lebaran is also done considering the distressing conditions, both domestically and globally.
According to him, many communities have not yet recovered socially and economically due to recent natural disasters.
On the other hand, the humanitarian conflict in the Gaza Strip and tensions in the Middle East region also affect the world situation broadly.
“As a form of concern for the prevailing inner atmosphere lately, many of our fellow citizens have not yet recovered from the natural disasters that occurred, so their social and economic lives have not recovered, then the ongoing oppression in the Gaza Strip, and lately the war in the Middle East which impacts uncertainty throughout the world,” Fauzi explained.
He also invited the entire community to understand this decision and make it a momentum to enhance empathy and social solidarity.
He also expressed appreciation to the Governor of DKI Jakarta, Pramono Anung, along with his team and the organising committee who have prepared the event well.
“We can be present to celebrate Betawi Lebaran at this historic place. Thank you to the Governor and all parties who have supported the implementation of this activity,” said Fauzi.
Foke emphasised that Betawi Lebaran is not just an annual ceremonial event after Ramadan.
More than that, the activity serves as an important reminder for the people of Jakarta to preserve, nurture, and maintain Betawi culture as part of the city’s identity.
Amid the strong currents of modernisation and the dynamics of Jakarta as a global city, noble values such as maintaining ties, mutual cooperation, togetherness, and respect for elders must continue to be upheld and passed on to the younger generation.
“These values must not be lost. Instead, we must nurture them and pass them on to the next generation,” Fauzi stressed.
As a concrete manifestation of this commitment, the Betawi Clans Assembly actively involves the younger generation in organising this year’s Betawi Lebaran. This step is considered important to ensure the continuity of the tradition in the future.
Even though it is held more simply, Fauzi assured that the essence of Betawi culture remains intact.
He stated that the tradition is part of Betawi culture rich in moral and spiritual values, not a form of gratification.
“This is an expression of reverence and respect. So it is not gratification, but a culture that we must understand together,” said Fauzi.
He explained that the tradition reflects a harmonious social structure, while also serving as a means to strengthen inter-generational and inter-institutional relations in government and community environments.
In addition, with the theme “Betawi Lebaran for Jakarta: Strengthening Unity, Nurturing Traditions Towards a Global Jakarta City”, this year’s Betawi Lebaran celebration is also designed as an inclusive space for all communities.
Not only as a grand halal bihalal event, Betawi Lebaran also features various cultural attractions and typical Betawi cuisine that can be enjoyed by residents from various backgrounds.
Foke assessed that this inclusive approach is important to introduce Betawi culture more broadly while strengthening Jakarta’s position as a global city that remains rooted in local values.
He also invited all Jakarta residents to make Betawi Lebaran a momentum to strengthen unity and brotherhood, quoting a verse from Allah SWT in Surah Ali Imran which reminds the importance of holding firmly to unity and avoiding division.
According to him, Jakarta’s diversity must become a strength, not a source of difference.
“We must strengthen our sense of belonging to Jakarta. Together, build this city while still preserving cultural values,” said Fauzi.
He also expressed thanks for the planned inauguration of the Custom Council of the Betawi Clans Assembly to be held at the DKI Jakarta City Hall in the near future, as a form of government support for the Betawi customary institution.
On the other hand, Fauzi hopes that Lapangan Banteng can become a permanent location for future Betawi Lebaran events, considering its historical value and representation as a public space that is deemed very appropriate.
“Now the atmosphere is much better. I think this is the right place for future Betawi Lebaran,” said Fauzi.
He invited the entire community to continue maintaining unity and contributing to Jakarta’s development.
Betawi Lebaran 2026 took place from 10-12 April with the theme “Betawi Lebaran for Jakarta: Strengthening Unity in Nurturing Traditions Towards a Global Jakarta City”.
The event began with a thanksgiving night filled with recitations, maulid, tahlil, sermons, and joint prayers on Friday (10/4) from 18.30-21.30 WIB.
On Saturday, from 08.00-23.00 WIB, various cultural attractions were held, including ondel-ondel, tanjidor, silat, gambang kromong, as well as ceremonial activities, grand silaturahmi, and public entertainment such as Betawi lenong and layar tancep.
Then, on the final day, Sunday, 12 April, from 06.00-22.00 WIB, it was filled with casual and interactive activities, starting from joint exercise, Betawi traditional games, folk tales, cultural carnivals, procession of hantaran, Betawi culinary presentations, to music performances.
The public can enjoy various Betawi cuisines and visit a bazaar of local products as part of efforts to encourage economic growth.