Setu Babakan, a lake with Betawi flavor

Setu Babakan, a lake with Betawi flavor

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

Visitors to the area can feel the continuing vibrancy of
Betawi culture, mostly by the sound of the brash, yet cute Betawi
dialect being spoken.

The Jakarta administration has designated Setu Babakan as a
Betawi cultural preservation site where residents and artists
regularly stage traditional Betawi dances and lenong, the Betawi
comedy performances.

In addition to being a tourist site, Babakan lake also serves
as a key water catchment area.

Text and photos by P.J. Leo

Caption A

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

Caption B

Customers wait patiently beside a man who makes a Betawi
delicacy, kerak telor, a mix of rice and eggs, fried with spices.

Caption: C

A traffic sign reads warns motorists in the Betawi dialect "Ati-
ati Banyak Bocah", meaning "Drive Carefully, Many Children".

Caption D

The public toilet has the Betawi dialect, Abang, for men and
None, for ladies.

Caption E

A traditional Betawi house-cum-museum where visitors can browse
or sit and have a picnic.

Caption F

Visitors enjoy the serene beauty of Babakan Lake (photo above)
whether it is fishing for dinner or kayaking for health and
fitness.