JAKARTA - Tari Yapong to ondel-ondel is not only a cultural heritage, but also a symbol of identity that continues to live in the midst of changing times.
In Jakarta, various elements of Betawi culture are now being introduced with a more contemporary approach not only through traditional performances, but also through interactive experiences close to the younger generation.
This effort is part of a new way of preserving culture which is now not only carried out through traditional spaces such as museums or art performances, but also increasingly involves a more modern approach.
Collaboration between the government, community, and private sector is considered important to maintain the sustainability of culture while making it relevant for today's generation, including through the use of technology and interactive experiences.
In this context, Grab Indonesia together with the DKI Jakarta Culture Service held the GrabX Mini Festival on April 8, 2026 in the Old City of Jakarta.
This activity is part of the GrabX 2026 series which presents a combination of technology and local cultural wealth to hundreds of participants, including content creators from various countries in Southeast Asia.
During the event, participants were invited to get to know the culture of Jakarta through various activities, ranging from a visit to the Jakarta History Museum to a puppet coloring workshop at the Wayang Museum.
In addition, a number of Betawi arts such as Keroncong Kemayoran, Tari Yapong, and ondel-ondel are also displayed. This approach allows participants not only to see, but also to experience the cultural experience directly.
Head of the DKI Jakarta Culture Service, Mochamad Miftahulloh Tamary, assessed that cross-sector collaboration was a strategic step in introducing local culture to the global level.
"The collaboration of the GrabX Mini Festival event allows foreign content creators who are present to experience the richness of Betawi culture firsthand. Events like this are an important effort that can expand access to the culture in Jakarta, as well as introduce it through an approach that is more relevant to technological developments, to support its sustainability," said Miftahulloh in his statement, Monday, April 20.
Apart from the cultural aspect, this activity also presents culinary experiences through the participation of local business actors. A number of Jakarta's typical food businesses are involved to introduce a variety of culinary to participants, while opening up wider promotional opportunities.
On the other hand, technology is also used to support this experience, including in helping participants explore the location and find various activities in a more practical way. This approach reflects how digital innovation is beginning to be used to support the tourism and culture sectors.
Grab Indonesia representative, Iki Sari Dewi, said this activity was part of an effort to provide an experience that is closer to local life.
"Through collaboration with the DKI Jakarta Culture Service, the GrabX Mini Festival is a manifestation of our commitment to provide an experience that is closer to local life. We want to show how Grab's innovation helps people and tourists find and enjoy cultural wealth, while supporting the growth of local MSMEs," he explained.
This activity reflects an effort to connect cultural preservation with the development of technology and creative economy. This kind of approach is expected to expand the reach of Indonesian culture while providing economic impact for local business actors.
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