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We’ll Huff and We’ll Puff and Pull Your House Down
Badung Enforcement Officers Demolish Building Standing in ‘Green Zone' Owned by an Australian in Bali’s North Kuta Area.
Radar Bali reports that Badung regency enforcement officials, perhaps in partial response to growing criticism of their seeming impotence in enforcing zoning laws, deployed in force to a house standing in the “no-build” green zone in Canggu, North Kuta, and completely demolished buildings believed to be “owned” by an Australian expatriate. The simple structure with thatched roofs and said to resemble a local “warung” or food stall, was the object of officials attentions in December of last year who delayed leveling the building against a promise from the building’s owner that he would remove the structure. Two months after issuing those promises, the building remained intact. What’s more, the owner of the building used the intervening two-month period to continue building on the site preserved for only agricultural pursuits. The Chief of the Regency’s Enforcement Corp (Kasatpol Pamong Praja), I Wayan Adi Arnawa, said: “We granted tolerance because of the owner’s promise to self-demolish the structure, but he scoffed the law by continue to add the building. We were therefore forced to take strong action.” Accoring to press reports, the demolition by officials did not go smoothly with “William,” the Australian owner attempting to obstruct the enforcement officers in their duty. He continued to promise that he would demolish the building while commencing a verbal altercation with the uniformed regency officials. Both sides remained intractable. In the end, the former Sub-district Head of North Kuta, issued the verbal command to “Demolish Now.” The structure was level with the ground a short time later. When asked by reporters about the many other buildings standing illegally in the green zone, Adi Arnawa, became somewhat evasive. Claiming that data was still be accumulated on illegal buildings in the green zone, he said his men could not unilaterally move against illegal structures. Explaining, “there are procedures that must be followed, beginning from summons, educations, warnings and, finally, if they continue to violate the law, stern and decisive action.”
Garuda and China Airlines Sign MOU
Special Passenger Fares and Cargo Now Available Over Route Network Served by the Garuda and China Airlines.
Berita Bali reports that Garuda and China Airlines have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for a Code Share arrangement covering both airline’s route networks. The signing of the MOU took place on Thursday, February 12, 2009, with the President and CEO of Garuda Indonesia Emirsyah Satar and the President of China Airlines Huang-Hsiang Sun in Nusa Dua, Bali. The agreement between the two carriers covers cooperation on code shares for flight reservations, cargo, joint promotions to increase air traffic between their respective destinations. To date cooperation between the carriers included code shares on the Jakarta-Taipei-Denpasar daily service using A330 and B747 aircraft. With China Airlines working as the “operating party” on the flight, Garuda is give 45 seats to sell on every Denpasar-Taipei –Denpasar flight and 30 seats on the reverse Taipei-Denpasar-Taipei, according to an explanation provided by Emirsyah Satar to the press. Satar explained that Garuda Indonesia benefits from a special prorate agreement (SPA) dictating the Indonesian carrier’s share of tickets sold to destination beyond Taipei in Asia, Japan and the U.S.A.. Conversely, China Airlines is provided with special through air fares to all domestic and regional destinations served by Garuda. The mutual marketing support and access to advantageous air fares is intended to result in growing passenger numbers between markets served by China Airlines and Indonesia. As the cooperation between the two airlines develops further, the special fares over the routes Surabaya-Hong Kong-Taipei, Surabaya-Singapore-Taipei and Denpasar-Hong Kong-Taipei will go on sale in May. A special cargo rate from Jakarta-U.S.A and Jakarta–Europe using for freight flown on China Airline is also planned.
Renewed Bird Flu Alert for Bali
Well-Coordinated Response from Local Officials as New Outbreak of Avian Flu Discovered in Several Bali Villages.
