Indonesia’s Minister of Seas and Fisheries, Syarif Cicip Sutardjo, participated in the sinking of a larges ship in the offshore area of Perbekelan in Karangasem, East Bali.

Seputarbali.com reports that the 150 ton ship measuring 87 meters long was sunk to create an artificial reef habitat for sea life in the popular dive area off Tulamben.

The ship once worked as a patrol boat for the Department of Sea Communication before being bought by two expatriates who donated the ship the regency government of Karangasem. The vessel was built in Holland in 1952.

The vessel now lies at the bottom of the sea some 200 meters off shore from the village of Kubu in Karangasem.

The actual “sinking” was marked by Cicip pushing a button that scuttled the ship from a distance sending it to the bottom of the sea. At the same ceremony, the Minister provided capital support worth Rp. 3.82 billion (US$402,000) to projects in support of fishermen in Karangasem.

Commenting at the event, the regent of Karangasem, I Wayan Geredeg, said that his region has the second-longest stretch of seashore in Bali that is home to 6,500 fishermen divided into 240 groups spread across the sub districts of Manggis, Karangasem, Abang and Kubu.

Thus far in 2012, Karangasem had produced 18,000 tons of fish worth Rp. 164 billion (US$17.3 million), figure that up significantly from 2011 when for the entire year 16,000 tons of fish emanated from the regions.

Historians and archaeologists are busily trying to fix the founding year of Bali’s capital city of Denpasar.

The question of Denpasar’s “official” age continues to generate debate from the perspectives of historical evidence, legal documents and folklore - each with its own version on exactly when Bali was first established.

Experts contend that reaching a consensus on Denpasar’s founding date is needed to meet a shared desire to establish the capital as a cultural center - a status that requires a minimum age of 50 years.

However, the “official” age of Denpasar as determined by government decre is only 20 years.

A cultural study team from Udayana University has undertaken research at the National Archives in Jakarta and discovered a decree by the Minister of the Interior confirming an official age of 20 years for Denpasar linked to the city's designation as the provincial Capital for Bali in 1992.

Historians, however, claim Denpasar was actually founded in 1788, based on the age of a Palace named “Denpasar” dating from that year.

If the historians’ perspective is accepted, Denpasar becomes 224 year old and no longer be a youngster of 20.

Until a formal decision is rendered on Denpasar’s age, the official birthday of the capital is still tied to a Ministerial decree singed on February 27, 1992, that made Denpasar the capital of the then newly autonomous province of Bali.

Englishman Paul Beales (40) is facing the prospect of 20-years behind bars in Bali if a panel of judges accepts sentencing demands from prosecutors in connection with his role in smuggling 4.7 kilograms of cocaine into Indonesia.

Beritabali.com reports that at a court session held on Monday, September 9, 2012, Beales was formally charged as a drug courier under the 2009 anti-narcotics law.

Prosecutor Wayan Terima Darsana told the presiding judge John Tony Hutaruk that the defendant was involved in a sale of narcotics smuggled into Bali by another U.K. citizen, Lindsay June Sandiford.

Beales was arrested in a drug transaction that took place in Candidasa on May 25, 2012

Sandiford’s trial process is being held separately from Beales’ case in the Denpasar courts.

Police subsequently raided Beales’ accommodation address in North Kuta where they also discovered 3.1 grams of hashish.

His trial continues.

The ongoing polemic over the elevated highway connecting Benoa – Ngurah Rai Airport – Nusa Dua has entered a new phase with the revision of the environmental impact study governing the project.

According to Radar Bali, the Provincial Environmental Agency (BLH-Bali) decided to that a revision of the environmental impact study must be done addressing the temporary excavation of the mangrove forest and the subsequent measures that will be taken by PT Jasa Marga Bali (PT JMB) to restore the environment once construction is completed.

