Betawi Culture to Take Center Stage at the Milan Design Week 2019

- Attracting over 100,000 visitors from across countries, they recreate eight Betawi icons in modern works, such as Ondel-Ondel, Kembang Kelapa, Gigi Balang, Kebaya Kerancang, Sadariah clothes, Batavian batik, and authentic dishes, Kerak Telor and Bir Pletok. In a 175sqm pavilion, each icon is translated into a wide span of creative industries, including Betawi wooden chair, modern kebaya made of lightweight fabric, and the traditional Betawi puppet, or Ondel-Ondel-shaped handicraft accessories. "We've led a can-do attitude for Indonesian artists, reviving Betawi tradition to meet the changing demand of global visitors. With immersive blend of culture and technology, we also delved into the cultural narratives behind interactive journeys, that brings a novel form of Betawi's culture to shine on international stage," said Dr. Edy Junaedi, Executive Director of Jakarta Tourism and Culture Office (JTCO). The contemporary artworks are featured in a four-petal designed booth to manifest the form of Jakarta's iconic snack, Kembang Goyang. To enhance visitor's experience, Betawi's traditional dance with interactive video mapping were showcased to give a new twist to cultural and contemporary works. Authentic Betawi cuisines are also served during the expo, including Gado-Gado and Soto Betawi.  Remarking the 70 years bilateral relations between Indonesia and Italy, the expo also invites business professionals from around the globe to hold one-on-one meetings, reclaiming Indonesia's pavilion as the best platform to exchange with European businesses at the world's most-anticipated exhibition. The showcase of Indonesian products and handicrafts has always been in the center stage of the European market. A report on one of the biggest trade expos in Indonesia stated that a worth of US$41.6 million contracts were signed between Indonesian and Italian businesses, with a majority from the furniture, handicrafts, textiles, and food and beverages industries. For more information, please click here & download images here. Media Contact: Jakarta Tourism and Culture Office (JTCO)+62-21-520-9689 [email protected] Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/858776/Betawi_dance_Milan_Design_Week_2019.jpg