More visitors for highland gathering's silver jubilee

JAKARTA (JP): The capital will again witness the famous Scottish summer fiesta that is the Jakarta Highland Gathering, which is being held this weekend in the grounds of the Pelita Harapan School in Lippo Karawaci.

For the first time since the event was inaugurated in 1975, the gathering will be held over two days, on Saturday and Sunday.

"It's the 25th anniversary of the event, so we want to make it special. It will be bigger and better than ever before," British Ambassador to Indonesia Richard Gozney told a media conference on Wednesday at his residence on Jl. Teuku Umar, Central Jakarta.

According to the event's chairman, Gordon Grant Benton, the gathering is also aimed at showing the country is a safe place to come to in spite of negative media reports.

"We've been living here for years and this place is not as bad as the media report it," said Benton, who is also an estate manager with Lippo Karawaci.

Highland gatherings have long been a tradition in Scotland and originated in the eastern Highland region of Braes of Mar in the 11th century.

Jakarta is home to some 1,000 Scottish families. Although similar gatherings are also held in other countries, the Jakarta gathering is said to be the largest and most popular in the world as it also attracts hundreds of visitors from around the South East Asia region.

Last year's event, also held in Karawaci, attracted over 10,000 visitors.

"This year, we're expecting some 15,000 to 20,000 visitors," Benton said.

There will be over 100 events staged and dozens of pipers and drummers are expected from eight countries, including Canada, Sweden and New Zealand.

Some 100 dancers from five nations, and international parachutist, equestrian and massed band displays, as well as the ever-popular woodchoppers from Australia, Canada and New Zealand, will all be featured over the two days.

"So, it's going to be like a multi-ring circus with various attractions. There will also be rugby and volleyball competitions, a variety of food, both Indonesian and European, and souvenir stalls," Benton promised.

Visitors will also have the chance to see "heavies", or strongmen, such as Scotland's Bruce Aitken who is the current World Heavy Hammer (10 kilograms) Throwing Champion.

Saturday's proceedings run from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., while the fun starts the next day at 7 a.m. with the 10 K running competition.

Tickets cost Rp 20,000 (US$1.8) for adults and Rp 10,000 for children of between 5 and 16 years old. Admission is free for younger children.(hdn)