DKI DPRD Criticizes the Ban on Ngamen Ondel-ondel, Asking Pramono to Prepare a Replacement Stage

JAKARTA - DKI Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung's policy banning ondel-ondel from being played on the streets has drawn criticism from the DKI DPRD. Member of Commission A of the DKI Jakarta DPRD Kevin Wu assessed that the ban has the potential to hinder the development of Betawi culture if it is not balanced by concrete solutions.

Kevin assessed that the approach of banning it alone was not enough to raise the status of traditional art. According to him, there needs to be an alternative space so that ondel-ondel remains alive in the community.

"In its history, art cannot advance if it is only regulated without being given room to move and develop. Likewise, banning ondel-ondel from appearing on the streets is not enough if Mas Pram intends to bring Betawi culture to a higher class," said Kevin in his statement, Wednesday, April 15.

He emphasized that the policy must be accompanied by concrete steps to ensure the sustainability of art practitioners. Because, the activity of singing on the street has always been one of their sources of income.

"The DKI Provincial Government must encourage other policies that can help these ondel-ondel and their perpetrators to continue to be artistic in the midst of our community. Without it, Mas Pram's goal to bring ondel-ondel up in class will only drown the art," he said.

Kevin reminded that the economic aspect cannot be separated from cultural policies. Without income guarantees, artists risk losing their livelihoods.

As a solution, he proposed that the DKI Provincial Government prioritize the involvement of traditional artists in various official events. In addition, cooperation with the private sector is also considered to open up new stage opportunities for ondel-ondel.

"First, the DKI Provincial Government needs to prioritize that in the events it organizes, traditional Betawi artists, including ondel-ondel, are involved. Then, the DKI Provincial Government can also cooperate with private parties, especially in the field of hospitality to promote ondel-ondel art, "he said.

Not only about the stage, Kevin also encourages support for capacity development for art practitioners, including through training and education. He also urges collaboration with art education institutions in Jakarta to encourage innovation in ondel-ondel art.

"In Jakarta we have IKJ (Jakarta Arts Institute). The DKI Provincial Government should be able to establish a cooperation between our pride art campus and the ondel-ondel community so that how the art can continue to be developed. Thank God if in the future ondel-ondel can become a world-class art as well," added Kevin.

Previously, the Governor of DKI Jakarta Pramono Anung emphasized that the practice of ondel-ondel was prohibited for use as a means of street entertainment. The ban was taken because the government wanted to restore the function of ondel-ondel as a Betawi cultural icon that was displayed properly, not as a means of making money on the street.

"Regarding ondel-ondel, we have made a decision to ban ondel-ondel on the streets," said Pramono at Lapangan Banteng, Central Jakarta, Saturday, April 11.

According to him, ondel-ondel has symbolic value as a representation of Betawi culture and Jakarta identity which needs to be maintained its honor. In line with this, the DKI Provincial Government is also preparing a concept of ondel-ondel performances that are more directed and managed, especially ahead of the 500th anniversary of Jakarta.

"Of course we will provide education for the ondel-ondel street performers," he said.

On the other hand, he also asked the Satuan Polisi Pamong Praja (Satpol PP) to start enforcing discipline in the field. Although the sanctions have not been implemented, the ban is ensured to continue.

"In places like that, I ask for the time when the satpol pp prohibits it. Regarding sanctions, which I think have not yet come into effect. But what is clear is that it will definitely be banned," added Pramono.