A judge working at the Denpasar District Court, IGB Komang Wijaya Adhi, is suing Indonesian Air Carrier Lion Air for more than US$1.2 million in losses he claimes he sustained after experiencing a flight delay on October 14, 2011.

During an initial effort to mediate the dispute, the judge’s legal counsel, Sthuti Mandala, announced he was seeking Rp. 45 million (US$5,000) in material damages and an additional Rp. 11 billion (US$1.2 million) in non-material losses.

Mandala, representing Wijaya Adhi in the case, is a former judge.

As reported by Beritabali.com, Wijaya Adhi was invited by the Tjokro Group to act as a moderators at a seminar scheduled for October 14-16, 2011 in Jakarta. He was contracted to receive a fee of Rp. 45 million for his services.

According to Mandala, his client had spent six months preparing for his moderator role.

The judge booked Lion Air flight JT0033 scheduled to fly at 6:45 p.m., a departure time that came and went with no news from the airline to the waiting passengers. The judge, fearing he would be late for his Jakarta appearance, finally was advised his flight would be delayed two hours.

At that point the judged hurriedly tried to move his booking to Sriwijaya Airt that had a remaining seat, discovered fifteen minutes before the Sriwijaya Air gate was scheduled to close. The Judge then asked Lion Air to transfer his booking to Sriwijaya Air in order arrive in Jakarta in time for the seminar scheduled to start in Jakarta at 7:30 p.m.

Lion Air reportedly refused to help the Judge secure a replacement flight or move his booking, claiming they were only responsible to refund the ticket's value, while securing a replacement flight was the passenger’s sole responsibility.

Discussions with Lion Air ground staff seeking help in securing a seat on the alternative flight dragged on while the gate closed on the Sriwijaya Air flight. Having missed the alternate flight, the Lion Air flight then eventually departed for Jakarta at 10:00 p.m., almost three hours behind schedule.

The Judge and his lawyer are charging Lion Air with “bad faith” under the 1999 Consumer Protection law and non-performance of contract.

Because the Judge’s role as moderator had to be assumed by another speaker, he lost the promised fee of Rp. 45 million and claims his reputation with the Tjokro Group has been badly damaged, thereby affecting his potential future income as a moderator - a job he has frequently occupied over the past four years.

Said the Judge’s lawyer: “The plaintiff has been branded as a liar who purposefully disrupted the planned seminar. In fact, the idea for the seminar came from the plaintiff, but because the airline booked by him (Lion Air) was two hours late it caused disappointment and embarrassment. This cannot be measured in money and we are therefore seeking non-material damaged of Rp. 11 billion.”

Related Articles

[The Lion’s Share]

[Plane Delayed, If Not Cancelled]

Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism and the Creative Economy, Mari Elka Pangestu, paid a visit to Bali on November 30, 2011, to inspect a number of projects connected to the APEC Summit to be held on the island in 2012.

During that inspection visit, she issued a call that completion of the infrastructure projects be accelerated to ensure their completion in time for the 2013 meeting of Asian Pacific nations.

According to Beritabali.com, Pangestu inspected work underway to expand and improve Bali’s airport, preparatory work for the construction of a toll road between Benoa and Tanjung Benoa at Nusa Dua, and the enhancement of the Benoa port facility. The Minister pledged to continually monitor developments for these three projects, brining all pressure to bear to guarantee on-time completion.

During her visit, the newly appointed Minister also paid a call on the Bali International Park (BIP) project in Jimbaran. The massive project covering a 250-hectare lot has been promoted by the central government as essential to the transaction of the 2013 summit but has been the focus of widespread opposition by local environmental groups.

On her visit to the BIP project, the Minister was welcomed by Frans Bambang Siswanto, the chief commissioner and CEO of PT Jimbaran Hijau, respectively, Frans Bambang Siswanto and Putu Agung Prianto. Also in attendance was the Chief of Provincial Tourism (Kadiparda), Ida Bagus Subhisku; the chief (lurah) of the Jimbaran sub-district, and traditional leaders from the surrounding areas.

Pangestu told the press: “Unfortunately, this project, which has been approved by Presidential decree and obtained a recommendation from the governor, is being impeded by permits problems on the Bandung regency level to the point that there are concerns that plans for the 2013 APEC Summit will be disrupted and this will cause damage to the country's image. I will check and ask when the required permits will be issued by the Regent.”

The East Bali Cruise Terminal at Tanah Ampo in Karangasem fails to meet international standards, according to the Vice President of Operations for the Singapore Cruise Center, Jay Peng Seng Joon.

Peng’s commits were made on Thursday, December 1, 2011, during a visit to the pier at the Tanah Ampo facility. He pointed to the still outstanding need for a substantial amount of supporting infrastructure at the port, including an international standard terminal.

