Edisi 02 April 2015 | International Bali Post

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Thursday, April 2, 2015

‘X Files’ actor David Duchovny to release 1st album in May

NEW YORK — “X Files” actor David Duchovny is releasing his first music album. He announced Tuesday he’ll release “Hell or Highwater” on May 12. The album will include 12 tracks he wrote.

Duchovny has won two Golden Globes and is best known for his roles in the TV series “The X Files” and “Californication.”

He says in a statement making the album was a “dream come true,” though he adds it’s shocking to think he has a musical career.

The first single is the title track and already is available. The music is being released on ThinkSay Records.

Duchovny will star in the upcoming NBC series “Aquarius,” which debuts May 28. (ap)

Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File

‘General Hospital’ leads Daytime Emmy nominations

NEW YORK — ABC’s “General Hospital” earned a leading 28 nominations for Daytime Emmy awards, with four of its stars competing for honors as top actor or actress.

Nominations were announced Tuesday for the 42nd annual awards.

The ceremony will be held on the Warner Bros. studio lot in Burbank, Calif., on April 26, televised on the Pop network.

The other top soap operas, “The Young and the Restless” (25 nominations); “The Bold and the Beautiful” (19 nominations) and “Days of Our Lives” (16 nominations) were the other shows with the most potential trophies.

“Sesame Street” earned 13 nominations and “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” had 10.

CBS’ “The Bold and the Beautiful”

and “The Young and the Restless” and NBC’s “Days of Our Lives” joined “General Hospital among the nominees for best soap opera.

Best actress nominees for daytime drama were Peggy McCay and Alison Sweeney of “Days of Our Lives,” Maura West and Laura Wright of “General Hospital” and Gina Tognoni of “The Young and the Restless.”

Best actor nominees for a soap were Anthony Geary and Jason Thompson of “General Hospital” and Christian LeBlanc and Billy Miller of “The Young and the Restless.”

Nominees for supporting actress are Linsey Godfrey of “The Bold and the Beautiful,” Amelia Heinle and Elizabeth Hendrickson of “The Young and the Restless” and Finola Hughes and Lisa Locicero of “General Hospital.”

Supporting actor nominees are Scott Clifton and Jacob Young of “The Bold and the Beautiful,” Chad Duell of “General Hospital,” and Kristoff St. John of “The Young and the Restless.”

Nominees for best game show were “Family Feud” (syndicated), “Jeopardy!” (syndicated) and “The Price is Right” (CBS).

Nominees for best informative talk show were ABC’s “The Chew,” ‘’The Dr. Oz Show” (syndicated), “The Kitchen” (Food Network) and “Steve Harvey” (syndicated).

Nominees for best entertainment talk show were “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” (syndicated), “Live! With Kelly and Michael” (syndicated), “The Talk” (CBS), and “The Wendy Williams Show” (syndicated). (ap)

WEATHER FORECAST 23 - 32 Dps

Iraqi minister says Tikrit to be recaptured within ‘hours’ AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi

This Feb. 26, 2014 file photo shows Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones performing during their concert at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo. The band has announced that they will kick off their new 15-city North American stadium tour.

Rolling Stones announce live shows in US

LONDON - Veteran British rockers the Rolling Stones on Tuesday announced a 15-date stadium tour of North America. Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood and Charlie Watts will kick off the Zip Code tour on May 24 in San Diego.

They will play cities including Atlanta, Dallas, Pittsburgh and Detroit before wrapping up on July 15 in Quebec. Tickets go on sale from April 20.

“People say, ‘How come you’re still doing this?’ but I can’t believe I did this when I was 20,” Jagger, 71, said in a promotional video released

on the band’s website.

“Back on the road and in my element -- that’s how it feels,” added Richards. The Stones’ live shows grossed $143 million (133 million euros) last year and their live shows are consistently among the top earners in the music business.

The band played their first live shows in the US in 1964 but their history of touring in North America has not always been happy.

In 1977, Richards was arrested after heroin was found in his Toronto hotel room but escaped a prison sentence after admitting possession. (afp)

Justin Bieber attends mediation session over alleged assault

MIAMI - Pop star Justin Bieber attended a mediation session Tuesday in Miami over a lawsuit against him in which a photographer alleges that one of the star’s bodyguards assaulted him.

Bieber slipped in the back door of the office building where the session was held so as to avoid reporters, according to footage from the local affiliate of CBS. Bieber, 21, later left without making any public comment.

Photographer Jeffrey Binion sued the singer in 2013 for allegedly ordering one of his bodyguards to assault Binion as the paparazzo tried to take shots of the singer in Miami Beach.

The lawsuit alleges that the

bodyguard threatened the photographer with a gun and removed the memory card from his camera.

The pop idol has had numerous run-ins with the law, including in his native Canada, where he has been accused of assault.

In the United States he was arrested on charges of driving a sports car recklessly in Miami Beach. In Los Angeles, he was convicted and sentenced to two years probation for throwing eggs at the home of a neighbor.

Bieber used his recent visit to Miami to make surprise appearances on the stage Saturday at a concert given by singer Ariana Grande and on Sunday at an electronic music festival called Ultra. (afp)

e-mail: info_ibp@balipost.co.id online: http://www.internationalbalipost.com. http://epaper.internationalbalipost.com.

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Page 6

Italy draws 1-1 against England in international friendly

Not Published We, the International Bali Post would like to apologize in advance because we will not be published on Friday, April 3, 2015.

Thank You

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Bali’s economy affected by strengthening US Dollar

DENPASAR - Statements made by a number of observers, that suggest - thanks to tourism, Bali is benefiting from the depreciation of the rupiah - is not entirely true. Udayana University lecturer Prof. Dr. Ketut Rahyuda, and Dean of Faculty of Economics and Business Studies (FEB) at Undiknas University, Prof. Dr. Ida Bagus Raka Suardana, rebuked this idea. They saying that the strengthening of the US dollar exchange rate to IDR 13,075.00 has negative impacts on Balinese people with weak incomes.

According to these academics, the depreciation of the Rupiah, which helps to increase Bali’s exports, is not commensurate with the economic burden felt by society.

“Much of our data are incorrect and merely populist. How can exports increase when economic conditions in the US and Europe are sluggish?

The increase of exports from Bali are limited to a few items such as tuna and a handful of handicrafts,” said Ketut Rahyuda.

Based on the Central Statistics

Agency (BPS) of Bali, the export value of goods from the Province of Bali, dispatched through several ports in Indonesia in December 2014 reached USD 40,890,387.

This amount decreased by 6.50 percent compared to the export values for November 2014 that reached USD 43,732,508. Likewise, the amount of exports recorded for December 2014 showed a decrease of 3.75 percent compared to December 2013, when exports from Bali were valued at a total of USD

42,481,585.

The month to month decline in the amount of exports is most seen by the decreasing figures of exports to Australia that were only worth USD 2.75 million or minus 46.07 percent. Apart from Australia, other export destination countries that also showed relatively high rates of decline, include; the USA, Hong Kong, Singapore and Germany. The value of exported items to these four countries decreased

by USD 858,440; USD 574,969;

USD 351,697 and USD 339,542, respectively.

“Over the past five to ten years, there have only been increases in the tax sector whose use is not transparent. The US dollar’s exchange rate, which has risen from IDR 9,200 to IDR 13,000, makes the burden of common people heavier when it comes to providing for their basic needs,” explained Suardana.

Suardana sees the depreciation of the Rupiah, having a 5 to 15 percent impact on the price hike of goods, over the past three months.

“Suppose that the local government and independent research institutes conduct a survey on the prices of basic necessities, the validity and reliability of the data would be more credible,” he suggested.

According to Rahyuda, the price hike of various goods and services means a higher cost of living, while people’s income remains the same.

“What kind of logic is used to explain that the people are becoming more prosperous, when the increasing strength of the US dollar does not mean more tourists coming to Bali, nor more domestic travellers either,” he said. (kmb27)

The strengthening of the US dollar exchange rate to IDR 13,075.00 has negative impacts on Balinese people with weak incomes.

News can also be heard in “Bali Image” at Global Radio FM 96.5 from 9.30 until 10.00 am. Listen to Global Radio FM at http:// globalfmbali.listen2myradio.com or live video streaming at http://radioglobalfmbali.com and http:// ustream.tv/channel/global-fm-bali.

IBP/File Photo

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International

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Bali News

DENPASAR - The desire of the community of Gianyar County to regulate a quarry zone has posed a challenge to local officials. Raids were conducted according to the Regional Bylaw enforcement officers, after the approval of Regional Bylaw No. 5/2014 regarding Rock Quarry Management. In October 2014, the central government even issued Law No. 23/2014 replacing Law No. 32/2004 on Regional Government and thereby replacing the authority of quarry management from the county to provincial authority. als. Illegal quarrying around Mt. Merapi is quite rampant. The government of Sleman therefore encountered similar problems than the ones occurring along some stretches of river in Gianyar. Quarry activities carried out in Gianyar are quite disturbing. One incident that occurred as a result of illegal quarrying was the collapse of the agricultural irrigation tunnel of Subak Gunung Sari a few years ago.

Farmers in the community suffered fairly substantial losses as a result

Thursday, April 2, 2015

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5th years of Avilla Hospitality

Quarry zone regulated and controlled by county government

Responding to this issue, the government of Gianyar through the Information Dissemination Quality Improvement team is seeking to compare policies regarding the handling illegal miners, with the government of Sleman, Special Region of Yogyakarta, over three days from Thursday (Mar. 26) to Saturday (Mar. 28).

A few years ago, Sleman County was hit by the eruption of Mount Merapi. The eruption brought in quite a lot of geological materi-

Activities

International

of the incident.

The problems experienced by Gianyar County and Sleman County are not much different. Central government policies, both in the Law on Local Governments and in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Regulation No.23/2014, regarding the transitional administrative affairs for forestry, marine as well as energy and mineral resources, has moved the authority of the county or municipality into the hands of the central government and provincial

The coconut shells are tranformed into handicratfs.

governments, which has posed a challenge for both Gianyar and Sleman In the case of regulating quarry activities, the Country government of Sleman has some authority through a Regent Decree. “Although there is a new regulation, the zoning provisions through the study still remain a reference for the monitoring and coordinating on a regular basis with the provincial government,” said the Administrative Assistant in charge of Government Affairs, Regional Secretariat of Sleman, Joko Handoyo.

In the meantime, the Administrative Assistant in charge of Economic and Development Affairs for the Regional Secretariat of Gianyar, I Ketut Suweta, who led the govern-

ment of Gianyar group , said that imbalance of nature has started to happen in Bali, especially in Gianyar. One of the causes of flooding and landslides is caused by water catchment area being reduced by land conversion and quarrying.

Gianyar is frequently the target of illegal quarry activities especially at Kemenuh village, Blahbatuh village, Sukawati and Ubud, because the rock in these areas is of superior quality. The rock in Gianyar has a good texture and motif. Besides, it is also believed to have taksu or spiritual aura so that the demand for Gianyar rock continues to increase.

“The procedures for handling illegal activities in Sleman will be studied to see how it can be applied in Gianyar,” said Suweta. (dar)

Coconut shell used for craft products

IBP/Sosiawan

BANGLI - Abundant coconut shells left over from ritual usage such as daksina, have given people creative ideas about how to produce high value products. Ketut Dana, who lives in Sribatu hamlet, Penglumbaran village, Susut, turns the coconut shells into piggy banks and markets them to international buyers.

Dana revealed on Tuesday (Mar. 31) that he runs his business independently.

Abundant discarded coconut shells, that were previously left unused, are creatively transformed into piggy banks with artistic value. He does not only make piggy shaped banks but also, cats, giraffes and others. “I can produce 10 pieces a day,” he said.

Besides, he added that the demand for piggy bank is very high. In an average month he sells about 400 piggy banks for IDR 25,000 apiece. Other than in Bali, he also sells overseas to countries like France and Spain. (kmb45)

 Founder : K.Nadha,  General Manager :Palgunadi Chief Editor: Diah Dewi Juniarti  Editors: Gugiek Savindra,Alit Susrini, Alit Sumertha, Daniel Fajry, Mawa, Suana, Sueca, Sugiartha, Yudi Winanto Denpasar: Dira Arsana, Giriana Saputra, Subrata, Sumatika, Asmara Putra. Bangli: Suasrina, Buleleng: Dewa kusuma, Gianyar: Agung Dharmada, Karangasem: Budana, Klungkung: Bagiarta. Jakarta: Nikson, Hardianto, Ade Irawan. NTB: Agus Talino, Izzul Khairi, Raka Akriyani. Surabaya: Bambang Wilianto.  Development: Alit Purnata, Mas Ruscitadewi.  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. Publisher: PT Bali Post

To be local champion in Bali with original character KUTA - Avilla Hospitality Management & Development held the 5th Avilla Anniversary at Adhi Jaya Sunset Hotel, Jl. Sunset Road, Bali, Saturday (15/3). As local company based in Bali, Avilla Hospitality has spread their business units in Bali since 2010. Started from developing and managing villa, continued with budget and thematic hotel, and then spread the business lines to restaurant and day spa all over Bali.

The Anniversary event had begun with the series of events as the road to the main event on 14 March 2015. Opening speech was delivered by Head of Committee, Loka Andre and General Manager of Avilla Hospitality, Darma Suyasa along with Chief Operations Officer (COO) of Avilla Hospitality, Henry Setiono.

“On this 5th Anniversary, Avilla Hospitality along with business units has been working side by side striving to fulfill the vision in becoming local champion in Bali.

Mentality as winner with our original character is the key to fulfill the vision,” said Henry Setiono, COO Avilla Hospitality.

The GM, Darma Suyasa, COO, Henry Setiono, and Chief Managing Officer (CMO), Herry Antolis, were the representative to do the cake cutting while accompanied by happy birthday song sung by all units’ Avilla. Congratulatory video by units also became the special gifts to Avilla. All FUNtastic team of Avilla also presented unique performances in this special day.

And the best performer was won

by Design department.

There were also awards for the most professional person in Avilla and Avilla Wow Challenge which the valuation is based on positive appearance, on time, and champion’s greeting explanation points.

There were also awards for the best congratulatory video submitter from Marketing department.

Several series of social events were held to welcoming the 5th Anniversary of Avilla, started from 28 Februari 2015 with cleaning beach at Doublesix Beach, Seminyak, then followed by Futsal Competition, and social visit to Orphanage Semara Pura in Klungkung on 2 March 2015 followed by all FUN-

tastic team of Avilla and business units.

Avilla Hospitality Management &Development is an innovative

player in its field and has a vision to be a local champion in Bali. Established in 2010 and has inspired and managed 12 brands.And in

this year, 2015, will launch thematic surfer hotel at Brawa Beach, Canggu and thematic youngster hotel at Raya Kuta. (kmb)

IBP/kmb

Arif Bilah

Familiar with nature and environment Legian Beach Hotel (LBH) is a favorite tourist accommodation putting forward the concept of Tri Hita Karana (three causes of harmony). It is a term consisting of Parahyangan (spiritual aspect) representing human relationship to God, Pawongan (social aspect) representing the human relationship to fellow humans and Palemahan (environmental aspect) representing the human relationship to nature.

General Manager, Arif Billah, said that LBH was very unique compared to other hotels. Spreading across an area of four hectares, 60 percent is used as the ‘jungle of the hotel’ for tropical garden. There is also a tree planting program for guests. They can include their name and memos like wedding, love, birthday, anniversary or family tree. “Guests are very enthusiastic.

So, we try to tackle global warming and rampant illegal logging,” he concluded.

In the Parahyangan aspect, the LBH implements pilgrimage, piodalan or temple’s birthday at hotel temple and deliver the offerings. For Pawongan aspect, the hotel implements corporate social responsibility such as a blood

donation as well as making a visit to orphanages and poor families. In addition, the hotel also supports the WAW Foundation, education for local children, cultural preservation and cooperation with customary villagers.

As for Palemahan, the hotel implements the eco-friendly concept with the tagline ‘We Love You, Earth.’

For this concept, it applies LED light replacement, non-CFC air conditioning, and heat pump installation without emission; recycles water for watering; makes rain water penetration points, composting and regular beach cleaning; as well as uses biodegradable chemical for laundry, dishwasher and housekeeping; and support the BAWA Foundation.

Interestingly, in fact the beauty of the gardens invites squirrels and birds to live at the hotel, so that his party provides food. Every morning and afternoon, staff beats the gong and squirrels will come from all directions as if they already knew that it was their feeding schedule. Initially there were only a few heads, but in the long run they amount to about 200 heads.

In addition, the hotel also raises a lot

of fish. “These activities become a unique tourist attraction for the hotel,” he said.

Uniqueness of the hotel is very harmonious with the location in front of the Legian Beach. It is a romantic place to enjoy the beauty of sunset.

Approximately it is 15 minutes’ drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport and only a few steps toward Kuta Beach, shopping center and entertainment spots. Hotel facilities are very adequate with a total of 218 rooms consisting of Bungalows, Pool Villas & Room, 2 swimming pools, 5 restaurants and 3 bars. “Quality of hotel is our priority,” he said. (kmb)

Balinese Temple Ceremony Every Temple and Shrine has a special date for it annual Ceremony, or “ Odalan “, every 210 days according to Balinese calendar, including the smaller ancestral shrine which each family possesses. Because of this practically every few days a ceremony of festival of some kind takes place in some Village in Bali. There are also times when the entire island celebrated the same Holiday, such as at Galungan, Kuningan, Nyepi day, Saraswati day, Tumpek Landep day, Pagerwesi day, Tumpek Wayang day etc.

The dedication or inauguration day of a Temple is considered its birth day and celebration always takes place on the same day if the wuku or 210 day calendar is used. When new moon is used then the celebration always happens on new moon or full moon.

The day of course can differ the religious celebration of a temple lasts at least one full day with some temple celebrating for three days while the celebration of Besakih temple, the Mother Temple, is never less than 7 days and most of the time it lasts for 11 days, depending on the importance of the occasion.

The celebration is very colorful. The shrine are dressed with pieces of cloths and sometimes with brocade, sailings, decorations of carved wood and sometimes painted with gold and Chinese coins, very beautifully arranged, are hung in the four corners of the shrine. In front of shrine are placed red, white or black umbrellas depending which Gods are worshipped in the shrines.

