Ondel-Ondel has a long-standing tradition as a figure believed to protect people from harm, especially during times of misfortune or community celebrations. Historically, Ondel-Ondel performances would be held during rituals intended to drive away evil spirits, a role that has origins as far back as the 17th century.
Ondel-Ondel is an iconic part of Betawi culture, hailing from Jakarta, Indonesia. This traditional art form involves large puppet figures, often standing between 2 to 3 meters in height, which are usually seen in pairs representing male and female ancestors. The puppets have expressive faces—one painted in red to represent the male and the other in white for the female. The colors, expressions, and attire of these puppets reflect specific aspects of Betawi culture and traditions, symbolizing ancestors watching over the community and warding off misfortune.
The creation of Ondel-Ondel puppets requires highly skilled artisans who work with bamboo to create the puppet’s main structure, with a diameter of about 80 cm, that allows the performers to move and “dance” while hidden inside. The facial masks are crafted to have large, engaging eyes and a wide smile, giving them a friendly, if slightly mischievous look. The hair, often made from palm fibers or ijuk, adds to the striking appearance of these towering puppets. Dressed in colorful traditional Betawi attire, Ondel-Ondel puppets capture the vibrant culture of Jakarta’s indigenous people and have become a treasured symbol of the city.
Cultural Role and Historical Significance
Ondel-Ondel has a long-standing tradition as a figure believed to protect people from harm, especially during times of misfortune or community celebrations. Historically, Ondel-Ondel performances would be held during rituals intended to drive away evil spirits, a role that has origins as far back as the 17th century. One prominent early appearance of Ondel-Ondel was during the opening of the Hotel des Indes in 1923, where it was paraded to ward off bad luck and commemorate the celebration. This protective role evolved over time, and Ondel-Ondel is now often seen as a lively, friendly guardian of Betawi cultural heritage.
Traditionally, Ondel-Ondel performances were accompanied by the sounds of gamelan, gambang, gong, and tanjidor music, giving a festive and celebratory atmosphere to the performance. The inclusion of these traditional instruments deepens the connection between the puppets and the cultural music that represents Jakarta’s diverse heritage. In the past, Ondel-Ondel puppets were even given more menacing looks, complete with fangs and fierce expressions, as they were believed to be guardians that could drive away illnesses or misfortunes during times of hardship.
Ondel-Ondel in Modern Jakarta
In modern Jakarta, Ondel-Ondel has maintained its place as a popular cultural symbol, often seen in festivals, parades, and celebrations across the city. While Ondel-Ondel has become more of a friendly cultural icon, in some parts of Jakarta, you can even see performers bringing Ondel-Ondel out to “busk” or entertain on the streets. The puppets, with their colorful and lively appearance, capture attention and often bring joy to those who encounter them.
A unique and entertaining aspect of Ondel-Ondel today is its presence at Jakarta’s Monas (National Monument) area, where it has become a beloved fixture for visitors and tourists. Here, Ondel-Ondel puppets can often be seen playfully moving around the grounds, interacting with visitors. Occasionally, the puppets get playful and will “chase” or follow tourists, which adds an unexpected and humorous element to the experience, making it a favorite memory for many visitors. This lighthearted aspect of Ondel-Ondel at Monas embodies the welcoming and lively spirit of Betawi culture, allowing people to connect with the heritage in an interactive way.
Similar Traditions in Other Regions
Ondel-Ondel shares similarities with other Indonesian traditions, showing the cultural links across the archipelago. In Ponorogo, East Java, there are similar giant figures in Reog performances, and in Sundanese culture, they have Badawang puppets. In Bali, a similar large puppet tradition is called Barong Landung, a creature often seen in Balinese parades, believed to ward off evil. This shows how various Indonesian regions have their own versions of large puppet performances with protective and spiritual symbolism, adapting to local traditions and beliefs.
Fun Facts and Evolving Legacy
A fascinating element of Ondel-Ondel’s legacy is how it has adapted to the changing times while retaining its core identity. Though originally intended to be fearsome, Ondel-Ondel became more approachable and even friendly over time, especially since the 1970s when popular Betawi artist Benyamin Sueb introduced the catchy song “Ondel-Ondel,” which used gambang kromong music and helped to popularize the puppets as symbols of Betawi pride. This song brought Ondel-Ondel a new identity, shifting it from a purely ritual figure to a beloved mascot of Betawi culture.
In today’s metropolitan Jakarta, the Ondel-Ondel is cherished not only as a protector but also as an important representation of Jakarta’s roots, bringing a traditional flavor to an increasingly modernized city. Even as Jakarta grows and changes, Ondel-Ondel remains a reminder of the city’s heritage and the enduring spirit of its people.
