Betawi

Total population: 5 million (2000 census)
Regions with significant populations: Jakarta: 2.3 million
Languages: Betawi, Indonesian
Religion: Islam
Related ethnic groups: Javanese, Sundanese, Melayu


The Betawi (Orang Betawi, or "people of Batavia") are the descendants of the people living around Batavia (the colonial name for Jakarta) from around the 17th century. The Betawis are mostly descended from various Southeast Asian ethnic groups, plus Arab, Chinese, and Indian brought to or attracted to Batavia to meet labour needs, including people from various parts of Indonesia. They have a culture and language distinct from the surrounding Sundanese and Javanese. The Betawis are known for their piety towards Islam, as well as their short temper and their openness to others.