Betawi people to show unified front in crisis

JAKARTA (JP): At least 50,000 Betawi native Jakartans are expected to give a public display of unity at a post Idul Fitri get-together in Central Jakarta this Saturday morning.

Chief of the organizing committee, Amarullah Asbah, said yesterday the "All-Betawi" event -- expected to draw high-ranking officials and renowned religious leaders -- was designed to forge public support and ensure safety in the capital amid economic uncertainty and growing unemployment.

The event, the first of its kind, will be held in the eastern parking lot of Senayan Stadium.

"Our mission is to show everybody that Jakarta is safe," Amarullah said. "The participants will pledge to maintain unity."

There will be a live music show, traditional Betawi cultural performances and a mass prayer, the city councilor said.

Bamus Betawi, a Betawi discussion group, would fund the estimated Rp 63 million cost, Amarullah said.

He invited all of the city's residents to attend the event, which is open to the public at no cost.

Participants are advised to bring their own mats and refreshments, he said.

"The organizers will not provide any meals. It's part of the event's mission to show that we all have to be thrifty.

"But I think people will still enjoy the gathering."

Top entertainers scheduled to perform include veteran singer Titiek Puspa, actor and comedian Rano Karno, dangdut singer Jaja Mihardja and old-time band Bimbo.

Cultural performances native to the capital -- Lenong, Tanjidor and the Ronggeng dance -- will also highlight the gathering, Amarullah added.

"RCTI will also televise the event live from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.," he said.

Governor Sutiyoso, Jakarta military commander Maj. Gen. Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, City Police chief Maj. Gen. Hamami Natta, City Council speaker Edy Waluyo and religious leaders including Zainuddin M.Z. and Syafei Hadzami are among those expected to attend.

Organizers have prepared about 1,000 buses to transport participants to and from the venue, Amarullah said.

"The designated buses will pick up participants at several bus shelters around the city, such as the Kampung Melayu area (East Jakarta), Asem Baris (Central Jakarta) and Warung Buncit (South Jakarta)."

Prior to the departure of the buses, Betawi would hold a small ceremony, including setting off firecrackers, in their respective areas, he added.

"Hopefully, the gathering will cheer up Jakartans and bring a spirit of unity to cope with the crisis." (edt)