Following the sudden unexplained death of tens of chickens in Abiansemal in the Badung regency of Bali on Monday, February 10, 2009. local authorities moved quickly to isolate a possible local outbreak of Bird Flu and exterminated 40 birds owned by local villagers. According to Radar Bali, officials clad in protective clothing and masks descended on the area and began shooting free ranging chickens with air rifles while some residents help[ by rounding up birds and presenting them for elimination. The carcasses of the dead birds were immediately burned and buried in the local cemetery while other sanitation officers sprayed disinfectant on the soil areas in and around the village. The Chief of the Livestock, Fisheries and Oceans Division (Disnakkanlut) for the Badung regency, I Made Badra, confirmed that his staff were compelled to destroy poultry suspected of possible contagion with Bird Flu in order to prevent additional new infections. Badra said, “Elimination, like this, is much more effective than vaccination.” Health officials have identified the villages of Jagapati, Angantaka and Sedang as a “red zone” which will be kept under quarantine and close observation for the coming 30 days. Badra said that should any additional sudden deaths occur among poultry in this area, all birds in the three villages will then be immediately killed. Additional safety precautions include the closing and disinfection of local slaughter houses. One Man Hospitalized As part of the protocols stipulated in the disease control and surveillance program to prevent bird flu the nearby village of Munggu has been put on round the clock monitoring while bio-security measures have been introduced in surrounding areas. Meanwhile, a 20-year-old male, Putra Orana Yoga, who had close contact with the infected birds is hospitalized on the isolation ward of a local hospital after complaining of nausea, fever and breathing difficulties. The last confirmed death attributed to bird flu in Bali occurred in August 2007 when a 29-year-old woman succumbed to the disease. In order to prevent any possible spread of the H5N1 virus Denpasar officials have order the disinfecting of the Badung market and the Satria Bird Marked. Bali Bird Park Introduces Strict Safety MeasuresBali popular Bird Park in Singapadu (Gianyar) have immediately stepped up bio-security measures applied to visitors to the park and the large captive bird collection housed at their facility. The shoes of visitors the Bali Bird Park are disinfected upon entering and leaving the park while the visitors are sprayed with an aerosol disinfectant. Curators at the Park have also increased the scheduled cleaning and disinfection schedule of all cages. A program of rapid testing for bird flu symptoms have also been introduced for both staff and birds with all tests-to-date coming up negative for traces of the disease. Meanwhile, the Bali Bird Park continues to operate in a normal fashion welcoming an average of more than 200 visitors every day.
The Road to Bali
Year Long Program of Championship Tennis Precedes Commonwealth Bank Tournament in Bali November 8-14, 2009
The Road To Bali has begun, and two winners have staked their claim to qualify for the prestigious end-of-season Commonwealth Bank Tennis Tournament of Champions, set to take place in Bali, Indonesia November 8-14, 2009. Olympic champion Elena Dementieva recently defeated fellow Russian Elena Vesnina 6-4 6-1 to lift the title in the JSB Classic held in Auckland January 5th and Victoria Azarenka from Belarus overcame Marion Bartoli of France 6-3 6-1 in Brisbane at the Brisbane International on January 4th to earn her first career title. "The way I was thinking on court was very different from before," said Azarenka, who had lost her previous four finals. "I was playing every point, no matter what happened. I wasn't thinking about the fact that I was playing in a final. I was thinking it was a regular match, regular points. There weren't any nerves. I think that helped me today. I don't really believe I've won yet. Everybody says the third time is the charm, but for me it's the fifth one - I'm just glad I finally got it!" Dementieva appreciated the great support she received, and she was especially thrilled to have earned her victory without the usual guiding hand of her coach and mother. "The crowd's support was awesome, not just today but all week," Dementieva said. "It was a pleasure to come here and play this tournament. We all really felt at home here, it was very nice. And for the first time my mom isn't here with me, so I'm especially happy to take this trophy back home for her." The Road to Bali The Commonwealth Bank Tournament of Champions will debut at the Bali International Convention Centre at the Westin Resort November 4-8, 2009. The new