Highlanders will gather here again after two year absence
Highlanders will gather here again after two year absence
JAKARTA (JP): Organizers of this year's Jakarta Highland
Gathering estimated that some 10,000 people will attend the event
at Pelita Harapan School compound Lippo Karawaci, a 30 minute
drive west from Jakarta.
The famous Scottish summer gathering, to be held on May 28, is
coming back after two years due to the prolonged economic
hardships, which also caused security uncertainties.
"This year's gathering will hopefully return other countries'
trust in Indonesia. We couldn't organize the feast in 1998 and
1999 due to security concerns but it returns this year," British
Ambassador to Indonesia Robin Christopher told a media conference
at his residence on Jl. Teuku Umar.
"Jakarta has always seen the gathering as part of its varied
cultural life," he added.
The tradition originated in Scotland's Highland eastern region
of Braes of Mar in the 11th century. It was a meeting of all
Scottish clans and evolved into an important function in the 17th
century.
Highlights of the gathering include the pipe bands, dancing,
tug-of-war and other 'heavy' events, such as caber tossing and
hammer hurling.
Jakarta, home to some 1,000 Scottish families, saw the first
Highland Gathering in 1975. The upcoming 2000 Jakarta Highland
Gathering will be the 24th event.
Gathering chairman, Gordon G. Benton, dubbed the event as a
gathering for the family.
"There will be 87 events in the one-day fiesta for all members
of the family. It will start at 7:30 a.m. and go until 6:30 p.m.
when a large fireworks display tops it all off at the end of the
day," he said.
Benton, estate manager of Lippo Karawaci, said the gathering
was also important in that it would demonstrate Indonesia was a
safe and stable place.
"The event will be a sign to foreigners that the conditions
here aren't that bad. We expect 10,000 people will join the
gathering either as participants or spectators," he said.
"There will be some 600 foreigners coming to the gathering.
It's small but it's an important gesture," he added.
He also said the gathering might be the largest social
function available where locals can mix with expatriates.
"There will be, for instance, pipe bands from Singapore,
Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and Australia.
The entrance ticket for adults is Rp 20,000 (US$2.5) and Rp
10,000 for children of 5 to 15 years old. Younger children are
free to enter. Participants wearing costumes who have sponsors
are required to pay Rp 50,000 per team. (nvn)