Intermixed Culture Of Jakarta
Jakarta is a melting-pot city for nearly around 350 ethnic groups most of them are of Malay ancestry. Majority of the population of Jakarta is from the neighboring cities of Java, Bali, Sumatera and Sulawesi. Also you will find people hailing from Kalimantan and Papua. The city has been successful in retaining its cultural roots, but due to the presence of the variety of the population the city has quite of intermixed culture. Moreover there is a huge presence of a non-Indonesian group known as Orang Betawi.
Betawi is one of the most special cultures of Jakarta. The culture will give you the information how the Betwai people became an integral part of the city. Betwai culture is composed of a unique blend of the Dutch, Chinese, Portuguese and Arabs. Thus it can be easily understood that the Betawi culture is very much colorful. The Betawi has its origin from the old name of Dutch capital during its administration, Batavia. You will witness the influence of Betawi ‘s culture across the whole city.
The country is home for nearly 500 languages where you will find more use language of Java with number of other languauges. The languages of Sundanese, Javanese and Betawi are widely used where as the official language of the country is Bahasa. Mostly English language is used by the maximum people of the tourism industry. Many people of the city do speak Dutch.
Jakarta’s locals are very traditional. Courtesy and politeness are considered to be their most important. Also the people of Jakarta avoid the public display of their emotion. If you feel that the locals are stiff than you are quite wrong. The people of Jakarta are quite tolerant; they avoid the mistakes of foreign and treat them respectfully.
In Jakarta Islam is the dominant religion but the constitution provides every citizen of the freedom to select and follow any religion according to personal faith and preferences.
The Tanjidor orchestra which is quite famous in Jakarta has its origin from the dutuch. Moreover the Chinese gave Jakarta various dance forms such as Cokek, Gambang and Kromongs. You will find the influence of Bali culture in the Betawi Cokek dance shows. No traces of Portuguese cultre could be seen in Jakarta.
From 17th century, the Javanese culture has left its mark in the culture of Jakarta. You can feel the influence of the javanese culture in the music, theater and dance in the betawi culture. Wayang Kulit Betawi and Lenong are few such examples. The major influence of Islam can be witnessed in the betawi culture. Few of the arts forms that are influenced from Islam are The Japin/ Zapin dance, the Rebana and Gambus orchestra.
In Jakarta you can find well established culture and foreign art centers. These centers help in the promotion of various arts and culture and language by the use of art galleries, learning centers, libraries. Jawaharlal Nehru Indian cultural center, Netherland Erasmus Huis, France Centre Cultural Français, UK British Council, Japan Foundation, Germany Goethe-Institute are few cultural centre in Jakarta.
