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Wednesday, January 3, 2018

Tamil film star to enter politics in India’s “Detroit”

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Wednesday, January 3, 2018

NEW DELHI - A big star of India’s Tamil-language movies, Rajinikanth, said on Sunday he is launching a political party, adding drama to a heated political scene in a state with a history of film stars becoming chief ministers.

REUTERS/Babu/File Photo

Fans of south Indian film star Rajinikanth pour milk as an offering over his cut-out on the release date of his new movie “Endhiran” (Robot) in the southern Indian city of Chennai, India, October 1, 2010.

Tamil Nadu, which accounts for the bulk of India’s automobile exports, has been in political limbo since the death of Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa in December 2016.

Jayalalithaa was a popular actress before joining politics.

Rajinikanth, called the “superstar” by his fans, enters the political scene at a time Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s party is looking to make inroads into the southern state that’s been ruled by two south Indian parties for decades.

Over the past five decades, Tamil Nadu has chosen between the two Dravidian parties, both of which claim anti-caste social justice and secularism as their core ideology.

Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) did not win a seat in Tamil

Nadu’s 2016 elections. The next state election is due in 2021.

“I’ll push for spiritual politics without caste or religious leanings,” Rajinikanth said. “If I come to power and am not able to deliver in three years, I’ll resign. Democracy is in a state of distress in the state.”

In Tamil cinema, Rajinikanth often plays larger-than-life characters that project him as a saviour of the masses. The actor, who has been in a few Hindi movies, has created a frenzy among fans ahead of every release.

But opponents say politics would be different.

Subramanian Swamy, a BJP leader, dismissed Rajinikanth’s plunge into politics as “media hype”. (rtr)

Star Wars: The Last Jedi’ Holds Off ‘Jumanji’ on New Year’s Weekend LOS ANGELES - In a battle of box office heavyweights, Luke Skywalker just managed to hold off Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as the world rang in another year.

D i s n e y a n d L u c a s F i l m ’s “”Star Wars: The Last Jedi” retained first place for the fourday New Year’s holiday weekend despite steep competition from Sony’s “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle.” “Last Jedi” picked up an estimated $68.4 million, bringing its domestic haul to $533.1 million.

Don’t weep for “Jumanji,” however. The fantasy reboot, which finds Johnson, Jack Black, and Kevin Hart transported into a video game world, has outper-

formed expectations, picking up a lordly $66.5 million over the holiday weekend. It now has a hefty $185.7 million domestic gross and should continue to draw crowds in 2018. The “Jumanji” sequel has also done well internationally, racking up $350 million worldwide, and has provided a much-needed hit for a studio that has struggled to keep pace with the Disney’s and Warner Bros.’s of the world. Sony claims the film has a $90 million budget. Those alleged production costs have raised eyebrows around town as to their veracity given the film’s Hawaii location and starry cast, but regardless of creative accounting and aggressive spinning, the result is impressive. A sequel

seems preordained.

“Star Wars: The Last Jedi” closed 2017 as the year’s highestgrossing release and the seventh highest-grossing domestic movie of all time with $517.1 million. It will bypass its fellow franchisee “Rogue One” at some point on New Year’s Day to take the seventh spot on the stateside charts and has already blown past the $1 billion mark globally. The film carries a $200 million price tag, and has generated controversy for a series of creative decisions by director and writer Rian Johnson that have, depending on your perspective, either infused new energy into decades-old series or deviated dangerously from the Jedi canon. (rtr)

Opponents of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani hold a protest outside the Iranian embassy in west London, December 31, 2017.

REUTERS/Eddie Keogh

REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni

Cast member Dwayne Johnson and Lauren Hashian pose at the premiere for “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” in Los Angeles, California, U.S., December 11, 2017.

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Iranian crackdown intensifies after police posts attacked

LONDON - Police have arrested more than 450 protesters in the Iranian capital Tehran over the past three days, the deputy provincial governor said on Tuesday, as a crackdown intensified against anti-government demonstrations that began last week. Protesters also attacked police stations elsewhere in Iran late into the night on Monday, news agency and social media reports said.

One member of the security forces was reported killed on Monday, bringing to at least 14 the death toll stemming from the boldest challenge to Iran’s clerical leadership since unrest in

2009. Musa Ghazanfarabadi, head of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court, warned protesters on Tuesday that those arrested would face harsh punishment.

The semi-official ILNA news

agency quoted Ali Asghar Naserbakht, the deputy governor of Tehran province, as saying that 200 people were arrested on Saturday in Tehran, 150 people on Sunday and about 100 people

on Monday.

Hundreds of others have been arrested in other cities, according to agency reports and social media. Naserbakht said the situation in Tehran was under control and police has not asked for the help of the Revolutionary Guards special forces. Mehr news agency also quoted a judiciary official as saying that several ringleaders of protests in Karaj, the fourth

largest city in Iran, have been arrested.

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.

2

Bali News

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

International

Bali Economic Outlook 2018

A glimmer of hope from the IMF-World Bank meeting

DENPASAR - Bali’s economy is experiencing trials after the volcanic activities of Mount Agung declared to be in level IV or warning alert status. Although it only happened in the fourth quarter of 2017, it still affects all the achievements of economic growth because tourism sector contributing approximately 55 percent to revenue has slumped due to this natural disaster.

This was revealed in the Reunion of HIPMI Bali entitled ‘Economic Outlook of Bali 2018’ at Shankara Resto, Sanur, Denpasar, on Friday (Dec. 29). A number of alumni from the Indonesia Association of Young Entrepreneurs (HIPMI) of Bali Chapter seemed present to give their opinion. It was begun with the exposure of the economic perspective of Bali throughout 2017 by the economist, Prof. Dr. I Wayan Ramantha.

According to Ramantha, Bali’s economic growth during 2017 is predicted to be in the range of 5.9-6.0 percent. Bali is quite helped by the growth in the third quarter reaching 6.22 percent, exceeding the first and second quarters in the range of 6.02 percent. Mount Agung eruption is an unpredictable disaster. Most importantly, Bali can keep doing economic activity in 2018.

“The growth conditions should be supported by equity and

stability,” he said. Ramantha added that geographical inequality between southern Bali with other parts of Bali has not been resolved until now. When seen from the Gini Ratio, it cannot be fixed as expected. Indeed, there is pessimism by seeing the possible impact of the decline of the tourism sector where the recovery can just be done in the second quarter of 2018.

“But there is also optimism if the growth can still be maintained for several reasons. Firstly, I am optimistic when Balinese people united and anticipated the possibility of the impact of the Mount Agung eruption in socially and economically,” he added.

The arrival of President Joko Widodo to Bali, Ramantha continued, became a great promotion for Bali tourism, chiefly in convincing foreign tourists that Bali is safe to be visited. The next optimism emerges due to certainty of the World Bank IMF meeting that will take place in Bali on October 8-14, 2018. To date, there are 17,000 participants or official envoys that have confirmed their presence, but when held in the United States, there were only 15,000 participants.

“I think this is a promotion for our tourism as there will be at least 22 heads of state, 189 central bank governors, 189 finance ministers including from developed countries. There is optimism that Bali’s economic growth in 2018 can still be achieved in the

IBP/net

range of 6-6.3 percent,” he explained.

Nevertheless, Ramantha reminded Bali to still advance other sectors such as agriculture and creative industries. He also appealed to strive for geographical and income balance among the community groups as well as to pay more attention and respect for the environment.

A member of the Central House of Representatives, Gde Sumarjaya Linggih, aka Demer, said that condition of Indonesia is actually almost similar to the United States. It has a remarkable domestic market mostly filled with imported goods. US President, Donald Trump, even created slogans American First,

By American and Higher American. It means they are removing globalization previously echoed.

“In fact, they lost in competition everywhere due to being less effective and less efficient. Though previously wanted to become a market leader, now they return to state interest or the interests of the country,” he said.

In essence, continued Demer, it is how to build a nation, love domestic products and hire domestic workforce. In Indonesia, this requires better regulation in terms of superstructure. Then, it requires a leader who becomes the main locomotive for the economy and people’s welfare. The leader should not just buzz the terms and becomes spectator in our own country without a good solution or regulation.

“Now, America is even charging 40 percent of import duties to Chinese products. Nevertheless, their domestic industry and their SME industry grow, so they can compete in the domestic market that nearly reaches 300 million,” he explained.

An agricultural practitioner, Prof. Dr. Nyoman Suparta, said that Bali’s economic growth rate has always been higher than the national average. It means though Bali has small region can have an amazing ability. Moreover, it is able to export various agricultural products to overseas. Though tourism sector experiences rapid progress, it has had little impact on agriculture. In contrast to Thailand, from the beginning the agricultural sector has been designed to be in line with the advancement of tourism.

“Bali’s agricultural products are sufficient for their own needs. Rice is never imported, even it reaches surplus. Bali cattle, cloves, coffee and vanilla are all exported, although they are in small number. However, if checked into the tourism sector, is there a lot of local products used by hotels?” he asked.

Suparta added that hotels in Bali actually use more imported products. So in reality, the synergy of agriculture and tourism has not yet been materialized. Once traced, there is no regulation that supports the realization of the synergy. Actually, this unsymmetrical relationship between both sectors can threaten the future economy. “Later, many young people will not want to pursue agriculture because the work is hard and the results are small. Actually if people really want to work on the farm, the results are quite large,” he explained.

Chairman of HIPMI Bali, Dr. I Gusti Nyoman Darmaputra, said that Bali should develop a potential sector other than tourism considering the Island of the Gods currently faces the challenge of Mount Agung eruption. His association will encourage the government to create regulations that can support local entrepreneurs in Bali such as through recommendations formulated from the results of this meeting.

“For example, fishery is one of the sectors that can be developed. Besides, there are agriculture, banking, exports, creative industries, and digital economy. HIPMI will try to encourage local regulations that can support it. Then, the government should do de-globalization, namely the spirit to love local products,” he explained. (kmb32)

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International

Activities

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

15

Mövenpick Resort & Spa Jimbaran Bali showcases Indonesia’s wellness heritage at new Arkipela Spa

Mövenpick Resort & Spa Jimbaran Bali has unveiled its new Arkipela Spa, a blissful sanctuary of wellness that showcases Indonesia’s rich wellness heritage. Arkipela Spa weaves age-old recipes and customs handed down from generation to generation to create experiences that leave guests feeling refreshed, revitalised and re-energised. Blending the ancient wisdom of Indonesian wellness with traditional herbal ingredients, the spa reflects the true spirit of the archipelago.

Arkipela Spa celebrated its grand opening on 2October 2017 and is now open to both in-house guests and outside customers. It can be easily accessed via the Samasta Lifestyle Village, the Balinese-inspired retail mall located adjacent to the resort and Mövenpick Café.

Created by Hadi Prana, the Indonesian design studio, Arkipela Spa features nine tranquil treatment rooms, a sauna and a selection of shiatsu massage rooms. A hair salon will be added at a later date.

“We are delighted to unveil our beautiful Arkipela Spa, providing yet another opportunity for our guests to unwind and soak up the exquisite culture of Bali and the Indonesian archipelago,” said Horst Walther-Jones, General Manager,Mövenpick Resort & Spa Jimbaran Bali.

“With our perfect location close to Jimbaran Bay, contemporary Balinese design and authentic ambience, Mövenpick Resort & Spa Jimbaran Bali has always aimed to connect guests with the island’s heart and soul. Natural wellness treatments have been practised in Indonesia for centuries and the new Arkipela Spa will allow guests to experience these ancient arts in a luxurious and stylish setting.”

Signature treatments draw inspiration and wisdom from all

corners of Indonesia. From Lombok, a traditional “Sasak Massage” incorporates long strokes, stretching, acupressure and aromatherapy to release deep-set tension, while “Oukup Martup” is an ancient Sumatran herbal steam therapy; “Pijat Urat” is a classical Balinese treatment that revives spiritual energy; and Java’s “Ginger Kerokan Treatment” uses local ginger and massage techniques to improve circulation and boost the immune system.

Arkipela Spa has also created a series of wellness journeys. The 90-120 minute “Buatanku Apothecary Experience” uses a blend of seasonal elements and traditional therapies to rebalance the body and mind. This sublime signature experience can be tailored to the specific needs of each guest. Alternatively, the 180 minute “Arkipela Signature Experience” is an intuitive treatment that combines a serene signature massage, body treatment and natural facial to restore balance to the body and leave guests feeling light and revitalised.

Guests seeking corporeal cleansing and renewal can select from a series of body scrubs and wraps that harness the spiritual intelligence of the Indonesian islands. These include the “Kaluku Body Glow” from Sulawesi, “Java Slimming Treatment”, and “Black Borneo Lulur” from Kalimantan. Finally, a choice of facial treatments embrace natural, organic, local ingredients and techniques to leave guests’ complexions feeling smoother and their skin looking radiant.

Arkipela Spa complements the wealth of recreational facilities already offered by Mövenpick Resort & Spa Jimbaran Bali owned by PT Summarecon Agung Tbk, including a fitness centre, yoga classes and an amazing lagoon-style swimming pool that winds through the resort and features its own beach.

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Wednesday, January 3, 2018

Technology

International

Bali News

International

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

3

Construction and trading business to grow in 2018

REUTERS/Toru Hanai

A combination photo shows Four Link Systems, Inc’s fully electric foldable vehicle ‘Earth-1’ which was designed by Kunio Okawara, famous in Japan as the artist behind the long-running wildly popular robot anime “Gundam”, changes its form in Tokyo, Japan December 27, 2017. Picture taken December 27, 2017.

Anywhere is a parking space when you have this foldable ‘Transformer’ car

TOKYO - It’s incredibly ugly, very expensive, and not certified to run on public roads right now.

But the Earth-1, inspired by “Transformers” toys, is meant to help drivers park virtually anywhere.

We’re looking at a two-seater vehicle that folds into an even smaller vehicle that’ll fit into the tightest spaces. It’s like a scooter that somehow grows into a Smart car, and the designers want to make it a very

buyable reality.

Designed in Japan by Kunio Okawara, a designer known in the country for the Gundam robot anime, the Earth-1 car should be approved to run on roads by March.

The car costs as much as a high-end Lexus, at $70,000, but the price won’t necessarily drive buyers away. So far, the Four Link Systems company that’s building it accepted some 30 orders from clients in various markets, including Japan, China, and Dubai.

The company plans to make 300 cars a year for use in airports and in tourist spots around the world.

“We developed a vehicle which makes drivers feel as if they’re steering something that’s not a car,” President & Chief Executive Officer and Hiroomi Kinoshita said. “So we offered a robot-inspired shape and made people feel like they are operating a robot while driving. This what makes our car unique and enhances a sense of immersion with the vehicle.” (rtr)

DENPASAR — In 2018, the trade and construction business is predicted to grow. This happens because the implementation of IMFWB Annual Meeting in October 2018. However, the development projects have been implemented before.

An analyst of Bali Representative Office of Bank Indonesia, Umran Usman, explained the annual meeting will provide stimulus or encouragement for the development projects such as the construction of Ngurah Rai underpass with the budget of IDR 326 billion, the expansion of Ngurah Rai Airport apron worth IDR 1.34 trillion, including the addition of check-in counter, Benoa tourism harbor with IDR 1.7 trillion, the completion of the GWK statue worth IDR 450 billion as well as the completion of Suwung Landfill. Thus, the total infrastructure is estimated to cost IDR 5 trillion.

Some projects related to the meeting held next October have even been worked on since January.

With the implementation of some big projects, the construction sector will grow even higher. In addition, the trade will also grow because the project requires building materials supplied by traders, so that the trading sector will grow.

The growth of both business

sectors namely trade and construction will encourage the supply side, while in terms of demand there will be a drive by government consumption funded by the government budget both local government and central government.

“Land acquisition of the underpass uses the fund of Badung regional budget, while the construction uses the national budget and Benoa Harbor uses the budget of Pelindo 3. So, from the demand side, it will grow from the government consumption side,” he explained.

Along with the growing consumption of government, household consumption will grow as well because the provincial minimum wage (UMP) 2018 will rise as much as 8.71 percent. “It is higher than last year that rose 8.36 percent,” he added.

The UMP stimulus will also encourage the increase in household consumption. Since the people’s purchasing power is getting higher, the household consumption also increases. Moreover, the prediction of inflation in 2018 will range from three plus and minus one.

