A Bali resident and advocate on behalf of Bali’s four-legged canine population – Anna Sternfeldt, has published an eBook to share the plight and delights of Bali’s unique population of Bali street dogs.

Dedicated to making a difference and reducing suffering, 10% of the sales price of US$11.95 from every eBook is donated to the Bali Animal Welfare Association (BAWA) – a pioneering group working on behalf of animal rights on the island.

Commenting on her motivation to share the stories contained in The Dogs in Bali eBook, Anna Sternfeldt said: “I have lived in Bali, I have seen what I write about, I have felt it, and I have smelt it. I have seen the suffering, but I have also seen the hopes and that it is possible to make changes. I have felt the pain, and I have taken action. The eBook about the dogs in Bali is the result.”

A loyal supporter of BAWA, the book’s publication will help support a fully staffed 24/7 free clinic, an island wide ambulance, adoption programs, free sterilization mobile clinic, education programs, street feeding programs, rabies vaccination and education, lobbying against mass culling, and a worldwide volunteer program who lobby on behalf.

To learn more about The Dogs in Bali and to order a download visit [The Dogs in Bali] 

In the space of less than 48-hour, two divers have apparently drowned in separate incident at Crystal Bay, Nusa Penida.

A 34-year-old Japanese female tourist, Ai Tanata, lost her life while scuba diving on Sunday afternoon, August 27, 2012.

The woman, swimming with a group of 13 other divers, went missing at around 1:30 pm on Sunday. Her body was found by a search team, including employees from the dive operator who brought the woman to Crystal Bay, dead and neutrally buoyant at a depth of 43 meter the following morning.

As reported by Beritabali.com, Tanata’s body was sent to the Sanglah General Hospital for forensic examination.

A Second Diving Fatality

Kompas.com reports that less than 48 hours after the disappearance and death of the Japanese tourist in Crystal Bay, a 43-year-old Danish man, Hendrik Kent Jensen, also lost his life while diving in Crystal Bay.

Jensen, who operates island bungalows on Nusa Penida, failed to resurface after scuba diving with two friends in the early daylight hours of Tuesday, August 28, 2012.

When Jensen finally did float to the surface he had stopped breathing. He was then rushed to a local medical center on Nusa Penida where he was pronounced dead. Later his corpse was removed to the morgue at Bali’s Sanglah General Hospital.

As reported by Balidiscovery.com [See: A Game of Good Service]  Rotary Club Bali Nusa Dua will host the 2012 installment of Bali’s longest-running charity tennis tournament.

The 21st Rotary Club Bali Nusa Dua Charity Tennis Tournament will run from September 2-9, 2012 on the courts of the Nusa Dua Beach Hotel and Spa and The Laguna Resort and Spa, Nusa Dua, Bali.

Since the first tournament was held in 1991, more than US$150,000 has been raised and donated to providing health and human services for poor and disadvantaged children on Bali.

This year’s event also includes a lively on-line auction offering interesting and exiting items sponsored by Bali businesses comprised of dining and accommodation packages of some of the world’s finest resorts.

Bid Before September 6th

Bidding is now open and should be placed before Thursday, September 6, 2012 when the winners will be announced at the final awards ceremony for the tennis tournament on at 4:00 pm on September 9, 2012 at the Nikko Bali Resort and Spa.

Rotary Club Bali Nusa Dua will use all funds raised from the auction on behalf of underprivileged children in Bali.

[Link to Rotary Club Bali Nusa Dua On-Line Auction] 

The recent appointment of renowned Italian Chef Egidio Latorraca to the kitchen of Bella Cucina at InterContinental Bali Resort is marking a return to the roots of traditional Italian cuisine via an inspired and innovative new menu.

A graduate of the Istituto Amerigo Vespucci and a Certified Master Chef of Italian Cuisine, Latorraca’s new dishes feature a collection of recipes that have been handed down through the many generations of the family of Chef Latorraca.

Since arriving in Bali, Egidio has been busy acquainting himself with the availability of local produce, including fresh seafood caught daily in the coastal waters of Jimbaran Bay near the resort. He has also been working in the Resort’s on-site garden, supervising the planting of vegetable to ensure a year-round supply of fresh herbs and other organic ingredients.

/> Passionate about preserving the authentic flavors found in classic Italian cuisine. All pasta served at Bella Cucina under Egido’s supervision is homemade, following the time-honored process that takes place in the best Italian kitchens on a daily basis.

Similarly, Bella Cucina strives to recreate the quality time spent at the dining table with family and friends that formed a part of Chef’s Egido’s formative years. His revamped menu evokes a brand of cooking meant to satisfy both the palette and the soul.