The head of BLH–Bali, Nyoman Sujaya, accompanied by his chief of supervision and control Nyoman Ardana, told the press that while in the original environmental study mention was made of excavations of mangrove areas to facilitate the construction, no reference was made as to the length and extent of the excavations now being undertaken.

“For this reason,” explained Sujaya, the environmental impact study is being revised.

BLH-Bali formally delivered a letter to PT JMB on August 31, 2012, requesting an addendum to the original environmental impact study for the Bali toll way project (JDP). That letter was replied by PT JMB on September 4, 2012, agreeing in principle to undertake the requested revision. A follow-up letter was then sent by the BLJ-Bali on September 10, 2012, asking that the revised study be expedited with BLH-Bali requesting that the new environmental impact study address excavation of the mangrove and plans to restore the wetlands once the roadway is completed.

Sujaya said: “The JDP is required to prepare a budget to address the damage caused by the excavation. These funds will be used later to restore the natural environment. This must be done by the JDP.”

The law provides that should the planned environmental restoration not be carried out, then the project managers can be charged under the law.

Related Articles

[Bali’s Bitter Medicine]

[Bali Environmentalists Prepare for Battle] 

[Temporary Digs]

Illegal and unlicensed guides operating in Bali are being cited as the cause of poor service to visitors coming to the island that results in damage to the destination’s reputation.

Unlicensed guides are mentioned by Drs I Putu Anom, Dean of the Tourism Faculty at Bali’s Udayana University, as the fault of poor enforcement by Bali officials. Moreover, Anom estimated that as many as 50% of the guides now operating in Bali are unlicensed.

Quoted in Radar Bali, Anom called on the provincial tourism authorities to take the necessary action to end operations by illegal guides as provided for under the Provincial Tourism Law of 2008. In order to ensure better quality guiding services in the future, he said the recruitment standards for new guides must be tightened.

Anom said that preference should be given to the recruitment of Hindu guides who, by virtue of their faith, will posses an intrinsic understanding of Bali’s cultural heritage. Moreover, Anom said that tourists would be more impressed with guides who have  a firm cultural and religious connection to the Island.

In terms of enforcement, Anom said that fining illegal guides was insufficient to deter such practice; claiming illegal guides captured by the authorities must also be subjected to a period of imprisonment.

Bisnis.com reports that the CEO of Garuda Indonesia, Emirsyah Satar, confirms his airline is targeting to commence service the U.S.A. by the end of 2015.

Said Emirsyah: “Garuda will be ready to fly to the US [in 2015], because by that time we’ll have our B-777-300 ER fleet.”

Part of the “Quantum Leap Program” that is repositioning the Garuda brand and revitalizing the airline’s finances, the airline will increase its current fleet of 94 aircraft to 244 planes by the end of 2015.

Quoted by the Jakarta Globe, Garuda’s Spokesman, Pujobroto, said that the Indonesian national carrier want to spread its wings to destination both in the U.S.A. and Europe, beyond its current single European destination of  Amsterdam.

Said Pujobroto: “In the long run, Garuda will also fly to London, Paris, Frankfurt and Rome or Milan.”

While keeping a wary eye of the unfolding economic situation in Europe and America, Emirsyah still seeks to increase the total passengers carried to 45.4 million by 2015. The airline carried 17.1 million in 2015.

A 39-year-old Ugandan citizen, Bashit Gadafi Polikoko, has heard Bali prosecutors call for the death sentence in his ongoing trial before Denpasar District Court.

Poliloko is charged with trying to smuggle 1.055 kilograms of methamphetamine into the Bali, concealed within his alimentary tract.

Beritabali.com said prosecutors estimate the street value of the concealed drugs is Rp. 2.6 billion (US$274,000).

Polikoko arrived in Bali on board Qatar Airways flight QR 638 on June 30, 2012 with 66 capsules of drugs hidden in his digestive system.

The man’s lawyer told the court that Poliloko is merely a victim of an international drug syndicate.

