Edition Monday, December 3, 2018 | International Bali Post

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Monday, December 3, 2018

Ariana Grande: Manchester attack ‘seems impossible to fully recover from’ LOS ANGELES - Ariana Grande has described the Manchester Arena terror attack as something “that seems impossible to fully recover from”.

The singer had just finished performing in the city for her Dangerous Woman world tour in May 2017 when suicide bomber Salman Abedi detonated an explosive device in the arena foyer, killing 22 people and injuring hundreds of others.

Grande, 25, was physically unharmed in the attack but suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder afterwards.

In the fourth episode of her docu-series, Ariana Grande: Dangerous Woman Diaries, the star shares a letter about the attack.

The letter says: “I’m writing to you this February 22, 2018. It’s been eight months since the attack at our show at the Manchester Arena. It’s impossible to know where to start or to know what to say about this part. May 22, 2017, will leave me speechless and filled with questions for the rest of my life.

“Music is an escape. Music is the safest thing I’ve ever known.

Music - pop music, stan culture - is something that brings people together, introduces them to some of their best friends, and makes them feel like they can be themselves. It is comfort. It is fun. It is expression.

It is happiness. It is the last thing that would ever harm someone. It is safe. (IBP/net)

Monday, December 3, 2018

YOSHIKAZU TSUNO / AFP

In this file photo taken on July 28, 2013 US film stars Brad Pitt (R) and Angelina Jolie (C), accompanied by their children, arrive at Haneda International Airport in Tokyo.

Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie reach child custody agreement

LOS ANGELES - Hollywood superstars Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have reached an amicable agreement on the custody of their six children, avoiding a potentially messy public trial, US media reported on Friday.

Ariana Grande

IBP/net

Pitt and Jolie announced their separation in September 2016 after two years of marriage and 11 years together.

Three of their children are their biological children, and the other three are adopted.

“A custody arrangement was agreed two weeks ago, and has been signed by both parties and the judge,” Jolie’s lawyer, Sa-

mantha Bley DeJean, said in a statement carried by several US celebrity news outlets including TMZ. “The agreement, which is based on the recommendations of the child custody evaluator, eliminates the need for a trial,” she said.

The couple had been set for a trial on December 4 -- the deal means they will not battle in court.

Jolie originally wanted to have sole custody of the children, while Pitt asked for shared custody.

The terms of the agreement are confidential, DeJean said.

The couple is still working out the details of their divorce, with the distribution of assets reportedly proving especially thorny. Jolie and Pitt did not have a prenuptial agreement. (afp)

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Abdulmonam EASSA / AFP

Protesters hold a French flag near a burning barricade during a protest of Yellow vests (Gilets jaunes) against rising oil prices and living costs, on December 1, 2018 in Paris.

Macron to hold crisis meeting after anti-government riots

French President Emmanuel Macron is to hold a crisis meeting on Sunday after anti-government protests in Paris that left 133 people injured and a trail of destruction around the capital.

Macron is set to fly into Paris late morning after attending a G20 summit in Argentina and will meet the prime minister, interior minister and top security service officials at the presidential palace.

New figures released from the Paris police service showed that 412 people were arrested on Saturday during the worst clashes for years in the capital and 378 were still in custody.

A total of 133 had been injured, including 23 members of the security forces who battled rioters for most of the day in some of the most famous parts of the capital.

“I will never accept violence,” Macron told a news conference in

Buenos Aires before flying home.

“No cause justifies that authorities are attacked, that businesses are plundered, that passers-by or journalists are threatened or that the Arc du Triomphe is defiled,” he said.

In a fresh incident on Sunday morning, a motorway pay booth was set on fire by arsonists in southern France near the city of Narbonne, a judicial source told AFP. The main north-south motorway in eastern France, the A6, was also blocked by protesters near the city of Lyon on Sunday morning, its operator said.

The capital was calm, however, but as groups of workers moved

around cleaning up the mess from the previous day, the scale of the destruction became clear.

In famed areas around the Champs-Elysees, the Louvre palace, the Opera or Place Vendome, smashed shop windows, broken glass and the occasional burned out car were testament to the violence.

Dozens of cars were torched by the gangs of rioters, some of whom wore gas masks and ski goggles to lessen the effects of tear gas which was fired continually by police.

One person was in a critical condition after protesters pulled down one of the huge iron gates of the Tuileries garden facing the Louvre museum, crushing several people.

Nearly 190 fires were put out and six buildings were set alight,

the interior ministry said. At the Arc de Triomphe, a monument to France’s war dead, graffiti had been daubed, saying: “The yellow vests will win.”

-- What response? This was a reference to the so-called “yellow vest” anti-government protests that have swept France over the last fortnight, sparked initially by a rise in taxes on diesel.

The movement has since morphed into a broad opposition front to Macron, a 40-year-old probusiness centrist elected in May 2017.

Violent anarchist and far-right groups have since infiltrated it and are thought to be behind Saturday’s clashes.

Macron faces a dilemma in

how to respond to the “yellow vests”, not least because they are a grassroots movement with no formal leaders and a wide range of demands.

Some representatives have also insisted on public talks broadcast on TV. “We have said that we won’t change course. Because the course is good,” government spokesman Benjamin Griveaux told BFM television defiantly on Sunday morning.

Continued to page 6

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Monday, December 3, 2018

Bali News

International

Rejang Renteng Dance staged at Legian Kelod

MANGUPURA - Hundreds of PKK housewives from the Legian Kelod neighborhood thronged along the Legian road while performing a joint Rejang Dance on Saturday (Dec. 1).

Not only local residents, there were also foreigners who participated in the dance held in a series of ritual inauguration of kulkul or wooden split drum tower of Legian Kelod. During the procession, a number of residents were touched when enthroning Ida Betara Kulkul.

According to the Committee Chairperson, Wayan Puspa Negara, Pemelaspasan and enthroning the deities on the kulkul or wooden split drum’s tower was started with a mass Rejang Dance performed by 220 PKK housewives and the participation of business people at Legian Kelod. He said it serves as a procession believed to strengthen the unity of residents at the Legian Kelod. “With the refunctioning of the kulkul after the restoration process since May 16, it is hoped to become a means of communication for the community in various dimensions.”

“This gives a meaning that we give the highest appreciation to the unity of society at Legian Kelod. With the enthroning of Ida Bathara Kulkul, this serves as the spirit and strength of our unity at Legian Kelod having been united in single entity,” he said.

Puspa Negara added the height of the bale kulkul reaches 13.9 meters and costs IDR 750 million from the assistance of the regent of Badung. Other than during the renovation, there was also an overhaul to the front face of the meeting hall spending a total of IDR 1.2 billion.

“Other than getting from government assistance, the budget is also from people’s donation SONNY TUMBELAKA / AFP in and participation of business actors around Balinese women perform the Rejang traditional dance during a cultural ceremony in Legian, near Kuta on Indonesia’s the neighborhood of Legian Kelod,” he said. resort island of Bali on December 1, 2018. (kmb23)

Post-blocking, residents agree with decision of Kempinski Bali MANGUPURA - Following the blocking of the gates of The Apurva Kempinski Bali located at Peminge village, South Kuta, by residents on Friday (Nov. 30), a mediation meeting was held on Saturday (Dec. 1). Present at the meeting were representatives of the hotel management, chief of Peminge customary village, representatives of citizens, community leaders as well as the Indonesian Military (TNI) and National Police (Polri).

At the meeting, the Peminge villagers agreed with the hotel decision.

Met after the mediation, Danti Yuliandari as Director of Market-

ing of The Apurva Kempinski Bali said that results of the meeting are very positive. Besides, according to her, the results are very beneficial for both parties, namely the hotel and the community. Representing the hotel management, she claimed to be very happy to work with the community to jointly build at the Kempinski Bali. In addition, both parties also agreed to build better relationship in the future.

