Pramono Plans 500 Ondel-ondel Parade for Jakarta's 5th Centenary
Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung is preparing a parade of 500 ondel-ondel to welcome the commemoration of Jakarta’s 500th anniversary, or five centuries, in 2027. These ondel-ondel will be redesigned by renowned designers as an effort to elevate Betawi culture to an international level.
Pramono shared this during his attendance at the peak of the Haul Akbar Ulama and Habaib Betawi 2026 at Monas, Central Jakarta, on Friday (19/06/2026). Pramono stated that strengthening the Betawi identity is one of the focus areas for the Jakarta Provincial Government as Jakarta approaches its five-century milestone. According to him, Betawi culture must appear more honourable and be capable of serving as the face of Jakarta on a global scale.
“Therefore, for the 500th anniversary, I will present 500 ondel-ondel created by top designers who will provide a new face for Jakarta’s ondel-ondel,” said Pramono.
Pramono emphasised that this policy aligns with the local government’s efforts to maintain the dignity of Betawi culture. He even admitted to prohibiting the use of ondel-ondel for street busking, as they possess high philosophical value.
“Because I want the Betawi culture to be able to compete internationally. Therefore, personally as Governor, for example, I prohibit ondel-ondel from being used as a means of busking,” he said.
According to Pramono, ondel-ondel is not merely a folk art, but a symbol of Betawi culture that holds deep meaning and must have its honour preserved.
On this occasion, Pramono also touched upon the mandate of Law Number 2 of 2024 concerning the Special Region of Jakarta, which positions Betawi culture as the primary culture of Jakarta. Consequently, he believes that the strengthening of Betawi identity must be realised through various government policies and activities.
In addition to the ondel-ondel parade, Pramono is also implementing the use of traditional Betawi attire in several official events within the Jakarta Provincial Government environment.
“I am often criticised by many people as to why I am so persistent in making the Betawi face visible here at City Hall. In fact, for every official inauguration, suits are no longer permitted; one must wear ujung serong, kebaya encim, and so on,” he remarked.
Pramono hopes that these various steps will make Betawi culture more widely known and simultaneously become an important part of Jakarta’s journey towards becoming a global city.
“Next year, we will commemorate 5 centuries, 500 years of Jakarta. A long journey that has contributed to the journey of this nation, especially in Jakarta,” he added.