Peng offered his office's help in providing advice and input to their Balinese counterparts on how to bring Tanah Ampo port up to international standards, including making the pier useable by large cruise ships and enlarging the land area to accommodate parking and a modern cruise terminal.

The present dock is inadequate for large international cruise ships, compelling ships to drop anchor in the adjoining waters and ferry passengers to shore in tenders. The recently built pier was constructed with little mind to the length of the ships visiting the port. Peng added, “we would be interested in investing in the management of this facility if it were supported by an international standard infrastructure.”

The regent of Karangasem, I Wayan Geredeg, admitted to the visiting Singaporean that the Tanah Ampo facility was not representatives, unable to handle large ships. He said and additional Rp. 200 billion (US$22.2 million) was needed to bring the cruise port facility up to standard.

Geredeg told the press that the Central Government has plans to provide funding for the cruise port project, saying he hoped that by 2012 large cruise ships would be able to come alongside the pier.

The regent for Karangaem was unable to respond to the offer of possible investment in the facility by Singapore interests, claiming it still remains unclear whether the regional government, provincial government or central government holds legal claim to operate the port. The regional government of Karangasem provided the land for the new port facility and the access road; the provincial government of Bali funded the building of the cruise terminal; and the central government paid for the pier.

Explained Geredeg: “To address the issue of management (of the port) there needs to be a clear regulation authorizing the regional government of Karangasem to operate the cruise terminal. If such a regulation is in place, the Karangasem administration is ready to work with any party, including the Singapore Cruise Center or other international cruise operations.”

Related Articles

[Blaming Mother Nature]
 
[Tanah Ampo: Not Ready for Royalty]
 
[What’s Up, Dock?]
 
[Bali's Cruise Ports Found Lacking]
 
[A Pier without Peer?]
 
[Anchors Aweigh at Bali's Tanah Ampo Port

[Just Sitting on the Dock in the Bay, Wasting Time]
 
[Arrested Development]
 

Produce farmers in Bali are besieged with problems on several fronts. First, they are suffering frequent crop failures due to pestilence infestations. Second, water supplies to crops are often disrupted by developers who cut off ancient subak water irrigation systems that have been flowing for years. Third, the price at which farmers are able to sell local agricultural produce is insufficient to cover the cost of labor and fertilizers needed to grow a crop. All these problems, and rising property taxes due to unbridled tourism development, are prompting coming generation of young Balinese to abandon any desire of pursuing careers as agriculturalists.

Adding further to the difficult state of Bali’s farmers is an obvious reluctance of hotel operators to purchase and consume produce grown by Balinese farmers.

The Bali Post quotes a keen observer of Bali’s agricultural industry, I Putu Sudiarta, sees Bali’s huge hotel sector as a potential market for farm produce grown in the island. For this to happen, however, he says the government must establish regulations that compel the tourism sector to utilize local produce.

Meanwhile, another agricultural expert from Bali’s Udayana University, Dr. IGN Alit Susanta Wirya, insists the government needs to develop a comprehensive approach to supporting agriculture. If the farmers grow produce then the government needs to work with businesses to help package and market farming production to make it more attractive to the marketplace. He also sees an urgent need for a farmers market to be established in Bali to help farmers avoid middlemen and sell their good directly to the public.

Alit Susana Wirya also outlined the need for post-harvest support from the government. The present system sees prices for agricultural products “in season” drop whenever produce comes to market in bulk, with excess production sometimes being thrown away due to the marketplace’s inability to absorb the temporary oversupply. If farmers were given support to process and preserve agricultural goods, prices would stabilize as excess production could be steered away from the markets.

Wirya and Sudiartha are both agricultural graduates from Japanese universities who see government pledges to support farmers in Bali as larger rhetorical in nature. Moreover, when agricultural programs are actually introduced by the government the two men claim such efforts are commercialized or politicized resulting in minimum impact on the welfare of the farming class.

Sudiartha urged the government to adopt a synergetic program, such as that in place in Japan. In Japan he says agriculture is highly organized to assist famers from the very beginning of the growing process until their produce is finally sold in the marketplace.

Joining the chorus, Ketut Sugiana, the secretary of the Indonesian Farming Community (HKTI), said that while much ado is made the regional government of Badung about coordination between the farming and tourism industry, there is little actual evidence of programs supporting such pronouncements. Farmers, who have good that are clearly of value and use to the tourism sector, continue to live at income levels far below those working in the tourism industry.

Local Products

The secretary-general of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association for Bali (PHRI-Bali), Ferry Markus, insists his members are very responsive to creating profitable synergies between tourism and agriculture. At the same time, however, he questions the ability of farmers to produce goods of a high and consistent standard demanded by hotels.

