Betawi << beh TAH wee >> are an Indonesian people of the region around the city of Jakarta in western Java . The Betawi make up less than 5 percent of the total population of Indonesia. They live in Jakarta and the surrounding areas, sometimes called Jabodetabek. Most Betawi are Muslim.
The Betawi are the descendants of the Balinese , Chinese , Javanese, Sundanese, and other peoples brought to Jakarta during the Dutch colonial era, beginning in the 1600’s. At the time, these people were mostly laborers or slaves. The name Betawi comes from the word Batavia, the name of Jakarta during the Dutch colonial period. Most Betawi speak a dialect of Malay , which was a lingua franca (common language) during the colonial era.
Chinese heritage shows in many aspects of Betawi daily life, music, clothing, and ceremonies. Traditional music groups called gambang kromong are rooted in Chinese styles. They also incorporate musical instruments and influences from Arabic, Portuguese, and Dutch traditions.
Today, Betawi identity is threatened by increased migration to the region and by modernization. Betawi have formed several organizations to preserve their ethnic identity. Many Betawi affiliate themselves with organizations such as Forum Betawi Rempug (FBR) and Forum Komunikasi Anak Betawi (FORKABI). These organizations also serve political functions in Indonesia.