Related Article

[And Another One Bites the Dust]
 

Beritabali.com reports that members Regional Representative Council of Indonesia (DPD - Dewan Perwakilan Daerah Republik Indonesia) paid a surprise visit to the Hotel Mulia Bali project on Tuesday, September 18, 2012.

During the DPD visit its members called on the large hotel project to soon open in Sawangan, Nusa Dua to be sure follow all rules and regulations.

Leading the inspection team was DPD member Wayan Sudirta

The group initially visited a local temple adjacent to the hotel – Pura Geger before touring the hotel complex.

During that inspection, Sudirta asked a number of questions, including the setback distance of the hotel’s buildings from the shoreline; the situation of Pura Geger; and the welfare of seaweed farmers now using the waters surrounding the hotel.

“Our goal in visiting the project was to determine in its construction was in accordance with the law and if any rules have been violated. The fate of seaweed farmers must also be attended to. Let make the future fate of these farmers clear. (There needs) to be a guarantee that the seaweed farming can continue,” said Sudirta.

The Hotel Mulia Bali represented by the general affairs officer, Gusti Ngurah Rahardja, told the press that the construction of the hotel is in accordance with all existing rules and regulations.

“The building of the Hotel Mulia meets all the existing rules, including the building permit (IMB) and (also) follows the regulations from the Badung regency. Everything has a permit, including the set back from the shoreline,” explained Rahardja.

The 2009 Zoning Law for Bali (RTRWP) requires that no permanent structure be built within 100 meters of the ocean’s high water mark.

The construction of the Hotel Mulia Bali project is now 90% completed. The hotel with 750 rooms is slated to open before the end of 2012.

Sudirta said his team would continue to visit the project to ensure all rules and regulations concerning its construction and operations are obeyed.

A report in The Jakarta Globe casts questions if not new light on the quality of life behind bars in Bali’s.

Muhamad Rawi, together with five other men, escaped police detention in Kuta, Bali on September 15, 2011 while awaiting trial on narcotics charges.

The other five men were captured by police as they boarded a ferry from Bali to Java, but Rawi made good his escape and has been living the life of a fugitive for the past year, spending time doing menial jobs in North Sumatra and Jakarta.

Rawi, who hails from Banyuwangi, East Jawa, reportedly missed the certain security of detention, preferring to be locked up than be living on a constant run from the law.

The man told police “nothing was more miserable than life on the lam.”

Rawi has surrendered himself to the Bali police, declaring his desire to return to school once his period of detention is completed.

Happy to oblige with Rawi’s wishes, the Kuta precinct commander, Gede Putu Dedi Ujiana, declared to Detik.com, “So he is back in our dungeon.”

A group calling itself the People’s Group for Indonesian Transportation (Masyarakat Transportasi Indonesia – MTI) has called on the provincial government of Bali and the municipal administration of Denpasar to bring greater order to cars parking on the island’s roads.

Beritabali.com reports that MTI has also called on the provincial administration to require local businesses to provide off-street parking to eliminate the need for street side parking.

The chairman of MTI, Danang Parikesit, attending a tourism meeting on Tuesday, September 18, 2012 convened to discuss traffic congestion in Bali, blamed street side parking as a major cause of traffic jams in Bali.

Pariskesit said cars park on the roadsides reduces the carrying capacity of roads by between 10-15%

The MTI leader also called on the provincial government of Bali to increase the number of busses and the coverage network of the Sarbagita Bus System as a further means of reducing traffic congestion.

Bali Post reports that Indonesian president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has stated his desire that the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit planned in Bali in October 2013 runs smoothly and successfully.

Yudhoyono has linked a successful APEC Conference to the larger success of Indonesia and the Asia Pacific nations in general.

“In know that we have prepared well for all aspects, so let us all make (APEC) a success for the sake of Indonesia and for the sake of cooperation in as Asia Pacific region,” proclaimed the President during a cabinet meeting in Jakarta on Tuesday, September 18, 2012.

