International kites to fly in RI sky
International kites to fly in RI sky
JAKARTA (JP): It remains uncertain when, exactly, the
tradition of kite flying began in Indonesia. There is no
historical record found concerning this meaningful pastime. Kites
have long been known as either seasonal friends for kids, or part
of the procession in religious ceremonies, as well as a
supporting tool for the livelihood of fishermen.
In Bali, the kite is believed to be a symbol of fertility.
Kites for this purpose are kept together with other offerings and
are only flown on certain occasions.
In Lampung, southern Sumatra, kites are used as fishing tools.
At Pangandaran in West Java, when twilight falls, kites are used
to capture cave bats.
So it seems, Indonesia's kite tradition, has, in fact,
penetrated the daily living sphere of its people.
Around the world, the kite's history reaches as long as its
rope is played out in the sky.
China has recognized this pastime since the year 1000 BC. It
was by the hands of Buddhist monks, approximately 600 BC, that
the kite was introduced to another Asian region. When European
explorers finally came to the Asian region, they also brought the
kite to the region, on their way home.
A thousand years later, kite flying has infatuated many
people.
Kite flying, that has applied the simplest aerodynamic
technology, has been used by professionals.
Now, among the many versions available, there is the stunt
kite, kite flying using double-directing ropes; Such kites can
perform airplane-like maneuvers.
There is also the revolution kite, a kite that uses four-
directing ropes.
In recent times, kites have also been employed as aerial-
photography support tools.
Professionalism has, of course, flourished within the kite's
realm all over Indonesian. Since 1978 Indonesia has been holding
kite festivals, attended by international kite flyers.
In commemoration of Indonesia's 50th independence day
anniversary, Indonesia Kite Lovers, which is organized by
Etnodata, in cooperation with the Directorate of Tourism, will
hold a series of activities called Indonesia Kite Festival '95.
The festival, not only meant to introduce Indonesia's unique
kite tradition, serves as a meeting arena for national and
international kite flyers as well. A chance for artists, artisans
and kite producers to interact and make lifelong contacts.
No less than 100 national and international kite flyers will
get together to brighten up this year's festival.
Big names in the world of kites, such as French Pierre Marzin,
who is Europe's champion for stunt kite and revolution kite
flying; Americans' David Brittan, who is well-known for his buggy
kite; George Peters, well-appreciated because of his outdoor
installation art; and Tall Streeter, writer of books on kites;
will be among those participating in the festival. Other
participants will include those from Italy, Malaysia, South
Korea, Sweden, Japan, Hong Kong, Netherlands, Singapore,
Philippines, Australia and Austria. Indonesia will be represented
by its well-known kite flyers, such as Anshori Djausal of Lampung
and the team from Muntilan in Central Java, who produced and
designed the three-dimensional Baru Klinting kite.
For approximately 14 days during the festival (June 28 to July
15), competitions will be held: on ornamental kites, traditional
kites, fighting kites, drawing the kite and rokaku (six angular)
kite. Stunt kite and revolution kite flying will be also
demonstrated indoors, as well as outdoors. There will be also
night flying attractions, kite workshops for children and adults,
an exhibition and a bazaar.
The festival will be held at five different locations: June 28
to July 2 at Marina beach in Taman Impian Jaya Ancol, northern
Jakarta; July 4 to July 6 at Lapangan Way Halim in Lampung,
southern Sumatra; July 7 to July 9 at Pangandaran beach in West
Java; July 10 at Petanahan beach in Kebumen, Central Java; July
11 to July 12 at Parang Tritis beach in Yogyakarta and July 14 to
July 15 at Mount Bromo's sea of sand in East Java.(als/etnodata)