Japanese Couple’s Betawi Wedding in Kampung
In densely populated Jakarta, joy and happiness always find a way. Just look at Japanese couple Yuri Onuki, 28, and Genta Sawai, 29, who were married in an urban kampung in Central Jakarta.
The couple never imagined they would mark an important moment in their lives in Cikini Kramat, Pegangsaan subdistrict, Menteng district, Jakarta, on Sunday (16/9/2018) morning.
“Does it hurt? Does it hurt,” makeup artist Virika, 40, asked Onuki several time as she applied Betawi-style makeup on her. Several times, Virika ensured that the hair ornaments on the konde (hair bun) was comfortable for Onuki, who smiled nonstop.
That morning was special for Onuki and Sawai. They had become deeply attached to the local community after Sawai spent three years, from 2013 to 2016, there doing spatial management research and implementation program titled “Megacities and Global Environment Project”.
At the time, locals often asked Sawai when he would marry. Sawai always answered, “Next year.”
Sawai and Onuki were dating at the time. “I have to fulfill my promise,” Sawai said.
When Sawai proposed, Onuki immediately said yes. Sawai’s and Onuki’s parents attended their wedding. “Wonderful,” said Onuki when asked how she felt that morning.
Sawai said the people in the kampung were like his brothers and sisters. He had no doubts about holding his wedding ceremony there. For him, people in Kampung Cikini Kramat have a strong social bond and are ready to be empowered.
Togetherness
During the wedding ceremony, many local men wore matching batik outfits. Among them was Ibrahim Muhammad Idris, 30, who oversaw the ceremony.
Local youths joined in the celebration by bringing kembang kelapa (Betawi flags made of colorful crepe paper attached to wooden poles). As the woman danced, men prepared a huge party, including a traditional palang pintu (door-bolting) ritual. Some of the women applied makeup on the bride and groom, while others prepared meals. A majority of the locals in the village were involved in organizing the party.
Soon, Sawai and Onuki joined in a parade in an alley that was wide enough only for two people to stand side-by-side. Dozens of locals gathered in an empty field on which only a few mango trees grew.
Amid the dozens of parked motorbikes, plastic chairs were provided for the family members of the couple. Several boys used large, empty water bottles as drums. Joy was in the air.
The couple stood in the alley, facing locals. “Assalamualaikum [peace be upon you]. Good morning. Konnichiwa,” said Masto, 65, who represented the community communication forum in Cikini Kramat.
Masto explained the steps of the wedding ceremony. The couple and its entourage then proceeded to walk. They walked along an alley, passing a market and small homes, across the street in front of the Cikini train station toward the Cikini Gold Center.
Sawai’s bond with the kampung was due to a project organized by the University of Indonesia, the University of Tokyo and Keio University, which was established in 2011. University of Indonesia architecture lecturer Evawani Ellisa said that, under the project, researchers from Indonesia and Japan worked together to find solutions to challenges faced by global megacities.
Ellisa said such projects were highly relevant for Jakarta, with its status as a late comer megacity.
Integrated MCK
Apart from research, researchers were also involved in social activities, such as constructing public bathing, washing and toilet facilities (MCK), an early childhood education center (PAUD) and a smart home. The PAUD head, Eni Usniarti, said the center helped locals a lot as it provided safe playing space for children.
Ellisa said the PAUD and the MCK had positive impacts. In a densely populated kampung, an MCK could make spatial planning more efficient.
The Research Institute for Humanity and Nature’s Sensible High Density publication in 2015 showed that around 3,200 people resided in a four-hectare area in Cikini-Ampiun. The density level was 800 people per hectare. Ellisa said the kampung was a “laboratory of life with endless information”.
University of Tokyo researcher Akiko Okabe said intervention was necessary for urban kampung communities such as those in Cikini Kramat. Such regions are highly attractive for outsiders from out of town wishing to seek a better life in the capital.
(E15)