JAKARTA, JAKTIMES.COM – The Provincial Government of DKI Jakarta, in collaboration with Perumda Sarana Jaya, has officially signed a Cooperation Agreement (PKS) on the Preservation of Betawi Culture on Thursday (Feb 12, 2026). The initiative is part of a broader effort to create public spaces that are not only functional but also deeply rooted in local cultural identity.
The signing follows a previously established joint agreement. President Director of Perumda Sarana Jaya, Bernard Yohanes, emphasized that the PKS serves as the operational foundation for preserving Betawi culture within the hospitality business units managed by the regionally owned enterprise.
“This agreement serves as the operational basis for preserving Betawi culture within the hotel units managed by Perumda Sarana Jaya,” Bernard said at Novotel Jakarta Cikini.
Hotels as Cultural Showcases
The collaboration will be implemented in three strategic hotels: Novotel Jakarta Cikini, Hotel Mercure Jakarta Cikini, and Veranda Hotel Pakubuwono.
According to Bernard, these hotels are not merely business entities but also strategic public spaces that can serve as platforms for cultural education, culinary promotion, and the narration of Jakarta’s historical identity.
At Novotel Jakarta Cikini in particular, Betawi cultural preservation is reflected through UMKM booths such as Batik Punta, the presentation of heritage-inspired Betawi culinary menus, and the integration of cultural storytelling into the guest experience.
The hotel also offers a heritage walk program, inviting guests to explore historical sites in the Menteng and Cikini areas—two neighborhoods rich in Jakarta’s historical legacy.
“We want cultural preservation not to be merely ornamental, but to become a living, educational, and relevant experience,” Bernard stated.
From Betawi Cuisine to Iconic Ornaments
Meanwhile, Head of the DKI Jakarta Culture Office, Mochamad Miftahulloh Tamary, explained that the partnership represents a concrete step toward advancing Betawi culture within regionally owned business units.
One of its implementations includes serving authentic Betawi dishes in the participating hotels. Guests are expected not only to enjoy hospitality services but also to experience the richness of Betawi flavors.
Cultural identity is further reinforced through interior design and decorative elements featuring traditional Betawi symbols such as kembang kelapa ornaments, ondel-ondel figures, Betawi batik motifs, and other cultural icons.
“These decorations are expected to serve as a medium for cultural outreach to hotel guests, both from within and outside Jakarta,” he said.
Toward Jakarta’s Fifth Century
The initiative aligns with Law No. 2 of 2024, which affirms that Jakarta’s cultural identity is rooted in Betawi culture. Therefore, preserving and promoting Betawi heritage is considered a shared responsibility, including through the management of strategic public spaces such as hotels.
Bernard added that the momentum toward Jakarta’s fifth century serves as a reminder that cultural preservation must go beyond ceremonial events.
“Cultural preservation must become part of sustainable regional asset management practices,” he stressed.
Through this collaboration, the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government and Sarana Jaya hope that Betawi cultural values will not merely be displayed symbolically, but will truly come alive as part of the public’s experience in enjoying spaces across the capital (Wan)