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'Ondel-ondel' to play soccer in Ancol's celebration of Jakarta's anniversary
You may often see ondel-ondel (giant Betawi effigies) dancing on the street, but what if they are gathered for a soccer match?
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"Ondel-ondel" (Betawi giant effigies) walk down Jl. Sudirman in Jakarta. (shutterstock.com/GeorginaCaptures/File)
P
eople residing in Jakarta may already be familiar with ondel-ondel, giant Betawi effigies, as they can often be found dancing on the street accompanied by traditional Betawi music.
But have you ever heard of ondel-ondel playing soccer?
In conjunction with Jakarta’s 491st anniversary, Ancol Taman Impian (Ancol Dreamland) in North Jakarta plans to a debut series of events on June 23 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Dubbed "Explore Ondel-Ondel", it will offer a parade consisting of over 100 people, including 50 ondel-ondel, tanjidor (traditional Betawi music), decorated delman (horse-drawn buggies), finalists of the Abang None Jakarta contest, Betawi dancers, pencak silat martial art performers and lenong (traditional Betawi theater).
Read also: Ancol steps up program of events for Idul Fitri, school break
At the end of the parade, there will be competitions among ondel-ondel that include soccer and a flash mob with traditional Betawi dance moves.
Music group Biang Kerok will perform a tribute to the late Benyamin Sueb, a Betawi multitalented artist, at the floating stage.
“We’d like the Jakarta residents to know better about their original culture,” said Paul Tehusijarana, director of Ancol Taman Impian, in a press release.
Ancol’s Art Market has also been transformed into a traditional Kampung Betawi (Betawi Village) until Aug. 31. (wir/wng)
