August total foreign arrivals to Bali for August 2006 hit 118,104 visitors, numbers that lag -24.88% behind the same month in 2005.

Stuck in the Gap

Comparing the month-on-month August arrival's gap of -24.88% against the foreign visitors' arrival gap for July 2006 (down -23.01%) and for June (down -19.58%) - provides strong evidence that Bali's tourism recovery has well and truly stalled.

The summary numbers presented on balidiscovery.com speak for themselves providing little joy that Bali's long-awaited turn around has started or is, for that matter, even underway.

Although still lagging, but less depressed, are arrivals from Europe, the Americas and ASEAN.

For chart click here

 

The regent of Tabanan, N. Adi Wiryatama S. Sos M. has formally announced plans for a giant Kecak Trance Dance, involving a record 5,000 dancers, will be held at Tabanan, near Tanah Lot, on Friday, September 29, 2006.

Claiming to be unconcerned whether or not the mass trance dance qualifies for the Indonesian Book of Records, Wiryatama insists the main purpose of the dance is to permit the people of his regency to deliver an important message of peace to the world.

Quoted in the Indonesian language website tempointeraktif.com, the dance will involve performers from various tribes, racial and religious groupings. According to Wiryatama: "We are utilizing the concept of gotong royong (Editor: joint community cooperation) involving every component of the Tabanan community. There are teachers, armed forces members, police, students, university undergraduates, members of community organizations, and local traditional groups participating in the dance . . . they are all unpaid and, at the most, will receive a small packet of rice to eat."

Because of the large number of dancers participating in the performance of the Cakolosal, practice sessions are being broken into local community and village sub-groups. At the most recent count 6,400 people are currently practicing for the performance, with organizers expecting at least 5,000 dancers to show up on the day of the actual event.

Wiryatama is hopeful that the Cakolosal in Tabanan will pave the way for a twice weekly kecak dance performance scheduled to be held near Tanah Lot temple every week. The future performances involving a normal number of kecak dancers will be held at a 2.5 hectare Surya Mandala Cultural Park that will be able to accommodate a maximum of 5,000 spectators at each presentation.

The Surya Mandala, according to Wiryatama, has been designed to respect environmental values at its panoramic seaside location. Only 25% of the site will be used for construction, and that primarily for simple structures that are "easy on the land."

The special Cakolosal performance will bear the title of Kumbakarna-Rahwana Lina and will portray the kidnapping of Sita including the death scene for Kumbakarna and Rahwana.

The Choreography for the Cakolosal will be handled by I Gusti Ngurah Supartha, a well known choreographer hailing from Tabanan.

Click here for E -Flier

 

The Indonesian language DenPost reports that agricultural lands in Bali's capital are shrinking by 75 hectares per year due to increasing land demands from industry and housing developments.

According to I Gusti Ngurah Sumantara of the Denpasar government, the total acreage dedicated to farming in Bali's capital regency totaled 2,814 hectares in 2006, spread across 42 subak or traditional water right associations.

Government officials are hopeful that Denpasar's participation in this year's island-wide subak competition will help raise awareness of the importance of agriculture among Denpasar's residents, encouraging people to halt or at least slow down the fast-declining loss of farmlands in the capital.

At current rates of decline, Denpasar's agriculture land will disappear completely in little more than 2 decades.

 

A page one story published in the Monday, September 11, 2006 edition of the Indonesian language Bali Post paints a picture of growing poverty among the people of Bali. Worsening economic conditions across the island and ineffective steps by regional officials to curb poverty demonstrate that for many, Bali is something less than a paradise on earth.

As the accompanying table on balidiscovery.com shows, the North Bali Regency of Buleleng and East Bali's Karangasem Regency represent two of Bali's most impoverished regions with respective totals of 46,907 and 42,000 heads of family units classified as living below the poverty-line.

Growing Poverty

The same local press report states that the number of family heads listed as "poor" increased by 9,000 from 2005 to 2006, a jump of 29.3% in only one year.

