FGC Board Etna and Tourism Office Receive Support from Deputy Governor of DKI Jakarta
The Board of ETNA (Ethnowellness Nusantara) and the Jakarta Tourism and Creative Economy Agency held a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on developing wellness tourism ahead of the 500th anniversary of the Special Region of Jakarta.
The event was also attended by Deputy Governor Rano Karno (Bang Doel), Head of the Jakarta Tourism and Creative Economy Agency, Andika Pratama, and a number of provincial government officials.
This FGD served as a strategic forum bringing together various wellness ecosystems: spa industry players, travel entrepreneurs, herbal medicine practitioners, aromatherapy experts, academics, health communities, and doctors from various specialties. All attended with one goal: strengthening wellness based on local wisdom, particularly Betawi Wellness.
A Developed City Is Not Only Competitive, But Also Healthy and Happy
In his remarks, Deputy Governor Rano Karno emphasized that Jakarta's development focuses not only on physical development but also on the quality of life of its citizens.
"Jakarta is moving towards becoming a global city that is not only competitive, but also comfortable, balanced, and happy for all its residents," he said when met at Penn Resto, Jakarta, on Thursday, November 20, 2025.
The man, familiarly known as Bang Doel, stated that wellness plays a strategic role in Jakarta's transformation. He believes a strong wellness ecosystem will help Jakarta achieve its major goal: to be included in the Happy City Index by 2027.
Furthermore, he also expressed his appreciation to Dra. Agnes Lourda Hutagalung, Chairperson of the Etnaprana Wellness Board.
"It turns out we're already a partnership. So it's my responsibility to develop this partnership," he added.
Direct Support from the Jakarta Provincial Government
Bang Doel emphasized that the Jakarta Provincial Government is ready to support the strengthening of local culture-based ecosystems, including Betawi Wellness. This support comes not only from himself as Deputy Governor, but also from Jakarta Governor Pak Pras.
Betawi Ethnowellness: A Huge Potential That Needs to be Unearthed
Furthermore, he highlighted that Indonesia possesses an extraordinary wealth of ethnowellness. Betawi, as Jakarta's identity, has unique assets to compete with other regions.
Betawi Wellness Products Presented in the FGD included:
Pijet Pulen Legit — a traditional Betawi massage technique known for its health benefits for married women.
Bir Pletok — a refreshing and healthy Betawi herbal drink.
Lulur & Jamu Betawi — a traditional ritual that is gaining popularity among tourists.
Betawi Essential Oil Aromatherapy — a development of aromatherapy based on local spices.
All of these services can now be found at Gaya Spa, a wellness company actively embracing Betawi culture in its treatments.
We also tried the anatomy-based and evidence-based Medical Massage service — an innovation that combines a scientific approach with local traditions.
ETNA's Role: Collaboration, Research, and Branding Wellness Jakarta
ETNA Founding Board Member, Dra. Agnes Lourda Hutagalung explained that the ETNA Board is a diverse group of professionals with one mission: to professionally develop Indonesian ethnowellness.
"It includes academics, traditional health practitioners, travel entrepreneurs, doctors from the Indonesian Doctors Association (IDI) and the Indonesian Doctors Association (PDSI). Everyone is united for one goal," she explained.
The Wellness Ecosystem as a Pillar of a Happy City
Rano Karno emphasized that Jakarta's transformation will not be optimal without collaboration from the wellness industry.
"The government cannot work alone. Wellness associations and industry players have a major role in strengthening MSMEs and the local economy," he said.
He also stated that each wellness program will be periodically evaluated to ensure a real impact on the community.
Towards Jakarta as the Wellness Center of Southeast Asia
This FGD is a strategic opportunity to unite the government, community, industry players, and academics. With the full support of Deputy Governor Bang Doel and the Jakarta Tourism Office, the ETNA Board is optimistic that Jakarta can:
Enter the Happy City Index 2027
Become a wellness hub in Southeast Asia
Elevate Betawi identity in the global wellness industry
This event is not just a discussion, but a concrete step towards a healthier, more balanced, and happier Jakarta.