Plans to commence construction on December 15, 2011 of Dewa Ruci Underpass Project at the Simpang Siur intersection in Kuta, Bali, have been delayed until December 21.

Speaking to The Bali Post, the vice-regent of Badung, I Ketut Sudikerta, on Monday December 12, 2011, confirmed the new starting date for the project was made necessary due to administrative delays in compensation being paid to land owners.

Said Suidkerta: “This, in fact, was not a delay because December 15th was a deadline for the completion of administration and compensation payments - both for the land certificates held by the banks as surety, certificates held directly by the land owners or for certificates caught up in legal technicalities with the State Land Agency. What’s clear, the ceremony for the placement of the cornerstone or groundbreaking will take place on December 21st. On that same date will also be the cornerstone placement for the construction of the suspended toll road between Nusa Dua and Benoa.”

He went on to add that the process of acquiring the land is now free of any remaining problems, with the purchase price for two parcels of land involved in an ownership dispute now temporarily held by the Denpasar District Court. The remaining 21 parcels of land have been formally acquired for the underpass project.

Sudikerta said there are no longer any impediments to starting the underpass on December 21, 2011. The central government has provided Rp. 180 billion (US$20 million) to fund the construction of the underpass, an amount outside the cost of land acquisition which remained a cost to be born by the province and regency.
 

The Embassy of Mexico in Indonesia and the Honorary Consul of Mexico in Bali, Mr. Gusti Yudhara, will open the exhibition “Signs of History” in Bali on Monday, December 19, 2011 at 7:00 p.m
ng the works of two Mexican artists, Martha Delgado and Casandra Sabag, both graduates from the National School of Plastic Arts at Mexico’s National Autonomous University (UNAM).

Martha Delgado’s creations endeavor to retrieve the seemingly otherwise exhausted genre of portraiture. In most of her paintings, she uses the vertical and rectangular format, taking advantage of the photographic angle. Her pieces have a dynamic framework that appears as a constant element in the integration of the figures. Her use of colored glazes and nostalgic elements show her technical skills, mingle with the use of transparencies that brings to her work a free brushwork in a "poetic realism" environment. Moreover, she is able to project amazing contemporary views of her own reality, the creation of an intimate ambience.

Cassandra Sabag’s collections, meanwhile, show a very complex work, using vitreous enamel, collage, oil, graphite and encaustic. Such techniques populate a number of small paintings. Although these are traditional techniques, the way Sabag uses them produces a very untraditional and incredible result. The formal resolution of the frames is an exploration that covers a wide range of intentions: from the fine and energetic line to well-detailed drawings. Another element of Sabag’s work is the use of gold recovering.
Signs of History

Paintings by Martha Delgado and Casandra Sabag

Danes Art Veranda
Jl. Hayam Wuruk No. 159
Denpasar, Bali

December 19 2011 – January 5, 2012

The tribes of monkeys that inhabit the jungles of Nenggan in the village of Abiantuwun, Kediri in the regency of Tabanan are hungry. As a result, valuable crops are being attacked and ravaged by tens of ravenous primates.

According to Beritabali.com, in their desperate search for food, the emboldened monkeys are now venturing into the homes of local villagers.

In an effort to protect their rice crops and fend off the monkeys, farmers are posting 12-hour watches over their fields. To frighten the animals off, the villagers are using slingshots and air rifles.

One of the local farmers, Gede Ketut Gegel, estimates the number of monkeys at 200. “Before there were only 35 female monkeys led by a single male. Now the population has reached 200,” he explained.

Gegel described the monkeys as hailing from three distinct “banjars” of “groups” – each led by its own “king.” Adding, “groups of monkeys have invaded the villages, including the communities of Nyambu and Panda.”

Similar reports have been made by Nyoman Getera, the religious official (pemangku) in charge of Pura Yoga located in the middle of the Nenggan jungle. He confirmed the monkeys are now a common sight in the villages. He blamed the invasion on a lack of food and the failure by local resudents to make offerings of food to the monkey inhabiting the Pura Yoga Temple he manages.

Getera said he hoped the regional government would pay more attention to the wild residents of the Nenggan jungle. He also reminded the government that the jungle with its population of wild primates has the potential of being developed into a new tourism object, capable of generating tax revenues for the local administration.

Traditional villages standing within the limits of Bali’s capital of Denpasar have been specifically forbidden to use fireworks and firecrackers to mark the passage to the New Year.

According to Beritabali.com, the agreement to curb the use of such devices was achieved following a meeting between the Council of Traditional Villages in Denpasar (Majelis Madya Desa Pakraman Kota Denpasar) and the village chiefs (Jro Bendesa Desa Pakraman) from across Denpasar, the association of local security guards (Parum Pacalang) and other local units.

The results of that meeting were announced at a meeting held in the office of the vice-mayor of Denpasar, I.B. Rai Dharmawijaya, on Tuesday, December 13, 2011.

A decision by Denpasar community leaders to ban fireworks and firecrackers was based on a review of the many accidents and injuries the use of such items has caused in the past, including a fire that recently destroyed the roof of the Pura Bale Agung in Renon, Denpasar.

The use of pyrotechnics and firecrackers has caused serious burns and damage to the limbs and eyes of many Denpasar residents.

I Made Karim, the chairman of the Council of Traditional Villages said, “It is these conditions that persuaded the Council and other organizations to agree to take this decision forbidding residents from igniting fireworks and firecrackers.”

Acknowledging that many residents continue to participate in such activities despite any rules against doing so, Karim said it is up to each traditional village to impose the ban in coordination with local law enforcement officials.

Separately, Made Murda, the chairman of the Association of Pacalang, said he fully supported the ban, which he sees a positive and proactive step to raise the safety-mindedness of the local population.

