Today Jakarta is a city of over 12 million inhabitants. The city indigenous people, Orang Betawi(Betawian), emerged from the melting pot of races, ethnic groups and cultures of Indonesia in the 19thcentury. Together with the Sundanese, the Javanese and the Chinese, they are Jakarta major ethnic group. The majority of the city population today are Sundanese and Javanese who have migrated to the city in great numbers cince world war II. According to the census of 1930, 50% of the inhabitants were born here, but today the figure is closer to 15%. The orang Betawi group has a wonderful culture of its own. For some time in the past it seemed as if this culture had become a treasure to be stored away. Today, however, it is alive and well if not thriving, as a result of the cultural policy of the regional government in early 1970

Jakarta, as the prime gateway to Indonesia offers the culture of the various regions and groups in the archipelago, in line with the national motto "Bhinneka Tunggal Ika" or "unity in diversity". In realizing this ideal the Regional Government develops of the cultural expression of the nation, as equitabl y as possible with the local Betawi culture as host. Visitors can go to any entertainment center, or ask a travel agent to take him to the Betawi Cultural Institution to catch a glimpse of Jakarta cultural traditions. Or they can visit the Jakarta Pavil ion in Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (Beautiful Indonesia in Miniature) that shows Betawi ceremonies such as Betawi weddings. At present the Betawi culture is well connected with the tourist business. People from the west coming this way are usually familia with contemporary arts, but are olso often enthusiastic when confronted with traditional sacred, original or ceremonial art forms.

As mentioned earlier, the Betawi ethnic group emerged from Indonesia melting pot of races, ethnic groups and cultures in the 19. Islam has a strong influence on the Betawi culture, evidenced by art forms such as the Rebana and Gambus Orchestras and by the Zapin or Japin Dance. Movements of the Betawi Tari Topeng (mask dance) and the style in which they play the gamelan orchestra points to a Balinese influence. This influence is also noticeable in the gamelan performances at Wayang Kulit Betawi shows.

Keroncong Tugu, with popular songs like Nina Bobo, Kaparinyo and Keroncong Moritsko, is part of the cultural heritage left behind by the Portuguese and is said to be the origin of present-day Keroncong music.

A Javanese influence is noticeable in Betawi music, dance and theatre, in Wayang Kulit Betawi and the Panji stories originating in East Java. The Gambang Kromo ng Orchestra and the Cokek Dance are inherited from rich Chinese landowners in the past, while from Dutch landowners the Betawi inherited the Tanjidor Orchestra.

In 1923 an organization called Kaum Betawi was founded in Jakarta that formally declared the existence of the Betawi as an ethnic group.

Other ethnic art forms are also present in the city, with Javanese, Sundanese and Balinese being the most obvious. Hotels and other establishments offer regular folklore performances of dance, music, drama, etc.