Yemen: Security forces capture 3 al-Qaida suspects
16 Pages Number 4 2nd Year
PAGE 6 e-mail: info_ibp@balipost.co.id online: http://www.internationalbalipost.com. http://epaper.internationalbalipost.com. Price: Rp 3.000,-
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Bali propose IDR24 billion to develop Art Center PAGE 8
Imternational bali Post/edi
Foreign tourist is hearing explanation given by the museum officer when visited Bali Museum
‘Avatar,’ ‘Hurt Locker,’ nominated in key Oscars indicator PAGE 12
Domestic tourists dominate the visit to Bali Museum 70% were students Denpasar (Bali Post) -
In 2009, the total number of tourists to Bali Museum in Denpasar was 30,201 people. From that number, 17,529 people or 58% were domestic tourists and the rest or 42% were foreigners.
WEATHER FORECAST
I.B. Sedhawa, the head of Bali Cultural Department, said that most of the people visited the museum were students. 12,270 visitors were students from kindergarten through Senior High School. “In the last few years, most of
the visitors of Bali Museum were students,” he added. The high number of visitors is very good because one of the purposes of the museum is to give knowledge and education to the people. The museum which is located in the heart of Denpasar is collecting
old artifacts about the history of Bali. The collection is varied from the prehistoric age through the independence of Indonesia. Sedhawa said “Bali Museum is the most ideal place to study the history of Bali from time to time.” Bali Government applied special ticket price for student who wanted to visit the museum. Domestic tourist must pay 5,000 rupiah and foreigners must pay 10,000 rupiah to enter the museum. However, kindergarten and elementary school
only have to pay 500 rupiah and for junior and senior high school only must pay 1,000 rupiah to enter the museum. This is done in order to attract visitors to come to the museum. Sedhawa said “this year, we plan to held an exhibition in order to attract more visitors. We will invite students to take part in the exhibition. We also plan to conduct road show to schools throughout Bali in order to give information about the museum.”(kmb13)
CITY
TEMPERATURE OC
DENPASAR
24 - 32
JAKARTA
25 - 32
Dealing with the Death of Former Athlete
BANDUNG
19 - 28
YOGYAKARTA
22 - 33
Victim Severely Beaten Up, Alleged to be a Wrong Target
SURABAYA
24 - 33
SUNNY
BRIGHT/CLOUDY
RAIN
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Denpasar (Bali Post)—
The death of I Gede Arya Heru Wibawa alias Heru, 41, a former athlete of National Games (PON), was very terrifying. Though perpetrators, namely I Wayan Darta alias Lengkong, 40, and I Made Suastika, 21, have surrendered themselves to police station and been arrested in detention cell of Denpasar Metro Police, up to now
the police remains to deepen their investigation. Information collected, last Tuesday (Jan 5), told that perpetrators who are father and son were alleged to target wrongly. Because, one day before the incident causing the death (Saturday, Jan 2), it was said that a riot once occurred at such Mirama Karaoke on Jalan Raya Sesetan, Denpasar.
Such riot happened between both suspects and a visitor sitting on table No. 1. Even, it once triggered a mutual bottle throw at that time. However, the victim Heru who happened to be at crime scene could separate the riot. “Heru separated the riot. Finally, the victim could pacify it so he could prevent another bigger incident,” said a resource person whose name asked to
be made secret. The resource person told that the victim Heru was known as a good and helpful man. Even, he did not like fighting. It was shown when a riot occurred on the previous day, the victim Heru separated it. He could calm it down. “If there was no Heru, it might turn to a bigger riot,” he added. Continued on page 6
2
International
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Bali News Rain and Typhoon in Singaraja
Many Trees Fall Down Singaraja (Bali Post)—
Heavy rain accompanied with typhoon attacked Singaraja City and the surrounding areas violently, last Tuesday (Jan 5) afternoon. As consequence, a number of trees fell and their branches poured down onto the roads harming the traffic flows. Based on monitoring of Bali Post, a number of falling trees happened on Jalan Ngurah Rai Singaraja right in front of the office of State Electricity Enterprise (PLN) and Jalan Ahmad Yani. Other areas were around the police station of Banyuasri and Banyuasri terminal area. The falling trees on Banyuasri Terminal even befell a
food stall so it suffered from slight damage on front part. The falling trees onto the road definitely harmed the traffic flows. Moreover, the institution handling the matters of disaster in Buleleng Regency Government seemed inattentive to face disaster when it rained. It was proven that the falling trees on Jalan Ahmad Yani and Jalan
Ngurah Rai did not get handling promptly. Even, when the rains have subsided those trees remained to cover the road body. As a result, it drove a traffic jam. “The trees have fallen two hours before, but no officers attempted to remove them from the road,” said a resident passing through on Jalan Ngurah Rai Singaraja. (kmb15)
International Bali Post/eka
Workers are finishing clothes in a factory in Pemogan, Denpasar. Most of the textiles are exported to Europe. The free market which is opened in January 2010 make the competition for textile in Indonesia is very difficult.
Fail to Set Up Special Committee HIV/AIDS Case Transmits to Head of the House Can Be Sued Youngsters Student of Secondary by Unbelievable Motion
School Positive to HIV Tabanan (Bali Post)—
The HIV/AIDS case in Tabanan keeps increasing through the years. Even, in the last 2009 it showed a sharp increase. Recently, such lethal HIV/AIDS diseases did not only afflict the community group having high risk like prostitutes, café girl, rider of motor charter and driver, but also youngsters. Even, a temple priest and baby in Tabanan has become the victim of HIV/AIDS. Secretary of Tabanan AIDS Prevention Commission (KPA), I Ketut Random, last Tuesday (Jan 5), said that the total case up to August 2009 in Tabanan reached 141 cases, where it consisted of 50 patients of HIV, 91 patients of AIDS and 21 other patients died. In the meantime, 61 patients have visited Visite Pelangi clinic of Tabanan Hospital, where 46 have been declared positive and 4 patients died. Even, a baby of less than a year old recently died due to infected by HIV/IDS from its parents. Currently, most patients of HIV consisted of those belonging to 19-30 age groups. Some of them belonged to school age of secondary and senior high school. Random said that many of those victims consisting of
household mother that did not get in touch with outside world and babies were vulnerable to be infected by HIV/AIDS due to the lifestyle of their father. In Tabanan, these cases were widely transmitted through sexual intercourse and blood. Lifestyle of changing sexual partners was said by Random became the primary cause so that many household mothers never making love with other men except for her husband were infected. In the meantime, a secondgrade student at secondary school in Tabanan has been infected. Allegedly, she has had sexual relationship with a number of adult men and her classmates. “The circle of school students is inseparable from HIV case. Even, our data indicate a progressive increase. On that account, we attempt to provide lecture to schools. The change of lifestyle and free-sex had become the cause,” explained Random. A temple priest from Penebel Subdistrict who likes prostitute and café girl was also infected. Similarly, a security officer from one of the villages in Tabanan Subdistrict was infected because he liked having sex with foreign woman. Such foreign woman has died and the HIV afflicted his own girlfriend who was often taken to have sex. In the meantime, the death of a call girl from Marga made many
Singaraja (Bali Post)—
parties worried because it was known recently that she was identified to be infected by HIV/AIDS. As if, the girl deliberately has transmitted it by sexual intercourse with many men at Marga and in Tabanan. In addition, a local official was indicated to have been infected by this virus. “There are many stories left on how this virus could transmit quickly,” he said. Today, Tabanan has two clinics handling this problem, namely IMS clinic that was formerly located at Pesiapan Terminal and now moved to the Center of Kodok Market and Visite Pelangi in Tabanan Hospital operated since July 2009. Previously, the handling of HIV/AIDS was always referred to Sanglah Hospital, now it could be handled in Tabanan where infected residents could obtain the medicine to block the growth of virus. In Tabanan, the community remains afraid of getting in touch with patients of HIV/AIDS, but the seekers of sexual enjoyment never think that the greatest risk is having sexual intercourse with those infected by this virus but remain to look in good condition and do not show the symptoms of infected by this lethal virus. On average, those who have been infected can only survive for five to ten years. (kmb14)
Apparently, the reluctant attitude of the Head of Buleleng House to form special committee on Civil Servant Candidate (CPNS) triggered reaction from a number of its members. Even, several members said a possibility to submit unbelievable motion to the head of the House if it failed to form the special committee. A member of the House met in his office, last Tuesday (Jan 5), was surprised to see the attitude of the head as if he was afraid of forming the special committee to investigate the indication of fraud in the last recruitment of CPNS in Buleleng. Actually, Commission A has recommended the head to form a special committee. Even, the decision of Commission A has acquired a support from three fractions, namely Golkar Fraction (FG), Nation Care Fraction (FPB) and Democrat Fraction (FD). “Why did the head even insist in order the Commission A explored the case without the formation of special committee?” questioned a member whose name asked to be made secret. It was explained, the head of the House has handed over the authority to follow up the aspiration of Exponent of Buleleng Community to Commission A. During that time, Commission A has given the report and recommended the head to form special committee. “We have submitted the report for two times and recommended it. However, at the end it gave back the matter to Commission A. It means that such matter has been three times back and forth,” he said. Monitoring of Bali Post, last Tues-
day, showed that Commission A organized a meeting again to follow up the instruction of the Head of the House in order the CPNS case could be discussed in Commission A. However, the meeting held from that morning up to afternoon has not decided whether Commission A would accept the instruction of the leadership or rerecommended back in order the head of the House formed a special committee. “Nothing was decided. As schedule, the meeting will be resumed this afternoon,” said the Head of Commission A, Wayan Teren, after the meeting last Tuesday afternoon. As reported previously, the formation of CPNS special committee in Buleleng House might fail. This happened after the Head of the House and Commission A acted like playing table tennis and handed over the discourse each other to form special committee wanted by the community. In the meeting of the Head of the Buleleng House, last Monday (Jan 4), was disclosed that the Head of the House considered it unnecessary to form special committee for investigating the allegation of fraud in the recruitment of CPNS in Buleleng at the end of last 2009. For that purpose, the head instructed again the Commission A to explore the matter accompanied by the element of leadership. By the decision of leadership of the House, the mutual hand over of the discourse on the formation of special committee between Commission A and the Head of the House has occurred at least for three times. (kmb15)
z Founder : K.Nadha, z Chief Editor: ABG Satria Naradha z Managing Editor: Wirata,Palgunadi z Editors: Alit Purnata, Alit Susrini, Alit Sumertha, Darmasunu, Daniel Fajry, Diah Dewi, Martinaya, Mawa, Sri Hartini, Suana, Sueca, Sugiartha, Sutiawan, Wirya, Yudi Winanto zDenpasar: Dira Arsana, Giriana Saputra, Subagiadnya, Subrata, Suentra, Sumatika, Asmara Putra. Bangli: Pujawan, Buleleng: Adnyana, Gianyar: Agung Dharmada, Karangasem: Budana, Klungkung: Bali Putra Ariawan, Tabanan: Surpi. Jakarta: Nikson, Suharto Olii, Indu P. Adi, Ahmadi Supriyanto, Achmad Nasrudin, Hardianto, Darmawan S. Sumardjo, Heru B Arifin, Asep Djamaluddin, Ade Irawan, Ipik Tanoyo. NTB: Agus Talino, Syamsudin Karim, Izzul Khairi, Raka Akriyani, Nur Haedin, Suyadnya. Surabaya: Bambang Wilianto. z Development: Alit Purnata, Mas Ruscitadewi. z Office: Jalan Kepundung 67 A Denpasar 80232. Telephone (0361)225764, Facsimile: 227418, P.O.Box: 3010 Denpasar 80001. Bali Post Jakarta, Advertizing: Jl.Palmerah Barat 21F. Telp 021-5357602, Facsimile: 021-5357605 Jakarta Pusat. NTB: Jalam Bangau No. 15 Cakranegara Telp. (0370) 639543, Facsimile: (0370) 628257. Publiser: PT Bali Post
Bali News
International
Primary needs such as rice is started to be more expensive in the market in the early 2010. A worker in the market is moving sack of rice in Sidakarya market, Denpasar. International Bali Post/eka
A Gang of Motortheft Captured by Police Targeting Motorbike at Renon Square Denpasar (Bali Post)—
The array of Detective Team of South Denpasar Sector Police led by Chief of Detective Subunit, Panji Ramadan, could capture a gang of motortheft. Three suspects consisting of Nasarudin Rustan, 29, Iwan Pranoto and Resta Irfandi, 27, were captured at Bumi Asih Teknik motor service on Jalan Tukad Pakerisan, Panjer, South Denpasar, last Monday (Jan 4). These three suspects seemed to have their own role when taking their evil action. The suspect Nasarudin Rustan from Lampung played the role as the picker of motorbike, Iwan Pranoto as the escort and Resta Irfandi as pawnbroker. “We have arrested the three suspects and the case has been handed over to Denpasar Metro Police,” said Chief of Denpasar Metro Police, I Gede Alit Widana, last Tuesday (Jan 5). Information gathered told that the reveal of the motortheft case started when the Denpasar Metro Police received a report from M Aris Wahyu Istiono. The victim admitted that he lost his beloved motorbike of red Yamaha Jupiter Z type produced in
2007, last Monday (Jan 4). Though the report submitted to Denpasar Metro Police, all police officers in the array of Denpasar Metro Police made investigation. When the detective team of South Denpasar Sector Police performed investigation, the three suspects could be captured at their workplace (Bumi Asih Teknik motor service on Jalan Tukad Pakerisan, South Denpasar—ed). The three were captured without resistance. Even, the team chaired in person by Chief of Denpasar Sector Police, I Gede Ganefo and Chief of Subunit, Panji Ramadan, committed a frisking. As a result, the police encountered a T-letter key and screwdriver. Even, the T-letter key looked new.
