Thuggery erodes native Betawis' patience: Expert

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)