Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung attended the Lebaran Betawi at National Monument (Monas), Central Jakarta, on Saturday (4/26).

"I want Lebaran Betawi to be celebrated not only at Monas,"

In his remarks, Pramono emphasized the importance of celebrating Lebaran Betawi not only at the provincial level but also at the city and regency levels, including in Thousand Islands. This way, Betawi culture can continue to be preserved in society.

According to him, this event is a form of honoring Betawi culture.

"I want Lebaran Betawi to be celebrated not only at Monas at the provincial level but also across cities and the Thousand Islands Regency, with lively festivities and offerings from the respective sub-district heads," he conveyed.

He also highlighted the importance of recognizing Betawi culture as the primary culture of Jakarta, in accordance with Law (UU) No. 2/2024 on the Special Region of Jakarta.

He said that strengthening the Betawi cultural heritage must continue to be pursued, one way being by introducing the figures of Betawi heroes who have made significant contributions to Jakarta, such as Mohammad Husni Thamrin.

Therefore, Pramono expressed his intention to place a statue of M.H. Thamrin right on Jalan M.H. Thamrin and make it a symbol of Jakarta. According to him, this effort serves as a form of respect for Betawi’s leading figures.

"I ask for permission from Mbak Dini and the family if M.H. Thamrin, that soon we will build, not move, but build a representative statue of M.H. Thamrin. And I know that M.H. Thamrin was a Betawi thinker," he uttered.

Moreover, he also proposed to give appreciation in form of Benyamin Sueb Award to outstanding sub-district and urban village heads who made positive contributions to their communities.

"This part of our effort to give recognition to Betawi's prominent figures," he added.

On this occasion, he also brought up the issue of the Regional Regulation on Betawi Indigenous People. He urged that the regulation be finalized as soon as possible.

"When I received the report that progress so far has not met expectations, I said, 'How is this possible? The Vice Governor is Betawi. The Regional Secretary is Betawi. The Chairman of the Regional House of Representatives is Betawi. If this is not resolved soon, I will take over and complete it myself,'" he stated.

Furthermore, Pramono reiterated his goal of making Jakarta a global city. Therefore, he emphasized the need for improvements and quality upgrades to ensure Jakarta ranks among the top 50 major cities in the world.

In addition, he also expressed his intention to merge three parks around the ASEAN building, namely Langsat Park, Ayodya Park, and Leuser Park, into a representative public space. Thus, even though Jakarta will no longer be the capital city, it will still maintain its identity as the capital of ASEAN.

"Jakarta, even if it is no longer the capital city of the Republic of Indonesia, must have a symbol. Jakarta must have an identity. An identity that cannot change, unless one day it is amended, is Jakarta as the capital of ASEAN. Because the ASEAN building is located in Jakarta," he said.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Betawi Community Assembly (MKB) and Jakarta Regional Secretary, Marullah Matali, shared that this is the 14th time Lebaran Betawi has been celebrated at the provincial level. According to him, this event holds strategic significance amid Jakarta's transformation into a global city.

"So, as Jakarta leaves behind its status as the capital city, it will rise to become a global city. We hope we can embrace this transition well," he conveyed.

He hopes that Lebaran Betawi will serve as the right momentum to advance Betawi culture, especially since this is mandated by Law (UU) No. 2/2024, particularly Article 31, regarding the priority of promoting Betawi culture.

He explained that Lebaran Betawi is a grand gathering forum for Betawi society and a moment to express gratitude after a month of fasting. Therefore, he hopes that Jakarta's creativity and culture will continue to grow as the city approaches its 500th anniversary in 2027.

"Therefore, Lebaran Betawi next year and in the following years will hold very strategic value for all of us," he expressed.

The Lebaran Betawi event held at Monas was enlivened by various activities, including Betawi cultural performances and the serving of traditional Betawi dishes for the attendees.