Jakarta: Home of the Betawi
Amid the onslaught of modernism and outside influences, the Betawi fiercely preserve their traditions. Betawi cultural reserves are tangible efforts at the preservation of Betawinese culture and traditions. At Situ Babakan and Conder in South Jakarta, the people live in traditional-designed houses, speak in the distinct Betawi dialect and keep alive traditional arts and culture, such as the tanjidor orchestra, Topeng Blantek dance and Betawi wayang performances.The Betawi culture has a number of distinct attributes. During festivities, large effiges called ondel-ondel are always put on display in pairs, a male and female, either to ward away evil or welcome guests. In parades, ondel-ondels come to life when worn and paraded by men to open the way for the procession and at the same time entertain the audience. Another indispensable item in Betawinese celebrations are kembang kelape, which literally means coconut flowers. Made out of colored crepe paper, these decorative ornaments enliven any setting.
Until the mid-seventies, the most popular and cheap mode of transporration is delman, a horse carriage that seats up to five passengers. Today, delmans serve a more entertaining purpose, taking sightseers around the city.
