10 Regional Songs of Jakarta and Their Meanings

Hello Sinaumed’s friends, you are certainly not familiar with this one city, which is the capital of Indonesia. A magnificent city with tall buildings, dense population, and regular traffic jams. I will not discuss that here, but will review about the Betawi / DKI Jakarta Regional Song.

Indonesia is a country with very diverse tribes, nations and cultures, so it is given the title as a multicultural country. Jakarta, as the largest city in Indonesia, also has a number of cultural treasures including traditional Jakarta songs.

DKI Jakarta Province is located on the island of Java, the island with the largest population in Indonesia. As a general capital city, this province is home to all people in Indonesia.

Jakarta, a main area of ​​the center of Indonesian government, has many customs and cultures that have been passed down from generation to generation. Born and developed over centuries, Jakarta has grown with various ethnicities, races and religions.

All kinds of culture, both domestic and foreign, have certainly influenced the arts and culture of the city of Jakarta. One of them is music. Jakarta regional songs are also influenced by various music from other regions.

DKI Jakarta area is 7,659.02 km (295,716 sq mi), inhabited by various religions, ethnicities, languages, races and ethnicities. Therefore, in this province there are many cultures that interact with each other and bring their own characteristics.

Same with different tourist and culinary spots. However, in this article, sinaumedia will not discuss everything, because the article you are reading only focuses on Jakarta folk songs.

Jakarta Regional Anthem 

Betawi folk songs usually have some special elements, such as containing ancestral values ​​or advice delivered in rhymes that are witty and entertaining.

Apart from that, many of the Betawi folk songs, in which the lyrics are usually performed, can be changed according to the idea that the singer wants to convey. Even so, the tone and some of the lyrical lines were not changed to remain a feature of the song.

Here I collect Betawi songs or Jakarta regional songs that I have collected.

1. Ondel-Ondel

The song Ondel-Ondel may be very familiar to the ears of the Indonesian people, because this song is often played on television at various events. This song is often used as an accompaniment to one of the Betawi traditional arts, namely Ondel-Ondel.

Ondel-Ondel lyrics:

Nyok, let’s watch ondel-ondel

Nyok, let’s dance ondel-ondel

Ondel-ondel is his son

The child is crazy

Mom, Mr. Ondel-ondel ngibing

Ngarak bride circumcised

It’s fun to shake

Nyang ngibing igel-igelan

Plaque Gumbang Gumplak Plaque Plaque

The loud drum was slapped

The one who accompanied me

Pade cheers….

Hands prank prank

The head of the ondel-ondel child

Put the butts

Fire hair….

The ondel-ondel kids are on their feet

His head nyale flames

Which leads to confusion

Watered with sewage water….

Ondel-Ondel is a Betawi performing art that is often staged at folk festivals. In the show, Ondel-Ondel acts like an ancestor or ancestor who always takes care of his offspring.

The big Ondel-Ondel doll itself is about 2.5 meters high and about 80 centimeters in diameter. It is made of woven bamboo in a shape so that it is easy to carry from inside ondel-ondel.

Ondel-Ondel’s face is in the form of a mask or mask, decorated with head hair made from palm fiber. The face of the male ondel-ondel doll is usually painted red, while the female face is painted white.

2. Kemayoran Keroncong

One of the most famous Betawi cultural folk songs is Keroncong Kemayoran. It is not known who sung this song first or who composed it.

Keroncong Kemayoran lyrics have many versions, but they always have the same composition and melody. Even with a different version, this song is still characterized by the same lyrics, namely “…the sweet soul of the mother is loved”. 