It meant the suspect just made it and allegedly, it would be used as preparation to steal other motorbikes later on. “It is strongly alleged that such T-letter key is used to lever the motorbike of victim,” said a resource person at police station whose name asked to be made secret. Having captured them, the case on this motortheft case was handed over to Denpasar Metro Police for further intensive investigation. Later, their case would also be developed. “The current target of the suspects was motorbike parked around Niti Mandala Square Renon, Denpasar. However, it was unknown about how many motorbikes have been stolen by this motortheft gang,” he added. (kmb12)
Tabanan War against Rabies Simultaneous Prevention in 10 Subdistricts Tabanan (Bali Post)—
Though has gone for several months, the rabies case in Tabanan could not have been handled. Seemingly, the rabies disease has become the public enemy of Tabanan in the last few months. However, the commitment of Tabanan Government and its arrays to struggle against rabies never subsides. Having committed vaccination and elimination at pandemic areas, last Tuesday (Jan 5) was organized the prevention of rabies disease simultaneously at ten subdistricts of Tabanan. One sample was taken at every subdistrict. The Head of Tabanan Animal Husbandry Services, Ni Nyoman Rusmini, revealed that the measure was taken in the effort to minimize the transmission
of rabies disease in Tabanan. “Our commitment is clear. We declare a war against rabies. One of the preventions is by this simultaneous activity,” she said. To make the measure a success, Rusmini also demanded the awareness of community to deliver their support. “Without maximal support of the community, we can do nothing more. However, if we as the government’s element can go hand in hand, we have confidence our effort to struggle against rabies could be successful,” she explained. Rusmini added, to prevent the rabies disease on last Monday. The Tabanan subdistrict was centralized at Tuakilang Village, Kediri at Kediri Village, Marga at Marga Village, Baturiti at Perean Kangin Village and Penebel
at Tengkudak Village. Meanwhile, other subdistricts such as Kerambitan was centralized at Samsam Village, East Selemadeg at Tegal Mengkeb Village, West Selemadeg at Tiying Gading Village, Selemadeg at Brembeng Village and Pupuan at Pempatan Village. In the meantime, the population of dog in Tabanan reached over 51,000 dogs. Out of those number, 70 percent have been vaccinated and 30 percent others were eliminated. “We perform the elimination selectively because there remains a pro and con with particular parties,” she said. In the meantime, Rusmini also added if there were any requests of elimination from the community, her party would be ready to lend a hand with the existing capability. (kmb14/*)
Thursday, January 7, 2010
3
Head of Customary Village Put into Question for the Billboard of Leader Election Denpasar (Bali Post)—
The existence of billboards by the regional leader election (Pilkada) in Denpasar in fact draws a wide attention of the array of local heads of customary village. For instance, a head of customary village in Denpasar put into question about the widely spread billboards by the time of Pilkada, though those billboard did not express clearly the position as candidate getting involved to compete for the number one position in Denpasar. One of those heads of customary village in Denpasar, Wiana, put into question about the existence of billboard in front of the Regional General Election Commission (KPUD) of Denpasar, last Tuesday (Jan 5) concurrently with the socialization of provisional voter lists (DPS) in the middle office room of Denpasar Mayor. “If they are said as campaign billboards, the wording of the text did not mention the name of candidate or any appeal to attend the election. Mostly, those billboards highlighted the programs of each Working Unit of Regional Apparatus (SKPD),” touched Wiana on responding the wide spreading of billboards of candidates of Denpasar Mayor and Deputy Mayor recently. Wiana did not only put into question about that matter but also the follow up on the response of the existing phenomena. “As the organizer of Pilkada, how KPUD will respond to this matter,” he questioned.
On responding to this matter, a member of KPUD Denpasar, Made Ariawan Payuse, revealed that currently the phase of election was in the process of registration for individual candidate. In other words, the phase of campaign has not been commenced. On that account, the matter on the installation of billboards has not become the responsibility of the authority of KPUD or Electoral Supervisory Committee (Panwaslu). “At the moment, it will become the authority of City Government through related institution like Sanitation and Landscaping Services (DKP) and National Safety and Political Services (Kesbangpol). Nevertheless, we are ready to make coordination with them,” said Payuk, the familiar greeting of Ariawan Payuse last Monday. It was mentioned that the installation of billboards beyond the schedule of campaign has infringed the regional legislation No. 3/2000 regarding to Sanitation and Public Orderliness. In the meantime, a member of Panwaslu of Denpasar City, Ketut Alit Adnyana Yuda, said that to monitor the Pilkada, his party would give a number for each candidate. “Therefore, the billboard having the number is the legal one. Otherwise, it is called illegal billboard and can be imposed with direct action or sanction,” asserted Adnyana. (kmb12)
Leader Election of Denpasar
Residents Having No Registration Number, May Vote Denpasar (Bali Post)—
The regional leader and deputy leader election (Pilkada) in Denpasar is ensured to take place on the upcoming May 4, 2010. Regional Electoral Committee of Denpasar announcing the provisional voter lists (DPS) reaped a response from a number of communities, chiefly from those who have not been mentioned in the DPS. Whereas, in this Pilkada, the Denpasar residents having no civil registry number (NIK) could use their right of voting. A member of KPUD Denpasar who is also the Head of Working Group of voter updating data, I Gede John Darmawan, before the heads of customary village throughout Denpasar, last Tuesday (Jan 5), confessed that residents having no NIK were still have an opportunity to vote if those residents having no NIK processed it before January 25, 2010. John Darmawan said that residents having no NIK should bring along a recommendation letter from the lowest village apparatus, namely the head of hamlet and then resumed
with recommendation from the Head of Village acknowledged by the local head of customary village. “This should be carried out by Denpasar dwellers having no ID card in order they could vote,” explained John Darmawan. If the process were not undertaken, his party would not allow them to vote. Because, only those registered in the DPT could vote their candidate in the upcoming regional leader election. Even, the policy to provide the right to vote by presenting ID card as in the last legislative election would not allowed in the upcoming election. “If only showing ID card, it will not allowed to vote,” said John Darmawan. He told that up to the announcement of DPS under progress, there have been at least 35 residents of Denpasar having no NIK that have been registered in DPS. Residents that have not been registered should confirm this matter to the lowest village administration so that it would be registered in the upcoming Permanent Voter Lists (DPT). (kmb12)
4
News
Thursday, January 7, 2010
International
Israel army to seek legal advice during operations AP
JERUSALEM – Israel’s military will consult more closely with its legal advisers on future offensives, security officials said Wednesday — a move motivated by war crimes accusations that followed last year’s war in the Gaza Strip. Officers are also receiving more intensive training in the rules of war and international law, the officials said. Officials said military chief Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi has ordered the military to consult with its legal advisers in the course of operations, and not just in the planning stage, as was the case with the Gaza war. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the policy revision with the media. The Israeli military spokesman’s office had no immediate comment. The new policy follows a U.N. panel’s conclusion that Israel committed war crimes in connection with the Gaza operation. Both military and political officials have been forced to cancel trips to Britain because of efforts by Palestinian activists to bring them to trial under a war crimes law that breaks down jurisdictional barriers. Israel embarked upon the Gaza
offensive to stop militants from launching rockets into southern Israel. But the operation drew widespread international criticism over the high Palestinian civilian death toll: Gaza officials and Palestinian human rights groups say more than 900 civilians were killed, out of an overall toll of more than 1,400. Thirteen Israelis also were killed. Visiting British Attorney General Patricia Janet Scotland said in a speech at Jerusalem’s Hebrew University on Tuesday that her government was “looking urgently at ways in which the U.K. system might be changed to avoid this situation arising again and is determined that Israel’s leaders should always be able to travel freely to the U.K.” In other news, Israeli defense officials say Barak has received dozens of anonymous death threats since the government decided in November to slow construction in Jewish West Bank settlements. The slowdown has enraged settlers who fear it will be a first step toward dismantling some settlements as part of a still-elusive peace deal with the Palestinians. Security officials said the internal security service, or Shin Bet, was investigating the threats and that Barak’s security detail had been reinforced in recent weeks.
AFP/File
A Pakistani soldier stands guard in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistani-controlled Kashmir.
Suicide bomber kills 3 Pakistan soldiers in Kashmir AFP
MUZAFFARABAD, Pakistan (AFP) – A suicide bomber killed three Pakistani soldiers on Wednesday near the demarcation line with India in Kashmir, the latest in a spike of attacks in the Pakistani-administered zone.
Reuters
Vehicles drive on Highway 443 near the West Bank Jewish settlement of Givat Zeev December 30, 2009.
