Setu Babakan

Iconic Architecture and Spatial Planning

One of the most striking characteristics of Setu Babakan is its commitment to traditional architectural aesthetics. Here, visitors can find three types of traditional Betawi houses, each with a different philosophy: Rumah Bapang (or Kebaya), Rumah Gudang, and Rumah Joglo Betawi. The distinctive "Gigi Balang"—triangular wooden planks adorning the roof eaves—serves as a symbol of honesty and hard work of the local community.

Each building in the core zone of Setu Babakan is designed to reflect traditional spatial hierarchy. The spacious house terrace (sosoran) symbolizes the openness of the Betawi people towards guests, while the presence of a "langgar" or small prayer room around the settlement indicates strong religiosity. This arrangement aims to enable younger generations to understand how physical space influences social interaction within Betawi culture.

Variety of Performing Arts and Traditional Creations

Setu Babakan is a living stage for various increasingly rare arts. Every weekend, the open stage in Zone A regularly hosts art performances. One of the most anticipated is Tari Topeng Betawi (Betawi Mask Dance), a theatrical dance that combines elements of movement, music, and comedy. Visitors can also witness the graceful Lentik Betawi and Tari Sirih Kuning (Yellow Betel Leaf Dance).

Musical arts also hold a special place. The melodies of Gambang Kromong, a harmonious blend of indigenous and Chinese elements, often resonate in this area. Additionally, there are Tanjidor performances, a wind orchestra from the colonial era adapted with local spirit, and Rebana Biang, which has an Islamic nuance. The presence of 2.5-meter-tall Ondel-ondel (giant traditional puppets) accompanied by percussion music is not only a visual attraction but also a reminder of their function as a ward against misfortune in traditional beliefs.

Educational Programs and Cultural Workshops

As a cultural center, Setu Babakan actively organizes educational programs for the general public and students. There are regular classes that teach practical skills, such as:

1. Betawi Batik Workshop: Unlike Javanese batik, Betawi batik in Setu Babakan highlights coastal motifs with bright colors (red, green, yellow) and iconic patterns like Pucuk Rebung (bamboo shoot), Burung Hong (phoenix), and Monas.

2. Pencak Silat Training (Main Pukulan): Visitors can learn authentic Jakarta silat aliran (schools), such as Cingrik or Beksi. Here, silat is taught not only as a martial art technique but also as a means of character building and discipline.

3. Culinary Education: There are demonstration sessions for making Kerak Telor (a savory omelet), Bir Pletok (a non-alcoholic spiced drink), and Dodol Betawi (a sticky sweet confection). The process of stirring dodol, which can take up to 8 hours using a large cauldron, serves as a lesson in patience and gotong royong (mutual cooperation).

Festivals and Annual Celebrations

Setu Babakan hosts various large-scale cultural events. One of the grandest is Lebaran Betawi (Betawi Eid al-Fitr), usually celebrated one month after Eid al-Fitr. In this event, all regions in Jakarta send representatives to showcase the cultural and culinary potential of each sub-district.

In addition, there are Pencak Silat Festivals and Abang None Jakarta Selatan (South Jakarta Prince and Princess) Competitions often centered here. The "Malam Nisfu Sya'ban" (Mid-Sha'ban Night) celebration and the "Nyorog" tradition (delivering food to elders before Ramadan) are still collectively practiced by the community within Setu Babakan, making this area a dynamic social laboratory.

Gastronomy: Preserving Authentic Flavors

Culinary is an inseparable part of Setu Babakan's identity. Along the lake's edge, vendors serve dishes that are hard to find in the city center, such as Gabus Pucung (snakehead fish in a dark kluwek broth), Sayur Babanci, and Soto Betawi with its savory milk or coconut milk broth.

The signature drink, Bir Pletok, is a highlight of the educational experience. Despite its name "bir" (beer), this drink contains no alcohol at all. Instead, it is a mixture of spices like ginger, lemongrass, cinnamon, and sappanwood, which gives it a natural red color. The presence of these culinary offerings is not just about food, but an effort to preserve age-old recipes that are part of intangible cultural heritage.

Role in Local Culture and Community Development

Setu Babakan is managed with a concept of empowering the local community. The original residents of Srengseng Sawah are not just spectators but the main actors in this cultural ecosystem. They serve as art instructors, artisans, and providers of accommodation in the form of homestays, allowing tourists to experience the daily lifestyle of the Betawi people.

The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government, through the Unit Pengelola Kawasan (UPK) PBB Setu Babakan, continues to develop facilities, including the construction of a museum that houses a collection of Betawi cultural artifacts, ranging from antique kitchen utensils, wedding attire (Dandanan Care Haji and Care None Pengantin Chine), to original musical instruments.

Environmental Preservation and Natural Heritage

Uniquely, Setu Babakan also emphasizes the preservation of "Natural Heritage." In this area, various types of rare Jakarta fruit trees that are becoming extinct are planted, such as Kecapi, Namnam, Jamblang, Buni, and Gowok. The lake (Setu) itself functions as a water catchment for South Jakarta and a means of traditional transportation in the form of dragon boats and rafts used in certain traditional ceremonies.

Conclusion: The Future of Betawi Culture

Setu Babakan is a statement that local identity can survive amidst the strong currents of globalization. As a cultural center, this place successfully integrates aspects of the past (history and tradition) with the present (tourism and education). Through sustainable activities, Setu Babakan ensures that "Gigi Balang" will continue to adorn Jakarta's skyline, "Gambang Kromong" music will continue to delight the ears, and the noble values of the Betawi people will continue to be passed down to future generations. This area is not just a green space for Jakarta, but a spiritual space for everyone who wants to understand the identity of the capital city.