Mapping of Betawi indigenous knowledge in collections at the Setu Babakan Museum

Abstract

Betawi has philosophical values, belief systems, customs, principles of living in society and harmony with nature. This cultural diversity is proof that Betawi has unique knowledge. Examples of Betawi cultural products are stored in the Setu Babakan Museum. It has the most complete collection of Betawi ethnicity in Indonesia. These collections store the variety of their indigenous knowledge. This study aims to find out what kinds of Betawi indigenous knowledge are stored in the collections. This study uses a qualitative design with a museum studies approach to explore the social realities contained in artifacts. The data collection method is direct observation to the museum and gallery analysis. We examined the collections one by one then took photos of the collections that represented indigenous knowledge of Betawi. We analyzed documents (museum collections), texts on artifact labels, literature, and websites. The results of this analysis are presented in a narrative. The results show that behind the collections there is indigenous knowledge of the Betawi people on how to make batik, food, drinks, clay potteries, bamboo crafts, and weapons. Other indigenous knowledge is about the supernatural, carving arts, bridal costumes, wedding supplies, martial arts, and rhymes.