Jakarta Tourism and Culture Deputy Governor, Marullah Matali appreciates the Jakarta Experience Board/PT Jakarta Tourisindo (Perseroda) for transforming one of the business units, D'Arcici Plumpang Hotel, into a Betawi concept hotel.

I appreciate them (JXB) advancing Betawi culture

The statement was conveyed in remarks at the Socialization of Bylaw No. 4/2015, with the theme PT Jakarta Tourisindo/JXB's Efforts to Implement Betawi Cultural Icons held at D'Arcici Plumpang Hotel, Monday (4/17). It was held in collaboration with the Betawi Consultative Body (Bamus Betawi) 1982 and JXB.

As for the information, D'Arcici Plumpang Hotel is one of JXB's business units which will be undergoing renovations shortly. This hotel will be built by applying the Betawi concept shortly.

"I appreciate them (JXB) advancing Betawi culture by applying Betawi cultural icons to the hotels it manages. Hopefully, other hotel managers will look at this hotel and will become ambassadors for hotels in Jakarta," he expressed, in his written statement.

Betawi cultural icons are important in hotels, as they are an effective promotional medium for tourists coming to Jakarta, thus they are better known by both domestic and international tourists.

"Jakarta is a melting pot of both national and world cultures, we can find cultures from any region in Indonesia and cultures from anywhere in the world in Jakarta. There should be a hotel that implements Betawi cultural icons," he explained.

He went on to say that Betawi culture has its standard. The Gigi Balang decorations (wooden Betawi ornament) for instance, which is commonly used in signboard trim, but now they can also be found in many rooms. Hence, it is necessary to consult with people who understand Betawi culture, thus the placement is by the Betawi cultural standards.

Administration and Finance JXB Director, Zulfarshah revealed that the application of the Betawi cultural concept to the D'Arcici Plumpang Hotel when it was renovated would later be a form of JXB's responsibility as one of Jakarta Regional-Owned Enterprises (BUMD) to participate in efforts to promote Betawi culture.

"Hotel D'Arcici Plumpang concept has changed to a hotel with a concept that elevates Betawi characteristics, as we want to present a hotel that is not just a place to stay, but also a media for promoting Betawi culture. Hopefully, this hotel will later become a tourist destination that can provide an experience to the community," he explained.

Bamus Betawi 1982 DPD Chairman, M Ichwan Ridwan, appreciated JXB's commitment to advancing Betawi culture. Bamus Betawi would support hotels owned by JXB that want to become hotels with a Betawi concept for promoting Betawi culture to the wider community.

As for the information, today's activity also presented Bamus Betawi 1982 Vice Chairman, H Abdul Azis KhafiaBetawi Consultative Body (Bamus Betawi) as a guest speaker. On this occasion, Hotel D'Arcici Plumpang also provided compensation to 100 people, underprivileged people around the hotel.