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)