Pramono Wants Betawi to Become Jakarta's Main Identity

Jakarta Governor, Pramono Anung, is committed to preserving and making Betawi culture the main identity of Jakarta.

Betawi kebaya has a very long history

He expressed this statement during the "Seribu Wajah Kebaya Betawi" event at the Balairung, Jakarta City Hall.

He considers Betawi-inspired kebaya to be colorful and attractive.

Gov Pramono Commits to Making Betawi Main Culture of Jakarta

"We all know that the Betawi kebaya has a very long history. This Betawi kebaya is a reflection of the acculturation and blending of various cultures that have come to Jakarta," he expressed, Friday (8/29).

According to him, the Betawi Encim Kebaya has become one of the main symbols of Jakarta's kebaya. The blend of local Betawi, Peranakan Chinese, Portuguese, and immigrants has created the vibrant and enchanting Kebaya Encim.

Therefore, the identity of Betawi women with kebaya must be continuously preserved and maintained.

"And I am grateful that Betawi, this kebaya, has been an intangible cultural heritage since December 2024," he explained.

The Jakarta Government is committed to making Betawi culture the main identity of Jakarta, as mandated by Law No. 2/2024.

Thereby, the Jakarta Government is opening up and ready to cooperate for various activities related to Betawi culture. They also announced plans to establish the Betawi Cultural Institution.

"Hopefully, this will truly be realized and will become a new color for Jakarta," he hoped.

To highlight Betawi culture, he conveyed the Jakarta Government's plan to add various Betawi ornaments along the entire road boundaries, intersections, and the city. Through this effort, it is hoped that Betawi culture can continue to be preserved.

Kebayaku Association Chair, Nunun Daradjatun, expressed her gratitude to the Jakarta Government for their full support and facilities provided. Thus, the event "Seribu Wajah Kebaya Betawi" could be held smoothly.

This event was held to commemorate the National Kebaya's 2nd anniversary, Jakarta's 498th anniversary, and Independence Day's 80th anniversary. She also explained, the kebaya has been recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage on December 4, 2004.

"This reflects a collaboration of cultural values, specifically the kebaya, with Southeast Asian insights," she explained.

Kebayaku Association is a community that has a vision and mission to preserve and develop the kebaya. It wants the kebaya to increasingly establish its identity as Indonesia's national attire and always be the host in its own country.

Through this event, she aims to showcase Betawi and Peranakan kebayas that are not just garments, but also reflect the values of diversity, sophistication, and local wisdom that have been deeply rooted in Jakarta's history for centuries.

"We want to show that local identities such as the Betawi kebaya play an important role in weaving the diversity of national culture," she stated.