The bombing came a day after President Asif Ali Zardari visited the area — a fault line that has sparked two wars with India and distracted Pakistani attention from an expanding Taliban menace along the Afghan border. The attacker detonated his explosives outside a barracks in Tarar Khal, southeast of Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistani-administered Kashmir. “It was a suicide attack. The target was the army barracks. We have collected evidence and body parts of the attacker which proves that it was a suicide attack,” police offi-
cial Irfan Masaood Kishvi said. “Three security personnel have been martyred. The injured have been taken to the Combined Military Hospital,” Kishvi told AFP from the town of Palandri. Kashmir was split into two in the bloody aftermath of independence from British rule over the subcontinent in 1947. Nuclear rivals India and Pakistan each control a part of the mountainous land but both claim the region in full. Wednesday’s attack was the fourth suicide bombing in Pakistani Kashmir since June. On December 27, a bomber killed seven people
outside a mosque in Muzaffarabad and analysts warn that the Taliban are extending their reach. Militants have killed more than 2,890 people across Pakistan since July 2007, until recently concentrating attacks in the northwest, the neighbouring tribal belt and cities rather than the northern mountains and the east. The elected leader of Pakistani Kashmir, Raja Farooq Haider, condemned the attack in Tarar Khal and blamed Taliban-linked extremists. “The terrorists have attacked the Pakistan army and the entire Kashmiri nation condemns this attack,” he told AFP, confirming the death toll of three and adding that 11 soldiers were wounded. “A foreign hand is involved in all these incidents. These people are not coming across the line of control but from our western borders,” he said.
Double Atomic bomb survivor dies in Japan AP
TOKYO – Tsutomu Yamaguchi, the only person officially recognized as a survivor of both the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombings at the end of World War II, has died at age 93. Yamaguchi was in Hiroshima on a business trip for his shipbuilding company on Aug. 6, 1945, when a U.S. B-29 dropped an atomic bomb on the city. He suffered serious burns to his upper body and spent the night in the city. He then returned to his hometown
of Nagasaki, about 300 kilometers (190 miles) to the southwest, which suffered a second U.S. atomic bomb attack three days later. On Aug. 15, 1945, Japan surrendered, ending the war. The mayor of Nagasaki said “a precious storyteller has been lost,” in a message posted on the city’s Web site Wednesday. Yamaguchi died Monday morning of stomach cancer, the mass circulation Mainichi, Asahi and Yomiuri newspapers reported. Yamaguchi was the only person to be certified by the Japanese government as having been in both cities when they were attacked, al-
though other dual survivors have also been identified. “My double radiation exposure is now an official government record. It can tell the younger generation the horrifying history of the atomic bombings even after I die,” Yamaguchi was quoted as saying in the Mainichi newspaper last year. In his later years, Yamaguchi gave talks about his experiences as an atomic bomb survivor and often expressed his hope that such weapons would be abolished. He spoke at the United Nations in 2006, wrote books and songs
about his experiences, and appeared in a documentary about survivors of both attacks. Last month he was visited in the hospital by filmmaker James Cameron, director of “Titanic” and “Avatar,” who is considering making a movie about the bombings, according to the Mainichi. Immediately after the war, Yamaguchi worked as a translator for American forces in Nagasaki and later as a junior high school teacher. Japan is the only country to have suffered atomic bomb attacks. About 140,000 people were killed in Hiroshima and 70,000 in Nagasaki.
AP – FILE -
Tsutomu Yamaguchi poses during a news conference at Nagasaki City Hall in Nagasaki
International IMIGRATION Australian Consulate General Jalan Tantular 32 Renon Denpasar Phone: +62 361 241118 Fax: +62 361 221195 (General) +62 361 241120 (Immigration)
General Info
Thursday, January 7, 2010
HOSPITAL Denpasar There are 4 major hospitals usually used by foreigners Denpasar General Hospital (RSUP Sanglah), Kasih Ibu Hospital, Rumah Sakit Wongaya and Rumah Sakit Dharma Husada.
HOSPITAL Bangli Bangli General Hospital Jl. Kesumayuda 27, Bangli Phone : +62 366 91521 Gianyar
Royal Danish & Norwegian Mimpi Resort Jimbaran, Bali Phone +62.361.701 070 The Czech Republic Jalan Pengembak No. 17 Sanur, Bali Phone +62.361.286 465 France Consulate Agency Jalan Merta Sari Gang II No. 8 Sanur, Bali Phone +62.361.285 485 The Federal Republic of Germany Jalan Pantai Karang No 17 Sanur, Bali Phone +62.361.288 535 The Republic of Hungary Jalan By Pass No 219 Sanur, Bali Phone +62.361.287 701 Italian Consulate Jalan By Pass Ngurah Rai Jimbaran, Bali Phone +62.361.701 005 Honorary Consulate of Mexico Jalan Mohamad Yamin 1 A, Renon, Denpasar, Bali Phone +62.361.223 266 Honorary Consulate of The Netherlands Jalan Raya Kuta 127, Bali Phone +62.361.761 506 Honorary Consulate of Spain Komplek Istana Kuta Galleria Blok Vallet 2 No 11. Jalan Patih Jelantik Kuta, Bali Phone +62.361.769 286 USA Consulate Agency Jalan Hayam Wuruk No. 188 Denpasar, Bali Phone +62.361.222 426 Consulate General of Japan Jalan Raya Puputan No. 170 Renon, Denpasar, Bali Phone +62.361.227 628 Honorary Consulate of British Jalan Tirta Nadi No. 20 Sanur, Bali Phone +62.361.270 601 Swiss and Austria Consulate Jalan Patih Jelantik, Komplek Pertokoan Istana Galleria Phone +62.361.751 735 Honorary Consulate of Brazil Jalan Legian No. 186, Bali Phone +62.361.757 775 Honorary Consulate of Thailand Jalan Raya Puputan Renon 81, Denpasar, Bali Phone +62.361.263 310 Embassy of India Jalan Raya Puputan Renon 42-44, Denpasar, Bali Phone +62.361.241 978 Honorary Consulate of Sweden anf Finland Segara Village Hotel, Jalan Segara Ayu, Sanur, Bali Phone +62.361.282 223 Honorary Consulate of Malaysia Alam Kulkul Boutique Resort, Jalan Pantai Kuta, Bali Phone +62.361.752 520
RSUP Sanglah is the main provincial public hospital. Its facilities have improved since the emergency ward had been built in 1991. Difficult/critical cases would not become a problem anymore since it has complete equipments. It is located on Jl. Kesehatan Selatan 1 Sanglah Denpasar with : Phone : 227 911 – 15 Fax : 226 363 Kasih Ibu Hospital is a private hospital which caters for less serious cases such as diarrhea, intestinal disorders, anemia, asthma and minor accidents. Kasih Ibu is also equipped to care for pregnant women. This hospital is located on Jl. Teuku Umar 120 Denpasar. Phone : 223 036 Fax : 268 690. Rumah Sakit Wongaya (Public Hospital; Psychiatric Unit) Jl. Kartini, Denpasar. Phone : 222 142. Rumah Sakit Dharma Husada , (Private) Jl. Sudirman No 50, Denpasar Phone : 227 560, 234 824 In relating with health, Bali also has insurance and medical evacuation company, that is: AEA International - SOS Assistance Bali. PT Abhaya Eka Astiti, Jl. By Pass Ngurah Rai No. 24X, Kuta 80361. Phone : 755 768 Fax : 755 768 One thing that should be noted by tourists here is that the Blood Bank in Bali normally carries no stock of Rhesus (Rh) Negative blood. Badung Bali Medical Clinics There are some medical clinics that are well known by foreigners in Bali. Some of them are western owned and operated : Bali International Medical Center (BIMC) Bali International Medical Centre (BIMC) provides excellent Primary Health Care & Emeregency Medical Services for tourists, traveler, and expatriate living in Bali. Emeregency Room, Ambulance, Clinic Services, Insurance & Medical Evacuations also available. Open 24 hours Phone : 761 2631. Located Jl. By Pass Ngurah Rai No.100X, Kuta, Bali 80361 - Indonesia. http://www.bimcbali.com International SOS Clinic Bali Opened in 1999, offers International SOS members and visitors to Bali comprehensive primary health care and 24-hour emergency medical service. Jl. By Pass Ngurah Rai 505X, Kuta 80361, Bali - Indonesia Phone : 720 100 Fax : 721 919 E-mail : info@sos-bali.com ttp ://www.sos-bali.com Bali Nusa Dua Emergency Clinic Jl Pratama No. 81 Phone : 771 324 Kuta Clinic Jl. Raya Kuta Phone : 753 268 Dental Clinic Dr Indra Guizot, Jl. Patimura 19, Denpasar Phone : 222 445, 234 375 DDS. Ritjie Rihartinah, Jl Pratama No. 81 Nusa Dua Phone : 771 324 Retno W. Agung, Jln. Bypass Ngurah Rai No.4A Br. Tamansari – Sanur Phone : 288 501
Clinic Mas Jl. Raya Mas, Ubud Phone : +62 361 974573 Toyo Clinic Jl. Pengosekan, Ubud Phone : +62 361 978078 Permata Bunda Clinic Jl. Patih Jelantik 50 X, Gianyar Phone : +62 361 942082 Ubud Clinic Jl Raya Ubud No.36 Campuhan, Ubud Phone : +62 361 974911 Gianyar General Hospital Jl. Ciung Wanara 2, Gianyar Phone : +62 361 943049 Karangasem Karangasem General Hospital Jl. Ngurah Rai, Karangasem Phone : +62 363 21001 Klungkung Klungkung General Hospital Jl. Flamboyan 40-4, Klungkung Phone : +62 366 21371 Negara Negara General Hospital Jl. Gelar, Negara Phone : +62 365 41006 Tabanan Laboratorium Clinic Jl. Gunung semeru No. 8, Tabanan Phone : +62 361 819260 Mengwi Clinic Jl. I Gusti Ngurah Rai 46, Tabanan Phone : +62 361 880550 Darma Kerti Hospital Jl. Teratai 16, Tabanan Phone : +62 361 812359 Tabanan General Hospital Jl. Pahlawan 14, Tabanan Phone : +62 361 811027 Singaraja Prodia Clinic Jl. RA Kartini 12, Singaraja Bali 0362 - 24-516 Singaraja Hospital Jl. Ngurah Rai 30, Singaraja Bali 0362 - 22-573 Pet Clinics Kayumas: (0361) 226934 Sayang Binatang: (0361) 483121 Satwa Kertha Husada: (0361) 263018 Pantai Sindhu: (0361) 287518 Sidakarya: (0361) 724492 Pedungan: (0361) 720026
TAXIS Praja Taxi : (0361) 289090 Bali Taxi : (0361) 701111 Ngurah Rai Taxi : (0361) 724724 Pan Wirthi Taxi : (0361) 723366 Komotra Taxi : (0361) 758855
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Thursday, January 7, 2010
News Cuba protests US screening of airline passengers AP
AP –
A Yemeni army patrol operates at a flying checkpoint on the main road leading to the diplomatic quarter
Yemen: Security forces capture 3 al-Qaida suspects
HAVANA – Cuba summoned the top U.S. diplomat on the island Tuesday to protest extra screening for Cuban citizens flying into the United States, calling the rule a “hostile action” meant to justify America’s trade embargo. The new dispute comes after several setbacks that have all but snuffed out hope for a quick resolution to the half-century of antagonism between Cuba and the United States, and as Cuban officials have been increasingly sharp-spoken about their disappointment in President Barack Obama. Josefina Vidal Ferreiro, director of the Cuban Foreign Ministry’s North American affairs office, said the new security controls were “discriminatory and selective.” “We categorically reject this new hostile action by the government of the United States against Cuba,” she told The Associated Press in an exclusive interview. Vidal Ferreiro said she lodged the protest in an afternoon meeting with Jonathan Farrar, the head of the U.S. Interests Section, which Washington maintains in Cuba instead of an embassy. Cuba’s top diplomat in Washington delivered a similar message to State Department officials earlier in the day, she said. The United States imposed the airline security measures Monday following an apparent attempt by a Nigerian man to blow up a passenger jet as it approached Detroit on Christmas Day. Among the 14 nations whose citizens will face increased scrutiny are four — Cuba, Iran, Sudan and Syria — that the U.S. government considers state sponsors of terrorism. Cuba has been on that list since the 1980s, but has always maintained its inclusion had more to do with the United States’ antagonistic policy toward the communist-governed nation than with evidence that it sponsors terrorism. Washington and Havana have been at odds since shortly after Fidel Castro took power in Cuba on New Year’s Day 1959. The United States has maintained a trade embargo on the island — which the Cuban government refers to as a blockade — for 47 years.