In front of important shrine one sees, besides these umbrellas soars, tridents and other weapons, the “umbul-umbul”, long flags, all these are prerogatives or attributes of Holiness. In front of the Temple gate put up “Penjor”, long bamboo poles, decorated beautifully ornaments of young coconut leaves, rice and other products of the land. Most beautiful to see are the girls in their colorful attire, carrying offerings, arrangements of all kinds fruits and colored cakes, to the Temple. Every visitor admires the grace with which the carry their load on their heads.

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Thursday, April 2, 2015

Health

International

International

Child poverty impacts brain development

PARIS - Children of richer, better-educated parents have bigger brains and more cognitive skills than their less-fortunate peers, but social help and teaching can help to overcome the differences, a study published on Monday said.

The distinctions were most profound in regions of the brain supporting language and reading, executive functions like memory and decision-making, and spatial skills, experts in the United States reported in the journal Nature Neuroscience.

The impact was “meaningful in terms of the way the brain is working in these kids”, study co-author Elizabeth Sowell of the University of Southern California told AFP.

“We found that the relationship between brain (structure) and family income impacted kids’ cognitive functioning,” Sowell said by email.

The study stressed that solutions lay within reach, including better school lunches, motivated teaching and community programmes to encourage children.

“It is not too late to think about how to impact resources that enrich the developmental environment,

that in turn help the brain wire itself together,” Sowell said.

Socioeconomic inequalities have long been seen as linked to differences in cognitive development, but the extent to which it affected brain structure was unclear until now.

In what is claimed to be the biggest study of its kind, Sowell’s team tested 1,099 typically developing boys and girls aged three to 20, from diverse population groups.

They compared parents’ income

and education level to children’s brain surface area, measured by scans, as well as their cognitive test scores.

They corrected for other potentially confounding influences on brain structure such as genetic ancestry.

Aside from the differences observed between the brain surface area of children in the lowest and highest income levels, there was also a striking disparity between income groups at the lower end of the scale.

There was a bigger difference, for example, between the results in

Bali News

Thursday, April 2, 2015

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kids from families earning either $30,000 (28,000 euros) or $50,000 per year, than those earning either $90,000 or $110,000.

Sowell said the reason behind that difference was unclear.

“It seems reasonable to speculate that resources afforded by the more affluent (nutrition, child care, schools etc) help ‘wire’ the brain through development,” she said.

“The most important point we want to convey... is not ‘if you are poor, your brain will be smaller, and there is nothing that can be done about it.’ That is absolutely not the message!” (afp)

Ebola virus has mutated less than scientists feared WASHINGTON - The Ebola virus is not mutating as quickly as scientists had feared, which is good news for treating the disease and preventing its spread, a study showed.

Previous research based on limited data had suggested that Ebola was mutating twice as quickly as in the past, researchers said in the journal Science.

But scientists who sequenced four Ebola samples taken in Mali between October and Novem-

ber found no significant genetic changes compared to samples taken at the beginning of the epidemic in March 2014.

“The Ebola virus in the ongoing West African outbreak appears to be stable -- that is, it does not appear to be mutating more rapidly than viruses in previous Ebola outbreaks, and that is reassuring,” said Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).

Ebola diagnostic tests, antibodies and experimental vaccines are based on the genetic make-up of the virus at a particular moment. If too much genetic variation occurs, diagnosis of new, mutated forms might not be possible and vaccines and antibodies could become ineffective.

Mutations could also potentially lead to more severe symptoms or a virus that spreads more easily, the scientists said.

In August, virologists studying 99 virus genomes from patients in Sierra Leone found a large number of mutations.

But in the study published Thursday, the Ebola samples collected in Mali were found to be similar to those collected elsewhere in the past.

The new data “adds yet more confidence that a vaccine strategy should work,” said Jim Kent of the University of California, Santa

Cruz, who has set up an Ebola virus genome database.

But a co-author on the earlier Sierra Leone study, Kristian Andersen of the Broad Institute, warned that new treatments and vaccines could result in virus mutations that will help Ebola survive them.

Ebola has killed more than 10,000 people in west Africa out of nearly 25,000 infected since the start of 2014, mainly in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea. (afp)

Diet sodas fall in US; Pepsi takes back No. 2 spot

AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File

This Oct. 1, 2014 file photo taken with a fisheye lens shows a shelf of diet and regular soft drinks in a refrigerator at K & D Market in San Francisco. U.S. soda volume declined for the tenth straight year in 2014, with diet sodas faring worse than their regular counterparts, according to a report released Thursday, March 26, 2015.

NEW YORK — Americans bought less soda for the 10th straight year in 2014, with diet sodas shrinking more than their sugary counterparts, according to a report released recently.

An annual report by the industry tracker Beverage Digest found that overall soda volume slipped 0.9 percent last year, moderating from the decline of 3 percent the previous year.

And the poor performance of diet sodas in particular led to a shake-up in the top 10 U.S. soda rankings; even though people bought less Pepsi, it managed to regain the No. 2 spot from Diet Coke, which suffered an even steeper decline. Diet Coke had knocked Pepsi off the No. 2 spot in 2010.

Coke remained by far the most popular soda in the U.S., selling about twice as much as No. 2 Pepsi.

John Sicher, publisher of Beverage Digest, attributed the moderation in soda’s decline in 2014 to the continued growth

of energy drinks. He also noted that Coca-Cola Co., PepsiCo and Dr Pepper Snapple Group have improved marketing for their soda brands.

Soda volume has been declining in the U.S. since 2004 amid concerns that sugary drinks fuel weight gain, and a proliferation of alternatives in the beverage aisle. More recently, industry executives have attributed an accelerating decline of diet sodas to concerns over artificial sweeteners like aspartame.

The American Beverage Association, which represents Coke, Pepsi and others, is trying to address the shift away from diet sodas in part by funding studies showing the benefits of the drinks.

Despite the ongoing decline of soda volume, the broader U.S. beverage industry performed better than in the previous year with growth of 1.7 percent, according to Beverage Digest. That increase was driven by an increase in bottled water sales. (ap)

IBP/Yudi Karnaedi

Provision of Tri Hita Karana (THK) Nugraha in Bali K. Nadha press Building, held Wednesday. Along with giving the THK Nugraha, also held a dagger and gemstone exhibition in Wantilan Bali K. Nadha Press Building for three days (April 1 to 3). The exhibition was officially opened by the Regent of Buleleng Putu Agus Suradnya accompanied by Satria Naradha and Suteja Neka.

Eight recipients received THK Nugraha 2015

DENPASAR - The philosophy of Tri Hita Karana (THK) should not be understood at the level of the concept alone, but rather on the implementation on the ground, which in turn leads to a concrete manifestation of the greatness of philosophy itself. Example, Bali as one of the world’s leading tourist destinations, all levels of society should understand and practice what is contained in THK; building harmonization with the creator (Parahyangan), with the surrounding community (pawongan) as well as the natural environment (palemahan).

Moreover, community leaders, corporations in the field of tourism should continue to inflame this Hindu concept to maintained Bali cultural, natural. This is the hope raised in the provision of Tri Hita Karana (THK) Nugraha in Bali K. Nadha press Building, Wednesday.

According to the General Manager of Bali Travel News (BTN), Gde Palgunadi, this award is given by the BTN, which is one of Bali Post Media Group members, to individuals, villages, corporations, non-governmental organizations or anyone who is deemed to have

a positive contribution to the development of tourism, social and cultural of Bali and meet established criteria.

This award, Palgunadi further explained, aims to inspire people of Bali, especially tourism component to be more concerned about the environment, surrounding communities and enhance closeness to God Almighty. “This is an implementation of the concept of THK,” he said.

The event was attended by Regent of Buleleng, Putu Agus Suradnyana, CEO of Bali Post Media Group, Satria Naradha, Vice Consul of India, Virender K. Jatav, general managers of hotels in Bali, and other businesses elements.

This year, there are eight recipients of THK Nugraha. The Green School has a learning environment that is comfortable and cool. All buildings ranging from a place to learn, play, rest area, and canteen made of bamboo and thatched roof so that it becomes a cool place to learn.

Kamasan village, the village has become a traditional painting artist community that gave birth to a unique style called traditional Kamasan painting. The painting

has been around since the days of empire to the present. Many foreign tourists come to the village only to learn to paint.

Begawan Foundation, have concern for environmental conservation. Each carry out activities should involve the local community. Three focuses of its activities are the conservation of the Bali starling (Leucopsar Rothschildi), education inviting school children, and health by establishing a health clinic at Begawan Giri Estate to serve the needs of the community.

Puri Sunia Resort, hotel development has been referred to the concept of Asta Kosala Kosali and the Tri Hita Karana. This hotel is very friendly to the environment and surrounding areas as well as promoting the spiritual.

Putu Sudiarta, successful digital innovator by creating an application in the form of gaming culture. Among others are Bali Green version of Android, which contains a map of Bali and tourist attractions as well as D’Kala, ogoh-ogoh games, and Klakat game. Currently he is preparing a super hero game of Bali, Kebo Iwa, and 3D movie of Garuda

Wisnu Kencana, as a form of appreciation for the culture of Bali in digital form.

I Wayan Candra or Mangku Candra is famous with his works and performances. As a civil servant, he is willing to take early retirement because he wants to completely pour time on art. His works often comes out as a champion and receive Muri Record and promote Bali abroad through the work of ogoh-ogoh.

Legian Beach Hotel appears as a jungle hotel in Kuta. The hotel is very concerned about the environment with the tagline ‘We Love You, Earth’.

While the Buleleng government commanded by Regent Putu Agus Suradnyana and Vice Regent, Dr. I Nyoman Sutjidra, are responsive partner in addressing the issues that arise in the region.

On that occasion, there was also a presentation by master of dagger, Pande Wayan Suteja Neka, who said dagger was a symbol of life.

Along with giving the THK Nugraha, also held a dagger and gemstone exhibition in Wantilan Bali K. Nadha Press Building for three days (April 1 to 3). The ex-

hibition was officially opened by the Regent of Buleleng Putu Agus Suradnya accompanied by Satria Naradha and Suteja Neka. There are dozens of participants from Bali, Madura, Yograkarta, Malang, Blitar and Surabaya. (kmb)

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Bali News

Thursday, April 2, 2015

International

International

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Report: Egypt, Nigeria led world in death sentences in 2014

UNITED NATIONS — Egypt and Nigeria accounted for well over 1,000 of the death sentences announced last year, more than a third of the world’s total, Amnesty International says in its latest annual report on the death penalty.

Pakerisan River in Gianyar

IBP/file

Threat of extinction

Biodiversity in Pakerisan River watershed inventoried

GIANYAR - WIthout the awareness of the public, the biodiversity of Gianyar County is lessened every year. This decrease in biodiversity is one of the causes of the increase in natural disaters that have recently been occurring in some areas of Gianyar, such in the subdistricts of Tampaksiring, Tegallalang and Payangan. For this reason it is important to take inventory of the biodiversity that still exists in Gianyar, especially in the area of the Pakerisan watershed.

Inventory of the biodiversity in the Pakerisan watershed was suggested by the Regent of Gianyar, Anak Agung Bharata. Some time

ago, while visiting Yogyakarta, the Head of the Gianyar Environment Agency (BLH), Anak Agung Dalem Jagadhita, was assigned to conduct

an assessment of biodiversity with researchers from Gadjah Mada University (UGM).

Bharata, said that the biodiversity of Gianyar County, especially in the Pakerisan watershed, is still abundant. The first stage of the research will be conducted in a radius of 11 km from the Tampaksiring Presidential Palace. “To my knowledge, in the past the biodiversity around the palace was so abundant that it was an attraction all its own,”

he said.

One such attraction of the ecology of Tampaksiring, was the fireflies who used to be abundant, but there do not appear to be any anymore. “This is a proof that nature is no longer natural,” he said.

The loss of biodiversity indeed proves that the nature is askew.

Probably the lack of fireflies is caused by the excessive use of chemical fertilizers, littering and some of human behavioural factors

all of which destroy nature. “We want to preserve the biodiversity properly, particularly in the area of the palace,” he said.

Regent Agung Bharata also wants to know the condition of biodiversity in other areas that are now frequently hit by landslides, to see whether there is a relationship between the increasingly extinct biodiversity and these natural disasters. “We would like to see the study done in April,” he said. (kmb16)

The London-based human rights group expressed alarm at the 28 percent jump in death sentences: 2,466 people in 55 countries were condemned to death in 2014. At least 607 people were executed in 22 countries last year.

Neither of those numbers is complete, as North Korea’s closed-off stance means that no estimate there was available. Amnesty International also doesn’t report numbers for China, where such information is considered a state secret. The Dui Hua Foundation, a U.S.-based prison research group, has estimated 2,400 executions happened in China for 2014.

Amnesty International also said it was unable to confirm whether judicial executions took place last year in Syria, where civil war has raged for four years.

The countries with the most recorded executions last year were Iran with at least 289, Saudi Arabia with at least 90, Iraq with at least 61 and the United States with at least 35, the rights group said. In Iran, hundreds more executions were “not officially acknowledged” and the total could be as high as 743, the organization said.

Once again, the United States was the only country in the Americas to execute people in 2014, the report said. Texas and Missouri

each carried out 10 executions.

Other U.S. states that put people to death were Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Ohio and Oklahoma.

The overall number of global executions last year dropped almost 22 percent from 2013.

“The numbers speak for themselves: The death penalty is becoming a thing of the past, Amnesty International’ secretary-general, Salil Shetty, said. But Shetty condemned the use of death sentences as a way to fight crime or “terrorism.”

Nigeria announced 659 death sentences, mostly for murder and armed robbery, but a military court in December sentenced to death 54 soldiers who had been accused of refusing to join operations against the extremist group Boko Haram.

The soldiers testified that they had not been properly equipped to go after Boko Haram, which has since pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group.

AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File Nigeria’s higher number of death FILE - In this Oct. 9, 2014, file photo, Department of Corrections officials look through a window sentences, up from 141 the year from the witness room at right, outside the newly renovated death chamber at the Oklahoma before, was also a result of more State Penitentiary in McAlester, Okla. complete data offered by authori“An alarming number of counties. Egypt announced at least 509 in December, 188 people were pressed concern about countries death sentences last year, many of sentenced to death in the killing of that resumed the practice of execu- tries that used the death penalty in tions, including Pakistan, which 2014 did so in response to real or them in the mass trials that have 11 police officers.

In the United States, at least 72 reinstated the death penalty in De- perceived threats to state security been held since the ouster of Islamist President Mohammed Morsi death sentences were announced cember after a Pakistani Taliban at- and public safety posed by terrortack on a school killed 150 people, ism, crime or internal stability,” the in 2013. The practice has brought last year. new report said.(ap) Amnesty International also ex- most of them children. international criticism. In one case

Nepal doctors stay away from work to support colleague

Australian man arrested for running amok naked

GIANYAR - A man from Australia shocked Ubud residents on Monday night (Mar. 30). Audino Adam Antomi ran amok at a home stay in Ubud, tearing off his clothes and breaking things around him.

As a consequence, this 34-year old foreigner was secured by local pecalang or customary village guards and subsequently led to the Ubud Police Station. In the meantime, police have contacted the Aus-

tralian Consulate so that they can participate in handling the case.

According to by-standers, the incident began after Adam Antomi came to the home stay located on Jalan Jambangan, Padang Tegal village, Ubud, Gianyar. When he first arrived at Ketut Suparka’s home stay the Australian man appeared to be an ordinary tourist carrying a bunch of equipment.

As he was checking in, he began

showing unusual behavior by throwing his bag and shouting loudly.

The noise surely shocked the locals in the vicinity as well as the other travelers staying at the home stay.

More surprisingly, the man from kangaroo country suddenly began to undress. The home stay owner felt fear full and immediately contacted the pecalang and the police who ultimately led the crazed tourist to the Ubud Police Station.

Once at the Police Station, Antomi did not stop running amok and shouted loudly in English. Although he was naked, the Australian man was put into the detention cell. He still did not settle down and the man, now suspected of having a mental disorder, scratched the paint off wall the detention room. More seriously, he left the tap running in bathroom so that the floor of the Ubud Police Sation became covered in water. Chief

of the Ubud Police, I Wayan Sumara, explained on Tuesday (Mar. 31) tin response to the actions of Adam Antomi, police have contacted the Australian Consul and immigration office. Meanwhile, the immigration officer ascertained that Adam Antomi Audino’s tourist visa was still valid.

“We’ve contacted the Australian consul and immigration office, but no Australian officer has come by yet,” he explained. (kmb35)

AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha

Dr. Govinda K.C., who is on a hunger strike, lies on a hospital bed at Teaching Hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal, Wednesday, April 1, 2015. Thousands of doctors in Nepal have stayed away from their work at clinics and hospitals to support the doctor who has been on a hunger strike for the past 10 days demanding reforms in medical education and services.

KATHMANDU — Thousands of doctors in Nepal stayed away from work at clinics and hospitals Wednesday to support a colleague who has been on a hunger strike for 10 days demanding reforms in medical education and services. More than 5,000 doctors took part in the action and only emergency services were open in hospitals across the Himalayan nation, said Dr. Nirmal Rimal of the Nepal Medical Association.

The strike left most people in Nepal without access to doctors. The physicians are supporting Dr. Govinda K.C., who is demanding that the government make medical education affordable to more students and medical services available to all citizens.

Only three of Nepal’s 20 medical colleges are run by the government. The private colleges charge huge fees and are unaffordable for the majority of the population.

K.C. is also alleging widespread corruption among of-

ficials in granting permits to private medical colleges and is demanding that the officials be dismissed and punished. The government formed a committee to negotiate with the doctors, but there was no agreement reached to end the strike.

K.C. had gone on a 15-day hunger strike last year for similar demands. He ended the hunger strike and doctors withdrew their protests after the government assured them there would be changes in the country’s medical education system. K.C. now says the government has not done enough.

Hundreds of supporters lined up outside Kathmandu’s Tribhuwan University Teaching Hospital, where K.C. is staging his hunger strike, to visit him on Wednesday.

Also, a group of doctors briefly scuffled with police officers while protesting outside the Nepal Medical Council office in Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital.(ap)

12

International

Thursday, April 2, 2015

BUSINESS Euro edges up as deflation fears ease

TOKYO - The euro edged higher on Wednesday after data showed eurozone deflation eased fault and euro exit.

Greece says the reforms would last month, although gains were limited as traders keep an eye on Greek bailout talks.

In Tokyo, the single currency bought $1.0757 and 128.98 yen, against $1.0741 and 128.95 yen in New York.

The dollar slipped to 119.90 yen from 120.06 yen.

