Sandeq race to restart

JAKARTA (JP): The Sandeq traditional boat race in South Sulawesi will resume next week after a two-year hiatus on the same course used in its inception in 1995.

Race organizers said yesterday about 15 boats would be flagged off in Majene, some 300 kilometers north of the South Sulawesi capital of Ujungpandang on Aug. 12. They will finish at Losari beach near the capital on Aug. 15.

Using sandeq (usually translated as "pointed", referring to the sharp bow of the boats) outrigger crafts, the participants will have to sail a course over 200 miles. Overnight stays will be in Polewali, Ujung Lero in Pare-Pare and Garongkong in Barru.

The annual race was canceled in 1996 and 1997 due to financial shortages.

This year's event is jointly organized by the Coastal Societies Research and Development, state-run Hasanuddin University, the Tadia Communication, Research and Social Program (Resopa) non-governmental organization, the South Sulawesi administration and the Navy. They received sponsorship from a private electricity company PT Energi Sengkang and Internet provider Forum Makassar Straits. (amd)