As the chairman of APEC in 2013, Indonesia is charged with continuing dialogues and programs that were tabled at the just completed APEC 2012 conference held in Vladivostok, Russia.

In Russia it was determined that China would host the APEC conference in 2014.

The Indonesian President said the just completed APEC conference in Vladivostok saw as the main agenda items a detailed discussion on the need to safeguard economic growth, the encouragement of trade and investment, integration of economic zones, the need to maintain food security and how to build innovative economies.

Yudhoyono maintains that the decisions reached at APEC 2013 in Bali will have far-reaching global effects and help determine international cooperation in the future.

“The main theme will remain how to maintain our economies in the region and do what is needed to stimulate growth,” said Yudhoyono.

Related Article

[Bali’s Bitter Medicine]

[Bali Environmentalists Prepare for Battle]

The Benoa-Ngurah Rai-Nusa Dua elevated highway project (JDP) has claimed the life of a worker who was crushed by a 4-ton support column.

Beritabali.com reports the fatal accident occurred on Wednesday, September 19, 2012, at approximately 4:30 pm killing Sumardianto (31), a worker from Banyumas, Central Java.

The incident took place on the west pier of the Benoa – Nusa Dua section of the highway.

A representative of the Criminal Division of the Denpasar Police, police commissioner Ambariyadi Wijaya, explained that “when he (the victim) was working on one of the support pillars the victim climb atop a pile of pillars to release a restraining cable. Unknown at the time, the pillars at the bottom of the stockpile were undermined by an outgoing tide that brought scattered the pillars and crushed the worker, killing him at the scene.”

A spokesman for the Toll Way project expressed his condolences to the family of the dead worker. Saying the death was clearly an unintended accident, a spokesman assured that the contractor employing the man would take the necessary steps concerning both the victim and his family.

At the same time, Jasa Marga Bali Toll spokesman Drajad Suseno called on the general superintendent of the project and the contractors involved in the each segment of the project to enhance safe work practices to prevent a repetition of the tragedy.

Worldwide protests against the controversial film “Innocence of Muslims” were also felt in Indonesians with protests staged at the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta and that nation’s consulates in Medan and Surabaya.

Meanwhile in Bali, the U.S. Consular Agency on Jalan Hayum Wuruk was temporarily closed on Friday, September 21, 2012 and an extra police and military presence put in place in anticipation of any possible protests in Bali.

While protests and demonstrations did take place at the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Jakarta, Medan, and Surabaya, there have been no protests or demonstrations in Bali.

Bali police have said they will continue with an extra police presence in Bali for an indefinite period of time.

“The increase in security measures at the American Consulate in Denpasar, Bali was in response to the escalation in demonstrations and protests that took place in Jakarta,” explained Hariadi, the spokesman for the Bali police.

Bali as a major tourism destination with a unique world culture must be protected by special laws that will foster cultural sustainability.

This idea was advanced by Paulus Yohanes Sumino, a Member of Commission of the National House of Representatives (DPR-RI) during a focus group discussion at the campus of Udayana University on September 18, 2012.

Quoted by Beritabali.com, Paulus said: “Bali needs protection under special laws because of the island’s unique character. Bali needs special attention and special regulations. There is a need for specific laws that will protect Bali’s culture and natural environment, permitting the culture of Bali to strengthen.”

Sumino’s believes that without special protection for the Balinese and their culture, the people of the Island would succumb to the intense pressure of economic survival.

“For instance, the Maori tribe of New Zealand. They pursued economic advancement by aligning with the English and Europeans. As a result, over a period of 150 years the Maori had forgotten their own cultural identity. Now they are only beginning to rediscover their cultural identity,” explained Paulus, who played a role in securing autonomy for the people of Papua.

Paulus says that that through the protection afforded by special laws will preserve Bali’s unique character.

Concluding, Paulus said: “The fact is that Bali needs special handling. If Bali loses its identity, then Indonesian will also lose a part of its national identity.”

