He arrived at the venue at 9.45am in the company of First Lady Iriana and was welcomed by Betawis traditional "Palang Pintu" welcome tradition.
Jakarta governor Djarot Saiful Hidayat in his speech at the event expressed gratefulness over the presence of the President at the 10th festival this year.
"Although we all knew that while he was still at the City Hall the President had attended the event twice to make this one the third," he said.
Djarot reported Jokowis commitment that he had made while he was governor of Jakarta to develop Betawi culture has now been realized.
"Thank God they have all been realized," he said.
Jokowi was governor of Jakarta for two years before he was elected as president in 2014.
Djarot said the Presidents commitment to build a mosque within the compound of the City Hall has been realized and it had been named Fatahillah Mosque.
"His commitment to build the first grand mosque in Jakarta has also been realized and inaugurated under the name of Hasyim Ashari Mosque," he said.
Djarot said Jokowis commitment to preserve Betawi ornaments has also been implemented including the use of traditional Betawi costume and "Gigibalang" Betawi architectural ornaments.
"All buildings in Jakarta have now used "gigibalang". That is the realization of Jokowis commitment," he said.
The Presidents commitment to develop a Betawi cultural center at the Betawi culture village of Setu Babakan has also been realized.
"We have also decided along with the Betawi dialog forum that "Lebaran Betawi" will be held annually at Setu Babakan. It will always be held here," he said.
Djarot said Jokowis commitment to developing Betawi was very strong and the President knew that the forefathers of Betawi community and present Betawi community had been known for their tolerance and egalitarianism.
"They live in harmony with the environment and therefore many of their kampongs are named after fruits or trees," he said.
Djarot said it was right that first president Soekarno has chosen Jakarta as the countrys capital and miniature of Indonesia.
With regard to current discourse about the plan to move the capital city to other province Djarot said he was not yet convinced it would happen as Jakarta has so far become the aura and origin of miniature Indonesia.
"The discourse had better be stopped," he said.
After giving his speech Djarot accompanied the President touring the buildings at Setu Babakan.
The event was also attended by tourism minister Arief Yahya, head of Creative Economy Board Triawan Munaf, chairman of Indonesia Ulama Council (MUI) Maruf Amin and Jakarta deputy governor elect Sandiaga Uno.
The three-day festival has been highlighted by cultural performances and attractions, Betawi culinary and others. The venue was packed by visitors. (*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2017
