Stirring Dodol Together with Pramono and Fauzi Bowo: When Betawi and the Government Unite, This Is What It Looks Like

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung, together with former Jakarta Governor for 2007–2012 Fauzi Bowo, appeared united as they stirred Betawi dodol during the dodol-stirring tradition at Dodol Nyak Mai in Srengseng Sawah, South Jakarta, on Friday (6 March 2026).

The activity was part of efforts to introduce and preserve Betawi traditional cuisine.

According to Kompas.com at the location, Pramono and Fauzi Bowo—affectionately known as Foke—looked in harmony in Betawi traditional attire, wearing either baju sadariah or white baju koko paired with black trousers and a black peci.

They stood side by side in front of a giant pan containing caramel-coloured dodol batter that was still hot.

Using long wooden paddles, Pramono and Fauzi Bowo stirred the batter together. Their movements were coordinated, occasionally chatting and smiling.

The dodol-making process at the venue is still conducted traditionally using a wood fire. This cooking method requires effort and patience because the batter must be continuously stirred to prevent burning.

Foke joked that the unity between the government and the Betawi community could be likened to the dodol-stirring process carried out through gotong royong.

“If the Betawi and the government are one, this is what it looks like,” Foke said.

During the event, Pramono said the Jakarta Provincial Government planned to help modernise the dodol business without removing the traditional methods that are its hallmark.

He emphasised that the modernisation referred to includes, among other things, equipment assistance and updating product packaging to be more attractive.

“This is its distinctiveness, its strengths, its advantages—the dodol we refer to as gotong royong,” he said. “As Governor of Jakarta, I believe this traditional cuisine must be improved; we will make the packaging more attractive so that anyone visiting Jakarta can try Nyak Mai dodol.”

Pramono also stated that the Pemprov DKI would support the equipment needs of the dodol entrepreneurs.

“Regarding the equipment mentioned by Bu Cuanih, of course we will support that. If modernisation and empowerment with SMEs is needed, I will ask the Head of the UMKM Department to study this and prepare,” he said.