Signature dishes include handcrafted Fettuccine with Italian aged-ham, Kalamata olives and oven-dried tomatoes in a creamy basil sauce. There is also the Pan-Seared Duck Breast accompanied with baby organic carrots, eggplant caviar, potato puree and Shimeij mushrooms in a Moscato wine sauce.

Bella Cucina at InterContinental Bali Resort is open daily for lunch between 12:00 noon – 3:30 pm and dinner between 6:30 pm and 10:30 pm.

Reservations are recommended.

Related Article

[What’s Cooking in Jimbaran?]

Orange farmers from Kintamani in the regency of Bangli are leaving their well-known “Jeruk Kintamani” hanging on the tree to rot due to low demand for the fruit.

Quoted by Seputarbali.com, Made Suara, a Jeruk Kintamani grower said, “The growers here cannot harvest their fruit due to the lack of traders wishing to pay a viable price.”

Meanwhile, the oranges are can be seen rapidly ripening hanging on the trees along the roads of Kintamani, some 60 kilometers northeast of Bali’s capital of Bali.

Farmers are reluctant to pick and sell their crops with prices paid by traders of only Rp. 4,000 (US$0.43) per kilogram, while the price for the oranges in Denpasar traditional markets reaches Rp. 10,000 (US$1.08) per kilogram and even higher in supermarkets.

Jeruk Kintamani farmers are complaining bitterly that there is low demand for the fruit, even during the Galungan holidays when fruit consumption traditionally peaks.

The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali and the Bali International Convention Center hosted the internationally acclaimed German violinist Iskandar Widjaya performing at a concert in support or the UNICEF Check Out For Children Challenge held on Friday, August 24, 2012.

German-born, but of Indonesian descent, Iskandar Widjaja was a child prodigy who first picked up the violin at age four. Formally educated at Berlin’s finest musical academies, he has performed as a soloist and chamber musician with leading orchestras across Europe.

“Be The Change, Be The Inspiration – An Evening With Iskandar Widjaya” was warmly received by the hundred in attendance at the rare evening of elevated musical entertainment. Proceeds from the evening were donated directly to UNICEF - earmarked for the vaccination and education of impoverished children across the Asia Pacific region.

In keeping with a mission to inspire, the Iskandar Widjaya’s Bali appearance included a special “sharing session” during which young musicians were invited to a private “master class” where the Maestro shared insights on his love of music and the violin. The young musicians attending the session each received autographed copies of Iskandar’s debut CD “Bach ‘n Blues.”

Widjaya's high regard for children and his love of music were also interwoven into the concert that followed the sharing session. Complimentary tickets to the concert were given to students from local schools, including a bus load of children from an orphanage in North Bali supported by the Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali.

The concert opened with an informative UNICEF video presentation highlighting the plight of children in the developing world. As the video concluded, Iskandar Wijaya took to the stage with a thrilling musical declaration of his love of Bach.

Changing to a more contemporary genre, Widjaya also performed a moving rendition of “You Raise Me Up” joined by a group of local music students. Children again shared the stage as the Joyful Choir to performed two popular songs, “We Are The World” and “The Greatest Love Of All” – accompanied, of course, by the visiting world class musician.

Enthralled by Widjaya’s artistry, listeners were brought to their feet in standing ovations that successfully summoned the violinist back to the stage for encores.

Bipan Kapur, Managing Director of The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali, announced following the concert: “It was indeed an honor to have a great musical talent such as Iskandar Wijaya play at the resort in support of our annual fundraiser. This event not only introduced classical violin music to the island of Bali, but also was also about nurturing the abilities of local children. I am happy to announce that this year we will be able to make a significant contribution to UNICEF and bring hope to those in need. I also have to draw attention to our dedicated team of associates and their fine efforts in rising to the challenge and making everything come together on the night.”

Wijaya’s performance represented the latest installment in a 17-year-long commitment by Starwood Hotels and Resorts in support of UNICEF, raising funds for causes that benefit impoverished children around the world. In the Asia Pacific region alone, the UNICEF Check Out For Children Challenge has supported the immunization of thousands of young women and children against a number of preventable diseases.
 

Because of the W Retreat’s careful environmental stewardship, a total of 293 green sea turtles swam back into the ocean with the latest group of turtle swimming away on Monday, August 27, 2012.

Earlier, on Wednesday, August 22, 2012, 88 turtles were release with 142 more on Sunday, August 26, 2012.

These turtles were produced from three separate nesting areas near the resort carefully guarded around-the-clock by resort staff.