AP
SAN’A, Yemen – Yemeni security forces arrested three suspected al-Qaida militants from a cell that the U.S. has said was linked to a plot against the American or other embassies, the Interior Ministry said Wednesday. The arrests were the latest move in Yemen’s U.S.-backed crackdown on al-Qaida’s offshoot here. The U.S. and British embassies closed for two days this week, and other Western embassies took security precautions because of a threats that al-Qaida was planning an imminent attack. The two missions reopened on Tuesday, after the United States said an assault by Yemeni security forces
on an al-Qaida cell northeast of the capital a day earlier had “addressed” the threat. In those clashes, Yemeni forces attacked a group of al-Qaida fighters moving in the mountains in the Arhab region. The troops were aiming to capture al-Qaida’s suspected leader in the area, Mohammed Ahmed al-Hanaq, and a relative Nazeeh al-Hanaq, the ministry said. They escaped, but two fighters with
them were killed and several others were wounded. On Tuesday, security forces captured three of the wounded militants while they were being treated a hospital in Reyda, a region northwest of the capital, San’a, the ministry said. Also arrested were four people suspected of transporting the militants to the hospital and hiding them there, it said. No identities were given for the captured militants.
Suicide bombing kills 6 Russian police, wounds 16 AP
MAKHACHKALA, Russia – A suicide bomber blew up an explosives-packed car at a police station in Russia’s troubled North Caucasus on Wednesday, killing at least six officers and wounding 16, police said. The bombing occurred at the traffic police station on the outskirts of Makhachkala, the capital of Dagestan, just as officers were lining up outside for roll call.
City police chief Shamil Guseinov said the bomber detonated the explosives at the gates to the station after police stopped him from driving through. All those killed were at the gates, he said. Their actions in stopping the car prevented much wider devastation, he said. A similar bombing in a neighboring republic in August that killed 24 people and injured more than 200. In that attack, a man succeeded in crash-
ing a bomb-laden van through the gates of the police station in Nazran, Ingushetia. The explosion left a bussized crater in what was left of the station. Russia’s predominantly Muslim republics in the North Caucasus have seen a sharp rise in violence in the past year, with many of the attacks targeting police and other officials. Some describe the violence as a civil war between Kremlin-supported administrations and Islamic militants.
AP –
Josefina Vidal, director of the Cuban Foreign Ministry’s North American affairs
Victim Severely Beaten Up... From page 1 However, the terrifying incident even ensued on the next day. Strongly alleged, both suspects have prepared themselves to revenge. However, the revenge to whom was unknown. Both perpetrators entered into the Mirama Karaoke while bringing sharp weapon. “This is worth regretting. Local security officers did not examine when both perpetrators entered,” he said. Well, a while after the suspect sat on table No. 16 and order 10 bottles of beer, the riot occurred again. Then, the murder took place causing the
victim die. Seven cuts were found on the whole body of victim. Even, the cause of his death was the cut of his vein so victim lost much blood. As reported previously, the victim won two medals in the National Games (PON) in 1996 and 2000 was murdered by Made Suastika with his father Lengkong. The victim was beaten up severely in front of Mirama Karaoke, Jalan Raya Sesetan, South Denpasar, last Sunday (Jan 3) at 11:00 pm Local Time. Body of the victim was cut by sword and sickle causing seven wounds. (kmb21)
International
Indonesia Today
Thursday, January 7, 2010
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US intensifying preparations for ‘’Okeanos” explorations in Sulawesi Sea Antara
AFP PHOTO / TJAHJO ERANIUS
Amungme tribe men run to strike another group of Amungme as a dispute has arisen in Timika on January 5, 2010. The Amungme tribe is one of around 312 different tribes in Papua who commonly end their disputes in traditional fashion. There is about 13,000 Amungme living in the highlands of the Papua province of Indonesia where the Grasberg mine owned by Freeport-McMoRan is situated.
Six arrested in Indonesia for “sexy dancing”: police Agence France-Presse
BANDUNG - Indonesian police arrested six people for the alleged performance of a “sexy dance” at a cafe in the early hours of New Year’s Day, a police official said Tuesday. Police arrested six people — four female dancers, the dance group’s leader and the cafe owner, local police chief detective Arman Achdiat told AFP. “We’re charging them for preparing the dance and performing it in public, which is against morality,” he added. Achdiat did not give any details about the dance but said the dancers, who had performed at a live music cafe in Bandung, south of
Jakarta, were in skimpy clothing. “It could be described as sexy dancing. But more importantly, they were wearing minimal clothing and performing in public, which can stir desires,” he said. Under the country’s anti-pornography law, the dancers could face up to 15 years in jail if convicted, he added. The controversial law, passed in October last year, criminalizes all works and “bodily movements”
deemed obscene and capable of violating public morality. It has prompted protests across Indonesia, with critics saying it could threaten traditional cultures from temple statues on Hindu Bali Island to penis sheaths on tribesmen in Christian and animist Papua province. The law has been championed by Indonesia’s Islamic parties and is being backed by the government of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. Muslims make up roughly 90 percent of Indonesia’s 234 million populations, which also contains sizeable Christian, Hindu, Buddhist and Confucian minorities.
KPK to grill Anggodo Widjojo on today Antara
JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) will grill businessman Anggodo Widjojo today (Jan. 7) on alleged bribery and an attempt to prevent investigation being conducted by KPK. “We have sent the letter of summon and he will be grilled on Thursday, tomorrow,” KPK spokesman Johan Budi said here on Wednesday. The summon is the second as he
failed to meet KPK’s summon on December 31, 2010. KPK did not get information from Anggodo on his failure to meet the first summon, therefore, KPK decided to send the second one, Johan Budi said. “I think as a good citizen, he should be cooperative,” he said. Anggodo Widjojo is a brother of Anggoro Widjojo, a suspect of KPK in a bribery case concerning integrated radio communication system
at the forestry ministry. Anggodo Widjojo was suspected of having bribed KPK officials. A representative of an Anticriminalization People’s Voice Defenders Team, Sugeng Teguh Santoso, recently reported Anggodo and three other persons namely, Anggoro Widjojo, Putra Nevo A. Prayogo, and David Angka Wijaya, to the authorities for trying to hamper investigation on corruption cases.
JAKARTA - The United States government had been constantly making intensive preparations for its most modern research ship “Okeanos” for explorations in Sulawesi’s northern waters starting in June 2010. “They have explained what they will be doing in the explorations in the Sulawesi Sea with their ‘Okeanos’ research ship,” Defence Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro said after receiving US Ambassador to Indonesia Cameron R Hume in Jakarta Tuesday afternoon. In the closed-door meeting, the research vessel was currently still in Hawaii, and will start explorations in mid-2010. Earlier, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono had given a green light for “Okeanos” to enter Indonesia’s territorial sea to conduct explorations. The joint explorations is a follow up to a cooperation deal between the two countries in research, technology, and applications in the marine and fishery sector reached on September 18, 2007. Earlier, Minister of Marine and Fishery Affairs Fadel Muhammad
had said that the cooperation cover a period of 10 years, and the area where the research would be started in northern Sulawesi waters. “I hope the ship will also conduct research up to the Tomini Bay,” he said. NOAA Administrator Jane Lubchenco said the cooperation will be started by explorations using the US research ship “Okeanos” with assistance by Indonesia’s research ship Baruna Jaya. She hoped the explorations will produce new inventions, draw up a map on the seabed, and create better understanding and knowledge about undersea mountains, especially their geological and biological aspects. “Indonesia is rich in biodiversity resources, and a great many species which cannot be described in detail here,” Lubchenco added. On the occasion, she also said that the main focus of NOAA’s visit to Indonesia this time is to step up the existing cooperation to the next phase. “We already had our dialogues, now it is time for implementation,” she added. US President Barrack Obama fully supported the development of science, which is important to the world and to Indonesia as well. President Obama, she added, will support science and use it for decision making.
BI maintains key rate at 6.5 percent Antara
JAKARTA - The Board of Governors of BI (Bank Indonesia) at meeting here on Wednesday decided to maintain the BI Rate at the level of 6.5 percent. The BI Rate at the 6.5 percent level was considered consistent with the 2010 inflation target achievement at 5 percent with plus minus of one percent, according to Darmin Nasution, interim BI Governor, here on Wednesday The BI Board of Governors believed that a balance of risk of the inflation would not emerge at least in the first semester of 2010, he said. The BI rate was also believed still conducive for the efforts to strengthen the economic recovery process, to maintain the financial stability, and to boost banking intermediation. The BI Board of Governors was also optimistic that the domestic economic recovery would continue. The domestic economic growth in 2009 was estimated at 4.3 percent despite the global economic turmoil. The economic growth was also boosted by growing optimism and expectation of the global economic recovery acceleration since midst last year, as well as by accommodative monitory and fiscal policy.
Reform in the financial sector which has been done over the past few years, also contributed to banking immunity improvement against external upheavals, he said. The 2009 inflation rate was recorded at 2.78 percent, far below BI’s inflation target of 4.5 percent with plus minus one percent. BI predicted that the 2010 inflation rate will be around 5 percent with plus minus of one percent. Meanwhile, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said Indonesia‘s economic performance in 2009 was quite sound despite the global economic crisis. “Alhamdulillah with hard work and all efforts being taken, we managed to maintain the 2009 economic performance far much better than that in other countries,” President Yudhoyono said on Tuesday when submitting a List of Approved Projects (DIPA) B 2010 to state ministries and departments as well as regional administrations. The national economic growth in 2009 was estimated at above four percent, or the third rank among the G20 member countries. The foreign exchange reserves amounted to over US$65 billion, the highest figure ever achieved by Indonesia. Indonesia enjoyed a budget surplus of Rp38 trillion at the end of 2009.
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Internationa
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Bali Today Bali propose IDR24 billion to develop Art Center Antara
DENPASAR – Bali’s Government propose IDR24 billion in 2010 in order to develop and rehabilitate Art Center Denpasar. Bali Made Santha, the head of Art Division in Bali Cultural Department, said “the proposal is directly given to the President Susilo Bambang Yuhoyono. He always comes to Bali to open Bali Art Festival (PKB) in the last five years.” Santha said that there is great hope that the proposal is agreed this year because the Art Center was built in 1969 and it need restoration in some parts. “The fund will be able to be use to restore the infrastructures in the Art Center so it can support the development of art and culture in Bali,” he added. Art Center Denpasar is built in 5 hectare area and it is very strategic because the art center is located in the heart of Denpasar. The huge amount of fund also will be use to redirect the art center to anticipate the development of art and culture in Bali in the next 100 years. Santha said “many parts of the art center need to be repaired such as doors, stages, and others.” The government is also
planning to build a more representative housing for foreign art group that often visited or perform in Denpasar. Currently, the housing only has 30 rooms and it is not enough.