tournament has adopted as its theme the “Road to Bali. “ This theme will represent the champions drawn from international tournaments throughout the year, tying together the international series events throughout the year. Featuring top Sony Ericsson WTA Tour players and next generation champions competing in an innovative, 12-woman round-robin singles format (divided into four groups of three players), this tournament will offer both US$600,000 in prize money and an opportunity to earn US$1 million in bonus prizes. The highest-ranked 10 players who have captured at least one international tournament during the year and who are not participating in singles at the year-end Sony Ericsson Championships in Doha 2009 will qualify for the event, along with two wildcards. A player who wins three International series tournaments and the season-ending Commonwealth Bank Tournament of Champions will take home the additional $1-million bonus on top of her prize money. The Road to Bali Schedule Below is the “Road to Bali” - 29 International series tournaments, each offering $220,000 prize money, leading up to the season-ending finale, the Commonwealth Bank Tournament of Champions in Bali. • January 5 - Brisbane International, Brisbane, Australia (Won by Victoria Azarenka) • January 5 - ASB Classic, Auckland, New Zealand (won by Elena Dementieva) • January 11 - Moorila Hobart International, Hobart, Australia (Won by Petra Kvitova) • February 9 - PTT Pattaya Women’s Open, • February 15 - Regions Morgan Keegan Championship & the Cellular South Cup, Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.A. • February 16 - Copa Colsanitas, Bogota, Columbia • February 23 - Abierto Mexicano TELCEL presentado poor HBC, Acapulco, Mexico • March 2 - Monterrey Open, Monterrey, Mexico • April 6 - MPS Group Championships, Ponte Verde Beach, Florida • April 13 - Barcelona Ladies Open, Barcelona, Spain • April 27 - Grand Prix de SAR La Princesse Lalla Mervem, Fes, Morroco • May 4 - Estoril Open, Estoril, Portugal • May 18 - Internationaux de Strassbourg, Strassbourg, France • June 8 - AEGON Classic, Brimingham, Great Britain • June 15 - Ordina Open, ‘s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands • July 6 - Gaz de France Grand Prix, Budapest, Hungary • July 6 - Swedish Open Women, Bastad, Sweden • July 13 - Internazionali Femminili di Tennis di Palermo, Palmero, Italy • July 13 - ECM Praque Open, Prague, Czech Republic • July 20 - Banka Koper Slovena Open, Portoroz, Slovakia • July 20 - Warsaw Open, Warsaw, Poland • July 27 - Istanbul Cup, Istanbul, Turkey • September 14 - Gangzhou International Women’s Open, Guangzhou, China • September 14 - Bell Challenge, Quebec City, Canada • September 21 - Tashkent Open, Tashkent, Uzbekistan • October 12 - Generali Ladies Linz, Linz, Austria • October 12 - Japan Women’s Open Tennis, Osaka, Japan • October 19 - BGL-BNP Paribas Open Luxembourg, Luxembourg • November 8 - Commonwealth Bank Tournament of Champions, Bali, Indonesia
Bali Hotels Cooperate to Prevent Tsunami Tragedy
Bali Hotels and Government to Identify Best Practice in Tsunami Preparedness.
With many of Indonesia’s leading hotels and resorts dotting the nation’s shorelines on a nation no stranger to volcanic and seismic activity, the threat of tsunamis us a constant concern of Bali tourism operators. In order to enhance “tsunami preparedness” of the country’s hotel industry, the Indonesian Ministry of Culture and Tourism (BUDPAR) is cooperating closely with the Bali Hotels Association (BHA) Together they have developed the ”Tsunami Ready Toolkit” geared to assist hotels and resorts to prepare themselves in the event of a tsunamis. The initiative is also supported by the German Centrum für Migration und Entwicklung (CIM). The toolkit consists of a collection of fact sheets and background information papers on subjects including: • Tsunami Warning Sources • Department Close Down Procedures • Beach Evacuation • Planning of Evacuation Routes • Location of Evacuation Spots • Best Practice Examples • Identifying Natural Warning Signs • Design for standard evacuation route signs for use by seaside hotels The evacuation route signs used by hotel and resorts resemble those use by the Indonesian government in order to avoid confusion when crossing from private hotel space into public areas. The signs are already used by some BHA member hotels. Other hotels are encouraged to use the same design for their internal evacuation routes. Available without charge, the ”Tsunami Toolkit”can be downloaded via the following links: [Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia] [UNESCO Jakarta Tsunami Information Centre] [Prevention Web]
Asian Ceramics Through the Ages
Amazing Collection of Tang to Ching Dynasty of a Bali-based Businessman at Jenggala Gallery.
