Tanah Abang Public Figure: Changing Street Names Improves Residents' Literacy

The name change of several streets in Jakarta, particularly in Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta, received a positive response from local public figures.

This name change is part of the collective memory of the Betawian people about figures and heroes

One of them is Sikumbang (Silaturahim Kumpul Bareng Anak Tenabang) Community Chairman Roni A di who assessed that changing street names with the names of heroes, artists, and ulama from Jakarta could improve the literacy of residents.

He stated the two street names in Tanah Abang were changed. They were Jalan Kebon Kacang Raya on the south side was renamed Jalan H.M Saleh Ishak and Jalan Kebon Kacang Raya on the north side was renamed Jalan M.Mashabi.

Condet Public Figure: Changes in Street Names in Jakarta Should Be Appreciated

"This name change is part of the collective memory of the Betawian people about figures and heroes who have contributed to Jakarta and Indonesia," he expressed, Sunday (7/3).

He explained that many did not know the name of H.M Saleh Ishak, a fighter from Jakarta's original independence in 1945-1950.

Moreover, he received many awards because of his great struggle. They were the Hero Service award from President Soekarno on November 10, 1958, the award from the Minister of Defense Djuanda, the award from the Commander of the Siliwangi Military Command VI Col. Ibrahim Adjie, and the award from the Head of Headquarters Force 4.

Then Muhammad Ridwan Mashabi or M. Mashabi who is a Malay songwriter and singer from Kebon Kacang, Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta in the era 1950-1960.

"This is the forerunner of the Dangdut music that we hear. Our people must know this history," he explained.

Therefore, he hoped that the millennial generation could further deepen literacy about Betawi culture and figures.

"The names of the figures used for the street are also part of appreciating their services (heroes and Betawian figures). For Betawian people, they say "ngak mati obor" (to commemorate the struggle) of Betawian figures," he continued.

He reiterated that the younger generation should imitate and continue their struggles to care for and maintain Betawi culture by positively contributing to all fields.

"So, I hope someday there will be seminars on Betawian heroes and figures for the public to get to know them better," he concluded.