Marking Jakarta's 499th anniversary, the Setu Babakan Betawi Cultural Village Management Unit will hold the Setu Babakan Arts and Culture Festival 2026 on Saturday (6/20), running from 9 AM until 10 PM.

Setu Babakan Betawi Cultural Village Management Unit, Debby Novita Andriani, stated in a press release that this event serves as a cultural celebration showcasing a variety of traditional Betawi arts, culinary bazaars, and collaborative performances highlighting rarely-seen Betawi art forms.

"As a hub for preserving and evolving Betawi heritage, we invite residents and visitors alike to immerse themselves in the vibrancy of our traditions through this celebratory and educational event," she remarked.

According to her, throughout the event, visitors will be treated to a variety of iconic Betawi performances, ranging from Dynamic Ondel-ondel and Tanjidor to Gambang Kromong music, traditional Betawi dances, and Sahibul Hikayat—a cherished oral storytelling tradition of the Betawi people.

Beyond the art performances, she added, the event will feature 40 culinary bazaar tenants offering a wide array of authentic Betawi delicacies as well as various cuisines from across the Indonesian archipelago.

"We hope this bazaar will empower local MSMEs and showcase the diverse culinary heritage of the Betawi people to a wider audience,” she hoped.

The festivities will culminate in a grand finale—a Betawi comedy show entitled 'Tempoh Ayunan,' starring legendary figures like H. Mandra, Opick Kumis, and Mpo Munaroh.

'Tempoh Ayunan' promises a vibrant blend of Betawi theater and traditional performances, such as Rebana Biang, Gamelan Ajeng, Uncul, Betawi Mask Dance, and traditional Silat martial arts.

"This collaboration is a tangible manifestation of efforts to revitalize traditional arts that hold profound historical significance in the evolution of Betawi culture.

"The Setu Babakan Arts and Culture Festival is more than just a celebration of Jakarta’s anniversary; it is a pivotal moment to reinforce Betawi cultural identity as the city’s indigenous heritage," she emphasized.