With historical examples dating as far back as 9000 BC, Chinese Ceramics are arguably one of civilization’s oldest art forms. These ceramics are prized and loved not only for their practical uses, but also for their artistic beauty. These same reasons have drawn Rudolfo (Rudy) Gusti, a Bali-based businessman, to gather an outstanding collection of Chinese ceramics over the past three decades. Initially drawn to buying whatever attracted his eye, Rudy would make time to seek out new pieces for his collection as he traveled to different parts of the Indonesian archipelago. Starting from the collection of classically beautiful ginger pots, Rudy’s taste in fine ceramics and his collection have expanded over the years. With time the aficionados grew to become an expert by reading extensively on the subject, attending academic lectures and international ceramic auctions. “The more you learn, the more you enjoy” Rudy revealed. His search for ceramics also brought him to visit neighboring countries, including Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, Myanmar, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Rudy continued: “I have some high-value ceramics from various Chinese Dynasties, some of them are imperial pieces which were made for the Emperor and his court or as presents to a King or other dignitaries.” Today, Rudy’s collection has grown to more than 4000 individual piece. Rudy wants to share it with ceramics enthusiasts in Bali. “I love them all so much but it’s time to sell redundant pieces.” he said. Wandering through his office at Lotus Enterprises are rows of giant Chinese jars and pots. On the walls are elaborate ceramic plates, coming mostly from China. Similarly, Rudy’s seaside house in Sanur is crowded with ceramic pieces ranging from large jars to small powder boxes. With a collection too large to be housed in any single location, all Rudy’s hotels, restaurants and offices in Asia are decorated with antiques ceramics. He has even erected a Mini Museum of Asian Ceramics at his Lotus Pond Restaurant in Sanur. In the current exhibition of Chinese ceramics at the Jenggala Gallery, Rudy Gusti presents only a small part of his entire collection. The items on exhibit range from early Tang dynasty to items produced under the reign of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Many pieces are originals dating from the 14th to the 19th century, including some high quality reproductions produced as recently as the 1940s. Predominated with Chinese blue and white wares, several Annamese (Vietnam) pieces, medicine bottles and boxes from Thailand (14th and 15th century, and a few prized pieces from Japan.
Asian Ceramics Throughout the Ages Jenggala Gallery at Jenggala Ceramics in Jimbaran. Open Daily February 25 – April 29, 2009
Alternative Universe – Paintings by Putu Wirantawan
An Exhibition of Contemporary Indonesian Art Through March 9, 2009.
