 Betawis are creole people, mostly descended from various Indonesian archipelago ethnic groups such as Malay, Sundanese, Javanese, Balinese, Minang, Bugis, Makassar, Ambonese, mixed with foreign ethnic groups such as Portuguese, Dutch, Arab, Chinese and Indian brought to or attracted to Batavia to meet labour needs.They have a culture and language distinct from the surrounding Sundanese and Javanese.The Javanese kakawin Tantu Pagelaran explained the mythical origin of the island and its volcanic nature.