Justin Adrian: Rawa Belong Milkfish Festival Preserves Betawi and Chinese Culture

Jakarta DPRD Commission E Secretary, Justin Adrian, appreciated the Rawa Belong Milkfish Festival in West Jakarta to welcome the 2025 Lunar New Year celebrations.

The way it is done is very good for preserving the Betawi and Chinese cultures

Besides tradition, this festival also serves as a platform to strengthen unity and preserve Betawi and Chinese culture.

"The way it is done is very good for preserving the Betawi and Chinese cultures. Since long ago, the ethnic and cultural diversity in Jakarta has been a distinctive identity that makes this place known as a global city, so it would be a shame if that cultural diversity were to disappear," he expressed, Thursday (1/30).

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According to him, the festival could also be a means of education for the public, especially the younger generation, to get to know the richness of Betawi and Chinese culture better.

He hoped that this would enhance the sense of tolerance and unity among the people of Jakarta.

"Betawi and Chinese ethnicities make up one third of Jakarta's population. Hence, the collaboration that occurs between these two large community groups is of strategic value. Events like this can strengthen the presence of Betawi and Chinese cultures," he added.

He saw the potential of the festival in increasing tourist visits to Jakarta and encouraging the growth of the creative economy.

The entertainment sector, such as this cultural festival, is part of the economic activities that need to receive attention from the government.

"This festival has the potential to engage the community in economic empowerment activities based on local wisdom," he uttered.

As information, the Jakarta Tourism and Creative Economy Agency (Parekraf) together with Jakarta Muhammad Husni Thamrin Community Association (PERMATA MHT) and the Indonesian Chinese Association (INTI) held the Rawa Belong Milkfish Festival on Jalan Sulaiman, Rawa Belong, Kebon Jeruk, West Jakarta from January 27 to 28, 2025.

This festival showcased the traditions and cultures of Betawi and Chinese, such as Betawi Martial Arts, Betawi Dance, Tanjidor, Marawis, Hadroh, Lenong, Keroncong, Palang Pintu, Firecracker Man, Barongsai, as well as the sale of milkfish and its processed products.