Markus said farmers would only be able to produce high quality produce that can be used by the hotel and restaurant sector when the government is prepared to sit down with all concerned and find viable solutions. He insists that the tourism sector has never refused to use locally produced goods as such practice will always represent a cost advantage to local hotel and restaurant operators.

Beritabali.com reports that the provincial government of Bali will begin the construction of an international standard hospital in the early part of 2012.

The government has set aside Rp. 168 billion (US$US$18.6 million) to build the proposed 200-room hospital.

Governor Made Mangku Pastika told the press on Monday, September 28, 2011, that the new hospital has passed feasibility tests conducted by planning consultants paving the way for the bid process in the early part of next year.

Pastika underlined to the press that the development of an international hospital is not being undertaken solely for the benefit of tourist visitors but as a priority project for the welfare of the Balinese.

“Actually,” said Pastika, “this is not the International Hospital but the ‘Bali Mandara Hospital’ offering international levels of medical service and able to accommodate patients under the Bali Socialized Medicine Scheme (JKBM) in the third class of ward, but nonetheless enjoying an international standard of health care.”

Governor Pastika hope the new hospital will be finished and in full operation by late 2013.

The toll way connecting Benoa Harbor and Nusa Dua is scheduled to commence construction on December 21, 2011, with the project expected to be completed within 12 months thereafter.

The elevated toll road traveling over protected mangrove forests will stretch 11 kilometers Sanur and Nusa Dua, expected to substantially reduce travel time and traffic bottlenecks surrounding Bali’s airport.

Bisnis Bali quotes the Ministry for State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) as asserting that the cost of the project will be borne by a consortium of state-owned companies and, as result, will not place any burden of the state budget.

The Ministry for BUMN, under the leadership of Dahlan Iskan, has sought creative means to help Indonesia finance infrastructure projects.

While attending a meeting ay the Hotel Inna Putri Bali, Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Logistics at BUMN, Sumaryanto Widayatin, praised Iskan’s, efforts for infrastructure development. Sumaryanto said the construction of the toll way in south Bali will commence on December 21, 2011 with completion expected in December of 2012. The total project will cost Rp. 2 trillion (US$222 million).

Citing the new approaches to the how the toll way project was put together, Widyatain told how a Rp. 5.5 trillion project for a land route from south Denpasar- Serangan-Benoa-Nusa Dua was initially unable to attract investors, despite two tender offers.” Finally, Jasa Marga together with a number of BUMN companies found a way to build the road with having to acquire private land at a cost of only Rp. 2 trillion and without the use of funds from the State budget. The government is seeking a bi-lateral loan from China or Korea with the construction is set to start on December 21st,” explained Widyatin.

Similarly in Jakarta an airport rail system from Manggarai-Pluit-Airport with an investment of Rp. 10.7 trillion (US$1.2 billion) is going to be achieved by using an existing rail right-of-way between Manggarai-Tangerang plus a new spur continuing on to the airport. This approach reduced the cost of the project to less than Rp. 2 trillion (US$222 million).

The Bali Post reports that the land acquisition process for the Simpang Siur Underpass in Kuta has been completed and construction will commence on December 15, 2011. The remaining landowners have all signed formal agreements agreeing a price for their property and the payment process is underway.

The vice-chairman of the committee to secure the land for the underpass project, I Nyoman Soka, told the press on Friday, December 2, 2011, that payment to 11 of the landowners has been completed. The remaining land certificates will be soon secured once problems, such as certificates being held as loan security by banks and certificates under process by the National Land Agency (BPN), are sorted out. Soka assured that there are no remaining obstacle of any significance in securing the necessary land for the project with prices and formal documentation agreed and signed.

He confirmed that the actual physical construction of the project would begin on December 15, 2011, with a formal groundbreaking ceremony.

Soka called on the remaining landowners to complete the administrative steps necessary for the handover of their parcels of land so payment can be made and the project can move ahead at full speed.

The project was originally scheduled to begin in November but was pushed back for an additional month while land acquisition issues were addressed.

The underpass project will be completed in April of 2013.

Related Articles

[Head ‘Em Off at the Pass] 
 
[Construction Zone Ahead]

[Highway Robbery?]

[The Property Underground]

[A Basis to Move Ahead]

[Seeking a Firm Foundation]

The Hotel and Restaurant Tax and Entertainment Tax (PHR) are an important source of revenues for the regional administrations in Bali. The Revenue department for the Badung region of Bali (Dispenda) is pledging to optimize the collection of PHR, securing the substantial loss revenue potential represented by villas in Bali that are not paying their taxes.

The chief of Dispenda for Badung, I Wayan Adi Arnawa, told The Bali Post on Monday, November 11, 2011, that commercial villas qualify as tourist accommodation and, as such, should be taxed on their sales.

