Local Guide

Jakarta’s Giant Puppet: Ondel-Ondel

Hello FlokqJune 27, 2020

Have you ever seen a couple of giant dolls on Jakarta’s streets? If you have seen them, have you ever wondered what they were? If you don’t know what they are, Flokq is here to tell you a long-short explanation about Jakarta’s giant dolls on the street. Two dolls with different colors – white and red – are called Ondel-Ondel. If you’re Jakartans, especially Betawi people, Ondel-ondel is something you have already known and you must be used to see them randomly on the streets. Ondel-Ondel has become a part of Jakarta’s culture, even an icon for Jakarta itself. So, what are Ondel-Ondel and why do we often see them in Jakarta?

What is Ondel-ondel?

These giant dolls’ heights are around 2.5 meters and have been around since the Dutch colonialism era. At the beginning of their appearance, the dolls which are now the icon of the City of Jakarta were known by the name Barongan The name came from the word barengan (together). Over time, the name Barongan also changed to Ondel-ondel. A famous Betawi artist, Benyamin Sueb had an important role in the name changing through his song titled “Ondel-Ondel” which tells a lot about the behavior of these giant dolls. The song went viral at that time and the song was attached with those giant dolls; so people call those dolls as Ondel-Ondel.

A famous Betawi artist, Benyamin Sueb had an important role in the name changing through his song titled “Ondel-Ondel” which tells a lot about the behavior of these giant dolls. The song went viral at that time and the song was attached with those giant dolls; so people call those dolls as Ondel-Ondel.

People also read: Jakarta’s Most Iconic Transportation: Bajaj

History of Ondel-ondel

Ondel-ondel is assumed to have been known by the Betawi community since the 1600s. The presence of Ondel-ondel was once functioned as a repellent of evil or bad things involving the local community. This function confirms why Ondel-ondel used to have scary faces. That function is also the reason for the Betawi people in ancient times always preparing offerings (sesajen) and performing rituals when they wanted to make giant dolls. 

However, at the previous time, some rituals should be done by people before they performed Ondel-Ondel. They usually gave some spiritual offerings (sesajen) and performed sacred rituals at the gravestones. In the Kemayoran area, for example, Ondel-ondel players usually performed the ritual at the Kumpi graveyard. By doing those rituals before the performances, the Ondel-ondel players would have more energy and strength to carry giant dolls for hours. 

In the 2000s, the tradition had already left because those rituals were considered as mere animism and it affects the endurance of Ondel-Ondel players; they are now unable to be inside Ondel-Ondel for a longer time. Jakarta’s hot weather and heavyweight of dolls are the reasons.

Characteristics of Ondel-Ondel

In every Betawi traditional artistic activities, Ondel-ondel always present in pairs. Ondel-Ondel has two sexes, women and men and they can be identified differently because of the different characteristics

Male Ondel-Ondel

The male dolls are painted in red and the females are painted in white. Male Ondel-Ondel usually has a red face with wide eyes, sharp jawlines, thick eyebrows, complete with thick mustaches. The face design further strengthens the scary impression of male Ondel-Ondel. 

Female Ondel-Ondel

While female dolls are equipped with slightly elongated noses and softer tips. Their chins were a little longer and rounder and completed with thin lips, beautiful eyes with thick eyelashes, and blushed cheeks. 

To make them more humane, Ondel-Ondel is given clothes that cover the entire body. On their heads, you will also find hair from black fibers with ornate coconut flowers that bloom like fireworks in various colors and also the patterned sarong or scarf that slung over their shoulders.

People also read: The Ultimate Guide to Jamu: Indonesia’s Traditional Herbal Medicine

Ondel-Ondel: Then vs Now

So, Ondel-Ondel are not mere giant dolls on Jakarta’s streets, they have a long and strong history that is related to Betawi culture and past belief. Because of the authenticity, Ondel-Ondel have been an icon for Jakarta for a long time. A lot of people who love culture and history preserve these giant dolls by performing them and make some communities. Previously during its golden period, Ondel-Ondel could easily be found at circumcisions, special weddings held by the people of Jakarta. 

Currently, Ondel-ondel also seems to switch functions. The Governor of DKI Jakarta, Ali Sadikin, in the 1960s changed the appearance of dolls so that it was no longer so scary. Now, it is not uncommon for Ondel-Ondel to participate in the celebrations held in Jakarta. Apart from being entertainment, not a few are also used as livelihoods for the community. You’ll now easier to see Ondel-Ondel in every Jakarta’s celebration and on the streets. They will be dancing, followed by Betawi music that is played loudly from the hoarse speakers.

If you see them on the streets, these dolls will carry a box of donations (sumbangan) to help them to continue their life. As giant dolls, Ondel-ondel will be played by people inside them. Regardless of their heavyweights, Ondel-ondel can jump around and wiggle as if they are humans!

Music of Ondel-Ondel

The music that accompanies ondel-ondel is usually erratic and in accordance with the habits of each group. But in general, ondel-ondel is usually accompanied by the strains of several musical instruments. The musical instruments that usually accompany the ondel-ondel are the endang tepak, gendang kempul, kenong kemong, krecek, gong and tehyan or trumpet.

Now you know about the history of Jakarta’s giant dolls or we called Ondel-ondel, that you will see in every Betawi traditional artistic activities, and also a little explanation about the Betawi tradition. We hope this article will help you to know the culture and history of both Jakarta and Indonesia. If you like articles like this, you can see other recommendations on our blog that have lots of articles to help you explore and enjoy living in Jakarta.

People also read: Jakarta’s Classic Public Van: Angkot