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Betawis making it in politics
Biem Triani Benyamin and Husein Abdul Aziz were raised with indigenous Betawi Jakartan values, and they are determined to strive for the advancement of the Betawi through politics
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Biem Triani Benyamin and Husein Abdul Aziz were raised with indigenous Betawi Jakartan values, and they are determined to strive for the advancement of the Betawi through politics.
As the third son of Betawi icon Benyamin Sueb and his first wife Noni, Biem is continuing his late father's legacy.
"Not many people consider Betawi culture as 'our culture'. It belongs to us, not just to indigenous Jakartans," Biem said Wednesday.
He said what his late father wanted was to see Betawi people advancing while preserving Betawi cultural products.
"Therefore, we need to show a sense of belonging and love for this culture of ours," he continued.
In the late 1980s, Biem helped his comedian father establish a radio station, Bens Radio, in the name of Betawi culture.
"Thank God that for the last eight years the radio has been number one in Greater Jakarta," Biem said.
Biem said that when he was still alive, his father was offered the opportunity to be a part of the House of Representatives, but turned it down.
"It wasn't his thing. He was an entertainer, not a politician," Biem said, adding that Benyamin would have supported his involvement in politics if he were still alive.
"The two of us are breaking different ground but for the same reason. The late Benyamin was an artist, while I am into politics," he said.
Biem thrust his claws into politics when he became an independent member of the Regional Legislative Council for Jakarta.
He recently appealed for a judicial review on two laws on regional administrations and Jakarta as a special region of the country's capital.
"Jakarta is the only province where the mayors are appointed by the governor. This is against the constitution. The government should provide the chance for Jakartans to choose their mayors directly," he said.
"It will also give an opportunity to anyone who wants to run for mayor in Jakarta," Biem said.
Another public figure raised as a Betawi, Husein Abdul Aziz, now represents a major political party.
Husein is head of the Jakarta regional representative council of the Democrat Party and also the head of the Betawi Scholars Circle (BSC).
"As we all know, Betawi people tend to be very religious, and most of them are Muslims. Every Sunday, a lot of Betawi people attend Koranic recitation," said Husein.
However, he added, Betawi people are very open to other cultures. "In the law on Jakarta as the country's capital, there are articles saying the government has to preserve Betawi culture," he said.
Husein said he did not want Batawi youths to be known only as devoted Koran readers; he wanted to encourage Betawi youths to pursue higher education for their future.
According to Husein, the young Betawi should look up to the successful figures joining the BSC.
"We have a number of successful Betawi figures who have become professors and experts. I am certain Betawi youths can follow their examples," Husein said.
"At the Betawi Scholars Circle we have a number of successful Betawi figures who have become professors and experts. The young Betawi should look up to them," said Husein.
Husein, now approaching 59, recalled the days when he was young himself.
"In comparison to today, the youths of my generation used to spend time at the mosque after the dawn prayer," he said.
"But habits of today's youth and the youths in my time differs. Time has changed," said Husein.(lva)