GHM (General Hotel Management) will enlarge its Indonesian portfolio of hotels with The Chedi Nusa Penida set to be open in 2015.

The 100-villa resort will be located on the near offshore island of Nusa Penida – some 15-kilomters away from the popular beach area of Sanur Beach.

The resort will be designed by renowned Spanish visionary Ismael Pindado who will lightly populate the landscape with egg-shaped villas inspired by tree houses spread across a 5.4-hectare site overlooking Crystal Bay. A leading Madrid engineering firm - Cubillo Y Esteban, has also been contracted to see the project to fruition.

Access to the resort will be by private yacht or helicopter.

Developed by Singapore's Sinni Villas, construction of the project is expected will begin in the first quarter of 2013.

GHM currently operates eight luxury hotels worldwide, including two on Bali: The Legian in Seminyak and The Chedi Club Tanah Gajah in Ubud.

[The Chedi Club Tanah Gajah]

[The Legian, Seminyak]

Pantai Lovina on Bali’s northern shore in the regency of Buleleng is no longer on the itinerary of the Sail Indonesia 2012 yachting regatta.

According to the State News Agency Antara, the contract including Lovina on the archipelagic-spanning course ended in 2011.

The chief of the Culture and Tourism Office for Buleleng, Jro Ketut Warkadea, said: “In addition to the expiration of the contract with Love Indonesia Foundation (Yayasan Cinta Indonesia) who operate the event, we have also not received an allocation to operate Sail Indonesia from the State Budget (APBN).”

For the past three consecutive years, Lovina Beach in North Bali was included among the ports-of-call for ‘Sail Indonesia’ yachting participants who commence an extended visit to Indonesia from the port of Darwin, Australia.

Although unsuccessful in hosting Sail Indonesia, Buleleng has invited Yayasan Cinta Indonesia to operate “Festival Lovina” in mid-October 2012.

Festival Lovina has received financial support from the Ministry of Tourism and the Creative Economy in the amount of Rp. 100 million (US$10,500) to be supplemented with an equal amount from the Buleleng Regency’s budget.

[Sail Indonesia]
 

The Denpasar District Court has sentenced a 54-year-old U.S. Citizen to 6 months imprisonment after finding him guilty of marijuana possession.

Henry Rice Scobee heard his sentence on Thursday, September 20, 2012 in a trial that was precipitated by the man’s arrest on May 3, 2012, at Alex Home Stay on Jalan Raya Legian in Kuta.

According to Beritabali.com, police confiscated 0.98 grams of marijuana in a plastic bag found in a wooden box on a table in the man’s bedroom.
Scobee admitted ownership of the marijuana, saying he had bought the drugs for his own use from a stranger.

The six-month sentence was less than the 9 months demanded by prosecutors.

Bali’s next gubernatorial election will take place on May 15, 2013, part of a cyclical ritual of democracy held once every five years.

At least one Bali official hopes that the prospect of what promises to be a hotly contested race for the Island’s chief executive will become an attraction for foreign visitors wishing to see Indonesian democracy in action.

Speaking on Thursday, September 20, 2012, to Beritabali.com, the vice-chairman of the Bali Provincial House of Representatives (DPRD-Bali), I Ketut Suwandhi, described his vision as “Governor’s Race Tourism” (pariwisata Pilkada).

Suwandhi said, “We want to see Bali become a pilot project of a peaceful election of high quality that will become a point of attraction for international tourism.”

Suwandhi said that the traditional style of mass convoys through the streets of Bali is now out of date. He feels a modern election should be more concerned with the sharing of each candidate’s vision and a constructive public dialogue on the issues.

Suwandi, who is also a functionary of the Golkar party, said that each new round of the election process should be more qualitative than the last.

He is also urging that election officials overseeing the election process control the size, quantity and placement of campaign posters and banners.

Concluding, Suwandi said: “Let's not let the election be viewed as a dangerous period. Let’s show that (the election) can be conducive for Bali! Our people can work in peace, and the dynamics of democracy can proceed smoothly.”

