TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Palang Pintu Festival Kemang was held just recently for the tenth time on Jl. Kemang Raya Street. The festival is from the native Betawi culture that is routinely-held to welcome Jakarta city’s 488th anniversary.
Chief of the 10th Palang Pintu Festival, Darussalam said the event is held in an attempt to promote Betawi culture both in and outside Jakarta, as well as to preserve the culture.
“There are dances, musics, verse-reading, lenong and culinary presented in the event to promote Betawi culture” Darussalam said when met on Kemang Raya Street.
The event started at 08:00 until 23:00 local time.
According to Darussalam, the name ‘palang pintu’ was originally a name for ceremonial event that was held by Betawi man when he is proposing to a woman. The traditional ceremony features entertainments such as silat perfromance, verses and dances performed by representatives of both families.
Betawi people through Sanggar Mangga Kelape, still according to Darussalam, has agreed to make the ceremony into Kemang’s new icon.
“The name ‘Palang Pintu’ had not been used by any party, so we use it to show the distinctive culture. However, it does not mean that this event only belongs to ours, this event is for everyone,” Darussalam said.
People can visit the festival for free of charge both for Jakarta residents or tourists from outside Jakarta.
MAYA NAWANGWULAN