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 year, or five centuries, in 2027. The giant Betawi effigies will be redesigned by renowned designers in an effort to elevate Betawi culture to an international level. Pramono conveyed this while attending the peak of the 2026 Haul Akbar Ulama dan Habaib Betawi at Monas, Central Jakarta, on Friday (19/6/2026). He stated that strengthening Betawi identity is one of the Jakarta Provincial Government’s focuses ahead of the city reaching five centuries of age. According to him, Betawi culture must appear more dignified and be capable of becoming the face of Jakarta on a global scale. “Therefore, for the 500th anniversary later, I will present 500 ondel-ondel made by top designers who will give a new face to Jakarta’s ondel-ondel,” Pramono said. Pramono emphasised that the policy aligns with the regional government’s efforts to safeguard the honour of Betawi culture. He even admitted to banning the use of ondel-ondel for street busking because they possess high philosophical value. “Because I want Betawi to be able to compete internationally. That is why personally, as Governor, for example, I prohibit ondel-ondel from being used for begging,” he stated. According to Pramono, ondel-ondel is not merely folk art but a symbol of Betawi culture with profound meaning that must be respected. On that occasion, Pramono also touched upon the mandate of Law Number 2 of 2024 concerning the Special Capital Region of Jakarta, which places Betawi culture as the city’s core culture. He therefore believes that strengthening Betawi identity must be realised through various government policies and activities. Beyond the ondel-ondel parade, Pramono has also implemented the wearing of traditional Betawi attire at a number of official events within the Jakarta provincial government. “I am often criticised by many for why I am so adamant about making the Betawi face visible at City Hall. Even during official inaugurations, wearing a suit is no longer allowed; one must wear ujung serong, kebaya encim, and so on,” he remarked. Pramono hopes these measures will make Betawi culture more widely known while becoming an integral 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.