Bali Police Confuse by Issuing Only a Partial Ban

Meanwhile, the State News Agency Antara says that the Bali Police have issued a confusing statement at seeming odds with the absolute ban issued by Denpasar community units.

The Bali Police have issued a circular reminding people of their responsibility to promote public safety. Brigadier-General (Police) Ketut Untung Yoga Ana, the vice-chief of police in Bali, said, “we have already issued a circular, please look at you all have a mutual obligation to promote public safety.”

The police ban on fireworks and firecrackers does not mirror the absolute ban declared by Denpasar community leaders. The police have authorized the used of devices measuring under 2- inches (5.1 centimeters) produced by the National Police or imported under permits issued by the police.

Yoga called on the public, especially the owners of hotels, entertainment centers and those organizing New Year’s Eve celebrations to honor the rules issued by police.

He emphasized that it remains illegal to sell any fireworks any firecrackers that are not authorized by the police.

Those found guilty of the illegal selling or use of explosives can be punished by imprisonment for up to12 years.

He called on the public to assist the police in controlling the illegal use of unauthorized fireworks and firecrackers by reporting any illegal usage to the nearest police station or by calling 0361-234609 (Siaga Police Bali) or 0361-229172 (Piket Serse).

Following the shooting of a security guard at the [Santa Fe Café on December 5, 2011] , violence has once again occurred on the streets of Kuta.

In the early hours of Friday, December 16, 2011, two Australian men, identified as Christopher (26) and Jake Benjamin Whitehead, visited the Bounty Discothèque in the company of two Balinese men, Ketut Sentanu and Wayan Mu.

Following their visit to the nightspot, the scene of numerous violent attacks in the past, the four men were rushed to the BIMC Hospital for treatment of stab wounds. Christopher was later removed to the intensive care section of Bali’s Sanglah General Hospital in Denpasar.

The Bali Post reports that police suspect the assailant in the attack was a local unlicensed guide who frequents the Bounty Discothèque.

The attacked reportedly occurred at 2:00 a.m. on Friday when the four men visited the nightspot. The suspected assailant, traveling together with a foreigner was also visiting the Bounty.

The foreigner accompanying the guide is believed to have spilt the drink of Christopher. When Christopher demanded a replacement drink a dispute ensued in which the guide stabbed Christopher in the stomach with a knife.

When Jake Benjamin tried to come to the aid of his fallen comrade, he was also stabbed by the Indonesian guide in the chest before a similar armed attacked was launched on Sentanu and Wu.

After all four men had been wounded, the guide and his foreign companion escaped from the scene via the small alleyways surrounding the nightspot.

The Jakarta Globe subsequently reported on Sunday, December 18, 2011, that an Australian and an Indonesian acquaintance have been charged with assault in the stabbing. The Australian and the Indonesian, yet unnamed by the police, were apprehended, respectively, at a Home-Stay in Kuta and a private residence in Bali.

The Jakarta Globe also reports that police are examining if grounds exists to charge the management The Bounty with negligence in allowing patrons with weapons in their possession onto their premises.

In April 2009, a 22-year-old New Zealand tourist, Sean Keith William, died after be was beaten to death by two employees of the Bounty.  The three assailants in that case were eventually found guilty only of a physical assault, absolved by the courst of the resulting death of the New Zealander. They were released after serving 6 months in custody.
 

Ubud Hotel Association (UHA) Celebrated its 7th Anniversary in early December 2011 via a series of special events sharing a common theme of “Tri Hita Karana” – the Balinese foundation philosophy that dictates balance be maintained between Man and Nature (Palemahan), Man and his fellow man (Pawongan) and Man and God (Parahyangan).

Environmentally based programs for the celebration included the planting of 500 magnolia trees at Kesidan Village in Kintamani on November 18, 2011 and an Ubud clean-up programs held on December 9, 2011.
ltural programs included a downhill cycle ride from Kintamani to Ubud on December 3, 2011, culminating with a medical check-up for all UHA Members.

To honor the special relationship between man and God, a spiritual program via g a spiritual journey (Tirta Yatra) to Pulaki and Melanting Temples on November 25, 2011.

The peak of UHA's 7th Anniversary was a “Night of Celebration” on December 9, 2011. Thirty-eight UHA members gathered at the Museum Puri Lukisan in Campuhan to celebrate the close of a month-long program.

UHA Chairman 2010-2012, Heri Sumawan said: “Ubud is internationally acknowledged for its visual arts and performance, as well as exceptional arts and crafts, making it one of the most important cultural and artistic centres in Indonesia. In the last 5 years, Ubud has metamorphosed from one of the places of interest in Bali to a tourist destination with many of the islands most reputable hotels and villas. UHA aims to establish and maintain these professional standards for the hospitality industry in Ubud which ultimately benefit our visitors and our people.”

UHA’s former chairman 2008-2010, Ramia Adnyana, commented,:” I am delighted to learn that Ubud Hotels Association (UHA) has gone from strength to strength during these seven years. We celebrate this moment as a time of great professional satisfaction, and also to encourage UHA to keep moving forward with increased vigour to spread the message of or our hospitable destination and what we offer.”

Adding: “It’s encouraging to know that during the past seven years, UHA’s mission to highlight Ubud as a green destination, has been accomplished through recognition of Ubud as the Best City in Asia 2009 by Conde Nast Traveller’s (CNT) Magazine USA, and Best Destination in Asia over 3 consecutive years by Trip Advisor Travelers’ Choice (2008, 2010 and 2011). These well-deserved rewards are a testament to the vision and hard work of all of UHA members and to cement our motto that Ubud is the spirit of Bali.” 

Shown on Balidiscovery.com are pictures from the variety of activities held to celebrate the Ubud Hotel Association’s 7th Anniversary.
 

