Setu Babakan, a lake site with Betawi flavor

In southern Jakarta, away from the busy traffic, lies a beautiful lake called Setu Babakan. Around the lake in Jagakarsa district, live hundreds of Betawi families.

Visitors to the area can feel that Betawi culture is still vibrant, proven by the sound of the brash yet cute Betawi dialect in every corner.

The Jakarta administration has designated Setu Babakan as Betawi culture preservation area where the locals regularly stage Betawi traditional dances and lenong, Betawi comedy stage performance.

Besides acting as a tourism site, the Babakan lake also serves as the water catchment area for South Jakarta.

Text and photos by P.J. Leo

Caption A

The site has a stage where Betawi traditional performances provide some entertainment for the visitors.

Caption B

Customers wait patiently besides a man who makes Betawi's specialty, kerak telor, a mix of rice and eggs, fried with spices.

Caption: C

A traffic sign reads a warning to the motorists in Betawi dialect "Ati-ati Banyak Bocah", meaning "Drive Slow, Children Play Here".

Caption D

The public toilet also reads signs in Betawi dialect, "Abang", meaning Brother for gents and "None", meaning "Miss" for ladies.

Caption E

One of Betawi traditional houses where visitors can take a look or take a rest in them.

Caption F

Visitors enjoy the serene beauty of Babakan Lake (photo above) while locals around it catch some fish or do rowing exercise.