200 kites soar majestically above Monas during festival

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