RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta — The Chairperson of the Betawi Customary Council (MKB), Fauzi Bowo, stated that Lebaran Betawi (Eid al-Fitr of Betawi) is a crusial tradition for the community in maintaining cultural identity as the spirit of Jakarta. He also conveyed this annual event is not only a post-Eid al-Fitr celebration, but also a powerful symbol of preserving cultural values amidst the rapid flow of modernization in Jakarta.

He delivered the statement while attending the Lebaran Betawi event held at Lapangan Banteng, Jakarta on Saturday April 11, 2026. "Amidst the increasingly modern and dynamic development of the city, the values of gathering (silaturahmi), togetherness, respect for elders, and mutual cooperation must be maintained and inherited to future generations," Fauzi said.

He also underscored the importance of the younger generation's engagement in conserving traditions. He highlighted the tradition of " Food delivery " as a symbol of respect for elders, that has intrinsic meaning and moral values in Betawi society.

"Through this momentum, all elements of society are invited to maintain unity. Betawi unites, Jakarta advances. God willing, Indonesia will become baldatun thoyyibatun wa robbun ghofur," the Governor of Jakarta for the 2007–2012 period conveyed.

On the same occasion, Governor of Jakarta Province, Pramono Anung, who also attended the event, praised the event of Lebaran Betawi as a result of collaboration between various parties in preserving local culture.

He has further opined that the tradition is not only an annual celebration, but also a space for togetherness which fosters social ties in the community.

"Lebaran Betawi reminds us of the value of mutual forgiveness, visiting family, and the food delivery tradition, which serves as a means of instilling good manners and buldiing up intergenerational ties," Pramono stated.

Moreover, the governor affirmed that the Jakarta Provincial Government will continuously support Lebaran Betawi as an ongoing annual event, in which Lapangan Banteng as one of the iconic locations for the event.

He also highlighted Jakarta's positive achievements in maintaining social stability. Pramono stated that Jakarta is now listed as the second safest city in Southeast Asia after Singapore, which surpasses some other major cities.

"The achievement is inseparable from the togetherness, harmony, and unity of Jakarta residents," he said.

The 2026 Lebaran Betawi celebration will once again serve as a momentum for cross-society affection and a strategic opportunity to reinforce Betawi cultural identity amidst Jakarta's global image.

This year's theme "Lebaran Betawi for Jakarta: Bolstering Unity in Preserving Traditions Towards a Global City" is aligned with the spirit of maintaining harmony amidst the capital's diversity. The event takes place for three days, April 10 to 12, 2026.