The ardent concern for Bali’s fauna is in keeping with the “pet-friendly” policies of the W Retreat & Spa Bali.

“Though we only allow pets in our public areas, the turtles bring a whole new meaning to pet friendly”, said Craig Seaward, General Manager of W Retreat & Spa Bali. “There has been a strong, concerted effort to educate the villagers to protect and conserve these endangered animals. We wanted to do our part to shelter the turtle eggs and play a strong part to help regenerate the population in Indonesia.”

Shown on Baldiscovery.com are pictures from the most recent turtle release at W Retreat & Spa Bali.

[Book a Stay at the W Retreat and Spa]

The Bali Directorate General of Taxation (DJP) has discarded 147,000 Tax Registration Numbers (NPWP) considered inactive.

As reported by Bisnis Bali, the head of the Bali Tax Office, Zulfikir Thahar, on Friday, August 23, 2012 said: “We have eliminated the NPWP that are no longer active or represent ‘garbage’ tax numbers.”

Thahar said there are a large number of people who hold NPWPs but who pay no taxes. The number of taxpayers currently required to file a tax report in 2012 totaled 459,185. The number of tax number that have been eliminated is some 147,000 thousand.

“The total number of NPWP we cleaned out via the national tax census program is around 30%. The effective number of taxpayers is now 312,000,” Thahar explained. While admitting the number of taxpayers removed from the tax rolls was sufficiently high, the Bali tax official said the clean out of unused tax numbers would not reduce the amount of tax collected by his office. Adding: “If we just leave these number it will have no meaning. The NPWP held by these taxpayers just represents a burden to my office. We are now involved in seeking potential taxpayers, not sorting through inactive taxpayers.”

The cleaning out of non-active tax registration numbers brings, according to Thahar, a number of positive benefits. The recorded percentage performance for tax compliance now reaches 65%.

The target for income tax collection this year is Rp. 4.9 trillion (US$526.9 million). Through the mid-point of 2012, the income tax collected stands at Rp. 2.9 trillion or 59% of the stated target..

Beritabali.com reports that Bali is poised and ready to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit (APEC) set to take place in October 2013.

The APEC Summit will be held at the Bali International Convention Center (BICC) and Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center (BNDCC) within the Nusa Dua Complex in South Bali.

The Minister for Tourism and the Creative Economy, Mari Elka Pangestu, emphasized to the press that all preparations of the APEC Summit are proceeding according to plan.

“One of the preparations underway is the expansion of the Bali Ngurah Rai Airport. This must soon be complete and is expected to be finished in June or July 2013. In addition the construction of the elevated highway over the ocean and the underpass at the Dewa Ruci intersection will be completed by August 2013,” explained Pangestu as a planning meeting for the APEC Summit held at the Bali Tourism Development Corporation (BTDC) in Nusa Dua on Saturday, August 28, 2012.

The regent of Badung, A.A. Gde Agung, who participated in the planning meeting said that for each of the 21 heads of state and accompanying delegations attending the APEC Summit one hotel in the BTDC complex and surrounding areas will be set aside. In other word, each national delegation will have its own hotel.

In order to meet the accommodation requirement of the APEC Summit starred hotels outside the BTDC Complex will also be used including Tanjung Benoa, Sawangan, Jimbaran and Uluwatu.
 

Radar Bali reports the completed work on the elevated toll way connection Nusa Dua – Ngurah Rai Airport and Nusa Dua stands at 25%, as of the end of August 2013.

As reported by Balidiscovery.com, the entire toll way project is scheduled for completion on April 25, 2013. [See: And I’ll Take the High Road].

Concerns are growing as whether the toll way project will be completed on time. Work has come to a virtual standstill over the Idul Fitri Holidays during August 2012. More recently, protests by local environmental groups that the builders of the toll way are breaking pledges not to excavate the wet lands of Bali’s mangrove forest have drawn promises from the provincial government that excavations will stop until a new environmental impact study can be completed; at the same time fueling and concerns that the construction of the road may be delayed.

The chief director of PT Jasa Marga Bali Toll (JBT), Akhmad Tito Karim, confirmed on Sunday, August 26, 2012, that cumulative work on the toll way has reached 25%. Insisting, at the same time, that work was on schedule and on target.

He did say that some delays in the work were being occasioned by shallow seas that have made it difficult to operate a pontoon needed to install the piles or concrete pillars that will bear the suspended highway. Touching on the source of polemic now underway with environmentalists, Karim said the inability to operate the pontoon was being overcome through the “temporary” excavation of the mangrove forest to make way for construction access roads.

