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)