The Creativity of Sempidi’s Teenagers in Kite Making

The creativity of Sempidi’s youngsters can be noticed along the road from Denpasar to Gilimanuk. For about 5 Km to the north of Ubung Terminal, creativity in the form of kites is available for sale. These magnificent kites not only attract the tourist, but the local kids as well. “It is well-known, that from July until September, the wind is blowing strong, and is an excellent time for kite flying and playing,” said a kid who plays at Sanur park.

For Sempidi’s youngsters, the kite making is their side-job, to fulfill their personal needs. Kite flying is a sport that has been well known and popular for years. For example in 1960’s, the people were fond in kites, especially when the harvests succeed. At that time, the type of kites was quite simple. Then, in 1990’s, the people started improving the kite types into several forms. This so-called kite of Sempidi’s style has always been very popular with the people who pass through that village. Since then, several kites’ stalls have started to appear along the path of Sempidi Village.
Making and selling kites in Sempidi started as a selfish creativity according the local people. Then, Ngurah Latra who spring from Tengah Sub village, Sempidi Village, started coordinating about 25 youngsters of his village. They made the kites at their own place, then, collect their works, and distributed up to Sanur area, about 15 Km from their village.
The price depends on the type, size, and matter of the kite, and is about Rp. 10.000 until Rp. 75.000. The kites’ type divided into two types, traditional and modern creations. The traditional kites are called ‘be-bean’ (fish type), ‘janggan’, and ‘pecukan’. Those sorts have been flown for along time in Bali.
Meanwhile, the creative kite is made to order. Starting from bird type, plane, until animal types (such as a turtle), and comical figures like Batman, dragons, etc. These types of kite have become well known since the Bali’s kite contest and competition in 1978. This creativity spread increasingly since the participation of the overseas countries such as China, Japan, and other foreign countries, which entertained other unique and long-flight kites.
The kite materials also start shifting. From paper matter, then people started using cloth, plastic also parachute silk the kite’s frame is usually made from bamboo using the ‘knock-down’ system, which means they are easy to overhaul and pack up.
According to Ngurah Latra, at average, there are 25 kites sold every day. The purchaser often sells those kites again to other consumer. “There are some domestics and foreigners who are fond of kites,” he said while adding that his standard profits were about Rp. 200.000 per day.
(BTN/018)