The role of young people, particularly Betawi university students, took center stage at the inauguration of the Betawi Student Communication Forum held at Grha Ali Sadikin, Jakarta City Hall. The event underscored a growing call for Betawi youth to become active drivers of development rather than passive observers in their own city. Community leaders, provincial officials, civil society groups, and Betawi elders attended the gathering. The inauguration marked the beginning of a new leadership chapter for the organization.
Head of the Jakarta Provincial Office for National Unity and Politics, Matsani, emphasized that the newly inaugurated leadership should serve as a catalyst for producing adaptive and competitive Betawi youth. He highlighted the importance of maintaining and developing Betawi culture so it remains relevant amid rapid modernization. According to him, the Jakarta Provincial Government has opened broad opportunities for citizens to grow and innovate. These opportunities, he stressed, must be filled with concrete contributions, not symbolism alone.
The forum formally inaugurated Chairman, Renvino Akbar, as Chairman of the Betawi Student Communication Forum for the 2026–2028 period. The new leadership is expected to encourage Betawi students to play a meaningful role in shaping Jakarta as it moves toward becoming a global city. With Jakarta approaching its 500th anniversary in 2027, the moment was framed as historically significant. It was portrayed as a critical test of whether Betawi youth can translate heritage into future-oriented contributions.
Chairman of the Betawi Customary Council, Fauzi Bowo, reinforced the message by stressing unity and shared responsibility as essential foundations for progress. He argued that unity must be internalized through sincere commitment, not merely expressed in words. According to him, the future of the Betawi community depends on collective integrity, responsibility, and perseverance. The message to the newly inaugurated students was clear: become productive contributors who uphold Betawi values while confidently engaging with the wider world.
Alexander Jason – Redaksi
