The Uniqueness of Betawi Arts in Betawi Culture in Jakarta-Indonesia

Abstract

The Capital City of Jakarta is unique because it cannot only represent the ethnicity of its original population, namely Betawi, but is also home to various people, tribes, cultures and other ethnicities who come from all over Indonesia to live and develop in it. According to history, the Betawi people existed long before Jan Pieterzoon Coen burned Jayakarta in 1619 and founded on the ruins a city called Batavia. The descendants of the Betawi people come from mixed blood groups from various tribes and nations which are the result of inter-ethnic and national marriages in the past, as seen in religious ceremonies and customs. Betawi arts consist of 4 (four) important parts: (1) Music: Gambang Kromong, Tanjidor, Keroncong Tugu, Samrah Music, Malay Orchestra, Rebana, Marawis; (2) Dances: Samrah, Cokek, Blenggu, Doger, Uncul, Pencak Silat, Zapin; (3) Theatre Arts: Topeng Betawi, Lenong Betawi, Der Muluk, Ubrug, Buleng, Sarkawi; and (4) Performances Arts: Wayang Senggol, Wayang kulit, Wayang Golek, Belantek, Rancak, Gemblokan, Sahibul Hilayat, Ondel-Ondel, Silat Beksi, Palang Pintu and Lenggang Nyai.