Characteristic of People and Culture in Jakarta ---Since the 5th century the area around present-day Jakarta has been an important trading port. People from across Java, but also from Sumatra, Sulawesi, Kalimantan as well as traders from China, India and the Middle East came to settle here, some keeping to their own exclusive communities, others integrating into a new community, now known as the Betawi ethnic group, the original inhabitants of Jakarta.The Betawi have now their own culture, suggesting the string of influences that reached these shores over the centuries. A long process of selectively borrowing and uniquely blending Chinese, Arab, Portuguese and Dutch elements with local ingenuity have together produced the colourful, composite Betawi culture. The word “Betawi” itself is derived from the word “Batavia” the name given to this city by Dutch administrators.
With the influx of more people from throughout Indonesia especially after Independence and the designation of Jakarta as the nation’s capital, the Betawi people have held their own although now predominant only in a number of pockets in this metropolis. Most Betawis are landowners or live from the land. By the Pasanggerahan river, Betawi residents staunchly protect their river and the environment from city pollution and encroachment of industrialization. The Betawi icon is the huge doll called “Ondel-ondel” that parade at weddings or circumcisions.
Most noticeable are their wedding celebrations which can go on for days. Everyone is invited where guests are entertained with Betawi music and dance and film shows that go well into the night, while being sustained with bananas, peanuts and hot tea. The red costume of the bride is clearly inspired by the Chinese ceremonial wedding dress complete with tassels covering her face, while in contrast, the groom’s costume is inspired by Arab and Indian influences.
The Betawi people are known for their straightforward and democratic language. They are open and humourous in nature, although they can be tough when confronted. Because of this, the Betawi dialect and expressions are very popular with today’s Indonesian youth and are widely used on television shows, so that in daily life the dialect is now spoken throughout Indonesia.
Original Betawi traditional life can be experienced at Setu Babakan at Srengseng Sawah in South Jakarta. Here performances of the traditional Betawi lenong (comedy play), and the topeng (mask) dance are shown regularly. A traditional house built in the 1920’s which is often used as location for film shooting can be admired here. The best time to visit Setu Babakan is in June and July when annual festivals are held.
Outside these locations, Jakarta residents are predominantly modern and very fashion conscious. Since the majority embraces the Muslim faith, one sees women wearing the “jilbab” veil covering their hair. However, Indonesia’s jilbab is not the severe black used in the Middle East. Here women are elegantly covered in colourful dress, colour-coordinated from head to toe, complete with high heels, matching bag and decorated veils. However, wearing the jilbab is a personal choice coming from personal conviction. Others are free to wear “decent” dress.The kain-kebaya national costume is a must to wear on official occasions, while men may wear either jacket and tie or long-sleeved batik shirts. With the recognition of Batik as World Heritage by Unesco, batik dresses have become popular for day or evening wear, and on special days as office wear.
As a melting pot of all the diverse ethnic groups that make up Indonesia, Jakarta is also where one finds the best in modern Indonesian artistic expressions. Here are painting and art galleries showing the works of Indonesia’ maestros, classical concerts held by Jakarta’s own Symphonic Orchestra, popular music gigs and regular fashion shows, while malls and exhibitions offer the rich artistic products from throughout the country.
Foreign embassies, including the Netherlands, Japan, and France have their own cultural centers, offering concerts, plays, speakers, and films from their different countries.
