Ondel-ondel are the giant puppets that are inseparable from the Betawi culture and are now the icon of Jakarta. These are made on bamboo frames to allow persons to carry them around from the inside. Ondel-ondel usually come in pairs, the male wears a red mask carrying a gallant moustache and sideburns wearing dark colored clothes, while the female mask is white with red lipstick. She usually wears bright colours. Both wear the typical Malay spiked headdress, called kembang kelapa.

These ondel-ondel puppets usually lead parades at weddings or circumcisions, followed by the bridal pair and families, or by the circumcised boy and relatives, strutting around the village, gaily accompanied by bands playing Tanjidor or Gambang kromong music.