"LKB" Strengthens Brotherhood Through Halalbihalal in Eid Al-Fitr Celebrations

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Chairperson of the Betawi Cultural Institute (LKB), Beky Mardani, held an open house (Halalbihalal) at the North Meruya area, Kembangan, West Jakarta, Saturday, March 28, 2026. This annual event is a tradition to enhance brotherhood among the Betawi people, and serves as an important moment in the Eid Al-Fitr celebrations.

The chairman of the LKB and his family were seen enthusiastically and happily in welcoming and appreciating the guests who arrived from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Based on the observation of RRI VOI, thousands of people were estimated to have attended the invitation of one of the prominent figures in the Betawi community.

Beky Mardani is not only the chairman of the LKB, but he is also the chairperson of the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) Jakarta, a figure long known to the Betawi community. He is also a father figure with extensive social connections and is well-known among various circles.

Therefore, it is not surprising that the guests were not only from his extended family, but also from various levels of society, including stakeholders in the Jakarta Province Administration, artists, community leaders, cultural figures, community groups, journalists, and others.

Beky told the media that Eid al-Fitr is a time to foster social ties across communities. He noted that a warm and friendly atmosphere was felt throughout the event, reflecting the values of togetherness that are consistently maintained.

"This Halalbihalal gathering is not just an annual tradition, but a space to strengthen relationships and foster a sense of togetherness. I hope we continue to maintain moments like this, so that our family ties remain warm and strong," Beky Mardani conveyed.

Furthermore, he underscored that Halalbihalal (Gathering tradition after holy month of Ramadhan usually held in Eid Al Fitr celebration for asking forgiveness) is an important means of bringing together various elements of society with cultural values. He said the interactions were comfortable, demonstrating the closeness among community leaders, humanitarian volunteers, Betawi artists, and other invited guests.

Beky expressed his hope that the established relationships would continue to be nurtured. The togetherness built is expected to become a strong foundation for maintaining solidarity, not only during Eid al-Fitr but also in daily social life.

Several Betawi figures and artists also attended to enliven the event, including Hj Tonah, Munaroh, Bang Madit, H. Hendi, Betawi Painter Sarnadi Adam, YouTuber Sofwan Amin, Grand Master of Cingkrik Si Pitung Martial Arts Bahtiar Pitung, Grand Master of Beksi Merah Delima Indonesia Martial Arts Muali Yahya, Grand Master of Cingkrik S3 Abdi Manaf, king of Pantun Bang Zahrudin, MC Pantun Bang Aden, and Cultural Expert Yahya Andi Saputra and others.

Representatives from community organizations were also present, including Haji M Nuh from Permata MHT, Yusron Sjarief, Chairman of the Indonesian Betawi Traditional Silat Association (Astrabi) and members of the Betawi Journalists Forum (FJB). It was also attended by Chairman of East Jakarta PMI Krisdianto, Chairman of Central Jakarta PMI Asep Juanda, Chairman of South Jakarta PMI Mundari, and Chairman of West Jakarta PMI Amien Haji.

Meanwhile, Syakur Usman, Chairman of the Betawi Journalists Forum (FJB), stated that the Open House (Halalbihalal), in Eid al-Fitr celebrations, is a positive tradition that should be maintained in community life.

"In Islam, silaturahmi can bring good fortune and prolong life. In a social context, halalbihalal (gathering) is a social practice that must be preserved due to its immense benefits, especially for Jakarta's diverse population of various ethnicities and cultures, in addition to its core community, the Betawi," he said.

According to him, silaturahmi strengthens intimate relationships and interactions between residents. He also conveyed face-to-face interaction fosters mutual understanding.

The event featured a variety of Betawi traditional culinary such as Dodol, Kerak telor, Ketan Serundeng, Somay, Bir Pletok, Toge Goreng, Selendang Mayang and so on. It was also enlivened by a group of music and singers.