The Jakarta Highland Gathering

Shamless advert to let everyone know that in about six weeks time it's time for the 31st Jakarta Highland Gathering (Plug - Plug - Plug) Having been involved in this event in the past I know it's better to start advertising whats going on early so people can mark it in thweir diaries.

"Lets have a Gathering"

Thirty something years ago (1974 I would imagine) someone must have said that or words to that effect and thus was born an annual event which people from throughout South East Asia have been attending since.

There’s something about the snare drums and the drone of the pipes starting up that makes the hairs on the back of ones neck stand up, a gulp of fresh air, almost remembering the first time they were heard as a child back home.

But, it’s not only the Scots who feel this way, Indonesians, Singaporeans, Malays, Hong Kongers, Ozzies, Kiwi’s, you name the country and they are all present, all indulging in one of the best events that Jakarta has to offer.

With events commencing a few days earlier, the Gathering becomes a meeting place for old cronies, competitors and musicians over a four day period.

Golf on the Thursday, the magnificent Scotland in Concert on the Friday evening, pipers playing throughout Jakarta on the Saturday and when Sunday rolls around, the main event of the Gathering rumbles into being.

Name your pleasure and it is almost certain to be catered for, football, rugby, golf, fireworks, tug of war, bouncy castles, helicopter rides, Indonesian dance, Scottish dance, burgers, pizza, steak, seafood, beer, fizzy drinks, woodchoppers, caber tossers, pipe bands, rock bands, marching bands, Harley Davidson’s, kites, parachutes, men wearing dresses, the list is endless.


The first time I attended three years ago it rained so heavily that I was convinced my stay would be a short one, but that was not the case. It really is a day out for the whole family, no matter where you come from.

The highlight for many are the heavies, meek as lambs when you meet them but gladiators when performing, try lifting the hammer never mind throwing it and you will get an idea of the power these “man monsters” are capable of.

But, if that is not your cup of Bintang, the other areas have the piping competitions, dance competitions, greasy pole competitions, and what appeared to me to be eating competitions within the concession area with everything imaginable on sale.

From early in the day until sunset, its non-stop, the sporting events, Balinese dancers, Fussball addicts, Papuan dancers, Celtic rock bands, Irish dancers, massed Pipe Bands, Batavian dancers, cuddly Bikers, Lion dancers, all move inexorably towards the finale.

Describing the sight of one hundred pipers and drummers together as a massed pipe band, choreographed to perfection and filling the arena with the sound of Scotland cannot be adequately accomplished on paper. As the last pipe drones into silence, dusk settling over the island on the Lippo Karawaci Golf Course, the last surprises of the day unfolds with the burning of a Viking Boat and the stunning fireworks display.

Never been, you should feel ashamed of yourself, you have missed out on the best day out in the year. Help however is at hand, you can ease your conscience by coming to Lippo Karawaci on Sunday the 1st of June this year and join in.

A word of warning, it becomes addictive and unfortunately you have to wait for another year to feed that itch, but, on the plus side, it really is something to look forward to and mark in your calendar.

When was the last time the hairs on the back of your neck stood up? Be there on the 1st of June to be reminded.

Thanks to Jim Shon and various others for photographs.