Keroncong Kemayoran song lyrics:

The speed of the speed boat

Dear sweet soul

La la la la la la la la oo

Speed ​​up until you get to Surabaya

Pepes fish from Cianjur

Her pocket deflated her boyfriend ran away

La la la la la la la laa

Let’s forget cloth and clothes

Dear sweet soul

La la la la la la la la oo

Don’t forget my voice

Kedondong fruit on the edge of the river

The keroncong song is very melodious

La la la la la la la laa

The moon is bright at times

Dear sweet soul

La la la la la la la la oo

Crocodile appears crocodile appears presumed dead

Eat porridge in the morning

Lover ran away quickly looking for a replacement

La la la la la la la laa

Don’t believe the mouth of a man

Dear sweet soul

La la la la la la la la oo

Dare to swear dare to swear hi marry again

The pigeon flies high

Hear the voice of this person

La la la la la la la laa

Ani-ani instead of faces

Dear sweet soul

La la la la la la la la oo

For cutting to cut rice in the fields

From Malang to Surabaya

If you go home together

La la la la la la la laa

I sing on purpose

Dear sweet soul

La la la la la la la la oo

To comfort to comfort a wounded heart

Kedondong on the crate

This is Keroncong please stop

Kedondong on the crate

This is Keroncong please stop

The Keroncong Kemayoran folk song also has lyrics in the form of rhymes, in accordance with the form of Betawi culture, namely reciprocating rhymes. With a different character, this song seems to send a message to everyone to always be happy.

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In life, everyone always faces various problems, experiences disasters or goes through difficult things. But in each of these problems, there will always be a way out. This song brings joy to everyone who listens and advises to always be generous and cheerful in facing any problems.

3. Chirping

Kicir-Kicir is also perhaps one of the most famous folk songs in Jakarta. The reason is, this song is often sung at various celebrations. One of them, every year this song is performed by the capital’s artists at the founding anniversary or birthday of the city of Jakarta on television.

Kicir-Kicir song lyrics:

Kicir Kicir is the song

Old song, sir, from Jakarta

I sing, sir, on purpose

To comfort the sorrowful heart

Dove pigeon

Fly fast, sir matchless

If we, sir, like to sing

be healthy, sir, be happy

Mangoes are delicious

Where else is the most famous lord

Who am I, sir, I work hard

definitely become a useful citizen

Regarding its origins, it can be said that the song Kicir-Kicir is rooted in the Indonesian pantun tradition, especially in Malay poetry and rhymes. This can be seen in the lyrics of this song which are connected by rhymes, the number of syllables and lines, as in rhymes and poetry.

Even today, Kicir-Kicir songs have developed into more modern versions and arrangements. For example, this song was arranged as group music, in various genres such as pop, jazz, etc. In fact, the original version of this song was sung to the accompaniment of the tanjidor orchestra.

4. Jali-Jali

Jali-Jali or also known as Si Jali-Jali is a Jakarta folk song which is quite well known among the Betawi people. According to its origins, this song is said to have been born and developed by Chinese descendants in Jakarta through their traditional music, namely Gambang Kromong.

Jali-Jali song lyrics:

This is the jali-jali

the song is good, the song is very melodious

this is the jali-jali

uh, dear dear

the song is very melodious

tired a little do not care dear

as long as you are, as long as you are happy at heart

walk the jasmine wheel, honey

cali cali wheel jasmine

cali cali alternately

dragon snake sprayed hose

(oh you’re Dutch)

uler kadut, uler kadut segene gini

(how big is it?) (neh!)

dragon squirt hose, miss, miss

snake head, snake snake as big as this

(like so big) (ah, you know what)

teased Jande doesn’t remember going home, honey

teased Jande doesn’t remember going home (why bro?)

until you forget about debt

from turkish to bojong lengkong, honey

from turkey to bojong lengkong

because the dustpan is a cukong

(ha ha.. can you stand it or not)

sacred what three steps?

(how do i know)

dear dear, kramat rubber, lots of mud

sacred what three steps?

eh dear dear, kramat is rubber, lots of mud

what kind of savings do you use dear,

day and night, day and night can’t sleep

jali-jali from cikini, honey

jali-jali from cikini

jali jali… until here

With his violin playing, the song Si Jali-Jali was popularized by Pak Sagi, the conductor of Kerontjong Pak Sagi in 1942. Because it was thick with Betawi cultural nuances, Jali-Jali was then made into a Betawi folk song.