On Tuesday, official figures showed prices in the eurozone fell 0.1 percent in March, narrowing a drop of 0.3 percent in February and 0.6 percent in January, giving some hope that the currency bloc could avoid a spiral of deflation.

The European statistics agency Eurostat said the unemployment rate also improved.

“Eurozone CPI (consumer price index) was exactly as expected... and German retail sales and unemployment data were somewhat better,” National Australia Bank said in a commentary.

“The Greek ‘issue’...continues to lurk in the wings as Germany’s (Angela) Merkel suggests time is short for Greece to come up with

an acceptable proposal.”

On Tuesday, EU Council President Donald Tusk said a deal on Greece’s bailout is possible before the end of April, as Athens continued to talk tough in talks with creditors over reforms.

Experts from the International Monetary Fund and the European Union are scrutinising a list of economic reforms proposed by Athens in a bid to unlock 7.2 billion euros in loans to stave off a possible de-

help raise an extra three billion euros for government coffers without resorting to wage and pension cuts.

Tusk claimed Athens could hold its own for the time being.

“I think that today we can say that the (economic) situation in Greece is under control,” he said.

In China, manufacturing activity expanded in March for the first time since December, the government said Wednesday, while a downbeat business confidence report from the

Bank of Japan highlighted doubts about a recovery in the world’s number three economy.

The BoJ’s closely watched Tankan survey showed confidence among big manufacturers was the same as the previous quarter but below expectations.

While sentiment among nonmanufacturers was more upbeat, they pared profit expectations while Japan’s pessimistic corporate titans trim their spending plans.

The dollar mostly weakened against other Asia-Pacific currencies. (afp)

Vice Minister for Labor Doan Mau Diep met with the workers Tuesday and said that his department would propose to allow them to choose whether to get one-time social insurance benefits when they quit or receive them upon retirement. His words were met with applause from the workers, according to state media reports, but if was not clear that he had persuaded them to stop the strike.

Dang Ngoc Tung, the president of Vietnam General Confedera-

tion of Labor, said in a statement on the trade union’s website that the strikers should return to work and authorities will address their concerns. He also told them not to allow “bad elements” to take advantage of the situation to stir up unrest that would affect security, order and the company’s operations.

Nearly 70 percent of Vietnam’s population of 90 million are under 40, providing a major workforce for many multi-national companies. (ap)

Thousands strike at Nike, Adidas shoe factory in Vietnam

HANOI — Thousands of Vietnamese workers at a major footwear factory were on strike for a sixth day Wednesday over a social insurance law in a rare challenge to government policy.

Several thousand people at the Taiwanese-owned Pou Yuen factory in southern Ho Chi Minh City began the stoppage last Thursday.

Pou Yuen Vietnam, which employs more than 80,000 workers, is a subsidiary of Pou Chen Group and makes footwear for companies such

as Nike and Adidas.

The workers continued the peaceful strike in the factory’s compound Wednesday under a heavy police presence. They marched along Highway 1 with banners and beating drums on Monday and Tuesday, blocking traffic on the main road artery.

They were protesting a new law, which comes into effect next year and says that workers will get a social insurance monthly allowance when they retire instead

of getting a one-time payment if they resign. The striking workers said that if they quit earlier, they would have to wait until their retirement age — 60 for men and 55 for women — to get the allowance, and they prefer the lump sum to pay for their daily needs while seeking new jobs.

Vietnam is hit by several hundred labor strikes a year, but they are mostly over poor working condition and low pay. Protests over government policies are rare.

Malaysia launches consumption tax despite public unease

AP Photo/Joshua Paul

In this Feb. 27, 2015 photo, tourists has their souvenir photograph taken against the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Malaysia on Wednesday implemented a six percent consumption tax aimed at plugging a leaky taxcollection system and addressing a widening fiscal deficit, but which has sparked opposition protests over the past year.

KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia on Wednesday implemented a six percent consumption tax aimed at plugging a leaky tax-collection system and addressing a widening fiscal deficit, but which has sparked opposition protests over the past year.

The government and economists say the Goods and Services Tax (GST) will help address an inadequate revenue-collection system under which income tax is currently paid by only an estimated 11 percent of registered companies and 14.8 percent of employees.

But the GST has prompted demonstrations by opposition parties, who say consumers were being left with the bill for government mismanagement of the economy.

Prime Minister Najib Razak on Monday said the GST -- which does not apply to staple food items such as rice, sugar and cooking oil, as well as some medicines -- would not overburden consumers.

“At the same time, we will raise

the nation’s revenue, and this is for the people’s good,” he was quoted as saying by Malaysian media.

The government says the GST will raise an estimated 22 billion ringgit ($6 billion) in additional revenue each year.

It hopes to trim its fiscal deficit to 3.2 percent of GDP in 2015, compared to 3.5 percent last year.

An earlier 2015 target of 3.0 percent was scrapped in the wake of the global oil price rout that set in last year.

Malaysia is a net oil exporter, and a 60 percent drop in crude prices in the latter half of 2014 prompted the World Bank in January to shave its 2015 GDP growth forecast for Malaysia to 4.7 percent from an earlier 4.9 percent.

The ringgit currency has also plummeted on oil-linked concerns, as well as investor fears for the stability of a troubled government investment fund, 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), which is

mired in $11 billion of debt.

Kenanga Research economist Wan Suhaimi Saidi said the GST would broaden the tax base.

“But whether it would help to reduce the deficit depends on many other factors, especially on how the government would tackle leakages,” he said.

Opponents say billions of dollars are wasted by the government or go missing each year and that deep reforms are needed before introducing the sales tax.

In concert with the GST, corporate, business, and personal income tax rates are to be slightly reduced.

Fabian Leo, who runs a Kuala Lumpur car-rental company, said he fears for his bottom line.

“There has been a lot of unhappiness from my customers who want me to absorb the six percent,” he said.

“On the other hand, if I don’t, my existing clients may stop renting from me.” (afp)

International

Bali News

Thursday, April 2, 2015

5

Management of Bayunggede tourism village less than optimal

BANGLI - Apparently, among the many rural tourist attractions initiated by the government of Bangli through the Culture and Tourism Agency, only a small portion of them are developing to maximum potential. One of the attractions that remains stagnant is Bayunggede village in Kintamani. Recently, the tourist attraction has not been managed properly due to insufficient human resources and lack of tourism counseling for local people on the part of the government.

Headman of Bayunggede, I Wayan Suarjaya, said that Bayunggede as tourist attraction still has many shortcomings. He explained that the attraction lacks promotion by local government. “Until now, the attraction is still in place, but seems to be stagnant,” he said.

Furthermore, he explained that four people who were previously managing the tourist attraction have resigned because they could not make enough money to meet their daily needs. Suarjaya added that the lack of guidance and training from the government to help the people of Bayunggede village manage the site, is one of the reasons that they are not successful. The site requires attention and “only a few residents understand about tourism, so there needs to be training and coaching,” he said.

The environmental conditions of Bayunggede village are adequate for tourism.

However, due to lack of promotion, this area is unable to thrive. “We have continuously arranged our environment, but we still lack promotion,” he said.

IBP/Sosiawan

Bayunggede village in Kintamani He added that there are a fair number of visitors to the traditional village, with an average of about 30 people a day, most of whom choose the cycling tour. These visits provide some income for the village, but not very much. “The number of tourist visits is high enough and there are always guests every day,” added Suarjaya.

Travelers are often looking for the ins and outs of the unique traditions of Bayunggede

village, like the placenta cemetery in the forest behind the residential area. Sometimes, the absence of management officers causes some visitors to not get complete information about the tradition.

The development of Bayunggede tourism village is very different from the Penglipuran traditional village that is visited by hundreds of tourists pre day. The cause is no other than the availability of human resources capable of managing the tour-

ist attraction and the ongoing promotion done by the management and the government.

Because of this Suarjaya hopes that the local government will able to provide tourism guidance and training for the community at Bayunggede so that the quality of human resources for tourism can increase. “Hopefully the government can assist in training and coaching us on how to manage the tourism village,” he said. (kmb45)

Denpasar Heritage City Tour Package

A tour guide escorting guest to The Bali Museum. Bali Museum and Jero Kuta Palace are part of the Denpasar Heritage City Tour package, these two tourist attractions have already been visited by numerous domestic and foreign travelers this year.

DENPASAR - Bali Museum and Jero Kuta Palace are part of the Denpasar Heritage City Tour package, these two tourist attractions have already been visited by numerous domestic and foreign travelers this year.

Apart from being a tourist attraction, Bali Museum is also in high demand as a venue for pre-wedding photo shoots.

Hendriyanto, a visitor from Bandung, was deeply impressed after visiting the Bali Museum. He felt that he had learned a lot about Balinese culture even though it was just an exhibition. “I saw relics of ancient humans and ethnographic objects such as tools for everyday living, the arts, religion, language and other writings that reflect the life and development of Balinese culture,” he explained.

The Head of Denpasar Tourism Office, Wayan Gunawan, said that the Bali Museum is a beautiful destination and very intense with Balinese culture.

Flowering plants and green leaves not only create a cool atmosphere but also

help visitors to feel at home. “The current trend is to use the outdoor space for pre- wedding photo shoots,” he revealed.

In January 2015, there were 2,605 visitors to the Bali Museum. There were 1,357 domestic and 1,248 foreign travelers. In Febuary, 2,605 people visited the museum, 1,143 of who were domestic and 1,199 were foreign travelers.

Many travelers also visited Jero Kuta Palace, despite it having been under renovation in preparation for the Heritage City Tour package. Everything is being prepared, from sanitation to parking facilities, and is nearly complete. Other places that the tour will visit have also been cleaned up and made ready for the Heritage City Tour Package.

Destinations on the tour include the Jagatnatha Temple, Bali Museum, the I Gusti Ngurah Made Agung or Puputan Badung Square, Jaya Saba, Jro Kuta Denpasar Palace, Maospait Temple, Badung Market, Kumbasari Market and Inna Bali. (kmb)

6

Thursday, April 2, 2015

W

RLD

AP Photo/Khalid Mohammed

An Iraqi soldier rests during clashes with islamic State extremists in Tikrit, 80 miles (130 kilometers) north of Baghdad, Iraq, Tuesday, March 31, 2015.

Iraqi minister says Tikrit to be recaptured within ‘hours’

TIKRIT — Iraqi security forces battled the last remaining pockets of Islamic State militants in Tikrit on Wednesday and were expected to gain full control of the city “within the coming hours,” the country’s interior minister said. The remarks came a day after the Iraqi forces, with Shiite militias who rejoined the fight, pushed into the center of Saddam Hussein’s hometown, hoisted the Iraqi flag over the Salahuddin provincial headquarters in Tikrit and moved to control the entire city.

The objective, Interior Minister Mohammed Salem al-Ghabban said Wednesday, is now to free all of Tikrit and restore normalcy as quickly as possible.

“There are only a few pockets of resistance left and we will announce the good news within the coming hours that these pockets of resistance are eliminated,” al-Ghabban told reporters at the front-lines in the city on Wednesday. He said the government will help displaced residents return and that a civil defense unit will be combing the city for roadside bombs and car bombs.

“After clearing the area from roadside bombs and car bombs, we will reopen police stations to restore normalcy in the city, and we will form committees to supervise the return of people displaced from their homes,” he added.

“Daesh is completely defeated,” he added, using an Arabic name for the group.

The battle for Tikrit, 130 kilometers (80 miles) north of Baghdad, is seen as a key step toward eventually driving the militants out of Mosul, Iraq’s second-largest city that is farther north. Extremists from the Islamic State group seized both cities last summer during their lightning advance across northern and western Iraq.

Iraqi forces, including the military, federal police, Shiite militias and Sunni tribes, launched a largescale operation to recapture Tikrit on March 2. Last week, the United States launched airstrikes on the embattled city at the request of the Iraqi government.

On Wednesday, Iraqi security forces fired on snipers positioned in high buildings and searched homes for remaining militants.

Soldiers fanned out in circles from the charred skeletal remains of the Salahuddin provincial government complex, captured the day before.

Militant mortar fire, which had

been intense over previous days, fell silent Wednesday, with commanders saying only a few militant snipers remain in the city. They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss ongoing operations.

A satellite image of Tikrit, released in February by the United Nations, observed that at least 536 buildings in the city have been affected by the fighting. Of those, at least 137 were completely destroyed and 241 were severely damaged. The current offensive also exacerbated previous damage, particularly in the south where clashes have been the most intense in recent days.

Iraq’s parliament speaker, Salim al-Jabouri, called on the government to find the means to resettle residents from damaged Tikrit buildings. He said this “requires effort and support by the central government in order to financially support the people in rebuilding their houses.” (ap)

International

Adoptee from South Korea faces deportation from US

PORTLAND, Oregon — More than three decades ago, a 3-year-old South Korean boy and his sister flew to the U.S. to become the adopted children of American citizens, but their life together didn’t last long.

They were abandoned, sent into foster care and separated even though he was dependent upon her.

A family adopted the girl, and got her citizenship. The boy, named Adam Crapser, wasn’t as fortunate: The parents he had were abusive, and never sought the green card or citizenship for him that they should have.

Now, at 39, after a life struggling with joblessness because of his lack of immigration papers, homelessness and crime, Crapser, a married father of three, is facing deportation because he’s not a citizen. “The state abandoned him when he was a child,” his attorney, Lori Walls, said. “Now the U.S. is throwing him out.”

A deportation hearing is set for April 2. Federal immigration officials say they became aware of Crapser after he applied to renew his green card two years ago: his criminal convictions, ranging from burglary to assault, made him potentially deportable under immigration law.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement wasn’t aware of Crapser’s childhood adoption history when it decided to pursue his deportation, agency spokesman Andrew Munoz said.

Two U.S. senators, including Jeff Merkley, an Oregon Democrat, are proposing a stand-alone, automatic citizenship bill for adoptees like Crapser. “It was not his responsibility to fill out that immigration paperwork,” Merkley said. “He knows no other country.” Advocates say thousands of adoptees don’t know they aren’t citizens until they, for example, try to get a job. (ap)

International

Thursday, April 2, 2015

11

Indonesian court to rule Monday on death row Australians’ appeal

JAKARTA - An Indonesian court will rule Monday on the appeals of two Australian drug smugglers facing execution, a judge said, as their lawyers insisted they had done their best to save the men.

Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, the ringleaders of the so-called “Bali Nine” trafficking gang, were sentenced to death in 2006 for trying to smuggle heroin out of Indonesia.

They recently had pleas for clemency, typically a last chance to avoid the firing squad, rejected

by Indonesian President Joko Widodo, who has taken a hard line against traffickers.

The men have mounted sev-

eral legal bids to avoid the firing squad, and in the latest their lawyers challenged Widodo’s decision to reject their mercy pleas, arguing that he failed to assess their rehabilitation or give reasons for his decision.

The Jakarta State Administrative Court rejected that bid in February, saying it had no authority to rule on the matter as granting clemency was the president’s prerogative. The men’s legal team is

now appealing that decision.

Wrapping up arguments in favour of the Australians Wednesday, lawyer Leonard Aritonang called on the judges to dismiss the initial verdict as the court did have the right to rule on clemency.

“We ask for the most just decision,” he told the court.

However, government lawyer Rusdi Hadi Teguh insisted that the court’s initial decision to dismiss the case should stand.

Following the hearing, Aritonang told reporters that he did not want to predict what decision the court would make, but said he was optimistic.

“We did our best,” he said.

After hearing the final arguments, presiding judge Ujang Abdullah said verdicts on the appeals would be handed down on Monday.

“Everyone has been given ample opportunity to present their evidence and also their conclusions,” he said, adding that the judges would study the “arguments and evidence” before

coming to a decision.

A court outside Jakarta was also due to hear the appeal of a French death row convict, Serge Atlaoui, on Wednesday.

The Australians and the Frenchman are among a group of foreign convicts who recently lost their appeals for clemency and are expected to be put to death soon, despite mounting international pressure on Jakarta to halt the executions.

Jakarta has not set a date for the executions, with authorities waiting for the outcome of several legal appeals. (afp)

tended the 50th AAC anniversary event in 2005 and was the main figure in the event. He was accompanied by then president Bambang Yudhoyono and took the opportunity to plant a sapling in the AsiaAfrica garden at the Tegalega area in the city of Bandung, which is the capital of West Java province.

The Merdeka Building was the venue of the AAC in 1955, during which the leaders declared “The Ten Principles of Bandung.”

The building and its surrounding area is being prepared and decorated to welcome state guests and participants of the AAC anniversary event. (ant)

Merdeka Building adorned with pictures of Soekarno, Mandela

BANDUNG - The posters of two world figures Soekarno and Nelson Mandela have been put up around the Merdeka Building on Jalan Asia-Africa, Bandung, to mark the 60th anniversary of the Asia-Africa Conference (AAC), on April 24.

The posters of the founding fathers of Indonesia and South

Africa respectively were displayed side-by-side along the main thoroughfare, which will be the center of the commemorative activities on Wednesday.

The poster of the first Indonesian president Soekarno, with a red background, carries the words “New Asia-Africa is Born” while

that of Nelson Mandela, with a green background, carries the words “Nothing is Impossible.”

The messages, which were statements from the two world leaders, had a major impact on the foreign policies of the Asian-African countries during that time.

The late Nelson Mandela at-

Thai police investigates allegations of fishermen enslaved in Benjina

AP Photo/Gosia Wozniacka

Korean adoptee Adam Crapser poses with daughter, Christal, 1, in the family’s living room in Vancouver, Wash. on March 19, 2015. Crapser, whose adoptive parents neglected to make him a U.S. citizen, will face an immigration judge and could be separated from his family and deported to South Korea, a country he does not know.

Ukraine refuses to extradite Georgia’s ex-president

KIEV, Ukraine — Ukraine has rejected Georgia’s request for the extradition of its former president, Mikhail Saakashvili, who is facing a criminal probe at home.

The Ukrainian Prosecutor-General’s office said in Wednesday’s statement that Saakashvili could face political persecution in Georgia if he is extradited.

Saakashvili, who was president in 2004-2013, left Georgia in the face of abuse of power accusations leveled by his political foes.

Saakashvili’s United National Movement has been in opposition since losing the 2012 parliamentary election to a party founded by billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, who made his fortune in Russia.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has appointed Saakashvili the head of his advisory council.