Work is also being slowed by the pattern of tides, requiring work to stop during low tides. However, when the westerly winds begin to blow from October to February, Karim anticipates can be a performed all day long without interruption.

He anticipates the construction of the toll way will achieve 75% completion rate by December 2012. Work should be completed by late April with full operation of the roadway to begin in June 2013.

Now in its 9th year, the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival returns to Bali October 3-7, 2012, again bringing together leading Indonesian and international literati in the cool foothills of Bali.

The theme for the 2012 gathering is “Bumi Manusia” or “This Earth of Mankind.” Drawn from the title of an epic novel by legendary Indonesian writer Pramoedya Ananta Toer, the adoption of the current theme marks the growing participation of Indonesian writer and the views they bring from every corner of the archipelago

Purnami, Community Development Manager for the Festival, says: “The increased participation of Indonesian writers enriches the festival through their local wisdom and perspectives from different parts of Indonesia. This year we present writers from across the Indonesian archipelago to share their stories with you.”

Among the Indonesian writers to grace the festival are Riri Riza, Happy Salma, Mira Lesmana, Todung Mulya Lubis, Rio Helmi, Ketut Yuliarsa, Butet Manutung and Iswadi Pratama.

Joining this star-studded cast of writers will be a compelling collection of international writers: Pulitzer Prize winner Jeffrey Eugenides, John Pilger, Anna Funder, Krys Lee, Kjersti Skomsvold, Kader Abdolah, and Alice Pung.

Memorable social gathers and special events will again punctuate the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival, including a lunch with Dr. Jose Ramos-Horta and an afternoon chat session with Nick Cave.

Special seminars on memoirs, poetry, fantasy, fiction, screen and travel writing are also planned.

There will also be theatrical performance, street parties, poetry nights and street theatre.

[Ubud Writers and Readers Festival Website]
 

Bali Daily (Jakarta Post) reports that an estimated one percent of women pregnant in Bali are infected with the HIV/AIDS virus. In real terms, this is equivalent to around 500 infected mothers each year.

Dewa Nyoman Wirawan of the Bali HIV/AID Commission blames the infections of pregnant mothers on the promiscuous sexual practices of husbands who infect their wives and unborn children.

Said Wirawan who is a epidemiologist from Udayana University: “From around 500 pregnant mothers who are estimated to be HIV positive, about half of them, or 250 mothers, would have HIV positive newborns.”

Babies born to HIV positive parents can only be absolutely determined to be similarly infected after six months of life when symptoms begin to manifest in the babies.

Wirawan said that stopping the spread of HIV in Bali is the reluctance of local doctors to test for the disease and then the limited treatment facilities for those determined to be infected. At present, treatment is limited to Bali’s main general hospital in Denpasar with efforts underway to establish centers for HIV treatment in Singaraja, Bangli and Karangasem regencies.

Patients with access to Antiretroviral medications (ARV) in the early stages of their infection can lead largely normal lives and suppress the chance of infecting others by 90%.

Statistics from Bali health officials indicate 74.4% of HIV infections arise through heterosexual contact, 12.79% through intravenous drug use, 3.9% via homosexual contact and 0.03 through unhygienic tattoos.

40% of HIV infections occur to people aged 20-29 years; with 35.76% to people aged 30 to 39 years; and 3.34% to children and infants under the age of 4 years.

Most HIV cases (40.3%) occur in the capital of Denpasar and 19.91% in the North Bali regency of Buleleng.

The Huffington Post, in an article by Sarah O’Mear, has created a pictorial list of the [Worlds Most Unusual Swimming Pools] 

Ranking high in the pictured list of 16 swimming pools were two Bali Resorts:

• [Pita Maha Resort in Ubud] 
• [Alila Ubud Resort] 

Send us a picture and description of your favorite Bali Swimming Pool!

In the ongoing debate about price competition and the increasing cost of a Bali holiday, the impact on the price continuum of shifting exchange rates is often not taken into account.

In examining the impact of foreign exchange shifts on the cost of vacationing in Bali, it is important to also keep in mind:

• For historical reasons and the fact that the Indonesian Rupiah is basically a “non-exportable” currency, hotels in Indonesia have always priced themselves in US$.
• Meanwhile, hotels, restaurants and attractions in Bali are almost always priced in Indonesian Rupiahs. 

In calculating the cost of a Bali holiday and regardless of how payment is actually made (i.e. bank transfer, credit card or cash), foreign visitors will in effect purchase U.S. Dollars to pay for their accommodation and secure Rupiahs to cover the cost of the other Bali-based portions of their island stay.