In the bustling Indonesian contemporary art scene, Putu Wirantawan stands out as something of a remote visionary hermit working unperturbed, much less influenced by his contemporaries. Born in Bali's remote west in the shadow of Java's looming volcanoes separated from Bali by a narrow strait, Negara is also known for its vast nature reserve that served as the last refuge of the now extinct Balinese tiger. Although the art and culture of Negara has never received the attention lavished on Ubud and its surrounding villages of Gianyar, Negara’s artists are no less talented and, as demonstrated by the remarkable giant bamboo jegog gamelan, absolutely unique. Identified for his remarkable talents from an early age, Putu first formal study in art was at the Denpasar branch of the Indonesian Academy of Arts (ISI), graduating in 1993. In the years that followed he won a series of awards and honors, including nomination as one of the 10 best Indonesian artists in 2000 Philip Morris Art Awards. Over the past ten years Putu has developed a completely individual style born of an individual artistic technique. Obsessed with detail, he works with pencil on paper occasionally enhanced with a touch of color, which are then affixed to canvasses. The results are nothing more than mysterious but precise glimpses of an alternative universe. Similarly, he has experimented with unusual sizes that culminated in a much acclaimed solo exhibition (Ritual Alam Batin) featuring one painting that was 10 meters long. In his current exhibition at the Ganesha Gallery at The Four Seasons Resort at Jimbaran Bay, the artist features two series that can be viewed as a single unit or as individual works of art. The first of these, ”Connected Circles” (Dalam Lingkaran Gabung), features 12 separate images dominated by circles suspended between Hindu-Buddhist mandalas and CDs. In spite of the restrictive nature of the compositions which bind them together, every painting also manages to stand alone. The second series consists of four equal sized panels. Here the images are decidedly more architectural featuring various pyramidal shapes, some with steps. All of these structures and the magical symbols that are suspended between them seem to vibrate and glow with power, created by Putu's time consuming use of miniscule parallel lines with gaps. While it is easy to speculate on hidden meanings and mystery, the taciturn artist refuses to deny or affirm spiritual value either by labeling his works much less talking about them. His art springs from his own imagination and he has no pretense of projecting its value on others. He does not seek to teach but to share. But, those who accept his invitation will not be disappointed.
Alternative Universe
An Exhibition by Putu Wirantawan Ganesha Gallery Four Seasons Resort at Jimbaran Bay February 12 – March 9, 2009 Open Daily
Garuda to Fly to Europe in June?
Garuda Eager to Fly to Amsterdam When Current Aviation Blacklisting Lifted by EU.
Bisnis.com reports that Garuda Indonesia is following instruction issued by its main shareholder, the government of Indonesia, and is preparing to recommence services to Europe, market conditions permitting. The Director of Operations of Garuda, Ari Sapari, said the plans for a return to Europe are supported by the airlines wide-body aircraft, such as Boeing 747-400. Sapari said: “If we are instructed, we must comply. But every aspect must be considered because the aviation business has its own unique characteristics.” Nonethless, Sapari explained that plans are in hand to recommence service to Holland in 2010 in conjunction with the arrival of ten new Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. The Garuda executive is full of praise for the new Boeing 777-300ER, saying they are the easiest to fly in their class and capable of flying nonstop for 15 hours. Sapari admitted that Garuda is waiting for a lifting of the current European Union ban on Indonesian registered aircraft. Sapari retorted: “As regards the travel ban, don’s ask us. Ask the regulator.” While waiting for the EU regulators to give the thumbs up to Indonesian aircraft once again operating to Europe, the Corporate Secretary for Garuda, Pujobroto, confirmed that his company continues to prepare for European services despite the regulators blacklisting. Those preparations include selection of suitable aircraft, route planning and other factors. “By doing this, we will be able to take an immediate decision to begin flying to Europe when the blacklisting is lifted, “ said Pujobroto. The initial return to Europe is planned via a Jakarta-Amsetrdam service with Holland considered a major market for Garuda. Lindsat Pronk, the Dutch born Miss Universe has been engaged by Garuda to help publicize the planned return of the Indonesian flag carrier to Amsterdam.
Don’t Rain on My Parade
Denpasar Officials Outlaw Popular Ogoh-Ogoh Parades on Nyepi Eve.
Denpasar legislators have announced that they will ban traditional Ogoh Ogoh parades on the eve of Nyepi – Bali’s Official Day of Silence. The decision to forbid the raucous merriment which often accompanies the parading of giant paper mache floats through the streets of Denpasar was made given the close proximity of local legislative elections with Nyepi celebrations. The decision to cancel the parades which would otherwise take place on March 25, the eve before Nyepi must now be socialized to the hundreds of banjars found in Bali’s capital. Denpasar officials are asking that the people of Denpasar refrain from making “both large and small” ogoh-ogoh for this year’s celebrations of the Balinese New Year. Legislative elections in Bali are set to take place on April 9, 2009. Speaking to the press about the decision, Denpasar officials are calling on their Balinese colleagues to forgo the traditional ogoh-ogoh celebration in favor of the more precious task of ensuring the democratic elections process take place without incident. In the past, Ogoh-Ogoh rivalries between competing villages has resulted in street fights and small scale vandalism. The Chief of Public Relations and Protocol for the Denpasar Government, Erwin Suryadarma, told the press that the government is now circulating a letter to the traditional villages of Denpasar explaining the potentially unpopular decision. Related Article [There’s a Kind of Hush, All Over the Isle]
Bali Real Estate: Make A Buck and Move On
Real Estate Website Sketches the Unhappy State of Bali Real Estate.