According to her, through the meeting, local residents will be prioritized to be able to work together and commit to assisting village organizations. Several pro-

grams have been announced. One of them is joint activity to be done with local residents. “We are very excited to be able to work with local residents,” she said.

Regarding the expected workforce as much as 30 percent of local residents, she said, for now what can be said is not in the form of percentage.

However, she emphasized to support the villagers for village development and growth with their citizens.

Meanwhile, the South Kuta community leader who is also Chairperson of Commission II at the Badung House of Representatives, Wayan Luwir Wiana, who was pres-

ent at the mediation meeting, said that results of the meeting are very accepted by the community. Admittedly, the meeting also attended by hotel and village officials was indeed very difficult at first. Finally, it can be accepted with good cooperation. For employee recruitment, it is already running according to the people’s demand, namely 30 percent has been fulfilled.

He said that from the planned recruitment of 400 people, 30 percent of which or 120 local are local residents. So far, a total of 83 local residents have been recruited by the hotel, the remaining 37 people will

be made an agreement. “Actually the recruitment has not reached 400 people. At present, there are only 310 people,” he said.

It has been agreed upon in the meeting, so the community had accepted. All parties already mutually shook hands. Previously, there was a lack of communication, so that people spontaneously blocked the hotel gates. “On behalf of the people’s representatives, we’d like to express a lot of gratitude.

However, there was just indeed miscommunication. Just now the limestone was already removed,” he added. (kmb23)

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International

Activities

Monday, December 3, 2018

15

Exclusive Balinese Cultural Activities at The Ritz-Carlton Club

The Ritz-Carlton, Bali introduces an exclusive array of culture-based activities for its Club Level guests as part of the club benefits, adding to myriad benefits already experienced at this best family resort in Bali. The newly introduced cultural activities give a genuine insight into the unique, artistic ceremonial traditions that imbue life on the island of the Gods.

“Bali is famous for its rich cultural heritage and our discerning guests are always looking for exclusive experience while staying at the resort.

As part of the benefits, Club guests can now join in the exclusive daily activities offered in the comfort of the elegant Club Lounge, and immerse themselves in the fascinating culture of the island,” says General Manager, Karim Tayach.

At one of the best resort in Bali, daily activities in the Club Lounge include learning the fragrant craft of making Canang Sari – flower offerings that act as an expression of gratitude and praise to the Gods. Canang means small square-shaped coconut leaf basket, while sari means essence and refers to the flower petals that fill it. Guests can also learn to make more elaborate temple offerings, known as Gebogan – elaborate towers of fruit and sweets that women carry on their heads in colorful processions that wind through the streets. Bali is often called the ‘island of a thousand temples’, and the fascinating Temple Tour leads guests to the resort’s own tranquil temple where a local guide explains the significance and symbolism of temples as places of Hindu worship. In the Fruit Carving workshop, edible art is created using exotic tropical fruits such as watermelon, pineapple and cantaloupe. While Janur Creation is also on offer, an art form similar to origami that uses yellow ribbon-like coconut leaves to create shapes and forms for ceremonial ornamentation across the island.

Additional luxuries enjoyed at Club Level at The Ritz-Carlton, Bali, include access to the private Club pool and five gourmet food services per day served in the elegant club restaurant – including gourmet breakfast with a choice of a la carte and buffet, light buffet lunch, traditional high tea and evening cocktails and canapés. A personalized Check-in, check-out service at the Club lounge and complimentary laundry service are also offered.

To learn more about cultural activities and the benefits of elevating to Club Level view the video here, join the conversation on social media using #RCMemories, or please contact rc.dpssw.reservation@ritzcarlton.com.

Upgrade your stay with club access at IDR 1,400,000 plus 21% tax and service charge per person per day.

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Monday, December 3, 2018

Traveling

International

Bali News

International

Chicago at Christmas – what is there to see and do

Chicago Skydeck

I’m in my own personal snow globe. I’m 1,353ft up at Skydeck, atop Willis Tower, what for a quarter of a century was the world’s tallest building. I’m also 4ft out from the side in a glass box, The Ledge, in the middle of a cloud and it’s snowing a storm.

Winter here in Chicago is a wonderland. When the cloud parts I can see white dappled skyscraper roofs and a wealth of twinkling Christmas lights, the chilly waters of lake Michigan

stretching into the distance.

The Christkindlmarket

And they do Christmas properly here. The Christkindlmarket on Daley Plaza is a frenzy of gluwein drinking, pretzel eating and ornament buying, a world of wooden huts that would do Europe proud. In fact it’s run in conjunction with Nuremburg whose market dates back to the 16th century; this one has been

Garuda Indonesia serves Jakarta-Nagoya route vice versa

CENGKARENG — In line with the commitment to expanding the international aviation network implemented by the company, on March 23, 2019, Garuda Indonesia plans to open a flight route for Jakarta - Nagoya vice versa. This route will be served four times per week, namely Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The Magnificent Mile

Museum of Science and Industry

At the Museum of Science and Industry (proud owner of a captured German U-boat) a four-storey tree sits inside the vast building, with 50-plus trees highlighting cultures from around the world – the Philippines gets coconut and bamboo while England is crowns, photos of the royals and, mistakenly, Union Jacks.

Four Seasons hotel

Christmas is everywhere, not least the elegant Four Seasons hotel (with the city’s highest rooms, on the 46th floor), sitting above Bloomingdale’s department store and the other shops of 900 North Michigan, a posh mall which has its own tree-lighting spectacular with wine and fizz, and where brand new Aster Hall gives the food courts a private members’ club air with 16 boutique offerings serving local produce, from seafood to hotdogs, smoked meats to chocolate.

Chicago shopping and restaurants

Near the banks of the Chicago River, department store Macy’s, with its grandiose Tiffany’s ceiling, is an exquisite place to shop at any time of year but in winter the Walnut Room, a magnificent dining hall dating from 1905, the country’s first department store restaurant, is a treat. Its 45ft tree towers over the Great Tree Buffet (running into January), where for $25.95 (about £20) I can tuck into as much lobster bisque, cider-glazed turkey (and much more) as I want.

There are plenty more warming treats – dinners at everywhere from the dark, sophisticated steakhouse and jazz haunt the Tortoise Supper Club to the deep, crusty pie-like pizzas at Lou Malnati’s to a bundle of blues clubs, not least Kingston Mines, a half-century old and still casual and fun with live bands on two stages seven nights a week, often until 5am. (IBP/net)

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Effective March 2019

ho-ho-hoing for nearly a quarter of a century and you’ll even find German stallholders.

The previous evening Christmas was up and running with the official lighting, amid a crowd of thousands, of the city Christmas tree in Millennium Park, a 60-footer, donated by one of dozens of families who contest the right to have their own tree chopped down to cheer the city. The ceremony was hosted by Miguel Cervantes, star of the city’s production of the musical Hamilton, and involved Cozi Zuehlsdorff, star of Disney’s new Freaky Friday TV movie, alongside mayor Rahm Emanuel, once a bigwig in Bill Clinton’s presidential team. Nearby there’s jollity as crowds in mittens and mufflers tackle the Maggie Daley Ice Skating Ribbon, an oval track running through the trees.

Next night is even more Christmassy with thousands lining Michigan Avenue, known as the Magnificent Mile for its extravagant shops, for an hour-long parade involving those massive floating balloon characters, the biggest school bands you’ve ever seen, dozens of floats and, of course Santa. It ends with trees along the mile erupting into light before the skyscrapers act as a mirror backdrop to a firework spectacular.

Monday, December 3, 2018

IBP/kmb

After the explosion of the water pipe belonging to (PDAM) located on Jalan Uluwatu, the water supply to Ungasan and Pecatu areas began to get disrupted.

Due to pipe explosion

Clean water supply to Ungasan and Pecatu disrupted

MANGUPURA — After the explosion of the water pipe belonging to the Tirta Mangutama Municipal Waterworks (PDAM) located on Jalan Uluwatu on Tuesday (Nov. 27), the water supply to Ungasan and Pecatu areas began to get disrupted. Moreover, residents complained about this condition.

