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Bali
Discovery Tours
Komplek Pertokoan
Sanur Raya No. 27
Jl. By Pass Ngurah Rai,
Sanur, Bali, Indonesia
Tel: ++62 361 286 283
Fax: ++62 361 286 284
24h: Voice/SMS ++62 812 3819724
BALI UPDATE #581 - 29
October 2007
Special State Budget Allocations Promised for Bali in 2008
Local Press Reports Claim Bali Will Receive Special Funding for Reinvestment and Develoment of Bali Tourism.
BisnisBali reports that Bali will benefit from special allocations for tourism from the State budget in 2008 following a prolonged struggle to secure such financial support from lawmakers in Jakarta.
Speaking on the decision to dedicate State funds to Bali's tourism sector, Bagus Sudibya, the Coordinating Chairman for the Association of Indonesian Tour and Travel Agents (ASITA) in Bali, said that such funding is both appropriate and long-overdue given the major contribution made by Bali toursim to the Country's foreign exchange earenings. According to Sudibya, the 1.7 million foreign tourists coming to Bali create between US$2.5 - 3 billion in much-needed foreign exchange or nearly 50% of all foreign exchange generated by tourism nationwide.
Sudibya explained: "Tourism needs reinvestment. If the Center (Jakarta) wants a larger foreign exchange contributions from Bali's tourism industry, it is only fair that Bali receives special funding such as the special allocation for torusm from the State budget."
Adamant that neither the economy nor toursm can grow without reinvestment; Sudibya said tourism development demands security, infrastructure, maintenance of tourism objects, the ugrading of human resources and branding socialization. The senior member of Bali's toruism community said urgent attention must also be given to addressing transportation problems in Bali.
While no specific amount has been mentioned in the promised special allocation for tourism in 2008, Sudibya reminded the press of the still-unfulfilled promise of Vice Presidnet Jusuf Kalla to allocate an additional US$7 million for Bali in 2007.
If the promised funds are eventually allocated to Bali, Sudibya called for an independent team be appointed to transparently administer the funds for the sake and welfare of Bali.
Reducing Bali's Carbon Footprint
12 Gas Stations in Bali to Soon Sell Biofuel. Vehicles Entering UN Climate Change Conference in December to be Strictly Required to Fill-Up on Biofuel.
To underline Indonesia's commitment to fighting climate change, the Government has declared that biofuels will be used for vehicles entering the Nusa Dua Complex during the United Nations Framework on Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC) December 3-14, 2007.
Saying that bio-fuels are more eco-friendly and result in smaller carbon footprints, the Deputy Assistant of the Minister of the Environment for Bali and East Nusa Tenggara, R. Sudirman, announced that biofuels will be available at 7 gas stations surrounding the Nusa Dua Complex starting from one week before the UNFCC Conference.
According to Sudirman, delegate vehicles and vehicles used by those involved in the conference will be required to use biofuels. To give force to the measure, emission tests will be conducted throughout the conference. Exhaust emissions tests tobe carried out at Nusa Dua that show a failure to use biofuels will cause the subject vehicle to be banned from entering the Nusa Dua complex. Sudirman warns motorists not to discount the seriousness of intent by the Government in introducing these measures, insisting that the rules will be strictly enforced.
Biofuel in Bali
Pertamina has announced that biofuel will soon be available as 12 gas stations in Bali in the area of Jalan Mahendratta, Jalan Gatot Subroto Barat and throughout the Nusa Dua Complex. Bio Pertamax will contain 15% biofuel and will be sold at the same price as Pertamax.
Asian Games 2008 Countdown Clock Now "Ticking" in Denpasar.
The counts begun. To mark the time remaining before the start of the Asian Beach Games set to be held in Bali October 18-26, 2008 a giant countdown clock has been erected at Bali's Lumitang Field on Jalan Gatot Subroto in Denpasar at the site of the former Badung Government Administration Office.
Built at a cost of Rp. 800 million (approximately US$87,000), the clock marks the spot where the opening ceremony for the opening ceremony next April for Bali's first Olympic-sanctioned sportings event.
