Jakarta yesterday: bus-pulling contest to Betawi games at Setu Babakan

A number of events enlivened Jakarta on Sunday (16/8) ahead of the 81st anniversary of Indonesian independence, ranging from a bus-pulling contest for women to an exhibition of traditional Betawi games at Setu Babakan.

Women and other participants took part in a bus-pulling contest to welcome the 81st anniversary of Indonesian independence at Kalideres Terminal, West Jakarta, on Sunday. Head of Kalideres Terminal, Nur Prasetyo, said the contest involved participants who work in the terminal area, including women.

A fire destroyed a resident’s house on Jalan Haji Kelik, RT 04/RW 08, Kelapa Dua, Kebon Jeruk, West Jakarta, on Sunday afternoon. The fire is believed to have originated from a tent used to store unused items and then spread to other parts of the house.

The Metro Jaya Police urged the public to use public transport to anticipate traffic congestion during the series of celebrations for the 81st anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia on Monday (17/8). Deputy Director of Traffic of Metro Jaya Police, AKBP Arif Fazlurrahman, stated that an increase in vehicle volume is expected around the National Monument area, Jalan Sudirman-Thamrin, Bundaran HI, and Dukuh Atas starting from 06.00 WIB.

The Jakarta Provincial Government is inventorying aid needs for communities affected by the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara to ensure that assistance sent matches conditions on the ground. Head of the Jakarta Regional Disaster Management Agency, Marulitua Sijabat, said his office is coordinating with the National Disaster Management Agency and the East Nusa Tenggara Regional Disaster Management Agency to obtain data on needs as well as developments in disaster handling.

The Management Unit of the Betawi Cultural Village Setu Babakan, Jagakarsa, South Jakarta, is reviving traditional games through an annual temporary exhibition. “This activity is more than just nostalgia. It aims to reintroduce the values of togetherness, self-control, sportsmanship, and cooperation contained in folk games to the younger generation,” said Head of the Betawi Cultural Village Setu Babakan Management Unit, Debby Novita Andriani, in Jakarta on Sunday.