As reported by Bisnis Bali, the global economic crisis currently underway in Europe and the U.S.A. are predicted to also have a negative impact on Bali’s economy. A senior educator and eoconomist warns that the tourism sector in Bali is predicted to experience a depression in 2012 as world buying power declines.

The Rector of Universitas Warmadewa, Prof. Dr. I Made Sukarsa, made these dire predictions recently, saying, “international tourist visits from the U.S.A. and European nation will drop next year.”

Sukarsa see the global economic crisis has the potential of almost bankrupting some European nations and, as a result, the crisis is certain to be felt in Bali. He portends that the problems in the European nations will cripple other portions of the world. He also points out that a number of nations are predicting lower growth rates in 2012. “This is a signal that the world economy will slow down next year,” he explained.

Because of this, Sukarsa predicts the economy of Bali will grow slower in 2012 and exports from the island will also slow. Adding, “my prediction is that the economy will grow around 6% next year.”

When asked about the solution for overcoming these dismal predictions, Sukarsa said Bali must diversify it markets. Next year, Bali needs to develop markets outside of Europe and the U.S.A., insisting that Asia countries must become the new focus for developing markets for Bali.

He also suggested that the domestic market must be optimized. If this succeeds, he offers, the economy of Bali will continue to experience significant growth in 2012.

The results of  a formal letter issued by Bali’s governor Made Mangku Pastika calling for a moratorium or a halt to the issuance of new travel agency licenses in Bali has failed to bear any concrete results, despite an eager reception by travel professionals in Bali when the governor’s recommendations were initially made public.

As reported by Bisnis Bali, the head of the investment coordinating board for Bali, IB Made Parwata, said on Monday, December 12, 2011, that his agency was still investigating the actual number of travel agencies in operation in Bali, making it impossible to endorse any call for a moratorium on new agencies in Bali at this time.

The idea of introducing a moratorium on new travel agency permits in Bali traces back to a letter sent by the governor to the Provincial Investment Board (BPM) in September 2010 calling for a temporary freeze on new travel agency investments. That letter estimated there were 658 travel agencies in Bali of which 91 were inactive, 226 were active and a remaining 341of unclear status.

Of the 658 agencies, 216 had valid operating licenses, 91 held expired licenses and 351 had unclear licenses and supporting paperwork.

In order to avoid “unhealthy competition” and declining service standards to the public, Governor Pastika asked the chief of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) to temporarily freeze the issuance of new agency licenses effective September 1, 2010. The proposal made at the time was that, in keeping with the Governor’s request, the moratorium on new licenses would remain in effect until a closer study of the island’s travel agency business could be undertaken.

Parwata told the press that the provincial government of Bali was in the process of surveying the actual status of the island’s existing travel agencies. The lack of clear data was, however, impeding efforts to conduct a complete and thorough survey of  agent  operations in Bali.

Parwata said only the head of Bali’s Tourism Services (Disparda) who knows the actual number of travel agents needed to serve Bali based on the total number of tourist arrivals.

Parwata said that only after a thorough study is performed with Disparda would his office be able to make recommendations to the Governor on whether or not to implement a moratorium on new agency licenses.

In 1977, Jon and Suci Zurcher Opened the Swiss Restaurant-Fonduestuebli on Jalan Legian Kelod in Bali. Over the years the popular dining spot has occasionally shifted locales including, in 2006, a move to the Kuta Galleria.
news is that Jon and Suci have now returned to their original premises where they continue to serve up generous helpings of raclette, fondue Bourguignon, fondue Chinoise and Swiss-cheese-fondue.

The menu, atmosphere and hosts remain the same, with the same eclectic mixture of entertainment ranging from films, Indonesian dance and performances by visiting European musicians.

And, yes, Jon at the drop of a serving of schnapps can still be persuaded to take up his violin to serenade visitors dining at the Swiss Restaurant.

And when Jon’s not playing his violin or the role of amicable restaurateur, he also fills the important role of Honorary Consul to Bali for both the Swiss and Austrian governments.

The Swiss Restaurant
Jalan Legian Kelod
Legian – Kuta, Bali 80361
Telephone ++62-(0)361-762345
Facsimile ++62-(0)361-7544756
[Email] 
 

Two illegal guides, Gusti Ngurah Somaarta (35) and Kadek Carman (27) were apprehended last April in Tabanan and brought before the courts on Wednesday, December 14, 2011, charged under the regulations governing illegal tour guide operations.

Somaarta from Tulingkup, and Carman from Banjar Petak Kaja – both in Gianyar, were fined Rp. 600,000 (US$66) each for their violation of the law. The penalty was less than the Rp. 1 million (US$111) or a six-month jail term demanded by the Public Prosecutor. When the judge offered the lesser sentence with an alternative of one week’s jail, the two men quickly opted to pay the fine, telling the press they’d prefer to work rather than sit behind bars.

The two illegal guides were caught by local enforcement officers at Ulun Danu Baratan on April 25. At that time, the officials seized the men’s identity papers and called them in for further investigation and interviews.

An official from Tabanan explained that provincial rules require every guide who brings guests to tourism objects in Bali to have an official guide license. This requirement, according to the official, must be enforced to ensure a high level of service to visitors and protect the overall image of Bali.

Travel agents found to be employing unlicensed guides in Bali face possible revocation of their company operating permits.

The two men who opted to pay the fine rather than spend a week in jail did not specify to the press  what kind of work they would pursue after paying their fine.

The uncontrolled diversion of land from traditional uses to other primarily tourism-related pursuits is threatening Bali's future as an attractive world destination.

Quoted by the State News Agency Antara, Dr. I Wayan Windia, a Professor Emeritus at Bali’s Udayana University, said, “the uncontrolled change in land function is made worse by the lack of firm enforcement by the states in regulating beach set backs.”