If we haven’t lost you yet, here’s what all this might mean to tourist visitors from a few key source countries of Bali visitors:

• Australian Dollars: An Australian visiting Bali in August 2010 and, again, two years later would be spending 14.41% more in paying for a hotel room than was the case two years before. Meanwhile, on the plus side, an Australian tourist, paying for food, drinks and other items priced in Indonesian rupiahs saw 12.73% more buying power in August 2012 than was the case two years before.
• Euro: While the value of the U.S. Dollar against the Europe has been largely “even” over the past two years (+1.97%) - meaning the cost of a hotel outside the impact of any hotel price hike remains much the same. However, Euro earners spending Rupiahs during their Bali holiday are spending 6.43% more in Euros to buy Rupiahs in 2012 than they did two year before.
• Japanese Yen: Japanese travelers are paying 7.42% more in 2012 in their home currency for an US$-based Bali hotel room than they did two years ago. To their credit, however, Japanese travelers are getting 13.08% more Indonesian Rupiahs for their Yens in 2012 than they did in 2010.
• Great Britain Pound: The U.K. travelers, who remain one of the strong performers among European visitors to Bali, found the value of the Pound Sterling against the U.S. Dollar only 1.6% less in valuable in the two years from 2010 to 2012. But, when U.K. visitors spent Rupiahs, they got 9.24% more for their Pound Sterling in 2012 than they did in 2010.
• PRC Renminbi: Arrivals from the People’s Republic of China continue to surge despite finding their U.S.$ price hotel room in Bali costing 6.53% more in Renminbi (before any hotel price hike) to purchase the U.S. Dollars needed for room bills than they paid in 2010. But, when PRC visitors go shopping or dining in Rupiahs, they happily discover their buying power has increased 13.11% over the two years from 2010.

Heavy seas in the Bali Straits between Bali and Java on Thursday evening, August 30, 2012, are blamed for the grounding of a ferry carrying cars and passengers to the port of Gilimanuk on Bali’s western shore.

The ferry Citra Mandala Sakti, captained by Martin Luther (35), was carrying 79 passengers, 7 cars, 19 motorcycles, 3 trucks and 3 pick-up trucks while idling outside the entrance to the port when a large wave swept the ship onto a coral reef.

The incident occurred at approximately 9:00 pm. Initial efforts to move the ship off the reef were unsuccessful, prompting the Captain to request assistance from a sister-ship, the ferry Satria Nusantara. A steel cable thrown to the stranded ship broke at 9:45 pm. A second effort to pull the ship off at 11:30 pm was also unsuccessful due to increasing currents in the straits.

As midnight approached, Captain Luther requested emergency assistance to evacuate the ship's passengers, which brought zodiac ships from the Indonesian Navy and the Jembrana Water Police. Evacuation efforts were later assisted by boats from the Indonesian Search and Rescue (SAR) team.

Authorities provided passengers with life jackets for the ride to shore, with many passengers reportedly reluctant to leave their vehicles on the stranded ship. The passengers were taken to a VIP hall at the port of Gilimanuk, given food and allowed to sleep on the floor of the facility while waiting for high tide the continuing efforts to refloat the ship to recommence.

All passengers were safely brought to shore.

On Friday a tugboat was deployed to the scene. After an initial effort to pull the ship back into deeper water at 9:30 a.m. failed, the boats was finally freed at 10:45 am after being stranded for 13 hours.

The passengers were able to re-board to vessel at 11:30 am to retrieve possessions and vehicles in order to continue their journey.

An inspection by Port Officials determined that the ship has not suffered any serious damage in the grounding that would represent a safety threat to the ship’s continuing operation. The Port Master (Syahbandar), Made Rai Ardana, blamed the grounding on the severe weather and a lack of familiarity with port conditions by the ship’s captain.

A forest fire is burning on the northern slopes of Bali’s sacred Mount Agung volcano - near the villages of Ban, Munting and Kubu, approximately 50 kilometers from the City of Amlapura.

On Friday, August 30, 2012, the flames of the fire could be seen at considerable distances from the fire's location at coastal locations acorss the island's north. Local citizens reported the fire initially subsided during the day on Friday, only to regain strength and reappear with more ferocity later in the day.

By mid-day Saturday the fires were affecting an area covering 400 hectares/

Small trees and dried brush are feeding the fire. Locals say such fires are not rare, but the size of the current forest fire is remarkable.

Some observers are suggesting the fire may have been started by careless behavior by local people using torches to harvest wild honey from trees on the slopes of the mountain.