The declining interest rates of bank loan will remain to continue in 2018. This will have an impact on business optimism to make investment. (kmb42)

Robot DJ puts the tech into techno for Czech clubbers

REUTERS/David W Cerny

A robotic DJ plays music in Karlovy Lazne Music Club in Prague, Czech Republic December 17, 2017. Picture taken December 17, 2017.

PRAGUE - These days artificial intelligence is so advanced that robots trade shares, make restaurants suggestions and diagnose diseases. But can a robot get a dance floor jumping?

It is a question that Prague’s Karlovy Lazne Music Club has endeavoured to answer by employing a specially adapted former automotive industry robot as a DJ in the popular nightspot.

The robot is shaped like a giant arm capped with a pincer, and has shared deck duties at the club with its human programmer in an hourly rotation each night for the last three weeks.

“People are excited (about the robot), because they haven’t seen anything like this around Europe, and I am not sure if there is something similar in the world,” club manager Adam Lipsansky told Reuters.

The DJ robot was created after the club’s management challenged a robotics firm to the task.

Equipped with special software to help it choose songs and mounted on a stage above the club’s dance floor, the robot selects discs from nearby racks and puts them into one of three music players in front of it. It can scratch records and also dances.

While some clubbers told Reuters that they enjoyed the robot’s musical efforts, others remained unconvinced.

“I don’t like the robot,” said Marcia Lopes, 24, a tourist from Mexico. “It can’t feel what the people want to dance to. There is no emotion behind the music. When there is a real person, they know, what fun is like.” (rtr)

Since it was completely built, the area becomes a selfie venue for residents.

Mangrove Forest at Budeng draws people’s attention

NEGARA — Mangrove forest area at Budeng village, Jembrana, is visited by many residents lately, especially after being equipped with a wooden bridge along the 20 meters.

Since it was completely built, the area becomes a selfie venue for residents.

IBP/kmb

The construction of Ngurah Rai underpass with the budget of IDR 326 billion.

IBP/olo

As the information compiled, since last month many young people have come to the forest every day located close to the new Perancak Bridge. The visit especially happens on holidays like on Monday (Jan. 1). This wooden bridge is filled with young people as well as adults and their families.

“Coinciding with the New Year’s holiday, we make our time to come here to take selfie. Besides, the location is also close. We are curious as a lot of people upload their photos on Facebook. It is similar to the bridge in the mangrove forest of Benoa, but quite short and just a few meters long,” said Budiarta. He also regretted the mangrove forest expected to be shady trees only amount to a little and even newly planted.

“In the past, I read and saw that mangroves here are very bushy but they were cleared up for road construction. They were entirely backfilled. If from the beginning it had the concept of making the bridge like this, the mangrove is not necessary to be cleared up so the location will look more unique. Unfortunately the mangroves were just re-planted,” he said.

He hoped the mangrove forests in the region will not be cleared up again because they have become the lungs of the city.

In the meantime, the wooden bridge currently becoming a new tourist attraction in Jembrana is alleged to have been taken advantage for drinking site by young people at night. As evidence, in the mangrove area and the bridge are found many plastic sachets of Komix commonly used to mix their alcoholic drink.

“We hope this can be anticipated so that the location will not be used to do negative things whereas the development has good objective,” said Erdi, another visitor. He added the area is quite well developed as the location of coastal conservation. (kmb26)

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Wednesday, January 3, 2018

Bali News

International

Outbreaks of diphtheria in Indonesia, largest in the world

MANGUPURA — The case of diphtheria is a serious problem. Until now, diphtheria outbreak has occurred in 28 provinces, 142 districts / cities in Indonesia. It is the largest in the world though Russia has ever borne this predicate previously. However, it only occurred in 12-13 provinces, while in Indonesia, diphtheria has become an outbreak in 29 provinces.

This was conveyed by the Chief of Central Executive Board of the Indonesian Pediatric Association (IDAI), Dr. Aman Bhakti Pulungan.

He did not want to hide the case of diphtheria. So, when he was asked for an interview by one of the national media, he requested to state the case of diphtheria as an outbreak.

It is meant the case can quickly get handled. One of the measures to be done is by holding Outbreak Response Immunization (ORI). This ORI may be performed even though there is one positive case.

Chairman of IDAI Bali, Dr. I Gusti Lanang Sidiartha, conveyed that theoretically the coverage of immunization reaching more than 90 percent of the area, let alone 95 percent, will actually be able to protect other communities. Meanwhile, the coverage of immunization in Bali is more than 95 percent. It also depends on the strength of the incoming germs. “Although coming from outside and being positive, we must do ORI activities for the entire community targeting the residents

of 1-19 years old to strengthen their immunity,” he said.

If there is no positive diphtheria, ORI can still be run. “For example, for people who have not been immunized at all, we can repeat. There are incoming cases like this. In fact, they are not immunized yet,” he said.

Thus, it is carried out again a basic immunization by looking at people’s age at this time.

For patients aged below 5 years, they will be vaccinated like children under one year as much as three times, while the age of 5-7 years old, the vaccine will be slightly different namely Dt and then if the age above 7 years, they will be given Td vaccine.

To anticipate the occurrence of diphtheria in Bali, in 2017 the Bali Health Agency already borrowed 4 vials of Anti Diphtheria Serum (ADS) to the Surabaya Health Agency. The Division Head of the Disease Control and Environmental Health (P2PL) of Bali Health Agency, Gede Wira Sunetra, said even though having borrowed 4 vials of ADS, they have not been used because no

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Pakistan summons U.S. ambassador after Trump’s angry tweet ISLAMABAD - Pakistan summoned the U.S. ambassador in protest against U.S. President Donald Trump’s angry tweet about Pakistan’s “lies and deceit”, while Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif dismissed the outburst as a political stunt.

IBP/ant

The case of diphtheria is a serious problem. Until now, diphtheria outbreak has occurred in 28 provinces, 142 districts / cities in Indonesia. suspects of diphtheria show positive symptoms.

Administration of the ADS is highly selective. “There must be a positive symptom first, and then

we give the ADS,” he said. Bali borrows ADS to Surabaya Health Agency because Surabaya has experienced diphtheria outbreak for 2-3 years. According to him, the

ADS that is not immediately used will be useless. So, the ADS borrowing is done if there is a positive case. One vial of ADS can be used for several injections. (kmb42)

‘Supermoon’ phenomenon, Bali must alert against seawater floods

The increase in seawater level leads to seawater floods due to ‘supermoon’ phenomenon occurred in early 2018.

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

International

DENPASAR — National Weather Service (BMKG) of Region III Denpasar predicted that seawater of Southern Bali will increase during the period of January 1 to 4, 2018. The increase in seawater level leads to seawater floods due to ‘supermoon’ phenomenon occurred in early 2018.

Head of the BMKG for Region III Denpasar, M. Taufik Gunawan, in a press release on Sunday (Dec. 31) explained the ‘supermoon’ phenomenon is a cycle where the moon creates an elliptical orbit around the Earth every 27 days, while full moon occurs every 29.5 days.

On full moon, the part of its

orbit is located closest to earth better known as a supermoon phenomenon. Supermoon looks a little brighter and closer to the earth than the full-moon on average, though it is hard to find the difference without a telescope.

On that account, his office urges people around the coastal areas to remain alert and anticipate the impact of the maximum sea tide. “We appeal to the public to always pay attention to the updates of weather and wave information from BMKG, so that undesirable things do not occur due to the ‘supermoon’ phenomenon,” he appealed. (win) IBP/ant

David Hale was summoned by the Pakistan foreign office on Monday to explain Trump’s tweet, media said. A spokesperson for the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad confirmed the meeting took place.

In a withering attack, Trump on Monday said the United States had “foolishly” handed Pakistan more than $33 billion in aid in the last 15 years and had been rewarded with “nothing but lies and deceit”.

“They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!” Trump wrote on Twitter.

Trump’s harsh words drew praise from Pakistan’s old foe, India, and neighbouring Afghanistan, but long-time ally China defended Pakistan’s record of combating “terrorism”.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Tuesday will chair a cabinet meeting that will focus on Trump’s tweet, while on Wednesday the country’s top civilian and military chiefs will meet to discuss deteriorating U.S. ties.

Relations between United States and its uneasy ally Pakistan have been strained for many years over Islamabad’s alleged support for

Haqqani network militants, who are allied with the Afghan Taliban.

The United States also alleges senior Afghan Taliban commanders live on Pakistani soil. In 2016, the then-Taliban leader Mullah Mansour was killed by a U.S. drone strike inside Pakistan and in 2011, al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden was found and killed by U.S. troops in the Pakistani garrison town of Abbottabad.

Washington has signalled to Pakistan that it will cut aid and enact other punitive measures if Islamabad does not stop helping or turning a blind eye to the Haqqani network militants who carry out cross-border attacks in Afghanistan.

Islamabad bristles at the suggestion it is not doing enough in the war against militancy, saying that since 2001, Pakistan has suffered more than the United States from militancy as casualties at the hands of Islamists number in the tens of thousands.

Pakistani Foreign Minister Asif dismissed Trump’s comments as a political stunt borne out of frustration over U.S. failures in Afghanistan, where Afghan Taliban militants have been gaining terri-

ASIF HASSAN / AFP

Activists of the Difa-e-Pakistan Council shout anti-US slogans at a protest in Karachi on January 2, 2018. Pakistan has summoned the US ambassador, an embassy spokesman said January 2, in a rare public rebuke after Donald Trump lashed out at Islamabad with threats to cut aid over “lies” about militancy. tory and carrying out major attacks.

“He has tweeted against us (Pakistan) and Iran for his domestic consumption,” Asif told Geo TV on Monday.

“He is again and again displacing his frustrations on Pakistan

over failures in Afghanistan as they are trapped in dead-end street in Afghanistan.”

Asif added that Pakistan did not need U.S. aid.

A U.S. National Security Council official on Monday said the

White House did not plan to send $255 million in aid to Pakistan “at this time” and said “the administration continues to review Pakistan’s level of cooperation.” In August, the administration had said it was delaying the payment. (rtr)

Australian investigators to raise seaplane in which Compass Group CEO, family killed

AAP/Mick Tsikas/via REUTERS

Australian Fire & Rescue personnel stand near their boats after visiting the scene where a seaplane crashed on Sunday killing six people, at Apple Tree Bay boat ramp located on the Hawkesbury River, north of Sydney in Australia, January 2, 2018.

SYDNEY - Australia’s transport safety investigation agency said on Tuesday it plans to raise a seaplane that crashed into a Sydney river on New Year’s Eve, killing six people, including the chief executive of British catering giant Compass Group Plc. Australian Transport Safety Bureau Executive Director Nat Nagy said investigators would probe several lines of inquiry to piece together what happened, including a close look at the plane’s avionics and maintenance record and the pilot’s background and experience.

It was hoped the plane would be raised by the end of the week, Nagy said. A crane, airbags, or a combination of the two, would be used to raise the plane from the riverbed as gently as possible.

The plane is submerged in 13

metres of water near Cowan, about 40 km (25 miles) north of Sydney.

Nagy said investigators would also look for any other electronic devices, including iPads or iPhones, that may have been on board when the plane crashed on Sunday, killing Compass chief executive Richard Cousins, 58, and four members of his family.

The pilot, Gareth Morgan, 44, was also killed.

A preliminary report into the crash will be made public in about a month, although authorities have warned it may take up to a year to find out what happened.

“If we do identify any critical safety issues throughout the course of the investigation, we will immediately notify the relevant authorities ... to remedy any issues,” Nagy said.

“This particular aircraft, I understand was manufactured in 1963, it’s not unusual to have aircraft of that sort of age flying around ... we haven’t seen any systemic issues around this aircraft,” he added.

Australian police have identified those killed with Cousins as Emma Bowden, 48, Heather Bowden, 11, Edward Cousins, 23, and William Cousins, 25.

Family members and media reports identified four of the victims Cousins’ two sons, his fiancée and her daughter.

Cousins, who led Compass over the past 11 years, was due to step down in March after being widely credited with turning the company’s business around and making it into one of the Financial Times Stock Exchange’s best-performing firms. (rtr)

12

International

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

Bali News

International

BUSINESS

Yet 2018 share gains are expected to be smaller than 2017 with the S&P 500’s price/earnings ratio - a measure of stock prices against expected profits - is around its highest level since June 2002. Many on Wall Street cite potential pitfalls even though they see no signs of a recession.

“We’ve had six years in a row where stocks have (outperformed) earnings, and I think we break that streak with stocks going up but not as much as earnings,” said Robert Doll, chief equity strategist at Nuveen Asset Management in Princeton, New Jersey.

Some say the tax bill’s benefit will be short lived. David Kelly, chief global strategist at J.P. Morgan Asset Management described the bill as “more carbs and less protein,” because the tax overhaul will improve spending but does nothing to boost productivity. “It’ll be a one-year wonder,” said Kelly. “People should enjoy the party while it lasts but just make sure you know where your coat is.”

Several strategists cite the risk

that faster economic growth could cause inflation to increase at a pace that would lead the U.S. Federal Reserve to raise interest rates faster than expected. Wall Street’s rosy forecasts seem “well supported by the tremendous string of good news which the economy has delivered,” according to Jim Paulsen, chief investment strategist with Leuthold Group in Minneapolis.

But he said, the news is too good: “The problem with getting good news is that at some point you can’t be positively surprised any more.”

Paulsen does not expect a recession.

But when the economic surprise index - which compares economic data to consensus expectations - is at high levels, equity performance tends to be weaker, according to Paulsen.

The Citi Economic Surprise index was at 77 on Thursday, not far from its almost six-year high of 84.5 reached on Dec. 22. “We’re going to have a 10-15 percent correction at some time in 2018. I wouldn’t be

Watching Mud War or Mebuug-buugan at Kedonganan

IBP/kmb

from an assumption of $45 for 2017.

The Brent oil price is now above $65, so Oman’s revenue is likely to be significantly higher than expected if oil prices stay flat.

Nevertheless, the budget projects a deficit of 10 percent of gross domestic product in 2018, well above levels which economists consider sustainable in the long run and higher than 12 percent planned for 2017.

The finance ministry said on Monday that it needed to continue raising expenditure to boost economic growth and living standards, while building social housing and providing other assistance to lowerincome citizens.

With smaller oil and financial reserves than its wealthy neighbours,

Karangsari is one of the customary villages located in the area of Suana village, Nusa Penida, Klungkung. Its population amounts to approximately 1,388 people (696 men and 692 women) with 425 households. Most residents have livelihood as fishermen and seaweed farmers. Approximately 85 percent of the population depends on the sea as seaweed farmers and fishermen. The other residents are farmers, and a small part of them are civil servants, entrepreneurs and laborer.

Nevertheless, the level of education of village residents is quite high.

Based on the data (village monograph 2015), the level of education from the lowest to the highest is as follows: 145 people of elementary school (12.23 percent), 158 people of junior high school and high school (15.38 percent) and 181 people of college or higher education (21.39 percent).

“Since the land located at Karangsari is less fertile, people chose the livelihood as fishermen. Though they are farming, the results attained are not so good because it is located close to the mountain where monkeys usually come down and savor their crops,” explained the chief of Karangsari customary village, I Nyoman Yoga, some time ago.

Karangsari has three hamlets namely the Pupuan, Karangsari and Pidada. This village hosts the kahyangan jagat temple named the Goa Giri Putri having become an iconic spiritual tourism. Since having been managed by Karangsari since 2015, the worship by local pilgrims from Bali or outside Bali continues to rise. (kmb)

After many decades, the Traditional Village of Kedonganan, Kuta honored their tradition known as ‘mebuug-buugan’ again on Thursday (Mar 3). This traditional practice was brought to life again with much enthusiasm by the youth of this village who went down to the mangrove forest in Teluk Benoa and covered their shirtless bodies with mud as they played the mire.

IBP/net

surprised if we’re down for the year,” Paulsen said. “If we get a correction and people get scared I’ll probably be buying again.”

Investors will keep a close watch on the on U.S. mid-term elections in 2018 because a Republican loss of control of the Senate or the House of Representatives could stall the party’s agenda. In 10 of the last 17 U.S. mid-term election years, equity price moves for the full year followed

Oman 2018 state budget lifts spending; little to reassure rating agencies DUBAI - Oman’s state budget for 2018, approved by ruler Sultan Qaboos on Monday, boosts spending at the expense of running a large deficit, despite increasing concern among credit rating agencies about the health of the country’s finances.

The budget projects spending of 12.5 billion rials ($32.5 billion) this year, up from 11.7 billion in the original budget for 2017, local media quoted a Finance Ministry statement as saying.

