Jakarta Reaffirms Commitment to Preserving Cultural Heritage

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung reaffirmed the Jakarta Provincial Government's commitment to preserving the city's cultural heritage amid modernization.

Because this is our culture, and we must preserve it together

According to him, the city administration remains committed to supporting cultural performances and preservation by making public spaces, including City Hall, Kota Tua, Lapangan Banteng, and the A.A. Maramis area, available for such activities.

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Pramono made the remarks during the Kharisma Batavia Menuju Jakarta event at Balai Agung, Jakarta City Hall, on Friday (7/31).

"Despite the Rp15 trillion in budget cuts, I want events like this to continue because this is our culture, and we must preserve it together," he emphasized.

He noted that the kebaya has been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, stressing that preserving cultural heritage requires collective efforts.

Pramono said cultural events like Kharisma Batavia Menuju Jakarta play an important role in maintaining Jakarta's identity.

As the city prepares to celebrate its 500th anniversary, the Jakarta Provincial Government is planning a series of cultural events, including a parade featuring 500 ondel-ondel. The milestone celebration, he said, will be marked with a grand celebration.

Meanwhile, Perhimpunan Kebayaku Chairwoman Nunun Daradjatun said the kebaya is a living cultural heritage that continues to evolve with the times.

"It is our responsibility to preserve and continue developing it together," Nunun asserted.

The Kharisma Batavia Menuju Jakarta event is part of the celebrations marking Jakarta's 499th anniversary and Indonesia's 81st Independence Day.

The program featured a monologue by veteran actress Maudy Koesnaedi, recounting the historic moment when Fatmawati Soekarno sewed Indonesia's national flag, the Sang Saka Merah Putih. The event also included a kebaya fashion show showcasing designs by prominent Indonesian designers.

According to Nunun, the kebaya is more than traditional attire. It embodies the stories of Indonesian women who have helped preserve the nation's values, honor its cultural heritage, and strengthen its identity.

She also expressed appreciation for the Jakarta Provincial Government's full support for the cultural event.

"May Jakarta continue to be a city that preserves its culture and inspires Indonesia to move forward without losing its identity," she said.