Data from the Klungkung regency showed a similar increase among those classified as poor with an estimated 25.4% of its residents now existing below the poverty line.

Among the 46,907 family heads recorded as "poor" in Buleleng, the greatest share are to be found in Grokgak (8,952) followed by Seririt (7,256).

For Chart Click here

 

The authoritative Indonesia Digest, edited by Ibu Wuryastuti Surnario, reports:

Bali has unexpectedly drawn a new market segment. Malaysia's Bernama reports that Bali's Udayana University has become a school of choice for Malaysians seeking to further their tertiary studies overseas.

According to the Malay news service Bernama, there are already 123 Malaysian students at the Udayana University, including 50 who arrived just a few days ago, who attended their first lectures on Monday, September 11, 2006. Except for one student studying Hindu theology on this Hindu-dominated island, all of the Malaysians are studying medicine.

A Malaysian bank officer from Bangi, V. Sreenivasan, who has a daughter, Deepa, studying medicine in Bali, told Bernama that he chose Bali because the education costs and living expenses on the island were relatively cheaper compared to Europe, the US, Australia and even India, which has been the traditional destination for many Malaysian medical students.

Secondly, according to the Malaysian parent, Bali was only a two hour flight from Kuala Lumpur, which makes it easier and cheaper for parents to visit their children or for students to regularly return to Malaysia.

More importantly for Sreenivasan and other parents, and for sponsors like the Malaysian MARA foundation and the Public Service Department, the quality of education as well as the teaching and learning systems at Bali's Udayana University are considered as good as any other Malaysian government accredited overseas universities.

Malaysian Higher Education Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed, during a recent visit to Jakarta, agreed that it was much cheaper to send Malaysian students for medical studies to Indonesia.

No official figures were given, but it is understood that for the cost of sending one student to Europe or the US to study medicine, the Malaysian government can send seven students to Indonesia.

This may be why Mustapa enquired during his meetings in Jakarta with several universities whether it was possible for all 13 Malaysian-accredited universities in Indonesia to accommodate more Malaysian medical students.

And, as the result of persistent personal lobbying by Malaysian ambassador to Indonesia, Datuk Zainal Abidin Mohamed Zain, a number of Indonesian universities have now allocated more seats to Malaysian medical students starting from this year.

Zainal Abidin told Bernama recently that the cost factor was only one reason for the increasing number of Malaysian students in Indonesian medical schools, while another was the relevance of their studies here for the Malaysian situation, allowing students to learn about diseases prevalent in Malaysia and Indonesia, both being tropical countries.

Meanwhile, the Bali branch president of the National Association of Malaysian Students in Indonesia, M. Sujatharan, said another factor preferred by Indian parents was the strict Hinduism practiced and observed in Bali. 93.2% of a total 3.22 million population (2002 statistics) on the island are adherents of the Hindu faith while Muslims make up only some 4.9%, with other religions constituting less than 2%.

However, not just Malaysians of Hindu faith or Indian origin are studying medicine in Bali. There are currently also 18 Malaysian Chinese students and 15 ethnic Malays who have no qualms regarding the predominantly Hindu culture in Bali, says Bernama.

Email for Free Subscription to Indonesia Digest.

 

When Asroel was born in Jember, East Java, in 1979, he was fourth child and the long-awaited only son born into his farming family. Eager to have a male heir, his parents sought the advice of a village priest and made special offerings. His mother, who continued to perform strenuous physical labor throughout her pregnancy, suffered bouts of numbness in her left arm, left leg and right arm. These physical complaints suffered by Asroel's mother perhaps foreshadowed what lay ahead, for when he was born, it was without a left arm, a left leg and most of a right arm.

Born with the severe physical limitations of life with only one fully developed limb, Asroel's earliest memories paint a picture of the hazards that his handicapped existence entailed, including being momentarily abandoned by a sister while he was attacked by by swarms of angry bees and another recollection of a trampling by a herd of goats.