Revenue are projected at 9.5 billion rials, up from 8.7 billion in the 2017 budget. That leaves a planned deficit of 3 billion rials this year, the same as last year’s projected deficit.

The 2018 budget assumes an average oil price of $50 per barrel, up

5

Seaweed, Main Livelihood of Karangsari Residents, Nusa Penida

Wall St Week Ahead-Wall Street eyes 2018 gains with a side of caution

U.S. stocks are expected to keep rising in 2018 because a massive drop in the corporate tax rate is seen boosting the economy and corporate profits, but strategists say sizable gains could either be short-lived or elusive. The bull market is on track to mark its ninth birthday in March, with the S&P 500 climbing 20 percent for 2017 - its biggest increase since 2013. The drop in the corporate tax rate in 2018, to 21 percent from 35 percent, is seen by many as the biggest factor for the stock market next year.

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

Oman has been spending heavily on industrial and infrastructure projects in an attempt to diversify its economy beyond oil exports.

That strategy has not reassured rating agencies. Last month, Fitch Ratings cut Oman by one notch to BBB-minus - just above junk territory - with a negative outlook, citing the budget deficit. Standard & Poor’s already rates Omani debt as junk.

Of the projected 3 billion rial deficit in 2018, 500 million rials is to be covered by withdrawals from financial reserves and the rest through external and domestic borrowing.

Oman’s actual state budget deficit for the first 10 months of 2017 narrowed to 3.20 billion rials from 4.81 billion rials a year earlier, the latest

January’s direction, according to Jeff Hirsch, editor of the Stock Trader’s Almanac.

Investor moods in January may depend on whether the U.S. Congress reaches an agreement to raise the country’s debt ceiling. Investors will also be hoping Congress can reach a 2018 budget pact by Jan. 19. These are just some of the worries traders are contending with.

But the market has history against

it. The S&P 500 rises on average 1.3 percent in the so-called Santa Clause rally - the period between Dec. 22 and Jan. 3 - according to Hirsch. This year, five days in, the S&P has risen just 0.1 percent.

“The failure of stocks to rally during this time tends to precede bear markets or times when stocks could be purchased at lower prices later in the year,” Hirsch wrote in a blog post. (rtr)

Head of the Taruna Eka Chanti youth organization, I Wayan Yustisia Semarariana explained that this activity was brought to life again last year, after many decades of hibernation. This year, however there were far more participants than last year with over 800 youths taking part in the “mud dance” that also serves to bring young people closer to nature. By getting closer to nature together, young people’s love for the natural environment increases, as does their desire to take care of it so that it remains healthy. This includes preventing nature from being disturbed by reclamation.

“The name ‘mebuug-buugan’comes from the Balinese word ‘buug’, mean-

ing earth as in both ‘mud’ and ‘ land’” said spokese person, Made Sudarsana who added that they hope that the reclamation project is stopped so that this traditional activity can continue to take place. Obviously, if the reclamation project goes through, then the area where they use the mud will disappear.

Traditional Village Head of Kedongonan, Ketut Puja expressed his appreciation for the youth of Kedongan’s enthusiasm about preserving this ancestral traditional heritage that has been passed for uncountable generations. Puja explained that ‘mebuug-buugan’ is part of the Nyepi Day celebrations that serve to cleanse the macro and the micro-

cosmos. He also expressed his hope that this traditional activity will not only be preserved but that it can be further developed and perhaps serve as a cultural tourist attraction as well.

Puja emphasized that his Traditional Village has taken a stance against the reclamation of Benoa Bay –not only on the grounds that it would interfere with their traditional activities but also because of the sacredness of Benoa Bay as a whole. “Our stance has already been made clear: we are opposed to the reclamation of Benoa Bay (Teluk Benoa) because it threatens both our traditions as well as the sacredness of the area” he said emphatically. (kmb)

IBP/kmb

Pesan, a Tasty Balinese Traditional Menu Oman LNG’s three train plant in Qalhat Sur finance ministry data showed.

Finance ministry sources told local media last week that Oman would delay the introduction of a 5 percent value-added tax until 2019, instead of imposing it in 2018 as originally planned, to give tax administrators and companies more time to prepare.

However, Oman will impose a new tax on sugary drinks and tobacco

IBP/net

products by mid-2018.

The ministry said on Monday that it would proceed with a privatisation programme and was working to sell some state companies in 2018.

The government announced several years ago that it would launch a major privatisation scheme but there has been little progress since.(rtr)

Pesan or pepes is a Balinese traditional menu that is quite tasty.

This menu is also often called tum or anyang or in accordance with respective region. Shape of the package is also different where in general there are three shapes, namely longwise upward rectangle, while others may wrap it like wrapped rice and sideline longwise rectangle like a pillow. However, they all have the same ingredients and preparation.

For the Hindu communities on the Island of Gods, this pesan menu is also used as a means of offering presented to the ancestors. Yet this one is made simpler or smaller, so

it can be easily put into the basket of the offerings. The pesan for offerings is very special as made from selected ingredient such as black chicken, multi-colored chicken and others in accordance with the type of offerings and the level of ceremony.

Well, the pesan menu commonly intended for consumption has larger size. Similarly, the pesan to be sold will have different shape where it is mostly longwise and sideways like pillow. The ingredient also varies.

The one for sale is usually made from pork, chicken and fish. Meanwhile, farmers in rural areas usually take advantage of the ingredients

obtained from their paddy fields, such as fish, eels, frog, dragonflies and others.

Well, the pesan made from pork is the most easily encountered. This one is usually sold at restaurants and food stalls in rural and urban areas.

Besides, it can also be obtained in traditional markets. If local communities organize a ceremony like wedding, pawukon-based birthday (otonan), cremation (ngaben) and others they will definitely make this type of pesan. This means the activities will involve community members in large numbers and this pesan menu will be served. Local community is very familiar with

this menu.

READ Mouth-watering Rambutan Salad Really Tempts Ingredient of this pesan menu is selected meat such as ham, skin and blood. The seasoning consists of onion, garlic, pepper and chili plus salt according to taste. Do not forget to add bay leaves to remove fishy smell ??as well as increase the delicious aroma. People in rural areas regularly mix the ingredients with other supplement such as banana heart and banana underground steam and others.

Its preparation is very simple.

First of all, chop the meat to become smooth. While chopping, please

be filled with blood so the meat turns red. The skin is boiled and then sliced thin and into small size.

Seasoning of onion, garlic, and chili are sliced ??into small part. Then, the chopped meat is mixed together with seasoning well. Add some salt according to your taste.

When having a little stock of meat, people usually mix with grated coconut to get more batter.

Next, wrap the batter with banana leaves and affix each end of the wrap with bamboo spin. Each wrap is filled with a bay leaf to balance cholesterol. Then, steam them for about 20 minutes. Ultimately, take out and it’s ready to serve. (BTN/015)

6

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

W

RLD

Record-shattering U.S. cold reaches into Florida

FLORIDA - Record-shattering arctic cold reached as far south as Florida on Monday with freeze warnings in place from Texas to the Atlantic Coast and the Northeastern United States facing another cold wave at the end of the week, forecasters said.

Temperatures ranged from 20 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit (11 to 17 degrees Celsius) below normal across the United States east of the Rocky Mountains, with only southern Florida untouched by the arctic blast.

“That degree of cold will be with us until tomorrow,” said Brian Hurley, a National Weather Service meteorologist at College Park, Maryland. “Tuesday morning, we’re looking at temperatures with very high probability of record lows.”

Along Alabama’s Gulf Coast, the temperature in the city of Mobile could hit a low of 16 F (minus 9 C) overnight. Stiff breezes were expected to create dangerously cold wind chills across southeastern Georgia and most of northeastern Florida, the weather service said.

Michael Kimberl, co-founder of Sean’s Outpost, an encampment for homeless people in Pensacola, Florida, said he was handing out propane fuel and extra blankets to residents.

“Our community is very unequipped for weather of this type,” he said by phone. Homeless shelters were also making special accommodations, including one site available for women and children, he said.

The mass of frigid air pumped south by a dip in the jet stream sent temperatures plunging across the U.S. heartland. Omaha, Nebraska, posted a low of minus 20 F (minus 29 C), breaking a 130-year-old record, and Aberdeen, South Dakota, shattered a record set in 1919 with a temperature of minus 32 F (minus 36 C).

Iranian crackdown...

From page 1

Ghazanfarabadi said the detainees will be soon put on trial and the ringleaders would face serious charges including “moharebeh” -- an Islamic term meaning warring against God -- which carries the death penalty.

Iran’s judiciary chief Sadeq Larijani ordered prosecutors on Monday to “punish rioters firmly”.

The demonstrations which broke out last week were initially focused on economic hardships and alleged corruption but turned into political rallies. Anger was soon directed at the clerical leadership that has been in power since the 1979 revolution, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the ultimate authority in Iran’s sstem of dual clerical and republican rule.

Iran is a major OPEC oil producer and regional power deeply involved in Syria and Iraq as part of a battle for influence with rival Saudi Arabia.

Many Iranians resent the foreign

The cold will be unrelenting across the Middle Atlantic and Northeastern United States, with up to two dozen low-temperature records expected in those regions over the next day or two, Hurley said.

Although the cold should ease across most of the United States after Tuesday, the northeastern quarter of the country will see a repeat of the frigid temperatures from Thursday to Friday as another arctic blast hits the area.

The private AccuWeather forecaster said the cold snap could combine with a storm brewing off the Bahamas to bring snow and high winds to much of the Eastern Seaboard as it heads north on Wednesday and Thursday.

The only part of the United States spared the deep freeze is the Southwest, with above-normal temperatures and dry weather expected to linger there, the weather service said. (rtr)

interventions and want their leaders to create jobs at home, where youth unemployment reached 29 percent last year Government spokesman Mohammad Baqer Nobakht said in a news conference that both protesters and the security forces should follow the law. “People have the rights to protest but there is a difference between demonstration and riot...Even those who are confronting the rioters should act within the framework of law,” he said.

Videos on social media on Monday showed an intense clash in the central town of Qahderijan between security forces and protesters who were trying to occupy a police station, which was partially set ablaze. There were unconfirmed reports of several casualties among demonstrators. In the western city of Kermanshah, protesters set fire to a traffic police post, but no one was hurt in the incident, Mehr news agency said.

REACTIONS

REUTERS/Andrew Kelly

Tourist Ava Black of West Palm Beach in Florida walks through Times Square as a cold weather front hits the region in Manhattan, in New York, U.S., December 29, 2017.

Khamenei has stayed silent so far.

Rouhani refrained on Monday from

accepting responsibility of problems raised by protesters and he blamed his predecessor and also Iran’s long-time adversary, the United States for the government’s shortcomings. Rouhani, seen as a pragmatist who is at odds with hardliners, said: “People on the streets do not ask for bread and water, but for more freedom,” -- implying that the protesters were not targetting his government but the more rigid establishment.

U.S. President Donald Trump supported the protesters in a tweet on Monday: “The great Iranian people have been repressed for many years.

They are hungry for food & for freedom. Along with human rights, the wealth of Iran is being looted. TIME FOR CHANGE!” Turkey said on Tuesday it was concerned by reports of people dying and public buildings being damaged in Iran.

“We believe it is necessary to avoid violence and not succumb to provocations,” the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement, adding that it hoped foreign intervention would be avoided. (rtr)

International

Israel raises threshold to cede parts of Jerusalem in peace deal

JERUSALEM - Israel set a higher threshold on Tuesday for any future vote on ceding parts of Jerusalem to the Palestinians, who want the eastern part of the city for a future independent state.

The amendment passed by the Israeli parliament to existing legislation raised from 61 to 80 the number of votes that would be required in the 120-seat Knesset to approve any proposal to hand over part of the city to “a foreign party”.

The amendment, long in the legislative pipeline, comes less than a month after U.S. President Donald Trump angered the Palestinians, Middle East leaders and world powers by recognising Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

U.S. negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians have been frozen since 2014 but, if ever resumed, a special Israeli parliament majority to approve handing over parts of Jerusalem could complicate efforts to reach a peace accord.

Trump’s Dec. 6 decision touched off protests in the region and the Palestinians have said Washington can no longer serve as a peace broker. A U.S. bid to revive negotiations, led by the president’s adviser and son-in-law, Jared Kushner, has so far shown no progress.

“The authority to relinquish parts of the land is not in the hands of any Jew, nor of the Jewish people,” said Naftali Bennett, head of the far-right Jewish Home coalition party, which sponsored the legislation.

Palestinian officials were not immediately available for comment on the new amendment, which passed by a vote of 64 to 52.

Opposition head Isaac Herzog said Jewish Home was leading Israel “toward a terrible disaster”.

The status of Jerusalem is one of the most sensitive issues in the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Israel captured East Jerusalem in the 1967 Middle East war and annexed it in a move not recognised internationally. It says the entire city is its “eternal and indivisible” capital.

Palestinians want East Jerusalem to be the capital of a future state that would also include the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party unanimously urged legislators in a non-binding resolution to effectively annex Israeli settlements built in the West Bank.

Political commentators said the decision might bolster right-wing support for Netanyahu, who could seek a public mandate in an early election while he awaits possible criminal indictments against him on corruption suspicions. He denies wrongdoing.

Parliamentary elections are not due until November 2019 but the police investigations in two cases of alleged corruption against Netanyahu and tensions among coalition partners in his government could hasten a poll. (rtr)

International

Pertamina officially manages Mahakam Block from January 2018

SOLO - State oil and gas company PT Pertamina officially managed the Mahakam Block located in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan Province, starting from January 1, 2018, taking over from Total E&P Indonesie (TEPI). TEPI & Inpex had managed the block for the past five decades, and starting January 1, 2018, the management was handed over to Pertamina Hulu Mahakam, a subsidiary of Pertamina, Amien Sunaryadi, head of the Special Unit for Upstream Oil and Gas Business Activities (SKK Migas).

The Mahakam Block is the largest natural gas producer in Indonesia and has contributed to some 13 percent of the nation`s gas production. “On behalf of the Indonesian Government, we would like to thank Total E&P Indonesia as the contractor of the Mahakam Working Region (WK), and Inpex Indonesia as a partner of TEPI,” he noted.

Upstream Director of PT Pertamina Syamsu Alam remarked that Pertamina will prioritize quality, health, safety, security, and environment aspects while managing Mahakam whose reservoir production peak was recorded during the 20032009 period. “As part of our commitment to maintaining the sustainability of the operations and production, we have until now completed the drilling of 14 wells and will complete the drilling work on the 15th well in the next several days,” he revealed.

PT Pertamina has allocated US$1.7 billion for exploration, expansion, and production activities of the Mahakam Block in 2018. Based on data of the SKK Migas as of November 2017, Mahakam WK had produced oil and condensate at 52 thousand barrels per day and 1,360 million cubic feet per day.

The Mahakam Block still holds promising potential. Proven reserves as of January 1, 2016, reached 4.9 TCF of gas, 57 million barrels of oil, and 45 million barrels of condensate.

Pertamina is expected to contribute over 30 percent of the nation`s oil and gas production in 2018. SKK Migas has set a target of producing 42.01 thousand barrels of oil per day and 916 million standard cubic feet of gas daily. (ant)

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

11

President Jokowi inaugurates operation of Soekarno-Hatta train

TANGERANG - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) inaugurated the operation of a train from the Soekarno Hatta International Airport, here, Tuesday. The head of state was accompanied by Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi; State Enterprises Minister Rini Soemarno; Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Wiranto; Tourism Minister Arief Yahya; Public Works and Public Housing Minister Basuki Hadimujono; Chief of the National Police General Tito Karnavian.

After pushing a serine button and signing an inscription of inauguration, the president and his entourage rode on the train that took them from the airport to the Sudirman Baru Station in Central Jakarta.

The trial operation of the train was carried out from December 26, 2017, until January 1, 2018, with the

ticket priced at Rp30 thousand per passenger per trip, but the normal tariff is now Rp70 thousand.

Edi Sukmoro, president director of state-owned railway company PT Kereta Api Indonesia, informed the press recently that the company had sought inputs from passengers during the trial operation.

The train to the airport has six coaches with a capacity to accommodate 272 passengers and conduct 42 trips per day. The train makes a stopover at the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Batu Ceper Station in Tangerang, and Sudirman Station. Initially, the airport train had started from the Manggarai railway station, but since work on another project was ongoing at the Manggarai station, the plan was postponed.

