RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – The Indonesian government has officially included the Betawi Museum in the national museum database system. Located within the Setu Babakan Betawi Cultural Village in South Jakarta, the museum was established to preserve Betawi cultural heritage and ensure it remains alive for future generations.

The physical construction of the museum took three years, spanning from 2012 to 2015. Initially, the building complex served as the administrative office for the cultural heritage site.

The museum first opened its doors to the public on July 30, 2017, during the 11th Betawi Eid celebration. The official inauguration of this educational site was attended in person by the President of the Republic of Indonesia at the time, Joko Widodo.

Over time, management expanded the exhibition space to occupy the entire building. By 2022, the museum’s administrative framework was fully integrated into the national registry of cultural institutions.

The Jakarta Provincial Government’s Department of Culture directly oversees the museum’s operations through a dedicated site management unit. This administrative structure ensures consistent standards in collection care and the continuous development of educational programs.

The three-story building organizes a diverse collection of ethnic artifacts into several thematic galleries. This thoughtful arrangement helps visitors understand every phase and aspect of daily life in traditional Jakarta society.

The first floor houses the “8 Icons of Betawi Culture” Gallery, which showcases the region’s key cultural symbols. Here, visitors can admire majestic ondel-ondel puppets, elegant kebaya kerancang attire, and learn about the iconic culinary staple, kerak telor.

Meanwhile, the second floor presents replicas of traditional Betawi home interiors and everyday household items. The collection in this zone includes vintage cooking utensils, classic wooden home furnishings, and historic ontel bicycles.

On the third floor, the Betawi Comedy and Arts Gallery displays traditional musical instruments and honors prominent figures in the performing arts. This vibrant space highlights the enduring legacy of legendary artists such as Benyamin Sueb and Mpok Nori.