According to Chief of Pecatu customary village, Made Sumerta, when confirmed on Wednesday (Nov. 28) said that lately the Ungasan to Pecatu area indeed gets very minimal water supply from the PDAM. Moreover, the condition is increasingly severe because the water supply stops following the damage caused by the exploding pipe. “All this time the water is crisis condition. Moreover, after the pipeline exploded, many people complained because the supply of clean water stops,” he concluded.

Nevertheless, Sumerta admitted that commencement of rainy season is surely very helpful especially for people who still have rainwater cistern. But for people that do not have rainwater storage, surely it will be difficult to accommodate water. Those living in housing complex with a narrow land will definitely find it difficult to place water storage.

For this reason, related to this condition, he hoped the PDAM to quickly anticipate the request.

Meanwhile, he also hoped the help of clean water needs by the opera-

tion of tank truck. “This must be dealt with immediately,” he said.

Managing Director of PDAM Tirta Mangutama, Ketut Golak, when confirmed separately, claimed to have repaired the exploded pipes due to the incident of the water hammer. He said the repair had been completed at 02:00 last Wednesday by the PDAM’s technical team. “We have finished making improvements to the water hammer incident. Currently, it is in the process of water compaction, which of course requires a process and takes time,” said Golak.

Meanwhile, during the compaction process, it will still serve the community with tank trucks. The pipe experiencing the water hammer, said Golak, measures 600 mm.

It is quite large, so that it certainly takes time to normalize the water supply back to the community. A total of 200 customers potentially experience the disruption due to the incident. “We serve the community for free with four units of tank trucks provided,” he said.

He admitted the water hammer incident indeed cannot be predicted. Such condition can happen instantly because it is a disaster.

“Such incident happened when the water from Ungasan was pumped up, while the water had not yet reached its peak. So, with such high topography, the water dropped again because of the pump had short circuit,” he added. (kmb23)

The Jakarta-Nagoya vice versa flight route services are planned to be operated using a dual class Airbus A330 fleet consisting of economy and business flight classes.

President Director of Garuda Indonesia, Ari Askhara, revealed the introduction of the Jakarta -- Nagoya international flight route vice versa is part of the commitment to developing Garuda Indonesia’s international flight network especially through developing flight capacity and fleet utilization on prospective flight routes.

“Flight services on this route are also a positive measure for the company in maintaining the growing market share of the Japan-Indonesia aviation sector, which

is increasingly promising. The number of foreign tourist arrivals from Japan to Indonesia shows a significant increase especially to a number of major tourist destinations in Indonesia, one of which is Jakarta as the largest economic center in Indonesia,” explained Ari on Wednesday (Nov. 27).

Nagoya which is the capital of Aichi Prefecture is a very potential market share for Garuda, especially business and tourist passengers.

“We hope the opening of this direct flight route will further strengthen good relations of both countries, especially in improving economic, trade and tourism relations between the two countries,” he added.

Aichi Prefecture is known as one

of the busiest industrial and manufacturing cities in Japan. Therefore, Garuda is optimistic that opening Jakarta-Nagoya direct services can support the endeavor to accelerate the pace of business climate and economic potential between the two countries.

He continued that Japan is one of the most important market shares for Garuda Indonesia. For more than 50 years, Garuda Indonesia has showed its support for strong bilateral relations between Indonesia and Japan. With the opening of this service, passengers are expected to be able to enjoy more choices of flights and destinations to Japan and Indonesia and vice versa. (kmb42)

Garuda Indonesia plans to open a flight route for Jakarta - Nagoya vice versa.

IBP/kmb

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Bali News

Monday, December 3, 2018

International

Monday, December 3, 2018

International

Pejaten ceramic crafts

Pablo Escobar’s dark legacy refuses to die 25 years on

Lacking of order from foreign tourists in 2018

PEJATEN village is not only famous for its roof tile crafts but also its ceramic crafts. In addition to the domestic market, the ceramic products of Pejaten have drawn the interest of foreign tourists coming on vacation to Bali. Unfortunately, in 2018, the demand for ceramics from foreign tourists declined. This has caused the sales of ceramics of Pejaten posing a domestic craft currently to be only focused on the domestic market.

One of the ceramics craftsmen, Asiani, a resident of Panesan hamlet, Pejaten, when met at the Maria Building exhibition on Wednesday (Nov. 28) stated there are usually many tourists coming directly to their place to buy ceramics. Asiani has Wisula ceramics brand that makes incense stick holder, candle holder to water jug of various sizes. ’’Most foreign tourists usually come to buy aromatherapy and kettles,” she said.

Aside from for self-usage, tourists usually order or buy a lot for resale in their home country. “There are indeed orders for resale in their country of origin,” said Asiani. But she admitted, this year there are no more orders or foreign tourists coming to buy ceramics directly. So now, Asiani only meets domestic demand.

Asiani acknowledged having deep desire to export ceramic products she produces. However, due to limited capital, she sets aside this desire. “The capital is large.

Besides, it must also be prepared with good quality and reliable

workforce. I do this only with my husband and relatives. It’s a domestic craft industry,” she said.

In making this ceramic craft, continued Asiani, her family obtains clay raw material from Java.

According to her, the raw materials in Tabanan actually still exist but the price is much more expensive than the clay from Java. In Java, she purchases at IDR 2,500 per kilogram, while in Tabanan the selling price is IDR 3,000 per kilogram.

Every three months, Asiani buys 50 sacks of clay from Java with a total price of IDR 5 million.

The types of ceramics she makes are mostly adjusted to the market demand because she currently only focuses on domestic market. Her products are mostly incense holder to the water jugs for holy water.

Besides, she also produces other crafts such as candle holder, kettles, plates and glasses. The price offered varies where the cheapest is IDR 10,000 to IDR 200,000. Every month, Asiani claimed to be able to get a turnover of IDR 5 million. (kmb24)

Tiziana FABI / AFP

A picture taken on November 28, 2018 shows the Pisa Tower in Pisa. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is now stable and has even straightened slightly thanks to engineering work to save the world-renowned tourist attraction, experts said on November 21, 2018.

IBP/kmb24

the ceramic products of Pejaten have drawn the interest of foreign tourists coming on vacation to Bali.

Bank customers’ car breaker rushed to hospital

Hundreds of millions spent for nightlife

DENPASAR - The arrest of a burglar gang specializing to target bank customers was carried out by a joint team of the Mobile Detective Unit and IT from the Bali Police

Andi Fairan

IBP/kmb

General Criminal Investigation Directorate on Tuesday (Nov. 27). The suspects Ilham Wahli Saputra, 28, and Muhammad Alpian, 20, known as the Palembang group and acting across the province were arrested at Astina Square, Gianyar. From the action, the perpetrators got hundreds of millions of rupiahs in cash and were spent at nightlife delights.

When invited to show off the crime scene, both perpetrators resisted and police were forced to shoot their legs. After that, both perpetrators were rushed to Bhayangkara Hospital Denpasar on Jalan Trijata, East Denpasar. “They have been in action since two months ago,” the source said on Wednesday (Nov. 28).

So far, police have difficulty tracking the perpetrators’ residence because Ilham is staying at boarding house on Jalan Kebo Iwa Gang Kebo Ireng I, Denpasar, while Alpian on Jalan Muding, North Kuta. It is meant to make police difficult to trace their hiding place. “The current mode of criminals is like that. They don’t live together,” said

the source.

Meanwhile, according to the Director of the Bali Police General Criminal Investigation Unit, Andi Fairan, the perpetrators came to the bank to transfer money from the proceeds of their crime. At that time, they were monitoring the bank customers that made cash withdrawals. “The perpetrators continued to monitor the bank customers to put their money in the car,” he said.