The train is connected directly to a skytrain that will connect the airport`s Terminal 1, 2, and 3.

From the Sudirman Baru station, the train starts at 3:40 a.m. local time, while from the Soekarno-Hatta station, it operates from 6:10 a.m. to 11:10 p.m. local time. The train offers free Wi-Fi to passengers. (ant)

Amole police engage in shootout with armed criminals in Papua

REUTERS/Ammar Awad/File Photo

An Israeli flag is seen near the Dome of the Rock, located in Jerusalem’s Old City on the compound known to Muslims as Noble Sanctuary and to Jews as Temple Mount December 6, 2017.

JAYAPURA - The Amole police engaged in a shootout with armed criminals at mile 61 in Tembagapura, Mimika District, Papua Province.

The shootout occurred at 7:50 a.m. local time, Chief of the Papua Provincial Police Inspector General Boy Rafli stated here, Monday.

No casualty was reported in the shootout, as the armed criminals fled to the jungle.

Prior to the shootout, the armed criminals shot at two PT Freeport vehicles carrying officers. They hit the cars` front and right windows. The attackers were members of the Waker group, according to Rafli. (ant)

Antara Foto/Rosa Panggabean

Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo (2nd R) sits on the airport rail link during a launch ceremony in Tangerang, Indonesia January 2, 2018.

10

Destination

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

International

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

International

Britain’s Andy Murray hits a return during training for his first round men’s singles match at the Brisbane International tennis tournament at the Pat Rafter Arena in Brisbane on December 31, 2017.

Perancak Village NEGARA - Perancak Village is located in southern Jembrana approximately 10 km from the town of Negara. This beach side village is home to farmers and fishermen and Perancak Beach is an ideal place to enjoy the beautiful panorama of the Indian Ocean especially as the sun sets behind the shadow of the eastern tip of the island of Java.

Perancak village offers many tourist attractions such as a turtle husbandry center, a tourism park, a motor cross arena, a mangrove forest and fishermen’s activities with their boats. This village is also known as the entrance point of Hindu influence from Java to Bali, as the presence Gede Perancak Temple indicates.

This temple is one of Bali’s Dang Kahyangan Temples and references the spiritual journey of Danghyang Nirartha, a Hindu Priest from Java. Around the village, there are also other Hindu Temples, and places of religious historical remains. Perancak Village -with its nature resources, art and culture and ease of access, attracts many tourists who can find accomodations in villas and hotels.

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is great for a vacation. Every year Perancak sights to be a place for traditional rowing boat races are usually coupled with the anniversary of Negara regency.

In the village there is a place for Sea Turtle Preservation of “Dates Asih” because Perancak Beach is great for Turtle to plating their eggs. Here is also can enjoy the beauty of beaches and disposal activities Hatchlings / Son of the Sea Turtle. Some of the guests staying in villas in Bali usually come with a rental car from Bali car rental, they came specifically to attend the release of hatchlings into the sea.

Besides the conservation of turtles in the village there are also Perancak Marine Technology Research Center, Earth station NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) which serves to determine points of the gathering of fish in the sea that is monitored from satellite. At the same location tourists also can see the expanse of mangrove plants of diverse types. In the village there is also a distillery Perancak sea water into mineral water that is Megumi High levels of oxygen.

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Murray fears for Melbourne after Brisbane withdrawal

Patrick HAMILTON / AFP

SYDNEY - Former world number one Andy Murray’s lingering hip issues forced him to withdraw from the Brisbane International on Tuesday with the Briton admitting he was unsure whether he could recover in time for the Australian Open later this month.

Murray has not played a competitive match since a Wimbledon quarter-final loss last July due to the complaint and despite coming through a one-set exhibition in Abu Dhabi last week, he was unable to train on Tuesday and announced his withdrawal.

“I’m very disappointed to be withdrawing from the Brisbane In-

ternational,” Murray, seeded second in Brisbane, told tournament organisers before going into further detail of his predicament in an emotional post on social media.

“Having been recommended to treat my hip conservatively since the U.S. Open, I have done everything asked of me from a rehab perspective and worked extremely hard to

B.BP.001.12.17.0001201

B.BP.803.12.17.0001126

Yannick Hanfmann.

Murray, who said on Sunday that he planned to trim his schedule in 2018 to prevent a recurrence of his injury issues , will remain in Brisbane for the rest of the week before planning his next move.

“In the short term I’m going to be staying in Australia for the next couple of days to see if my hip settles down a bit and will decide by the weekend whether to stay out here or fly home to assess what I do next,” the 30-year-old added. (rtr)

Rockets’ Harden out at least two weeks with hamstring injury

Good salary in area Seminyak Hub.(0361)4490319,CV to Email: asavillasproperty@gmail.com Coco Group Bali Looking for -Accounting SPV -Accounting Staff -EDP -Finance -Buyer Import Min 1 Year Experience in the same Position Retail Industry Please Send CV to asthrm@cocogroupbali.com

try get back on the court competing,” Murray said on his Instagram account.

“Having played practice sets here in Brisbane with some top players unfortunately this hasn’t worked yet to get me to the level I would like so I have to reassess my options.

Continuing rehab is one option and giving my hip more time to recover.

“Surgery is also an option but the chances of a successful outcome are not as high as I would like which has made this my secondary option and my hope has been to avoid that.

However, this is something I may have to consider but let’s hope not.”

The world number 16 had been due to play his first tournament match of the season on Thursday with a second-round encounter against American Ryan Harrison at Pat Rafter Arena. He will be replaced by German lucky loser

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Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports

Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) drives to the basket while Los Angeles Lakers guard Tyler Ennis (10) defends during the second quarter at Toyota Center.

HOUSTON - Houston Rockets guard James Harden will miss at least two weeks after suffering a Grade 2 hamstring strain late in the fourth quarter of Houston’s 148-142 double-overtime victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday.

Harden came up limping after driving to the basket with 54 seconds remaining. He gingerly left the court with 44 seconds left and was ruled out by the team in the second overtime.

Harden finished with 40 points and 11 assists, and said he felt his hamstring pull as he drove toward the basket.

The team said he’ll be reevaluated in two weeks.

The injury comes on the heels of the return of Chris Paul, who picked up the slack for Harden in overtime after missing the previous three games with a groin injury.

He’ll have to pick up even more slack with Harden out for an

extended period. Harden leads the league in scoring at 32.3 points per game and is third in assists (9.1 apg).

The Rockets are currently two games behind the Golden State Warriors for the top spot in the Western Conference. They host the Warriors on the back end of back-to-back games on Thursday and again on Jan. 20.

Harden has missed only two regular-season games over the past three seasons combined. (rtr)

8

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

Sp rt Hulk determined to Klavan gives Liverpool deliver SIPG’s first last-gasp victory, title in 2018 United beat Everton

LONDON - Liverpool defender Ragnar Klavan’s 94th-minute header snatched a 2-1 victory at Burnley on Monday as the visitors coped without the injured Mohamed Salah and Philippe Coutinho and made up ground on their rivals near the top of the Premier League.

With Chelsea and table-topping Manchester City playing later in the week, Liverpool registered their second win in 48 hours after the Estonian popped up with his first league goal.

the corner.

“He (Mane) came into the dressing room and the whole team got up and gave him a hand, because they know -- he will be back on top,” Klopp said. “In so many moments he is strong, quick, so many things.

And in the other moments where it doesn’t click, he scores a goal like this and it is like ‘wow’.”

Burnley thought they had salvaged a point when Berg Gudmundsson equalised in the 87th but Klavan secured a win that moved Liverpool to 44 points, a point behind Chelsea.

On the blue half of Merseyside, Manchester United climbed back up to second in the table after second-half goals by Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard earned a 2-0 victory at Everton -- their first win in five games in all competitions. Stoke City’s Mark Hughes is under more pressure after his side’s 1-0 home defeat by Newcastle United, Leicester City beat Huddersfield Town 3-0 while Brighton & Hove Albion shared the points with Bournemouth in a pulsating 2-2 southcoast derby.

All the managers rotated players to deal with a busy festive period and Liverpool boss Juergen Klopp made seven changes, including giving Adam Lallana his first start this season, against a Burnley side who have often troubled the Merseysiders.

The absence of Coutinho will prompt inevitable speculation about the his future on the day the transfer window opened although Klopp said the Brazilian had a thigh injury. With Liverpool’s top scorer Salah also ruled out with a groin strain and Firmino on the bench, Sadio Mane was the only member of their ‘Fab Four’ to start.

He opened the scoring with a superb strike after 61 minutes, picking up the ball with his back to goal and spinning to fire an unstoppable left-foot shot into

UNITED BREAKTHROUGH

REUTERS/Phil Noble

Liverpool’s Ragnar Klavan celebrates scoring their second goal with team mates

With no Romelu Lukaku in the United side, Jose Mourinho’s men were struggling to break down an Everton side who have become much more resolute under new manager Sam Allardyce. However, Paul Pogba unlocked the Everton defence with a pinpoint pass into the feet of Martial, who controlled the ball brilliantly before curling it home in the 57th minute.

Jesse Lingard’s clinching strike late on was equally well executed.

“We found a way to play without a player like Lukaku or Zlatan (Ibrahimovic) with more dynamism and freedom,” Mourinho said. “I think we played very well, second half better than the first.”

United’s victory took them to 47 points from 22 games behind local rivals City, who lead the standings on 59 after their 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace on Sunday and have a game in hand. As eye-catching as Senegal international Mane’s goal was, it was probably topped by Riyad Mahrez’s opener for Leicester.

The Algeria midfielder, who like Coutinho has been linked with a January move, produced the deftest of sidefoot volleys to give Leicester the lead against Huddersfield, with Islam Slimani and Marc Albrighton adding further second-half goals.

A good day was made even better for the Foxes by a late cameo from Adrien Silva, who has had to wait to play his first game for the club after his move from Sporting was not registered in time in the last transfer window.

Stoke’s Hughes left the field to a torrent of abuse from supporters after his side’s latest setback, a loss made all the worse because the Welshman had rested players in the 5-0 defeat at Chelsea on Saturday to prepare for Newcastle’s visit. Ayoze Perez scored the winner as fellow strugglers Newcastle United recorded back-to-back Premier League wins on the road for the first time since 2014.

Bournemouth are another side looking anxiously over their shoulders after starting 2018 five points worse off than last year but Eddie Howe’s side will be pleased with their point at Brighton.

Bournemouth’s Steve Cook and Brighton’s Glenn Murray both scored against their former sides after Anthony Knockaert got the year off to a good start for the home side by scoring their quickest ever Premier League goal after five minutes. However, Callum Wilson secured a point for the visitors after a frantic scramble in the area when Brighton failed to clear their lines. (rtr)

HONG KONG - Brazilian striker Hulk will start his third season with Shanghai SIPG next month determined to deliver a trophy to the big-spending Chinese Super League club in the new campaign. The burly forward signed for a then-record 55 million euros ($66.13 million) from Zenit St Petersburg in the summer of 2016 but has yet to claim any silverware during his time in China.

But the 31-year-old is focused on delivering the club’s first trophy in the 2018 season with new coach Vitor Pereira at the helm.

“I’ve been with SIPG a year and a half now and I’m desperate to win a championship,” he told Chinese media. “I hope we can do it in the new season. I’ll try 100 percent to help my team and my team mates.”

SIPG finished second behind perennial Chinese Super League champions Guangzhou Evergrande last season while they were also runners-up in the Chinese FA Cup and semi-finalists in the Asian Champions League.

Coach Andre Villas-Boas left after just one season and has been replaced by his Portuguese compatriot Pereira, a man Hulk knows from his time working under the 49-year-old at Porto.

“I know Pereira well,” Hulk said. “He’s a very good coach who is ambitious. He has been keeping us on the right track on a daily basis and I hope his leadership can improve our results.

“Now there’s a great atmosphere in the team. It’s nice to have this kind of atmosphere at the start of the season and it will put us in a good frame of mind going into the New Year.

“Hopefully God will bless us with a great year and better achievements.”

Hulk’s position as the most expensive player in Asia was taken by his compatriot Oscar, who signed for Shanghai from Chelsea last January, providing SIPG with one of the most potent attacking forces on the continent. The pair are joined by fellow Brazilian Elkeson as well as veteran defender Ricardo Carvalho and Uzbekistan’s Odil Ahmedov as the club’s foreign players.

New rules in the Chinese Super League, however, will allow teams to field no more than three foreigners in each game while forcing coaches to select the same number of Chinese players under the age of 23 as the non-Chinese players in their starting line-up.

The amendment to the regulations is certain to have a major impact on the upcoming campaign, but Hulk believes the added competition for places among the overseas players will beneficial to the team.

“As far as the international competition between the foreign players in the team is concerned, it will be a difficult choice for the coach but it will be a good thing for the team because we have a good pool of players to choose from,” he said.

“What we need to do is perform well in training.” (rtr)

IBP/net

Tough choice to decide African Footballer of the Year

REUTERS/Leon Kuegeler

Borussia Dortmund’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang celebrates scoring their first goal from the penalty spot

CAPE TOWN - Africa will crown its best soccer player on Thursday but the electors have a tough choice in deciding between the three candidates for the 2017 African Footballer of the Year award. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Borussia Dortmund and Gabon goes up against Liverpool’s Senegalese Sadio Mane and Egyptian Mohamed Salah with none of the final three candidates having a defining achievement over the last 12 months to set them apart.

The winner will be announced at the annual Confederation of African Football awards being hosted in Accra, Ghana. Aubameyang, who was the African Footballer of the Year in 2015 and runner-up in the last poll to Riyad Mahrez, finished as top scorer in the Bundesliga last season, netting 31 goals, and continued his form in front of goal into the new campaign.

He also scored the winner in the German Cup final in May but that is hardly likely to resonate with the voters, who are the national team coaches and captains from each African country plus a selected panel of journalists.

At national team level, the 28-year-old Aubameyang made little impression at the

Stoke boss Hughes vows to improve results after latest loss Stoke City manager Mark Hughes remained defiant on Monday after being booed by the home supporters following the Midlands club’s second Premier League defeat in 48 hours. The Welshman cut a sorry figure in driving rain as he watched his side lose 1-0 at home to fellow strugglers Newcastle United with many Stoke fans jeering his presence on the touchline and unfurling a banner calling for his removal.

Monday’s defeat was Stoke’s fifth in seven games and left them perilously placed in 16th, two points above the drop zone. But Hughes said he was not concerned by the criticism and indicated there was a campaign in the media to get him sacked.

“I think for the last two or three weeks the agenda in the media and social media... that was going to happen,” he said. “It doesn’t bother me. What bothers me is the team does better. “I have talked about the noise before and it only goes away if you win,” added Hughes.

Stoke’s latest loss was made all the worse because Hughes rested players in Saturday’s 5-0 defeat by Chelsea to prepare for the potentially easier visit of Newcastle, who have now moved above them in the table.

Hughes brought back Xherdan Shaqiri and Joe Allen among six changes in the hope of sparking a performance to stem the widespread supporter unrest and halt the growing speculation about his future.

“I remind people that the reason people are disappointed is because of the high standards that have been set here and those high standards were set by me and my staff,” said 54-year-old Hughes, who has been in charge since 2013. “So we need to do something about it. We will get on with addressing it and turning it around.

That’s my make up as a person, a manager and a player.”

There was no immediate comment from Stoke chairman Peter Coates who was pictured by TV cameras looking stony-faced in the stands. Up to now, he has remained supportive of Hughes and is aware that fortunes can quickly change with only nine points separating 10th placed Watford from bottom side Swansea City.

However, former Stoke player Matthew Etherington was among those calling for Hughes’ dismissal after the latest defeat. “It seems from the manager up to the board, there isn’t a realisation of the trouble the club are in. Time for a change,” he said. (rtr)

9

African Nations Cup finals in his home country at the start of 2017 and then missed most of Gabon’s unsuccessful World Cup qualifying campaign, citing transfer negotiations among the reasons for his absences.

Mane and Salah helped Senegal and Egypt qualify for the World Cup after lengthy absences and have emerged as leading players this season in the English Premier League Salah, 25, has the edge over his club mate since he was a major catalyst in Egypt reaching the Nations Cup final in Libreville in February, where they lost narrowly to Cameroon, and has scored regularly for Liverpool after his record transfer for an African footballer in the close season.

Mane, also 25, is looking to become only the second Senegalese to win the award after El Hadji Diouf, who was African Footballer of the Year in 2001 and 2002.

