Spinning top festival hoped to whip up tourism

Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta

They may have different names and shapes, but spinning tops, or gasing as they are called in Indonesian, always succeed in attracting the attention of children and adults alike.

Now, top spinners from 21 regions across the country are gathering from Friday through Sunday at Ragunan Zoo in South Jakarta to show off their expertise in making and spinning their own unique tops.

The first ever spinning top festival in the country will also showcase some 184 different kinds of spinning top from Aceh, North Sumatra, Jakarta, Batam Island, Pontianak, Makassar, Manado and Papua.

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism, which is hosting the event, will also hold a workshop and discussion involving culture and folklore experts, including Junus Melalota and Djames Danangdjaja, during the three-day event.

Minister of Culture and Tourism Jero Wacik, who opened the festival, said that the event was part of his ministry's efforts to reintroduce to public the beauty of the country's traditional games, as well as promote culture-based tourism.

"Although there are variations, top spinning is something that is enjoyed by almost every ethnic group in Indonesia. That's why we decided to stage a festival highlighting this pastime. With the festival, we hope people will recognize its beauty," he said.

Gasing, one of thousands traditional pastimes and games in Indonesia, is known as apjong in Ambon, pakik in Manado, and baepiol in East Nusa Tenggara.

Amiruddin, a top-maker and "spinner" from Batam, said that gasing was very popular in Batam, with children, teenagers and adults all enjoying spinning tops or watching others doing so.

"We have a special field set aside for it in Batam. We even have regular competitions," he said, while showing off his top- spinning expertise.

Jero said that the traditional pastime could attract overseas tourists as it was quite unique.

"The passtime could become a valuable tourist attraction when several players are spinning tops at the same time. And if a top is well packaged and presented, the tourists will buy them as souvenirs," he said.

The event will also feature a giant top made by participants from Klaten, Central Java, which will be registered with the Indonesian Museum of Records (MURI).

Visitors can also buy various kinds of tops during the festival.