When the victim left the bank, the perpetrators followed him. “When the victim is negligent, for example, eating in a stall or somewhere and leaving money in the car, it’s time for the perpetrators to take action,” said Commissioner Andi.

The perpetrators took action by damaging the hole of the car door using bolts. After the car door can be opened, the perpetrators took out the victim’s money. “There are only four reports, namely at the crime scene in Blahbatuh, Seririt, Singaraja and Banjar, Buleleng,” he said.

After being arrested at the Astina Square in Gianyar at 14:00, Ilham from Palembang

and Alpian from Jakarta confessed that on October 8, 2018 he took IDR 40 million on Jalan Raya Wenalu, Blahbatuh, Gianyar; on October 16 took IDR 414 million on Jalan Mayong, Seririt, Buleleng; on November 13 took IDR 50 million in the Cahaya Baru, Penarukan, Buleleng and on November 26 took from a shop as much as IDR 35 million in the Banjar Sekar area, Banjar subdistrict, Buleleng. Meanwhile, on November 22, they took IDR 40 million in NTB regional police jurisdiction.

“Based on the reports we’ve already received, the victims are Putu Lantik Wijaya from Jembrana, Putu Sumiasa from Busungbiu and Made Maliasa from Sawan, Penglatan, Buleleng,” said Andi.

Regarding the disclosure of this case, said Andi, his members are still developing, especially the number of crime scenes. “The disclosure of this case is related to the Great Social Disease Operation that we are carrying out at the moment. After this operation ends, we will release all of them,” he added. (kmb36)

13

How engineers are straightening the Leaning Tower of Pisa

PISA - “It’s still straightening,” said engineer Roberto Cela, gazing at the Leaning Tower of Pisa gleaming in the autumn sunshine of northern Italy. “And many years will have to pass before it stops.”

The gravitationally-challenged landmark is leaning less after years of ambitious engineering work.

Fortunately for the millions of tourists who come here every year, the 57-metre (186-feet) tower remains beautifully askance.

The medieval bell tower, a symbol of the power of the maritime republic of Pisa in the Middle Ages, has leaned to one side ever since building started in 1173 on ground that proved a little too soft. The tower was closed to the public in January 1990 for 11 years over safety fears, as its tilt reached 4.5 meters (15 feet) from the vertical, threatening to turn it into a pile of rubble.

“We installed a number of tubes underground, on the side that the Tower leans away from,” said Cela, technical director at the OPA, which looks after Pisa’s main monuments.

“We removed soil by drilling very carefully. Thanks to this system, we recovered half a degree of lean,” he said. Michele Jamiolkowski, an engineer of Polish origin who adopted Italian nationality, coordinated an

international committee to rescue the landmark between 1993 and 2001. Engineering lecturer Nunziante Squeglia of Pisa University, who works with the Surveillance Group that was set up after the rescue work, has been studying and measuring the tower for 25 years.

He says that the tower straightened by 41 centimetres (16 inches) until 2001, and another four centimetres since then.

- Still mysterious To understand how the 14,500tonne building is moving, measurements are made as often as once an hour, some automatically using pendulums, some manually using a surveyor’s optical level.

“The tower tends to deform and reduce its lean in the summer, when it’s hot, because the tower leans to the south, so its southern side is warmed, and the stone expands. And by expanding, the tower straightens,” said Squeglia.

He explains that there are three pendulums, one dating back to 1935,

when systematic measurements began, although annual measurements began as far back as 1911.

“The tower was much more mysterious when I arrived, it wasn’t clear why it was leaning, and increasingly leaning,” said Squeglia.

“It is a building that has been extensively studied for over 100 years but there are still so many things to know,” he said, including the remains of what looks like a domed roof inside the tower that is still unexplained.

Meanwhile, Cela predicted that the tower “will never be completely straight”. “When they were building it, there were attempts to straighten it (by adding stone on one side), so it has a slight banana shape.”

Singaporean tourist Alvin, who like many visitors is taking photos of friends ‘holding up’ the tower in the background, said he didn’t know about the decreased lean.

“Oh I didn’t notice, is it because like everyone’s pushing against it?” he said, promising to try to push the tower back if it straightens too much. (afp)

MEDELLIN - Twenty-five years after he was gunned down by police, Pablo Escobar’s legacy refuses to die in Medellin, the Colombian city where he ran his cocaine empire with a mix of brutality and largesse.

Even as city officials prepare to demolish the bunker-like mansion where the late drug lord lived, in the neighborhood that bears his name residents who live in homes he built for them are planning heartfelt tributes to mark Sunday’s anniversary.

Escobar was killed in a rooftop shootout in Medellin on December 2, 1993 -- one day after his 44th birthday, and five months after he appeared on Forbes magazine’s list of the world’s richest people for the seventh straight time.

His eight-story mansion, the Monaco, a symbol of the decadent opulence of the Colombian mafia in the 1980s and 90s, has fallen into disrepair in the years since his death.

Its battered frame still bears the scars of Colombia’s first car bombing, in 1988, the start of a bloody war between the country’s rival cartels.

The hulking white building is slated to be demolished in February, in a public implosion complete with stands for viewers to watch.

“The Monaco has become an anti-symbol, in a place where some people are outspoken defenders of crime and terrorism,” says Manuel Villa, the city hall secretary who will perform the official countdown to the detonation.

“We don’t want any more children saying they want to be Pablo Escobar when they grow up.”

The mansion, a top tourist attraction in Medellin’s upscale El Poblado neighborhood, will be replaced by a public park dedicated to the thousands of people killed in Colombia by “narcoterrorism” -- the no-holds-barred war the cartels waged on each other and the state in the 1980s and ‘90s.

The park will cost an estimated $2.5 million. Renovating and reinforcing the crumbling mansion would have cost $11 million, according to the city.

“It will be painful” to tear it down, says Villa, “but it’s the only way we can heal our wounds.”

- Deep divide Colombian society remains deeply divided over the legacy of Escobar and other drug barons.

Angela Zuluaga is one of those who wants to wipe out the country’s lingering “narco culture.”

She was an unborn baby in her mother’s womb when Escobar hitmen assassinated her father, a judge, for issuing an arrest warrant against their boss. Her mother was wounded in the October 1986 attack.

“Creating a space to remember the victims means having a space where we attempt to symbolically compensate those of us who have suffered from the scourge of narcoterrorism,” she says.

According to Medellin officials, Colombia’s drug violence killed 46,612 people from 1983 to 1994. (afp)

Raul ARBOLEDA / AFP

View of souvenirs with the image of the late Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar for sale in a hairdresser’s at Pablo Escobar neighborhood, on November 28, 2018, in Medellin, Colombia. December 2 marks the 25th anniversary of Escobar’s death.

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International

Monday, December 3, 2018

BUSINESS US economy grew at brisk 3.5 pct. annual rate last quarter

WASHINGTON - The U.S. economy expanded at a solid 3.5 percent annual rate in the July-September quarter, led by lower but still strong consumer spending and more business investment than previously estimated.

The Commerce Department’s figure for gross domestic product, released Wednesday, was the same as its first estimate last month. GDP is the broadest measure of the nation’s output of goods and services and covers everything from homebuilding to haircuts. Greater corporate investment offset downward revisions in spending by state and local governments and consumers.

The third quarter figure follows a robust expansion of 4.2 percent in the April-June quarter.

Six months of healthy growth have put the U.S. economy on track to expand in 2018 at its fastest pace in 13 years. Still, economists forecast that growth will slow in the fourth quarter and decelerate further next year.

Borrowing costs are headed higher as the Federal Reserve raises short-term interest rates.

That has lifted mortgage rates and weighed on home and auto sales. The Trump administration’s trade fights have also raised uncertainty for many companies and may cause them to delay investments. And the boost to consumer spending from last year’s tax cuts is likely to fade by next year.

