Betawi Studio Threatened by Extinction
Reported by Folmer | Translated by Trias Risangayu
The existence of Betawi studio in Jakarta is very worrying. How could it not be, at this time, only dozens of Betawi studios are still exist. According to Beno R Benyamin, Chairman of Benyamin Sueb Foundation stated in 1986, about 579 studio were exist, but its existence dropped to 86 studios in 2000's era.
Presently, less than 80 Betawi studios are still exist
“Presently, less than 80 Betawi studios are still exist,” he said, on the Betawi art parade show 'Don't Cry Betawi Artists', in Setu Babakan, Jagakarsa, South Jakarta, Sunday (4/19) noon.
Betawi Culinary Festival on April 16-22, Be There!Benyamin expressed it is caused by many factors. One of them is lack of betawi art publication in electronic mass media.
“We also realize, we have to fulfil some criteria to perform, among them are art preparation and policy support,” he uttered.
As a result, according to him, the effort for Betawi art and culture guidance is also required. Therefore, the Betawi artists support the city administration to issue the bylaw in an effort to conserve Jakarta’s culture.
“We're strongly supporting the bylaw to perform in various places, such as hotel, restaurant and so on,” he said. In accordance with Law No.29/2007 on City Administration as Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI), Chapter V article 26 paragraph 6 says the city administration is willing to conserve and develop Betawi culture and protect various cultures all over Jakarta.
“We invite Jakartans who attend to support and contribute on this show's goal. We also provide a banner to be signed as a form of participation for Betawi culture preservation.
As for the information, the show is held because the fate of the Betawi artists are getting extinct. There is no a legal protection that regulates and protects the existence of Betawi culture.
In that moment, Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” T Purnama accompanied by South Jakarta Mayor Syamsudin Noor are attended on the show. Ahok looks wearing a white Betawi sadariah clothes, black pants and cap.