The former chief of the Badung Regional Enforcement Agency (Kasastpol PP), freely admitted that many villas in his region of south Bali were operating without the required licenses. In order to collect accurate data on villa operations, the Badung authorities are seeking the assistance of the Bali Villa Association (BVA). “Through the BVA we hope that all villa operating not for personal use but on a commercial basis can be inventoried in order to pay taxes,” said Arnawa in the company of the Secretary for Dispenda Bandung.

Arnawa denied that tax liability is an identical issue with efforts underway to legalize and register unlicensed villas. He explained that all financial transactions are subject to taxation, regardless of whether or not the subject villa is legally licensed.

He also explained that by involving the BVA his office desires to see that all commercial villas will register with the tax office and obtain an official tax number (NPWD). Once a villa has an official tax registration it is required to undertake regular tax reports and file them with the Dispenda before the 15th of each month covering the previous months sales activities.
 

Bali-based dancer-choreographer Jane Chen presents The Lost Alphabet – 90-minute performance of contemporary dance on Friday, December 9, 2011, at 8:00 p.m. at the Ksiranawa Stage, at the Denpasar Art Center.

Presented by BaliOnStage and taken from a series of Jane Chen’s choreographies, the program includes live performance as well as video documentation of her previous work in current time, space and vibration.

A respected and multi-talented artist, Jane Chen continues her exploration of creative expression and involvement in a range of artistic medias, including a 20-year study of Crane Martial Arts (Silat).

Jane continually experiences a journey of discoveries within a body; a process of looking and finding oneself through the full comprehension of movement and its aesthetic application as evidenced in her teachings and stage performances. The rhythm of her activities in daily life, whether sacred or profane, became the source of these explorations and discoveries.

Jane Chen's 90 minutes live performance of The Lost Alphabet will include:

•  “Puja” - a mask dance (solo)
•  “Light Within” - a dance repertoire performed with a Gong 
• "Return of Shri”- danced by 7 performers
• 15-minute documentary of “Sutasoma” -  a 2002 work opened by the president of Theravada Buddhism in Indonesia.
• “At Home” - a film by Jane Chen.

The Lost Alphabet
A Dance and Multi-media Evening with Jane Chen
Ksiranawa - Taman Budaya Bali (Bali Arts Center)
Jl. Nusa Indah, Hayam Wuruk
Denpasar, Bali

Friday, December 9, 2011 - 8:00 pm – 9: 30 pm

Contribution:

• Rp 150.000,- (including tea and snack after performance)

Reservations:

• Telephone Putu Marthajaya:  +62-(0)361 916 4411 or ++62-(0) 081 2390 4884
• Telephone: Tieka: ++62-(0) 361 824 8810 or +62-(0) 818 0551 8101.

Email: [Bali On Stage] 

Bali governor Made Mangku Pastika has promised that Bhisama or Bali-Hindu Religious Dogma can not be excised from the Bali provincial zoning regulations (RTRWP).

As reported by Beritabali.com, Pastika says that after a long period of debate by legislators and regencies, all that remains to be done now is for the new zoning law to implemented and enforced.

Pastika views the application of Bhisama to sacred areas surrounding Balinese temples as essential as a point of  fundamental respect to Balinese culture.

“It (the new zoning law) has undergone a material test; its been brought before the Supreme Court; and before that it was verified by the Department of Interior, Ministry of Forestry and Ministry of Public Works. At a minimum, the law has already been verified by three ministries and the Supreme Court – all without issue,” proclaimed Pastika.

Pastika said he hoped the people of Bali were not upset by the efforts in some circles who tried to revise the RTRWP.

On its way to implementation, the new zoning law championed by Bali’s governor encountered strong resistance from Bali's regents and mayors who were reluctant to submit to a provincial law or surrender their right to grant easements and exemptions to specific points of provincial zoning legislation. Under the new law, regents and administrator found guilty of trying to circumvent the new zoning law can face up to five years imprisonment.

With strong and very vocal support from religious and traditional groups in Bali, the law is now a legal certainty.

Related Article

[At Long Last, a Zoning Law for Bali] 

On Monday, November 28, 2011, a general assembly of the Bali House of Representatives (DPRD-Bali) ratified Bali’s new anti-smoking law. Once certified by Jakarta, people caught smoking in areas where smoking is prohibited under the new law will face fines of up to Rp. 50 million (US$5,550)

Kompas.com reports that the new law contains 8 sections covering 22 sub-sections stipulating places where smoking in public is not allowed such as hotels, restaurants, tourism areas, places of worship, places providing medical services, schools, children play areas, public transport, tourist transport, offices, government offices, police and military facilities, shopping malls, traditional markets, public transportation terminals and airports.