The only Egyptian winner was Mahmoud Al Khatib in 1983, while French-born Aubameyang is the only player from Gabon to win the award, which was first introduced in 1970. (rtr)

8

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

Sp rt Hulk determined to Klavan gives Liverpool deliver SIPG’s first last-gasp victory, title in 2018 United beat Everton

LONDON - Liverpool defender Ragnar Klavan’s 94th-minute header snatched a 2-1 victory at Burnley on Monday as the visitors coped without the injured Mohamed Salah and Philippe Coutinho and made up ground on their rivals near the top of the Premier League.

With Chelsea and table-topping Manchester City playing later in the week, Liverpool registered their second win in 48 hours after the Estonian popped up with his first league goal.

the corner.

“He (Mane) came into the dressing room and the whole team got up and gave him a hand, because they know -- he will be back on top,” Klopp said. “In so many moments he is strong, quick, so many things.

And in the other moments where it doesn’t click, he scores a goal like this and it is like ‘wow’.”

Burnley thought they had salvaged a point when Berg Gudmundsson equalised in the 87th but Klavan secured a win that moved Liverpool to 44 points, a point behind Chelsea.

On the blue half of Merseyside, Manchester United climbed back up to second in the table after second-half goals by Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard earned a 2-0 victory at Everton -- their first win in five games in all competitions. Stoke City’s Mark Hughes is under more pressure after his side’s 1-0 home defeat by Newcastle United, Leicester City beat Huddersfield Town 3-0 while Brighton & Hove Albion shared the points with Bournemouth in a pulsating 2-2 southcoast derby.

All the managers rotated players to deal with a busy festive period and Liverpool boss Juergen Klopp made seven changes, including giving Adam Lallana his first start this season, against a Burnley side who have often troubled the Merseysiders.

The absence of Coutinho will prompt inevitable speculation about the his future on the day the transfer window opened although Klopp said the Brazilian had a thigh injury. With Liverpool’s top scorer Salah also ruled out with a groin strain and Firmino on the bench, Sadio Mane was the only member of their ‘Fab Four’ to start.

He opened the scoring with a superb strike after 61 minutes, picking up the ball with his back to goal and spinning to fire an unstoppable left-foot shot into

UNITED BREAKTHROUGH

REUTERS/Phil Noble

Liverpool’s Ragnar Klavan celebrates scoring their second goal with team mates

With no Romelu Lukaku in the United side, Jose Mourinho’s men were struggling to break down an Everton side who have become much more resolute under new manager Sam Allardyce. However, Paul Pogba unlocked the Everton defence with a pinpoint pass into the feet of Martial, who controlled the ball brilliantly before curling it home in the 57th minute.

Jesse Lingard’s clinching strike late on was equally well executed.

“We found a way to play without a player like Lukaku or Zlatan (Ibrahimovic) with more dynamism and freedom,” Mourinho said. “I think we played very well, second half better than the first.”

United’s victory took them to 47 points from 22 games behind local rivals City, who lead the standings on 59 after their 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace on Sunday and have a game in hand. As eye-catching as Senegal international Mane’s goal was, it was probably topped by Riyad Mahrez’s opener for Leicester.

The Algeria midfielder, who like Coutinho has been linked with a January move, produced the deftest of sidefoot volleys to give Leicester the lead against Huddersfield, with Islam Slimani and Marc Albrighton adding further second-half goals.

A good day was made even better for the Foxes by a late cameo from Adrien Silva, who has had to wait to play his first game for the club after his move from Sporting was not registered in time in the last transfer window.

Stoke’s Hughes left the field to a torrent of abuse from supporters after his side’s latest setback, a loss made all the worse because the Welshman had rested players in the 5-0 defeat at Chelsea on Saturday to prepare for Newcastle’s visit. Ayoze Perez scored the winner as fellow strugglers Newcastle United recorded back-to-back Premier League wins on the road for the first time since 2014.

Bournemouth are another side looking anxiously over their shoulders after starting 2018 five points worse off than last year but Eddie Howe’s side will be pleased with their point at Brighton.

Bournemouth’s Steve Cook and Brighton’s Glenn Murray both scored against their former sides after Anthony Knockaert got the year off to a good start for the home side by scoring their quickest ever Premier League goal after five minutes. However, Callum Wilson secured a point for the visitors after a frantic scramble in the area when Brighton failed to clear their lines. (rtr)

HONG KONG - Brazilian striker Hulk will start his third season with Shanghai SIPG next month determined to deliver a trophy to the big-spending Chinese Super League club in the new campaign. The burly forward signed for a then-record 55 million euros ($66.13 million) from Zenit St Petersburg in the summer of 2016 but has yet to claim any silverware during his time in China.

But the 31-year-old is focused on delivering the club’s first trophy in the 2018 season with new coach Vitor Pereira at the helm.

“I’ve been with SIPG a year and a half now and I’m desperate to win a championship,” he told Chinese media. “I hope we can do it in the new season. I’ll try 100 percent to help my team and my team mates.”

SIPG finished second behind perennial Chinese Super League champions Guangzhou Evergrande last season while they were also runners-up in the Chinese FA Cup and semi-finalists in the Asian Champions League.

Coach Andre Villas-Boas left after just one season and has been replaced by his Portuguese compatriot Pereira, a man Hulk knows from his time working under the 49-year-old at Porto.

“I know Pereira well,” Hulk said. “He’s a very good coach who is ambitious. He has been keeping us on the right track on a daily basis and I hope his leadership can improve our results.

“Now there’s a great atmosphere in the team. It’s nice to have this kind of atmosphere at the start of the season and it will put us in a good frame of mind going into the New Year.

“Hopefully God will bless us with a great year and better achievements.”

Hulk’s position as the most expensive player in Asia was taken by his compatriot Oscar, who signed for Shanghai from Chelsea last January, providing SIPG with one of the most potent attacking forces on the continent. The pair are joined by fellow Brazilian Elkeson as well as veteran defender Ricardo Carvalho and Uzbekistan’s Odil Ahmedov as the club’s foreign players.

New rules in the Chinese Super League, however, will allow teams to field no more than three foreigners in each game while forcing coaches to select the same number of Chinese players under the age of 23 as the non-Chinese players in their starting line-up.

The amendment to the regulations is certain to have a major impact on the upcoming campaign, but Hulk believes the added competition for places among the overseas players will beneficial to the team.

“As far as the international competition between the foreign players in the team is concerned, it will be a difficult choice for the coach but it will be a good thing for the team because we have a good pool of players to choose from,” he said.

“What we need to do is perform well in training.” (rtr)

IBP/net

Tough choice to decide African Footballer of the Year

REUTERS/Leon Kuegeler

Borussia Dortmund’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang celebrates scoring their first goal from the penalty spot

CAPE TOWN - Africa will crown its best soccer player on Thursday but the electors have a tough choice in deciding between the three candidates for the 2017 African Footballer of the Year award. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Borussia Dortmund and Gabon goes up against Liverpool’s Senegalese Sadio Mane and Egyptian Mohamed Salah with none of the final three candidates having a defining achievement over the last 12 months to set them apart.

The winner will be announced at the annual Confederation of African Football awards being hosted in Accra, Ghana. Aubameyang, who was the African Footballer of the Year in 2015 and runner-up in the last poll to Riyad Mahrez, finished as top scorer in the Bundesliga last season, netting 31 goals, and continued his form in front of goal into the new campaign.

He also scored the winner in the German Cup final in May but that is hardly likely to resonate with the voters, who are the national team coaches and captains from each African country plus a selected panel of journalists.

At national team level, the 28-year-old Aubameyang made little impression at the

Stoke boss Hughes vows to improve results after latest loss Stoke City manager Mark Hughes remained defiant on Monday after being booed by the home supporters following the Midlands club’s second Premier League defeat in 48 hours. The Welshman cut a sorry figure in driving rain as he watched his side lose 1-0 at home to fellow strugglers Newcastle United with many Stoke fans jeering his presence on the touchline and unfurling a banner calling for his removal.

Monday’s defeat was Stoke’s fifth in seven games and left them perilously placed in 16th, two points above the drop zone. But Hughes said he was not concerned by the criticism and indicated there was a campaign in the media to get him sacked.

“I think for the last two or three weeks the agenda in the media and social media... that was going to happen,” he said. “It doesn’t bother me. What bothers me is the team does better. “I have talked about the noise before and it only goes away if you win,” added Hughes.

Stoke’s latest loss was made all the worse because Hughes rested players in Saturday’s 5-0 defeat by Chelsea to prepare for the potentially easier visit of Newcastle, who have now moved above them in the table.

Hughes brought back Xherdan Shaqiri and Joe Allen among six changes in the hope of sparking a performance to stem the widespread supporter unrest and halt the growing speculation about his future.

“I remind people that the reason people are disappointed is because of the high standards that have been set here and those high standards were set by me and my staff,” said 54-year-old Hughes, who has been in charge since 2013. “So we need to do something about it. We will get on with addressing it and turning it around.

That’s my make up as a person, a manager and a player.”

There was no immediate comment from Stoke chairman Peter Coates who was pictured by TV cameras looking stony-faced in the stands. Up to now, he has remained supportive of Hughes and is aware that fortunes can quickly change with only nine points separating 10th placed Watford from bottom side Swansea City.

However, former Stoke player Matthew Etherington was among those calling for Hughes’ dismissal after the latest defeat. “It seems from the manager up to the board, there isn’t a realisation of the trouble the club are in. Time for a change,” he said. (rtr)

9

African Nations Cup finals in his home country at the start of 2017 and then missed most of Gabon’s unsuccessful World Cup qualifying campaign, citing transfer negotiations among the reasons for his absences.

Mane and Salah helped Senegal and Egypt qualify for the World Cup after lengthy absences and have emerged as leading players this season in the English Premier League Salah, 25, has the edge over his club mate since he was a major catalyst in Egypt reaching the Nations Cup final in Libreville in February, where they lost narrowly to Cameroon, and has scored regularly for Liverpool after his record transfer for an African footballer in the close season.

Mane, also 25, is looking to become only the second Senegalese to win the award after El Hadji Diouf, who was African Footballer of the Year in 2001 and 2002.

The only Egyptian winner was Mahmoud Al Khatib in 1983, while French-born Aubameyang is the only player from Gabon to win the award, which was first introduced in 1970. (rtr)

10

Destination

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

International

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

International

Britain’s Andy Murray hits a return during training for his first round men’s singles match at the Brisbane International tennis tournament at the Pat Rafter Arena in Brisbane on December 31, 2017.

Perancak Village NEGARA - Perancak Village is located in southern Jembrana approximately 10 km from the town of Negara. This beach side village is home to farmers and fishermen and Perancak Beach is an ideal place to enjoy the beautiful panorama of the Indian Ocean especially as the sun sets behind the shadow of the eastern tip of the island of Java.

Perancak village offers many tourist attractions such as a turtle husbandry center, a tourism park, a motor cross arena, a mangrove forest and fishermen’s activities with their boats. This village is also known as the entrance point of Hindu influence from Java to Bali, as the presence Gede Perancak Temple indicates.

This temple is one of Bali’s Dang Kahyangan Temples and references the spiritual journey of Danghyang Nirartha, a Hindu Priest from Java. Around the village, there are also other Hindu Temples, and places of religious historical remains. Perancak Village -with its nature resources, art and culture and ease of access, attracts many tourists who can find accomodations in villas and hotels.

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is great for a vacation. Every year Perancak sights to be a place for traditional rowing boat races are usually coupled with the anniversary of Negara regency.

In the village there is a place for Sea Turtle Preservation of “Dates Asih” because Perancak Beach is great for Turtle to plating their eggs. Here is also can enjoy the beauty of beaches and disposal activities Hatchlings / Son of the Sea Turtle. Some of the guests staying in villas in Bali usually come with a rental car from Bali car rental, they came specifically to attend the release of hatchlings into the sea.

Besides the conservation of turtles in the village there are also Perancak Marine Technology Research Center, Earth station NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) which serves to determine points of the gathering of fish in the sea that is monitored from satellite. At the same location tourists also can see the expanse of mangrove plants of diverse types. In the village there is also a distillery Perancak sea water into mineral water that is Megumi High levels of oxygen.

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Murray fears for Melbourne after Brisbane withdrawal

Patrick HAMILTON / AFP

SYDNEY - Former world number one Andy Murray’s lingering hip issues forced him to withdraw from the Brisbane International on Tuesday with the Briton admitting he was unsure whether he could recover in time for the Australian Open later this month.

Murray has not played a competitive match since a Wimbledon quarter-final loss last July due to the complaint and despite coming through a one-set exhibition in Abu Dhabi last week, he was unable to train on Tuesday and announced his withdrawal.

“I’m very disappointed to be withdrawing from the Brisbane In-

ternational,” Murray, seeded second in Brisbane, told tournament organisers before going into further detail of his predicament in an emotional post on social media.

“Having been recommended to treat my hip conservatively since the U.S. Open, I have done everything asked of me from a rehab perspective and worked extremely hard to

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Yannick Hanfmann.

Murray, who said on Sunday that he planned to trim his schedule in 2018 to prevent a recurrence of his injury issues , will remain in Brisbane for the rest of the week before planning his next move.

“In the short term I’m going to be staying in Australia for the next couple of days to see if my hip settles down a bit and will decide by the weekend whether to stay out here or fly home to assess what I do next,” the 30-year-old added. (rtr)

Rockets’ Harden out at least two weeks with hamstring injury

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try get back on the court competing,” Murray said on his Instagram account.

“Having played practice sets here in Brisbane with some top players unfortunately this hasn’t worked yet to get me to the level I would like so I have to reassess my options.

Continuing rehab is one option and giving my hip more time to recover.

“Surgery is also an option but the chances of a successful outcome are not as high as I would like which has made this my secondary option and my hope has been to avoid that.

However, this is something I may have to consider but let’s hope not.”

The world number 16 had been due to play his first tournament match of the season on Thursday with a second-round encounter against American Ryan Harrison at Pat Rafter Arena. He will be replaced by German lucky loser

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Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports

Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) drives to the basket while Los Angeles Lakers guard Tyler Ennis (10) defends during the second quarter at Toyota Center.

HOUSTON - Houston Rockets guard James Harden will miss at least two weeks after suffering a Grade 2 hamstring strain late in the fourth quarter of Houston’s 148-142 double-overtime victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday.

Harden came up limping after driving to the basket with 54 seconds remaining. He gingerly left the court with 44 seconds left and was ruled out by the team in the second overtime.

Harden finished with 40 points and 11 assists, and said he felt his hamstring pull as he drove toward the basket.

The team said he’ll be reevaluated in two weeks.

The injury comes on the heels of the return of Chris Paul, who picked up the slack for Harden in overtime after missing the previous three games with a groin injury.

He’ll have to pick up even more slack with Harden out for an

extended period. Harden leads the league in scoring at 32.3 points per game and is third in assists (9.1 apg).

The Rockets are currently two games behind the Golden State Warriors for the top spot in the Western Conference. They host the Warriors on the back end of back-to-back games on Thursday and again on Jan. 20.

Harden has missed only two regular-season games over the past three seasons combined. (rtr)

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Wednesday, January 3, 2018

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RLD

Record-shattering U.S. cold reaches into Florida

FLORIDA - Record-shattering arctic cold reached as far south as Florida on Monday with freeze warnings in place from Texas to the Atlantic Coast and the Northeastern United States facing another cold wave at the end of the week, forecasters said.

Temperatures ranged from 20 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit (11 to 17 degrees Celsius) below normal across the United States east of the Rocky Mountains, with only southern Florida untouched by the arctic blast.

“That degree of cold will be with us until tomorrow,” said Brian Hurley, a National Weather Service meteorologist at College Park, Maryland. “Tuesday morning, we’re looking at temperatures with very high probability of record lows.”

Along Alabama’s Gulf Coast, the temperature in the city of Mobile could hit a low of 16 F (minus 9 C) overnight. Stiff breezes were expected to create dangerously cold wind chills across southeastern Georgia and most of northeastern Florida, the weather service said.

Michael Kimberl, co-founder of Sean’s Outpost, an encampment for homeless people in Pensacola, Florida, said he was handing out propane fuel and extra blankets to residents.

“Our community is very unequipped for weather of this type,” he said by phone. Homeless shelters were also making special accommodations, including one site available for women and children, he said.

