Legislator Supports Betawi Cultural Preservation Through Pesta Budaya Taman Sari

Member of Jakarta Council (DPRD) Commission A, Kevin Wu, supports Pesta Budaya Taman Sari , an annual event held for the past four years at the courtyard of the Taman Sari Urban Village Office in West Jakarta, as it plays a vital role in preserving Betawi culture.

"Betawi culture preservation and development can't rely solely on ceremonial activities,"

Kevin believes this tradition-rich event requires backing from the Jakarta Provincial Government to uphold Betawi culture as the city’s distinctive identity.

"I highly appreciate the initiative of Taman Sari Urban Village Head who consistently organizes this cultural festival. Betawi culture is not just a heritage of the past but must remain part of the city's living, growing, and relevant life," he expressed, on Tuesday (6/17).

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He emphasized that preserving culture is not enoug through ceremonial activities alone; it must be done sustainably by creating a supportive culture ecosystem.

"Betawi culture preservation and development can't rely solely on ceremonial activities. It requires development of environment that supports it to ensure it can continue to live and grow," he explained.

According to him, strengthening local art studios that actively promote Betawi culture should be a priority for the city government, as they are the forefront of Betawi cultural preservation.

"At the same time, the government can form strategic collaboration with private sectors, such as encouraging entertainment centers, malls, and hotels to promote Betawi culture," he mentioned.

This support aligns with Regional Regulation (Perda) No. 4/2015 on Betawi Cultural Preservation, which mandates the Jakarta Government and residents to utilize public spaces like hotels and shopping centers to preserve Betawi culture.

As an example, Kevin highlighted Ondel-Ondel which has yet to receive adequate attention and lacks proper performance spaces.

"We often see ondel-ondel on the streets not by choice, but because they lack decent venues to perform. If supported with the right spaces, this culture could become a tourist attraction and a source of pride for Jakarta residents," he stated.

Kevin also affirmed his commitment to continue pushing policies that favor local cultural preservation.

"As a representative of Jakarta residents in Commission A, I will keep advocating for policies that support Betawi cultural preservation," he asserted.