There is one place in Jakarta where you can learn every single detail about Jakarta’s indigenous culture. This place is called Kampung Betawi Setu Babakan. Setu Babakan is a cultural centre in Jakarta, Indonesia, that showcases the rich and diverse culture of the Betawi people. With its bustling streets, vibrant performances, and delicious traditional dishes, it is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the rich cultural tapestry of Jakarta.
Betawi culture is the traditional culture of Jakarta’s indigenous people. It is a distinct cultural identity formed by a unique blend of indigenous Betawi, Malay, Chinese, Arab, Indian, and European influences. It is an important part of Jakarta’s history and identity.
In this article, we will take a closer look at Kampung Betawi Setu Babakan. If you’re interested in Betawi culture, reading this article will provide you with a blueprint of this place.
The Brief History of Kampung Betawi Setu Babakan
The history of Kampung Betawi Setu Babakan can be traced back to the early days of Jakarta, when the Betawi people, the city’s native inhabitants, lived in traditional communities known as “kampungs.” Setu Babakan was one of these kampungs, and it became known as a centre for traditional Betawi culture, music, and dance.
Setu Babakan evolved into a centre for the preservation and promotion of Betawi culture over time, attracting visitors from all over the city and beyond who wanted to experience this rich cultural heritage. Setu Babakan has recently been designated as a cultural centre, and it has received government and non-governmental organisation support to preserve and promote the traditional Betawi culture that is deeply rooted in this historic kampung.
Setu Babakan is now a thriving cultural hub where visitors can learn about the Betawi people’s rich cultural heritage through music, dance, food, and other activities.
Location and Entrance Ticket
Srengseng Sawah Village, Jagakarsa District, South Jakarta, is the location of Kampung Betawi Setu Babakan, which has the following geographical boundaries:
- North: From Jl. Mochammad Kahfi II to Jl. Desa Putra (Jl. H. Pangkat)
- East: Jl. Desa Putra (Jl. H. Pangkat), Jl. Pratama (Mangga Bolong Timur), Jl. Lapangan Merah.
- South: DKI Jakarta’s provincial boundary with Depok City;
- West: Jl. Mochammad Kahfi II.
Setu Babakan’s admission is free; the only fee is for parking the vehicle. Motorcycle parking costs Rp. 2.000, while car parking costs Rp. 5.000. You can visit the village every day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
What to Do at Kampung Betawi Setu Babakan
There are many things you can do in Kampung Betawi Setu Babakan to learn more about the native culture of Jakarta. The following are some of the activities:
Cultural Visit to the Betawi Culture
Cultural tourism is a tour or visit that focuses on Betawi culture. Here, you can see the Betawi traditional houses that are still standing today. You can also see:
- Traditional music, dance, and theatre performances in the open-air theatre arena.
- Children and adolescents receive training in dance, music, bacteriology, and traditional theatre arts.
- Tourist attractions and cultural processions, Betawi silat training, and so on.
Agrotourism
Aside from cultural tourism, you can also experience agrotourism, which will provide you with a very distinct agricultural sensation. It is surrounded by a variety of trees and fruits that you can try.
Mango trees, Melinjo, Rambutan, Jambang, Lute, Jamblang, Krendang, Buni, Nangka, Cempedak, Nam-Nam, Jambu Mede, Avocado, Kwini, Bacang, Jengkol, Pete, and a variety of others are among them.
Some of the trees are extremely rare, and they are not even available in some traditional markets.
Miscellaneous Betawi Attractions
Aside from Betawi’s traditional houses, you can also see the Baitul Makmur Mosque. Betawi architecture can be found where the mosque is.
There is also a Betawi Museum, which provides comprehensive information about Jakarta’s indigenous people. Musical instruments, home furnishings, tools, transportation equipment, paintings of Betawi figures or culturalists, and so on.
Enjoy the Beauty of the Setu Babakan Lake
Setu Babakan has clean air and strong winds, making it appear to be an oasis during Jakarta’s heat. The lake is quite large, and there are several seats with tables facing the lake nearby. It’s ideal for unwinding and sleeping.
Setu Babakan Lake will also serve as a reservoir for the city of South Jakarta. In addition, here are some exciting activities to do while visiting Setu Babakan Lake:
- Watercraft like duck boats, wooden boats, and dragon boats.
- A fish therapy pool
- Fishing
- Tasting Betawi’s traditional dishes such as: kerak telor, soto betawi, gabus pucung, toge goreng, and bir pletok.
How to Get to Kampung Betawi Setu Babakan
Private vehicles and public transportation can take you to Kampung Betawi Setu Babakan. If you take a train or KRL to Lenteng Agung Station, you can continue by taking an angkot or Kopaja and getting off right in front of Setu Babakan.
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