Betawi people
Betawi wedding costume demonstrate both Middle Eastern (groom) and Chinese (bride) influences.
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| Total population | |
|---|---|
| (5 million (2000 census)) | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Jakarta: 2.3 million | |
| Languages | |
| Betawi, Indonesian | |
| Religion | |
| Sunni Islam (predominantly), Christianity | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Sundanese, Javanese, Balinese, Malay, Tionghoa, Ambonese, Cocos Malays |
Betawi people (Orang Betawi in Indonesian meaning "people of Batavia") often described as the native Jakartans. They are the descendants of the people living in and around Batavia (the colonial name of Jakarta) from around the 17th century. Although the term "native" itself is questionable, since Betawi people was formed in the 18th century as an amalgamation of various immigrant ethnic groups into Batavia.
The name "Betawi" is derived from Batavia, the old colonial name of Jakarta. In neighboring Javanese and Sundanese languages, the term "Betawi" originally referred to colonial Batavia. Thus the term orang Betawi means "people of Batavia" or "Batavians", collectively consisting of diverse ethnic groups and various demographics from the area of the coastal Dutch colony, either within the 17th century fortified city of Old Batavia (now the Kota area of modern Jakarta) or surrounding villages.
The Betawis are one of the youngest, or the latest formed ethnic group in Indonesia. They are a creole ethnic group that their ancestors came from various parts of Indonesia and abroad. Prior to the 19th century, the self-identity of Betawi people was not yet formed.
In the 17th century, Dutch colonials began to imported servants and labours from all over the archipelago into Batavia. One of the earliest are Balinese slaves brought from Bali and Ambonese mercenaries. Subsequently other ethnic groups follow suit; they are Malays, Sundanese, Javanese, Minangkabau, Bugis and Makassarese. Foreign ethnic groups were also included; such as Mardijker, Portuguese, Dutch, Arabs, Chinese and Indian, who was originally brought to or attracted to Batavia to meet labour needs.
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Wikipedia