The mass of frigid air pumped south by a dip in the jet stream sent temperatures plunging across the U.S. heartland. Omaha, Nebraska, posted a low of minus 20 F (minus 29 C), breaking a 130-year-old record, and Aberdeen, South Dakota, shattered a record set in 1919 with a temperature of minus 32 F (minus 36 C).

Iranian crackdown...

From page 1

Ghazanfarabadi said the detainees will be soon put on trial and the ringleaders would face serious charges including “moharebeh” -- an Islamic term meaning warring against God -- which carries the death penalty.

Iran’s judiciary chief Sadeq Larijani ordered prosecutors on Monday to “punish rioters firmly”.

The demonstrations which broke out last week were initially focused on economic hardships and alleged corruption but turned into political rallies. Anger was soon directed at the clerical leadership that has been in power since the 1979 revolution, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the ultimate authority in Iran’s sstem of dual clerical and republican rule.

Iran is a major OPEC oil producer and regional power deeply involved in Syria and Iraq as part of a battle for influence with rival Saudi Arabia.

Many Iranians resent the foreign

The cold will be unrelenting across the Middle Atlantic and Northeastern United States, with up to two dozen low-temperature records expected in those regions over the next day or two, Hurley said.

Although the cold should ease across most of the United States after Tuesday, the northeastern quarter of the country will see a repeat of the frigid temperatures from Thursday to Friday as another arctic blast hits the area.

The private AccuWeather forecaster said the cold snap could combine with a storm brewing off the Bahamas to bring snow and high winds to much of the Eastern Seaboard as it heads north on Wednesday and Thursday.

The only part of the United States spared the deep freeze is the Southwest, with above-normal temperatures and dry weather expected to linger there, the weather service said. (rtr)

interventions and want their leaders to create jobs at home, where youth unemployment reached 29 percent last year Government spokesman Mohammad Baqer Nobakht said in a news conference that both protesters and the security forces should follow the law. “People have the rights to protest but there is a difference between demonstration and riot...Even those who are confronting the rioters should act within the framework of law,” he said.

Videos on social media on Monday showed an intense clash in the central town of Qahderijan between security forces and protesters who were trying to occupy a police station, which was partially set ablaze. There were unconfirmed reports of several casualties among demonstrators. In the western city of Kermanshah, protesters set fire to a traffic police post, but no one was hurt in the incident, Mehr news agency said.

REACTIONS

REUTERS/Andrew Kelly

Tourist Ava Black of West Palm Beach in Florida walks through Times Square as a cold weather front hits the region in Manhattan, in New York, U.S., December 29, 2017.

Khamenei has stayed silent so far.

Rouhani refrained on Monday from

accepting responsibility of problems raised by protesters and he blamed his predecessor and also Iran’s long-time adversary, the United States for the government’s shortcomings. Rouhani, seen as a pragmatist who is at odds with hardliners, said: “People on the streets do not ask for bread and water, but for more freedom,” -- implying that the protesters were not targetting his government but the more rigid establishment.

U.S. President Donald Trump supported the protesters in a tweet on Monday: “The great Iranian people have been repressed for many years.

They are hungry for food & for freedom. Along with human rights, the wealth of Iran is being looted. TIME FOR CHANGE!” Turkey said on Tuesday it was concerned by reports of people dying and public buildings being damaged in Iran.

“We believe it is necessary to avoid violence and not succumb to provocations,” the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement, adding that it hoped foreign intervention would be avoided. (rtr)

International

Israel raises threshold to cede parts of Jerusalem in peace deal

JERUSALEM - Israel set a higher threshold on Tuesday for any future vote on ceding parts of Jerusalem to the Palestinians, who want the eastern part of the city for a future independent state.

The amendment passed by the Israeli parliament to existing legislation raised from 61 to 80 the number of votes that would be required in the 120-seat Knesset to approve any proposal to hand over part of the city to “a foreign party”.

The amendment, long in the legislative pipeline, comes less than a month after U.S. President Donald Trump angered the Palestinians, Middle East leaders and world powers by recognising Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

U.S. negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians have been frozen since 2014 but, if ever resumed, a special Israeli parliament majority to approve handing over parts of Jerusalem could complicate efforts to reach a peace accord.

Trump’s Dec. 6 decision touched off protests in the region and the Palestinians have said Washington can no longer serve as a peace broker. A U.S. bid to revive negotiations, led by the president’s adviser and son-in-law, Jared Kushner, has so far shown no progress.

“The authority to relinquish parts of the land is not in the hands of any Jew, nor of the Jewish people,” said Naftali Bennett, head of the far-right Jewish Home coalition party, which sponsored the legislation.

Palestinian officials were not immediately available for comment on the new amendment, which passed by a vote of 64 to 52.

Opposition head Isaac Herzog said Jewish Home was leading Israel “toward a terrible disaster”.

The status of Jerusalem is one of the most sensitive issues in the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Israel captured East Jerusalem in the 1967 Middle East war and annexed it in a move not recognised internationally. It says the entire city is its “eternal and indivisible” capital.

Palestinians want East Jerusalem to be the capital of a future state that would also include the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party unanimously urged legislators in a non-binding resolution to effectively annex Israeli settlements built in the West Bank.

Political commentators said the decision might bolster right-wing support for Netanyahu, who could seek a public mandate in an early election while he awaits possible criminal indictments against him on corruption suspicions. He denies wrongdoing.

Parliamentary elections are not due until November 2019 but the police investigations in two cases of alleged corruption against Netanyahu and tensions among coalition partners in his government could hasten a poll. (rtr)

International

Pertamina officially manages Mahakam Block from January 2018

SOLO - State oil and gas company PT Pertamina officially managed the Mahakam Block located in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan Province, starting from January 1, 2018, taking over from Total E&P Indonesie (TEPI). TEPI & Inpex had managed the block for the past five decades, and starting January 1, 2018, the management was handed over to Pertamina Hulu Mahakam, a subsidiary of Pertamina, Amien Sunaryadi, head of the Special Unit for Upstream Oil and Gas Business Activities (SKK Migas).

The Mahakam Block is the largest natural gas producer in Indonesia and has contributed to some 13 percent of the nation`s gas production. “On behalf of the Indonesian Government, we would like to thank Total E&P Indonesia as the contractor of the Mahakam Working Region (WK), and Inpex Indonesia as a partner of TEPI,” he noted.

Upstream Director of PT Pertamina Syamsu Alam remarked that Pertamina will prioritize quality, health, safety, security, and environment aspects while managing Mahakam whose reservoir production peak was recorded during the 20032009 period. “As part of our commitment to maintaining the sustainability of the operations and production, we have until now completed the drilling of 14 wells and will complete the drilling work on the 15th well in the next several days,” he revealed.

PT Pertamina has allocated US$1.7 billion for exploration, expansion, and production activities of the Mahakam Block in 2018. Based on data of the SKK Migas as of November 2017, Mahakam WK had produced oil and condensate at 52 thousand barrels per day and 1,360 million cubic feet per day.

The Mahakam Block still holds promising potential. Proven reserves as of January 1, 2016, reached 4.9 TCF of gas, 57 million barrels of oil, and 45 million barrels of condensate.

Pertamina is expected to contribute over 30 percent of the nation`s oil and gas production in 2018. SKK Migas has set a target of producing 42.01 thousand barrels of oil per day and 916 million standard cubic feet of gas daily. (ant)

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

11

President Jokowi inaugurates operation of Soekarno-Hatta train

TANGERANG - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) inaugurated the operation of a train from the Soekarno Hatta International Airport, here, Tuesday. The head of state was accompanied by Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi; State Enterprises Minister Rini Soemarno; Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Wiranto; Tourism Minister Arief Yahya; Public Works and Public Housing Minister Basuki Hadimujono; Chief of the National Police General Tito Karnavian.

After pushing a serine button and signing an inscription of inauguration, the president and his entourage rode on the train that took them from the airport to the Sudirman Baru Station in Central Jakarta.

The trial operation of the train was carried out from December 26, 2017, until January 1, 2018, with the

ticket priced at Rp30 thousand per passenger per trip, but the normal tariff is now Rp70 thousand.

Edi Sukmoro, president director of state-owned railway company PT Kereta Api Indonesia, informed the press recently that the company had sought inputs from passengers during the trial operation.

The train to the airport has six coaches with a capacity to accommodate 272 passengers and conduct 42 trips per day. The train makes a stopover at the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Batu Ceper Station in Tangerang, and Sudirman Station. Initially, the airport train had started from the Manggarai railway station, but since work on another project was ongoing at the Manggarai station, the plan was postponed.

The train is connected directly to a skytrain that will connect the airport`s Terminal 1, 2, and 3.

From the Sudirman Baru station, the train starts at 3:40 a.m. local time, while from the Soekarno-Hatta station, it operates from 6:10 a.m. to 11:10 p.m. local time. The train offers free Wi-Fi to passengers. (ant)

Amole police engage in shootout with armed criminals in Papua

REUTERS/Ammar Awad/File Photo

An Israeli flag is seen near the Dome of the Rock, located in Jerusalem’s Old City on the compound known to Muslims as Noble Sanctuary and to Jews as Temple Mount December 6, 2017.

JAYAPURA - The Amole police engaged in a shootout with armed criminals at mile 61 in Tembagapura, Mimika District, Papua Province.

The shootout occurred at 7:50 a.m. local time, Chief of the Papua Provincial Police Inspector General Boy Rafli stated here, Monday.

No casualty was reported in the shootout, as the armed criminals fled to the jungle.

Prior to the shootout, the armed criminals shot at two PT Freeport vehicles carrying officers. They hit the cars` front and right windows. The attackers were members of the Waker group, according to Rafli. (ant)

Antara Foto/Rosa Panggabean

Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo (2nd R) sits on the airport rail link during a launch ceremony in Tangerang, Indonesia January 2, 2018.

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International

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

Bali News

International

BUSINESS

Yet 2018 share gains are expected to be smaller than 2017 with the S&P 500’s price/earnings ratio - a measure of stock prices against expected profits - is around its highest level since June 2002. Many on Wall Street cite potential pitfalls even though they see no signs of a recession.

“We’ve had six years in a row where stocks have (outperformed) earnings, and I think we break that streak with stocks going up but not as much as earnings,” said Robert Doll, chief equity strategist at Nuveen Asset Management in Princeton, New Jersey.

Some say the tax bill’s benefit will be short lived. David Kelly, chief global strategist at J.P. Morgan Asset Management described the bill as “more carbs and less protein,” because the tax overhaul will improve spending but does nothing to boost productivity. “It’ll be a one-year wonder,” said Kelly. “People should enjoy the party while it lasts but just make sure you know where your coat is.”

Several strategists cite the risk

that faster economic growth could cause inflation to increase at a pace that would lead the U.S. Federal Reserve to raise interest rates faster than expected. Wall Street’s rosy forecasts seem “well supported by the tremendous string of good news which the economy has delivered,” according to Jim Paulsen, chief investment strategist with Leuthold Group in Minneapolis.

But he said, the news is too good: “The problem with getting good news is that at some point you can’t be positively surprised any more.”

Paulsen does not expect a recession.

But when the economic surprise index - which compares economic data to consensus expectations - is at high levels, equity performance tends to be weaker, according to Paulsen.

The Citi Economic Surprise index was at 77 on Thursday, not far from its almost six-year high of 84.5 reached on Dec. 22. “We’re going to have a 10-15 percent correction at some time in 2018. I wouldn’t be

Watching Mud War or Mebuug-buugan at Kedonganan

IBP/kmb

from an assumption of $45 for 2017.

The Brent oil price is now above $65, so Oman’s revenue is likely to be significantly higher than expected if oil prices stay flat.

Nevertheless, the budget projects a deficit of 10 percent of gross domestic product in 2018, well above levels which economists consider sustainable in the long run and higher than 12 percent planned for 2017.

The finance ministry said on Monday that it needed to continue raising expenditure to boost economic growth and living standards, while building social housing and providing other assistance to lowerincome citizens.

With smaller oil and financial reserves than its wealthy neighbours,

Karangsari is one of the customary villages located in the area of Suana village, Nusa Penida, Klungkung. Its population amounts to approximately 1,388 people (696 men and 692 women) with 425 households. Most residents have livelihood as fishermen and seaweed farmers. Approximately 85 percent of the population depends on the sea as seaweed farmers and fishermen. The other residents are farmers, and a small part of them are civil servants, entrepreneurs and laborer.

Nevertheless, the level of education of village residents is quite high.

Based on the data (village monograph 2015), the level of education from the lowest to the highest is as follows: 145 people of elementary school (12.23 percent), 158 people of junior high school and high school (15.38 percent) and 181 people of college or higher education (21.39 percent).

“Since the land located at Karangsari is less fertile, people chose the livelihood as fishermen. Though they are farming, the results attained are not so good because it is located close to the mountain where monkeys usually come down and savor their crops,” explained the chief of Karangsari customary village, I Nyoman Yoga, some time ago.

Karangsari has three hamlets namely the Pupuan, Karangsari and Pidada. This village hosts the kahyangan jagat temple named the Goa Giri Putri having become an iconic spiritual tourism. Since having been managed by Karangsari since 2015, the worship by local pilgrims from Bali or outside Bali continues to rise. (kmb)

After many decades, the Traditional Village of Kedonganan, Kuta honored their tradition known as ‘mebuug-buugan’ again on Thursday (Mar 3). This traditional practice was brought to life again with much enthusiasm by the youth of this village who went down to the mangrove forest in Teluk Benoa and covered their shirtless bodies with mud as they played the mire.

IBP/net

surprised if we’re down for the year,” Paulsen said. “If we get a correction and people get scared I’ll probably be buying again.”

Investors will keep a close watch on the on U.S. mid-term elections in 2018 because a Republican loss of control of the Senate or the House of Representatives could stall the party’s agenda. In 10 of the last 17 U.S. mid-term election years, equity price moves for the full year followed

Oman 2018 state budget lifts spending; little to reassure rating agencies DUBAI - Oman’s state budget for 2018, approved by ruler Sultan Qaboos on Monday, boosts spending at the expense of running a large deficit, despite increasing concern among credit rating agencies about the health of the country’s finances.

The budget projects spending of 12.5 billion rials ($32.5 billion) this year, up from 11.7 billion in the original budget for 2017, local media quoted a Finance Ministry statement as saying.

Revenue are projected at 9.5 billion rials, up from 8.7 billion in the 2017 budget. That leaves a planned deficit of 3 billion rials this year, the same as last year’s projected deficit.

The 2018 budget assumes an average oil price of $50 per barrel, up

5

Seaweed, Main Livelihood of Karangsari Residents, Nusa Penida

Wall St Week Ahead-Wall Street eyes 2018 gains with a side of caution

U.S. stocks are expected to keep rising in 2018 because a massive drop in the corporate tax rate is seen boosting the economy and corporate profits, but strategists say sizable gains could either be short-lived or elusive. The bull market is on track to mark its ninth birthday in March, with the S&P 500 climbing 20 percent for 2017 - its biggest increase since 2013. The drop in the corporate tax rate in 2018, to 21 percent from 35 percent, is seen by many as the biggest factor for the stock market next year.

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

Oman has been spending heavily on industrial and infrastructure projects in an attempt to diversify its economy beyond oil exports.

That strategy has not reassured rating agencies. Last month, Fitch Ratings cut Oman by one notch to BBB-minus - just above junk territory - with a negative outlook, citing the budget deficit. Standard & Poor’s already rates Omani debt as junk.

Of the projected 3 billion rial deficit in 2018, 500 million rials is to be covered by withdrawals from financial reserves and the rest through external and domestic borrowing.

Oman’s actual state budget deficit for the first 10 months of 2017 narrowed to 3.20 billion rials from 4.81 billion rials a year earlier, the latest

January’s direction, according to Jeff Hirsch, editor of the Stock Trader’s Almanac.

Investor moods in January may depend on whether the U.S. Congress reaches an agreement to raise the country’s debt ceiling. Investors will also be hoping Congress can reach a 2018 budget pact by Jan. 19. These are just some of the worries traders are contending with.

But the market has history against

it. The S&P 500 rises on average 1.3 percent in the so-called Santa Clause rally - the period between Dec. 22 and Jan. 3 - according to Hirsch. This year, five days in, the S&P has risen just 0.1 percent.

