Pramono commits to making Betawi culture a mainstream element of Jakarta's development
Jakarta - The Governor of Jakarta, Pramono Anung, has committed to making Betawi culture a central component of Jakarta’s development towards becoming a global city. This will be achieved through policy implementation, the strengthening of cultural expression spaces, and the restructuring of traditional Betawi community institutions.
“Mainstreaming Betawi culture is not only directed at preserving symbols, but also at strengthening the role of the community and passing values down to the younger generation,” said Governor Pramono while attending the 25th anniversary of the Forum Betawi Rempug (FBR) in Jakarta on Saturday.
He emphasised that Jakarta must grow as a modern city without losing the character that defines it. According to Pramono, urban progress must go hand in hand with the protection of the identity, history, and values of the Betawi people.
He added that the Betawi community plays a vital role in Jakarta’s history and journey through values of mutual cooperation (gotong royong), openness, tolerance, and national spirit. “These noble values are what shape Jakarta as a pluralistic city,” Pramono stated.
The Jakarta Provincial Government has already implemented several policies to strengthen the presence of Betawi culture in city life. These steps include the use of traditional Betawi attire in official government activities, the enhancement of Betative ornaments and nuances in public spaces, and the formalisation of Betawi traditional institutions.
These policies align with the mandate of Law Number 2 of 2024 concerning the Special Region of Jakarta. “Jakarta must continue to move forward towards becoming a global city without ever losing the roots that serve as its strength,” he said.
Pramono extended his congratulations to the entire Forum Betawi Rempug family on their 25th anniversary. He noted that this quarter-century milestone serves as an important momentum to strengthen togetherness, nurture Betawi culture, and affirm unity in building Jakarta.
“The FBR’s contribution over the past quarter-century in nurturing Betawi culture, strengthening togetherness, and maintaining the city’s conduciveness is significant,” he added.
The FBR anniversary, themed “Nurturing Roots, Weaving the Future,” was deemed in line with Jakarta’s transformation direction. Governor Pramono noted that the interfaith prayer session involving representatives from six religions reflected the strong tolerance and spirit of coexistence in Jakarta.
“The interfaith prayer involving six religions demonstrates that diversity is Jakarta’s primary strength. This spirit of mutual respect must be continuously maintained so that this city remains safe, harmonious, and open to everyone,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Grand Imam of FBR, Lutfi Hakim, stated that the 25th anniversary is a momentum to reaffirm the organisation’s responsibility in upholding the dignity of the Betawi community and the future of Jakarta.
Lutfi remarked that FBR’s twenty-five-year journey has been marked by various dynamics. However, the organisation’s commitment to Jakarta and the Betawi people remains its primary foundation.
“Over the past quarter-century, FBR has weathered many seasons. We have been praised, misunderstood, and even insulted. We have stood at the front, and we have been at the back. However, one thing that has never changed: we will never stop loving Jakarta and we will never stop loving Betawi,” he said.