Jakarta's 499th Anniversary: Bang Azran Pushes for Betawi Cultural Preservation and Strengthening MSMEs

13 July 2026 oleh admin

dpd.go.id Jakarta – Member of the DPD RI/MPR RI representing the Jakarta electoral district, Achmad Azran, affectionately known as Bang Azran, has invited the entire community, especially the younger generation, to continue preserving, loving, and cultivating Betawi culture as Jakarta's identity and a unifying bond for the nation.

Bang Azran extended this invitation while opening a series of events commemorating Jakarta's 499th Anniversary, themed "Preserving Culture, Nurturing the Nation," held from July 13 to 16, 2026, at the Nusantara V Building Hall, Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta.

Bang Azran, who also serves as the General Chairman of the DPP FORKABI and is a native Betawi man, explained that the event features various agendas directly involving the public. This includes the Betawi MSME (UMKM) Festival, which serves as a promotional platform for the flagship products of local business owners, as well as an effort to boost the people's economy through a culture-based approach.

According to Bang Azran, Jakarta's advancement into a global city must not erode the cultural roots that have formed the community's identity for hundreds of years.

"Today, Jakarta has developed into a world-class metropolitan city. High-rise buildings keep going up, technology is advancing rapidly, and times continue to change. However, there is one thing that must never be lost, and that is our identity. When speaking about Jakarta, we cannot separate Betawi from the history, identity, and future of this city," Bang Azran stated.

He added that Betawi culture is not merely an ethnic identity, but a reflection of noble values that have long formed the foundation of life for Jakarta's citizens such as hospitality, mutual cooperation (gotong royong), respect for elders, and the ability to live side-by-side in diversity.

"Preserving culture does not mean living in the past. On the contrary, preserving culture means ensuring that these noble values remain alive and relevant amidst modern advancements. Betawi teaches us openness, brotherhood, and the ability to accept differences without losing our identity," he said.

Bang Azran also expressed appreciation for the Betawi MSME Festival held as part of Jakarta's 499th Anniversary celebrations. He believes that cultural preservation must go hand-in-hand with public economic empowerment by strengthening local MSME players, who are an integral part of the Betawi cultural ecosystem.

"Next year, Jakarta will enter its fifth century. This long journey must serve as momentum to strengthen the city's identity while improving public welfare. Therefore, I invite the younger generation: do not just be proud to live in Jakarta, but be proud to be a part of its history get to know its culture, and preserve the art, language, culinary heritage, traditional clothing, and noble values passed down by our ancestors," he added.

Accompanied by the Committee Spokesperson, Nurdin, Bang Azran expressed optimism that Betawi culture will endure if all elements of society continue to work hand-in-hand to safeguard this cultural heritage.

"I believe that as long as there are people who love their culture, elders who guide the youth, and as long as we maintain this spirit of togetherness, Betawi culture will remain alive. Not just on performance stages, but also in the hearts of all Jakartans as a proud identity of the city," said Bang Azran, a sentiment echoed by Nurdin.

Senator from Maluku, Bisri As Shiddiq Latuconsina, remarked that Jakarta is fortunate to have a representative like Bang Azran. "Bang Azran was born for Betawi; Bang Azran is here to protect the dignity and honor of the Betawi people. Therefore, Bang Azran is highly qualified to become a regional leader in Jakarta," the Senator said.

Meanwhile, Betawi elder Colonel Djuanda expressed his pride in Bang Azran. He noted that in addition to currently leading FORKABI, Bang Azran deeply loves Betawi culture with all his heart. "Betawi is a culture that must be preserved. Any newcomers entering Jakarta must have manners and understand Betawi—its culture, its customs because by preserving culture, we can certainly nurture the nation. May Jakarta's anniversary bring blessings to us all. Once again, thank you to Bang Azran for continuing to love Jakarta and Betawi," Djuanda said.

Betawi artist Bang Qubil was also given the opportunity to perform during the opening. Bang Qubil recited shalawat (prayers upon the Prophet), offered prayers, and delivered entertaining pantun (traditional poetry). "May Bang Azran always be granted good health to continue fighting for Betawi in this homeland. We are proud to now have Bang Azran as our representative a native Betawi who can revive, develop, and keep Betawi culture alive," he said.

Also present at the event were Senator from North Sumatra Penrad Siagian, Senator from Aceh Azhari Cage, Senator from Maluku Bisri As Shiddiq Latuconsina, and Senator from Central Sulawesi Andhika Mayrizal Amir. Additionally, a number of Betawi and community figures attended, including H. Iwan, Colonel (Ret.) Djuanda, Mpo Munaroh, Mpo H. Tonah, Bang Burhan, Bang Qubil, Deputy General Chairman of DPP FORKABI Purna Kustaman, Secretary General of DPP FORKABI Tahyudin, Jay Sabeni from Seniman Betawi Nimbrung, Chairman of KAHMI Jaya Boim, Bang Fataa, as well as young Betawi entrepreneur Iman Hendri and youth community (Karang Taruna) members from various corners of Jakarta. (*)