An Ethnographic Approach on Betawi Culture: The Existence of Busker of Ondel-Ondel from Cultural Perspective

Abstract

Ondel-ondel is one of the arts in the form of a tall and large giant doll from the Betawi Tribe. Its existence can still be seen in the community, especially in Pondok Aren Village, South Tangerang. In the history of Betawi culture, ondel-ondel underwent several changes in function, at first ondel-ondel functioned as a protector, repellent of evil (catastrophe) and disturbances from spirits by the Betawi community, along with the development of the times later ondel-ondel turned its function into an entertainment in the people's party and even now ondel-ondel has shifted into a busking tool for a few people. This caused controversy in the community. The purpose of this study was to find out public opinion regarding the existence of ondel-ondel buskers from various perspectives, especially cultural perspectives. This study uses a qualitative research method with an ethnographic approach. The subjects in this study were the general public, indigenous Betawi people, Betawi community leaders and ondel-ondel buskers. The results show that not all people think that the existence of ondel-ondel buskers has a negative impact on a culture, there are some people who consider that the presence of ondel-ondel buskers indirectly introduces an art to the community and shows the community that until now ondel art -ondel still exists and its existence is maintained.