“The failure of stocks to rally during this time tends to precede bear markets or times when stocks could be purchased at lower prices later in the year,” Hirsch wrote in a blog post. (rtr)

Head of the Taruna Eka Chanti youth organization, I Wayan Yustisia Semarariana explained that this activity was brought to life again last year, after many decades of hibernation. This year, however there were far more participants than last year with over 800 youths taking part in the “mud dance” that also serves to bring young people closer to nature. By getting closer to nature together, young people’s love for the natural environment increases, as does their desire to take care of it so that it remains healthy. This includes preventing nature from being disturbed by reclamation.

“The name ‘mebuug-buugan’comes from the Balinese word ‘buug’, mean-

ing earth as in both ‘mud’ and ‘ land’” said spokese person, Made Sudarsana who added that they hope that the reclamation project is stopped so that this traditional activity can continue to take place. Obviously, if the reclamation project goes through, then the area where they use the mud will disappear.

Traditional Village Head of Kedongonan, Ketut Puja expressed his appreciation for the youth of Kedongan’s enthusiasm about preserving this ancestral traditional heritage that has been passed for uncountable generations. Puja explained that ‘mebuug-buugan’ is part of the Nyepi Day celebrations that serve to cleanse the macro and the micro-

cosmos. He also expressed his hope that this traditional activity will not only be preserved but that it can be further developed and perhaps serve as a cultural tourist attraction as well.

Puja emphasized that his Traditional Village has taken a stance against the reclamation of Benoa Bay –not only on the grounds that it would interfere with their traditional activities but also because of the sacredness of Benoa Bay as a whole. “Our stance has already been made clear: we are opposed to the reclamation of Benoa Bay (Teluk Benoa) because it threatens both our traditions as well as the sacredness of the area” he said emphatically. (kmb)

IBP/kmb

Pesan, a Tasty Balinese Traditional Menu Oman LNG’s three train plant in Qalhat Sur finance ministry data showed.

Finance ministry sources told local media last week that Oman would delay the introduction of a 5 percent value-added tax until 2019, instead of imposing it in 2018 as originally planned, to give tax administrators and companies more time to prepare.

However, Oman will impose a new tax on sugary drinks and tobacco

IBP/net

products by mid-2018.

The ministry said on Monday that it would proceed with a privatisation programme and was working to sell some state companies in 2018.

The government announced several years ago that it would launch a major privatisation scheme but there has been little progress since.(rtr)

Pesan or pepes is a Balinese traditional menu that is quite tasty.

This menu is also often called tum or anyang or in accordance with respective region. Shape of the package is also different where in general there are three shapes, namely longwise upward rectangle, while others may wrap it like wrapped rice and sideline longwise rectangle like a pillow. However, they all have the same ingredients and preparation.

For the Hindu communities on the Island of Gods, this pesan menu is also used as a means of offering presented to the ancestors. Yet this one is made simpler or smaller, so

it can be easily put into the basket of the offerings. The pesan for offerings is very special as made from selected ingredient such as black chicken, multi-colored chicken and others in accordance with the type of offerings and the level of ceremony.

Well, the pesan menu commonly intended for consumption has larger size. Similarly, the pesan to be sold will have different shape where it is mostly longwise and sideways like pillow. The ingredient also varies.

The one for sale is usually made from pork, chicken and fish. Meanwhile, farmers in rural areas usually take advantage of the ingredients

obtained from their paddy fields, such as fish, eels, frog, dragonflies and others.

Well, the pesan made from pork is the most easily encountered. This one is usually sold at restaurants and food stalls in rural and urban areas.

Besides, it can also be obtained in traditional markets. If local communities organize a ceremony like wedding, pawukon-based birthday (otonan), cremation (ngaben) and others they will definitely make this type of pesan. This means the activities will involve community members in large numbers and this pesan menu will be served. Local community is very familiar with

this menu.

READ Mouth-watering Rambutan Salad Really Tempts Ingredient of this pesan menu is selected meat such as ham, skin and blood. The seasoning consists of onion, garlic, pepper and chili plus salt according to taste. Do not forget to add bay leaves to remove fishy smell ??as well as increase the delicious aroma. People in rural areas regularly mix the ingredients with other supplement such as banana heart and banana underground steam and others.

Its preparation is very simple.

First of all, chop the meat to become smooth. While chopping, please

be filled with blood so the meat turns red. The skin is boiled and then sliced thin and into small size.

Seasoning of onion, garlic, and chili are sliced ??into small part. Then, the chopped meat is mixed together with seasoning well. Add some salt according to your taste.

When having a little stock of meat, people usually mix with grated coconut to get more batter.

Next, wrap the batter with banana leaves and affix each end of the wrap with bamboo spin. Each wrap is filled with a bay leaf to balance cholesterol. Then, steam them for about 20 minutes. Ultimately, take out and it’s ready to serve. (BTN/015)

4

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

Bali News

International

Outbreaks of diphtheria in Indonesia, largest in the world

MANGUPURA — The case of diphtheria is a serious problem. Until now, diphtheria outbreak has occurred in 28 provinces, 142 districts / cities in Indonesia. It is the largest in the world though Russia has ever borne this predicate previously. However, it only occurred in 12-13 provinces, while in Indonesia, diphtheria has become an outbreak in 29 provinces.

This was conveyed by the Chief of Central Executive Board of the Indonesian Pediatric Association (IDAI), Dr. Aman Bhakti Pulungan.

He did not want to hide the case of diphtheria. So, when he was asked for an interview by one of the national media, he requested to state the case of diphtheria as an outbreak.

It is meant the case can quickly get handled. One of the measures to be done is by holding Outbreak Response Immunization (ORI). This ORI may be performed even though there is one positive case.

Chairman of IDAI Bali, Dr. I Gusti Lanang Sidiartha, conveyed that theoretically the coverage of immunization reaching more than 90 percent of the area, let alone 95 percent, will actually be able to protect other communities. Meanwhile, the coverage of immunization in Bali is more than 95 percent. It also depends on the strength of the incoming germs. “Although coming from outside and being positive, we must do ORI activities for the entire community targeting the residents

of 1-19 years old to strengthen their immunity,” he said.

If there is no positive diphtheria, ORI can still be run. “For example, for people who have not been immunized at all, we can repeat. There are incoming cases like this. In fact, they are not immunized yet,” he said.

Thus, it is carried out again a basic immunization by looking at people’s age at this time.

For patients aged below 5 years, they will be vaccinated like children under one year as much as three times, while the age of 5-7 years old, the vaccine will be slightly different namely Dt and then if the age above 7 years, they will be given Td vaccine.

To anticipate the occurrence of diphtheria in Bali, in 2017 the Bali Health Agency already borrowed 4 vials of Anti Diphtheria Serum (ADS) to the Surabaya Health Agency. The Division Head of the Disease Control and Environmental Health (P2PL) of Bali Health Agency, Gede Wira Sunetra, said even though having borrowed 4 vials of ADS, they have not been used because no

13

Pakistan summons U.S. ambassador after Trump’s angry tweet ISLAMABAD - Pakistan summoned the U.S. ambassador in protest against U.S. President Donald Trump’s angry tweet about Pakistan’s “lies and deceit”, while Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif dismissed the outburst as a political stunt.

IBP/ant

The case of diphtheria is a serious problem. Until now, diphtheria outbreak has occurred in 28 provinces, 142 districts / cities in Indonesia. suspects of diphtheria show positive symptoms.

Administration of the ADS is highly selective. “There must be a positive symptom first, and then

we give the ADS,” he said. Bali borrows ADS to Surabaya Health Agency because Surabaya has experienced diphtheria outbreak for 2-3 years. According to him, the

ADS that is not immediately used will be useless. So, the ADS borrowing is done if there is a positive case. One vial of ADS can be used for several injections. (kmb42)

‘Supermoon’ phenomenon, Bali must alert against seawater floods

The increase in seawater level leads to seawater floods due to ‘supermoon’ phenomenon occurred in early 2018.

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

International

DENPASAR — National Weather Service (BMKG) of Region III Denpasar predicted that seawater of Southern Bali will increase during the period of January 1 to 4, 2018. The increase in seawater level leads to seawater floods due to ‘supermoon’ phenomenon occurred in early 2018.

Head of the BMKG for Region III Denpasar, M. Taufik Gunawan, in a press release on Sunday (Dec. 31) explained the ‘supermoon’ phenomenon is a cycle where the moon creates an elliptical orbit around the Earth every 27 days, while full moon occurs every 29.5 days.

On full moon, the part of its

orbit is located closest to earth better known as a supermoon phenomenon. Supermoon looks a little brighter and closer to the earth than the full-moon on average, though it is hard to find the difference without a telescope.

On that account, his office urges people around the coastal areas to remain alert and anticipate the impact of the maximum sea tide. “We appeal to the public to always pay attention to the updates of weather and wave information from BMKG, so that undesirable things do not occur due to the ‘supermoon’ phenomenon,” he appealed. (win) IBP/ant

David Hale was summoned by the Pakistan foreign office on Monday to explain Trump’s tweet, media said. A spokesperson for the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad confirmed the meeting took place.

In a withering attack, Trump on Monday said the United States had “foolishly” handed Pakistan more than $33 billion in aid in the last 15 years and had been rewarded with “nothing but lies and deceit”.

“They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!” Trump wrote on Twitter.

Trump’s harsh words drew praise from Pakistan’s old foe, India, and neighbouring Afghanistan, but long-time ally China defended Pakistan’s record of combating “terrorism”.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Tuesday will chair a cabinet meeting that will focus on Trump’s tweet, while on Wednesday the country’s top civilian and military chiefs will meet to discuss deteriorating U.S. ties.

Relations between United States and its uneasy ally Pakistan have been strained for many years over Islamabad’s alleged support for

Haqqani network militants, who are allied with the Afghan Taliban.

The United States also alleges senior Afghan Taliban commanders live on Pakistani soil. In 2016, the then-Taliban leader Mullah Mansour was killed by a U.S. drone strike inside Pakistan and in 2011, al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden was found and killed by U.S. troops in the Pakistani garrison town of Abbottabad.

Washington has signalled to Pakistan that it will cut aid and enact other punitive measures if Islamabad does not stop helping or turning a blind eye to the Haqqani network militants who carry out cross-border attacks in Afghanistan.

Islamabad bristles at the suggestion it is not doing enough in the war against militancy, saying that since 2001, Pakistan has suffered more than the United States from militancy as casualties at the hands of Islamists number in the tens of thousands.

Pakistani Foreign Minister Asif dismissed Trump’s comments as a political stunt borne out of frustration over U.S. failures in Afghanistan, where Afghan Taliban militants have been gaining terri-

ASIF HASSAN / AFP

Activists of the Difa-e-Pakistan Council shout anti-US slogans at a protest in Karachi on January 2, 2018. Pakistan has summoned the US ambassador, an embassy spokesman said January 2, in a rare public rebuke after Donald Trump lashed out at Islamabad with threats to cut aid over “lies” about militancy. tory and carrying out major attacks.

“He has tweeted against us (Pakistan) and Iran for his domestic consumption,” Asif told Geo TV on Monday.

“He is again and again displacing his frustrations on Pakistan

over failures in Afghanistan as they are trapped in dead-end street in Afghanistan.”

Asif added that Pakistan did not need U.S. aid.

A U.S. National Security Council official on Monday said the

White House did not plan to send $255 million in aid to Pakistan “at this time” and said “the administration continues to review Pakistan’s level of cooperation.” In August, the administration had said it was delaying the payment. (rtr)

Australian investigators to raise seaplane in which Compass Group CEO, family killed

AAP/Mick Tsikas/via REUTERS

Australian Fire & Rescue personnel stand near their boats after visiting the scene where a seaplane crashed on Sunday killing six people, at Apple Tree Bay boat ramp located on the Hawkesbury River, north of Sydney in Australia, January 2, 2018.

SYDNEY - Australia’s transport safety investigation agency said on Tuesday it plans to raise a seaplane that crashed into a Sydney river on New Year’s Eve, killing six people, including the chief executive of British catering giant Compass Group Plc. Australian Transport Safety Bureau Executive Director Nat Nagy said investigators would probe several lines of inquiry to piece together what happened, including a close look at the plane’s avionics and maintenance record and the pilot’s background and experience.

It was hoped the plane would be raised by the end of the week, Nagy said. A crane, airbags, or a combination of the two, would be used to raise the plane from the riverbed as gently as possible.

The plane is submerged in 13

metres of water near Cowan, about 40 km (25 miles) north of Sydney.

Nagy said investigators would also look for any other electronic devices, including iPads or iPhones, that may have been on board when the plane crashed on Sunday, killing Compass chief executive Richard Cousins, 58, and four members of his family.

The pilot, Gareth Morgan, 44, was also killed.

A preliminary report into the crash will be made public in about a month, although authorities have warned it may take up to a year to find out what happened.

“If we do identify any critical safety issues throughout the course of the investigation, we will immediately notify the relevant authorities ... to remedy any issues,” Nagy said.

“This particular aircraft, I understand was manufactured in 1963, it’s not unusual to have aircraft of that sort of age flying around ... we haven’t seen any systemic issues around this aircraft,” he added.

Australian police have identified those killed with Cousins as Emma Bowden, 48, Heather Bowden, 11, Edward Cousins, 23, and William Cousins, 25.

Family members and media reports identified four of the victims Cousins’ two sons, his fiancée and her daughter.

Cousins, who led Compass over the past 11 years, was due to step down in March after being widely credited with turning the company’s business around and making it into one of the Financial Times Stock Exchange’s best-performing firms. (rtr)

14

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

Technology

International

Bali News

International

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

3

Construction and trading business to grow in 2018

REUTERS/Toru Hanai

A combination photo shows Four Link Systems, Inc’s fully electric foldable vehicle ‘Earth-1’ which was designed by Kunio Okawara, famous in Japan as the artist behind the long-running wildly popular robot anime “Gundam”, changes its form in Tokyo, Japan December 27, 2017. Picture taken December 27, 2017.

Anywhere is a parking space when you have this foldable ‘Transformer’ car

TOKYO - It’s incredibly ugly, very expensive, and not certified to run on public roads right now.

But the Earth-1, inspired by “Transformers” toys, is meant to help drivers park virtually anywhere.

We’re looking at a two-seater vehicle that folds into an even smaller vehicle that’ll fit into the tightest spaces. It’s like a scooter that somehow grows into a Smart car, and the designers want to make it a very

buyable reality.

Designed in Japan by Kunio Okawara, a designer known in the country for the Gundam robot anime, the Earth-1 car should be approved to run on roads by March.

The car costs as much as a high-end Lexus, at $70,000, but the price won’t necessarily drive buyers away. So far, the Four Link Systems company that’s building it accepted some 30 orders from clients in various markets, including Japan, China, and Dubai.

The company plans to make 300 cars a year for use in airports and in tourist spots around the world.

“We developed a vehicle which makes drivers feel as if they’re steering something that’s not a car,” President & Chief Executive Officer and Hiroomi Kinoshita said. “So we offered a robot-inspired shape and made people feel like they are operating a robot while driving. This what makes our car unique and enhances a sense of immersion with the vehicle.” (rtr)

DENPASAR — In 2018, the trade and construction business is predicted to grow. This happens because the implementation of IMFWB Annual Meeting in October 2018. However, the development projects have been implemented before.

An analyst of Bali Representative Office of Bank Indonesia, Umran Usman, explained the annual meeting will provide stimulus or encouragement for the development projects such as the construction of Ngurah Rai underpass with the budget of IDR 326 billion, the expansion of Ngurah Rai Airport apron worth IDR 1.34 trillion, including the addition of check-in counter, Benoa tourism harbor with IDR 1.7 trillion, the completion of the GWK statue worth IDR 450 billion as well as the completion of Suwung Landfill. Thus, the total infrastructure is estimated to cost IDR 5 trillion.

Some projects related to the meeting held next October have even been worked on since January.

With the implementation of some big projects, the construction sector will grow even higher. In addition, the trade will also grow because the project requires building materials supplied by traders, so that the trading sector will grow.

The growth of both business

sectors namely trade and construction will encourage the supply side, while in terms of demand there will be a drive by government consumption funded by the government budget both local government and central government.

“Land acquisition of the underpass uses the fund of Badung regional budget, while the construction uses the national budget and Benoa Harbor uses the budget of Pelindo 3. So, from the demand side, it will grow from the government consumption side,” he explained.

Along with the growing consumption of government, household consumption will grow as well because the provincial minimum wage (UMP) 2018 will rise as much as 8.71 percent. “It is higher than last year that rose 8.36 percent,” he added.