Bali’s Government propose IDR24 billion in 2010 in order to develop and rehabilitate Art Center Denpasar. Bali Made Santha, the head of Art Division in Bali Cultural Department, said “the proposal is directly given to the President Susilo Bambang Yuhoyono.
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Jewelry Designer: Indonesia has many potential on gemstones IBP
DENPASAR – Indonesia is famous with the richness of cultural beauty and resources. But not many acknowledge that Indonesia also have a rich potential on precious and semi-precious stones. In fact, only few already exploring the possibilities to produce jewelry from Indonesia’s gemstones, one of this few people is Irwan Holmes. According to this American born artist, Indonesia is so rich in natural resources, and yet much of it still to be discovered. He
IBP/iah
Irwan Holmes (left) showing his work to visitors at Prapen Gallery. Holmes, a Jewelry Designer will exhibit his work at Prapen Gallery, Celuk, Gianyar until January 14, 2010.
also noted that the field of lapidary (stone-cutting) work hardly exists at all in Indonesia. Holmes who focusing his works with Indonesian stones is very concerned over this issue. Because, he reasoned, the resources in Indonesia are very abundant but not many people realized this field. ‘’I’ve been exhibit my work to America and Europe, and many collectors surprised that the stones that I’ve use in my work are from Indonesia,” he said. There are many varieties of stones that Holmes uses in his works. During the exhibition of his works at Prapen Gallery that started on November 27, 2009 through January 14, 2010, Holmes exposed over 1,000 stones and some 300 unique and creative jewelries. At first glance, some people will think that all this gemstones must be painted because of its beauty. But he assured that they all natural stones. That is also the reason why he chose ‘Paintings by Angels’ as the theme of his amazing exhibition. He said there are several stones that incredible because they represent the great of natural power, likes fossilized coral from Sumatra and Java, Rose Agate, the Pancawarna, and Chrysacolla. ‘’Some of the stone, like fossilized coral and Pancawarna, only exist in Indonesia and are really ‘Treasures from Indonesia,” he explained. Holmes who already lives in Indonesia for 41 years said that for the past five years he has exclusively used Indonesia stones in his design work. He also worked with I Made Kawi, one of the finest silversmiths of Celuk, Gianyar, who use the granulatic technique that called Jawan. Holmes worked with Kawi in producing several jewelries that contain Balinese philosophy. He stated Balinese should know the many possibilities that lay a head of them in producing combination jewelries between silver, gold with Indonesian stones. Because by realizing the possibilities, it will open many opportunities and creating many jobs to Balinese and Indonesian people. (iah)
Bali targeting 2.3 million tourists in 2010 Antara
DENPASAR – Bali Government is targeting for 2.3 million tourists in 2010. The target based on the total number of tourists visited Bali last year which was more than 2.1 million tourists. Ida Bagus Kade Subhiksu, the head of Bali Tourism Department, said “we didn’t set the target too high because Bali still lack of access and infrastructure especially during the high season.” The target is quite difficult to be achieved but based on the number of tourists visited Bali in 2009 then this year the number of tourists should be 2.4 million people. “The target can still be modified same as last year where the target altered from 2.1 million became 1.8 million. This is because the crisis which happened throughout the world,” Subhiksu said. However, he is very worried with the current infrastructures in Bali. The limited infrastructures made many problems occur such as the heavy traffic jam. If the numbers of tourists are increasing this year, the traffic jam will be worst and the plan to expansion of the Ngurah Rai Airport also will affect the comfort of the tourists. The other problem is the lack of direct flight to Bali. Subhiksu said “all of these things must be considered in order to attract more visitors to Bali. We also must analyze whether Bali is able to accommodate the high number of tourists.” He also hopes that Indonesian Government also takes part in solving the problems because last year Bali donated 34% from the total number of tourists visited Indonesia. “Bali need better infrastructures because it will play important part in developing tourism,’ he added.
al
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Balinese Culture Bamboo:
A Woody Grass Helping the Balinese Life From time immemorial, bamboo has intimately befriended with human life. This woody grass virtually provides benefits to human from its shoot as an appetizing food to sturdy stem to protect the human survival. Though many kinds of materials come one after another as a choice to use, bamboo remains to offer an irreplaceable artistic potency. Balinese are truly familiar with bamboo plant. Almost every part of their life takes advantage the presence of bamboo. They use it to build their house, bridge and rice granary. It is a really cheaper alternative of timber and more eco-friendly. Other than sturdy, bamboo is also easy to get and set up. To fill the house, local artisans have designed and prepared some beautiful furniture products suiting the interior of both traditional and modern house such as table, chair, divan, dressing table, cupboard, rack and so forth. Interestingly, they can also add some other elements like rattan, rope of palm fiber and ata stem used to string the joints. Even, if possible they carve the bamboo. As a result, their creations ultimately look elegant and reflect the richness of local arts. The famous center of this handicraft is Belega and Bona, Gianyar. Aside from furniture, Balinese ar-
tisans also use bamboo to make some accessories for embellishing the sweet home and gamelan instrument to accompany their dances. Wind chimes, for instance, are a set of bamboo instrument made in such away typically hung near a door or window to get tinkling sound as blown by the wind. Another toy whose frame is made from bamboo is colorful kite usually gracing the sky during the kite season of Bali from May to October. These various bamboo handicrafts are sold at art markets at all tourists object in Bali. Meanwhile, for the need of ritual paraphernalia, it is created various kinds of baskets like keben and oblation bowl. Some are covered while others are neglected open. These bamboo baskets enrich the choices other than those made from wood and palm-leaf rib. Mostly, this handicraft is made by household mother and old people as a side job or killing their time after completing domestic tasks. Today, Tabanan has a ‘fever’ of setting up lobster pot at the sea in different method. Lobster fishers from Yeh Gangga Beach up to the West at Tireman Beach now prefer to use this eco-friendly lobster pot or bubu udang pantung instead of plastic net or the same pot set up at coastal rocks. This pot is made from some blades of bam-
boo shaped like a tube. This new method puts the pot onto seabed in deeper waters using two concrete or stone ballasts at each end, while a buoy is connected with a rope to the pot. By doing so, fishers will be easier to find out the location of their pot. Behind the capture of this delicious lobster, there is also the involvement of skilled hands of household artisans in the midst of their activities at rice field. Bamboo is important as a cheaper choice of various needs like housing and handicraft material. In tourism area, this bamboo handicraft becomes the main livelihood, while in the agricultural area the making of bamboo works is only used as side job beyond their main works. On that account, Balinese people who have enough land plant it at their back courtyard or critical lands. Meanwhile, the traditional Penglipuran Village in Bangli has its own bamboo forest for the supply of their community. They will not worry about lacking for the bamboo material. Another Balinese indigenous wisdom is the almanac protecting the bamboo through a ‘one-day off’ within a week, namely Sunday, to cut down the bamboo. Therefore, the rate of cuttingdown can be slowed down for the sake of future use. (BTN/punia)
Kikil Celeng Mekuah (Pork Knuckles in Spicy Sauce) Overview: No part of the pig is wasted in Bali; knuckles cooked this way make a tasty dish with a melting texture. Ingredients: 1.2 kg (2½ lb) pork knuckles, cut in 2.5 cm (1in) slices 2 tbsp oil 8 shallots, peeled and chopped 3 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped 2.5 cm (1in) ginger, peeled and chopped 2.5 cm (1in) fresh turmeric, peeled and chopped 10 candlenuts, chopped ¾ tsp coriander seeds, crushed 2.5 cm (1in) kencur, peeled and crushed 1 tsp dried shrimp paste 1 tsp black peppercorns, crushed 2 salam leaves 1 tsp salt 2 cups chicken stock Large red chilies, fried shallots and basil to garnish Preparation: Bring 3 liters (12 cups) of lightly salted water to boil in a stockpot. Add knuckles, reduce heat and simmer for approximately 45 minutes until meat is three quarter cooked. Heat oil in heavy saucepan. Add all ingredients except chicken stock and sauté for about 2 minutes until spices change color. Pour chicken stock into saucepan, mix well and bring to the boil. Add cooked knuckles, mix well, bring back to the boil, reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes or until knuckles are completely cooked. Garnish with sliced red chilies, fried shallots, and sprigs of fresh sliced lemon basil. (www.baliguide.com/balifood)
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Destinations
Thursday, January 7, 2010
International
Kusamba Beach KUSAMBA Beach is one of the favorite places of interest in Bali which is famous with the beautiful beach. The boat line with the outrigger belong to the fisherman from countryside are decorating the black sand unfolding along the coastal. Nusa Penida Island is across view which is only occupied by 40.000 people. Kusamba own the marvelous view with the splashing wave from the ocean and it is surrounded the tropical atmosphere with soft sea breeze. Kusamba Story.
Name of Kusamba is factually not far from the struggle history of Balinese in fight against the Dutch colonist. During the war against the Dutch in Kusamba on 23-24 May 1849, the Balinese hero had succeeds to make afraid the Dutch soldier and had killed the Dutch key man - Letnan General Michiel. What to see?
We can see the fisherman are looking after the prawn seed, send the rice, legume, fruits and other materials to Nusa Penida twice a day. The fisherman from Kusamba with the big boat and five
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crews can squire the material heavy as of 1,5 cargo ton to Nusa Penida. They can across the sea from Banjar Tri Buana, Banjar Bias Coastal and Kampung Island Coastal with 30 minutes until 2 hours time differences and it is depend to the type and transportation medium speed utilized. Beside of that, this boat can also squire the passengers who wish to enjoy the beautiful coral and the white sand coastal in the island cross of Bali . Segara Beach in Kusamba is especially for the Hindu ritual activities which are often conducted the activity of Nganyut in line with Ngaben Ceremony (Cremation Ceremony). We can also meet a fish market in this place which is usually held between 10 am until 4 pm. The strait between Bali and Nusa Penida Island is dwelt by a lot of fish, hence it is crowded by the white sail of fisherman boat decorates the sea around the Kusamba beach. At the west side of this coastal, especially in Banjar Batur, there are 40 families of fisherman as the traditional salt maker. (www.balistarisland.com)
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Thursday, January 7, 2010
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BUSINESS
Asian automakers dethrone Detroit in 2009 US sales
A man walks on a snow covered bridge near newly-built apartment buildings in Beijing on January 6, 2010. China’s economy likely grew 8.5 percent in 2009 despite the global downturn, but the country still faces challenges this year, including the difficult task of driving demand, a senior official has said.