www.property-report.com sounded warnings on the unregulated and unmonitored nature of Bali’s current real estate boom. Describing Bali as something of a confused landscape peppered with signs offering “absolute beachfront villas” and “eco-friendly hotels,” the article correctly points out that “no central resources of real estate information” exist with many developments carried out in “partial secrecy.” The Problem of Autonomy Quoting the Head of the Bali Tourism Authority, I Gde Nurjaya, from comments made to The Jakarta Post, “our governmental system makes it impossible to collect data on the development, because the regencies are ruled autonomously." The lack of centralized information also means that Bali’s lack any coordinated approach to its current building boom, causing questions to be raised on the sustainability of the current rate of development. While Jakarta Post has identified 15,000 new hotel rooms at “at least” 300 new villas being built on the island over the coming two years, the real number of new rooms coming on line is probably much higher. Greedy Carelessness Agung Wardana of the Indonesian Forum for the Environment (WAHLI) complained to The Jakarta Post “the decentralization of Bali´s nine regencies has lead to greedy, careless behavior, such as violating laws that have been created to protect the environment." Will The Last Person to Leave, Please Turn Off the Lights The article concludes by saying: “How much longer this pace of development can continue, is a question being asked more and more, by people from all walks of life on Bali. And if the island’s attraction dims, it is likely the investors will move on looking for the next tropical island hot spot.” Related Site [Bali real estate: new developments, property growth,]
The Need for ‘Dog-Free’ Zones
Local Animal Health Expert Calls for Establishment of ‘Dog-Free Zones’ in Areas Near Monkey Colonies to Prevents the Spread of Rabies.
BisnisBali.com quotes the Chief of the Indonesian Veterinarian Laboratory Association, Dr. A.A. Gde Putra, as calling for the establishment of “dog-free zones” in areas with local populations of monkeys. According to Dr. Putra, there are at least 44 monkey colonies in Bali, 4 of which can be found in South Kuta such as the large group of monkeys living at Pura Uluwatu. Other areas of Bali where colonies of monkeys come into close proximity with tourist visitors are Sangeh and Alas Kedaton. Dr. Putra said it is time that the government take note of these monkey populations and their potential as carriers of rabies. To avoid any possibility of rabies spreading to humans via the not infrequent scratches and bites inflicted by monkeys on tourist visitors, Dr. Putra is calling for a 500 meter radius around every monkey colony to be declared a “dog-free zone.” Included in this proposal, dogs found within the “dog-free zone” would be immediately destroyed by security officials assigned to guard these areas. Meanwhile, Dr. Putra insists that all dogs in area surrounding the proposed “dog-free Zones” must be vaccinated against rabies as an added precaution.
Asian Development Bank to Meet in Bali
3,000 Delegates Expected in Bali May 2-5, 2009 for 42nd Annual Meeting of the ADB.
The 42nd meeting of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) will take place in Bali May 2-5, 2009. In anticipation of that meeting, the President of the ADB, Haruhiko Kuroda, will visit Bali on February 16th to review the final preparations for the May gathering. Approximately 3,000 delegates comprised of heads of government, central bank governors, finance ministers, academics, press and members of the general public are expected at the meeting which will be held at the Bali International Convention Centre (BICC). The Bali meeting is anticipated to be the biggest ever ADB meeting and the first held in Indonesian following an ADB gathering in Jakarta in 1976. On the agenda of the Bali meeting are three main topics for discussion: • Solutions to the current global financial crisis • Climate change • Regional economic integration The ADB was established in 1966 with Indonesia serving as one of the founding members. Indonesia currently has outstanding loans worth US$1.1 billion from the ADB expended on infrastructure projects .
