Through the documentary film “Cultural Abuse: Ondel-Ondel”, we want to highlight this issue using a concrete example: a cultural icon of Betawi.  Ondel-ondel is a Betawi cultural icon that has long symbolized the identity of Jakarta’s people. It represents the richness of local culture, especially in traditional performing arts. Unfortunately, in recent years, ondel-ondel has shifted from its original function as cultural entertainment to being used for begging on the streets of the capital. 

This phenomenon is concerning because more people—especially the younger generation—are growing up seeing ondel-ondel not as a cultural heritage, but as a symbol of poverty and economic exploitation. This situation points to serious issues around cultural preservation and the need for decent livelihoods for traditional artists. Street ondel-ondel performers sometimes even involve children who go door to door to beg. This marginalizes the original meaning of ondel-ondel, while also showing they lack adequate access to decent work and sufficient income for a dignified life. 

According to a 2022 Jakarta Good Guide report, about 60% of ondel-ondel street performers are not traditional artists but people using ondel-ondel as a way to make money because of economic hardship. In fact, in 2020, the Governor of Jakarta issued a ban on street ondel-ondel performances, seeing them as a misuse of cultural heritage. 

This documentary tells the story of how ondel-ondel, once a proud Betawi cultural symbol, has become a means for some in the big city to earn a living. This change reveals the harsh economic reality faced by lower-income communities who feel they must use culture as a survival strategy.