Agence France-Presse
CHICAGO - Asian automakers dethroned Detroit as the biggest sellers in the United States in 2009 after General Motors and Chrysler succumbed to the economic crisis, industry data has shown. Total industry sales fell 21.2 percent to 10.43 million vehicles in 2009, according to Autodata figures released Tuesday. That is the lowest level since the 1983 recession and drastically below the 15 to 17 million vehicle ranges posted each of the previous 15 years. GM and Chrysler saw their sales suffer more than most after seeking billions of dollars in government aid and restructuring under bankruptcy protection. While Ford managed to both stay afloat and increase its piece of the shrunken market, the Detroit Three’s overall share fell to 44.2 percent of their home market from 47.5 percent in 2008. Asian brands captured a 47.4-percent share in 2009, up from 44.6 percent in 2008, Autodata said. It was the first time they gained a bigger piece than GM, Chrysler and Ford combined, which held a 60-percent share as recently as 2004 and a 70 percent share a decade ago. European automakers saw their piece of the pie rise to 8.4 percent from 7.8 percent in 2008. “It was a challenging and very volatile year,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president for US marketing sales and service. “We had to deal with a near-depression economy, there were bankruptcies, bailouts, discontinued brands, distressed pricing, a government stimulus program... that resulted in huge shifts in demand from one month to the next.” Ford managed to increase its share to 15.5 percent in 2009 from 14.4 percent a year earlier — the first time the second-largest US automaker posted a full-year share gain since 1995. Ford capped the year with a 33-percent gain in December sales, even as the year’s total fell 15.4 percent to 1.7 million vehicles. “For 2010, I’m leaving my seatbelt on, because I think that volatility is still an element of the new norm,” Czubay said in a conference call discussing Ford’s December sales results. Ford said it expects global vehicle sales to resume growth this year. Other major automakers also predicted smoother roads ahead as total December sales rose 15.1 percent from a year earlier. “Emerging from the rollercoaster of
2009, the industry has gained positive momentum for a gradual recovery,” said Don Esmond, senior vice president of automotive operations for Toyota Motor Sales, USA. Toyota — which managed to hold onto the number two spot in US sales — posted a 32-percent sales gain in December. It also managed to increase its share of the US market by 0.3 points to 17 percent, although sales ended the year down 20.2 percent at 1.78 million vehicles. “Despite a tough market, TMS performed solidly, reaching its goal to grow market share,” Esmond said. General Motors posted a six-percent drop in December US sales and saw its share shrink to 19.8 percent in 2009 from 22.2 percent in 2008 as annual sales fell 30 percent to 2.93 million vehicles. “We’re looking forward to 2010 as a year when the economy continues a modest recovery, industry sales begin to improve and our outstanding new products build additional sales momentum,” said Susan Docherty, GM vice president of US sales. Chrysler also expressed optimism even after its share fell to 8.9 percent in 2009 from 11 percent in 2008 and its ranking slid to 5th place as annual sales dropped 36 percent to 1.45 million vehicles. “As we kick off the new year, Chrysler Group continues to build momentum with some of the best products in the marketplace, and we are enthusiastic about the new products coming this year,” Chrysler’s top sales executive Fred Diaz said in a statement. Korean automakers were among the big winners of 2009, with Kia and Hyundai the only brands besides Japan’s Subaru to post both market share and net sales gains. Hyundai’s share rose to 4.2 percent from 3.0 in 2008 as sales grew 8.3 percent to 435,064 while Kia’s share rose 0.8 points to 2.9 percent as its sales grew 9.8 percent to 300,063 vehicles. Honda managed to beat Chrysler to 4th place as its share rose 0.2 points to 11.0 percent even as 2009 sales fell 19.5 percent to 1.15 million vehicles. Nissan managed to increase its share by 0.2 points to 7.4 percent in 2009, while sales fell 19.1 percent to 770,103 vehicles.
AFP PHOTO/ LIU Jin
China’s 2009 growth projected at 8.5 percent Agence France-Presse
BEIJING - China’s economy likely grew 8.5 percent in 2009 despite the global downturn, but the country still faces challenges this year, including the difficult task of driving demand, a senior official has said. Growth is set to exceed the government’s eight-percent target as Beijing’s massive stimulus package “quickly turned around the slowdown momentum,” said Zhang Xiaoqiang, a vice chairman of China’s top economic planning agency. The Chinese government has for years set the annual growth target at eight percent — the rate seen as the minimum necessary to create enough jobs to prevent social unrest in the vast country of 1.3 billion. Growth accelerated on the back of improving company profits, soaring investment, and booming domestic consumption, Zhang said in a speech posted Tuesday on the website of the National Development and Reform Commission. But the Chinese economy however still faces many challenges to maintain a steady and fast ex-
pansion in 2010 due to constraints in boosting demand, overcapacity in some industries and fiercer international competition, he said. “The trade environment outlook is no cause for optimism as foreign demand in the next year is unlikely to recover to the pre-crisis level given rife trade protectionism,” Zhang said. “China will face rising international competition and friction in trade and (the acquisition of) energy and resources, capital and technology in the post-crisis times. China’s “economic development will be more vulnerable to global economic and financial turmoil,” he said. Zhang added that domestic demand growth would taper off as the effects of stimulus measures reached their limit. China’s economy grew by 8.9 percent in the third quarter of 2009 — the fastest pace in a year — after expanding by 7.9 percent in the second quarter and 6.1 percent in the first, the slowest pace in more than a decade. Official full-year growth figures are normally released in late January.
Oil extends gains as cold weather boosts buying Agence France-Presse
NEW YORK - World oil prices extended their gains Tuesday, with New York crude holding above 81 dollars on increased heating fuel demand spurred by frigid weather in the northern hemisphere. New York’s main futures contract, light sweet crude for delivery in February, gained 26 cents to close at 81.77 dollars a barrel. Brent North Sea crude for February delivery added 47 cents to settle at 80.49 dollars in London trading. The market extended the rally that began on Monday but with less conviction. Analysts said cold weather was boosting demand for heating fuel but that would be temporary. Additionally, some of the optimism about economy recovery had waned. “Yesterday’s enthusiasm seems to have cooled a bit,” said Mike Fitzpatrick at MF Global, who cited “renewed skepticism” about the economic outlook.
“How can China be the engine for global recovery when it is still a largely export driven economy?... While a series of upbeat economic readings from the US, China and India are clearly cheered by oil market participants, it is the freezing weather across a lot of the northern hemisphere that will actually drive demand,” he said. Independent oil analyst Ellis Eckland said the market is digesting the gains from the prior session. “It’s cold all over the world, (which is) definitively adding to oil demand, but the American weather looks it is going to ease up, so it’s slightly bearish for oil,” he said. Phil Flynn at PFG Best said the market appears to be getting support from the notion that government stimulus, including ultra-low interest rates from the Federal Reserve, will help keep the economic recovery on track. “It is not so much the transitory issue that we are freezing that inspired the big move but a growing sense that interest rates will be frozen for a longer time than the market anticipated,” he said.
12
Entertainment
Thursday, January 7, 2010
International
Aamir Khan’s ‘3 Idiots’ becomes Bollywood smash Agence France Presse
MUMBAI – Aamir Khan’s latest film, “3 Idiots,” has become the highest grossing Bollywood movie of all time, with strong showings at home and abroad raising hopes for further cross-over hits for Indian films. The leading actor-producer-director wrote on his blog that box office takings for the coming-ofage comedy had already surpassed those for his 2008 hit “Ghajini,” which was the previous record holder. “In less than 10 days 3i has overtaken the ENTIRE business of GHAJINI!!!! India, Overseas, everywhere!!! And is still going strong,” Khan wrote Monday, describing himself as “fully overwhelmed and totally humbled.” India’s Business Standard newspaper said Tuesday that “3 Idiots” had taken 2.4 billion rupees (51 million dollars) from the domestic and international market since opening on December 25. “Ghajini” took 2.25 billion rupees. Meanwhile www.hollywood.com
and Deadline Hollywood, which both track box office takings in the United States, said “3 Idiots” has so far made 4.8 million dollars after opening in nearly 120 US theatres. No Bollywood film has crossed the four-million-dollar threshold before. The film’s success has given Bollywood a boost, after a disappointing 2009 marked by a damaging producers’ boycott of multiplex cinemas in a row over box office takings, swine flu fears and a string of big budget flops. The Business Standard said “3 Idiots” has so far made more money than Bollywood’s entire ticket receipts in November, which included the hit “Ajab Prem Ki Gazab Kahani” (An Amazing Story Of Strange Love). Indian box office takings are lower than in Hollywood because of lower ticket prices. Film critics and industry analysts attributed the success of “3 Idiots” not just to Khan’s star quality, but also high production values, a sustained marketing campaign and the story’s wide appeal.
A poster outside a screening of “Avatar” at Fox Studios in Los Angeles, California. Science-fiction blockbuster “Avatar” was named among the nominees for the Producers Guild of America Awards’ top honor Tuesday, regarded as a key indicator of likely Oscars contenders.
AFP/Getty Images/File/Frazer Harrison
‘Avatar,’ ‘Hurt Locker,’ nominated in key Oscars indicator Agence France Presse
LOS ANGELES – Science-fiction blockbuster “Avatar” was named among the nominees for the Producers Guild of America Awards’ top honor Tuesday, regarded as a key indicator of likely Oscars contenders.
AFP/File/Sam Panthaky
Actor R. Madhavan smiles during an event launching the flm ‘3 Idiots’ close to Ahmedabad. The film has become the highest grossing Bollywood movie of all time, with strong showings at home and abroad raising hopes for further cross-over hits for Indian films.
James Cameron’s groundbreaking 3-D spectacular, which has become the fourth highest grossing film in history since it’s release last month, was among 10 films nominated for the January 24 awards show. The PGA awards “Producer of the Year” honor is regarded as a
gauge of which films may ultimately challenge for the coveted best picture prize at the Oscars, which are held on March 7 this year. Last year’s PGA award winner, “Slumdog Millionaire,” eventually went on to win the Oscars’ coveted best picture award, as did the 2008 victor “No Country for Old Men.”
Joining “Avatar” on the nominees list this year were the producers of Iraq War drama “The Hurt Locker,” as well as the producers of sciencefiction hits “District 9” and “Star Trek.” Other nominees included British drama “An Education,” DisneyPixar’s animated hit “Up” and Jason Reitman’s recession-era dramedy “Up In the Air,” starring George Clooney. The field was completed by Quentin Tarantino’s “Inglourious Basterds,” Clint Eastwood’s “Invictus” and “Precious.”
US film festival boycott over Tibet: state media Agence France Presse
BEIJING – Two Chinese movies have been pulled out of the Palm Springs International Film Festival in the United States in protest at the inclusion of a film about Tibet, staterun media reported Wednesday. The makers of the Chinese films were upset over the inclusion of “The Sun Behind the Clouds: Tibet’s Struggle for Freedom,” the Beijing Times newspaper said. The film deals with the “trials and tribulations” of the Dalai Lama, Tibet’s exiled spiritual leader, in advocating autonomy for his Himalayan homeland, the festival’s website said. However the makers of the two Chinese movies viewed it as a “Tibetan independence” film, the
Beijing Times said. It said the Chinese movies included “Nanjing! Nanjing!”, also known as “City of Life and Death”, about the brutal 1937 capture of the city of Nanjing by Japanese forces. The other was a short film called “Quick Quick Slow Slow”, the paper said. Officials at the studios that made the Chinese films — Stellar Megamedia Films and DFM Films Shanghai, respectively — either declined comment or could not be reached by AFP. China accuses the Dalai Lama of agitating for an independent Tibet. The Tibetan spiritual leader has repeatedly denied the charges, saying he only seeks greater autonomy for the remote Buddhist enclave. Earlier this year, the screening of
a film about exiled Uighur minority activist Rebiya Kadeer at festivals in Australia and Taiwan prompted either the withdrawal of Chinese films or warnings by Beijing not to show the movie. The film was screened anyway. China accuses Kadeer of fomenting unrest in its restive Xinjiang region, home to more than eight million Uighurs, a Muslim minority.