The State News Agency Antara writes that Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard is scheduled to attend the 10th anniversary commemoration ceremonies of the Bali Bombing on October 12, 2012  at the Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park in Jimbaran.

The vice-commander of the Bali police, Brigadier General Ketut Unung Yoga Ana, said on Thursday, September 20, 2012: “The organizing committee and the government of Australia have met with us and confirmed that the GWK ceremony will be attended by between 800-1,000 Australians, including the Australian Prime Minister.”

He confirmed that in addition to Australia’s Prime Minister, a former prime minister, the chief of the Australian Federal Police, 60 senior government officials, 25 senior police officers and representatives from the Australian Embassy in Jakarta are expected to attend.

The Bali police official confirmed that the large list of attendees would receive a level of security reserved for VVIP (very very important persons) coordinated with the presidential protection team (Paspampres).

Yoga Ana estimated that 4,000 people will attend the ceremony commemorating the first Bali bombing, including victims and families of victims from Australia, Indonesia and other nations.

The police will prepare some 1,000 personal at the ceremonies locations and at “Ground Zero” in Kuta where the bombs exploded on October 12, 2002.

In addition to a large contingent of police and military officers to secure the peace on October 12, 2012, Bali police will also deploy metal detectors and other advanced security measures.

Legislators from the Badung House of Representatives (DPRD-Badung) are complaining that lax collection policies by tax authorities are costing the regency substantial revenues in underpayment of taxes by nightspots and discothèques.

Badung lawmakers want the higher tax of 12.5% applicable to “clubs” rather than the lower 10% now being applied to clubs and nightspots parading as restaurants and bars across Bali.

A member of Commission C of DPRD-Badung, Putu Alit Yandinata, told Radar Bali: “We are asking the regency’s tax and tourism officials (Dispenda and Disparda) to coordinate their efforts. They should urgently match their permits and tax rates.”

The legislators are also asking for a speedier collection of taxes due to the regencies, complaining the long delays between the actual sale and the tax bill only accentuates losses suffered by Badung.

Many nightspots, clubs and discothèques are operating with incorrect permits as restaurants and bars in order to be able to pay the lower tax rate of 10%,

The regency is home to many bars and restaurants with permits from live music performance. Largely indistinguishable from discos and nightclubs, the businesses represent substantial loss in tax revenues to the regency due to their underpayment of taxes.

An extensive collection of Indonesian gemstones and jewelry designed by Irwan will be on display at the Neka Museum in Ubud, Bali October 3-8, 2012 as part of the many activities being held in conjunction with the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival.

Among the extraordinary gemstones on display will be opals from West Java; mabe (blister) and cultured South Sea pearls; red, black and rare blue coral only found in Indonesia; Pancawarna Sanskrit agates; chrysocolla; amethsyt; rose agate, picture agates; and rare amber.

Irwan’s unique approach to jewelry also includes innovative use of rare tropical woods, bamboo, lava, textiles and other materials.

A large collection of gems and stones will also be on display that can be placed in selected settings within 48 hours.

Born in New York City, Irwan William-Holmes traveled in Europe before settling in Indonesian in 1969. A member of the Subud Spiritual community in Indonesia for 50 years, he uses only Indonesian gemstones in his designs.

He has one numerous awards including a prestigious prize for design at the Bijorcha Exhibition in Paris (2006).

Paintings by Angels

Jewelry and Gemstones by Irwan

Neka Museum - Ubud, Bali
October 3 – 8, 2012 - Open Daily

For more information telephone ++62-(0)81 182 4302

Bali Daily (The Jakarta Post) reports that the Meteorology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) is signaling that Bali’s rainy season commence in October.

The BMKG is sending the additional warning that residents in Bali should be on the alert for the potential of landslides, floods and whirlwinds.

Wayan Suardana of BMKG Bali office said: “Generally, the island will experience a normal level of rainfall this year, but areas that are prone to floods, whirlwinds and landslides should be on alert.”