Not only will smoking not be allowed in a wide variety of public areas, but also the sales of cigarettes and cigarette advertising in these areas will be equally outlawed. Violators of the law can face fines of Rp 50 million (US$5,550) and prison sentences of up to 6 months.

The vote making smoking illegal in Bali was passed by the DPRD-Bali after hearing the report of a special committee which carefully examined and reviewed the new regulation.

Now that the anti-smoking law has been approved by Bali legislators it will be forwarded to the Ministry of Internal Affairs for evaluation before it can be formally declared the law in Bali.

Bali’s governor Made Mangku Pastika said the new law had its foundation in law number 36 of 2009 on public health. “The goal is so the people of Bali are healthy in accordance with the law. (But) It will still require a period of socialization and struggle,” said Pastika.

Pastika also said he assumed foreign tourists would  more readily understand and accept the new law, while locals will find some difficulty initially in efforts to curb smoking in public place.

Eco Surf Rescue Uluwatu (ESRU) - a non-profit environmental restoration project – is working to install waste management solutions for Uluwatu residents and business situated along the cliffs overlooking the world famous surf break in South Bali, Indonesia.

In a show of thanks, 35 surfers joined ESRU on Monday, November 28, 2011, by paddling out past the surf break to form a unity circle to mark progress in the project to date and raise public awareness of the need to keep Bali clean and green.

The flotilla of surfers included friends, supporters and sponsors of ESRU, as well as Uluwatu’s crew of lifeguards, who surfed 5 foot swells in near perfect conditions.

Passing through the iconic cave and paddling out across the reef has become a rite of passage for surfers across the world. Set against the dramatic backdrop of imposing cliffs, Uluwatu attracts a quarter of a million surfers every year to experience its beauty and consistent waves.

During the event, ESRU was presented with a check for Rp. 54 million (US$5,465) from Rip Curl representing funds raised from the Rip Curl Cup Padang Padang 2011 T-shirt sales.

James Hendy, Marketing Manager Rip Curl SE Asia said: “The current situation at Uluwatu is that the spot is under massive strain from over-usage and poor infrastructure, resulting in huge pollution issues. As one of the best known and publicized surf spots on the planet, its every surfers' duty to help do all we can to protect this amazing break and its surroundings. Rip Curl has in the past donated cash to help fund a sustainable toilet facility, and will be doing all we can to raise more funds for the project in the future. We are lucky enough to have local support to run the annual Rip Curl Cup at Padang Padang just around the corner, so we're stoked to support ESRU with this donation from our event T-Shirt sales to help protect Uluwatu for future generations to enjoy.”

Mike O’Leary, founder of ROLE Foundation, a Bali based non-profit organization managing the ESRU project commented: “We are grateful to our partners and sponsors. They are helping us restore Uluwatu’s ecosystems, where a municipal service currently does not exist.” 



O’Leary added: “Since the project started in June 2011 we’ve been focusing on solid waste, cooking oil and rubbish collection issues for the 50 small businesses operating in the Pantai Suluban and cliff areas of Uluwatu. As our work continues, we want to address liquid waste, sewerage and sanitation needs, as well as localized composting.” 



During a trial period of cooperation, Caritas Switzerland donated a 1,000-liter tank used to collect used cooking oil, which will be recycled and converted into bio-diesel.

Lili Saragih, Liaison Officer, Caritas Indonesia said: “We provide a cost neutral, reliable and sustainable disposal solution for participating hotels and restaurants to remove their unwanted oil waste safely. We are delighted that through our partnership with ESRU we can offer this complimentary service to businesses in the Uluwatu area.” 



Part of a large overall project operated by Caritas Switzerland in Bali, plans are to collect used cooking oil from cooperating hotels and restaurants without charge. In a processing plant, the used cooking oil is processed into biodiesel. The collection and processing is organized by a community-based organization, established as part of the project. In turn, employment opportunities are created and the standard of living of some of Uluwatu’s poorest families is improved.

The saved greenhouse gas emissions earn emission trade certificates used to sustain funding for the project.

Commenting on the Eco Surf Rescue Uluwatu paddle out, Made Dhana, an Uluwatu lifeguard said: “I am happy to see so many people paddle out today, share this experience and learn about Eco Surf Rescue. Uluwatu is my home, for surfers and for everyone to enjoy. We must work together to keep it safe and clean.”