He said the diversion from traditional land usage to other functions during the period 2005-2010 averaged 1,000 hectares each year.

The over-exploitation of agricultural lands has facilitated rapid growth in Bali’s tourism sector, literally paving the way for villas and starred hotels. Signs of overdevelopment are widespread, with evidence of environmental damage and land degradation commonplace across the island.

Based on a study and research carried out in 1975 by Societe Centrale pour l' Equipement Touristique Outre-Mer (SCETO), Bali’s carrying capacity for starred hotel rooms is 24,000. Bali has far surpassed this number with an estimated 70,000 rooms in operation, not including the many thousands of villa rooms and a large number of new hotels projects in the pipeline. In Windia’s view, Bali must introduce a moratorium on new tourism developments.

Moreover, Windia thinks its time to stop developing tourism in Bali.

Professor Windia says Bali is degraded, proven by unclean water wells, polluted oceans, and many problems resulting from growing mountains of garbage and trash.

Because of this, Professor Windia hopes the Minister of Tourism and the Creative Economy, Mari Elka Pangestu, will develop tourism equally in all areas of Indonesia and not only concentrate on new projects for Bali.
 

The chairman of Commission I of the Bali House of Representatives (DPRD-Bali), Made Arjaya, is rejecting efforts to restart the construction of a geothermal plants in Bedugul, citing an existing formal recommendation from the governor and the DPRD-Bali's stand against power generation in Bali from thermal sources below the earth’s surfaces.

Quoted in Bisnis Bali, Arjaya said, “We have firmly rejected the plans to continue the geothermal project in Bedugul on the grounds that such a project is in opposition to Bali’s culture and religion.” He went on to say he was disappointed by the position taken by the central government and announced by the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources (ESDM), Jero Wacik, in support of the Bedugul geothermal project.

“We all know of the growing future need for electricity in Bali. But this does not mean that the Bedugul geothermal projec,t which is contrary to our culture and religion, must be accepted,” protested Arjaya. The Sanur-based politician insists that the need for electricity does not mean that Bali’s mountains and forests must be sacrificed as long as power supplies from Java are still available.

Arjaya added: “The Balinese people honor and hold sacred their mountains and forests, places they see as the very source of life. Thus, drilling to exploit subterranean heat sources is a violation of that which the people of Bali hold sacred.”

The lawmaker said it was fitting that the government continue to look for alternative energy sources, but never at the expenses of the interests of local values and culture.

Joining the chorus opposed to geothermal energy in Bali, Wayan Suardana of the Indonesian Friends of the Environment Group (WALHI), said arguments based on the need for new electrical sources made by Jero Wacik in support of the geothermal project made no sense.

Suardana added: “Until now the ESDM ministry has yet to do a thorough study on the threat of an electrical crisis in Bali through the year 2025. Studies citing a shortage of a current electricity crisis make no senses as the supply of power to Bali has been relatively safe, leaving us to optimize the supplies of electricity that we have.” He explained that factually Bali imports 600 megawatts of electricity while peak demand stands at 570 megawatts.

The WALHI spokesman also cited the proposed “Bali Crossing” that will supply 1,500 megawatts and the construction of a gas-based power generating station at Celukan Bawang expected to produce 1,000 megawatts. He says there are even more sources of electrical power that Bali can utilize without hurting the island’s natural environment or cutting down its forests. WALHI is posing the further question, asking if the proposed geothermal exploration in Bedugal is intended assist the lower economic sectors in Bali or more focused on the desires and interests of the island’s elite.

WALHI also contends that the exploration of geothermal energy in Bedugal has the potential of causing a water crisis by affecting underground water reservoirs and nearby lakes. 

Meanwhile, Minister Wacik, also from Bali, has pledged to convene all the interested parties to discuss the geothermal project in order to discover a common ground that might allow the plan to proceed.

As an added inducement, the Minister has promised free electrical power to anyone living within a 10-kilometer radius of the proposed geothermal project. He also said that he would also personally pay the cost of any religious ceremonies at temples within the same radius that night be religiously mandated in connection with the power project.

Minister Wacik said exploration at the Bedugul site dates from 1995 but has been thwarted by religious and cultural opposition to the project.

The American fast-food franchise Johnny Rocket  will make its Indonesian debut along Bali’s Kuta beach during the first half of 2012.

To be located in the Beach Walk Center Complex, the Indonesian franchise owner is Wiryanti Sukamdani who has announced her intention to open four additional Johnny Rocket Restaurants within the coming five years.
ts presents an authentic American atmosphere replete with vintage Coca-Cola advertisings, American memorabilia, jukeboxes, and red vinyl seating.

At some locations, the staff stage song and dance performances every half-hour while serving signature hamburgers, French fries and malted shakes.

Said Steve Devine, Senior Vice-President of International Development: “The thing that makes Johnny Rockets such a unique international brand is that, although people can get a hamburger anywhere, we actually provide the décor, music, dancing, food and fun that signifies the best America has had to offer throughout the past 100 years.”

John Fuller, CEO of Johnny Rocket added: "This Indonesian agreement further demonstrates our commitment to international development and – if the response is similar to that which our brand receives in other non-U.S. markets – there is no doubt that locals and tourists will appreciate the freshness, cleanliness, friendliness and liveliness we bring to the table, every day. We’re all about great food, outstanding service and an overall experience that makes people smile.”

Wiryanti Sukamdani, the Indonesian franchisee, is from 

The Sahid Group - a conglomerate with diversified business interests in hotels, property, food and beverage, media and textiles.

A legal action by Bali Governor Made Pastika against The Bali Post went to court on Thursday, December 15, 2011, with the presiding judge, Amzer Simandjuntak, issuing an order giving both sides forty days in which to mediate a settlement before proceeding to formal trial.

