The Jakarta Tourism and Creative Economy Agency (Disparekraf) Promotes the Betawi Tangas Tradition a

The Jakarta Tourism and Creative Economy Agency (Disparekraf) Promotes the Betawi Tangas Tradition a

The Jakarta Tourism and Creative Economy Agency (Disparekraf) once again presents an immersive cultural experience through the Jakarta Walking Tour Festival.

Not only does this activity explore the historical traces of the city of the Thousand Islands, it also opens the door to the increasingly rare Betawi traditional body care heritage, namely Tangas Betawi.

Reviving the Betawi Body Care Heritage

In this festival, participants are invited to explore another side of Betawi culture, particularly the beauty and health traditions that have been passed down for hundreds of years.

One of the most engaging sessions came from cultural activist Cucu Sulaicha, a figure who consistently preserves the Tangas Betawi ritual and introduces an ancient massage technique called Pijit Pulen Legit.

"The masseuse must be in a state of purity and recite prayers from beginning to end," said Cucu at the event, held in collaboration with the Indonesia Wellness Spa Professional Association (IWSPA), on Wednesday, September 12, 2025, at the Asha Beach Club and Resort, Seribu Islands.

According to him, the Betawi body care tradition is a blend of various ethnic cultures, including Malay, Chinese, Arab, and European. This blend, which has lasted for more than four centuries, has formed the distinctive identity of the Betawi people—from language, customs, cuisine, to body care rituals like Tangas.

“Betawi reflects a confluence of civilizations. Tangas is evidence of the cultural assimilation that has shaped the unique identity of the Betawi people,” she added.

The Spiritual Meaning Behind Betawi Tangas

Unlike modern treatments, Tangas is more than just a beauty ritual.

In the past, Tangas was part of a spiritual cleansing process led by a traditional shaman. This ritual was performed before a wedding as a symbol of self-purification and mental preparation for the bride and groom.

The bride-to-be would be asked to sit on a hollow rattan chair, while a vase filled with boiled water containing roses, jasmine, ylang-ylang, fragrant pandan, and even sappanwood shavings was placed beneath her. The rising aromatic steam is believed to:

Open pores

Calm the mind

Enhance the aura of beauty

"During Tangas, the bride and groom are forbidden from looking in the mirror for an entire month. They are taught to recite dhikr (remembrance of God), watch their diet, and drink herbal drinks (jamu) boiled with herbs. The goal is not only to beautify themselves, but also to prepare their hearts and souls for marriage," explained Cucu.

Pijit Pulen Legit: Traditional Massage Enriched with Prayer

Beyond Tangas Betawi, Cucu also introduced Pijit Pulen Legit, a traditional Betawi massage technique that combines prayer, coconut oil, and traditional movements. Each technique, such as jalan seser (stroking) to rapet seser (stroking), has philosophical meaning as well as anatomical benefits for:

Improving blood circulation

Relaxing muscles

Maintaining body freshness and energy balance

"This movement is not just a massage, but a meaningful form of treatment that maintains balance in the body, mind, and spirit," he explained.

Jakarta Tourism and Creative Economy Agency's Efforts to Preserve Betawi Culture

Through the Jakarta Walking Tour Festival, the Jakarta Tourism and Creative Economy Agency hopes the public will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of Betawi culture, including the heritage of traditional body treatments that are becoming increasingly rare. By introducing Tangas Betawi to the younger generation and tourists, it is hoped that this tradition will continue to live and thrive.

Want to Experience Authentic Tangas Betawi? Try it at Gaya Spa Wellness

For those who want to experience the warmth of spiced steam, the serenity of rituals, and the sensation of traditional Tangas Betawi massage, this treatment is now available at Gaya Spa Wellness.

Here, the Tangas tradition is carried out while maintaining Betawi cultural elements such as the use of flowers, spices, and traditional treatment techniques. It is perfect for those who want to:

Detoxify the body and mind

Calm down stress

Experience a historic beauty ritual

Enjoy an authentic and philosophical spa experience

Reserve now and experience the magic of Tangas Betawi at Gaya Spa Wellness.

Enjoy a blend of ancient rituals and the comfort of a modern spa in one pampering experience.