Saakashvili has dismissed the accusations against him as a political vendetta by Ivanishvili, accusing him of serving Moscow’s interests. (ap)

AMBON - Thai Police has deployed its team to investigate the allegations of fishermen being compelled to work as slaves on board PT. Pusaka Benjina Resources’ fishing boat, following a recent news report on the matter.

“The Thai investigation team is led by Thailand Deputy Police Lt. Siridchai Anakeveing who has scheduled the Benjina investigation for three days, starting April 1, 2015,” Acting Regional Secretary of Aru Islands Arens Uniplaitta stated when contacted from Ambon, Wednesday.

Lt. Siridchai and several members of his staff have reported about the investigation plan and are heading to Benjina.

“I have just met Lt. Siridchai along with several of his staff members and then escorted them to the port of Dobo to get to Benjina for the three-day investigation,” noted Arens.

Arens has allowed Thailand’s police team to investigate the truth behind the slavery issue in Benjina and expects to present their find-

ings in the mass media in order to maintain Indonesia’s reputation, especially in Aru Isles.

“I along with several working units (SKPD) also went to Benjina and supervised the investigation, either on the company’s site or on the ship last week, and it turns out that the investigation report from the Associated Press’ journalists cannot be justified,” Arens stated.

On board the fishing boat, the supervision team only found a quarantine room for crew members who were either inebriated or involved in a brawl.

“Those quarantined fishermen are not allowed to participate in the cruise, but the company is still providing meals to them,” Arens said.

The Benjina supervision report would be delivered to Maluku Governor Said Assagaff and will then be forwarded to Minister of Marine and Fisheries Susi Pudjiastuti.

Arens noted that PT. Pusaka Benjina Resources has also been affected due to the moratorium, initiated by the marine and fisheries

minister, which was applicable to fishing boats anchored in the waters of Benjina.

“We have received a report that more than one thousand fishermen from 82 fishing boats of Pusaka Benjina Resources are affected by the moratorium,” said Arens.

On the occasion, Arens expressed regret on the inaccurate news story on the enslaved fishermen being circulated in the mass media, which may tarnish Indonesia’s image internationally.

“We support the minister’s decision in forming a special team to investigate the slavery allegations in order to clarify the corresponding facts and actual data in Benjina,” said Arens. (ant)

In this Saturday, Nov. 22, 2014 photo, Thai and Burmese fishing boat workers sit inside a cell at the compound of a fishing company in Benjina, Indonesia.

AP Photo/Dita Alangkara

10

Destination

Thursday, April 2, 2015

International

International

Gitgit Waterfall

SINGARAJA - Gitgit Waterfall is a beautiful tourist destination in north part of Bali. Gitgit waterfall is located in the plateau area with the height about 35 meters and it is surrounded by tropical tree and emits the constantly natural water debit during the year. Waterfall voice around the charming nature was amazing and it was the separate attraction which can be enjoyed by each visitor who comes to visit. There are some plantations protecting the rain forest around the waterfall and in this place we often met the wild monkey to get the water from this waterfall.

Gitgit Waterfall is one of the famous tourist destinations in Bali which is located in Gitgit countryside, Sukasada sub district and about 10 Km from Singaraja Town or about 70 Km from Denpasar. It is set at height land about 300 meters above sea level.

Beside of Gitgit, there is another important spot point like the monument for hero struggle of Singaraja resident who dead on the battle against the Dutch colonialist. This monument is called Bhuwana Pangkung Bangka. This Monument is extant monument and idol of people struggle action against the Dutch colonization. This monument is located in Gitgit countryside and Sukasada sub district and about 17 Km from Singaraja Town . It is situated on the hill bank. The facilities are available at Gitgit Waterfall is consisted of the parking area, restaurant and art shop. It is not far from the waterfall place, there is a place for taking a rest while enjoy the beauty panorama of rice terrace and Buleleng Beach. In order to visit the Gitgit waterfall, all visitors will follow the walkway down until the spot point. This road is one of the omissions in Dutch era where the local resident uses it to access other regions. On 1975, this waterfall is opened as tourist destinations in north part of Bali. Since it is appointed as a tourist destination in Bali, many tourists from domestic and foreign countries visits this waterfall and Bali Singaraja Lovina Tour is one of the famous tours in Bali visit this place.

IBP/File Photo

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Sports

Thursday, April 2, 2015

7

Curry scores 27 to rally Warriors past Clippers 110-106 LOS ANGELES — Stephen Curry scored 27 points and Klay Thompson had 25 as the Golden State Warriors held off the Los Angeles Clippers 110-106 Tuesday for their 10th consecutive victory. David Lee added 17 points for the Warriors, who had lost four in a row at Staples Center.

The Clippers blew a 17-point lead and had their seven-game winning streak broken. Blake Griffin had 40 points and 12 rebounds, Chris Paul added 27 points and nine assists, and J.J. Redick scored 14.

Paul’s layup drew the Clippers to 106-104 with 12 seconds left, but he was called for a backcourt violation taking an inbounds pass from DeAndre Jordan with nine seconds left.

Thompson and Curry combined for four straight free throws to close out the win for the Pacific Division champions. Elsewhere, Brooklyn beat Indiana to reclaim sole possession of the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference with its season-high

fourth straight victory.

Brook Lopez had 24 points and 11 rebounds and Joe Johnson added 21 points, including five straight after the Pacers got within three with about 2 minutes left.

The Nets moved back ahead of Boston and dealt a blow to the Pacers, who fell 1 1/2 games behind Brooklyn for the final playoff spot. They will visit the Celtics on Wednesday.

The East-leading Atlanta Hawks, meanwhile, stumbled on the road, losing to Detroit 105-95. Andre Drummond had 22 points and 13 rebounds for the Pistons, who have won five of six. Thabo Sefolosha scored 19 points for the Hawks, who have dropped two of three.

In Miami, Tony Parker scored 16 points in his 1,000th NBA game and Kawhi Leonard had 22 to lead San Antonio past the Heat 95-81. San Antonio stayed No. 6 in the West, and could clinch a playoff berth Wednesday in Orlando. The Heat remained in the No. 7 spot in the Eastern Conference. but now are two losses behind Milwaukee and only a half-game up on Brooklyn. (ap)

AP Photo/Danny Moloshok

Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry falls to the court after making a 3-pointer while drawing a foul against the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, March 31, 2015, in Los Angeles.

Djokovic survives Miami scare; Murray claims 500th win

MIAMI - Defending champion Novak Djokovic survived a scare from Alexandr Dolgopolov on Tuesday to reach the Miami Open quarter-finals while Andy Murray won the 500th match of his career to reach the last eight. Djokovic was made to work for his 7-6(3) 7-5 6-0 win over world number 65 Dolgopolov.

After dropping the first set the topseeded Serbian found himself in even deeper trouble by falling behind 4-1 in the second and facing the threat of an unexpected early exit. But Djokovic dug deep to turn things around, breaking to get the set back on serve at 4-3 to the Ukrainian and then broke again for a 6-5 lead.

Having seen his chance of an upset slip through his hands, Dolgopolov faded quickly and badly dropped the third set where a dominant Djokovic won 24 of 27 points. “I was literally a game or two from losing the match. I’m just happy to be able to bounce back,” said Djokovic.

“These particular matches do help me in a certain way mentally to gain that confidence and self belief in a way that I never give up and battle till the last point, and it sends a message to the other players, Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports as well,” he added. Djokovic, who is seekAndy Murray celebrates after his match against Kevin Anderson (not pictured) on day ing a fifth title at Key Biscayne, will face Spaniard David Ferrer in the quarters. nine of the Miami Open at Crandon Park Tennis Center. Murray won 6-4, 3-6, 6-3

World number four Murray beat South African Kevin Anderson 6-4 3-6 6-3 to become the 46th man in the Open Era to reach 500 career wins and the first British male. He is one of only nine active players to have reached the milestone. Anderson fought back well in the second but after trading early breaks in the third the Scot took control breaking his South African opponent again to grab a 3-1 advantage and never looked back.

Murray will face Austrian Dominic Thiem, who reached his first Masters 1000 series quarter-final after beating France’s Adrian Mannarino 7-6(5) 4-6 7-5.

Czech Tomas Berdych made it six quarter-finals out of six tournaments this year after he advanced when Frenchman Gael Monfils retired in the second set after a bad fall. Berdych was leading 6-3 3-2.

Berdych will next face Argentine Juan Monaco, a 6-3 6-3 winner over Spaniard Fernando Verdasco.

Japan’s Kei Nishikori, the fourth seed, beat Belgian David Goffin 6-1 6-2 and will face American John Isner, who beat Canada’s Milos Raonic in three tie-breaks.

Isner trailed by a set and was 3-0 down in the second but emerged from the battle of two of the game’s biggest servers with a 6-7(3) 7-6(6) 7-6(5) victory. (rtr)

8

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Sp rt Italy draws 1-1 against England in international friendly

10-man United States hold on for 1-1 draw at Switzerland

ZURICH — The United States held on for 1-1 draw with Switzerland in an international friendly on Tuesday after veteran forward Jozy Altidore was sent off. Brek Shea’s curling free-kick gave the Americans a deserved goal on the stroke of halftime, and yet another lead to take into a second period.

But the trend of coach Jurgen Klinsmann’s team to concede late goals continued after Altidore got a straight red card in the 68th minute for verbal abuse directed at Italian referee Luca Banti. Altidore, who later issued an apology, reacted on being shown a yellow card for a foul.

“It is unfortunate, but it happened,” said Klinsmann, who played for Inter Milan. He said he reminded his players at halftime “never joke with an Italian referee.”

Swiss pressure paid off in the 80th

TURIN — Andros Townsend scored a late equalizer as England held Italy to a 1-1 draw in an international friendly at the Juventus Stadium on Tuesday.

Substitute Townsend leveled 11 minutes from time to cancel out Graziano Pelle’s first-half opener after Italy had dominated the opening hour.

“The first half was nothing like the performances we’re looking for,” England coach Roy Hodgson said. “We fell way below the standards we’ve been setting.

“The first half seemed to drift and drift very badly as far as we were concerned. The second half was much closer to what we’re trying to do and there were moments we played quite well.”

Harry Kane was involved in one of England’s few chances in the first half, with a header that was cleared by Leonardo Bonucci but only as far as Wayne Rooney, whose deflected effort crashed off the crossbar. Kane had scored less than two minutes into his debut against Lithuania on Friday after coming on as a substitute but was kept quiet by Italy on his first start.

“He did very well,” Hodgson said. “It wasn’t an easy game, he was playing against three very experienced, tough defenders.

I’m more than satisfied with his performance.” England had won all seven of its matches following a disappointing World Cup but faced its toughest test yet against an Italy team which had made wholesale changes following its own dismal campaign in Brazil.

“We have a lot of young guys who are just beginning their international journey and these players need to progress and they will grow,” Italy coach Antonio Conte said.

“I have confidence in the spirit of these lads,

the Italy shirt means a lot to them, they have a lot of pride in playing for their country.

“We have to progress in every area. We have to work, we have to continue to improve. We have to show we’re a team and not a group of players who have been selected.”

The match marked the return of Conte to the stadium where he had lifted three successive Serie A titles before sensationally quitting in the summer and the former Juventus manager was given a rousing reception. “It was a lovely trip down memory lane, it was a very emotional night,” Conte said.

England was looking to avenge a 2-1 defeat to Italy in the opening match of the World Cup but both sides started sluggishly.

Italy slowly gained the upper hand and Phil Jagielka cleared Matteo Darmian’s cross out from inside the six-yard box with Eder waiting. Giorgio Chiellini headed the resulting corner inches wide.

Pelle was on a poor run of form and hadn’t scored in the Premier League since Dec. 20, but it was the Southampton striker who broke the deadlock in the 29th minute. Chiellini easily brushed past Phil Jones on the left and crossed for Pelle’s glancing header into the far bottom corner.

Eder was causing the England defenders no end of trouble and almost helped Italy double its lead with a great run before picking out Alessandro Florenzi out wide — but Pelle just failed to connect with the cross. (ap)

Real Madrid signs defender Danilo from Porto on 6-year deal MADRID — Real Madrid has signed FC Porto defender Danilo on a six-year deal worth 31.5 million euros ($33.8 million), starting next season.

Danilo, a 23-year-old Brazilian who previously played for Santos, moved to Porto in January 2012 and helped the Portuguese

club win two league championships.

Danilo has played for Brazil 13 times, and also won a silver medal at the 2012 London Olympics. At Porto, he has 10 goals in 134 appearances, and has helped the team reach the Champions League quarterfinals, where it will meet Bayern Munich. (ap)

9

AP Photo/Antonio Calanni

Italy’s Graziano Pelle celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the international friendly soccer match between Italy and England, at the Juventus stadium in Turin, Italy, Tuesday, March 31, 2015.

English club.

But the central defender, who won the World Cup with Germany last year, said this was false.

“Just to be clear. This alleged “promise” is simply an invention... and that is saying it nicely,” he said on his official Twitter account on Wednesday.

Dortmund, German champions in 2011 and 2012, have been struggling this season after a bad first half and are in 10th place, chasing a European spot with eight games left in the campaign. Dortmund take on Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga on Saturday. (rtr)

AP Photo/Keystone, Ennio Leanza

USA’s goalkeeper Nick Rimando, front, and USA’s Brek Shea, back left, fight for the ball with Switzerland’s Admir Mehmedi, back right, during the international friendly soccer match between Switzerland and the USA at the Letzigrund stadium in Zurich, Switzerland, Tuesday, March 31, 2015. in the 39th. Xherdan Shaqiri was freed down the left wing by a raking, diagonal pass from Fabian Frei and the playmaker’s pass across the goalmouth was met with an air kick by Admir Mehmedi from four meters (yards).

All the Americans’ best work involved Alejandro Bedoya exploiting Moubandje, playing just his third international match. Twice Bedoya crossed invitingly from the right, but Gyasi Zardes blazed a left-foot volley high and wide in the 15th and Michael Bradley

fired well over in the 26th when the Nantes winger cut the ball back from the byline.

Bedoya drew a rare save from Swiss goalkeeper Roman Buerki in the 32nd, darting in front of Moubandje to loop a header toward goal from Shea’s bouncing cross.

Swiss star Shaqiri mostly drifted out of the game and blazed a longrange shot too high after collecting goalkeeper Nick Rimando’s poor clearance in the 17th. “(Shaqiri) can hurt you badly in a second so we closed him down,” Klinsmann

said.

Buerki’s footwork was unimpressive for Shea’s goal and the ‘keeper was at fault again in the 49th, failing to challenge Zardes for a header which bounced wide of the goal. At the other end, Yarborough made his international debut as a halftime substitute.

Teenager Breel Embolo came on in the 55th for his Switzerland debut after the Cameroon-born forward got FIFA clearance last week to play for the country where he grew up. (ap)

Hiddink ignores criticism and sets forward course

Hummels says made no promise to United’s Van Gaal BERLIN - Borussia Dortmund’s Mats Hummels has shot down reports of a deal with Manchester United coach Louis Van Gaal to join the Premier League club, saying they were invented.

The Germany defender has long been a target for several top European clubs and he recently said he would like to play abroad at some point in his career. Hummels’ current deal runs out in 2017.

German media have been full of reports in recent days of a possible move at the end of the season and an alleged promise he had made to the United coach that should he decide to move that he would join the

when substitute Valentin Stocker scored from just two meters (yards) past debutant goalkeeper William Yarbrough. The U.S. has now been outscored 12-1 in the second half of matches since the World Cup. “It might be a theme but it’s not a problem,” Klinsmann said.

“Overall it was a very good team performance. I saw a lot of, lot of good stuff from the players.”

A leveler had seemed increasingly inevitable, and five minutes earlier another Swiss substitute, Pajtim Kasami, header over an open goal from close range. The U.S. also escaped in the 79th when an attempted clearance by defender John Brooks rolled just wide of his own goal.

Stocker struck when the ball dropped to his feet after two U.S. defenders challenged for a leftwing cross, leaving him unmarked in front of goal. The Americans never threatened Switzerland’s goal after Altidore’s rush of blood midway through the second half, first fouling left-back Francois Moubandje.

“I want to apologize to our fans and my teammates,” Altidore said in a statement issued through the U.S. Soccer Federation. “Emotion got the best of me and I put our team in a tough position. That’s not the type of role model I want to be. All credit to the boys for grinding it out and earning a positive result.”

Earlier, Shea’s strike was out of character with a first half of miscues in front of goal. Though the U.S. was the better side, Switzerland was responsible for the best chance and most glaring miss

AMSTERDAM - Netherlands coach Guus Hiddink sought to put to rest the debate of his continued tenure in charge of the team as he savoured a 2-0 win over Spain in a friendly international on Tuesday.

Hiddink, who took over from Louis van Gaal last August, has had to deal with repeated questions over his role in charge of the Dutch who have struggled through the first half

REUTERS/Toussaint Kluiters/ United Photos

Coach Guus Hiddink of the Netherlands reacts during their international friendly soccer match against Spain in the Amsterdam Arena March 31, 2015.

of the Euro 2016 qualifiers and sit in third place in their group, behind the Czech Republic and Iceland.

A last-gasp 1-1 draw at home to Turkey on Saturday in their latest qualifier stirred up the debate as well as unleashing some heavyweight criticism. “Don’t keep asking me if I am staying on as coach,” he told reporters after the victory over the former world champions, secured with early goals from Stefan de Vrij and Davy Klaassen.

“There is no weight fallen off my back now. I never felt any weight on my back. We were always very keen to win this game and I saw in the first half a side who were highly motivated.

“This gives a lot of confidence to the team, we must regard this match as a good start for our next qualifier.” The Dutch next play in Group A against Latvia away on June 12, preceded a week earlier by a home friendly against the United States.

STREET FIGHTS

Hiddink has been criticised by high profile former players Johan Cruyff and Wim van Hanegem, who pen influential weekly columns for Dutch newspapers.

“I have no desire to get involved in any street fights,” he added. “In the end it has nothing to do with football. I want to talk about football only. Let’s rather talk about that.”

But he did have criticism for the Amsterdam Arena crowd who jeered Spanish substitute Andres Iniesta whenever he was on the ball. “If such a world class player is whistled at, supporters must be ashamed.”

Iniesta came on for the last 15 minutes amid howls of derision as Dutch supporters marked him out for the extra time goal that saw Spain beat the Netherlands in the 2010 World Cup final in Johannesburg.

