DUSK began to creep across the sky of Denpasar, but the spirit of Betawi art was burning even more on stage. Greater Jakarta Arts envoy successfully held a cultural performance that was not only mesmerizing, but also warmed the hearts of the audience. Since 17:00 Local Time on Saturday (Jun 28), the strains of traditional gambang kromong music began to flow, inviting gasps of admiration and full attention from every pair of eyes present in the Bali Art Center in series of Bali Arts Festival (BAF) 2025.
The performance opened with the graceful Kembang Botoh Dance, a dance depicting the flexibility and friendliness of Betawi girls. The graceful movements combined with the melodious musical accompaniment successfully created a magical atmosphere. The audience was transfixed, as if reluctant to blink, lost in every detail of the dancer’s movements that radiated charm.
Not long after, the stage was again enlivened by the Nanda Ganjen Dance. This dance brings a cheerful and humorous nuance, with agile and expressive movements. The audience’s laughter and applause erupted, indicating how this dance managed to touch their hearts and bring joy among them.
The peak of Betawi dance beauty is present through the Samba Mask Dance. The dancers with their artistic masks dance energetically, telling stories of everyday youth that are full of meaning. The colorful costumes and dynamic music captivate the audience, as if invited to dive into the richness of Betawi cultural heritage.
Not only the dance, the stage is also rocked by the strains of typical Betawi songs that are full of nostalgia. One of them is the favorite song entitled Jali-Jali, which is performed with great enthusiasm by the singer. The atmosphere becomes even more lively when the familiar melody invites the audience to hum along. The beauty of the vocals and the neat arrangement of traditional music make these songs not only pleasant to listen to, but also feel so close to the heart.
One of the most memorable moments in this performance is the interaction between the dancers, the host, and the visitors. The exchange of pantuns that respond to each other is a special attraction, creating unforgettable laughter and warmth. The audience shows extraordinary enthusiasm, calmly and orderly enjoying every second of the performance, even reluctant to move from their seats until dusk arrives.
Among the crowd of spectators, attention was drawn to a woman from Poland named Sonya. With a camera in her hand, Sonya diligently recorded every moment of the performance, from beginning to end. Her facial expression showed deep admiration for the Betawi culture that she had just witnessed. In fact, she was also invited up on stage to have a short dialogue with the host, a comedian and dancer.
Sonya’s presence was real evidence that art and culture have the universal power to transcend geographical and linguistic boundaries, uniting people in an appreciation of beauty.
The performance of the Greater Jakarta Art envoy was not just a show, but a cultural celebration that succeeded in bringing joy and pride in the Betawi identity. Through dance and song, they not only preserved the heritage of their ancestors, but also introduced the richness of Indonesian culture to the world.
Hopefully, we can witness more performances like this, inspiring the younger generation to love and preserve the richness of the nation’s culture. (*)