Like most Jakarta regional songs that originate from Betawi culture, this Si Jali-Jali song also consists of verses mixed with upbeat music. So, in each stanza of the lyrics of this song, the first and second lines are just samples, while the third and fourth lines are the essence of the message.

5. Lenggang Kangkung

Lenggang Kangkung is one of the songs recorded as a regional DKI Jakarta song which was popularized by a singer from Jakarta, Lilis Suryani. From an early age, he began to immerse himself in the world of music. In fact, he received offers to perform at the State Palace and several other prestigious venues.

Lenggang Kangkung song lyrics:

Leggy kangkong

Kangkung from Cimanggis

Lenge leng kang kangkong

The kale is from Cimanggis

It’s the luckiest fate

Got a girlfriend without a mustache

It’s the luckiest fate

Got a girlfriend without a mustache

Sneaky sleigh kangkong

Kangkung from Jakarta

Sneaky sleigh kangkong

The kale is from Jakarta

It’s the most unlucky fate

Have a father likes to flirt

It’s the most unlucky fate

Have a father likes to flirt

Sneaky sleigh kangkong

Kale on the crate

Sneaky sleigh kangkong

The kale is on the crate

It’s bad luck

Have a grandmother who likes to play rope

It’s bad luck

Have a grandmother who likes to play rope

It is not known who actually wrote the song Lenggang Kangkung. That said, this song was created during the Dutch colonial period. With the theme of romance or social life in general, this song is like a less harmonious satire about family life.

The influence of Malay rhymes is very strong in these lyrics. The lyrics are very simple and easy to understand. Lenggang Kangkung means “don’t care” or “know nothing”. In love affairs, disengaging with your partner can lead to fights and disagreements. Lenggang kangkung refers to indifference or arbitrary actions.

6. Ronggeng Jakarta

Ronggeng is a traditional dance accompaniment instrument, in which dancers sing and exchange lyrics with each other. Ronggeng music is so famous and spread all over the country, even though this song is quite old.

In one of the Jakarta folk songs entitled Ronggeng Jakarta, he tells the life of a dancer who still captivates the audience, but is full of pain and torment.

Ronggeng Jakarta lyrics:

Destiny I can not deny

It is up to God Khalikul Bahri

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Just my work all day

Arrange hymns in the heart

I sing you dance

I sound you happy

But you never feel

In singing the soul tormented

7. Yellow Betel

Sirih Kuning lyrics:

Otherwise, miss, because of the moon, honey

No stars, miss, no stars, miss

rising day

If not, miss, because sir, honey

Not us, miss, not us, miss

got here

Yellow betel, miss, the stem is green, miss

The white is yellow, yes miss, the white is yellow, yes miss

indeed sejodo

Ani-ani, miss, instead of waja, honey

Wear the child, yes lady, wear the child. yes miss

broken stem

We sing, ladies, on purpose, honey

The song is original, yes Miss, the song is original, Yes Miss

old heirloom

Yellow betel, miss, again ditampin, miss

We sing, yes lady, we sing, yes lady

please stop

The song “Sirih Kuning” is a popular Betawi folk song which is the regional anthem of DKI Jakarta. This song is often used as ngibing strains . Usually, if a dancer wraps a shawl for a guest, the guest is willing to dance together, which is called ngibing .

The song “Sirih Kuning” accompanies the dance scene together. In general, songs that become ngibing tension are called vegetable songs. Besides “Sirih Kuning”, there are songs “Keramat Karam”, “Pasar Malem”, “Peanut Beans” and other vegetable songs.

If we explore deeper, the lyrics of “Sirih Kuning” are rhyming lines, consisting of lines that coincide with the sound at the end of the line. This song tells about two lovers who are very close. Due to its upbeat vocals, this song is usually sung with a happy face and is sung in turns.