Tommy Soeharto to Invest US$100 in Bali Entertainment Complex
Investment Part of US$750 Million Total Investment in 400 Hectare Pecatu Indah Resort Development.
Bisnis Indonesia reports that PT Klapa New Kuta Beach, a company owned by Tommy Soeharto, the youngest son of Indonesia’s 2nd President, is investing US$100 million for entertainment facilities to be located within the Pecatu Resort Complex in Jimbaran. The Commissioner of PT Klapa New Kuta Beach, Made G, Putrawan confirmed the investment that will be “unique, full of character and have an interesting environment” that will create a strong destination within Bali. Putrawan said the Pecatu facility will rival Ibiza in Spain and eventually become a national and provincial tourism icon. The entertainment complex will cover 3.4 hectares of the Pecatu development and will feature a number of entertainment options and a parking area covering 2,000 square meters. A main building will have two restaurants with Mediterranean themes, two clubs and a karaoke lounge. Other planned facilities include two lounges, a beach club, a plaza area, pool, wine shop and a wedding chapel. Putrawan said the entire complex will offer dramatic views of the Indian Ocean. Pecatu Indah Resort The Pacatu Indah Resort (PIR) covers a 400 hectare site and will serve as home to 12 star-rated hotels , including the 120-room Hotel Le Grande and 278-room Best Western. The PIR is also home to an 18-hole championship golf course which will host the Indonesian Golf Open set to take place on February 26, 2009. An exhibition center capable of accommodating 3,000 people is also planned for the PIR. Made Putrawan estimates the total value of the PIR complex will exceed US$750 million. Local Opposition 17 hectares of the 400 hectare PIR complex is being contested by 20 families who are refusing to surrender ancestral lands to the project. Tommy Soeharto told Kompas that if the 17 families agree to accept offers of replacement parcels of land they will also be compensated with jobs at the PIR. If, however, the families refuse to leave their tract of lands they will be refused employment opportunities at PIR.
Large Waves Wreak Havoc on Bali’s North Shore
Over 200 Local Homes Destroyed or Damaged by Heavy Seas that Washed Ashore in Early February.
Bali Post reports that Bali’s north coast has suffered substantial damage due to large waves that swept the area in the first week of February 2009. As the result of the inclement weather the regency of Buleleng recorded a total of 204 damaged homes, 138 fishermen’s fishing platforms destroyed and hundred of meters of beachfront eroded. Preliminary calculations from government on February 9th placed estimated damages in excess of Rp. 400 million (US$34,500). Current estimates from Buleleng put the damage at: • Village of Kubutambahan: 2 homes heavily damaged, 69 home with minor damage and 137 fishing platforms destroyed. • Village of Bungkulan: 7 homes heavily damaged and 43 home with minor damage. • Village of Sangsit: 22 homes with minor damage. • Village of Kalibukbuk: 41 homes heavily damaged and 5 homes with minor damage. • Village of Temukus; 3 home heavily damaged and 2 homes with minor damage. • Village of Labuan Aji: 2 rooms with minor damage. • Village of Karanganyar: 7 homes heavily damaged and one temple damaged. A regional welfare official from Buleleng told the press that the worst damage took place on the eastern shores of the regency. Government officials plan to begin relocating local fishermen whose homes were destroyed to more protected areas with 75 fishermen’s families slated to obtain new homes this year. Each family will be allocated Rp. 45 million (US$3,900) to cover the expense of relocation to safer areas. The Buleleng regency has also pledged that funds will be spent on rebuilding the port of Buleleng with suffered substantial wave damage during the recent spat of bade weather.
Property Agents Set for Tighter Control
Certification and Licensing for Real Estate Agents and Property Brokers to be Introduced by August 2009.
