Festival Bandeng Rawa Belong 2026, Bang Anung Propose Betawi Ulama Haul at Monas

Jakarta - DKI Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung or Bang Anung expressed his appreciation to the Betawi people for the 2026 Rawa Belong Bandeng Festival, which was held again in the Rawa Belong area, Kebon Jeruk, West Jakarta.

In his remarks, Pramono admitted that he was happy to be able to attend for the second time in the festival which has become an annual tradition for Betawi residents ahead of the Chinese New Year.

"I as the Governor of Jakarta appreciate the Betawi people for the implementation of the 2026 Rawa Belong Bandeng Festival. This is the second time I have been to this place," he said.

On this occasion, Pramono also conveyed a new idea in order to welcome the Jakarta Anniversary this year and towards the 500th anniversary of Jakarta in the coming year. He proposed that a haul activity be held for Betawi ulama and fighters who have contributed to the development of the city.

"I want to convey and at the same time ask for support from the Betawi people. In welcoming Jakarta's Independence Day this year to 500 years, I want to hold a haul for Betawi ulama and fighters who have contributed to Jakarta," said Pramono.

He proposed that the activities be centered at the National Monument (Monas) and involve various large assemblies in Jakarta, such as the Assembly of the Prophet and the Assembly of Nurul Musthofa, and be attended by tens of thousands of people.

"I imagine this activity will be held at Monas with the participation of tens of thousands of worshipers. This is a form of our respect for the ulama and Betawi figures who have contributed greatly to the progress of Jakarta," he explained.

According to him, there has never been a haul activity organized jointly by the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government for Betawi ulama and figures.

"If this is allowed, I will initiate this activity. I believe this will bring benefits to the Betawi people," he added.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Betawi People's Assembly, Fauzi Bowo, also expressed his appreciation and gratitude to all parties who have supported the success of the 2026 Rawa Belong Bandeng Festival.

He emphasized that the success of this festival is inseparable from the support of the local government as well as the active role of the Betawi community and the organizing committee.

"On behalf of the Betawi people and the Betawi People's Assembly, we express our infinite gratitude to the Governor, the Mayor of West Jakarta, the head of the village, the head of the village, to all the committees and the Rawa Belong community," he said.

Fauzi Bowo also assessed that this festival is an important part of the preservation of Betawi culture which continues to be maintained.

"If it weren't for the role of Betawi and the Betawi People's Assembly, this festival would not necessarily have been able to run and be as successful as it is now," he concluded.

The Rawa Belong Bandeng Festival itself is an annual tradition that symbolizes the acculturation of Betawi and Chinese cultures, as well as an effort to preserve local culture and drive the community's economy.

In the same place, the Mayor of West Jakarta, Iin Mutmainah, explained that all the bandeng fish at the Bandeng Festival had been checked for quality and health by the KPKP Sub-Director of the West Jakarta City Administration. "This bandeng fish is 100 percent without formalin. So it is very healthy to eat," he said.