The Trump administration has imposed tariffs on about half the goods that the United States imports from China, and has threatened to impose tariffs on the rest. That would raise prices on billions of dollars of consumer goods, including smartphones, tablets, toys and shoes.

“A trade war remains the biggest downside risk to near-term growth,” said Gus Faucher, chief economist at PNC. Economists at JPMorgan Chase forecast that growth will slow to 2.5 percent in the fourth quarter and 2.2 percent in the first three months

AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, File

In this Jan. 30, 2018, file photo a rubber tire gantry moves into position to transfer shipping containers at the Georgia Ports Authority’s Port of Savannah in Savannah, Ga. On Wednesday, Nov. 28, the Commerce Department issues the final estimate of how the U.S. economy performed in the July-September quarter. of 2019.

Even so, growth is on pace to top 3 percent this year for the first time since 2005. Consumer confidence is near 18-year highs, and the unemployment rate is at a nearly five-decade low of 3.7 percent.

Consumers lifted their spending 3.6 percent at an annual rate in the third quarter, a solid pace but down from the government’s first estimate of 4 percent. State and local governments spent just 2 percent, down from the previous estimate of 3.2 percent.

Those declines were offset by greater business investment: Companies spent more on equipment and did not cut back nearly as much on their spending on buildings as initially estimated. Businesses also spent more to stockpile goods on store shelves and in warehouses.

The inventory building occurred as businesses stepped up their efforts to import more goods before January, when U.S. tariffs on $200 billion of imports from China are expected to jump to 25 percent, from 10 percent.

Imports surged 9.2 percent in the third

quarter as companies sought to get ahead of the increased tariffs. Trump has also threatened to slap import taxes on car.

Exports fell 4.4 percent as more U.S. goods are facing retaliatory tariffs abroad. Exports of U.S. soybeans had jumped in the second quarter in advance of a large tariff increase imposed by China, a key market for U.S. soybeans. Those exports fell back in the third quarter.

The drop in exports and increase in imports in the third quarter meant that international trade cut into growth by the most since 1985.(ap)

Pakistan’s currency plunges again as country seeks IMF loan ISLAMABAD - Pakistan’s currency has plunged further as the country is mired in a financial crisis and seeking an $8 billion bailout package from the International

A Pakistani money changer counts US dollar bills in Islamabad, Pakistan, Friday, Nov. 30, 2018.

Monetary Fund.

The Pakistani rupee traded at 142 to the dollar on Friday, a decline from 133.90 rupees to $1 at close of business the previous day.

Analyst Mohammad Suhail says it’s a clear indication the government has no option but to accept IMF conditions for the bailout — the “bitter pill” required to tackle

significant economic challenges such as high fiscal and current account deficits, and low growth and foreign exchange reserves.

He says the rupee has plunged 15 percent since parliamentary elections in July and 36 percent over the past year.

IMF and Pakistan held a week of negotiations in Islamabad earlier this month. (ap)

Bali News

International

Monday, December 3, 2018

5

Come on, Explore Uniqueness of Ubud Village by Bicycle

Once upon a time, try to travel in Ubud village by cycling. The atmosphere must be different. Other than having exercise, you can also enjoy cultural attractions of the local community up close. Moreover, you can interact with them. Indeed, between Ubud and cycling activities are two inseparable things.

Although there is a variety of transportation means at this tourism village, cycling remains an option for tourists wishing to explore the enjoyable tourist area. So, don’t be surprised if most accommodations provide bicycle facility for tourists desiring to enjoy the local countryside. Alam Puisi Villa Ubud at Sembuwuk village, for instance, also offers this facility.

General Manager of Alam Puisi Villa Ubud, Budiarta, said that cycling is one of the very popular activities among foreign tourists traveling to Ubud. This activity is in great demand. Since the Ubud area is identical to cycling, the tourist accommodation should provide bicycle. “This bicycle can be used by tourists wishing to look around the villa,” he said.

In addition, the Alam Puisi Villa Ubud also has a cycling route, consisting of long track that starts from Ubud to Kintamani and medium track only located around Ubud while enjoying the local natural beauty. “This cycling track is the most in demand by tourists in Ubud,” said Budiarta.

Cycling trails in the Ubud area are very easy to pass through. On this route, tourists are introduced to traditional agrarian activities posing the main livelihood of Ubud peo-

ple. However, tourists will also be introduced to several other cultural activities. Cycling paths have been adjusted and combined with natural and cultural pathways.

As the advantages of this track, tourists can enjoy the true natural beauty of Bali and cultural activities because they will be invited to stop by for a moment where the elements of Balinese culture are still maintained. Ubud as one of the cultural centers in Bali also become a concern of guests. Moreover, each

side of Ubud has many uniqueness that can be enjoyed by tourists.

The terrain traversed by tourists is quite interesting, starting from the snaking contours of the road passing through the rice fields, reeds in the hill area of ??Campuhan, Ubud, to the area owned by local residents and many other beautiful sceneries that can be explored. For package of long route, tourists cycle from Ubud to Kintamani with several choices, one of which is cycling

from Puncak Penulisan, Sukawana village, Kintamani.

This track invites tourists to look around the mountains through the eastern path by crossing forest, seeing mountain views, rural environment and then crossing the mountains behind Mount Batur with the overlay of Mount Batur view. For cycling in Kintamani, the tour will end at Toya Bungkah village located right at the foot of Mount Batur and close to Lake Batur. (kmb)

Penting Traditional Musical Instrument

Ancient Art of Karangasem from Dutch Colonial Period

Bali is indeed a unique and interesting region because they still maintain their cultural heritage along with traditions and customs.

In fact, there are still many Balinese traditions need to be developed or minimally promoted in order not to become extinct and are no longer recognizable.

Thus, it must be attempted to revive so that they can be recognized again by the community. It is very unfortunate if the culture disappears from their society, so finding and revitalizing cultural heritages having been approaching extinction can also increase the cultural wealth belonging to Balinese people and surely it will have an impact on cultural tourism in Bali.

In general, the Balinese culture having not been recognized by Balinese people is very diverse. One of them is in the form of typical musical instrument of Karangasem.

It is known as penting musical instrument.

According to A.A. Gede Krisna Dwipayana, a penting craftsman and troupe member of Merdu Komala Karangasem, it is based on the strings stretched from the tip to the base of the tool when picked will produce maklenting sound, so that it is better named as penting.

Furthermore, he said that similar musical instrument can also be found in Lombok named penteng.

Then, in Banjarmasin it is named as anting, while in Japan it is known as Taishogoto. Nevertheless, he said that such penting musical instrument indeed originates from Bali precisely in Karangasem because the name of the parts uses Balinese vocabularies. In addition to the strings called pentang, there is also a resonance box that must have a hollow (pelawah) and special keys to produce tones known as pakocet. Besides, there are canten

and pangiret as parts of the string regulator.

“After I searched for information and consulted to several higher priests having close relations to Karangasem palace, it turns out that penting art has emerged along with the art of cekepung, rebana and rudat in Karangasem. Moreover, during the Dutch colonial period, this kind of art was once staged in an art event called Ngeraja Kuning or similar to the current Bali Arts Festival (BAF) held to honor the Dutch King at that time,” he said.

Furthermore, he said that condition of this art is unstable or facing ups and downs. After being observed, design of the tool and components are very simple. Then, he concluded that young generation is less interested to play it because it is designed like a box and still gives old-fashioned impression. Actually according to him, this art is unique and has the potential to become

a typical art of Karangasem like jegog in Jembrana district.

Chief of Merdu Komala Penting art troupe of Karangasem, Wayan Widana, said that based on stories of his elders, before 1963 the musical instrument was rampant and trendy but faded after the eruption of Mount Agung. After that, it reappeared and dimmed in 1965 due to the Communist 30 September Movement (G30S/PKI) in Bali.

Then, it re-emerged but in the 1990s faded again as a result of the development of new entertainment media such as radio and TV so that people feel reluctant to learn it and many senior figures already died.