“I had to ask people on my bench why they were doing that. I didn’t understand. Iniesta is not only a fantastic footballer but also a great person. I found the reaction to him out of line and shameful.” (rtr)

8

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Sp rt Italy draws 1-1 against England in international friendly

10-man United States hold on for 1-1 draw at Switzerland

ZURICH — The United States held on for 1-1 draw with Switzerland in an international friendly on Tuesday after veteran forward Jozy Altidore was sent off. Brek Shea’s curling free-kick gave the Americans a deserved goal on the stroke of halftime, and yet another lead to take into a second period.

But the trend of coach Jurgen Klinsmann’s team to concede late goals continued after Altidore got a straight red card in the 68th minute for verbal abuse directed at Italian referee Luca Banti. Altidore, who later issued an apology, reacted on being shown a yellow card for a foul.

“It is unfortunate, but it happened,” said Klinsmann, who played for Inter Milan. He said he reminded his players at halftime “never joke with an Italian referee.”

Swiss pressure paid off in the 80th

TURIN — Andros Townsend scored a late equalizer as England held Italy to a 1-1 draw in an international friendly at the Juventus Stadium on Tuesday.

Substitute Townsend leveled 11 minutes from time to cancel out Graziano Pelle’s first-half opener after Italy had dominated the opening hour.

“The first half was nothing like the performances we’re looking for,” England coach Roy Hodgson said. “We fell way below the standards we’ve been setting.

“The first half seemed to drift and drift very badly as far as we were concerned. The second half was much closer to what we’re trying to do and there were moments we played quite well.”

Harry Kane was involved in one of England’s few chances in the first half, with a header that was cleared by Leonardo Bonucci but only as far as Wayne Rooney, whose deflected effort crashed off the crossbar. Kane had scored less than two minutes into his debut against Lithuania on Friday after coming on as a substitute but was kept quiet by Italy on his first start.

“He did very well,” Hodgson said. “It wasn’t an easy game, he was playing against three very experienced, tough defenders.

I’m more than satisfied with his performance.” England had won all seven of its matches following a disappointing World Cup but faced its toughest test yet against an Italy team which had made wholesale changes following its own dismal campaign in Brazil.

“We have a lot of young guys who are just beginning their international journey and these players need to progress and they will grow,” Italy coach Antonio Conte said.

“I have confidence in the spirit of these lads,

the Italy shirt means a lot to them, they have a lot of pride in playing for their country.

“We have to progress in every area. We have to work, we have to continue to improve. We have to show we’re a team and not a group of players who have been selected.”

The match marked the return of Conte to the stadium where he had lifted three successive Serie A titles before sensationally quitting in the summer and the former Juventus manager was given a rousing reception. “It was a lovely trip down memory lane, it was a very emotional night,” Conte said.

England was looking to avenge a 2-1 defeat to Italy in the opening match of the World Cup but both sides started sluggishly.

Italy slowly gained the upper hand and Phil Jagielka cleared Matteo Darmian’s cross out from inside the six-yard box with Eder waiting. Giorgio Chiellini headed the resulting corner inches wide.

Pelle was on a poor run of form and hadn’t scored in the Premier League since Dec. 20, but it was the Southampton striker who broke the deadlock in the 29th minute. Chiellini easily brushed past Phil Jones on the left and crossed for Pelle’s glancing header into the far bottom corner.

Eder was causing the England defenders no end of trouble and almost helped Italy double its lead with a great run before picking out Alessandro Florenzi out wide — but Pelle just failed to connect with the cross. (ap)

Real Madrid signs defender Danilo from Porto on 6-year deal MADRID — Real Madrid has signed FC Porto defender Danilo on a six-year deal worth 31.5 million euros ($33.8 million), starting next season.

Danilo, a 23-year-old Brazilian who previously played for Santos, moved to Porto in January 2012 and helped the Portuguese

club win two league championships.

Danilo has played for Brazil 13 times, and also won a silver medal at the 2012 London Olympics. At Porto, he has 10 goals in 134 appearances, and has helped the team reach the Champions League quarterfinals, where it will meet Bayern Munich. (ap)

9

AP Photo/Antonio Calanni

Italy’s Graziano Pelle celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the international friendly soccer match between Italy and England, at the Juventus stadium in Turin, Italy, Tuesday, March 31, 2015.

English club.

But the central defender, who won the World Cup with Germany last year, said this was false.

“Just to be clear. This alleged “promise” is simply an invention... and that is saying it nicely,” he said on his official Twitter account on Wednesday.

Dortmund, German champions in 2011 and 2012, have been struggling this season after a bad first half and are in 10th place, chasing a European spot with eight games left in the campaign. Dortmund take on Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga on Saturday. (rtr)

AP Photo/Keystone, Ennio Leanza

USA’s goalkeeper Nick Rimando, front, and USA’s Brek Shea, back left, fight for the ball with Switzerland’s Admir Mehmedi, back right, during the international friendly soccer match between Switzerland and the USA at the Letzigrund stadium in Zurich, Switzerland, Tuesday, March 31, 2015. in the 39th. Xherdan Shaqiri was freed down the left wing by a raking, diagonal pass from Fabian Frei and the playmaker’s pass across the goalmouth was met with an air kick by Admir Mehmedi from four meters (yards).

All the Americans’ best work involved Alejandro Bedoya exploiting Moubandje, playing just his third international match. Twice Bedoya crossed invitingly from the right, but Gyasi Zardes blazed a left-foot volley high and wide in the 15th and Michael Bradley

fired well over in the 26th when the Nantes winger cut the ball back from the byline.

Bedoya drew a rare save from Swiss goalkeeper Roman Buerki in the 32nd, darting in front of Moubandje to loop a header toward goal from Shea’s bouncing cross.

Swiss star Shaqiri mostly drifted out of the game and blazed a longrange shot too high after collecting goalkeeper Nick Rimando’s poor clearance in the 17th. “(Shaqiri) can hurt you badly in a second so we closed him down,” Klinsmann

said.

Buerki’s footwork was unimpressive for Shea’s goal and the ‘keeper was at fault again in the 49th, failing to challenge Zardes for a header which bounced wide of the goal. At the other end, Yarborough made his international debut as a halftime substitute.

Teenager Breel Embolo came on in the 55th for his Switzerland debut after the Cameroon-born forward got FIFA clearance last week to play for the country where he grew up. (ap)

Hiddink ignores criticism and sets forward course

Hummels says made no promise to United’s Van Gaal BERLIN - Borussia Dortmund’s Mats Hummels has shot down reports of a deal with Manchester United coach Louis Van Gaal to join the Premier League club, saying they were invented.

The Germany defender has long been a target for several top European clubs and he recently said he would like to play abroad at some point in his career. Hummels’ current deal runs out in 2017.

German media have been full of reports in recent days of a possible move at the end of the season and an alleged promise he had made to the United coach that should he decide to move that he would join the

when substitute Valentin Stocker scored from just two meters (yards) past debutant goalkeeper William Yarbrough. The U.S. has now been outscored 12-1 in the second half of matches since the World Cup. “It might be a theme but it’s not a problem,” Klinsmann said.

“Overall it was a very good team performance. I saw a lot of, lot of good stuff from the players.”

A leveler had seemed increasingly inevitable, and five minutes earlier another Swiss substitute, Pajtim Kasami, header over an open goal from close range. The U.S. also escaped in the 79th when an attempted clearance by defender John Brooks rolled just wide of his own goal.

Stocker struck when the ball dropped to his feet after two U.S. defenders challenged for a leftwing cross, leaving him unmarked in front of goal. The Americans never threatened Switzerland’s goal after Altidore’s rush of blood midway through the second half, first fouling left-back Francois Moubandje.

“I want to apologize to our fans and my teammates,” Altidore said in a statement issued through the U.S. Soccer Federation. “Emotion got the best of me and I put our team in a tough position. That’s not the type of role model I want to be. All credit to the boys for grinding it out and earning a positive result.”

Earlier, Shea’s strike was out of character with a first half of miscues in front of goal. Though the U.S. was the better side, Switzerland was responsible for the best chance and most glaring miss

AMSTERDAM - Netherlands coach Guus Hiddink sought to put to rest the debate of his continued tenure in charge of the team as he savoured a 2-0 win over Spain in a friendly international on Tuesday.

Hiddink, who took over from Louis van Gaal last August, has had to deal with repeated questions over his role in charge of the Dutch who have struggled through the first half

REUTERS/Toussaint Kluiters/ United Photos

Coach Guus Hiddink of the Netherlands reacts during their international friendly soccer match against Spain in the Amsterdam Arena March 31, 2015.

of the Euro 2016 qualifiers and sit in third place in their group, behind the Czech Republic and Iceland.

A last-gasp 1-1 draw at home to Turkey on Saturday in their latest qualifier stirred up the debate as well as unleashing some heavyweight criticism. “Don’t keep asking me if I am staying on as coach,” he told reporters after the victory over the former world champions, secured with early goals from Stefan de Vrij and Davy Klaassen.

“There is no weight fallen off my back now. I never felt any weight on my back. We were always very keen to win this game and I saw in the first half a side who were highly motivated.

“This gives a lot of confidence to the team, we must regard this match as a good start for our next qualifier.” The Dutch next play in Group A against Latvia away on June 12, preceded a week earlier by a home friendly against the United States.

STREET FIGHTS

Hiddink has been criticised by high profile former players Johan Cruyff and Wim van Hanegem, who pen influential weekly columns for Dutch newspapers.

“I have no desire to get involved in any street fights,” he added. “In the end it has nothing to do with football. I want to talk about football only. Let’s rather talk about that.”

But he did have criticism for the Amsterdam Arena crowd who jeered Spanish substitute Andres Iniesta whenever he was on the ball. “If such a world class player is whistled at, supporters must be ashamed.”

Iniesta came on for the last 15 minutes amid howls of derision as Dutch supporters marked him out for the extra time goal that saw Spain beat the Netherlands in the 2010 World Cup final in Johannesburg.

“I had to ask people on my bench why they were doing that. I didn’t understand. Iniesta is not only a fantastic footballer but also a great person. I found the reaction to him out of line and shameful.” (rtr)

10

Destination

Thursday, April 2, 2015

International

International

Gitgit Waterfall

SINGARAJA - Gitgit Waterfall is a beautiful tourist destination in north part of Bali. Gitgit waterfall is located in the plateau area with the height about 35 meters and it is surrounded by tropical tree and emits the constantly natural water debit during the year. Waterfall voice around the charming nature was amazing and it was the separate attraction which can be enjoyed by each visitor who comes to visit. There are some plantations protecting the rain forest around the waterfall and in this place we often met the wild monkey to get the water from this waterfall.

Gitgit Waterfall is one of the famous tourist destinations in Bali which is located in Gitgit countryside, Sukasada sub district and about 10 Km from Singaraja Town or about 70 Km from Denpasar. It is set at height land about 300 meters above sea level.

Beside of Gitgit, there is another important spot point like the monument for hero struggle of Singaraja resident who dead on the battle against the Dutch colonialist. This monument is called Bhuwana Pangkung Bangka. This Monument is extant monument and idol of people struggle action against the Dutch colonization. This monument is located in Gitgit countryside and Sukasada sub district and about 17 Km from Singaraja Town . It is situated on the hill bank. The facilities are available at Gitgit Waterfall is consisted of the parking area, restaurant and art shop. It is not far from the waterfall place, there is a place for taking a rest while enjoy the beauty panorama of rice terrace and Buleleng Beach. In order to visit the Gitgit waterfall, all visitors will follow the walkway down until the spot point. This road is one of the omissions in Dutch era where the local resident uses it to access other regions. On 1975, this waterfall is opened as tourist destinations in north part of Bali. Since it is appointed as a tourist destination in Bali, many tourists from domestic and foreign countries visits this waterfall and Bali Singaraja Lovina Tour is one of the famous tours in Bali visit this place.

IBP/File Photo

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Sports

Thursday, April 2, 2015

7

Curry scores 27 to rally Warriors past Clippers 110-106 LOS ANGELES — Stephen Curry scored 27 points and Klay Thompson had 25 as the Golden State Warriors held off the Los Angeles Clippers 110-106 Tuesday for their 10th consecutive victory. David Lee added 17 points for the Warriors, who had lost four in a row at Staples Center.

The Clippers blew a 17-point lead and had their seven-game winning streak broken. Blake Griffin had 40 points and 12 rebounds, Chris Paul added 27 points and nine assists, and J.J. Redick scored 14.

Paul’s layup drew the Clippers to 106-104 with 12 seconds left, but he was called for a backcourt violation taking an inbounds pass from DeAndre Jordan with nine seconds left.

Thompson and Curry combined for four straight free throws to close out the win for the Pacific Division champions. Elsewhere, Brooklyn beat Indiana to reclaim sole possession of the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference with its season-high

fourth straight victory.

Brook Lopez had 24 points and 11 rebounds and Joe Johnson added 21 points, including five straight after the Pacers got within three with about 2 minutes left.

The Nets moved back ahead of Boston and dealt a blow to the Pacers, who fell 1 1/2 games behind Brooklyn for the final playoff spot. They will visit the Celtics on Wednesday.

The East-leading Atlanta Hawks, meanwhile, stumbled on the road, losing to Detroit 105-95. Andre Drummond had 22 points and 13 rebounds for the Pistons, who have won five of six. Thabo Sefolosha scored 19 points for the Hawks, who have dropped two of three.

In Miami, Tony Parker scored 16 points in his 1,000th NBA game and Kawhi Leonard had 22 to lead San Antonio past the Heat 95-81. San Antonio stayed No. 6 in the West, and could clinch a playoff berth Wednesday in Orlando. The Heat remained in the No. 7 spot in the Eastern Conference. but now are two losses behind Milwaukee and only a half-game up on Brooklyn. (ap)

AP Photo/Danny Moloshok

Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry falls to the court after making a 3-pointer while drawing a foul against the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, March 31, 2015, in Los Angeles.

Djokovic survives Miami scare; Murray claims 500th win

MIAMI - Defending champion Novak Djokovic survived a scare from Alexandr Dolgopolov on Tuesday to reach the Miami Open quarter-finals while Andy Murray won the 500th match of his career to reach the last eight. Djokovic was made to work for his 7-6(3) 7-5 6-0 win over world number 65 Dolgopolov.

After dropping the first set the topseeded Serbian found himself in even deeper trouble by falling behind 4-1 in the second and facing the threat of an unexpected early exit. But Djokovic dug deep to turn things around, breaking to get the set back on serve at 4-3 to the Ukrainian and then broke again for a 6-5 lead.

Having seen his chance of an upset slip through his hands, Dolgopolov faded quickly and badly dropped the third set where a dominant Djokovic won 24 of 27 points. “I was literally a game or two from losing the match. I’m just happy to be able to bounce back,” said Djokovic.

“These particular matches do help me in a certain way mentally to gain that confidence and self belief in a way that I never give up and battle till the last point, and it sends a message to the other players, Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports as well,” he added. Djokovic, who is seekAndy Murray celebrates after his match against Kevin Anderson (not pictured) on day ing a fifth title at Key Biscayne, will face Spaniard David Ferrer in the quarters. nine of the Miami Open at Crandon Park Tennis Center. Murray won 6-4, 3-6, 6-3

World number four Murray beat South African Kevin Anderson 6-4 3-6 6-3 to become the 46th man in the Open Era to reach 500 career wins and the first British male. He is one of only nine active players to have reached the milestone. Anderson fought back well in the second but after trading early breaks in the third the Scot took control breaking his South African opponent again to grab a 3-1 advantage and never looked back.

Murray will face Austrian Dominic Thiem, who reached his first Masters 1000 series quarter-final after beating France’s Adrian Mannarino 7-6(5) 4-6 7-5.

Czech Tomas Berdych made it six quarter-finals out of six tournaments this year after he advanced when Frenchman Gael Monfils retired in the second set after a bad fall. Berdych was leading 6-3 3-2.

Berdych will next face Argentine Juan Monaco, a 6-3 6-3 winner over Spaniard Fernando Verdasco.

Japan’s Kei Nishikori, the fourth seed, beat Belgian David Goffin 6-1 6-2 and will face American John Isner, who beat Canada’s Milos Raonic in three tie-breaks.

Isner trailed by a set and was 3-0 down in the second but emerged from the battle of two of the game’s biggest servers with a 6-7(3) 7-6(6) 7-6(5) victory. (rtr)

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Thursday, April 2, 2015

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AP Photo/Khalid Mohammed

An Iraqi soldier rests during clashes with islamic State extremists in Tikrit, 80 miles (130 kilometers) north of Baghdad, Iraq, Tuesday, March 31, 2015.

Iraqi minister says Tikrit to be recaptured within ‘hours’

TIKRIT — Iraqi security forces battled the last remaining pockets of Islamic State militants in Tikrit on Wednesday and were expected to gain full control of the city “within the coming hours,” the country’s interior minister said. The remarks came a day after the Iraqi forces, with Shiite militias who rejoined the fight, pushed into the center of Saddam Hussein’s hometown, hoisted the Iraqi flag over the Salahuddin provincial headquarters in Tikrit and moved to control the entire city.

The objective, Interior Minister Mohammed Salem al-Ghabban said Wednesday, is now to free all of Tikrit and restore normalcy as quickly as possible.

“There are only a few pockets of resistance left and we will announce the good news within the coming hours that these pockets of resistance are eliminated,” al-Ghabban told reporters at the front-lines in the city on Wednesday. He said the government will help displaced residents return and that a civil defense unit will be combing the city for roadside bombs and car bombs.

“After clearing the area from roadside bombs and car bombs, we will reopen police stations to restore normalcy in the city, and we will form committees to supervise the return of people displaced from their homes,” he added.

“Daesh is completely defeated,” he added, using an Arabic name for the group.

The battle for Tikrit, 130 kilometers (80 miles) north of Baghdad, is seen as a key step toward eventually driving the militants out of Mosul, Iraq’s second-largest city that is farther north. Extremists from the Islamic State group seized both cities last summer during their lightning advance across northern and western Iraq.

Iraqi forces, including the military, federal police, Shiite militias and Sunni tribes, launched a largescale operation to recapture Tikrit on March 2. Last week, the United States launched airstrikes on the embattled city at the request of the Iraqi government.

On Wednesday, Iraqi security forces fired on snipers positioned in high buildings and searched homes for remaining militants.

Soldiers fanned out in circles from the charred skeletal remains of the Salahuddin provincial government complex, captured the day before.

Militant mortar fire, which had

been intense over previous days, fell silent Wednesday, with commanders saying only a few militant snipers remain in the city. They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss ongoing operations.

