Saving Betawi culture

Saving Betawi culture

From Warta Kota

Jakarta's native Betawi culture is part of the national
culture. As the provincial culture, it covers the local custom
and language as well as traditional arts that have high tourism
and educational values.

In this era of globalization and cultural penetration by
foreign influences, the development of Betawi culture in
Jakarta's pluralistic society is under threat. The younger
generation is almost unfamiliar with this culture, which is being
eroded with the passage of time.

TV dramas with a Betawi setting do not represent the true
ethnic culture of this region, though non-Betawi people swallow
such audio-visual portrayals as reflecting the actual life of the
Betawi community.

For this reason, it is necessary to discuss, plan and carry
out the construction of a Betawi cultural center as a source of
information and a place for art exhibitions and cultural
performances that educates visitors by utilizing the 2004 Jakarta
regional budget.

Ideally, this Betawi cultural center should open offices in
six areas of the capital. To this end, the project should be
considered by all relevant circles -- the Jakarta City Council,
the provincial government, municipal administrations, the Betawi
Consultative Body (Bamus Betawi), the Betawi Cultural Institute,
entrepreneurs, artists, academicians, youths and students.

ERWIN H AL JAKARTATY
Bamus Betawi & Betawi Cultural Institute
Jakarta