Finally in the 2000s the penting art began to rise again marked by the establishment of this penting art troupe.

Widana further added that initially this penting musical instrument only used slendro musical scale. After further development,

it finally becomes like the current one where it applies pelog scale and even seven-tone scale.

Uniqueness and advantages of this instrument, according to him, is rich in tone and having many patet (tonal hierarchical system) so that it can be used to accompany various types of gamelan music such as pegongan, angklungan, pejogedan, sadur and selonding. Moreover, it can also be used to accompany modern pop songs including national songs as it can also follow the seven tones.

“So, do not be surprised if this instrument is often played in Panca Yadnya rituals and its gamelan composition will be adjusted to the designation of the play, whether it is Dewa Yadnya, Pitra Yadnya, Manusa Yadnya, Rishi Yadnya or Bhuta Yadnya because this instrument is flexible and can be categorized into Panca Gita as well,” said Wayan Widana. (kmb)

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Monday, December 3, 2018

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RLD

America mourns George H.W. Bush, dead at 94

COLLEGE STATION - Flags flew at half-staff across the United States on Saturday as Americans prepared for a week of solemn tributes to George H.W. Bush, in his home state of Texas and in the US Capitol, a day after the former president died aged 94.

Tributes poured in from world leaders in memory of the 41st US president, who guided America through the end of the Cold War and launched the international campaign to drive Iraqi strongman Saddam Hussein’s forces from Kuwait.

Many of those same leaders are expected to attend Bush’s state funeral next week, alongside President Donald Trump and his wife Melania. Trump was notably absent from the funerals of the statesman’s late wife Barbara, and of veteran fellow Republican John McCain.

Although the two Republican presidents were in many ways polar opposites -- the soft-spoken, patrician Bush reportedly once dismissed the blustering New Yorker as a “blowhard” and even voted for his rival Hillary Clinton -- Trump paid the late leader a gracious tribute, saying he had “inspired generations of his fellow Americans to public service.”

“His accomplishments were great from beginning to end,” Trump tweeted.

Declaring a national day of mourning for December 5 -- when the federal government and New York Stock Exchange will close in Bush’s honor -- Trump also

signaled his respect by calling off a press conference planned at the G20 summit in Buenos Aires.

The days-long national farewell to Bush will begin Monday with a commemoration in Houston, where the Bushes lived for years and where he died on Friday surrounded by friends and family.

From there, Bush’s casket will travel to Washington on board Trump’s presidential aircraft -- in what the US leader called “a special tribute that he deserves very much.”

The former president will lie in state in the US Capitol between Monday and Wednesday ahead of a state funeral at the towering National Cathedral, expected to draw dozens of dignitaries from around the world.

Bush’s remains will travel back to Texas late Wednesday, where he will lie in repose at St Martin’s Episcopal Church in Houston with a funeral service the next day preceding his internment at the George Bush Presidential Library in College Station. He will make his final journey aboard a funeral train.

At the presidential library on Saturday, people came to sign the memorial book in Bush’s honor, or lay flowers at the feet of his statue.

“We wanted to come here and

Scott Olson/Getty Images/AFP

Visitors sign a guest book at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library Center on December 1, 2018 in College Station, Texas. Bush, who died on November 30, will be buried next to his wife Barbara at the library on Thursday.

International

at least respect senior George Bush because he was a great president, and a great human being,” said Bhoumin Mehta, a well-wisher from Sugar Land, southwest of Houston.

- ‘Grace, civility and social conscience’ -

Bush was a decorated World War II pilot, diplomat and onetime CIA chief who saw his son George follow in his footsteps to the Oval Office -- making them only the second father-son duo in American presidential history, after John and John Quincy Adams.

From former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev to current heads of state, leaders praised Bush both for his strength and his moderation, as well as the commitment to internationalism typified by his assembling of a global coalition to oust Iraqi invaders from Kuwait in 1991.

The oldest surviving former US president Jimmy Carter said Bush’s administration “was marked by grace, civility and social conscience.”

Britain took the rare step of lowering flags in government buildings, while Germany’s President Frank-Walter Steinmeier praised Bush’s “unwavering support” for the country’s reunification.”

Gorbachev called him “a true partner” in winding down the Cold War. French President Emmanuel Macron mourned the loss of a leader who “strongly supported the alliance with Europe” -- drawing an unspoken contrast to Trump’s frequent criticisms of the Old Continent.

Suffering from Parkinson’s disease, Bush had been wheelchairbound and in failing health. He is survived by his five living children and 17 grandchildren.

According to Bush’s longtime friend, the former secretary of state James Baker, quoted by The New York Times, Bush’s final words were to the younger George, who was put on the speaker phone to say goodbye, to tell him he had been a “wonderful dad” and that he loved him. “I love you, too,” Bush replied. (afp)

Macron...

From page 1

“It’s been thirty years that people change course every 18 months,” he added, referring to Macron’s presidential predecessors who have often caved in to pressure from French street protests.

Macron has so far refused to roll back taxes on fuel, which he says are needed to fund the country’s transition to a low-emission economy.

And he remains a fervent defender of the tax cuts he has delivered for businesses and highearners, which he believes were necessary to lower the country’s chronic high unemployment.

“We’re at a time when a bit of national unity around our security forces, around those who are really struggling would be a good thing for the country,” Griveaux added.

- Change in style -

After the traditional swearing-in ceremony, Lopez Obrador climbed in his white Volkswagen Jetta -- his car of choice -- and headed to Mexico City’s central square, the Zocalo,

Monday, December 3, 2018

11

- State of emergency? -

An estimated 75,000 demonstrators, most of them peaceful, were counted across the country on Saturday, the interior ministry said.

The number was well below the first day of protests on November 17, which attracted around 282,000 people, and also down from the 106,000 who turned out last Saturday. Interior Minister Castaner attributed the violence to “specialists in sowing conflict, specialists in destruction”.

He did not rule out imposing a state of emergency -- a demand made by the police union Alliance -- declaring: “Nothing is taboo for me. I am prepared to examine everything.”

Two people have died and dozens have been injured in the rallies, which opinion polls suggest still attract the support of two out of three French people. (afp)

Leftist Lopez Obrador sworn in as Mexico’s new president

MEXICO CITY - Anti-establishment leftist Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador vowed a “deep and radical” change in Mexico as he assumed the country’s presidency Saturday, five months after winning a landslide election victory.

The leader, widely known by his initials as “AMLO,” took the oath of office and donned the presidential sash before Congress -- where the coalition led by the upstart party he founded four years ago, Morena, now has strong majorities in both houses.

Ending 89 years of government by the same two parties, Lopez Obrador surged to victory in the July 1 elections promising a new approach to issues fueling widespread outrage: crime, poverty and corruption.

But not everyone is persuaded: critics say the sharp-tongued, silverhaired leader has a radical and authoritarian streak. And despite his promises of business-friendly policies, Mexican stocks and the peso have plunged in recent weeks.

That did not stop Lopez Obrador, 65, from doubling down on his promise of a sweeping “transformation” as he started his six-year term.

“It might seem pretentious or exaggerated to say it, but today is not just the start of a new government.

It is the start of a political regime change,” he said, the presidential sash newly draped over his dark suit and burgundy tie.

“We will carry out a peaceful and orderly but also deep and radical transformation.”

International

for a colorful second ceremony of his own design.

There, indigenous shamans purified him with incense and flowers, and presented him with a symbolic chieftain’s staff.

“I reaffirm my commitment not to lie, rob or betray the Mexican people,” he said, clutching the long wooden staff.

Jose Angel Mejia, 38, was among the tens of thousands of people who gathered to fete the new president.

“It’s a historic day, I still can’t believe it,” he said, raising his eight-year-old son’s arm in the air in celebration.

“We’re going to have a change at last.”

The new president inherits a sticky set of problems from his unpopular predecessor, Enrique Pena Nieto.