The risk of extreme weather is greatest during the transitional period between the seasons when large cumulonimbus clouds fill the skies.

While unable to pinpoint those areas of Bali most at risk, Suardana did highlight north Bali at Buleleng for whirlwinds and landslides in mountainous areas, such as Kintamani and Bedugul. Bali’s rapid rate of deforestation, he warned, may add to the overall effects of periods of extreme weather.

The rainy season in Bali will commence at differing periods between October and December, depending on location. The late rainy season will come last in Nusa Penida and North Bali in December. October will see rains fall in central and South Bali. The remaining other areas of the island will enter the “wet” in November.

All of Bali will experience the most rainfall between January and February.
The BKMG warned Bali residents to make necessary preparations for the rainy season by cleaning clogged sewers.

Two suspected terrorists arrested by police on Saturday, September 22, 2012 in Solo, Central Java are being linked to the Thorik terrorist network that surrendered to police on September 9, 2012.

Okezone.com reports that the two men arrested were poised to launch terrorist acts linked to  bombs confiscated by police in connection with thei arrest.

According to Okezone.com, the men may have been planning to launch attacks to coincide with the tenth anniversary of the Bali bombing on October 12, 2012. Ali Fauzi, an expert on terrorism, said: “It is very likely that explosions would soon occur, despite the heightened level of police monitoring. Maybe they will take advantage of the opportunity to commemorate the first Bali Bombing.”

Fauzi’s comments were made following the latest arrests in Solo.

October 12, 2012 will mark the tenth anniversary of a bombing of a Bali nightspot that killed 202 people and injured scores of others. The feared attacks, based on recent attacks, could occur anywhere in Indonesia.

He admitted that other “moments” were available to terrorist attacks, but added that it is clear that the bombs being prepared by the men were ready to be exploded in the very near future. “Everything was ready,” said Fauzi, “all that remained was to activate the bombs.”

While the use of the bomb to mark the Bali bombing represents a dramatic moment attractive to terrorists, Fauzi also suggested that any explosive attack in Indonesian could form a part of a coordinated series of worldwide attacks coordinated by al-Qaeda. He warned that law enforcement authorities must anticipate both scenarios.

Finally, Fauzi offered his opinion that despite a number of recent arrests, members of the Thorik network of terrorist may still be at large, based on his belief that the actual size of the group is between 10-20 people with recruitment of new cadres an ongoing effort.
 

A 48-year-old Russian tourist has drowned while swimming on Bali’s east coast, at Pantai Gumicik, Ketewel.

Dead is Algrei Ilarioshoki who drowned on Saturday, September 22, 2012, when he was swept out to sea by strong currents while swimming at the beach.

Radar Bali reports that the man was swimming with a fellow Russian, identified as Olga (49). The two had been in Bali for nearly one month, residing at a home in the nearby community of Batubulan.

The couple arrived at the beach at 3:30 pm for a swim, repeating an excursion to the same beach they had visited three times during their stay in Bali. Swimming into large waves, the man was dragged by currents out to sea.

Efforts by two Balinese me to assist the drowning man were unsuccessful with the Russian lifeless by the time his body was brought to the shore.
 

Bali received another dose of reality via arrivals numbers recently released for July 2012 that saw month-on-month  total arrivals slip 6.92% with 258,781 foreign visitors for the month. 
Spoiled by continually increasing arrival totals month after month over the past several years, July represents the third month in 2012 that has recorded a decline in total arrivals when compared to the same month one year before.

On a cumulative basis for January – July 2012, however, arrivals remain 5.10% ahead of 2011, with 1.628 million foreign arrivals recorded for the first 7 months of 2012. This rate of growth year-on-year is roughly half of the January-July growth recorded in the three preceding years.

By simple extrapolation, if Bali can maintain its current year-on-year growth rate of 5.10% in foreign arrivals, the island should end the year with a record 2.897 million international visitor. This scenario, however, is unlikely to materialize, as Bali's monthly arrival numbers are growing increasingly lackluster month by month as it approaches year's end.