ESRU’s Solid & Liquid Waste Management Solution

Among ESRU achievements to date include:

• ESRU has removed 30 tons of rubbish as part of an initial clean-up, conducted water tests, topographical and 3 dimensional site surveys to map the cliff side site.
• Addressing Solid Waste Management, a large concrete refuse collection point has been constructed, organic and non-organic bins given to local businesses, local ladies are sponsored to collect rubbish and empty these bins daily, and EcoBali have been contracted to provide a rubbish removal and recycling service 3 times a week.
• Ongoing community engagement, ESRU provides environmental awareness through regular training and improved site signage.
• The second stage of the project aims to solve liquid waste problems. The approved plan is now awaiting further funding. The planned solution links all the local cafes and toilets to an environmental sewage processing system that connects to wastewater gardens.

ESRU is run by volunteers and committee formed by residents, passionate surfers, local business owners and non-profit organizations.

Surf Rescue Uluwatu paddle out and for a unity ring. Breaking wave in the foreground.

Eco Surf Rescue Uluwatu paddle out and form unity ring.

Handshake Eco Surf Rescue Uluwatu Receives Donation from Rip Curl” Left to right: Mike O’Leary, Founder of ROLE Foundation; Garut Widiarta, Rip Curl Indonesia; Made Dhana, Uluwatu Life Guard; Curtis Lowe, ESRU representative & ROLE Foundation volunteer; Made Lana, the Edge; Yude, Rip Curl Indonesia; James Hendy, Marketing Manager Rip Curl SE Asia; Jon Huberman, Uluwatu resident & ESRU committee member.

mbs Up Eco Surf Rescue Uluwatu Receives Donation from Rip Curl” Back row left to right: Garut Widiarta, Rip Curl Indonesia; Made Dhana, Uluwatu Life Guard; Made Lana, the Edge; Curtis Lowe, ESRU representative & ROLE Foundation volunteer, Front row left to right: Ferry Lee, ESRU & ROLE Foundation volunteer; Mike O’Leary, Founder of ROLE Foundation; James Hendy, Marketing Manager Rip Curl SE Asia; Yude, Rip Curl Indonesia.
 

Charmiean Chen, a student from Taiwan, has gained a degree of notoriety courtesy of two cheeky monkeys resident in the Sacred Monkey Forest of Ubud, Bali.

Chen, who works as a model when not holidaying in Bali, had a harrowing and somewhat embarrassing encounter when two primates jumped on the young woman’s shoulder and promptly caused a “wardrobe failure.”

While we’ll leave certain parts of this story to our readers imagination, suffice it to day that Chen, who was feeding the monkeys peanuts, inadvertently allowed a peanut to fall “into her blouse.” Intent on retrieving the missing morsel, a chain of events ensured that eventually left large areas of Chen's upper torso exposed, a moment recorded for prosperity by traveling companions who got more than the planned tourist photo of a friend posing with the playful monkeys.

The photos instantly  went "viral” on the Internet and via Ms. Chen’s own blog. The “incident” also got top billing in the news in Taiwan, plus considerable “exposure,” if that’s the right word, in the European and U.S. press.

The young model said that she thought the whole incident was funny and of little importance, "innocently" posting the story and pictures on her Facebook page. When she returned home to Taiwan she discovered a long list of people asking to become “friends” of her social networking page.

Now known in media circles as “the monkey girl,” Chen wrote the entire incident off to hungry monkeys until guards at the forest told her she was not the first woman wearing a red bikini top to fall victim to a monkey-induced-wardrobe-failure. According to the guards, red bikini tops may trigger a food reaction among monkeys who are reputed to greatly favor papayas, wherever they can find them.

Holiday Inn Resort Baruna Bali has earned HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) certification - a highly coveted accreditation for food safety.

Holiday Inn Resort Baruna Bali is the first hotel on the island to be awarded this accreditation certifying that all aspects of the resort’s food production operation complies with the stringent standards of bio-safety set by HAACP.
HACCP system is an internationally recognized food safety system that covers all steps of food preparation from the supplier through to delivery, storage, preparation and final service to guests. The certification process demands substantial training and strict implementation of HACCP policies and procedures, including systematic documentation, analysis and process verification to control and monitor risks at every step of the food service chain.

Holiday Inn Resort Baruna Bali’s Loss Prevention Manager, Arthur Lumintang, commented: “The road to HACCP certification is not an easy one, but that’s a great testament to the stringent process that’s 18 months in the making. What’s even more rewarding is the awareness and education we’ve afforded our food-handling employees. This all goes towards enhancing the overall experience for our guests, and for that we are really delighted.”

“At Holiday Inn we want our guests to relax and truly be themselves – and part of that promise is a worry-free stay where every aspect of our guests’ well-being is being looked after. This recognition reflects our commitment and I’m very proud of the team for having achieved such an important accreditation for food safety,” said general manager, Stephane Varoquier.

[Book a Stay at the Holiday Inn Resort Baruna Bali]

An alliance of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) held a dialog on December 3, 2011, to discuss Bali’s 2009 Zoning Law (RTRWP) after which they issued a declaration calling for a consistent and sustainable implementation of the law.