Hundred of fire-fighting personnel were dispatched to the location of the bush fire on Saturday in a coordinated effort to bring the fire under control.

 

The following eulogy was contributed to Balidiscovery.com by Ubud Resident Joe Yaggi a friend of Brian Aldinger and Nuri Suryatmi since 1994
+ + +
About 17 years ago Brian Kenny Aldinger and Nuri Suryatmi opened a small warung on a lonely street on the North side of Ubud. Back in those days, there weren’t many tourists on Bali and very few made it to that side of town. I remember Brian recalling those days when they’d sell two bottles of Sprite and wondered what in the world they were doing.

Slowly, locals and expats began to find Naughty Nuri’s Warung and tell their friends until eventually, Brian and Nuri built that little warung into one of the most popular restaurants on Bali and a cultural institution of Ubud. Their martinis and ribs became the stuff of legends, more then a few of them messy, and as the word spread, people from all over Indonesia and all over the globe, not necessarily in that order, began to come.

Brian had many lives prior to this one on Bali. He sold Ferraris and Porches, was a volunteer in the Peace Corps, was a passionate photographer and an ardent traveler. On a trip to Indonesia he went to Jogjakarta and there he met Nuri when she was still working as a guide and the rest, as they say, is history.

Brain loved his family, he loved Bali and he loved the life of a publican. Some might say, and I’d tend to agree, that he was possibly one of the best publicans on the planet. He brought so many of us together, many of us met for the first time over the square table, and brought so many laughs and smiles to the people around him and people around the world. If you ever heard him utter that infamous line “Hey buddy, there ain’t nothin’ down there…”  to passing tourists, you’d also know that it very likely changed that person’s life and often signaled the end of their vacation as they slipped into a seat at the Square Table.

As friends and family, brothers and sisters, we’ll all miss you Brian. We’ve had such great times and shared so many laughs that I’m absolutely sure that’s how you’d want us to remember you.

Nuri, Maggie and Tanti, your lives have been blessed and forever altered as have many of ours. This is a sad time for all of us and our hearts go out especially to you and the rest of Brian’s family here and in the States..

We’ve all been lucky to know you Brian Kenny Aldinger. You’ve been a friend, a brother, and an instigator more times than any of us can count. Thank you for all the good times. Oh what fun we’ve had! We’ll miss you Brian but rest assured that you’ll live on in all of our hearts, and most of our beer glasses, forever.

Thank you for all you’ve given us. Safe travels to the great beyond.

In Indonesia Brian is survived by Isnuri Suryatmi Aldinger, Maggie Dewi Aldinger, Dhani “Tanti” Rahmatanti, Sekartaji “Arum” Arumingtias, Sawitri “Witri” Budi Artati, Mba Putri and their extended family in Bali and Java.

In the US, Brian is survived by his father John F. Aldinger II, his brother John F. Aldinger III, and his sisters Catherine M. Aldinger and Margaret M. Iannelli.

Brian’s mother, Catherine T. Aldinger, passed away 8 hours before he was cremated. We hope they’re happy and at peace together.

Mozaic Beach Club is the locale for a limited seating dinner especially prepared by Chef James Ephraim accompanied by outstanding Champagnes of The House of Henri Giraud.

The dinner will take place on Thursday, September 13, 2012

The Food of Chef James Ephraim

Chef James Ephraim is a native of England where he started as a sous-chef with the renowned Grosvenor Hotel. A strong culinary starting point by any standard, Chef Ephraim’s London employment led him to cook at exclusive events including regular appearances at the Estate of the Duke of Westminster. Later, leaving his native England, Emphraim exchanged hemispheres for new culinary experiences in the South Pacific and Australasia. He became part of the opening team of Bracu Restaurant in New Zealand where he worked as chef de cuisine, extending his stay down-under at Lizard Island Barrier Reef Resort.

Eager to travel and experience the world’s cuisines, Ephraim also work at Mugaritz in Spain before moving to his new adopted island home of Bali. On the "Island of the Gods," Ephraim joined forces with the pioneering Chef Chris Salans of Mozaic Restaurant Gastronomique in the preparation of Mozaic’s signature modern Balinese Cuisine.

The House of Henri Giraud Champagnes

On hand at the Mozaic Beach Club on September 13, 2012 will be Claude Giraud, CEO of the Henri Giraud.

Founded in 1625, The House of Henri Giraud is located in Aÿ, Champagne, France - where Henri Giraud was producing wine long before the discovery of the champagne process that created the sparkling wine that is now synonomous with the region’s name. Henri Giraud is the oldest Champagne house still owned by its founding family.