A satellite image of Tikrit, released in February by the United Nations, observed that at least 536 buildings in the city have been affected by the fighting. Of those, at least 137 were completely destroyed and 241 were severely damaged. The current offensive also exacerbated previous damage, particularly in the south where clashes have been the most intense in recent days.

Iraq’s parliament speaker, Salim al-Jabouri, called on the government to find the means to resettle residents from damaged Tikrit buildings. He said this “requires effort and support by the central government in order to financially support the people in rebuilding their houses.” (ap)

International

Adoptee from South Korea faces deportation from US

PORTLAND, Oregon — More than three decades ago, a 3-year-old South Korean boy and his sister flew to the U.S. to become the adopted children of American citizens, but their life together didn’t last long.

They were abandoned, sent into foster care and separated even though he was dependent upon her.

A family adopted the girl, and got her citizenship. The boy, named Adam Crapser, wasn’t as fortunate: The parents he had were abusive, and never sought the green card or citizenship for him that they should have.

Now, at 39, after a life struggling with joblessness because of his lack of immigration papers, homelessness and crime, Crapser, a married father of three, is facing deportation because he’s not a citizen. “The state abandoned him when he was a child,” his attorney, Lori Walls, said. “Now the U.S. is throwing him out.”

A deportation hearing is set for April 2. Federal immigration officials say they became aware of Crapser after he applied to renew his green card two years ago: his criminal convictions, ranging from burglary to assault, made him potentially deportable under immigration law.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement wasn’t aware of Crapser’s childhood adoption history when it decided to pursue his deportation, agency spokesman Andrew Munoz said.

Two U.S. senators, including Jeff Merkley, an Oregon Democrat, are proposing a stand-alone, automatic citizenship bill for adoptees like Crapser. “It was not his responsibility to fill out that immigration paperwork,” Merkley said. “He knows no other country.” Advocates say thousands of adoptees don’t know they aren’t citizens until they, for example, try to get a job. (ap)

International

Thursday, April 2, 2015

11

Indonesian court to rule Monday on death row Australians’ appeal

JAKARTA - An Indonesian court will rule Monday on the appeals of two Australian drug smugglers facing execution, a judge said, as their lawyers insisted they had done their best to save the men.

Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, the ringleaders of the so-called “Bali Nine” trafficking gang, were sentenced to death in 2006 for trying to smuggle heroin out of Indonesia.

They recently had pleas for clemency, typically a last chance to avoid the firing squad, rejected

by Indonesian President Joko Widodo, who has taken a hard line against traffickers.

The men have mounted sev-

eral legal bids to avoid the firing squad, and in the latest their lawyers challenged Widodo’s decision to reject their mercy pleas, arguing that he failed to assess their rehabilitation or give reasons for his decision.

The Jakarta State Administrative Court rejected that bid in February, saying it had no authority to rule on the matter as granting clemency was the president’s prerogative. The men’s legal team is

now appealing that decision.

Wrapping up arguments in favour of the Australians Wednesday, lawyer Leonard Aritonang called on the judges to dismiss the initial verdict as the court did have the right to rule on clemency.

“We ask for the most just decision,” he told the court.

However, government lawyer Rusdi Hadi Teguh insisted that the court’s initial decision to dismiss the case should stand.

Following the hearing, Aritonang told reporters that he did not want to predict what decision the court would make, but said he was optimistic.

“We did our best,” he said.

After hearing the final arguments, presiding judge Ujang Abdullah said verdicts on the appeals would be handed down on Monday.

“Everyone has been given ample opportunity to present their evidence and also their conclusions,” he said, adding that the judges would study the “arguments and evidence” before

coming to a decision.

A court outside Jakarta was also due to hear the appeal of a French death row convict, Serge Atlaoui, on Wednesday.

The Australians and the Frenchman are among a group of foreign convicts who recently lost their appeals for clemency and are expected to be put to death soon, despite mounting international pressure on Jakarta to halt the executions.

Jakarta has not set a date for the executions, with authorities waiting for the outcome of several legal appeals. (afp)

tended the 50th AAC anniversary event in 2005 and was the main figure in the event. He was accompanied by then president Bambang Yudhoyono and took the opportunity to plant a sapling in the AsiaAfrica garden at the Tegalega area in the city of Bandung, which is the capital of West Java province.

The Merdeka Building was the venue of the AAC in 1955, during which the leaders declared “The Ten Principles of Bandung.”

The building and its surrounding area is being prepared and decorated to welcome state guests and participants of the AAC anniversary event. (ant)

Merdeka Building adorned with pictures of Soekarno, Mandela

BANDUNG - The posters of two world figures Soekarno and Nelson Mandela have been put up around the Merdeka Building on Jalan Asia-Africa, Bandung, to mark the 60th anniversary of the Asia-Africa Conference (AAC), on April 24.

The posters of the founding fathers of Indonesia and South

Africa respectively were displayed side-by-side along the main thoroughfare, which will be the center of the commemorative activities on Wednesday.

The poster of the first Indonesian president Soekarno, with a red background, carries the words “New Asia-Africa is Born” while

that of Nelson Mandela, with a green background, carries the words “Nothing is Impossible.”

The messages, which were statements from the two world leaders, had a major impact on the foreign policies of the Asian-African countries during that time.

The late Nelson Mandela at-

Thai police investigates allegations of fishermen enslaved in Benjina

AP Photo/Gosia Wozniacka

Korean adoptee Adam Crapser poses with daughter, Christal, 1, in the family’s living room in Vancouver, Wash. on March 19, 2015. Crapser, whose adoptive parents neglected to make him a U.S. citizen, will face an immigration judge and could be separated from his family and deported to South Korea, a country he does not know.

Ukraine refuses to extradite Georgia’s ex-president

KIEV, Ukraine — Ukraine has rejected Georgia’s request for the extradition of its former president, Mikhail Saakashvili, who is facing a criminal probe at home.

The Ukrainian Prosecutor-General’s office said in Wednesday’s statement that Saakashvili could face political persecution in Georgia if he is extradited.

Saakashvili, who was president in 2004-2013, left Georgia in the face of abuse of power accusations leveled by his political foes.

Saakashvili’s United National Movement has been in opposition since losing the 2012 parliamentary election to a party founded by billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, who made his fortune in Russia.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has appointed Saakashvili the head of his advisory council.

Saakashvili has dismissed the accusations against him as a political vendetta by Ivanishvili, accusing him of serving Moscow’s interests. (ap)

AMBON - Thai Police has deployed its team to investigate the allegations of fishermen being compelled to work as slaves on board PT. Pusaka Benjina Resources’ fishing boat, following a recent news report on the matter.

“The Thai investigation team is led by Thailand Deputy Police Lt. Siridchai Anakeveing who has scheduled the Benjina investigation for three days, starting April 1, 2015,” Acting Regional Secretary of Aru Islands Arens Uniplaitta stated when contacted from Ambon, Wednesday.

Lt. Siridchai and several members of his staff have reported about the investigation plan and are heading to Benjina.

“I have just met Lt. Siridchai along with several of his staff members and then escorted them to the port of Dobo to get to Benjina for the three-day investigation,” noted Arens.

Arens has allowed Thailand’s police team to investigate the truth behind the slavery issue in Benjina and expects to present their find-

ings in the mass media in order to maintain Indonesia’s reputation, especially in Aru Isles.

“I along with several working units (SKPD) also went to Benjina and supervised the investigation, either on the company’s site or on the ship last week, and it turns out that the investigation report from the Associated Press’ journalists cannot be justified,” Arens stated.

On board the fishing boat, the supervision team only found a quarantine room for crew members who were either inebriated or involved in a brawl.

“Those quarantined fishermen are not allowed to participate in the cruise, but the company is still providing meals to them,” Arens said.

The Benjina supervision report would be delivered to Maluku Governor Said Assagaff and will then be forwarded to Minister of Marine and Fisheries Susi Pudjiastuti.

Arens noted that PT. Pusaka Benjina Resources has also been affected due to the moratorium, initiated by the marine and fisheries

minister, which was applicable to fishing boats anchored in the waters of Benjina.

“We have received a report that more than one thousand fishermen from 82 fishing boats of Pusaka Benjina Resources are affected by the moratorium,” said Arens.

On the occasion, Arens expressed regret on the inaccurate news story on the enslaved fishermen being circulated in the mass media, which may tarnish Indonesia’s image internationally.

“We support the minister’s decision in forming a special team to investigate the slavery allegations in order to clarify the corresponding facts and actual data in Benjina,” said Arens. (ant)

In this Saturday, Nov. 22, 2014 photo, Thai and Burmese fishing boat workers sit inside a cell at the compound of a fishing company in Benjina, Indonesia.

AP Photo/Dita Alangkara

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International

Thursday, April 2, 2015

BUSINESS Euro edges up as deflation fears ease

TOKYO - The euro edged higher on Wednesday after data showed eurozone deflation eased fault and euro exit.

Greece says the reforms would last month, although gains were limited as traders keep an eye on Greek bailout talks.

In Tokyo, the single currency bought $1.0757 and 128.98 yen, against $1.0741 and 128.95 yen in New York.

The dollar slipped to 119.90 yen from 120.06 yen.

On Tuesday, official figures showed prices in the eurozone fell 0.1 percent in March, narrowing a drop of 0.3 percent in February and 0.6 percent in January, giving some hope that the currency bloc could avoid a spiral of deflation.

The European statistics agency Eurostat said the unemployment rate also improved.

“Eurozone CPI (consumer price index) was exactly as expected... and German retail sales and unemployment data were somewhat better,” National Australia Bank said in a commentary.

“The Greek ‘issue’...continues to lurk in the wings as Germany’s (Angela) Merkel suggests time is short for Greece to come up with

an acceptable proposal.”

On Tuesday, EU Council President Donald Tusk said a deal on Greece’s bailout is possible before the end of April, as Athens continued to talk tough in talks with creditors over reforms.

Experts from the International Monetary Fund and the European Union are scrutinising a list of economic reforms proposed by Athens in a bid to unlock 7.2 billion euros in loans to stave off a possible de-

help raise an extra three billion euros for government coffers without resorting to wage and pension cuts.

Tusk claimed Athens could hold its own for the time being.

“I think that today we can say that the (economic) situation in Greece is under control,” he said.

In China, manufacturing activity expanded in March for the first time since December, the government said Wednesday, while a downbeat business confidence report from the

Bank of Japan highlighted doubts about a recovery in the world’s number three economy.

The BoJ’s closely watched Tankan survey showed confidence among big manufacturers was the same as the previous quarter but below expectations.

While sentiment among nonmanufacturers was more upbeat, they pared profit expectations while Japan’s pessimistic corporate titans trim their spending plans.

The dollar mostly weakened against other Asia-Pacific currencies. (afp)

Vice Minister for Labor Doan Mau Diep met with the workers Tuesday and said that his department would propose to allow them to choose whether to get one-time social insurance benefits when they quit or receive them upon retirement. His words were met with applause from the workers, according to state media reports, but if was not clear that he had persuaded them to stop the strike.

Dang Ngoc Tung, the president of Vietnam General Confedera-

tion of Labor, said in a statement on the trade union’s website that the strikers should return to work and authorities will address their concerns. He also told them not to allow “bad elements” to take advantage of the situation to stir up unrest that would affect security, order and the company’s operations.

Nearly 70 percent of Vietnam’s population of 90 million are under 40, providing a major workforce for many multi-national companies. (ap)

Thousands strike at Nike, Adidas shoe factory in Vietnam

HANOI — Thousands of Vietnamese workers at a major footwear factory were on strike for a sixth day Wednesday over a social insurance law in a rare challenge to government policy.

Several thousand people at the Taiwanese-owned Pou Yuen factory in southern Ho Chi Minh City began the stoppage last Thursday.

Pou Yuen Vietnam, which employs more than 80,000 workers, is a subsidiary of Pou Chen Group and makes footwear for companies such

as Nike and Adidas.

The workers continued the peaceful strike in the factory’s compound Wednesday under a heavy police presence. They marched along Highway 1 with banners and beating drums on Monday and Tuesday, blocking traffic on the main road artery.

They were protesting a new law, which comes into effect next year and says that workers will get a social insurance monthly allowance when they retire instead

of getting a one-time payment if they resign. The striking workers said that if they quit earlier, they would have to wait until their retirement age — 60 for men and 55 for women — to get the allowance, and they prefer the lump sum to pay for their daily needs while seeking new jobs.

Vietnam is hit by several hundred labor strikes a year, but they are mostly over poor working condition and low pay. Protests over government policies are rare.

Malaysia launches consumption tax despite public unease

AP Photo/Joshua Paul

In this Feb. 27, 2015 photo, tourists has their souvenir photograph taken against the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Malaysia on Wednesday implemented a six percent consumption tax aimed at plugging a leaky taxcollection system and addressing a widening fiscal deficit, but which has sparked opposition protests over the past year.

KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia on Wednesday implemented a six percent consumption tax aimed at plugging a leaky tax-collection system and addressing a widening fiscal deficit, but which has sparked opposition protests over the past year.

The government and economists say the Goods and Services Tax (GST) will help address an inadequate revenue-collection system under which income tax is currently paid by only an estimated 11 percent of registered companies and 14.8 percent of employees.

But the GST has prompted demonstrations by opposition parties, who say consumers were being left with the bill for government mismanagement of the economy.

Prime Minister Najib Razak on Monday said the GST -- which does not apply to staple food items such as rice, sugar and cooking oil, as well as some medicines -- would not overburden consumers.

“At the same time, we will raise

the nation’s revenue, and this is for the people’s good,” he was quoted as saying by Malaysian media.

The government says the GST will raise an estimated 22 billion ringgit ($6 billion) in additional revenue each year.

It hopes to trim its fiscal deficit to 3.2 percent of GDP in 2015, compared to 3.5 percent last year.

An earlier 2015 target of 3.0 percent was scrapped in the wake of the global oil price rout that set in last year.

Malaysia is a net oil exporter, and a 60 percent drop in crude prices in the latter half of 2014 prompted the World Bank in January to shave its 2015 GDP growth forecast for Malaysia to 4.7 percent from an earlier 4.9 percent.

The ringgit currency has also plummeted on oil-linked concerns, as well as investor fears for the stability of a troubled government investment fund, 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), which is

mired in $11 billion of debt.

Kenanga Research economist Wan Suhaimi Saidi said the GST would broaden the tax base.

“But whether it would help to reduce the deficit depends on many other factors, especially on how the government would tackle leakages,” he said.

Opponents say billions of dollars are wasted by the government or go missing each year and that deep reforms are needed before introducing the sales tax.

In concert with the GST, corporate, business, and personal income tax rates are to be slightly reduced.

Fabian Leo, who runs a Kuala Lumpur car-rental company, said he fears for his bottom line.

“There has been a lot of unhappiness from my customers who want me to absorb the six percent,” he said.

“On the other hand, if I don’t, my existing clients may stop renting from me.” (afp)

International

Bali News

Thursday, April 2, 2015

5

Management of Bayunggede tourism village less than optimal

BANGLI - Apparently, among the many rural tourist attractions initiated by the government of Bangli through the Culture and Tourism Agency, only a small portion of them are developing to maximum potential. One of the attractions that remains stagnant is Bayunggede village in Kintamani. Recently, the tourist attraction has not been managed properly due to insufficient human resources and lack of tourism counseling for local people on the part of the government.

Headman of Bayunggede, I Wayan Suarjaya, said that Bayunggede as tourist attraction still has many shortcomings. He explained that the attraction lacks promotion by local government. “Until now, the attraction is still in place, but seems to be stagnant,” he said.

Furthermore, he explained that four people who were previously managing the tourist attraction have resigned because they could not make enough money to meet their daily needs. Suarjaya added that the lack of guidance and training from the government to help the people of Bayunggede village manage the site, is one of the reasons that they are not successful. The site requires attention and “only a few residents understand about tourism, so there needs to be training and coaching,” he said.

The environmental conditions of Bayunggede village are adequate for tourism.

However, due to lack of promotion, this area is unable to thrive. “We have continuously arranged our environment, but we still lack promotion,” he said.

IBP/Sosiawan

Bayunggede village in Kintamani He added that there are a fair number of visitors to the traditional village, with an average of about 30 people a day, most of whom choose the cycling tour. These visits provide some income for the village, but not very much. “The number of tourist visits is high enough and there are always guests every day,” added Suarjaya.

Travelers are often looking for the ins and outs of the unique traditions of Bayunggede

village, like the placenta cemetery in the forest behind the residential area. Sometimes, the absence of management officers causes some visitors to not get complete information about the tradition.

The development of Bayunggede tourism village is very different from the Penglipuran traditional village that is visited by hundreds of tourists pre day. The cause is no other than the availability of human resources capable of managing the tour-

ist attraction and the ongoing promotion done by the management and the government.

Because of this Suarjaya hopes that the local government will able to provide tourism guidance and training for the community at Bayunggede so that the quality of human resources for tourism can increase. “Hopefully the government can assist in training and coaching us on how to manage the tourism village,” he said. (kmb45)

Denpasar Heritage City Tour Package

A tour guide escorting guest to The Bali Museum. Bali Museum and Jero Kuta Palace are part of the Denpasar Heritage City Tour package, these two tourist attractions have already been visited by numerous domestic and foreign travelers this year.

DENPASAR - Bali Museum and Jero Kuta Palace are part of the Denpasar Heritage City Tour package, these two tourist attractions have already been visited by numerous domestic and foreign travelers this year.

Apart from being a tourist attraction, Bali Museum is also in high demand as a venue for pre-wedding photo shoots.

Hendriyanto, a visitor from Bandung, was deeply impressed after visiting the Bali Museum. He felt that he had learned a lot about Balinese culture even though it was just an exhibition. “I saw relics of ancient humans and ethnographic objects such as tools for everyday living, the arts, religion, language and other writings that reflect the life and development of Balinese culture,” he explained.

The Head of Denpasar Tourism Office, Wayan Gunawan, said that the Bali Museum is a beautiful destination and very intense with Balinese culture.

Flowering plants and green leaves not only create a cool atmosphere but also

help visitors to feel at home. “The current trend is to use the outdoor space for pre- wedding photo shoots,” he revealed.

In January 2015, there were 2,605 visitors to the Bali Museum. There were 1,357 domestic and 1,248 foreign travelers. In Febuary, 2,605 people visited the museum, 1,143 of who were domestic and 1,199 were foreign travelers.

