Betawi Association Trusteeship Council (MAPKB) Chairman, Marullah Matali, again reminded the importance of cohesiveness and solidity ahead of the congress which will take place on June 9-10, 2023.

This congress also aims to confirm that the Betawi ethnicity is full of cohesiveness

According to him, cohesiveness is the main capital to advance Betawian people. With cohesiveness, all problems will be easily overcome and efforts to advance Betawian people with their local wisdom can be realized.

"On June 9 and 10, we will hold the Betawi Trustee Assembly Congress. This congress also aims to confirm that the Betawi ethnicity is full of cohesiveness," he expressed after the press conference towards the Congress of Betawi Trusteeship Assembly at a hotel in Kebayoran Baru area, South Jakarta, Wednesday (5/31) evening.

This Culture and Tourism Division Deputy Governor expressed it is the first time that Betawi has a traditional institution. This customary institution must of course be well managed with the existing dynamics.

"Hopefully, the input from congress participants and other regions that have traditional institutions will enrich our repertoire for managing traditional institutions in Betawi land," he explained.

He stated for other things that must also be observed are those that are both current and anticipated in the future. Thus, Betawi is also increasingly adaptive to developments that occur without leaving their identity.

"We are currently not narrating about preservation, but about advancing Betawi culture. Then, responding positively after Jakarta did not become the capital with Law Number 3/2002 on State Capital," he explained.

He expressed his gratitude and high appreciation to Jakarta Acting Governor, Heru Budi Hartono and Jakarta DPRD Chairman, Prasetio Edi Marsudi who paid great attention to Betawi.

"Betawi will hold the congress with support from the Jakarta Provincial Government under the leadership of Mr. Heru and the Jakarta DPRD chaired by Mr. Prasetio. I would like to express my gratitude," he added.

MAPKB Pre-Congress Organizing Committee Chairman, Riano Ahmad said the opening of MAPKB Congress on June 9 will be held at Great Hall, Jakarta City Hall.

"It will be opened by the Acting Governor. Then the congress will be continued on June 10 at Candi Bentar, Ancol, North Jakarta," he added.

He added the main congress participants come from the Betawi Community Consultative Body (Bamus Betawi) and the 1982 Betawi Tribe Bamus.

"Of course, we will also invite Betawi elders and figures to this congress," he closed.