Expected to draw over 10,000 people to Bali including athletes from 45 countries, the event will focus on beach-side atletic competitions ranging from beach soccer, volleyball and surfing.
Celebrating the Opening of its Bali Operational Hub, Mandala Brings Top Entertainment, Music, Food and Prizes to a Gala Beach Party.
On Friday, October 26, 2007, Mandala Airlines held a "low fare experience party" on the beach at the Legong Keraton Beach Hotel to celebrate the opening of its second operational base in Bali.
The CEO of the Airline, Warwick Brady, welcomed the guests outlining the ongoing efforts to make the Airline a leading carrier in Indonesia with an unparalleled record for safety and on-time performance. To enhance its armada, Mandala has ordered 30 Airbus A320 and an Airbus A319 aircraft, some of whihc have already arrived in Indonesia and entered into daily service.
Safety is being addressed through Mandala's enrollment in a rigorous IATA Operational Safety Audit Program (IOSA), with final certification expected in March 2008. Fleet maintenance is assured through an agreement with the SIA Airlines Engineering Company (SIAEC) - an aircraft maintenace operation owned by Singapore Airlines.
Mandala's current expansion program is being funded by its two shareholders - Indigo Coporation (USA) and Cardig Air (Indonesia).
Through the establishment of a second operational hub in Bali, Mandala is operating daily direct flights to Denpasar, Yogyakarta, Banjarmasin, Jakarta, Surabaya and Balikpapan. In all, the airline flies to more than 20 destinations across Indonesia with regional flights to international ports-of-call planned before the end of 2007.
A Night of Lively Entertainment
In addition to a buffet dinner the hundreds of guests invited to the launch party were treated to traditional dances, numerous door prizes and muscal entertainment from Jakarta recording stars - Yana Julio, Agus Wisman and Rita Effendi.
Click
Images to Enlarge
Shown on balidiscovery.com are pictures of Jakarta musical celebrities (left to right) - Yana Julio, Rita Effendi and Agus Wisman and a separate picture of the international management team heading Mandala (left to right) - Warwick Brady, Chief Executive Officer of Mandala Airlines; Andy Robinson, VP for Internation Aero Engines; Steve Cheshire, Field Service Representative for International Aero Engines; and Brian E. Bradbuty, Technical Director of Mandala Airlines.
Santa Claus is Coming to Bali!
Bali International Women's Association Christmas Bazaar Set for Sunday, November 11, 2007.
Bali International Women's Association (BIWA) will once again hold its popular Christmas sale Bazaar on November 11, 2007, at the Sector Bar & Restaurant locat at the Bali Beach Golf Course in Sanur.
"This event is one of the main ways for BIWA to raise funds for its projects that include education and scholarships for under-privileged children in Bali and support for children whose parents are drug users and living with HIV/AIDS", said Joyce Nelwan, President of BIWA.
"The funds raised will also cover the implementation of women's programs on topics of domestic violence, skill development and health papsmear retreatment. In addition the funds will also be used for the operations of BIWA Mobile Dental Clinic and Bali environment management programs," she added.
Scheduled for a full day on Sunday, November 11th from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., the Christmas Sale Bazaar is open to public and entrance is free of charge. A Kids corner is available with games, drawing and paintings to allow parents more time to roam the Fair grounds. A food corner will also be in operation serving home-made food and refreshing drinks. Raffle winners will be announced throughout ther day with continuous musical entretainment on offer.
Vendors' Booths Available
More than 100 stalls will be operating at the Bazaar. The rental cost of a stall is Rp.300.000 (approximately US$32.50) for BIWA members and Rp.400.000 (US$43.50) for non-members. Registration for the booths, which tend to sell out quickly, can be made at the BIWA Center on Jl. Tambak Sari, No. 9x, Blanjong, Sanur. As in the past, allocation of booths will be on a first-come-first-served basis.
Bali International Woman's Association ( BIWA ) is a local non-profit organization with more than 170 members from 18 countries. The objectives of our organization are to foster international friendship and understanding and to assist the local community.
For more information contact the BIWA Center at Jalan Tambak Sari 9x Blanjong Sanur, or telephone Widi ++62-(0)361-285552.
