Overview
Setu Babakan is a 32-hectare Betawi cultural village surrounding a lake in South Jakarta, preserving the traditional architecture, cuisine, and performing arts of the indigenous Betawi people of Jakarta.
Highlights
- Betawi Houses: Restored traditional timber houses with carved gables and garden compounds.
- Ondel-ondel performances: Weekend displays of the giant Betawi puppets, accompanied by tanjidor music.
- Lake Setting: The original setu (lake) surrounded by fruit trees and shaded paths.
History
Established in 2004 by the Jakarta provincial government to protect Betawi heritage, the village sits on land that has been a Betawi settlement for generations. It functions as a living museum where residents still practice traditional crafts.
Visitor Tips
- Weekends for performances: Ondel-ondel and Betawi cultural shows typically run on Saturdays and Sundays.
- Try Betawi cuisine: Kerak telor, soto Betawi, and laksa Betawi at on-site warungs.
- Duration: 1–1.5 hours.