As reported by Tempo.co, Amzer said: “If they can peacefully settle the case there is no need for another court session.” The court appointed Jhon Pieter as the referee during the mediation period.

At Thursday’s court session, neither Robert Khuana, representing Pastika, nor Nyoman Sudiantara, representing The Bali Post, put forth a name to lead the mediation process. Following the hearing, Khuana said his side was “open wide” for a peaceful settlement providing The Bali Post admit their mistake in publishing misleading and incorrect news reports and formally apologize. “That would be a just settlement in our eyes,” said Khuana.

Pastika is seeking Ro. 150 billion (US$16.6 million) for damage done to the governor’s name and reputation.

Counter demands from The Bali Post, repeated daily via the front pages of the newspaper over the past week,  that Pastika should content himself with the “right of response” was seen as Khuana as not relevant given the baseless nature of original news report. Khuana said the “right of response” only applies for violations of the journalist code of ethics, which is not applicable in the current case.”

Pastika’s attorney also called on The Bali Post to cease trying to pressure the governor to settle the case via the front pages of their newspaper,  if, in fact, they are genuinely sincere in their wish to seek a peaceful settlement.

In response, Sudiantara also expressed his hopes for a peaceful resolution, while insisting that The Bali Post remains steadfast is insisting the governor use his “right of response.”

The case traces back to September 17, 2011, and civil unrest that erupted between two traditional villages in Klungkung resulted in injuries and one death. One day after the incident the Governor inspected the location of the conflict.

On September 19, 2011 The Bali Post misquoted the Governor as calling for the dissolution of the traditional villages system in Bali. The Governor insisted he never made such a statement and reported The Bali Post to the Press Council, claiming newspaper had failed to send a reporter to the actual event where the Governor was purported to have made the statement.

Not content to settle the case with simply a rebuttal statement, Pastika is seeking a public apology in the matter and financial compensation if the case goes to court. Pastika has pledged to donate any damages awarded by the court to traditional village units across Bali.

Related Articles

[Governor Pastika: Prepared to Fight ‘Till the Death]

[First Round Goes to Governor Pastika]

[Governor’s Suit Against Bali Post Continues]

[Bali Governor Sues Bali Post for US$11.1 million]

[Villagers Clash in Klungkung]

Effective April 1, 2012, the government will outlaw the use of premium gasoline for private vehicles, according to a statement issued by the Vice-Minister for Energy and Natural Resources, Widjajono Partowidagdo, on December 15, 2011, as reported by Kompas.com.

The move is intended to reduce the large subsidies paid by the government for public fuel consumption. Widjiaono said the new policy would be introduced in stages; first in Jakarta and then to be followed by Jabodetabek, Java and Bali.

At the present time no decision has been made on vehicles powered by diesel fuel with the government promising to announce its intention in that area shortly.

“The main point is that beginning April 1st private cars can no longer use premium gas and if you want to use a private vehicle then you’re fuel is Pertamax,” proclaimed Widjajono.

Subsidized premium current costs Rp. 4,500 (US$0.50) per liter in Bali while Pertamax non-subsidized fuel costs Rp. 8,900 (US$0.98) per liter. This will translate into a 98% increase in fuel costs for private vehicle operators who normally fill up at the premium pump.

Partowidagdo told the press that now was the right time to end subsidized fuel for private vehicles because of the good condition of the Indonesian economy, a low inflation rate and the growing burden the cost of subsidized fuel represents to the national budget.

It is not clear exactly at this point what constitutes a “private vehicle” under the new directive and whether the substantial jump in cost from premium fuel to Pertamax will be done all at once or in phases over an extended period of time.

ted by Beritabali.com, the chief of the Bali Health Service, Dr. Nyoman Sutedja, told the press on Wednesday, December 14, 2011, that the introduction of the e-JKBM would remove the possibility of anyone being refused health care at a community health center of a hospital in Bali simply due to a lack of funds.

The cards will also remove the burden of having to go to the village or sub-district chief to obtain a letter of introduction, now needed to obtain free medical care in Bali.

Sutedja confirmed that the government has already issued 543,000 e-JKBM cards, a number he wants to see grow to 600,000 next year.

The provincial government has allocated Rp. 226 billion (US$25.1 million) to provide health services to the poor in 2012.

The U.S. State of Hawaii has declared its interest in seeking a Sister-State relationship with the province of Bali.

This desire was discussed between Bali’s governor Made Mangku Pastika and the Indonesian Ambassador to the U.S.A., Dino Patti Jalal, during a brief visit to Bali.
rnor confirmed that he had already aware of the desire to form a Sister-State relationship with Hawaii via a letter sent to him from the Hawaii House of Representatives - signed by Representative Karen L. Awana, Chief of the Committee on International Affairs, and Representative Gene Ward, Minority Leader, and a member of the Committee on International Affairs.

The Governor pledged that he will process the proposal from Hawaii in an effort to create a direct connection between Hawaii and Bali in order to boost tourism.

Bali and Hawaii share many similarities. Both are tropical island destinations and popular with surfers.

Statistically and geographically, Bali and Hawaii share many points of comparison. Hawaii is an archipelago of six major islands covering 17,00 square kilometers, while Bali is part of an archipelago with the island’s land covering 5,600 square kilometers. Bali’s population stands at nearly 4 million as compared to the 1.4 million residents of Hawaii, but the population densities of Bali and O’ahu are roughly the same.

Both states have also host multi-ethnic societies seeking intercultural harmony despite periodic incidents of dissension and unrest.

Bali’s Governor Made Mangku Pastika has declared that, in the future, Bali will be more selective in accepting investment projects. This increased selectivity forms part of an effort to encourage sustainable development and a achieve a more equitable distribution of the fruits of development across the entire island.

