Pramono hopes Betawi harmony is maintained through the Andilan Kebo tradition

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo hopes that harmony and togetherness in society, particularly among the Betawi people, can always be maintained through the Andilan Kebo tradition.

“Sometimes things like this are not just about helping with buffaloes, but the philosophical meaning within them that we often cannot fully implement. As governor, I say that the unity for the Betawi Community Council is something that must truly be realised,” Pramono said while attending the Andilan Kebo event in Cipayung, East Jakarta, on Wednesday.

He stated that nine buffaloes have been slaughtered since Tuesday night (17/3) until Wednesday morning.

The meat from those nine buffaloes will then be distributed to the community.

Pramono also promised that as Jakarta’s leader, he is ready to help preserve Betawi culture.

“Because Law No. 2 of 2024 states that Betawi culture is the main culture in Jakarta at present. I truly intend for this to become the foundation for cultural development and also Jakarta’s development as a global city,” Pramono explained.

According to Fauzi Bowo, or Foke as he is familiarly known, Betawi traditions generally always have a basis in religious values, one of which is Andilan Kebo.

Through that tradition, the community can mutually cooperate and share with other community members who are in need.

Thus, those who are less fortunate can also enjoy the meat.

“Like the verse I recited earlier, ‘In every wealth we possess, there is a right for the poor, whether they ask or not.’ Therefore, we who have excess need to pay attention to God’s word as mentioned. That is our belief as Betawi people,” Foke stated.

Furthermore, he hopes that the tradition can develop further and remain sustainable, so that the togetherness of the Betawi people becomes even stronger.