The dialog between 14 NGOs was held to demonstrate concern for the future of Bali. Gusti Gade Sutawa, one of the meeting participants, said: “This meeting was held as proof of concern for Bali. We do not want to see Bali increasingly destroyed by efforts to change the rules contained within the RTRWP.

The joint statement contained the following declarations:

• A statement of support for the alliance of academics, religious leaders and traditional village members calling for a consistent application of Law No.16 2009 on zoning (RTRWP).
• A call for the government of Bali to enforce and implement the RTRWP in a consistent and accountable fashion.
• A pledge among the signatories to monitor the implementation of the RTRWP in a consistent and sustainable manner.

Beritabali.com listed the following 14 NGOs as signatory to the declaration in support of Bali’s Zoning Law:

• LP3 Bali Propinsi Bali
• Gigir Manuk
• Yayasan Wisnu
• Konservasi International Indonesia
• Paras Paros
• Aliansi Masyarakat Pariwisata Bali
• Forum Study Majapahit
• Forum Peduli Bali
• Yayasan Bali Fokus
• Yayasan Tamiang Bali
• Yayasan Bali Dinamis
• Forum Gema Perdamaian
• Bali Greenery
• Yayasan Sandi Murti

Related Article

[At Long Last, a Zoning Law for Bali]

On Sunday, December 11, 2011, the first-ever Wine Auction will be conducted at the AYANA Resort and Spa Bali.

Sponsored by Lotus Food Services and supported by AYANA Resort, funds raised from The Bali Wine Auciton will be donated to a wine education fund to be administered by the Bali Hotels Association (BHA).
s to be auctioned include cases and individual bottles of wine, crystal wine glasses, a limited-edition wine library, cooking lessons organized around a wine theme, dinners with paired wines, wine education course, hotel stays in suites and villas, and a multi-day in-house spa session.

Door prizes, including a wine refrigerator, will also be award to lucky members of the audience.

Tickets cost Rp. 250,000 (US$28) and cover:

• Admission to a one-hour wine tasting of 6 wines starting at 3:00 p.m.
• A copy of a the auction catalog
• Admission to the auction
• Opportunity to win one of several door prizes, including a wine refrigerator. 

[Email to Order tickets] 

To view the auction lots and place on line bids [www.baliwineauction.com]

An Australian schoolboy is making a rapid recovery after suffering a shark bite near Balian Beach in West Bali.

Marc Andrews injury to his right hand occurred near a river’s mouth at village of Lalanglinggah.

The 18-year-old underwent minor surgery following the incident at the Bali Medical Center Hospital and was released later in the day to recuperate and continue his holiday, scheduled to last until December 15, 2011.

According to a hospital source, the boy escaped serious injuries to his nerves and tendons in his right hand.

Andrews told The Daily Telegraph that, based on information shared by local surfers, the bite was caused by a "stone shark, " perhaps suggesting the injuries were caused in fact by abrasions from crashing into a coral reef rather than an actual shark bite.

Confirmed reports of shark bites in the tropical waters surrounding Bali are extremely rare.

The Central Jakarta District Court has ruled in favor of Lion Air in a suite for non-performance of contract filed against one of the airline’s former pilots.

The courts ruled that pilot Prayudi Budi Swasono had failed to fulfill his 5-year working contract signed with the airline in November 2005 when he resigned his position early in 2009. As a result, the airline sued the pilot for US$10,000 as the cost of training provided to Swasono, sought damages of Rp. 1 billion (US$111,000) incurred during the remaining 16 months of his contract, and demanded a further Rp. 27 billion (US$3 million) in calculated loss of revenues from passengers not flown by the pilot during the remaining months of his work contract.

According to Bisnis Indonesia, the pilot was absent at the reading of the court’s verdict and also refused to attend all the court proceedings leading up to the trail’s completion.

Presiding Judge Herdi Agusten ruled that that Lion Air had proven its case against the pilot and that the claims for compensation were valid and appropriate.

The pilot now has the option of appealing the US$3 million plus ruling set against him by the Jakarta court.

According to the three traditional village surrounding Benoa, promises made to them by the Bali Tourism Development Corporation (BTDC) in connection with the controversial Beach World Club (BWC) in Nusa Dua remain unfulfilled.

According to NusaBali, the villages of Bualu, Peminge and Kampial are seeking redress on Rp. 200 million (US$22,200) in contributions and a number of other non-monetary commitments made to local residents 10 months ago.