Beritabali.com reports that the Governor made his public pledge on Wednesday, December 14, 2011.

Pastika explained that this heightened selectivity in receiving new investments would also embrace greater selectivity in locations permits for new investment projects. In the future, Pastika wants investors to bring projects to areas outside the southern parts of the islands in order to create economic opportunities in the eastern and northern parts of the island.

Pastika said: “That is the reason I go back and forth on the issue of a moratorium on starred hotels in the south. Send them to the north, to the west, to the east, to the middle. Do this so there will be an even distribution of development. Then, we will carefully select which new investments we will welcome.”

Pastika said he has written to the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) to urge new investments not be concentrated in Bali’s south.

In addition, the governor is also insisting that all new investments in Bali be environmentally friendly.

In the ten years from 2000 to 2010, Bali recorded its highest  ever annual rate of population growth, measuring 2.15% growth per year, increasing from 3.15 million people in 2000 to 3.89 million residents just ten years later.

In the four previous decades starting from 1960, the average growth rate never surpassed 2%. In fact, from 1990 to 2000, the average rate of population growth stood at only 1.26%, while in the previous decade the average was 1.18%.

Bali’s population has more than doubled since 1960 when the island counted only 1.78 million people.

According to The Jakarta Post, Bali ranks as having the second highest rate of population growth among all regions of Indonesia, following Banten with an average rate of growth of 2.7% over the past decade.

Bali is now the most densely populated province in Indonesia outside of crowded Java. Bali now averages 673 people per square kilometer.

Bali's rapid growth in population is attributed to both high birth rates and significant migration from other areas across Indonesia. Migrants are believed to constitute 10% of the island’s total population.

Bali’s population remains concentrated in the southern part of the island where business, hotels and villa are congregated.

Bali Governor Made Mangku Pastika told The Jakarta Post: “There are an increasing number of people coming to Bali; all of them need jobs, need places to live, and need transportation. We have to improve the quality of our human resources in Bali to be able to face the competition.”

The Tri Hita Karana Awards were bestowed for the 11th time as a special ceremony held on Saturday, November 26, 2011 at the Bali Taman Safari Marine Park.

The prestigious awarda recognize elements of the community who conduct their businesses and organizations in keeping with the Balinese cultural manifesto of Tri Hita Karana which demands balance be unfailingly maintained between Man and Man, Man and Nature, and Man and God.

Various levels of awards are given. The highest Emerald and Platinum Awards are s given to those who have earned a Gold Award for three or more consecutive years. Gold awards recognizing high achievement and lesser Silver and Bronze Awards also form part of the range of awards given following a rigorous review and evaluation process.

At the award ceremony, Bali’s governor Made Mangku Pastika called on all stakeholders to renew their commitment to the principles embodied in Tri Hita Karana (THK) .

The Governor continued by explaining the close connection between THK and preserving Bali’s natural environment. He explained how bad stewardship of the Earth has resulted in a whole range of problems besetting mankind, including global warming, flooding, landslides and draughts.

The winners of Tri Hita Karana Awards and recognition for 2011:

FIVE STAR AND FIVE STAR PLUS HOTELS

Emerald Awards

• Novotel Bali Benoa
• Nusa Lembongan Resort
• Melia Bali Villas & Spa Resort

Emerald and Gold (Combined)

• Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay
• Intercontinental Bali Resort
• Melia Benoa Hotel
• Novotel Bali Nusa Dua Hotel & Residence
• Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa
• The Laguna A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa
• The St. Regis Bali Resort

Gold Awards

• Ayana Resort & Spa Bali
• Alila Villas Uluwatu
• Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel
• Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan Ubud
• Holiday Inn Resort Baruna Bali
• Hotel Anantara Seminyak Bali
• Inna Grand Bali Beach
• Inna Putri Bali Hotel
• Kamandalu Resort & Spa
• Maya Ubud Resort & Spa
• Nikko Bali Resort & Spa
• The Oberoi Bali
• The Patra Bali Resort & Villas
• The Royal Beach Seminyak Bali
• The Legian Bali

FOUR STAR HOTELS

Emerald and Gold (Combined)

• Harris Resort Kuta
• Mercure Resort Sanur
• Risata Hotel

Gold Awards

• Bali Dynasty Resort
• Bali Mandira Beach Resort & Spa
• Bali Rani Hotel
• Grand Istana Rama Hotel
• Hard Rock Hotel Bali
• Hotel Puri Santrian
• The Elysian
• The Jayakarta Bali Beach Resort Residence & Spa
• Warwick Ibah Luxury Villas & Spa

Bronze Award

• Villa Seminyak Estate & Spa

BOUTIQUE HOTELS

Platinum Award

• Matahari Beach Resort & Spa

Gold Awards

• Bali Niksoma Boutique Beach Resort
• Bali Tropic Resort & Spa
• Maya Loka Seminyak
• The Royal Santrian Villas

Silver Award

• Kokonut Suites
• \Waka Shorea

THREE STAR HOTELS

Gold Award

• Alila Manggis

TWO STAR HOTELS

Gold Award

• Tandjung Sari Hotel

ONE STAR HOTELS   

• Emerald Award
• Griya Santrian Hotel 

Silver Award

• Hotel Tamu Kita

Bronze Award

• Hotel Santika Kuta
• Hotel Puri Dalem

Affiliated Award

• Villa Mahapala

MELATI INNS

Emerald Award

• Waka Di Ume Resort & Spa

Gold and Emerald Awards

• Villa Kubu Seminyak

Gold Awards

• Puri Lumbung Cottage
• Fivelements Puri Ahimsa
• Furama Villas & Spa Ubud Bali
• Sentosa Private Villas & Spa

