Betawi Cultural Charm Festival Marks Jakarta’s 500th Year

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Betawi Cultural Charm Festival was held as part of a series of events leading up to Jakarta’s 500th anniversary and as an effort to introduce Betawi culture to the public. The festival took place at the southern entrance of ITC Cempaka Mas in Sumur Batu Village, Kemayoran Subdistrict, Central Jakarta on Sunday, September 20, 2026.

The festival was officially opened by the assistant for administration and public welfare at the Central Jakarta Administrative City Secretariat, Nurhidayat, along with relevant officials. He expressed his appreciation to all parties involved in the event, which highlighted efforts to preserve Betawi culture.

“Events like this demonstrate that cultural preservation is not solely the government’s responsibility but a shared responsibility,” said Nurhidayat on Sunday.

He said Betawi culture needed to continue developing amid urban growth and modernization. He added that this was important to ensure that Jakarta’s cultural identity and character remained firmly rooted in the community.

“Betawi culture is an important part of Jakarta’s identity, encompassing historical values, art, traditions, language, cuisine, and local wisdom that we should preserve together,” he said.

Nurhidayat said cultural festivals could also serve as educational platforms, particularly for younger generations seeking to learn more about Betawi’s diverse cultural heritage. In addition to enjoying the performances, members of the public could learn about the values embedded in Betawi traditions and culture.

“On this occasion, we are not merely enjoying a performance but also learning about the values of life contained within it,” he added.

He expressed hope that similar events would be held regularly and involve a broader range of community members. He said cultural preservation could strengthen pride in local culture while fostering the spirit of mutual cooperation in developing Jakarta.

“Hopefully, events like this can continue to be held sustainably and become part of our shared efforts to build a progressive Jakarta while preserving its strong cultural roots,” he concluded. (Annaila Azzahra-EN)