8. Twinkling

The next Jakarta folk song is titled Kelap-kelip, a song about waiting for someone waiting for their idol to come home. This song is about sadness with graceful, dynamic and sad music.

However, the last verse of the song expresses the male singer’s wish to separate, while also inserting a prayer that one day they will be reunited. These are the complete lyrics for the song Kelap-kelip for you:

The twinkling lights on the ship,

boat boy playing lifeboat,

Tears fall on the pillow,

Oops, what you’ve been waiting for hasn’t come back yet..

Pandan Island far in the middle,

behind Anglah Dua Island,

Destroyed body in the soil,

amboi, good manners remember anyway..

In the rain my clothes get wet,

stroll along the river,

Let us part now, dear,

next time see you again..

9. Surilang

The next folk song from Jakarta is titled Surilang. This song is intended to advise everyone, always draw closer to Allah SWT. This is clearly seen in each of the lyrics in the form of invitations, advice and calls for people to convert to Islam. This song is like telling people to carry out the orders to pray, fast during Ramadan, learn to forgive, pay the zakat for Hajj and remember to stay away from His prohibitions.

Surilang song lyrics:

Surilang jot-njotan (surilang jot-njotan),

There is a slow downpour (surilang jot-njotan),

The grace of the Lord of the worlds (surilang jot-njotan),

Oh dear dear,

Aren’t you beautiful, handsome, dear,

Isn’t gune beautiful, eh dear oh dear,

If you don’t like praying…

Surilang jot-njotan (surilang jot-njotan),

Eagle on the roadside (surilang jot-njotan),

When you get closer, you fly (surilang jot-njotan),

Oh dear dear,

Sie-sie fasting for a month ouch dear,

Sie-sie fasting for a month eh dear oh dear,

If you’re just talking about people…

This rhyme, sir, rhymes for advice,

Listen, miss, to live it,

If you are annoyed and annoyed (en annoyed eh annoyed),

I’m sorry (uh just let it be),

Pahalenye uh make kite yourself…

Surilang jot-njotan (surilang jot-njotan),

Pinch cake on a tray (surilang jot-njotan),

So healthy if eaten (surilang jot-njotan),

Oh dear dear,

No need to save money dear,

There’s no use for saving money eh dear oh dear,

If Zakat is not paid…

Surilang jot-njotan (surilang jot-njotan),

Please ati you do it (surilang jot-njotan),

It’s not a loss, I guarantee it (surilang jot-njotan),

Oh dear dear,

Naek haji intend oh my dear,

Naek aji we intend eh dear oh dear,

Hajj mabrur we wish…

10. The Bango

One of the most famous Betawi songs is Sang Bango, which uses a strong Betawi language with very deep characteristics. Even though the title is not well known, you will recognize the lyrics and rhythm.

Song lyrics Sang Bango:

Sang Bango eh Sang Bango,

Why are you delak delak,

Sang bango ngow eh sang bango,

Why are you delak delak,

Mengkennya aye aye delak delok,

The frog has a crusty crust…

Mengkennya aye aye delak delok,

The frog has a crusty crust…

The frog eh eh eh the frog,

why do you have a crust,

The frog eh eh eh the frog,

why are you crusty…

Mengkenye aye aye scraped off,

people uh pade snoring,

Mengkenye aye aye scraped off,

people are snoring…

Bang people uh uh uh bang people,

why are you snoring,

Bang people uh uh uh bang people,

Why are you snoring…

Mengkenye aye aye pade snoring,

The crusty frog,

Mengkenye aye aye pade snoring,

The frog, uh, scraped off….. stubborn…

The frog eh eh eh the frog,

why do you have a crust,

The frog eh eh eh the frog,

why are you crusty…

Mengkenye aye aye scraped off,

make music, horrific songs,

Mengkenye aye aye scraped off,

make music song hosrok….

Author: Ziaggi Fadhil Zahran

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