KBRN, Jakarta: With Jakarta no longer serving as the national capital, new opportunities for growth have emerged for Betawi cultural businesses. The change is expected to drive development through increased collaboration within the hospitality and tourism sectors.

"This can be for both cultural promotion and commercial purposes. Hotels can become strategic partners in showcasing Betawi culture," said Munir Arsyad, a prominent Betawi figure, in a statement in Jakarta on Thursday, September 25, 2025, as quoted by antaranews.com.

Speaking at an interactive dialogue titled "The Transformation of Jakarta from National Capital to a Sustainable Global and Cultural City," held by Badan Musyawarah (Bamus) Betawi on Wednesday, September 24, Munir argued that Jakarta's change in status must be accompanied by a strengthening of its local cultural identity. This includes involving Betawi business owners, from craftsmen and artists to culinary entrepreneurs, in the service and tourism industries, including hotels in and around Jakarta.

Munir provided examples of how hotels can enrich the guest experience. Signature dishes like soto Betawi, a rich and creamy beef soup made with coconut milk and spices; kerak telor, a savory omelette made with glutinous rice and cooked over a charcoal fire; or nasi uduk Betawi, a fragrant rice dish cooked in coconut milk and often served with a variety of side dishes, can be featured in hotel restaurants.

"Hotels can also host special events featuring Betawi cuisine or food bazaars to introduce more people to the richness of Betawi culinary traditions," he added.

Beyond food, Munir suggested that artistic performances like Lenong, Gambang Kromong, or Betawi Dance could become a unique cultural draw for international tourists. Hotels could also partner with Betawi artists to decorate their spaces with Betawi ornaments and carvings, which can add aesthetic value and introduce guests to Betawi culture.

Furthermore, distinctive Betawi crafts like ondel-ondel masks, Betawi batik, and traditional house miniatures could be sold as exclusive souvenirs. He also recommended that hotels actively host regular Betawi cultural festivals. According to him, Jakarta must remain a cultural showcase for Betawi, even if it is no longer the national capital.

"Hotels can also offer Betawi cultural tour packages, which include trips to traditional Betawi areas, culinary tours, and visits to craft centers or historical sites in Jakarta related to Betawi," Munir explained.

Meanwhile, Public Policy Observer, Rendara, emphasized the importance of training and empowering the Betawi community to compete in the job market, particularly in the hospitality sector. He believes that partnerships between hotels and Betawi community organizations are needed to provide skills training in areas like customer service and culinary processing.

This step is crucial for improving human resource quality and expanding job opportunities for the Betawi youth.

"By embracing Betawi culture, hotels can enhance their image as places that not only offer modern comfort but also introduce local culture. This will attract tourists who want to experience more of the culture and traditions of the places they visit," Rendara said.

Ultimately, the collaboration between Betawi cultural players and the hospitality sector is seen as a strategic step in preserving local culture while boosting the community's economic growth. The transformation of Jakarta into a sustainable and cultural global city cannot be separated from the role of Betawi culture as the city's original identity.

"Betawi cultural businesses have many opportunities to enter and collaborate with hotels in aspects like cuisine, performing arts, crafts, and cultural events," he concluded. ***