Sunday, July 6th 2025 Reporter: Folmer Translator: Maria Inggita 205
(Foto: Reza Pratama Putra)
The cultural festival, "Jakarta dalam Warna", hosted by the Jakarta Provincial Government, lit up the Bundaran Hotel Indonesia (HI) in Central Jakarta with lively celebrations this Sunday (7/6).
"What matters most is that Jakarta residents feel proud of and enjoy their culture,"
Around 2,000 pencak silat performers collaborated with 5,000 traditional dancers, accompanied by the Jakarta Drum Corps Marching Band and performances from renowned artists like Rossa, Ayu Ting Ting, Maudy Koesnaedi, Mandra, Happy Salma, and Prisia Nasution, captivating the crowd.
This celebration of cultural richness, artistic creativity, and community dynamics, held alongside Car-Free Day (CFD), earned a record from the Indonesian World Records Museum (MURI).
Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo stated that he and Vice Governor Rano Karno are committed to embracing Betawi culture as the face of Jakarta, in line with Law (UU) No. 2/2024.
"What matters most is that Jakarta residents feel proud of and enjoy their culture. Bit by bit, we’ll continue improving the city to ensure it’s a safe and welcoming place for everyone, both for locals and newcomers," he said.
He emphasized that cultural expressions like this should be part of daily life, not just during celebrations. As part of this effort, traditional Betawi attire has become mandatory on special occasions, especially when inaugurating officials, who are required to wear Ujung Serong clothing.
"Betawi culture shouldn’t just be reserved for festivities. It must live and breathe within Jakarta’s communities," he stressed.
Pramono added that the Jakarta Provincial Government will hold another cultural event, "Jakarta Warna Warni", this coming August.
"I hope Jakartans can enjoy their cultural heritage while keeping this city safe and comfortable," he expressed.
Jakarta Vice Governor Rano Karno also highlighted that Pencak Silat is more than just a martial art. It reflects the beauty of Betawi culture.
"Hopefully, moving forward, we won't just showcase Betawi culture but also traditions from West Sumatera, West Java, and others. All cultures in Jakarta deserve the spotlight. We’re starting now with Betawi,” he said.