The government and the Indonesian Association of Real Estate Brokers (AREBI) have promised to begin surveying the actual number of property agents as part of an eventual certification process commencing from April 2009. The government is targeting that all property brokers involved in the purchase and sale of properties will be qualified to hold licenses/certification by August of 2009. According to the Director General of Domestic trade from the Department of the Trade, Subagyo, said the establishment of a professional certification program for real estate agents is the first step in a program to bring order to the nation’s real estate sector. Speaking at a real estate conference in Jakarta, Trade Minister Mari Eka Pangestu said current steps are intended to bring a certainty of law to both consumers and brokers, and eliminate unhealthy business practice. Pangestu said that in principle all forms of business must have a clear identity and follow set rules of the game. Adding, Anyone who wants to do business in the country must have a clear identity. “ New Rules Under the new rules , real estate agents and property consultants will be required to hold a new property agency business license (surat izin usaha perusahaan perantara, perdagangan properti SIUP4). In the past a simple trading license (SIUP) was sufficient with the new rules having the additional requirement of professional certification. The Chairman of AREBI, Tirta Setiawan told the press that the final requirements for certification are being discussed the National Professional Certification Board (BSNP). According to Setiawan, through the beginning of February some 350 real estate companies from an estimated total of 1,500 have indicated their readiness to follow the new rules. The President Director of ERA Indonesia, Darmadi Darmawangsa estimates the annual value of secondary property transactions approaches Rp. 100 trillion (US$8.6 billion). From that total 30% is estimated to be handled by professional brokers with the remainder processed by traditional brokers and unlicensed foreign property agents.
Radio and TYV Stations to Go Silent on Nyepi?
Bali Broadcast Commission Asks Radio and TV Stations in Bali to Observe Nyepi by Signing Off for 24 Hours on March 26, 2009.
The Bali Broadcasting Commission (KPID) has asked that all radio and television stations located in Bali shut down in deference to the celebration of Nyepi - Bali’s official day of silence on March 26, 2009. In a formal letter (No. 482/48/KPID) dated January 30, 2009, the KPID has called on Bali’s broadcasters to go off the air from 6 a.m. on March 26 until 6 a.m. on March 27, 2006. In announcing their request, the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the KPID in Bali called on Bali’s broadcasters to demonstrate their social solidarity and responsibility in marking the celebration of the Balinese New Year (Saka 1931) by going silent during the period set aside for reflection and meditation. One of the rules for Balinese Hindus honoring Nyepi stipulates abstinence from pleasure and entertainment activities. In previous years the KPID only issued a suggestion to not broadcast during the Nyepi period, with many radio and TV stations continue to operate. This year the KPID is issuing a formal request (short of a formal order) not to broadcast. Officials of KPID have said that they have no authority to punish or sanction broadcasters who ignore their requests, saying the public can judge for themselves the integrity and commitment of broadcasters’ commitment to Bali. Perhaps ominously suggesting some sort of bureaucratic sanction for broadcasters who ignore their request, the KPID chairman said: “In turn, this fact will become a consideration of the KPID in the future in accordance with the duty and power granted to us.” Related Article[There’s a Kind of Hush, All Over the Isle]
National Tourism Arrivals Up 13.24% in 2008
Indonesia Targeting Slight Growth in 2009 at 6.5 Million Foreign Tourists Arrivals ,
Indonesia’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, Jero Wacik, has announced that the total number of foreign tourists that came to Indonesia in 2008 reached 6.43 million. The Deputy Chief of the National Statistics Center (BPS), Ali Rosidi, explained that the 6.43 million foreign tourists who visited Indonesia was comprised of 6.23 million who entered the country through the 11 official international gateways with the remainder comprised of transit passengers. The 2008 figures represent a 13.24% increase in foreign visitors as compared to totals for 2007 which recorded 5.51 foreign visitors. Foreign exchange contributions from foreign visitors in 2008 are estimated at US$7.5 billion, and increase of 41.5% over 2008 (US$5.3 billion). Minister Wacik is targeting 6.5 million foreign tourist visitors for 2009, only slightly more visitors than achieved in 2008.
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