In response, the management of the BTDC, who control the massive Nusa Dua tourism complex, point to Rp. 114 million paid in 2011 as contributions in support of initiatives proposed by the villages. The villagers, however, insist that the promised Rp. 200 million to appease alleged violations committed by the Beach World Club must be paid in addition to ongoing corporate social responsibility (CSR) contributions from the BTDC.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between BTDC and the surrounding villages was used to appease wide-ranging protests over the construction of the Beach World Club. Local villagers protested the building of the facility that violates set back requirements from the high-water mark and, according to the villagers, impedes their access to public beach areas once used for recreation and religious purposes. The MOU provided for the Rp. 200 million payments, creation of a space for local traders to operate their businesses and employment opportunities at BTDC for local residents.

The Beach World Club has received three written warnings from the Badung regency, which, in principle, clear the way for the demolition of the facility. It remains uncertain, however, if the paid acquiescence of the villagers can adequately resolve the Beach World Club’s infringement of regional and provincial zoning laws.

A local community leader, Wayan Lemes, has demanded that the CEO of BTDC meet directly with the affected villages before mid-December. With failure to meet that deadline, warned Lemes, BTDC chould expect a sterner response from local residents.

Related Articles

[The Zone Defense]

[The People Have Their Say]

[Which Rule Applies]
 
[The Battle on the Beach]

[Beach World Complex Headed for a Showdown?]
 
[In Bali, The Postman Rings Thrice]
 
[Forcing the Hand of Law Enforcement]

[Governor to Move Against Zoning Violators]
 
[Drawing Lines in the Sands of Nusa Dua]
 

Following the cataclysmic collapse of Indonesia’s largest suspension bridge in East Kalimantan on Saturday, November 26, 2011, that resulted in more than 21 deaths, officials nationwide are undertaking urgent reviews of construction and safety standards at major bridges.

Urged on by the tragedy in Kalimantan, provincial and regional officials in Bali have ordered that routine inspection and maintenance of the island's many bridges be intensified in order to reduce the chance of a repetition of last month’s fatal bridge failure.

Bali’s largest bridge, built during the administration of Governor Made Beratha in 2006, spans the Bangkung river connecting the south Bali region with the regions of Bangli and Buleleng.

Claimed to be the highest bridge in Southeast Asia, the Tukad Bangkung bridge's tallest pillar stands 71.14 meters high, supporting a bridge that is 350 meters long constructed using a balanced cantilever configuration.

Bali’s second longest bridge spans the Unda river in Klungkiung. A steel-framed bridge on the Jalan Tohpati – Kusumba route, the bridge is 300 meters long.

Bali’s governor confirmed to the press that a special team has been dispatched to both bridges to undertake an additional audit on bridge safety following the Kalimantan incident and verify the routine periodic tests already in place for all bridges in the province.

Legendary Australian performer, Guy Sebastian has announced a “One Night Only” special concert “Live & Unplugged” at the Hard Rock Café Bali on Thursday, December 22, 2011.
he Australian music industry’s most successful male recording artist of all time, Guy launched onto the music scene as the first Australian Idol winner in 2003.

Malaysian-born Sebastian’s first solo single 'Angels Brought Me Here' debuted at number one and is still hold the record for the fastest and highest selling Australian single in ARIA chart history. The smash hit single also reached Number 1 in four Asian countries and New Zealand.

Having just completed his role as judge and mentor on the highly popular television show “The X Factor,” Guy will take a break with his family before a special performance at the Hard Rock Café in Kuta.

“I love Bali, It’s one of my favorite places in the world! Said Guy, “I’ve been here four times and I’m so excited about having the chance to perform in Bali for the first time.”

Guy’s new single “Don’t Worry, be Happy” was recently released and has become an overnight hit in Australia.

Doors open at 9pm on December 22, 2011 at the Hard Rock Café Bali. Tickets are on sale now at the venue.

Call the ticket hotline - ++62-361 755661.

A fixture on the Bali social scene, Bali & Beyond Magazine hosted its last “Recharge Party” of 2011 at the Padma Resort in Legian on Friday, December 2, 2011.
nks and sumptuous snacks were offered to hundreds of tourism industry colleagues who danced to music provided by DJ Pepe Lopez. A fashion show by LVC&C was another highlight of the evening together with exciting door prizes.

Shown on Balidiscovery.com are pictures from the “Recharge Night” at the Padma Resort.

Dating from a cold’s winter’s night in Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago, finding accommodation over the Christmas and New Year’s holiday has sometimes presented special challenges.

Maintaining attractive contract rate with hundreds of Indonesian hotels, villas and attractions – the reservations staff at Balidiscovery.com is constantly searching for availability during the busy holiday period.

If the reservations team can’t find space available at the specific hotel or villa you've  requested, they’ll come back with helpful suggestions on alternative properties.

Coming to Bali over the Christmas and New Years period? Don’t panic [email help line].