Silver Award

• Puri Sunia Hotel

Bronze Award

• D'Tunjung Resort & Spa
• The Grand Santhi Hotel

TOURISM OBJECTS

Gold and Emerald

• Objek Wisata Sangeh (Sangeh Monkey Forest)
• Objek Wisata Tanah Lot (Tanah Lot Complex)
• Waterbom Bali
• Bali Tourism Development Corporation (BTDC)

Gold Award

• Bali Safari & Marine Park
• Objek Wisata Alas Kedaton (Alas Kedaton Monkey Forest)

Silver Award

• Bali Zoo Park

Various government offices, universities and high schools were also named in this year’s Tri Hita Karana Awards
 

A respected soldier in the field of national tourism has warned that Bali’s traditional villages should not become mere objects in the tourism product development process, but, rather, should become the very subject of tourism development. He also warned that Bali must cease becoming a culture in which all interest become secondary to pleasing the tourist visitor, often at the expense of values fundamental to the safekeeping and sustainability of Bali.

This warning and reminder was issued by the much respected former Minister of Culture and Tourism, I Gede Ardika, on Sunday November 27, 2011, at a seminar on “Developing the Creative Industry in Tourism Villages Based on Ecological Tourism.”

Ardika feels that something has gone astray in Bali tourism where the tourist visitor and their wants and desires take precedence over all other considerations. In his view, this is at odds with the basic capital of Bali’s tourism, which is the “drawing power” of the island’s culture and Hindu heritage.

“All these things,“ explained Ardika, “are found in the traditional village (Desa Pakraman) setting in Bali. Because of this, when we develop tourism we must focus on developing activities within the Desa Pakraman.”

The daily activities of village life and the beauty of their natural settings can be presented as tourism objects. Ardika continued: “I am very optimistic that these villages can become the subject of Bali’s tourism – tourism based on culture. The culture of our people is dynamic and creative.”

Creativity, according to Ardika, is also owned by the people living in the villages and is not the exclusive domain of well-educated people living in the cities. The people living in the villages also have a unique ability to choose and discriminate among which elements of outside society have value and should be retained for the benefit of the community. “If we want to preserve the ‘natural fort’ of Bali, then, like it or not, we must involve the ‘desa pakraman ‘ because they are the last defense in protecting tradition and culture.” The former Minister explained he is not anti-investor, but insists that tourism must always bring some definitie benefit or profit to the needs of the people.

Explaining his view in more detail, Ardika said that the integration of the Desa Pakraman into the tourism industry was not meant to solicit donations from companies. Nor does Ardika see his desire for the traditional villages incorporation into tourism as a throwback to the past where villagers must work shirtless to fulfill the preconceived fantasy of the tourist visitors.

To Ardika's mind, culture is dynamic. The tools of agriculture can be modern when used in a traditional village setting. What’s important is that the atmosphere in the villages continues to reflect Bali’s cultural values, family spirit and the natural friendliness of the Balinese.

Ardika wants the unique qualities of Bali’s villages preserved in developing the island’s tourism, while at the same time paying attention to factors of cleanliness and health, reflecting the high values placed on clean and green living shared by each community.

The Pan Pacific Nirwana Hotel, as part of the rebranding of what was once a Le Meridien product, has just completed US$10 million in refurbishments affecting it guest rooms, restaurants and public facilities.
talized Resort was unveiled to the travel industry and the press at a lavish cocktail on Saturday, December 17, 2011.

Renovations began in May of 2010 that have seen all 278-rooms refurbished, the Nirwana Spa upgraded, the children’s activities center enhanced and the meeting facilities modernized.

Major enhancements were carried out at the lobby, featuring a newly constructed porte-cochère and water features.

The new Pacific Club rooms provide personalized butler service and a range of exclusive privileges such as a 24-hour fully equipped pantry, daily breakfast and evening cocktails at the Pacific Lounge.

The Resort now offers eight distinctive dining and entertainment options including Merica, named after the Indonesian term for “pepper” featuring a range of Pacific-rim cuisine. The adjoining Merica Bar offers a complete bar service and weekend brunches with a Bloody-Mary buffet boasting 27 different variations of the popular tomato flavored cocktail. Another dining option is the TLC - a café wine bar serving specialty coffees with signature Paninis and tapas.

“We are very excited to unveil the fully-refurbished Pan Pacific Nirwana Bali Resort to our guests” said John Berndt, General Manager of Pan Pacific Nirwana Bali Resort. ”The refreshed surrounds ultimately complement the spectacular and sweeping views that this expansive resort offers. Guests will come away from their stay with us rested, rejuvenated and enriched, and with a keen appreciation of what the Pan Pacific has to offer.”


[Pan Pacific Nirwana Bali Resort]

 

Bali Governor Made Mangku Pastika says he is ready to spend the rest of his life, if necessary, in a legal process seeking justice in his case against The Bali Post.

Quoted in Nusa Bali, Pastika made this affirmation after meeting with Rofiki Hasan, Chairman of the Denpasar chapter of the Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI), and, Bagus Ngurah Rai, Chairman of Bali chapter of the Indonesian Journalists Organization (PWI), at his office on Thursday, December 7, 2011.

Accompanied by the chief of Public Relations and Protocol for the province, Ketut Teneng, Pastika said he is following the rules set forth in the national press law. Mediation is underway, but Pastika said the Press Council is not being transparent in publicizing the results of the mediation process. The governor is displeased with the fact that in the original findings the Press Council declared the reporting in the case by The Bali Post as unverified and inaccurate. However, the Press Council omitted to state this fact again in the written report on the mediation process.

Pastika is also unhappy with the daily barrage of tendentious front-page editorial published by The Bali Post i and, as a result, he has confirmed his intent to the PWI and AJI to continue the legal case seeking million of dollars in damages from the newspaper.