Traveling to Bali will be Claude Giraud, the son of Henri Giraud, who became a négotiant-manipulant in 1990 - a designation given to houses that source the majority of their grapes rather than growing them directly.

Claude Henri is the 12th Generation to run the company, assuming his CEO role in 1982 and leading the move made in 1999 to only sell his family’s wine to selected families and outlets and offer them to the growing worldwide market.

Dinner on September 13, 2012

The venue for the evening is the newly opened elegant seaside dining room of the Mozaic Beach Club.

Menu and Champagne Pairing Highlights, include:

Fine Claire Oysters with fresh raspberries and black winter truffles
Esprit de Giraud Rosé
++++
Slow confit of black cod with Kaffir’ limes and caviar
Blanc de Blancs, Fût de Chêne 2000
+++++
Foie Gras Bitter Chocolate and Wild Cherry, topped with Candied rosemary and ‘Andaliman’ pepper
Ratafia de Champagne
++++
Lamb Tenderloin with pickled peach, Roasted cinnamon jus and toasted spices, A.O.C. Comté cheese with Vanilla gastrique, walnut ‘sablé’ and ‘Nashi’ pear salad.
++++
Baked Valrhona Chocolate Fondant with Turmeric and lemon sorbet and local pepper reduction.

Price and More Information

Cost: Rp. 1.4 million ++ per person (US$182) covers multi-course dinner and five paired wines from the Giraud Champagne House.
For more information or reservations [email] or telephone ++62-(0)361-4735796


“Claude Giraud makes some of the most unique, individualistic wines in Champagne. Al of the wines bear the an mistakable stamp of the Grand Cru vineyards of Ay. The top selections (Code Noir and Fut de Chene) are vinified and aged in oak, which plays an important role in shaping many of the finest wines here. At their best, the Giraud Champagnes offer incredible intensity, class and balance.”

Robert Parker – The Wine Advocate, December 2009

Bali Governor Made Mangku Pastika has at last confirmed his readiness to stand for reelection in 2013.

Pastika was elected to his first term as the candidate of the Indonesian Democratic Party for Struggle (PDIP). It now seems increasingly certain that Pastika will not be put forth as the PDIP candidate for a second term. Meanwhile, the Golkar Party is exploring alternate scenarios that could create a coalition ticket for governor headed by Pastika, with either A.A. Gde Agung or Gede Sumarjaya Linggih as his running mate for deputy-governor.

A.A. Gde Agung is presently the regent of Badung while Gede Sumarjaya Linggih is a Golkar legislator from the provincial House of Representatives (DPR).

Other rumors of possible candidates for the governor's job are rampant. As reported by NusaBali, names floated as potential candidates are Sumarjaya Linggih, Cokorda Oka Artha Ardhana Sukawari (Cok Ace) the current regent of Gianyar, and A.A. Puspayoga the current deputy governor.

There include discussions about suggesting a coalition ticket between Golkar and PDIP putting forth Pastika as the candidate for governor.

That Pastika is apparently on the outs with the PDIP party is demonstrated by the fact that he has already been sidelined from the the provincial leadership of the party, with Puspayoga, his deputy-governor, now being pushed by the party to run for governor in 2013. Also signifying his growing distance from the PDIP, governor Pastika has publicly lamented the cold shoulder he is getting from former Indonesian president Megawati Soekarnoputri who leads the PDIP and has of late studiously avoided meeting with Pastika, despite her frequent visits to the island.

Quoted in Nusa Bali, Pastika made metaphoric reference to his difficult childhood years growing up in Sumatra when, for a period, he lived as a foster-child when his own parent were unable to adequately provide for him. “I am used to being discarded since the time when I was a child. If someone took me in, I was grateful. But, if no one wanted me, that was also all right. If the people still want me and there is a party that wishes to put me forward for governor in 2013, I am prepared to go forward on that basis,” he explained.

Pastika told the press he has no ambitions for a second term as governor of Bali, but would accept a nomination in order to fill the moral responsibility of completing the many social programs on behalf of the Balinese people he initiated during his first term.

Still recuperating from heart bypass surgery, Pastika seems both at peace and resigned to whatever the future may bring. He says he is pleased that he has been able to start a number of major social programs that continue to be improved and refined. Adding: “If I am not re-elected, that means there is another candidate better than me. Let’s all unite and support that candidate.”

Bali’s gubernatorial election is scheduled for May 15, 2013.

The chairman of Bali Chapter of Indonesia Congress and Convention Association (INCCA-Bali), Ida Bagus Surakusuma, is quoted by Bisnis Bali, calling on Bali legislators to battle on behalf of the island’s meeting, incentive, conference and exhibition sector (MICE) to relax restrictions on the sale and import of wine and other alcoholic drinks.

