Hello ! If you’re going to Jakarta, you should visit Setu Babakan , Betawi Village in Jagakarsa, South of Jakarta.
This is a huge complex that dedicated specially for Betawi Culture.
Betawi is Jakarta’s indigenous people that is rich with aculturation of so many culture, from Arab, Sundanese, Javanese, Chinese , etc.
It was a melting pot of culture that shape Jakarta as the capital city of Indonesia.
Nowadays, Betawi people move away from the city to the suburbs.
In Setu Babakan Betawi Villageo, we can see their houses, the way they live, Betawi Museum, amphitheatre to watch shows like dance, plays, etc.
They also show marriage ceremonies, circumcision ceremony, Silat , which is the traditional martial art of so many Indonesian culture.
We can see everything Betawi. How they plant their crops, fish, etc.
You can see the giant dolls, called Ondel-Ondel. That is operated by a man inside the hollow of the doll. Then Ondel-Ondel will walk around the village accompanied by musicians that plays along the way.
We can also go there to visit 2 big natural lakes where we can fish or do some watersports like canoeing, dragon boat, etc. But it is not advised to swim there.
In Setu Babakan we can enjoy the lush green of garden that called Kebon. Where people plant their prized fruits like mango , guava, jackfruit and so on. Including some unique fruits like namnam and sawo. That are quite rare nowadays.
We can also taste Betawi culinary, such as Pecak Fish, fried fish with spicy dressing. Asinan Betawi, sort of salad with tofu and vegetables drenched in hot and sour sauces. Etc
So if you want to experience Betawi Culture, visit this place. And enjoy the experience
In one of the traditional houses