The Rich Literary Tradition of Betawi: Manuscripts, Copyists, and Literacy

 

The origins of the Betawi ethnic group, who continue to reside in Jakarta today, have long been a subject of debate among scholars. Unlike most ethnic groups in Indonesia, there is limited historical mention of the Betawi people before Indonesia’s independence. Recognized as the indigenous population of Jakarta during the independence era, their emergence is often linked to colonial policies, especially those initiated by the Dutch East India Company (VOC) and later during the Dutch East Indies period. The transmigration policies of the colonial authorities brought together various ethnic groups from across the archipelago for economic purposes, which eventually gave rise to the Betawi people.

One of the earliest official recognitions of the Betawi people appears in Dutch registers at the end of the 19th century. The term “omong Jakarta” (Jakarta speech) likely referred to what is now known as the Betawi Malay language. Linguists like H.N. van der Tuuk and C. Lekkerkerker debated the origins of this dialect, suggesting it was influenced by languages such as Balinese, Malay, Javanese, Sundanese, Arabic, Chinese, and Dutch.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding their origins, the Betawi people have a rich literary heritage, as evidenced by Malay manuscripts produced and circulated in Jakarta. These manuscripts, which were written in Malay, are regarded as the Betawi’s original literary contributions. Some recount classic Malay stories, while others provide insights into Betawi customs and traditions that are now hard to find.

The first significant record of these classic Malay manuscripts in Betawi was noted by P. Voorhoeve in his work A Malay Scriptorium (1964). He documented several Malay manuscripts owned by various ethnic groups, including Chinese-Indonesian and Arab-Indonesian descendants, as well as those of mixed European and Indonesian ancestry. These manuscripts were either authored or copied by individuals in the community.

One important institution for manuscript production was the Algemeene Secretarie, established by the Dutch East Indies government in 1819. This institution played a vital role in documenting and preserving Malay manuscripts. According to Maria Indra Rukmini’s research, the Algemeene Secretarie was also responsible for copying manuscripts and collecting local texts, especially after the Dutch East Indies conquered Palembang and later acquired manuscripts from the Sultanate of Banten. These texts, which included popular works such as Hikayat Iskandar Zulkarnain and Hikayat Kumala Bahrin, were widely read in Jakarta at the time.

Beyond official institutions, several individuals also made significant contributions to Betawi’s manuscript tradition. One of the most prolific authors and copyists was Sapirin bin Usman, also known as Guru Cit, who lived in Pecenongan. His work, Hikayat Pandawa, was a bold adaptation of the Mahabharata epic. Guru Cit infused this Javanese text with Betawi cultural values, incorporating local dialects and traditions, such as the portrayal of punakawan (comic characters) joking in the style of Betawi lenong (traditional plays).

Guru Cit’s manuscript copying skills were passed down to his son, Ahmad Beramka, and his nephew, Muhammad Bakir. Bakir, in particular, became well-known for his creative manuscript illustrations, such as those found in Syair Buah-buahan (Poem of Fruits) and Syair Ken Tambuhan. His work displayed artistic flourishes, including illustrations of fruits and animals in vibrant colors and even calligraphy shaped like a guitar.

An interesting phenomenon that emerged during the height of manuscript production was the practice of manuscript rental. Manuscripts were rented out for a fee, allowing even those with limited means to access these texts. Despite the modest earnings from this practice, many copyists took pride in their work and competed to create the most beautiful and engaging manuscripts.

The rental of manuscripts and the competitive spirit among copyists reflect a vibrant culture of literacy among the Betawi people. This practice, which persisted into the 19th and 20th centuries, shows that the Betawi community had a strong appetite for knowledge, even if it meant renting manuscripts to satisfy their curiosity and intellectual hunger.

The literary tradition of the Betawi, marked by both their manuscript creation and rental practices, underscores the depth of literacy and cultural richness in Jakarta during this period. It is a legacy that continues to shape the city’s identity and cultural heritage today.