DKI to Soon Realize Betawi-Themed Regional Gateway Renovations
Jakarta (ANTARA) — The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government is set to realize plans to revamp regional gateways from city borders to district boundaries across Jakarta to better reflect Betawi cultural character, with mandatory use of Betawi ornaments.
“It will begin soon. Because the budget is new — this year’s budget, 2026,” said DKI Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo in Central Jakarta on Sunday.
Pramono said that billboards, district boundary markers, and key landmarks such as Blok M, Pasar Baru, Glodok Chinatown, and others will be adorned with Betawi ornaments.
On the other hand, Chairman of the Betawi Community Customary Council (MKB) Fauzi Bowo said the plan represents a golden opportunity given by the Jakarta Governor to the Betawi community.
“So if the Betawi people cannot take advantage of this, it’s not his fault. It’s not the provincial government’s fault. It’s the Betawi people’s fault,” he said.
For that reason, the former Jakarta Governor commonly known as Foke urged all Betawi people to unite. By doing so, he hopes the Betawi community can develop strategies and respond to the current Jakarta Governor’s expectations.
Previously, Pramono said his administration would revamp regional gateways from city borders to district boundaries across Jakarta to better showcase Betawi character and mandate the use of Betawi ornaments.
“I will revamp the city boundary gateways, district boundaries — all of them must feature Betawi ornaments,” Pramono said.
Pramono cited Law No. 2 of 2024, Article 31 Paragraph 1, on Customary Priorities in Jakarta After It Ceases to Be the Special Capital Region, which states that the top priority is Betawi culture.
“So there must be no half measures,” he said.
Pramono also said he has enlisted the best architects in Jakarta to reconceptualize the design of the regional boundary markers.
“I told them the colors must be Betawi. Right now the colors are neither here nor there — not Betawi, not national. I want to give it an authentically Betawi character,” he said.