Many travelers also visited Jero Kuta Palace, despite it having been under renovation in preparation for the Heritage City Tour package. Everything is being prepared, from sanitation to parking facilities, and is nearly complete. Other places that the tour will visit have also been cleaned up and made ready for the Heritage City Tour Package.

Destinations on the tour include the Jagatnatha Temple, Bali Museum, the I Gusti Ngurah Made Agung or Puputan Badung Square, Jaya Saba, Jro Kuta Denpasar Palace, Maospait Temple, Badung Market, Kumbasari Market and Inna Bali. (kmb)

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Thursday, April 2, 2015

Bali News

Thursday, April 2, 2015

International

International

13

Report: Egypt, Nigeria led world in death sentences in 2014

UNITED NATIONS — Egypt and Nigeria accounted for well over 1,000 of the death sentences announced last year, more than a third of the world’s total, Amnesty International says in its latest annual report on the death penalty.

Pakerisan River in Gianyar

IBP/file

Threat of extinction

Biodiversity in Pakerisan River watershed inventoried

GIANYAR - WIthout the awareness of the public, the biodiversity of Gianyar County is lessened every year. This decrease in biodiversity is one of the causes of the increase in natural disaters that have recently been occurring in some areas of Gianyar, such in the subdistricts of Tampaksiring, Tegallalang and Payangan. For this reason it is important to take inventory of the biodiversity that still exists in Gianyar, especially in the area of the Pakerisan watershed.

Inventory of the biodiversity in the Pakerisan watershed was suggested by the Regent of Gianyar, Anak Agung Bharata. Some time

ago, while visiting Yogyakarta, the Head of the Gianyar Environment Agency (BLH), Anak Agung Dalem Jagadhita, was assigned to conduct

an assessment of biodiversity with researchers from Gadjah Mada University (UGM).

Bharata, said that the biodiversity of Gianyar County, especially in the Pakerisan watershed, is still abundant. The first stage of the research will be conducted in a radius of 11 km from the Tampaksiring Presidential Palace. “To my knowledge, in the past the biodiversity around the palace was so abundant that it was an attraction all its own,”

he said.

One such attraction of the ecology of Tampaksiring, was the fireflies who used to be abundant, but there do not appear to be any anymore. “This is a proof that nature is no longer natural,” he said.

The loss of biodiversity indeed proves that the nature is askew.

Probably the lack of fireflies is caused by the excessive use of chemical fertilizers, littering and some of human behavioural factors

all of which destroy nature. “We want to preserve the biodiversity properly, particularly in the area of the palace,” he said.

Regent Agung Bharata also wants to know the condition of biodiversity in other areas that are now frequently hit by landslides, to see whether there is a relationship between the increasingly extinct biodiversity and these natural disasters. “We would like to see the study done in April,” he said. (kmb16)

The London-based human rights group expressed alarm at the 28 percent jump in death sentences: 2,466 people in 55 countries were condemned to death in 2014. At least 607 people were executed in 22 countries last year.

Neither of those numbers is complete, as North Korea’s closed-off stance means that no estimate there was available. Amnesty International also doesn’t report numbers for China, where such information is considered a state secret. The Dui Hua Foundation, a U.S.-based prison research group, has estimated 2,400 executions happened in China for 2014.

Amnesty International also said it was unable to confirm whether judicial executions took place last year in Syria, where civil war has raged for four years.

The countries with the most recorded executions last year were Iran with at least 289, Saudi Arabia with at least 90, Iraq with at least 61 and the United States with at least 35, the rights group said. In Iran, hundreds more executions were “not officially acknowledged” and the total could be as high as 743, the organization said.

Once again, the United States was the only country in the Americas to execute people in 2014, the report said. Texas and Missouri

each carried out 10 executions.

Other U.S. states that put people to death were Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Ohio and Oklahoma.

The overall number of global executions last year dropped almost 22 percent from 2013.

“The numbers speak for themselves: The death penalty is becoming a thing of the past, Amnesty International’ secretary-general, Salil Shetty, said. But Shetty condemned the use of death sentences as a way to fight crime or “terrorism.”

Nigeria announced 659 death sentences, mostly for murder and armed robbery, but a military court in December sentenced to death 54 soldiers who had been accused of refusing to join operations against the extremist group Boko Haram.

The soldiers testified that they had not been properly equipped to go after Boko Haram, which has since pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group.

AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File Nigeria’s higher number of death FILE - In this Oct. 9, 2014, file photo, Department of Corrections officials look through a window sentences, up from 141 the year from the witness room at right, outside the newly renovated death chamber at the Oklahoma before, was also a result of more State Penitentiary in McAlester, Okla. complete data offered by authori“An alarming number of counties. Egypt announced at least 509 in December, 188 people were pressed concern about countries death sentences last year, many of sentenced to death in the killing of that resumed the practice of execu- tries that used the death penalty in tions, including Pakistan, which 2014 did so in response to real or them in the mass trials that have 11 police officers.

In the United States, at least 72 reinstated the death penalty in De- perceived threats to state security been held since the ouster of Islamist President Mohammed Morsi death sentences were announced cember after a Pakistani Taliban at- and public safety posed by terrortack on a school killed 150 people, ism, crime or internal stability,” the in 2013. The practice has brought last year. new report said.(ap) Amnesty International also ex- most of them children. international criticism. In one case

Nepal doctors stay away from work to support colleague

Australian man arrested for running amok naked

GIANYAR - A man from Australia shocked Ubud residents on Monday night (Mar. 30). Audino Adam Antomi ran amok at a home stay in Ubud, tearing off his clothes and breaking things around him.

As a consequence, this 34-year old foreigner was secured by local pecalang or customary village guards and subsequently led to the Ubud Police Station. In the meantime, police have contacted the Aus-

tralian Consulate so that they can participate in handling the case.

According to by-standers, the incident began after Adam Antomi came to the home stay located on Jalan Jambangan, Padang Tegal village, Ubud, Gianyar. When he first arrived at Ketut Suparka’s home stay the Australian man appeared to be an ordinary tourist carrying a bunch of equipment.

As he was checking in, he began

showing unusual behavior by throwing his bag and shouting loudly.

The noise surely shocked the locals in the vicinity as well as the other travelers staying at the home stay.

More surprisingly, the man from kangaroo country suddenly began to undress. The home stay owner felt fear full and immediately contacted the pecalang and the police who ultimately led the crazed tourist to the Ubud Police Station.

Once at the Police Station, Antomi did not stop running amok and shouted loudly in English. Although he was naked, the Australian man was put into the detention cell. He still did not settle down and the man, now suspected of having a mental disorder, scratched the paint off wall the detention room. More seriously, he left the tap running in bathroom so that the floor of the Ubud Police Sation became covered in water. Chief

of the Ubud Police, I Wayan Sumara, explained on Tuesday (Mar. 31) tin response to the actions of Adam Antomi, police have contacted the Australian Consul and immigration office. Meanwhile, the immigration officer ascertained that Adam Antomi Audino’s tourist visa was still valid.

“We’ve contacted the Australian consul and immigration office, but no Australian officer has come by yet,” he explained. (kmb35)

AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha

Dr. Govinda K.C., who is on a hunger strike, lies on a hospital bed at Teaching Hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal, Wednesday, April 1, 2015. Thousands of doctors in Nepal have stayed away from their work at clinics and hospitals to support the doctor who has been on a hunger strike for the past 10 days demanding reforms in medical education and services.

KATHMANDU — Thousands of doctors in Nepal stayed away from work at clinics and hospitals Wednesday to support a colleague who has been on a hunger strike for 10 days demanding reforms in medical education and services. More than 5,000 doctors took part in the action and only emergency services were open in hospitals across the Himalayan nation, said Dr. Nirmal Rimal of the Nepal Medical Association.

The strike left most people in Nepal without access to doctors. The physicians are supporting Dr. Govinda K.C., who is demanding that the government make medical education affordable to more students and medical services available to all citizens.

Only three of Nepal’s 20 medical colleges are run by the government. The private colleges charge huge fees and are unaffordable for the majority of the population.

K.C. is also alleging widespread corruption among of-

ficials in granting permits to private medical colleges and is demanding that the officials be dismissed and punished. The government formed a committee to negotiate with the doctors, but there was no agreement reached to end the strike.

K.C. had gone on a 15-day hunger strike last year for similar demands. He ended the hunger strike and doctors withdrew their protests after the government assured them there would be changes in the country’s medical education system. K.C. now says the government has not done enough.

Hundreds of supporters lined up outside Kathmandu’s Tribhuwan University Teaching Hospital, where K.C. is staging his hunger strike, to visit him on Wednesday.

Also, a group of doctors briefly scuffled with police officers while protesting outside the Nepal Medical Council office in Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital.(ap)

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Thursday, April 2, 2015

Health

International

International

Child poverty impacts brain development

PARIS - Children of richer, better-educated parents have bigger brains and more cognitive skills than their less-fortunate peers, but social help and teaching can help to overcome the differences, a study published on Monday said.

The distinctions were most profound in regions of the brain supporting language and reading, executive functions like memory and decision-making, and spatial skills, experts in the United States reported in the journal Nature Neuroscience.

The impact was “meaningful in terms of the way the brain is working in these kids”, study co-author Elizabeth Sowell of the University of Southern California told AFP.

“We found that the relationship between brain (structure) and family income impacted kids’ cognitive functioning,” Sowell said by email.

The study stressed that solutions lay within reach, including better school lunches, motivated teaching and community programmes to encourage children.

“It is not too late to think about how to impact resources that enrich the developmental environment,

that in turn help the brain wire itself together,” Sowell said.

Socioeconomic inequalities have long been seen as linked to differences in cognitive development, but the extent to which it affected brain structure was unclear until now.

In what is claimed to be the biggest study of its kind, Sowell’s team tested 1,099 typically developing boys and girls aged three to 20, from diverse population groups.

They compared parents’ income

and education level to children’s brain surface area, measured by scans, as well as their cognitive test scores.

They corrected for other potentially confounding influences on brain structure such as genetic ancestry.

Aside from the differences observed between the brain surface area of children in the lowest and highest income levels, there was also a striking disparity between income groups at the lower end of the scale.

There was a bigger difference, for example, between the results in

Bali News

Thursday, April 2, 2015

3

kids from families earning either $30,000 (28,000 euros) or $50,000 per year, than those earning either $90,000 or $110,000.

Sowell said the reason behind that difference was unclear.

“It seems reasonable to speculate that resources afforded by the more affluent (nutrition, child care, schools etc) help ‘wire’ the brain through development,” she said.

“The most important point we want to convey... is not ‘if you are poor, your brain will be smaller, and there is nothing that can be done about it.’ That is absolutely not the message!” (afp)

Ebola virus has mutated less than scientists feared WASHINGTON - The Ebola virus is not mutating as quickly as scientists had feared, which is good news for treating the disease and preventing its spread, a study showed.

Previous research based on limited data had suggested that Ebola was mutating twice as quickly as in the past, researchers said in the journal Science.

But scientists who sequenced four Ebola samples taken in Mali between October and Novem-

ber found no significant genetic changes compared to samples taken at the beginning of the epidemic in March 2014.

“The Ebola virus in the ongoing West African outbreak appears to be stable -- that is, it does not appear to be mutating more rapidly than viruses in previous Ebola outbreaks, and that is reassuring,” said Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).

Ebola diagnostic tests, antibodies and experimental vaccines are based on the genetic make-up of the virus at a particular moment. If too much genetic variation occurs, diagnosis of new, mutated forms might not be possible and vaccines and antibodies could become ineffective.

Mutations could also potentially lead to more severe symptoms or a virus that spreads more easily, the scientists said.

In August, virologists studying 99 virus genomes from patients in Sierra Leone found a large number of mutations.

But in the study published Thursday, the Ebola samples collected in Mali were found to be similar to those collected elsewhere in the past.

The new data “adds yet more confidence that a vaccine strategy should work,” said Jim Kent of the University of California, Santa

Cruz, who has set up an Ebola virus genome database.

But a co-author on the earlier Sierra Leone study, Kristian Andersen of the Broad Institute, warned that new treatments and vaccines could result in virus mutations that will help Ebola survive them.

Ebola has killed more than 10,000 people in west Africa out of nearly 25,000 infected since the start of 2014, mainly in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea. (afp)

Diet sodas fall in US; Pepsi takes back No. 2 spot

AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File

This Oct. 1, 2014 file photo taken with a fisheye lens shows a shelf of diet and regular soft drinks in a refrigerator at K & D Market in San Francisco. U.S. soda volume declined for the tenth straight year in 2014, with diet sodas faring worse than their regular counterparts, according to a report released Thursday, March 26, 2015.

NEW YORK — Americans bought less soda for the 10th straight year in 2014, with diet sodas shrinking more than their sugary counterparts, according to a report released recently.

An annual report by the industry tracker Beverage Digest found that overall soda volume slipped 0.9 percent last year, moderating from the decline of 3 percent the previous year.

And the poor performance of diet sodas in particular led to a shake-up in the top 10 U.S. soda rankings; even though people bought less Pepsi, it managed to regain the No. 2 spot from Diet Coke, which suffered an even steeper decline. Diet Coke had knocked Pepsi off the No. 2 spot in 2010.

Coke remained by far the most popular soda in the U.S., selling about twice as much as No. 2 Pepsi.

John Sicher, publisher of Beverage Digest, attributed the moderation in soda’s decline in 2014 to the continued growth

of energy drinks. He also noted that Coca-Cola Co., PepsiCo and Dr Pepper Snapple Group have improved marketing for their soda brands.

Soda volume has been declining in the U.S. since 2004 amid concerns that sugary drinks fuel weight gain, and a proliferation of alternatives in the beverage aisle. More recently, industry executives have attributed an accelerating decline of diet sodas to concerns over artificial sweeteners like aspartame.

The American Beverage Association, which represents Coke, Pepsi and others, is trying to address the shift away from diet sodas in part by funding studies showing the benefits of the drinks.

Despite the ongoing decline of soda volume, the broader U.S. beverage industry performed better than in the previous year with growth of 1.7 percent, according to Beverage Digest. That increase was driven by an increase in bottled water sales. (ap)

IBP/Yudi Karnaedi

Provision of Tri Hita Karana (THK) Nugraha in Bali K. Nadha press Building, held Wednesday. Along with giving the THK Nugraha, also held a dagger and gemstone exhibition in Wantilan Bali K. Nadha Press Building for three days (April 1 to 3). The exhibition was officially opened by the Regent of Buleleng Putu Agus Suradnya accompanied by Satria Naradha and Suteja Neka.

Eight recipients received THK Nugraha 2015

DENPASAR - The philosophy of Tri Hita Karana (THK) should not be understood at the level of the concept alone, but rather on the implementation on the ground, which in turn leads to a concrete manifestation of the greatness of philosophy itself. Example, Bali as one of the world’s leading tourist destinations, all levels of society should understand and practice what is contained in THK; building harmonization with the creator (Parahyangan), with the surrounding community (pawongan) as well as the natural environment (palemahan).

Moreover, community leaders, corporations in the field of tourism should continue to inflame this Hindu concept to maintained Bali cultural, natural. This is the hope raised in the provision of Tri Hita Karana (THK) Nugraha in Bali K. Nadha press Building, Wednesday.

According to the General Manager of Bali Travel News (BTN), Gde Palgunadi, this award is given by the BTN, which is one of Bali Post Media Group members, to individuals, villages, corporations, non-governmental organizations or anyone who is deemed to have

a positive contribution to the development of tourism, social and cultural of Bali and meet established criteria.

This award, Palgunadi further explained, aims to inspire people of Bali, especially tourism component to be more concerned about the environment, surrounding communities and enhance closeness to God Almighty. “This is an implementation of the concept of THK,” he said.

The event was attended by Regent of Buleleng, Putu Agus Suradnyana, CEO of Bali Post Media Group, Satria Naradha, Vice Consul of India, Virender K. Jatav, general managers of hotels in Bali, and other businesses elements.

This year, there are eight recipients of THK Nugraha. The Green School has a learning environment that is comfortable and cool. All buildings ranging from a place to learn, play, rest area, and canteen made of bamboo and thatched roof so that it becomes a cool place to learn.

Kamasan village, the village has become a traditional painting artist community that gave birth to a unique style called traditional Kamasan painting. The painting

has been around since the days of empire to the present. Many foreign tourists come to the village only to learn to paint.

Begawan Foundation, have concern for environmental conservation. Each carry out activities should involve the local community. Three focuses of its activities are the conservation of the Bali starling (Leucopsar Rothschildi), education inviting school children, and health by establishing a health clinic at Begawan Giri Estate to serve the needs of the community.

Puri Sunia Resort, hotel development has been referred to the concept of Asta Kosala Kosali and the Tri Hita Karana. This hotel is very friendly to the environment and surrounding areas as well as promoting the spiritual.

Putu Sudiarta, successful digital innovator by creating an application in the form of gaming culture. Among others are Bali Green version of Android, which contains a map of Bali and tourist attractions as well as D’Kala, ogoh-ogoh games, and Klakat game. Currently he is preparing a super hero game of Bali, Kebo Iwa, and 3D movie of Garuda

Wisnu Kencana, as a form of appreciation for the culture of Bali in digital form.

I Wayan Candra or Mangku Candra is famous with his works and performances. As a civil servant, he is willing to take early retirement because he wants to completely pour time on art. His works often comes out as a champion and receive Muri Record and promote Bali abroad through the work of ogoh-ogoh.

Legian Beach Hotel appears as a jungle hotel in Kuta. The hotel is very concerned about the environment with the tagline ‘We Love You, Earth’.

While the Buleleng government commanded by Regent Putu Agus Suradnyana and Vice Regent, Dr. I Nyoman Sutjidra, are responsive partner in addressing the issues that arise in the region.

On that occasion, there was also a presentation by master of dagger, Pande Wayan Suteja Neka, who said dagger was a symbol of life.

Along with giving the THK Nugraha, also held a dagger and gemstone exhibition in Wantilan Bali K. Nadha Press Building for three days (April 1 to 3). The ex-

hibition was officially opened by the Regent of Buleleng Putu Agus Suradnya accompanied by Satria Naradha and Suteja Neka. There are dozens of participants from Bali, Madura, Yograkarta, Malang, Blitar and Surabaya. (kmb)

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International

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Bali News

DENPASAR - The desire of the community of Gianyar County to regulate a quarry zone has posed a challenge to local officials. Raids were conducted according to the Regional Bylaw enforcement officers, after the approval of Regional Bylaw No. 5/2014 regarding Rock Quarry Management. In October 2014, the central government even issued Law No. 23/2014 replacing Law No. 32/2004 on Regional Government and thereby replacing the authority of quarry management from the county to provincial authority. als. Illegal quarrying around Mt. Merapi is quite rampant. The government of Sleman therefore encountered similar problems than the ones occurring along some stretches of river in Gianyar. Quarry activities carried out in Gianyar are quite disturbing. One incident that occurred as a result of illegal quarrying was the collapse of the agricultural irrigation tunnel of Subak Gunung Sari a few years ago.