Surakusuma, also known as “Lolec,” called on the government to keep Bali competitive with competing MICE destination in the region in the area of the cost of alcoholic beverages by joining in a struggle to change the current rules governing the importation of wine and spirits.

Insisting that changing the liquor importation rules was important to Bali and the responsibility of all those in power, he called on every sector to work in order that changes to the rules are discussed at a national level.

Lolec said the high taxes imposed on liquor and wines are counter-productive in the government’s declared desire to expand the MICE sector of the national economy.

He described how wine is an essential part of MICE dinner events as an aid to digestion. Wine, he reminded, when used in the MICE industry is not intended to intoxicate, but to complete the professional atmosphere of meals and gatherings held by MICE groups visiting Indonesia.

Calling for a common understanding and language between legislators and MICE operators, he said the current tax regime for alcohol importation is an obstacle to increasing tourism arrivals.

Lolec pointed to the way in which casinos in Malaysia are operated as offering a possible solution to the current imbroglio surrounding liquor importation. He described how local people in Malaysia are not permitted to visit casinos and are forbidden from consuming alcohol.

Saying that the central government must relax rules and taxes on the importation of alcoholic drinks, suggesting other more effective means other than high taxes were available to avoid any negative consequences of excessive alcohol consumption by the local population.

Bali Daily (The Jakarta Post) quotes Dr. Tjakra Wibawa Manuaba of the medical faculty at Bali’s Udayana University citing traffic accidents as the island’s number one public health issue.

Said Dr. Manuaba: “People might consider cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and even contagious diseases like rabies as the most incurable and deadly diseases for the Balinese people. For me, traffic accidents are now the biggest killer.”

Concerned at the growing number of accident and resulting casualties that disproportionately affect young people, Manuaba regrets the resulting widespread physical, financial and psychological consequences for Bali and its people.

While the Indonesian Cancer Foundation blames cancer for numerous deaths, Manuaba, who is himself an oncologist, retorts: 

“Cancer and cardiovascular diseases are actually treatable if the sufferer receives early medical treatment and leads a healthy life.”

Bali police estimate that 700 people lost their lives in traffic accidents in 2011, a total that does not include people who died in hospital or later as the result of injuries sustained on Bali’s roadways. In the same year, 759 sustained serious injuries while 1,591 suffered minor injuries.

Traffic injuries and deaths are most prevalent among people aged 16-30 years of age. The Sanglah General Hospital in Denpasar claims its treats 150 people every day involved in traffic mishaps on the island’s roads

Manuaba continued: “This [traffic accidents] is the most crucial public health issue that must be addressed in a comprehensive way. It is mostly caused by lack of discipline, human error and public ignorance on the dangers of driving recklessly . . . Poor road facilities, unclear traffic signs and weak law enforcement also contribute to serious traffic accidents.”

The Doctor slammed the failure of the police, families and schools to educate young people on road safety. He also cited the tendency for parent to ignore the law and to purchase motorcycles for their children who are unlicensed and too young to legally operate a motor vehicle.

He said 80% of the accidents in Bali involve motorcycles.

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The recent transfer of a majority shareholding for PT Garuda Adimatra Indonesia (GAIN) by PT Alam Sutera Realty means that work has recommenced on what is hoped will result in the completion of the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park on Bali’s Ungasan Peninsula.

An on-again-off-again project spanning two decades, the Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) project envisions a cultural park covering a 100-hectare site dominated by a 300-meter high statue of the Lord Winsu sitting atop a 70-meter pedestal.

The total cost of the project has been put at figures varying from US$40 million to US$200 million.

According to Radar Bali, Bali sculptor and the chief artist in charge of the project, Nyoman Nuarta, is now working to create the metal skin made from copper and bronze to cover the statue.

Work is also soon to commence on the pedestal to support the monument.

Ida Bagus Budihartawan who is in charge of GWK estimates another 2.5 to 3 years will be needed to complete the statue.

The transfer of shares from PT Multi Matra Indonesia as the majority shareholder in PT Gain to PT Alam Sutera was reportedly valued at around Rp. 821 billion (US$88.3 million). That amount is calculated as equivalent to 90.3% of the issued shares in PT GAIN, with the remaining shares owned by PT Bali Tourism Development Corporation (PT BTDC).

Nyoman Nuarta, when testifying before the Badung House of Representatives in 2011, estimated the cost of completing the park at at Rp. 750 billion (US$80.6 million).