DPD RI held a Betawi Cultural Week and MSME Festival to commemorate Jakarta's 499th anniversary

01 July 2026 oleh admin

JAKARTA, dpd.go.id – In order to celebrate the 499th Anniversary of the City of Jakarta, the House of the Regional Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia (DPD RI) is holding a series of activities entitled "Preserving Culture, Caring for the Nation" which will take place on July 6–9, 2026 at the Corridor of the Nusantara V Building, MPR RI, Jakarta.

This activity, which carries the spirit of cultural preservation and empowerment of the people's economy, presents various agendas, including Betawi Cultural Arts Performances, Public Discussions, Coloring Competitions, Traditional Dance Competitions, Fashion Shows, as well as Various Betawi Culinary and Micro, Small, and Medium Entreprises (MSME) bazaar.

Member of the DPD RI/MPR RI for the DKI Jakarta Electoral District, Achmad Azran, who is familiarly called Bang Azran, said that the commemoration of Jakarta's anniversary is not just an annual ceremony, but a momentum to strengthen cultural identity while encouraging the progress of Jakarta's people.

"Jakarta is growing into a global city that continues to move forward, but that progress must remain grounded in strong cultural roots. Betawi culture is not only a historical legacy, but also a source of values, character, and wisdom that shape Jakarta's face to this day. Preserving culture means preserving the nation's identity, and preserving culture is part of preserving Indonesia," said Bang Azran.

The General Chairperson of the DPP FORKABI emphasized that the Betawi people have a tradition of openness, tolerance, and a spirit of togetherness that are important foundations for multicultural life in Jakarta.

"Betawi has long been known as a culture that embraces diversity. Amidst the tide of modernization and globalization, Betawi values such as mutual cooperation, respect for elders, and an open attitude toward diversity must continue to be passed down to the younger generation. Jakarta may be a global city, but its Betawi spirit must remain alive and remain the master of its own land," he added.

Meanwhile, Nurdin, as the Spokesperson for the Organizing Committee, explained that the holding of this festival also serves as a strategic space to strengthen the existence of Jakarta's MSMEs, especially those operating in the culinary, fashion, craft, and creative economy sectors based on Betawi culture.

"Culture and MSMEs are inseparable. Much of Betawi cultural heritage lives on and thrives through the hands of small and medium-sized businesses. Traditional cuisine, traditional clothing, crafts, and performing arts constitute an economic ecosystem that must be continuously supported to remain relevant amidst changing times," said Nurdin.

According to him, the Betawi people have a strong entrepreneurial tradition and are adaptable to change. "Betawi people have long been known for their creativity in identifying opportunities and building community-based businesses. Therefore, strengthening Betawi MSMEs is not only about the economy, but also an effort to maintain cultural sustainability. As kerak telor (egg crust), bir pletok (spicy beer), dodol Betawi (Betawi sticky rice cake), Betawi batik, and various other creative products continue to develop, we are truly preserving Jakarta's identity and keeping it alive amidst modernity," he explained.

Through this activity, the DPD RI hopes to strengthen collaboration between the government, cultural communities, MSMEs, academics, and the wider community in realizing Jakarta as a global city that is advanced, competitive, and deeply rooted in Betawi cultural values.

"Preserving Culture, Caring for the Nation" conveys the message that Jakarta's progress must go hand in hand with cultural preservation and the empowerment of the people's economy as the foundation for sustainable development.(*)