Unable to move on his own until he was five or six, his siblings and parents carried and pulled around him around on his backside. Blessed with a good mind, Asroel excelled in school where a headmaster took note of his natural aptitudes. Ashamed because of his inability to walk, the boy took to hiding in a local coffee plantation where he tirelessly practiced standing by gripping onto the trunks of coffee tree. Eventually becoming very proficient at hopping around on one foot, Asroel grew in his self-confidence and mobility.

The boy's parents refused to treat their son as handicapped, expecting the boy to help his father in his work collecting firewood and other chores. Encouraged by his parents, Asroel attended high school in East Java, hopping the considerable distance to school by leaving his home at 4:30 a.m. each morning. Excelling in art and history, the boy also mastered the ability to write and draw using his right foot.

The School of Hard Knocks

Finishing school in 1997, Asroel wished to escape the drudgery of plantation life and traveled to Yogyakarta where he worked initially as a parking attendant during the days, while making and selling American Indian accessories to tourists in the evenings.

Later, he "tried his foot" at portraits painting and Islamic calligraphy. Managing to only eke out a very modest living, Asroel recalls often having to sleep on the streets with friends. Living rough and often reduced to fighting to defend his turf, he developed a wide variety of friends and acquaintances, ranging from fellow street kids to wealthy people.

During his stay in Yogyakarta, Asroel also met his wife-to-be, a language student at a local university. Unprepared to accept the prospects of a handicapped son-in-law, her parents compelled her to return home to Kalimantan (Borneo). Proving that love always finds a way, she returned to Yogya after several years absence and married Asroel in 2006 before moving, as husband and wife, to Bali where he could pursue an artistic career.

Disturbed by the tragic effects of two bombings in Bali and wishing to contribute to peaceful understanding between religious groups, Asroel focuses on painting portraits of famous peacemakers.

Refusing to see himself as handicapped, Asroel is also active in the Senang Hati Foundation where he works and inspires by teaching others with disabilities learn how to draw.

Exhibition at the Dragonfly Restaurant in Ubud

An exhibition and sale of Asroel's painting will be held at The Dragonfly Restaurant on Jalan Dewi Sita in Ubud from September 22 through October 21, 2006.

 

Every month, Bali's travel industry gets together to let off steam and enjoy each other's company.

Recharge Night - organized by Bali & Beyond Magazine, saw the September 2006 gathering hosted at the Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa who enlivened their Culture Theater open entertainment area with a live band and a fashion show presented by several of Bali's top designers.

Shown on balidiscovery.com are snap shots from the September Bali Recharge Night.

For Picture Click Here

 

Against the background of the much-debated distribution and final use of the Rp. 67 billion (approximately US$7.3 million) allocated by Jakarta for the recovery of Bali's tourism industry, the Monday, September 11, 2006 edition of the Indonesian language Bali Post carried an interview with the Director General of Marketing for the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Thamrin R. Bachri.

Bachri prefaced his interview with the Bali Post by acknowledging that the Rp. 67 billion recovery fund allocated for Bali is a matter of popular debate with recent "unsubstantiated" reports suggesting that only 11% of those funds have been employed to date.

According to Bachri, the Rp. 67 billion recovery fund will be almost completed expended by December 2006, with 75-80 percent of the Bali Recovery Funds already expended. Because of this, Bachri admitted he was astonished by reports suggesting that only 11% of the recovery funds have been utilized.

The Interview

Bali Post: (Regarding the recovery funds allocation) the members of the travel industry are asking about its disposition.

Bachri: There's no need to confused, they should directly ask the provincial government about this subject. The Bali Tourism Authority (dinas pariwsata) and the private sector members who are represented in the Bali Tourism Board (BTB) will certainly know more about these funds, Remember, all of the Bali recovery programs were formulated by these people (editor: provincial government and the BTB) and then recommended to the Central Government. After that, we carried forth with the implementation of their proposals.

Bali Post: What were the results?