They include deeply entrenched corruption, gruesome violence fueled by the war on drug cartels, and the caravan of 6,000 Central American migrants camped at the US-Mexican border -- not to mention the minefield that diplomacy with Mexico’s giant northern neighbor has become under President Donald Trump.

Lopez Obrador, a former protest leader and Mexico City mayor, has been short on specifics regarding his plans for all of the above.

What he is promising, first and foremost, is a presidency like no other in Mexican history.

Vowing to lead his anti-corruption, pro-austerity drive by example, he has forsworn the presidential residence, jet and security detail, and cut his own salary by 60 percent.

In a sign of the times, the sumptuous presidential residence, Los Pinos, was opened to the public Saturday as a cultural center. (afp)

Indonesian island clean-up nets 40 tons of rubbish daily

Residents on a string of coral-fringed islands off Jakarta’s coast are battling a tidal wave of trash, with more than 40 tons of rubbish collected daily over the past week, an official said.

Indonesian authorities have deployed an army of staff and a fleet of boats to help clear rubbish-infested shorelines and surrounding waters, underscoring the Southeast Asian archipelago’s mammoth marine waste problem.

It is the world’s second biggest contributor to marine debris after China, producing about 1.29 million metric tons annually.

This week’s clean-up operation is centred on an area known as the Thousand Islands, a popular day trip from the traffic-clogged capital.

Residents of one island have reported dead turtles in the area, although Yusen Hardiman, head of the region’s environment department, said it was not yet clear if it was a result of ingesting rubbish.

A sperm whale was found dead last week in a marine park off Sulawesi island with 115 plastic cups and 25 plastic bags in its stomach.

Indonesia’s marine waste problem has become so bad that officials last year declared a “garbage emergency” after a stretch of coast in Bali was swamped with rubbish.

Some 264 sanitation officers are involved in the ongoing clean-up of the Thousand Islands, while 13 boats regularly patrol trashchoked areas of the archipelago with another 10 set to be added to the fleet next year.

Most of the rubbish clogging the chain of islands is from elsewhere, flushed into the ocean by bulging rivers or swirling currents during the monsoon season, Hardiman said in a statement late Thursday.

Indonesia, an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands, has pledged to reduce marine plastic waste by 70 percent by 2025.

But poor waste-processing infrastructure and low awareness among its 260 million inhabitants prove major obstacles. (afp)

DASRIL ROSZANDI / AFP

In this picture taken on March 17, 2018 workers clear up garbage piling up in Jakarta Bay area as part of the earliest local government combat against waste on its waters. Residents living on a string of coral-fringed islands to the north of Jakarta’s coast are battling a tidal wave of trash, with more than 40 tons of rubbish picked up daily over the past week.

West Papuans demand independence at Indonesia rally

SURABAYA — About 300 West Papuan demonstrators calling for independence for the restive Indonesian region faced off with counterprotesters Saturday in the country’s second-largest city.

The demonstrators in Surabaya chanted “Freedom Papua” and held banners demanding a referendum for independence to mark Dec. 1, which many West Papuans consider the anniversary of what they say should have been their independence.

“We are demanding the truth of

our history,” a speaker shouted at the crowd at the rally, which was organized by the Papua Students Alliance. “Referendum for independence is the right solution for the people of Papua.”

The crowd, including many wearing headbands with the morning star flag as a separatist group symbol, was blocked from marching to the city center by scores of counterprotesters from several youth organizations in Surabaya, the capital of East Java province.

Some confronted the pro-indepen-

dence protesters with sharpened bamboos.

“You may rally to voice your aspiration, but don’t bring the separatist issue,” said a speaker from the rival group. “Papua is a part of Indonesia forever, and we are willing to die to defend the unitary state of Indonesia.”

Members of the two camps pushed each other, but several hundred anti-riot police prevented the two groups from clashing, said East Java police spokesman Frans Barung Mangera.

The protest ended after about two hours. No one was detained by police, Mangera said.

The Free Papua Movement, a separatist group in Indonesia’s restive Papua province, declared independence from Dutch rule on Dec. 1, 1961. That was rejected by the Dutch and later by Indonesia.

Papua, a former Dutch colony in the western part of New Guinea, was incorporated into Indonesia in 1969 after a U.N.-sponsored ballot that was seen as a sham by many.

A small, poorly armed separatist group has been battling for independence since then.

For years, a low-level insurgency has plagued the mineral-rich region, which is ethnically and culturally distinct from much of Indonesia.

Indonesia’s government, which for decades had a policy of sending Javanese and other Indonesians to settle in Papua, is now also trying to spur economic development to dampen the separatist movement. (ap)

10

Destination

Monday, December 3, 2018

International

Monday, December 3, 2018

International

Pistons beat Warriors to win fifth straight, Raptors roll on

Batuan Temple Bali Old Balinese Temple near Ubud GIANYAR - Batuan Temple is a secret Hindu temple set in the center of Batuan Village as a shrine for local people to worship to the god. Nowadays, this temple is become one of Bali Places of Interest where many tourists visit this temple everyday. It is strategically located beside of the main road from Denpasar City to Ubud or just 25 minutes to the south way from Ubud Village.

It is a local village temple and a part of three major temples in a village that is called Tri Khayangan.

Batuan Temple is also called Pura Desa beautifully designed with Balinese architecture and antique Balinese ornaments decorate entire temple building including the entrance gate. This temple is also featured by the three areas includes Nista Mandala (outside area) Madya Mandala (Middle area) and Utama Mandala (Main temple area).

As usual other Tree Khayangan Temples in Bali, Batuan Temple is used to worship to the god for the

villagers of Batuan. This temple ceremony is gradually conducted every six month according to the Balinese calendar where entire local people will come to this temple to worship to the god.

Batuan Temple, referred to locally as ‘Pura Puseh lan Pura Desa Adat Batuan’, is a focal landmark in the namesake village of Batuan, wellknown for its traditional Balinese arts and paintings. Within only a 10km transfer south from Ubud central, the site features a grand complex of shrines laid out within its 0.65Ha complex. Well preserved sandstone bas motifs and well-preserved traditional Balinese temple architecture are its main draws. This 11th century temple faces a separate large communal hall from where most visitors start their visit. When there’s no major temple ceremony on, which otherwise occupies this space with towering fruit and flower offerings, it is filled with local artists and craftsmen displaying their latest work, from batiks to framed paintings and

statuettes. With a compulsory sash and cloth around your waist, you can cross over the road to enter the main temple grounds.

Up the five-tiered ‘candi bentar’ gate of Batuan Temple, you’ll come across various reliefs depicting mythical Balinese figures and floral themes, as well as statues depicting the Hindu trinity, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva further inside. A series of multi-tiered thatched-roof shrines within the temple’s inner courtyard are set in a layout that is typical of all large temple complexes in Bali. The temple pavilion’s wooden beams and ceilings are heavily engraved and gold gilded. A visit to any temple in Bali is best during their celebrations. If your visit to Batuan Temple doesn’t coincide with any ‘piodalan’ anniversary, you may also check out the village’s daily barong dance shows, occasionally featuring other traditional Balinese dance performances at a purpose-built stage nearby.

(IBP/net)

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Deontay Wilder punches Tyson Fury in the ninth round fighting to a draw during the WBC Heavyweight Champioinship at Staples Center on December 1, 2018 in Los Angeles, California.

Wilder, Fury battle to draw in heavyweight thriller

LOS ANGELES - Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury battled to a controversial split-decision draw in their WBC heavyweight title showdown Saturday, triggering immediate demands from both camps for a rematch.

Wilder, who retains his WBC belt after 12 rounds of pulsating action, had Fury on the canvas twice at the Staples Center in Los Angeles but was unable to deliver the knockout he had promised his fans. The three judges were divided on the outcome, with one scoring it 115-111 for Wilder, another 114-112 for Fury and the third 113-113.