Visit Indonesia Years 2008
With 2 Months Remaining in 2007, Details of Nationwide Tourism Promotion Program for 2008 Remains Largely a Mystery.
As reported in Balidiscovery.com, there is growing frustration in tourism circles that the details of the Government's plans to launch a massive promotion program for "Visit Indonesia 2008" have yet to be announced.
Critics have suggested that the lack of coordination between the Government and members of the tourism industry on how the promotion will actually be carried out have cost the Country much needed synergy and reduced the final effectiveness of any program which may eventuate.
Speaking to NusaBali, the Chief Government official in charge of Bali's Tourism, Gde Nurjaya, admitted the existence of a lack of understanding surrounding the vision, mission and program elements of the Visit Indonesia 2008 program among tourism players on the Island.
Admitting that his office has been unable to provide program details of Visit Indonesia 2008 to Bali's tourism industry, he pointed to the remaining difficulties of synchronizing regional tourism programs with the national tourism promotion program.
Saying the final detail of the national tourism promotion program for 2008 will focus on issues of safety and security, Nurjaya explained that while waiting for details of Visit Indonesia 2008 from Jakarta his office has focussed its concentration on launching the Bali Branding of "Shanti, Shanti, Shanti" into the marketplace.
With only two months remaining before the dawn of 2008, Nurjaya said he does not know when the Visit Indonesia 2008 program will be launched. "In the near future there is the possibility that we will be able to introduce the logo and central theme of the promotional program," explained Nurjaya.
Minister Wacik Admonishes Those Calling for Financial Support from Jakarta to Launch Bali's New Branding Initiative.
The Bali Post reports that the Chief of the Bali Tourism Authority, Gde Nurjaya, has complained that Bali has received "nil support" from the Central Government in Jakarta following the launch of a Bali branding campaign in June 2007.
Pointing out the irony of the obvious lack of support for "Bali branding" against the repeated claim by national tourism leaders that Bali is the "locomotive" of national tourism, Nurjaya was reluctant to comment further on the lack of enthusiasm in Jakarta for Bali's new "Shanti Shanti Shanti" marketing campaign.
As the head of the Tourism Service for Bali, Nurjaya answers in a chain of command to the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Jero Wacik.
The three-sided and highly-stylized logo carrying the word "Bali" and the slogan "Shanti Shanti Shanti" is touted by its creators as reflecting the spiritual values of the Balinese people. When launching the branding program, Dewa Ayu Mahasari, the Coordinator of the Bali Branding Team said: "the values represented in this branding represent the position of the Balinese people and their regard for religion, truthfulness, family life and balance in their lives."
While the Bali Tourism Authority has endeavoured to socialize the branding program among local tourism stakeholders, the first efforts to publicize the new branding program abroad were undertaken in a 3-city road show on Bali tourism in Australia from October 3-12, 2007.
Minister Wacik Replies
In response to criticism of a lack of support for Bali's branding program, Indonesia's Minister of Culture and Tourism, Jero Wacik, praised efforts to provide Bali with a branding identity, but rejected the proposition that the Central Government has a role to play in financing the wider promotion of the "Shanti Shanti Shanti" identity.
Speaking at a seminar on tourism trends held in Bali at Nusa Dua on October 19, 2007, Minister Wacik admonished his critics, saying: "Come on, I also don't support the 'Enjoy Jakarta' (Editor: Jakarta branding program). The Jakarta government promotes that program. The branding of individual provinces is the concern of the respective provinces. As regards national branding, (a program) is now being compiled."
Replying to those who point to Bali's role as a "locomotive" of national tourism as justification for national support of the Island's branding efforts, Wacik reminded that support is not always in the form of funds. He pointed to the major events and seminars brought to Bali by the government as firm evidence of Jakarta's support for Bali tourism.
The Minister suggested Bali should stop seeking funds from Jakarta for its tourism industry, saying the income generated by tourism in Bali is greater than that generated in Jakarta.
Denpasar General Hospital seeking a Namesake to Celebrate its 48th Anniversary in December 2007. The Dr. Djelantik General Hospital?