Two Chinese movies have been pulled out of the Palm Springs International Film Festival in the United States in protest at the inclusion of a film about Tibet and the region’s exiled spiritual leader the Dalai Lama (pictured), state-run media reported Wednesday.
AFP/File/Diptendu Dutta
Life Style
International
Thursday, January 7, 2010
13
Fight against fat goes high-tech with new devices Associated Press Writer
ALHAMBRA, Calif. – The fight against fat is going high-tech. To get an inside look at eating and exercise habits, scientists are developing wearable wireless sensors to monitor overweight and obese people as they go about their daily lives.
AP Photo/Kim Johnson Flodin
In this photo taken Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2009, after being fitted with a wireless sensor to gather vital signs and bluetooth cell phone for gathering data, fifteen-year-old Amorette Castillo, right, plays a video game while Eric Carles, 13, sits still at a University of Southern California lab in Alhambra, Calif. Scientists across the country are playing with miniature gadgets and fitting them on the overweight and obese to get an unbiased glimpse into their exercise and eating habits.
The experimental devices are designed to keep track of how many minutes they work out, how much food they consume and even whether they are at a fast-food joint when they should be in the park. The goal is to cut down on self-reported answers that often cover up what’s really happening. In a lab in this Los Angeles suburb, two overweight teenagers help test the devices by taking turns sitting, standing, lying down, running on a treadmill and playing Wii. As music thumps in the background, wireless sensors on their chests record their heart rates, stress levels and amount of physical activity. The information is sent to a cell phone. “I can’t feel my legs,” 15-yearold Amorette Castillo groans after her second treadmill run. Traditional weight-loss interventions rely mainly on people’s memory of what they ate for dinner and how many minutes they worked out. But researchers have long known that method can be unreliable since people often forget details or lie. The new devices are being designed in labs or created with offthe-shelf parts. Some similar instruments are already on the market,
Giant tuna fetches $177,000 at Japan fish auction Associated Press Writer
TOKYO – A giant bluefin tuna fetched 16.3 million yen ($177,000) in an auction Tuesday at the world’s largest wholesale fish market in Japan. The 513-pound (233-kilogram) fish was the priciest since 2001 when a 440-pound (200 kilogram) tuna sold for a record 20.2 million yen ($220,000) at Tokyo’s Tsukiji market. The gargantuan tuna was bought and shared by the owners of two Japanese sushi restaurants and one Hong Kong-based sushi establishment, said a market representative on condition of ano-
AP Photo/Kyodo Photo
nymity because he was not authorized to disclose the information. Caught off the coast of northern Japan, the big tuna was among 570 put up for auction Tuesday. About 40 percent of the auctioned fish came from abroad, including from Indonesia and Mexico, the representative said. Japan is the world’s biggest consumer of seafood with Japanese eating 80 percent of the Atlantic and Pacific bluefins caught. The two tuna species are the most sought after by sushi lovers. However, tuna consumption in Japan has declined because of a prolonged economic slump as the world’s second-largest economy struggles to shake off its worst recession since World War II. “Consumers are shying away from eating tuna ... We are very worried about the trend,” the market representative said. Apart from falling demand for tuna, wholesalers are worried about growing calls for tighter fishing rules amid declining tuna stocks. The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas in November slashed the quota for the 2010 catch by about one-third to 13,500 tons (12,250 metric tons) — a move criticized by environmentalists as not going far enough. Retailers stand about fresh tunas during their first business at the Tsukiji fish market in Tokyo, Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2010. A fish market official says a bluefin tuna has fetched a nine-year high of 16.28 million yen ($177,000) at the first auction of the year.
including a model that tracks calories burned by measuring motion, sweat and heat with armbands. But the devices in development aim to be more sophisticated by featuring more precise electronics and sometimes even video cameras. Many emerging systems also strive to provide instant feedback and personalized treatment for wearers. At the University of Southern California lab, the teens alternated between being sedentary and active as researchers resolved the technical bugs. Later this year, some will wear the body sensors at home on weekends. If they get too lazy, they will get pinged with a text message. “We’ll be able to know real-time if they’re inactive, if they’re active,” said Donna Spruijt-Metz, a USC child obesity expert in charge of the project. The devices are made possible by advances in technology such as accelerometers that can measure the duration and intensity of a workout. They also use Bluetooth-enabled cell phones that can take pictures of meals and send information back. Will all this wizardry lead to a slimmer society? Scientists say there’s reason to hope. Getting an accurate picture of what people eat
and how often they move around will help researchers develop personalized weight-loss advice. Obesity is epidemic in the United States with two-thirds of adults either overweight or obese. It’s a major health concern for children and adolescents, who are at higher risk for high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes as they grow older. A federally funded pilot project by the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Louisiana is exploring whether people can lose more weight when tracked by technology. Participants carry around Blackberry Curves to snap pictures of their meals and leftovers. They also wear a quarter-sized device on their shoe that counts the number of steps they take. Counselors pore over the incoming data and give individually tailored health advice through email or telephone. Every month, the participants get their weight checked, and their progress is compared against a separate group that receives only generic health tips. The study involves just seven people, but researchers eventually hope to have 40. “It’s highly personalized. You get feedback very quickly,” said Corby Martin, who heads Pennington’s Ingestive Behavior Laboratory. By using technology to capture eating and exercise details, researchers hope to bypass self-reporting that can sometimes give an incomplete picture.
Japanese project aims to turn CO2 into natural gas Agence France Presse
TOKYO – Japanese researchers said Wednesday they hoped to enlist bacteria in the fight against global warming to transform carbon dioxide buried under the seabed into natural gas. The researchers at the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology aim to activate bacteria found naturally in earth to turn CO2 into methane, a major component of natural gas. A team led by chief researcher Fumio Inagaki have already confirmed that the bacteria exists in the crust deep under the seabed off the northern tip of Japan’s main island, a spokesman for the institute told AFP. But the project faces a big challenge to develop a method of activating the bacteria and accelerating the speed of methane gas generation, a spokesman for the agency acknowledged. In the natural environment, the bacteria turn CO2 into methane gas very slowly, over billions of years, he said. The researchers hope to develop technology within about five years to activate the bacteria and shorten the transformation time to about 100 years, he said. “The institute still has many hurdles, including the need to secure a budget, before officially kicking off the project,” the spokesman said. “But if launched, it would
be the first such project as far as we know.” The aim is for the bacteria to produce methane gas from CO2 buried in a layer about 2,000 metres (6,600 feet) under the sea bed, the agency said. Researchers in Japan and elsewhere are seeking to capture and store carbon dioxide underground in an effort to curb greenhouse gas emissions. Such projects are controversial as environmentalists warn that CO2 could seep out.
AFP/File/Torsten Blackwood
An enormous iceberg breaks off the Knox Coast in the Australian Antarctic Territory, 2008. Japanese researchers said Wednesday they hoped to enlist bacteria in the fight against global warming to transform carbon dioxide buried under the seabed into natural gas.
14
Sport
Thursday, January 7, 2010
International
Peer faces protest as seeds tumble in tennis clash Agence France Presse
AUCKLAND – Israel’s Shahar Peer overcame the chants of protesters to make the quarterfinals as three other seeds tumbled in the second round of the Auckland Classic women’s tennis tournament here Wednesday. The 22-year-old world number 31 appeared to cope with the noisy protest against Israel’s policies towards the Palestinians better than her Slovakian opponent Magdalena Rybarikova. “I think it was really, really bad,” Peer said of the noise coming from outside the ASB Tennis Centre after her crushing 61, 6-0 victory in just over an hour. “I don’t really have anything to say to (the protesters). I know they can do whatever they want, but as long as I’m winning, I don’t care.” Rybarikova was rattled as around 10 protesters chanted throughout the first set before police moved in to disperse them, arresting one person. “I have to say it was tough to
play during the protest,” she said. “I lost the first set because I was not concentrating. I was thinking about that and not my tennis.” Top-seeded Italian Flavia Pennetta had an easy passage to the quarter-finals of the WTA event after beating Spain’s Carla Suarez Navarro 6-2, 6-2. But French fifth seed Virginie Razzano and seventh-seeded compatriot Aravane Rezai lost their second-round matches, along with Russian sixth seed Elena Vesnina. Razzano went down 3-6, 6-3, 62 to 39-year-old Japanese veteran Kimiko Date Krumm, who returned to the circuit in 2008 after a 12-year retirement. “When I came back, I didn’t have confidence to play speedy ball or powerful ball,” Date Krumm said afterwards of her
battle to regain competitiveness. “If I play more WTA Tour, my eyes and body get used to it.” In the quarter-finals Date Krumm will face fellow wildcard and third seed Yanina Wickmayer of Belgium, who beat Romanian Ioana Raluca Olaru 6-2, 6-2. “I have so much respect for her comeback,” Wickmayer said of Date Krumm. “She is a great player and a great athlete with an awesome mentality.”
Israel’s Shahar Peer, pictured, overcame protesters’ chants to make the quarter-finals in the second round of the Auckland Classic women’s tennis tournament on Wednesday.
Odom inspires Lakers to gritty victory over Rockets Reuters
LOS ANGELES – Lamar Odom produced a solid performance to help the Los Angeles Lakers survive a ragged offensive outing in beating the Houston Rockets 88-79 on Tuesday. Despite missing practice a day earlier through stomach pain, Odom filled in for the injured Pau Gasol and nearly posted a triple-double with 17 points, 19 rebounds and nine as-
sists. Center Andrew Bynum had a team-high 24 points and Kobe Bryant added 22, including several key fourth-quarter plays, as the defending NBA champions ground out a fourth straight win. “The guy who was pretty sick and unable to practice for us ended up being the star of the game,” Lakers coach Phil Jackson told reporters. “He had a terrific game. He knew we were at a deficit without
REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson
Los Angeles Lakers’ Kobe Bryant (back) attempts to defend against Houston Rockets’ Trevor Ariza during their NBA basketball game in Los Angeles January 5, 2010.
Pau (Gasol).” Carl Landry scored 19 points off the bench and Aaron Brooks chipped in 18 for the Rockets (2015), who suffered a second straight defeat. Trailing for a majority of the game, Houston rallied to reduce the deficit to just two points with 3:55 left but Bryant answered with an assist on a three-point play and a jumper before Bynum made a hook shot to push the lead back to 8073. All-Star forward Gasol missed the contest for Los Angeles (28-6) after straining his left hamstring in Sunday’s win against the Dallas Mavericks. Gasol missed the season’s first 11 games with an injury to his right hamstring and will again be sidelined. While playing without one starter, the Lakers welcomed back Ron Artest, who had missed the previous five games following a fall at his home over Christmas that resulted in a concussion and injured elbow. Artest struggled to 3-for-11 shooting as did the rest of the offense that committed 20 turnovers with Bryant also struggling through a 9-for-23 shooting performance. Houston again showed a knack for playing Los Angeles tough, having pushed the Lakers in a seven-game series last season in the Western Conference semi-finals. “It’s always a fight as soon as the buzzer sounds (with the Rockets),” Odom said. “They play hard and we respect them.”
