Jakarta will soon celebrate its 500th anniversary in 2027, and to that end, the Jakarta Provincial Government is preparing a major event, the "Indonesian Cultural Festival." One of the highlights of this festival will be the rich Betawi arts culture, which has become an integral part of Jakarta.
Lenong, Ondel-ondel, Topeng Betawi, and Tanjidor are some of the traditional Betawi arts that will be on full display starting in June 2025. This festival is not just about celebration, but also about preserving local culture so it can survive in the midst of modern times. Each performance is expected to involve around 1,000 participants from various arts and cultural communities. What can we expect to see?
Lenong
Source: https://www.senibudayabetawi.com/9082/inilah-pe main-lenong-betawi-yang-populer-pada-masanya.html and siska maria eviline - Flickr: Ngelenong-Batavia Art 2012, CC BY 2.0
A colorful Betawi theatrical art form, featuring distinctive Betawi dialogue that's often humorous and full of social satire. Once performed only on simple stages, lenong can now be enjoyed on various cultural programs and even on television.
Ondel Ondel
Source: By Akhmad Fauzi, CC BY 3.0 and Photo by Jeffry SS
These large puppets always steal the show at every traditional event. With their striking faces and unique movements, ondel-ondel have become a symbol of Betawi culture, often appearing on the streets and in art performances.
Betawi Masks
Source: https://focusmedia.co.id and https://www.senikulturbetawi.com
This art form combines dance, music, and drama with masks that have distinctive characteristics. Each mask represents a specific emotion or trait, and is usually performed at celebrations or cultural performances.
Tanjidor
Source: By Ali 12 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0 and GFDL, https://id.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=79852 1
Traditional Betawi music, influenced by European music, features instruments such as clarinets, trombones, tubas, and drums. Tanjidor is often heard at Betawi weddings, bringing a festive and energetic atmosphere.
This festival will take place regularly at least once a month, eventually becoming a weekly event, leading up to its culmination on June 22, 2027, which also marks Jakarta's 500th anniversary. Let's welcome this cultural festival with enthusiasm, and don't forget to be proud of the Betawi arts and culture that continue to live in Jakarta!
Written by Noverdy R
