Thuggery erodes native Betawis' patience: Expert

JAKARTA (JP): The recent clashes in Tanah Abang between local residents and alleged hoodlums reflect the real character of Betawi (native Jakartans) people, a senior historian said Thursday.

If they run out of patience, the friendly Betawi people can lose their tempers, 55-year-old Ridwan Saidi said.

"What happened in Tanah Abang (Central Jakarta) recently was the logical upshot of a social conflict which has been bubbling away for quite some time," Ridwan told The Jakarta Post after delivering his speech at a seminar on The History of Jakarta.

At least two alleged hoodlums died in last week's clashes in Tanah Abang, one of the traditional locations for Betawi people in the city.

Locals claim that the alleged hoodlums, who were all newcomers, had caused disruptions for many years and turned the area into a notorious den for prostitution, gambling and criminal activities.

According to Ridwan, who is Betawi, they are a very loving group of people and welcome newcomers.

"Betawi people living in Tanah Abang, for example, have accepted residents from other ethnic groups and backgrounds for decades. They never fight with them."

If Betawi people became angry and clash with other groups, such as the hoodlums, there must be strong reasons behind it, Ridwan said.

The hoodlums must have incensed the Betawi neighborhood, he concluded.

"They've done ugly things which have violated Betawi values and culture."

For instance, the hoodlums, who are considered newcomers to Tanah Abang, did not comply with the local culture, he said. Instead they set up illegal businesses in the area.

The hoodlums also collected illegal levies from vendors and terrorized the neighborhood, which grew to despise their presence.

Tanah Abang and several subdistricts within the area -- such as Petamburan, Jembatan Lima, Kampung Bali and Kebon Jati -- are considered strongholds for Betawi people. They now comprise about 20 percent of Jakarta's 10 million residents.

"Betawi people living in Tanah Abang are fed up and frustrated with the situation created by the hoodlums' activities," Ridwan said.

"We're not afraid to fight them. It's our land. It's our pride they have stepped on. Hoodlums scare the children and women. To this extent, we will fight the hoodlums all the way."

During Thursday's seminar, Ridwan and other experts -- including Ninuk Kleden, Uka Tjandrasasmita and Djoko Sukiman -- discussed the influence of Indisch culture on Jakarta.

According to the speakers, the Indisch culture is a mix of local and Dutch cultures.

The "remnants" of this culture still influence traditional Betawi houses, songs, dances and some Betawi words. (07)