Bachri: A program in accordance with their (editor: provincial government and the BTB's) recommendations. Later, we jointly implemented these programs. And, we have proof of that fact. For example, the road show to Vietnam, a number of festivals held in Bali, and sponsoring tour operator and journalist trips to see Bali firsthand. There are many other programs as well. We'll also stage an Indonesia Night in Hong Kong (editor: At PATA Mart 2007 September 15, 2006) – all designed to aid the recovery of Bali.

Bali Post: Gosh, why all these "programs"? Why not merely provide cash, for instance, to build a "recovery monument" or for the use of the people of Bali?

Bachri: Understand, the recovery funds should not be viewed a ripe durian fruit that's fallen from a tree that can be evenly divided and distributed; this is even more the case when the desired expenditure is for an unclear end.

Bali Post: Up until the present, members of the Bali travel industry have spent Rp. 23 billion (approximately US$2.5 million) of their money for Bali's recovery.

Bachri: I know nothing of this and it is not the responsibility of my department. Remember, if something is not in the approved program proposed to the Central Government by the provincial government and the private sector – then such expenditures are not our concern.

 

In the annual Asia-wide SpaAsia Crystal Awards ceremony held recently, Asian spa operators were presented awards in 11 categories - including Best Hotel Spa, Best Resort Spa, Best Day Spa, Best Destination Spa and Best Signature Treatment.

Bali's very own Jiwa Spa, Conrad Bali Resort and Spa won honors as the Best Resort Spa.

SpaAsia Reader's Choice Awards recognize outstanding companies, treatments and products voted by the readers of SpaAsia magazine

Related Story: Oiled & Dangerous - Has Anyone Seen Our Editor?

 

When it welcomes its first guests in late September 2006, it will be Robert Lagerwey the General Manager of the Bulgari Resort, Bali who will be finally responsible for the sales and marketing, and operational aspects of Bali's newest 59-villa luxury resort.

Lagerwey has over 20 years experience in the hospitality industry in the United States, Asia and Europe. He was most recently Hotel Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore. His other leadership positions were in food and beverage at The Ritz-Carlton, Seoul, Four Seasons Philadelphia, The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago, Campton Place Hotel, San Francisco and Forte Grand St. Georges Hotel, London. Lagerwey started his career as a management trainee at Caledonian Hotel in Edinburgh, Scotland after he graduated from The Hague Hotel School, Holland in 1988.

The Bulgari Resort, Bali is a 59-villa property managed by Bulgari Hotels and Resorts, a joint venture between Bulgari and the luxury hotel group Marriott, who also manage The Ritz-Carlton Hotels and Resorts. Located near Uluwatu on the southern tip of the Jimbaran Peninsula in Bali the resort is perched on a cliff 150 metres from the sea shore commanding magnificent views of the Indian Ocean. All villas feature unobstructed views, a plunge pool and patio and lush tropical foliage.

Opening late September 2006.

 

Marking the re-launch and re-branding of The Laguna Resort & Spa, Nusa Dua, Bali, two separate gala launch parties were recently held in Jakarta and Bali.

Guests were treated to a gala dinner prepared by award-winning Executive Chef Made Putra and were entertained by a musical performance by Australian singing star Gregg Arthur and pianist Jem Harding, both specially flown in by Garuda Indonesia to perform at the parties. Also on hand to charm the guests was Miss Bali 2006, Astri Prima Devi.

The Jakarta event was held August 31, 2006 at Le Meridien Jakarta and the Bali celebration on September 5, 2006 at the Balai Raya Grand Ballroom, The Laguna Resort & Spa.

At both events, a fashion show was held to showcase the new uniforms created for the Bali 5 star resort by noted Indonesian fashion designer, Itang Yunasz. A slide show during the dinners allowed invitees to view the many changes at the Resort following the US$7.5m renovation program.

The upgrading program, completed in June 2006, involved the renovation of all 270 guest rooms and suites and the extensive upgrading of the resort's main ballroom and meeting areas. Following the renovations the Resort's main ballroom was doubled in size and the resort's health and fitness facility was also extensively upgraded.

 

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