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