Nias stone jumping at Highland Gathering

Nias stone jumping at Highland Gathering

JAKARTA (JP): For the first time, visitors at tomorrow's
Jakarta Highland Gathering will be able to see the Nias male
initiation ritual known as stone-jumping.

"Many people have seen this ritual on television but few have
seen it live," Norman Campbell, chairman of the 22nd Gathering
organizing committee, said yesterday.

The Nias people, who live on an island off the southwest coast
of North Sumatra, traditionally initiate boys into manhood in a
ritual called stone-jumping.

The initiates have to jump over a two-meter stone structure in
one leap.

A number of young men from Nias will perform this prodigious
feat. Maori war dancers complete with armor, shields and spears
are also planned to luster up the event.

Based on the number of participants, Campbell said, the
Jakarta's Gathering is the biggest Gathering held outside of
Scotland, besides the United States.

"Fifty percent of the participants and spectators are
Indonesians," Campbell told The Jakarta Post.

Last year, an estimated 5,500 people attended the gathering.

Some 200 foreign visitors are expected to participate.

In addition to being a get-together for Scottish expatriates,
Campbell added that one of the Gathering's purposes is to help
needy Jakartans. All of the profits go to charity.

Over the years, various programs have received millions of
rupiahs from the Gathering's organizers.

For 21 years, the Panti Usada Mulia, a complex for medical
care in Jakarta where ill and destitute residents receive free
medical and nursing care, has received funds raised through the
Gathering.

Mrs. Amir Pamuncak, the organization's chief fund-raiser, said
that the Gatherings have greatly helped in funding the
organization.

Last year, the PUM received Rp 10 million from the Gathering.
Monthly expenses at the complex amount to as much as Rp 20
million (US$ 9,842.5) she added.

"Ironically, we have primarily been supported by foreigners,"
Mrs. Pamuncak told the Post.

The Gathering is being held under the joint coordination of
the British Embassy and the city administration.

Starting at 7:30 a.m. at the Senayan Stadium, Central Jakarta,
the Gathering, with its various traditional Scottish events,
should be a day of fun for everyone, regardless of age or
nationality.

Tickets, available at the gate, are Rp 10,000 for adults and
Rp 2,500 for children. (14)