Given the current trend, we project that Bali will be fortunate by year's end to stay even with 2011 when 2.756 million foreign visitors came to the island.

Arrivals by Major Markets

Australia – Secure it its leading role as a source of foreign visitors to Bali, Australia arrivals continue to grow, but at less dramatic rates than witnessed in the recent past. The 89,930 Australians who came to Bali in July 2012 represent a 7.07% improvement over July 2011. Positive growth in Australian arrivals in July provided some mental relief for number crunchers who witnessed a small decline month-on-month in June arrivals from Australia.

On a cumulative basis January – July Australian arrivals are up 7.94%
Peoples Republic of China – Despite a very strong start to 2012, PRC arrivals have mellowed, down 13.87% month-on-month for July 2012 with 21,818 arrivals from the mainland. Year-on-year through the end of July, PRC arrivals continue to be 40.38% ahead of the same period in 2011.

Malaysia – Malaysian tourist arrivals are booming, increasing 63.9% month-on-month, totaling 20,338 visitors in July 2012. Year-on-year Malaysian arrivals have increased 7.75%.

Japan – Once the undisputed king source markets for visitors to Bali, Japan has sunk to a #4 ranking. The good news, however, is that a recovery in Japanese arrivals is now underway. Japanese arrivals month-on-month improved 23.42% in July 2012 with 19.980 arrivals. July also represents the second consecutive month of improvements in Japanese arrivals, with June arrivals up 7.62%.

If the current trend continues, Japanese arrivals to Bali may record an unexpected improvement. Year-on-year, Japanese arrivals January-July are down 4.01%. It will be interesting to see if Japan can move into positive terriroty in terms of arrivals by year's end.

South Korean – Worryingly, South Korean arrivals declined sharply month-on-month by 19.7% in July with 9,181 visitors. Year-on-year South Korean arrivals are largely stagnant, down 0.61%.

United Kingdom – July 2012 arrivals from the U.K. – reflecting the poor performance of Europe generally – are down 16.28% with 9,306 visitors. Year-on-year, U.K. arrivals are still ahead by 7.32% for the period January – July 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011.
Taiwan – The Taiwan market to Bali is in a rapid state of collapse. July 2012 arrivals from Taiwan totaled 4,951, a figure that is down 64.13% when compared to July 2011. Year-on-year Taiwanese visitors are down 26.22%.

France – Europe’s state of double-dip recession is also reflected in the dramatic decrease in French tourist arrivals to Bali. July arrivals declined 40.6% with 9,107 visitors as compared to July 2011 when 15,345 French citizens came to the Island. Year-on-year January-July French visitors are down 9.62%.

U.S.A.- U.S. citizens visiting Bali in July 2012 totaled 8.106 - declining 6.68% as compared to the same month in 2011. On accumulative basis, U.S.A. visitors are still up 7.76% for the first seven months of 2012.

Russia – The very strong Russian market to Bali has gone suddenly  soft with July 2012 arrivals down 33.8% at 2,576 visitors. On a cumulative basis, Russian visitors are up just 4% for the period January – July 2012.

Germany – Similarly, German visitors dropped 41.18% month-on-month for July 2012 with 5,179 visitors. Year-on-year for the first seven months of 2012 German visitor are down 1.84% - a number almost certain to decline even further through the end of 2012.

The Netherlands – The news is also not good from Amsterdam, the only European port-of-call served by Garuda Indonesia. July arrivals from Holland are down 51.45% with 5,106 visitors. This compares to the 10,519 Dutch visitors who came to Bali in July 2011. For the period January-July 2012 Dutch arrivals are down 15.52%.

Clearly the European economic crisis began to bite heavily into Bali arrivals in July 2012, a trend likely to worsen further over the months ahead until the end of the year as the economic woes in Europe deepen.