The UMP stimulus will also encourage the increase in household consumption. Since the people’s purchasing power is getting higher, the household consumption also increases. Moreover, the prediction of inflation in 2018 will range from three plus and minus one.

The declining interest rates of bank loan will remain to continue in 2018. This will have an impact on business optimism to make investment. (kmb42)

Robot DJ puts the tech into techno for Czech clubbers

REUTERS/David W Cerny

A robotic DJ plays music in Karlovy Lazne Music Club in Prague, Czech Republic December 17, 2017. Picture taken December 17, 2017.

PRAGUE - These days artificial intelligence is so advanced that robots trade shares, make restaurants suggestions and diagnose diseases. But can a robot get a dance floor jumping?

It is a question that Prague’s Karlovy Lazne Music Club has endeavoured to answer by employing a specially adapted former automotive industry robot as a DJ in the popular nightspot.

The robot is shaped like a giant arm capped with a pincer, and has shared deck duties at the club with its human programmer in an hourly rotation each night for the last three weeks.

“People are excited (about the robot), because they haven’t seen anything like this around Europe, and I am not sure if there is something similar in the world,” club manager Adam Lipsansky told Reuters.

The DJ robot was created after the club’s management challenged a robotics firm to the task.

Equipped with special software to help it choose songs and mounted on a stage above the club’s dance floor, the robot selects discs from nearby racks and puts them into one of three music players in front of it. It can scratch records and also dances.

While some clubbers told Reuters that they enjoyed the robot’s musical efforts, others remained unconvinced.

“I don’t like the robot,” said Marcia Lopes, 24, a tourist from Mexico. “It can’t feel what the people want to dance to. There is no emotion behind the music. When there is a real person, they know, what fun is like.” (rtr)

Since it was completely built, the area becomes a selfie venue for residents.

Mangrove Forest at Budeng draws people’s attention

NEGARA — Mangrove forest area at Budeng village, Jembrana, is visited by many residents lately, especially after being equipped with a wooden bridge along the 20 meters.

Since it was completely built, the area becomes a selfie venue for residents.

IBP/kmb

The construction of Ngurah Rai underpass with the budget of IDR 326 billion.

IBP/olo

As the information compiled, since last month many young people have come to the forest every day located close to the new Perancak Bridge. The visit especially happens on holidays like on Monday (Jan. 1). This wooden bridge is filled with young people as well as adults and their families.

“Coinciding with the New Year’s holiday, we make our time to come here to take selfie. Besides, the location is also close. We are curious as a lot of people upload their photos on Facebook. It is similar to the bridge in the mangrove forest of Benoa, but quite short and just a few meters long,” said Budiarta. He also regretted the mangrove forest expected to be shady trees only amount to a little and even newly planted.

“In the past, I read and saw that mangroves here are very bushy but they were cleared up for road construction. They were entirely backfilled. If from the beginning it had the concept of making the bridge like this, the mangrove is not necessary to be cleared up so the location will look more unique. Unfortunately the mangroves were just re-planted,” he said.

He hoped the mangrove forests in the region will not be cleared up again because they have become the lungs of the city.

In the meantime, the wooden bridge currently becoming a new tourist attraction in Jembrana is alleged to have been taken advantage for drinking site by young people at night. As evidence, in the mangrove area and the bridge are found many plastic sachets of Komix commonly used to mix their alcoholic drink.

“We hope this can be anticipated so that the location will not be used to do negative things whereas the development has good objective,” said Erdi, another visitor. He added the area is quite well developed as the location of coastal conservation. (kmb26)

2

Bali News

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

International

Bali Economic Outlook 2018

A glimmer of hope from the IMF-World Bank meeting

DENPASAR - Bali’s economy is experiencing trials after the volcanic activities of Mount Agung declared to be in level IV or warning alert status. Although it only happened in the fourth quarter of 2017, it still affects all the achievements of economic growth because tourism sector contributing approximately 55 percent to revenue has slumped due to this natural disaster.

This was revealed in the Reunion of HIPMI Bali entitled ‘Economic Outlook of Bali 2018’ at Shankara Resto, Sanur, Denpasar, on Friday (Dec. 29). A number of alumni from the Indonesia Association of Young Entrepreneurs (HIPMI) of Bali Chapter seemed present to give their opinion. It was begun with the exposure of the economic perspective of Bali throughout 2017 by the economist, Prof. Dr. I Wayan Ramantha.

According to Ramantha, Bali’s economic growth during 2017 is predicted to be in the range of 5.9-6.0 percent. Bali is quite helped by the growth in the third quarter reaching 6.22 percent, exceeding the first and second quarters in the range of 6.02 percent. Mount Agung eruption is an unpredictable disaster. Most importantly, Bali can keep doing economic activity in 2018.

“The growth conditions should be supported by equity and

stability,” he said. Ramantha added that geographical inequality between southern Bali with other parts of Bali has not been resolved until now. When seen from the Gini Ratio, it cannot be fixed as expected. Indeed, there is pessimism by seeing the possible impact of the decline of the tourism sector where the recovery can just be done in the second quarter of 2018.

“But there is also optimism if the growth can still be maintained for several reasons. Firstly, I am optimistic when Balinese people united and anticipated the possibility of the impact of the Mount Agung eruption in socially and economically,” he added.

The arrival of President Joko Widodo to Bali, Ramantha continued, became a great promotion for Bali tourism, chiefly in convincing foreign tourists that Bali is safe to be visited. The next optimism emerges due to certainty of the World Bank IMF meeting that will take place in Bali on October 8-14, 2018. To date, there are 17,000 participants or official envoys that have confirmed their presence, but when held in the United States, there were only 15,000 participants.

“I think this is a promotion for our tourism as there will be at least 22 heads of state, 189 central bank governors, 189 finance ministers including from developed countries. There is optimism that Bali’s economic growth in 2018 can still be achieved in the

IBP/net

range of 6-6.3 percent,” he explained.

Nevertheless, Ramantha reminded Bali to still advance other sectors such as agriculture and creative industries. He also appealed to strive for geographical and income balance among the community groups as well as to pay more attention and respect for the environment.

A member of the Central House of Representatives, Gde Sumarjaya Linggih, aka Demer, said that condition of Indonesia is actually almost similar to the United States. It has a remarkable domestic market mostly filled with imported goods. US President, Donald Trump, even created slogans American First,

By American and Higher American. It means they are removing globalization previously echoed.

“In fact, they lost in competition everywhere due to being less effective and less efficient. Though previously wanted to become a market leader, now they return to state interest or the interests of the country,” he said.

In essence, continued Demer, it is how to build a nation, love domestic products and hire domestic workforce. In Indonesia, this requires better regulation in terms of superstructure. Then, it requires a leader who becomes the main locomotive for the economy and people’s welfare. The leader should not just buzz the terms and becomes spectator in our own country without a good solution or regulation.

“Now, America is even charging 40 percent of import duties to Chinese products. Nevertheless, their domestic industry and their SME industry grow, so they can compete in the domestic market that nearly reaches 300 million,” he explained.

An agricultural practitioner, Prof. Dr. Nyoman Suparta, said that Bali’s economic growth rate has always been higher than the national average. It means though Bali has small region can have an amazing ability. Moreover, it is able to export various agricultural products to overseas. Though tourism sector experiences rapid progress, it has had little impact on agriculture. In contrast to Thailand, from the beginning the agricultural sector has been designed to be in line with the advancement of tourism.

“Bali’s agricultural products are sufficient for their own needs. Rice is never imported, even it reaches surplus. Bali cattle, cloves, coffee and vanilla are all exported, although they are in small number. However, if checked into the tourism sector, is there a lot of local products used by hotels?” he asked.

Suparta added that hotels in Bali actually use more imported products. So in reality, the synergy of agriculture and tourism has not yet been materialized. Once traced, there is no regulation that supports the realization of the synergy. Actually, this unsymmetrical relationship between both sectors can threaten the future economy. “Later, many young people will not want to pursue agriculture because the work is hard and the results are small. Actually if people really want to work on the farm, the results are quite large,” he explained.

Chairman of HIPMI Bali, Dr. I Gusti Nyoman Darmaputra, said that Bali should develop a potential sector other than tourism considering the Island of the Gods currently faces the challenge of Mount Agung eruption. His association will encourage the government to create regulations that can support local entrepreneurs in Bali such as through recommendations formulated from the results of this meeting.

“For example, fishery is one of the sectors that can be developed. Besides, there are agriculture, banking, exports, creative industries, and digital economy. HIPMI will try to encourage local regulations that can support it. Then, the government should do de-globalization, namely the spirit to love local products,” he explained. (kmb32)

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International

Activities

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

15

Mövenpick Resort & Spa Jimbaran Bali showcases Indonesia’s wellness heritage at new Arkipela Spa

Mövenpick Resort & Spa Jimbaran Bali has unveiled its new Arkipela Spa, a blissful sanctuary of wellness that showcases Indonesia’s rich wellness heritage. Arkipela Spa weaves age-old recipes and customs handed down from generation to generation to create experiences that leave guests feeling refreshed, revitalised and re-energised. Blending the ancient wisdom of Indonesian wellness with traditional herbal ingredients, the spa reflects the true spirit of the archipelago.

Arkipela Spa celebrated its grand opening on 2October 2017 and is now open to both in-house guests and outside customers. It can be easily accessed via the Samasta Lifestyle Village, the Balinese-inspired retail mall located adjacent to the resort and Mövenpick Café.

Created by Hadi Prana, the Indonesian design studio, Arkipela Spa features nine tranquil treatment rooms, a sauna and a selection of shiatsu massage rooms. A hair salon will be added at a later date.

“We are delighted to unveil our beautiful Arkipela Spa, providing yet another opportunity for our guests to unwind and soak up the exquisite culture of Bali and the Indonesian archipelago,” said Horst Walther-Jones, General Manager,Mövenpick Resort & Spa Jimbaran Bali.

“With our perfect location close to Jimbaran Bay, contemporary Balinese design and authentic ambience, Mövenpick Resort & Spa Jimbaran Bali has always aimed to connect guests with the island’s heart and soul. Natural wellness treatments have been practised in Indonesia for centuries and the new Arkipela Spa will allow guests to experience these ancient arts in a luxurious and stylish setting.”

Signature treatments draw inspiration and wisdom from all

corners of Indonesia. From Lombok, a traditional “Sasak Massage” incorporates long strokes, stretching, acupressure and aromatherapy to release deep-set tension, while “Oukup Martup” is an ancient Sumatran herbal steam therapy; “Pijat Urat” is a classical Balinese treatment that revives spiritual energy; and Java’s “Ginger Kerokan Treatment” uses local ginger and massage techniques to improve circulation and boost the immune system.

Arkipela Spa has also created a series of wellness journeys. The 90-120 minute “Buatanku Apothecary Experience” uses a blend of seasonal elements and traditional therapies to rebalance the body and mind. This sublime signature experience can be tailored to the specific needs of each guest. Alternatively, the 180 minute “Arkipela Signature Experience” is an intuitive treatment that combines a serene signature massage, body treatment and natural facial to restore balance to the body and leave guests feeling light and revitalised.

Guests seeking corporeal cleansing and renewal can select from a series of body scrubs and wraps that harness the spiritual intelligence of the Indonesian islands. These include the “Kaluku Body Glow” from Sulawesi, “Java Slimming Treatment”, and “Black Borneo Lulur” from Kalimantan. Finally, a choice of facial treatments embrace natural, organic, local ingredients and techniques to leave guests’ complexions feeling smoother and their skin looking radiant.

Arkipela Spa complements the wealth of recreational facilities already offered by Mövenpick Resort & Spa Jimbaran Bali owned by PT Summarecon Agung Tbk, including a fitness centre, yoga classes and an amazing lagoon-style swimming pool that winds through the resort and features its own beach.

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Wednesday, January 3, 2018

Tamil film star to enter politics in India’s “Detroit”

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

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

NEW DELHI - A big star of India’s Tamil-language movies, Rajinikanth, said on Sunday he is launching a political party, adding drama to a heated political scene in a state with a history of film stars becoming chief ministers.

REUTERS/Babu/File Photo

Fans of south Indian film star Rajinikanth pour milk as an offering over his cut-out on the release date of his new movie “Endhiran” (Robot) in the southern Indian city of Chennai, India, October 1, 2010.

Tamil Nadu, which accounts for the bulk of India’s automobile exports, has been in political limbo since the death of Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa in December 2016.

Jayalalithaa was a popular actress before joining politics.

Rajinikanth, called the “superstar” by his fans, enters the political scene at a time Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s party is looking to make inroads into the southern state that’s been ruled by two south Indian parties for decades.

Over the past five decades, Tamil Nadu has chosen between the two Dravidian parties, both of which claim anti-caste social justice and secularism as their core ideology.

Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) did not win a seat in Tamil

Nadu’s 2016 elections. The next state election is due in 2021.

“I’ll push for spiritual politics without caste or religious leanings,” Rajinikanth said. “If I come to power and am not able to deliver in three years, I’ll resign. Democracy is in a state of distress in the state.”

In Tamil cinema, Rajinikanth often plays larger-than-life characters that project him as a saviour of the masses. The actor, who has been in a few Hindi movies, has created a frenzy among fans ahead of every release.

But opponents say politics would be different.

Subramanian Swamy, a BJP leader, dismissed Rajinikanth’s plunge into politics as “media hype”. (rtr)

Star Wars: The Last Jedi’ Holds Off ‘Jumanji’ on New Year’s Weekend LOS ANGELES - In a battle of box office heavyweights, Luke Skywalker just managed to hold off Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as the world rang in another year.

D i s n e y a n d L u c a s F i l m ’s “”Star Wars: The Last Jedi” retained first place for the fourday New Year’s holiday weekend despite steep competition from Sony’s “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle.” “Last Jedi” picked up an estimated $68.4 million, bringing its domestic haul to $533.1 million.

Don’t weep for “Jumanji,” however. The fantasy reboot, which finds Johnson, Jack Black, and Kevin Hart transported into a video game world, has outper-

formed expectations, picking up a lordly $66.5 million over the holiday weekend. It now has a hefty $185.7 million domestic gross and should continue to draw crowds in 2018. The “Jumanji” sequel has also done well internationally, racking up $350 million worldwide, and has provided a much-needed hit for a studio that has struggled to keep pace with the Disney’s and Warner Bros.’s of the world. Sony claims the film has a $90 million budget. Those alleged production costs have raised eyebrows around town as to their veracity given the film’s Hawaii location and starry cast, but regardless of creative accounting and aggressive spinning, the result is impressive. A sequel

seems preordained.

“Star Wars: The Last Jedi” closed 2017 as the year’s highestgrossing release and the seventh highest-grossing domestic movie of all time with $517.1 million. It will bypass its fellow franchisee “Rogue One” at some point on New Year’s Day to take the seventh spot on the stateside charts and has already blown past the $1 billion mark globally. The film carries a $200 million price tag, and has generated controversy for a series of creative decisions by director and writer Rian Johnson that have, depending on your perspective, either infused new energy into decades-old series or deviated dangerously from the Jedi canon. (rtr)

Opponents of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani hold a protest outside the Iranian embassy in west London, December 31, 2017.

REUTERS/Eddie Keogh

REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni

Cast member Dwayne Johnson and Lauren Hashian pose at the premiere for “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” in Los Angeles, California, U.S., December 11, 2017.

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Iranian crackdown intensifies after police posts attacked

LONDON - Police have arrested more than 450 protesters in the Iranian capital Tehran over the past three days, the deputy provincial governor said on Tuesday, as a crackdown intensified against anti-government demonstrations that began last week. Protesters also attacked police stations elsewhere in Iran late into the night on Monday, news agency and social media reports said.

One member of the security forces was reported killed on Monday, bringing to at least 14 the death toll stemming from the boldest challenge to Iran’s clerical leadership since unrest in

2009. Musa Ghazanfarabadi, head of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court, warned protesters on Tuesday that those arrested would face harsh punishment.

The semi-official ILNA news

agency quoted Ali Asghar Naserbakht, the deputy governor of Tehran province, as saying that 200 people were arrested on Saturday in Tehran, 150 people on Sunday and about 100 people

on Monday.

Hundreds of others have been arrested in other cities, according to agency reports and social media. Naserbakht said the situation in Tehran was under control and police has not asked for the help of the Revolutionary Guards special forces. Mehr news agency also quoted a judiciary official as saying that several ringleaders of protests in Karaj, the fourth

largest city in Iran, have been arrested.

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.