Kite Festival at Monas this week

JAKARTA (JP): Kite flyers from 14 provinces and 10 countries have confirmed their participation in the upcoming eighth International Kite Festival beginning Friday at Monas National Monument Park in Central Jakarta, according to the organizers.

Chairman organizer Tinton Prianggoro said over the weekend that Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri is slated to open the festival, held to commemorate the 473rd anniversary of Jakarta and the country's 55th anniversary.

Under the theme of Spirit of Peace on Earth and at Sky, the three-day event -- organized jointly by Le Gong Kite Association and the Jakarta authorities -- is aimed at promoting friendship and peace.

The organizers did not explain whether there would be prizes for the winners.

The press, Tinton said, is invited to take part in the festival by submitting their message of peace on their own kites.

The Kite Festival has become an annual agenda in the capital and always attracts dozens of foreign participants and hundreds of kite enthusiasts.

Last year, kite lovers from 11 provinces and representatives from six countries flew their kites in the event. The designs of the colorful kites varied from animals, such as dolphin, octopus, and gigantic scary extraterrestrials. (07)