Meeting FBR, Pram Promises Prompt Issuance of Betawi Cultural Institution Regulation
The Chairman of the Forum Betawi Rempug (FBR), Lutfi Hakim, has called upon Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung to immediately sign the Governor Regulation (Pergub) concerning the Betawi Customary and Cultural Institution. Responding to this request, Pramono assured that the regulation would be processed promptly.
Lutfi made the request during his speech at the 25th anniversary of FBR in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, on Saturday (1/8/202<0xA0>26). He noted that the regulation has long been advocated for and is a mandate of Law Number 2 of 2024 regarding the Special Region of Jakarta.
“Today, we are not asking for anything excessive. We only hope that the mandate of the law is truly realised through the presence of a Governor Regulation on the Betawi Customary and Cultural Institution,” said Lutfi.
Lutfi stated that the draft of the regulation has been completed, including all academic studies, discussions, and legal harmonisation. He emphasised that the regulation is vital as it serves as a legal umbrella to protect Betawi culture while driving the community’s economy through cultural studios, artists, craftsmen, and MSMEs.
“This regulation is a legal umbrella that protects our cultural studios, revitalises craftsmen, artists, and cultural figures, and creates job opportunities for Betawi youth so they can become economically independent through the preservation and development of their own culture,” he added.
However, Lutfi expressed concern that the regulation has yet to be issued despite being pursued for over a year. He even noted that the controversy stems from certain segments of the Betawi community itself.
“For more than a year, this much-anticipated regulation has been sitting on bureaucratic desks. What is even more painful is the bitter reality that a handful of Betawi people themselves are the ones causing this regulation to be stalled,” he said.
Lutfi requested that Pramono make the signing of the regulation a gift to the Betawi people, coinciding with FBR’s silver jubilee and the approach of Jakarta’s five-century milestone.
In response, Pramono reaffirmed his commitment to establishing the Betawi Customary and Cultural Institution in Jakarta. He admitted to having discussed the formation of the institution with Lutfi numerous times.
“Therefore, there is one matter, Kiai Lutfi, that remains unanswered: the Betawi Customary and Cultural Institution. But I must be honest, Kiai Lutfi, if I were not a person of great patience in dealing with you, I would have run away. I have met Kiai Lutfi dozens of times. With my patience, I truly want the Betawi Customary and Cultural Institution to exist in Jakarta,” Pramono remarked.
Pramono then stated that the regulation would be issued soon. He noted that the appointment of the institution’s management is not his responsibility, but the Jakarta Provincial Government will facilitate its formation.
“So, Kiai Lufi, since Bang Foke is here, let us immediately issue the regulation for the Betawi Customary and Cultural Institution. As for the appointment of personnel and so on, please proceed; I will not interfere, but I will facilitate it,” he explained.
Pramono also expressed hope that the controversy surrounding the drafting of the regulation would soon end so that the rule could serve as a legacy for Jakarta as it approaches its 500th anniversary.
“But I also request that since we are at this point, let us prepare the regulation immediately. I ask that those who are usually quite harsh become a little softer. Those who are usually stubborn, please be a little more flexible,” he added.