Betawi Artists and Figures

Who Says the Betawi Are Out of Date?

Who Says the Betawi Are Uncultured?

Have you ever heard these song lyrics of “Si Doel Anak Sekolahan”? Who is that to say that Betawi people are outdated and uncultured? For a long time, numerous Betawi people have been recognized as important figures for various causes, from the fight for freedom to the development of the nation’s arts and cultures. In fact, many main streets and important places in Jakarta are named after these significant individuals.
Muhammad Husni Thamrin, K.H Noer Alie, Pitung, Ismail Marzuki and Benyamin Sueb are just a few of the well-known Betawi figures. They have, in their own respective ways, contributed in carving Indonesia’s history.