200 kites soar majestically above Monas during festival

JAKARTA (JP): Fifteen kites soared in the sky around Monas (National Monument) recently, the second day of Indonesia Kite Festival 1996. From stunt kites and bridges, to mermaids and bats, the festival included more than 200 kites from around the world.

The festivities at Monas from June 31 to July 3, were the first part of a five location tour of Indonesia also including Pangandaran in West Java, Kendari in Southeast Sulawesi, Bali and Surabaya.

Among the largest kites, and perhaps the most eye-catching one, was the one in the shape of a yellow gecko. Unfortunately, due to unstable wind conditions, the kite, affectionately named "Gecko", had a hard time staying in the air and finally ended on the ground with two people packed underneath it. These two were Kirrilee Lynn and her father, Peter Lynn, from New Zealand, who claimed to have loved kites from "before I was born."

Renown for his large kites, Peter Lynn owns two kite companies, Peter Lynn Ltd. in New Zealand and Peter Lynn International in Holland. Lynn currently holds the record for the world's largest kite, the Magabite. It was named after an extinct marine creature called the trilobite, one of the forerunners of modern day crabs. With length of 630 square meters, this kite can accommodate up to 500 people in its interior when not in the air born. The Magabite was scheduled to make an appearance at the Indonesia Kite Festival, but since the site was too small for such a huge kite, it was sent to a Japanese kite festival instead.

When asked about the festival, Lynn commented that it was very well organized. "What's always best about Indonesia and Indonesian flying kites is that people here have a natural love and understanding of kites," said Lynn. He went on to say that from all the festivals in which he has participated, Indonesia is his favorite since "people are always so friendly, always want to help us, and they know what to do."

Headed by Sari Madjid, founder of Le Gong, an organization for Indonesian kite lovers, the festival features attractions such as stunt kite demonstrations and a workshop where visitors can watch several men dressed up in traditional Javanese clothing make traditional Indonesian kites.

"Historically, kites have always been a part of the Indonesian culture," stated Sari. She went on to explain that Le Gong has been invited to participate in many kite festivals throughout the world and it was about time that they themselves organized one. This festival also aimed at introducing Indonesia to it's participants. As Sari put it, "participants not only enjoy themselves with flying the kites, but they also get a chance to do some sightseeing in five different locations in Indonesia,".

The Indonesia Kite Festival attracted many different types of people, among the faces in the crowd during the second day was Devy Permatasary, actress and model, who claims to have gone there by "accident." "I was driving by with a few friends of mine when I saw these cute kites in the sky and decided to drop by." The Indonesia Kite Festival is not only a must for kite lovers, but also a nice way for families to spend time together during the summer.

-- Fitha W. Dahana