TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – The Chairperson of the Betawi Culture Consultative Body (Bamus Betawi), Riano P. Ahmad, invited the public to the 2026 Lebaran Betawi celebrations, which will be held from April 10–12, 2026, at Lapangan Banteng, Central Jakarta.
Riano stated that Lebaran Betawi is an annual event organized by the Jakarta Provincial Government in collaboration with Bamus Betawi and the Betawi People’s Council (Majelis Kaum Betawi), serving as a vital means of preserving traditions and fostering camaraderie between Betawi residents and the wider community.
He noted that this year’s celebration carries a strategic theme, featuring a constantly updated concept to ensure the festival remains engaging and relevant.
“Alhamdulillah, this 2026 Lebaran Betawi will mark our 18th year. We invite all our brothers and sisters, and all residents, to join in and enliven this event,” Riano said in Jakarta on Sunday, as reported by Antara.
He concluded his invitation with a classic Betawi pantun: “Dari Buaran ke Ciawi, jangan lupa datang ke Lebaran Betawi,” said Riano, who also serves as a member of the Jakarta Regional Legislative Council (DPRD).
Lebaran Betawi is renowned as an annual cultural festival showcasing a vibrant array of Betawi arts, culinary delights, and traditions. The event serves as a major forum for cross-community camaraderie within the capital.
Previously, Jakarta Regional Secretary Uus Kuswanto emphasized that this celebration stands as a cultural tradition of the Betawi people, who serve as the hosts of Jakarta.
“Lebaran Betawi is not just a celebration, but a momentum to strengthen unity, togetherness, and preserve Betawi cultural values as Jakarta’s identity,” Uus said in Jakarta on Friday, April 4.
This year, the festival adopts the theme of strengthening unity in preserving traditions as Jakarta undergoes its transformation into a global city. A variety of traditional arts attractions and inclusive entertainment will be presented over the three-day period.
The tradition has been held regularly since 2008 and is now entering its 18th year. Lapangan Banteng was specifically chosen for its historical significance and its status as an iconic public space in Jakarta.
The series of events kicks off on Friday, April 10, with a communal prayer at 6:30 p.m., followed by a mass prayer and a sermon.
On Saturday, April 11, visitors can enjoy ondel-ondel performances, martial arts displays, and Betawi lenong theater, with festivities lasting until midnight.
The final day, Sunday, April 12, will feature mass morning exercise, a cultural carnival, a traditional dowry procession, and an exploration of Betawi culinary specialties.
The committee is targeting approximately 20,000 visitors, including international tourists. Local MSME products will also be featured through a bazaar designed to help boost Jakarta’s economic growth.
Meanwhile, Fauzi Bowo, Chairperson of the Betawi Customary Council, emphasized the importance of preserving ancestral traditions.
“These traditions maintain the bonds of family, brotherhood, and unity among the Betawi people. One of our duties is to uphold this spirit,” he said.
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