Farmers in the community suffered fairly substantial losses as a result

Thursday, April 2, 2015

15

5th years of Avilla Hospitality

Quarry zone regulated and controlled by county government

Responding to this issue, the government of Gianyar through the Information Dissemination Quality Improvement team is seeking to compare policies regarding the handling illegal miners, with the government of Sleman, Special Region of Yogyakarta, over three days from Thursday (Mar. 26) to Saturday (Mar. 28).

A few years ago, Sleman County was hit by the eruption of Mount Merapi. The eruption brought in quite a lot of geological materi-

Activities

International

of the incident.

The problems experienced by Gianyar County and Sleman County are not much different. Central government policies, both in the Law on Local Governments and in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Regulation No.23/2014, regarding the transitional administrative affairs for forestry, marine as well as energy and mineral resources, has moved the authority of the county or municipality into the hands of the central government and provincial

The coconut shells are tranformed into handicratfs.

governments, which has posed a challenge for both Gianyar and Sleman In the case of regulating quarry activities, the Country government of Sleman has some authority through a Regent Decree. “Although there is a new regulation, the zoning provisions through the study still remain a reference for the monitoring and coordinating on a regular basis with the provincial government,” said the Administrative Assistant in charge of Government Affairs, Regional Secretariat of Sleman, Joko Handoyo.

In the meantime, the Administrative Assistant in charge of Economic and Development Affairs for the Regional Secretariat of Gianyar, I Ketut Suweta, who led the govern-

ment of Gianyar group , said that imbalance of nature has started to happen in Bali, especially in Gianyar. One of the causes of flooding and landslides is caused by water catchment area being reduced by land conversion and quarrying.

Gianyar is frequently the target of illegal quarry activities especially at Kemenuh village, Blahbatuh village, Sukawati and Ubud, because the rock in these areas is of superior quality. The rock in Gianyar has a good texture and motif. Besides, it is also believed to have taksu or spiritual aura so that the demand for Gianyar rock continues to increase.

“The procedures for handling illegal activities in Sleman will be studied to see how it can be applied in Gianyar,” said Suweta. (dar)

Coconut shell used for craft products

IBP/Sosiawan

BANGLI - Abundant coconut shells left over from ritual usage such as daksina, have given people creative ideas about how to produce high value products. Ketut Dana, who lives in Sribatu hamlet, Penglumbaran village, Susut, turns the coconut shells into piggy banks and markets them to international buyers.

Dana revealed on Tuesday (Mar. 31) that he runs his business independently.

Abundant discarded coconut shells, that were previously left unused, are creatively transformed into piggy banks with artistic value. He does not only make piggy shaped banks but also, cats, giraffes and others. “I can produce 10 pieces a day,” he said.

Besides, he added that the demand for piggy bank is very high. In an average month he sells about 400 piggy banks for IDR 25,000 apiece. Other than in Bali, he also sells overseas to countries like France and Spain. (kmb45)

 Founder : K.Nadha,  General Manager :Palgunadi Chief Editor: Diah Dewi Juniarti  Editors: Gugiek Savindra,Alit Susrini, Alit Sumertha, Daniel Fajry, Mawa, Suana, Sueca, Sugiartha, Yudi Winanto Denpasar: Dira Arsana, Giriana Saputra, Subrata, Sumatika, Asmara Putra. Bangli: Suasrina, Buleleng: Dewa kusuma, Gianyar: Agung Dharmada, Karangasem: Budana, Klungkung: Bagiarta. Jakarta: Nikson, Hardianto, Ade Irawan. NTB: Agus Talino, Izzul Khairi, Raka Akriyani. Surabaya: Bambang Wilianto.  Development: Alit Purnata, Mas Ruscitadewi.  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. Publisher: PT Bali Post

To be local champion in Bali with original character KUTA - Avilla Hospitality Management & Development held the 5th Avilla Anniversary at Adhi Jaya Sunset Hotel, Jl. Sunset Road, Bali, Saturday (15/3). As local company based in Bali, Avilla Hospitality has spread their business units in Bali since 2010. Started from developing and managing villa, continued with budget and thematic hotel, and then spread the business lines to restaurant and day spa all over Bali.

The Anniversary event had begun with the series of events as the road to the main event on 14 March 2015. Opening speech was delivered by Head of Committee, Loka Andre and General Manager of Avilla Hospitality, Darma Suyasa along with Chief Operations Officer (COO) of Avilla Hospitality, Henry Setiono.

“On this 5th Anniversary, Avilla Hospitality along with business units has been working side by side striving to fulfill the vision in becoming local champion in Bali.

Mentality as winner with our original character is the key to fulfill the vision,” said Henry Setiono, COO Avilla Hospitality.

The GM, Darma Suyasa, COO, Henry Setiono, and Chief Managing Officer (CMO), Herry Antolis, were the representative to do the cake cutting while accompanied by happy birthday song sung by all units’ Avilla. Congratulatory video by units also became the special gifts to Avilla. All FUNtastic team of Avilla also presented unique performances in this special day.

And the best performer was won

by Design department.

There were also awards for the most professional person in Avilla and Avilla Wow Challenge which the valuation is based on positive appearance, on time, and champion’s greeting explanation points.

There were also awards for the best congratulatory video submitter from Marketing department.

Several series of social events were held to welcoming the 5th Anniversary of Avilla, started from 28 Februari 2015 with cleaning beach at Doublesix Beach, Seminyak, then followed by Futsal Competition, and social visit to Orphanage Semara Pura in Klungkung on 2 March 2015 followed by all FUN-

tastic team of Avilla and business units.

Avilla Hospitality Management &Development is an innovative

player in its field and has a vision to be a local champion in Bali. Established in 2010 and has inspired and managed 12 brands.And in

this year, 2015, will launch thematic surfer hotel at Brawa Beach, Canggu and thematic youngster hotel at Raya Kuta. (kmb)

IBP/kmb

Arif Bilah

Familiar with nature and environment Legian Beach Hotel (LBH) is a favorite tourist accommodation putting forward the concept of Tri Hita Karana (three causes of harmony). It is a term consisting of Parahyangan (spiritual aspect) representing human relationship to God, Pawongan (social aspect) representing the human relationship to fellow humans and Palemahan (environmental aspect) representing the human relationship to nature.

General Manager, Arif Billah, said that LBH was very unique compared to other hotels. Spreading across an area of four hectares, 60 percent is used as the ‘jungle of the hotel’ for tropical garden. There is also a tree planting program for guests. They can include their name and memos like wedding, love, birthday, anniversary or family tree. “Guests are very enthusiastic.

So, we try to tackle global warming and rampant illegal logging,” he concluded.

In the Parahyangan aspect, the LBH implements pilgrimage, piodalan or temple’s birthday at hotel temple and deliver the offerings. For Pawongan aspect, the hotel implements corporate social responsibility such as a blood

donation as well as making a visit to orphanages and poor families. In addition, the hotel also supports the WAW Foundation, education for local children, cultural preservation and cooperation with customary villagers.

As for Palemahan, the hotel implements the eco-friendly concept with the tagline ‘We Love You, Earth.’

For this concept, it applies LED light replacement, non-CFC air conditioning, and heat pump installation without emission; recycles water for watering; makes rain water penetration points, composting and regular beach cleaning; as well as uses biodegradable chemical for laundry, dishwasher and housekeeping; and support the BAWA Foundation.

Interestingly, in fact the beauty of the gardens invites squirrels and birds to live at the hotel, so that his party provides food. Every morning and afternoon, staff beats the gong and squirrels will come from all directions as if they already knew that it was their feeding schedule. Initially there were only a few heads, but in the long run they amount to about 200 heads.

In addition, the hotel also raises a lot

of fish. “These activities become a unique tourist attraction for the hotel,” he said.

Uniqueness of the hotel is very harmonious with the location in front of the Legian Beach. It is a romantic place to enjoy the beauty of sunset.

Approximately it is 15 minutes’ drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport and only a few steps toward Kuta Beach, shopping center and entertainment spots. Hotel facilities are very adequate with a total of 218 rooms consisting of Bungalows, Pool Villas & Room, 2 swimming pools, 5 restaurants and 3 bars. “Quality of hotel is our priority,” he said. (kmb)

Balinese Temple Ceremony Every Temple and Shrine has a special date for it annual Ceremony, or “ Odalan “, every 210 days according to Balinese calendar, including the smaller ancestral shrine which each family possesses. Because of this practically every few days a ceremony of festival of some kind takes place in some Village in Bali. There are also times when the entire island celebrated the same Holiday, such as at Galungan, Kuningan, Nyepi day, Saraswati day, Tumpek Landep day, Pagerwesi day, Tumpek Wayang day etc.

The dedication or inauguration day of a Temple is considered its birth day and celebration always takes place on the same day if the wuku or 210 day calendar is used. When new moon is used then the celebration always happens on new moon or full moon.

The day of course can differ the religious celebration of a temple lasts at least one full day with some temple celebrating for three days while the celebration of Besakih temple, the Mother Temple, is never less than 7 days and most of the time it lasts for 11 days, depending on the importance of the occasion.

The celebration is very colorful. The shrine are dressed with pieces of cloths and sometimes with brocade, sailings, decorations of carved wood and sometimes painted with gold and Chinese coins, very beautifully arranged, are hung in the four corners of the shrine. In front of shrine are placed red, white or black umbrellas depending which Gods are worshipped in the shrines.

In front of important shrine one sees, besides these umbrellas soars, tridents and other weapons, the “umbul-umbul”, long flags, all these are prerogatives or attributes of Holiness. In front of the Temple gate put up “Penjor”, long bamboo poles, decorated beautifully ornaments of young coconut leaves, rice and other products of the land. Most beautiful to see are the girls in their colorful attire, carrying offerings, arrangements of all kinds fruits and colored cakes, to the Temple. Every visitor admires the grace with which the carry their load on their heads.

I N T E R N A T I O N A L

16 Pages Number 76 7th year

I N T E R N A T I O N A L

Price: Rp 3.000,-

Thursday, April 2, 2015

‘X Files’ actor David Duchovny to release 1st album in May

NEW YORK — “X Files” actor David Duchovny is releasing his first music album. He announced Tuesday he’ll release “Hell or Highwater” on May 12. The album will include 12 tracks he wrote.

Duchovny has won two Golden Globes and is best known for his roles in the TV series “The X Files” and “Californication.”

He says in a statement making the album was a “dream come true,” though he adds it’s shocking to think he has a musical career.

The first single is the title track and already is available. The music is being released on ThinkSay Records.

Duchovny will star in the upcoming NBC series “Aquarius,” which debuts May 28. (ap)

Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File

‘General Hospital’ leads Daytime Emmy nominations

NEW YORK — ABC’s “General Hospital” earned a leading 28 nominations for Daytime Emmy awards, with four of its stars competing for honors as top actor or actress.

Nominations were announced Tuesday for the 42nd annual awards.

The ceremony will be held on the Warner Bros. studio lot in Burbank, Calif., on April 26, televised on the Pop network.

The other top soap operas, “The Young and the Restless” (25 nominations); “The Bold and the Beautiful” (19 nominations) and “Days of Our Lives” (16 nominations) were the other shows with the most potential trophies.

“Sesame Street” earned 13 nominations and “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” had 10.

CBS’ “The Bold and the Beautiful”

and “The Young and the Restless” and NBC’s “Days of Our Lives” joined “General Hospital among the nominees for best soap opera.

Best actress nominees for daytime drama were Peggy McCay and Alison Sweeney of “Days of Our Lives,” Maura West and Laura Wright of “General Hospital” and Gina Tognoni of “The Young and the Restless.”

Best actor nominees for a soap were Anthony Geary and Jason Thompson of “General Hospital” and Christian LeBlanc and Billy Miller of “The Young and the Restless.”

Nominees for supporting actress are Linsey Godfrey of “The Bold and the Beautiful,” Amelia Heinle and Elizabeth Hendrickson of “The Young and the Restless” and Finola Hughes and Lisa Locicero of “General Hospital.”

Supporting actor nominees are Scott Clifton and Jacob Young of “The Bold and the Beautiful,” Chad Duell of “General Hospital,” and Kristoff St. John of “The Young and the Restless.”

Nominees for best game show were “Family Feud” (syndicated), “Jeopardy!” (syndicated) and “The Price is Right” (CBS).

Nominees for best informative talk show were ABC’s “The Chew,” ‘’The Dr. Oz Show” (syndicated), “The Kitchen” (Food Network) and “Steve Harvey” (syndicated).

Nominees for best entertainment talk show were “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” (syndicated), “Live! With Kelly and Michael” (syndicated), “The Talk” (CBS), and “The Wendy Williams Show” (syndicated). (ap)

WEATHER FORECAST 23 - 32 Dps

Iraqi minister says Tikrit to be recaptured within ‘hours’ AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi

This Feb. 26, 2014 file photo shows Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones performing during their concert at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo. The band has announced that they will kick off their new 15-city North American stadium tour.

Rolling Stones announce live shows in US

LONDON - Veteran British rockers the Rolling Stones on Tuesday announced a 15-date stadium tour of North America. Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood and Charlie Watts will kick off the Zip Code tour on May 24 in San Diego.

They will play cities including Atlanta, Dallas, Pittsburgh and Detroit before wrapping up on July 15 in Quebec. Tickets go on sale from April 20.

“People say, ‘How come you’re still doing this?’ but I can’t believe I did this when I was 20,” Jagger, 71, said in a promotional video released

on the band’s website.

“Back on the road and in my element -- that’s how it feels,” added Richards. The Stones’ live shows grossed $143 million (133 million euros) last year and their live shows are consistently among the top earners in the music business.

The band played their first live shows in the US in 1964 but their history of touring in North America has not always been happy.

In 1977, Richards was arrested after heroin was found in his Toronto hotel room but escaped a prison sentence after admitting possession. (afp)

Justin Bieber attends mediation session over alleged assault

MIAMI - Pop star Justin Bieber attended a mediation session Tuesday in Miami over a lawsuit against him in which a photographer alleges that one of the star’s bodyguards assaulted him.

Bieber slipped in the back door of the office building where the session was held so as to avoid reporters, according to footage from the local affiliate of CBS. Bieber, 21, later left without making any public comment.

Photographer Jeffrey Binion sued the singer in 2013 for allegedly ordering one of his bodyguards to assault Binion as the paparazzo tried to take shots of the singer in Miami Beach.

The lawsuit alleges that the

bodyguard threatened the photographer with a gun and removed the memory card from his camera.

The pop idol has had numerous run-ins with the law, including in his native Canada, where he has been accused of assault.

In the United States he was arrested on charges of driving a sports car recklessly in Miami Beach. In Los Angeles, he was convicted and sentenced to two years probation for throwing eggs at the home of a neighbor.

Bieber used his recent visit to Miami to make surprise appearances on the stage Saturday at a concert given by singer Ariana Grande and on Sunday at an electronic music festival called Ultra. (afp)

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Thursday, April 2, 2015

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Italy draws 1-1 against England in international friendly

Not Published We, the International Bali Post would like to apologize in advance because we will not be published on Friday, April 3, 2015.

Thank You

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Bali’s economy affected by strengthening US Dollar

DENPASAR - Statements made by a number of observers, that suggest - thanks to tourism, Bali is benefiting from the depreciation of the rupiah - is not entirely true. Udayana University lecturer Prof. Dr. Ketut Rahyuda, and Dean of Faculty of Economics and Business Studies (FEB) at Undiknas University, Prof. Dr. Ida Bagus Raka Suardana, rebuked this idea. They saying that the strengthening of the US dollar exchange rate to IDR 13,075.00 has negative impacts on Balinese people with weak incomes.

According to these academics, the depreciation of the Rupiah, which helps to increase Bali’s exports, is not commensurate with the economic burden felt by society.

“Much of our data are incorrect and merely populist. How can exports increase when economic conditions in the US and Europe are sluggish?

The increase of exports from Bali are limited to a few items such as tuna and a handful of handicrafts,” said Ketut Rahyuda.

Based on the Central Statistics

Agency (BPS) of Bali, the export value of goods from the Province of Bali, dispatched through several ports in Indonesia in December 2014 reached USD 40,890,387.

This amount decreased by 6.50 percent compared to the export values for November 2014 that reached USD 43,732,508. Likewise, the amount of exports recorded for December 2014 showed a decrease of 3.75 percent compared to December 2013, when exports from Bali were valued at a total of USD

42,481,585.

The month to month decline in the amount of exports is most seen by the decreasing figures of exports to Australia that were only worth USD 2.75 million or minus 46.07 percent. Apart from Australia, other export destination countries that also showed relatively high rates of decline, include; the USA, Hong Kong, Singapore and Germany. The value of exported items to these four countries decreased

by USD 858,440; USD 574,969;

USD 351,697 and USD 339,542, respectively.

“Over the past five to ten years, there have only been increases in the tax sector whose use is not transparent. The US dollar’s exchange rate, which has risen from IDR 9,200 to IDR 13,000, makes the burden of common people heavier when it comes to providing for their basic needs,” explained Suardana.

Suardana sees the depreciation of the Rupiah, having a 5 to 15 percent impact on the price hike of goods, over the past three months.

“Suppose that the local government and independent research institutes conduct a survey on the prices of basic necessities, the validity and reliability of the data would be more credible,” he suggested.

According to Rahyuda, the price hike of various goods and services means a higher cost of living, while people’s income remains the same.

“What kind of logic is used to explain that the people are becoming more prosperous, when the increasing strength of the US dollar does not mean more tourists coming to Bali, nor more domestic travellers either,” he said. (kmb27)

The strengthening of the US dollar exchange rate to IDR 13,075.00 has negative impacts on Balinese people with weak incomes.

News can also be heard in “Bali Image” at Global Radio FM 96.5 from 9.30 until 10.00 am. Listen to Global Radio FM at http:// globalfmbali.listen2myradio.com or live video streaming at http://radioglobalfmbali.com and http:// ustream.tv/channel/global-fm-bali.

IBP/File Photo