Pastika labeled the continuing coverage in the case to force his hand as immoral, provocative, tendentious and attempting to incite the public. Rejecting the view that he is not a friend of the press, Pastika countered: “It is as if I am trying to rein in the press and am threatening press freedom. Why would I create a press room.? (Why) do I visit the press when they are tying their stories in the pressroom? (Why) do I provide them with news? When I was in Jakarta, I became a source for news for Pos Kota. Almost every day, at that time, I was the source of the news.”

Governor Pastika also objects to efforts to try to link his case against The Bali Post with the murder of a reporter in 2009 from Radar Bali, Anak Agung Prabangsa, supposedly in connection with his coverage of corruption in Bangli. Said Pastika: “If there are reporters who are being threatened, let me know. Don’t let an incident like that of Prabangsa be connected. Don't let there be a set up. Later, if something happens to a reporter, I might be accused.”

When quizzed on the results of his meeting with the PWI and AJI, Pastika said: “I have asked for the lies in the news to stop; stop insinuating. Up until this point, the news has been like that.”

Governor Pastika explained that the law provides him four legal avenues. These are: the right of response; the right to file a civil suit; the right to make criminal charges and the rights under commercial law. Dismissing the applicability of commercial law, Pastika said he is left with civil or criminal solutions.

The Governor complained that when he made a public statement clarifying the erroneous news published by The Bali Post after he testified before the Bali House of Representatives (DPRD-Bali), but the newspaper failed to print that clarification.

Bali’s governor has called on the factions making public comments portraying him as trying to control the press to make an effort to try to truly understand the facts of the case. He said the press was publishing lies and that The Bali Post has never admitted its violation of the principles of press ethics. Because of this, Pastika is using his right to seek justice before the law.

Angered with the unfair treatment he continues to receive from The Bali Post, Pastika said: “If this is the situation, I’m ready to continue this case for the next five years, If the courts say I have no right to file this suit, I will appeal. I am ready to go (all the way) to the Supreme Court. I am prepared to litigate for ten years into the future. It doesn’t matter. (I’ll do it) for the rest of my life.”

Related Article

[Press Freedom Means Never Having to Say You’re Sorry]
 

Registration has just opened for the first full marathon event to be held in Indonesia in more than 20 years.

The Bank International Maybank Bali Marathon will be held along the scenic east cost of the island of Bali on Sunday, April 22, 2011. Getting underway just before dawn, the start and finish for the race will be at award-winning Bali Safari and Marine Park, located some 10 kilometers outside Bali’s capital of Denpasar.

The race will feature a full marathon of 42 kilometers, a half-marathon and a 10-kilometer run.

Attractive cash prizes are to be awarded to First, Second and Third Place finishes in the following categories

Open Category

Men’s Full Marathon

• 1st Place   - US$20,000
• 2nd Place – US$15,000
• 3rd Place –  US$10,000

Women’s Full Marathon

• 1st Place   - US$20,000
• 2nd Place – US$15,000
• 3rd Place –  US$10,000

Men’ Half Marathon

• 1st Place  -  US$10,000
• 2nd Place – US$ 5,000
• 3rd Place –  US$ 2,500

Women’s Half Marathon

• 1st Place - US$10,000
• 2nd Place – US$ 5,000
• 3rd Place – US$ 2,500

Men's 10K

• 1st Place -   US$ 2,500
• 2nd Place – US$ 1,500
• 3rd Place –  US$ 1,000

Women’s 10K

• 1st Place   - US$ 2,500
• 2nd Place – US$ 1,500
• 3rd Place –  US$ 1,000

Indonesian Category

Men’s Full Marathon

• 1st Place   -  US$ 3,500
• 2nd Place – US$ 2,000
• 3rd Place –  US$ 1,000

Women’s Full Marathon

• 1st Place   -  US$ 3,500
• 2nd Place – US$ 2,000
• 3rd Place –  US$ 1,000

Men’ Half Marathon

• 1st Place -   US$ 1,000
• 2nd Place – US$   800
• 3rd Place –   US$  700

Women’s Half Marathon

• 1st Place   -  US$ 1,000
• 2nd Place – US$    800
• 3rd Place –  US$    700

Men's 10K

• 1st Place   -  US$ 700
• 2nd Place – US$ 600
• 3rd Place –  US$ 500

Women’s 10K

• 1st Place  -  US$ 700
• 2nd Place – US$ 600
• 3rd Place –  US$ 500

For the first year of the event organizers have pledged to limit the total number of participants to 3,000. Register now to avoid disappointment with early bird registration discounts available.

[Registration and Website] 

[Accommodation Assistance] 

Australian and New Zealand participants flying Virgin Australia and booking via [Bali Discovery Tours]  get complimentary transfers between airport – hotel – airport.
 

Prepare to feel joyous and embrace the atmosphere of the Christmas Holiday Season with an evening of yuletide music presented by the Bali Community Choir on Thursday, December 22, 2011 at the Wicked Parrot Restaurant in Sanur.
popular demand after their Christmas performance last year, Sanur’s favorite choir under the baton of Brendan O’Donnell will return to perform a traditional program and lead the audience in a program of sing-a-long carols.

Also on hand will be the Leprechauns Irish Band performing ther wide range of traditional and modern music.

Admission is without charge while guests enjoy the excellent food and drink on offer from the Wicked Parrot.

A special Christmas buffet is also available at Rp. 200,000.

The first session of the choir commences at 7:00 p.m. followed by a second set at 8:00 p.m.

The Sounds of Christmas
With the Bali Community Choir

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Wicked Parrot Restaurant
Jalan Danau Tamblingan No. 47, Sanur
Denpasar, Bali
Telephone ++62-(0)361-281814
[Wicked Parrot Website]