The Bali Post reports that Bali's main general hospital Rumah Sakit Umum Sanglah (RS Sanglah) is preparing to change its name to honor the name of a leading health figure in Bali.
The Director of Operations for RS Sanglah, Dr. Triputro Nugroho, confirmed the desire of the hospital's board to honor a Balinese figure who has contributed to the health and welfare of the Island through changing the name of the sprawling health facility in downtown Denpasar.
To decide which Balinese figure warrants the distinction of having the hospital named in his or her honor a special internal team has been set up by RS Sanglah to evaluate all possible candidates. Chairing the committee is Professor Dr. I Gede Putu Surya, who outlined the criteria for consideration as the namesake of the hospital. According to Dr. Surya, the individual finally chosen will be someone who has made significant contributions to health in Bali and have served as a former director at RS Sanglah.
While Dr. Nugie was unable to reveal for whom the new hospital will be named, he did tell the press that a formal announcement is targeted for December 2007, prior to the 48th anniversary of RS Sanglah.
Following the death of Dr. Anak Agung Made Djelantik who passed away on September 4, 2007, there were numerous calls for the distinguished Doctor and Author to be honored through a renaming of the RS Sanglah. Dr. Djelantik served as the found director of the hospital between 1961-1968.
Rising World Oil Prices Cause Indonesian Airlines to Increase Fuel Surcharges.
Tempo Interaktif reports that a number of Indonesian carriers are eyeing fare increases in the face of surging fuel costs.
PT Merpati Nusantara is planning to increase their fuel surcharge to Rp. 104,000 (approximately US$11.30) from the present level of Rp. 88,000 (approximately US$9.56) on November 1, 2007.
The President Director of Merpati, Hotasi Nabanan told the press that the exact amount of any fuel surcharge is subject to change, and will reflect the latest movement in international oil prices.
Fuel Surcharges are not included in ticket prices and charged separately to passengers. According to Hotasi, fuel costs now amount to nearly 50% of the total operating costs of an airline.
Sriwijaya Air have also indicated that they will likely impose a Rp. 80,000 (approximately US$8.70) fuel surcharge in November to meet the rapidly escalating cost of fuel.
Mandala Airline has confirmed that their Rp. 80,000 fuel surcharge remains in place, saying the charge could increase in response to a changing fuel price situation.
Garuda Indonesia has also told the press to expect an increase in the fuel surcharge as oil prices have passed the US$90 a barrel price. Garuda's surcharge will increase from Rp. 80,000 to Rp. 100,000 (approximately US$10.87) effective November 1, 2007.
Just Singing in the Plane, He's Singing in the Plane
National Air Safety Committee Publishes Findings Surrounding March 7 Garuda Crash in Yogyakarta.
The long-awaited official report of the National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT) detailing the causes of the crash of a Garuda Boeing 737-400 that crashed in Yogyakarta on March 7, 2007, killing 21 and injuring scores of others was published on October 22, 2007.
The report revealed that:
. The aircraft piloted by Captain M Marwoto Komar and co-pilot Gagam Saman Rokhmana was flying a steep final approach at 408 kilometers per hour, 247 kilometers per hour faster than the speed for a standard landing approach.
. That the pilot ignored 15 separate soundings of the Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS) and calls by the co-pilot to abort the landing and "go round" for another landing attempt.
. That the co-pilot failed to follow official procedure and seize control of the aircraft from the Captain when the Captain repeatedly failed to respond to GPWS alarms.
. Foreign press reports also suggest that the cockpit voice recorder showed that the Pilot was singing in the cockpit as the flight's situation deteriorated in the moments leading up to the fatal crash.
Both the Pilot and Co-Pilot survived the crash and have been grounded by Garuda since the mishap.
Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer has commented to the press in Australia, calling on the Indonesian government to consider a criminal prosecution of the two pilots based on the results of the KNKT report.
The publishing of the accident report has also paved the way for criminal and civil prosecutions against the cockpit crew.
Following the accident, Indonesian civil air operators were the subject intense safety scrutiny by the Indonesian Department of Transportation, a blanket "blacklisting" by the European Union and a downgrading in safety rating from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration.
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