AFP/File/Stan Honda
Reps for Pacquiao, Mayweather mum on mediation day Agence France Presse
LOS ANGELES – Representatives for Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. wrapped up a lengthy mediation session Tuesday night with no word on any progress on the drug-testing issues endangering the boxers’ prospective March 13 bout. Pacquiao promoter Bob Arum and Mayweather’s promotional team all said they had been told to make no public comments after their meeting in Santa Monica. The mediation finished nearly nine hours after it began in front of Daniel Weinstein, a retired federal judge. Arum’s Top Rank and Mayweather’s representatives at Golden Boy Promotions agreed to the mediation in an effort to resolve their dispute over the methods and frequency of drug testing for the bout, which will be held at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas if a compromise is reached. Although both fighters have agreed to extensive urine testing, Mayweather has demanded random blood testing as well. Pacquiao has balked at unlimited blood testing, instead proposing two blood tests before the fight and another immediately afterward. Pacquiao also complicated the negotiations by filing a lawsuit last week alleging Mayweather and most of his camp’s key players defamed him by falsely accusing
him of using performance-enhancing drugs. Neither side would say whether more mediation will be held Wednesday, but the length of Tuesday’s meeting appeared to be a positive development for the potential fight. If little progress could be made, the session likely would have been scrapped early, with the sport’s top two fighters moving on to replacement bouts instead of meeting in what’s expected to be the richest fight in boxing history. After impressive pay-per-view numbers in their most recent bouts last year, both fighters stand to make more than $25 million in their welterweight meeting. Except for drug testing, the camps have settled every significant detail of the fight, according to Arum and Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer. If the fight falls through, Pacquiao is expected to attempt to win a title in a record eighth weight division with a bout against 154-pound champion Yuri Foreman in Las Vegas on March 20, while Mayweather could fight former 140-pound champion Paulie Malignaggi at the MGM Grand on March 13. Boxing’s two most prominent promotional companies have appeared before Weinstein in the past, including a session in 2007 in which they resolved the promotional rights to Pacquiao, who had deals with both companies at one point.
Sport
International
Thursday, January 7, 2010
15
Blaugrana Humbled In First Leg Defeat MADRID - Barcelona face an uphill task to maintain their defense of the Copa Del Rey, after going down to Sevilla in the first leg. Pep Guardiola gave most of his fringe players a start, with Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, Pedro and Daniel Alves being the only regulars. Sevilla, meanwhile, played almost their strongest possible side. Both sides struggled to create chances in the early stages, and it was Jose Manuel Pinto who was tested first, when he had to dive at full stretch to keep Romaric’s free-kick out. Minutes later, Messi made Palop do the same, after unleashing from just outside the box following a trademark dribble. Set pieces seemed to be the main threat from both sides, and Palop had to be alert once again to keep out a rasping drive from Alves. From the resulting corner, the ball eventually found its way to Messi, but La Pulga could only hit the bar from a tight angle. Just past the half-hour, there was a contentious decision when Diego Capel’s goal was ruled out for offside. At first glance it seemed like an obvious decision, but replays indicated that the ball may well have come off Gabriel Milito’s foot on the way to the Sevilla winger. That proved to be one of the few major incidents in a largely uneventful first half, as both teams went into
the break on even terms. Both sides made a change at halftime, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic replacing Pedro, while Renato came on for the injured Jesus Navas. It was the Brazilian who had the first chance of the second half, when he shot straight at Pinto after being found in the box by Abdoulay Konko. Sevilla looked the better side in the second period, and they duly took the lead on the hour mark. Diego Perotti burst down the left and squared the ball, which fell to Capel having touched Renato on the way, and the winger made no mistake in slotting past Pinto. Barca were rattled by the setback, and they nearly fell further behind when another Romaric free-kick was nervously tipped over by Pinto. Then, with twenty minutes remaining, there was further controversy as Bojan had a seemingly legitimate goal disallowed, as Ibrahimovic was adjudged to have fouled Konko in the build up. However, they would soon have their equalizer, as Rafael Marquez played an incredible ball over the top of the entire Sevilla side to find Ibrahimovic, who did well to round Palop and find the back of the net.
AFP PHOTO/ JOSEP LAGO
Barcelona’s Swedish forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic (down) fights for the ball with Sevilla’s French defender Julien Escude (top) during the Spanish Kings Cup match Barcelona vs Sevilla at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on January 05, 2010. Barcelona was defeated 2-1.
Manchester City Report Huge Losses LONDON - Manchester City have reported mammoth annual losses of £92.6million. The eye-watering figure represents the biggest annual loss in English football history and emphasises the vast amounts of money invested by Sheikh Mansour since he bought the Eastlands outfit from Thaksin Shinawatra in September 2008. As the figures run to May 31,
2009, they do not take into account last summer’s transfer dealings. However, it does include the previous year, when City smashed the British transfer record to bring Brazilian superstar Robinho to the club for £32.5million. Another Brazilian, Jo, also arrived although he has since joined Everton on loan, while Shay Given and Craig Bellamy were among a clutch of top-
name players who joined 12 months ago. Since then, of course, manager Mark Hughes has lost his job and been replaced by Roberto Mancini. City’s chief financial and administration officer Graham Wallace said: “The financial results reflect a period of rapid change at the club, the result of long-term planning and investment by the Board and our owners, to cre-
Manchester City’s Argentinian player Carlos Tevez (2ndL) celebrates scoring his goal against Wolverhampton Wanderers with Manchester City’s Stephen Ireland (2nd R) and Manchester City’s Ivory Coast Kolo Toure during a Premier League match at Molineux Stadium in Wolverhampton, West Midlands, England on December 28, 2009. AFP PHOTO/IAN KINGTON
ate a sustainable business in the future. “We have always said that this transformation will take a number of years and these figures reflect that.” On a normal business level, there have been areas of growth. Turnover increased by six per cent to £87million, attendances rose to 42,890 from an average of 42,081 in the previous season, with ticketing revenues ahead by £1.8million, mainly as a result of the extended UEFA Cup run. Television revenues rose by 12% to £48.3million, also as a result of UEFA Cup performance. Ultimately though, the figures represent a big change at the club. While City’s playing squad is the obvious example of money being poured in from Abu Dhabi, there have been other, less noticeable costs. Hughes’ demands to substantially improve the Carrington training ground were met. There were additional infrastructure costs, website and technology applications and staffing levels also went up. For Sheikh Mansour and chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak, these were essential in the growth of what was a middle-ranking Premier League outfit to one, by their own admission, which is expected to secure a top four spot this season and win the title - for the first time since 1969 - next. Just as Roman Abramovich has done at Chelsea, Sheikh Mansour has turned the £304.9million shareholder loans he made to City into equity.
He has also purchased further shares to a value of £89.6million in what is termed as a “show of commitment” to City. “The owners’ decision to convert debt to equity is in line with their previously-stated financial strategy and is fantastic news for supporters of Manchester City, whose club is now on a secure financial foundation that gives a tremendous platform to build from in future years,” added Wallace. Up until three weeks ago, the Blues’ new owners had not put a foot wrong, continually stressing their long-term plans and desire to achieve success in small stages. Yet the manner of Hughes’ exit left a sour taste, in addition to causing a storm of criticism, most of which was heaped on chief executive Garry Cook. He bore the brunt of the blame for Hughes being forced to take charge of the home game against Sunderland, even though his impending sacking had become common knowledge. It has however, never been satisfactorily explained why Khaldoon, having arrived in England at 10am on the day of the game, waited until afterwards to dismiss Hughes, exposing the Welshman to a humiliating exit. This will quickly be forgotten though if City do manage to overcome Manchester United in their delayed Carling Cup semi-final and go on to lift their first major honour since 1976 at Wembley next month.
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Sport
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Raikkonen: WRC title more valuable
Kimi Raikkonen says winning the World Rally Championship would mean more to him than having taken the Formula 1 title. The Finn, the 2007 F1 champion, is moving to the WRC with Citroen for 2010 after nine years in grand prix racing.
AFP PHOTO / FRED DUFOUR
Ferrari’s Finnish driver Kimi Raikkonen walks as rain falls over the Autodromo Nazionale circuit on September 12, 2009 in Monza, after the qualifying session of the Formula One Italian Grand Prix.
Briatore plans action against Piquets FLAVIO Briatore intends to pursue legal action against the Piquet family now that his ban from international motorsport has been overturned by a French court. The former Renault boss had announced he would sue Nelson Piquet Jr and his father when the Singapore ‘crashgate’ scandal first broke in September last year, but then parted company with Renault and was given an indefinite ban from involvement in motor racing by the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council.
BP/ist
Flavio Briatore
That sentence was declared ‘irregular’ by the Tribunal de Grande Instance in Paris yesterday - although the FIA is investigating its appeal options. When asked by Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport if he was now planning to take action against the Piquets, Briatore replied: “That’s very likely. The bad that has been done to me won’t be forgotten in one day.” Briatore also reiterated his insistence that the ban was influenced by personal disputes between himself and former FIA president Max Mosley. “It was a case of vengeance from Mosley, who has always managed the FIA and the World Council as if it was private property,” he said. “He had reassured me, telling me they understood I didn’t have anything to do with that story. Then came that verdict. It was an ignoble thing after 18 years of F1. “First Mosley tried to make me lose titles, first with Schumi then with Alonso, and then to destroy me with this story.” He expects to have a better relationship with the FIA under its new president Jean Todt. “I’ve known Jean for years, I can bet on his honesty,” said Briatore. “This is an issue between me and Mr Mosley.” He also doubts whether the FIA will be able to appeal against yesterday’s decision. “I wouldn’t do it after such a verdict,” he said. Briatore suggested yesterday that he had not yet decided whether to return to Formula 1, but he intends to resume his driver management activities another area that was affected by the FIA ban. “Except for [Heikki] Kovalainen and [Lucas] di Grassi, my relationship with the other drivers has never changed,” he said. “In fact, now we’ll analyse the situation with the lawyers to see whether we should take legal action against anyone who has broken the contracts with us.”
Speaking to the Red Bulletin magazine, Raikkonen admitted a WRC crown would be a huge achievement for him. “More than my F1 world championship title,” Raikkonen said when asked what a WRC title would mean to him. “I’m just starting out and I can sense what a long journey it would be to get to that point.” Raikkonen said his move to the WRC will be the greatest challenge he has faced so far in his career. “It’s definitely the biggest challenge yet,” he added. “I’ve got to learn everything from scratch. But I want the challenge. I have to get to know the car, the rallies, how to work with my codriver [Kaj Lindstrom], everything. “I’m looking forward to it. And you’ve got to set yourself some competition if you really want to know how good you are. I’ll still be able to drive around the forest in a private rally car.” He added: “The first few ral-
lies are bound to be tough. Until I know how fast the other drivers are, I’m holding back on any personal expectations. I’m sure I won’t manage to keep up with the top four [Loeb, Dani Sordo, Hirvonen, Latvala]. “In F1, politics gets in the way of the exciting side of things. The atmosphere in rallying is much nicer and there’s a lot less politics involved. It’s must more about how the driver performs.” The 30-year-old Finn said the new challenge is making him feel like he’s at the start of his career again. “I’m finding a bit of the young Kimi in me again,” he said. “A world rally car is quicker and tougher than the S2000 car I dove last year on the Rally Finland; it’s 10 times better to driver and has more power. “It’s why you can still come out of critical situations. If the Fiat ever went sideways with its non-turbo engine, it was game over.”