But while the scoring drew criticism, with many arguing that Fury had done enough to win, there was a marked absence of animosity after the bout. Instead, the main talking point from a thrilling contest was Fury’s miraculous recovery after being knocked down by Wilder in the 12th round.

The 30-year-old Briton, who had boxed skillfully to frustrate and outpoint the aggressive but inaccurate Wilder, looked to have finally been beaten when the American champion uncorked a savage right-left combination that sent him sprawling to the floor.

Wilder celebrated as if he had

won and members of his entourage moved to climb into the ring, only to stare in disbelief as Fury somehow cleared his head and got to his feet.

“I really thought I had him out of there,” Wilder said afterwards.

“I saw the eyes in his head rolling, I saw the ref checking on him and I thought, ‘It’s over’. I don’t know how he got up,” the 33-yearold added.

Fury, who won the unified world title from Wladimir Klitschko in 2015 only to lose his belts as he battled depression, alcohol and drug problems, was equally baffled.

“I don’t know,” Fury said. “I had a holy hand upon me tonight and brought me back. I’ve got good fighting spirit.”

- ‘We’re both warriors’ While both men felt they had done enough to win the fight, both accepted the result.

“I’m not going to sit here and complain, and scream robbery or whatever,” Fury said. “I thought I

won the fight. I’ll leave the audience to make up their mind.”

Wilder, who also had Fury on the deck in the ninth round, was adamant he had won.

“I think with the two knockdowns I definitely won the fight,” said Wilder afterwards. “We poured our hearts out tonight. We’re both warriors, but with those two drops, I think I won the fight.”

Wilder, who remains unbeaten after 41 fights, immediately called for a rematch.

“I would love for it to be my next fight,” Wilder said. “Let’s give the fans what they want to see. It was a great fight and let’s do it again.”

Fury also said he hopes to arrange a rematch.

“One hundred percent we’ll do the rematch,” Fury said.

“We are two great champions.

Me and this man are the two best heavyweights on the planet,” added Fury, who exited his press conference after leading a rousing chorus of Don McLean’s classic “American Pie.” (afp)

LOS ANGELES - Blake Griffin scored 26 points as the Detroit Pistons spoiled the return of Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry by beating the two-time defending NBA champions, 111-102, on Saturday.

Andre Drummond finished with 16 points and 19 rebounds for Detroit as the Pistons stretched their winning streak to five games.

“That’s obviously a great win,” Griffin said. “You could tell by the crowd and the atmosphere tonight that we were facing a big team, and we protected our home floor.”

Curry missed 11 games with a groin problem. He shot 10 of 21 and drained three of nine from beyond the arc to finish with 27 points. But he started out rusty, missing his first three shots, all three-point attempts.

Curry said it might take some time to get back into the flow of the Warriors offense.

“I just didn’t have the right timing, wasn’t seeing the rim that well.

The second half was better and I am sure that will carry over each game,” Curry said.

Kevin Durant scored 28 points and Klay Thompson added 21 in the losing effort for Golden State.

The Warriors couldn’t overcome Detroit’s dominance on the offensive boards, with just eight offensive rebounds compared to 14 for Detroit.

A half dozen Pistons finished in double figures. Detroit have now won two consecutive games over Golden State -- after losing 12 or their previous 13.

The Pistons built an 11-point lead in the second quarter and led 54-46 at the half.

- Best start ever In Cleveland, Raptors star Kawhi Leonard scored 34 points as Toronto overcame the absence of all-star guard Kyle Lowry and beat the strug-

gling Cavaliers, 106-95.

“I feel great. The coaching staff has done a good job of making me feel comfortable out there,” said Leonard, who joined the Raptors this season via a trade from the San Antonio Spurs.

“It is great just to be able to play basketball again and do something that I enjoy, added Leonard, who only played nine games last season for the Spurs due to a quadriceps injury.

Lowry, who leads the NBA in assists, was a late scratch, missing his first game of the season with a back injury. The Raptors did not provide any details about his condition.

Fred VanVleet also scored 15 points for Toronto, who won their eighth consecutive contest and improved to a league best 20-4 record.

They are 10-2 on the road.

The Raptors have reached the 20-win mark quicker than any other team in franchise history.

VanVleet, who started in place of Lowry, drained consecutive clutch three-pointers with just over two minutes left in the fourth to pad the Raptors lead to 10 points.

Jordan Clarkson and Tristan Thompson each scored 18 points for Cleveland, who lost their fourth in a row and dropped to 4-18 overall.

Cleveland got George Hill back after the starting guard missed 11 games with a sprained right shoulder, but he only delivered eight points.

Elsewhere, Emmanuel Mudiay scored 28 points and rookie Kevin Knox tallied a career-high 26 as the visiting New York Knicks outlasted the high-flying Milwaukee Bucks in overtime, 136-134.

Damyean Dotson and Tim Hardaway Jr added 21 points each, and Noah Vonleh contributed 15 points for the Knicks, who snapped a twogame losing skid. (afp)

Copyright 2018 NBAE Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images/AFP

Andre Drummond #0 showers Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons with water after the game against the Golden State Warriors on December 1, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan.

8

Monday, December 3, 2018

Monday, December 3, 2018

Madrid back to winning ways under Solari after Valencia victory

Real Madrid’s revival under Santiago Solari appears to be Benzema’s ambitious volley sailed back on track after they moved up to fifth in La Liga with a 2-0 win just wide.

Madrid had made much the better over Valencia on Saturday.

An own-goal from Valencia’s Daniel Wass gave Madrid an early lead before Lucas Vazquez added a late second to wrap up their sixth win in seven games under their new coach.

The 3-0 thrashing by Eibar last weekend, in Solari’s first official game in charge, had placed the depth of the recovery in doubt but this was another assured display to back up an impressive Champions League win over Roma in midweek.

“We did not play well against Eibar but we were good in Rome, and we were really good today,” Solari said.

Madrid move two points behind Barcelona and only three adrift of leaders Sevilla, albeit with both still to play on Sunday. Valencia stay 13th.

Marcelino’s side, attempting a comeback of sorts themselves after a poor start to the season, offered disappointingly little, save for a 20-minute spell at the start of the second half.

“We deserved to equalise,” Marcelino said. “For a long time in the second half we were better than Real Madrid.”

Otherwise, their opponents controlled the contest and while Gareth Bale’s league drought stretched to 10 games, his longest ever, the Welsh-

man played a lead role in an energetic performance before coming off in the second half.

He appeared to signal some discomfort with his right thigh when sitting on the bench, with Solari confirming afterwards that Bale had “felt a problem”.

The Santiago Bernabeu was almost packed out, eight days before Boca Juniors and River Plate are due to play here in the postponed second leg of the Copa Libertadores final.

With La Liga still pushing for Barcelona’s game against Girona to be staged in Miami, there was perhaps something to be savoured in two Spanish teams, in a Spanish competition, playing in a Spanish stadium.

Isco is one of Spain’s primary talents but is still to be picked in a starting line-up by Solari.

This was the midfielder’s seventh consecutive game out of the side and while he came on to cheers, 10 minutes with Madrid already ahead were only crumbs for comfort.

Bale seemed more pinned to the left wing than he has been for a long time and he rolled back the years with a straight run down the line before whipping in an early cross. Karim

start and in the eighth minute, took the lead.

Wass headed into his own net but Dani Carvajal led the celebrations. He kept the ball alive before rummaging past Gabriel Paulista and Jose Gaya.

The flicked cross gave Wass too little time to react.

Valencia made hardly any impact on the half, pressed and harried into submission. Neto skewed a clearance under pressure but then made up for his error by denying Bale from close range.

Fortunate only to be one behind, Valencia improved after the break. Santi Mina blazed over with only Thibaut Courtois to beat. Gaya’s cutback was slightly misplaced. Paulista volleyed over on the stretch from three yards.

Bale was replaced by Marco Asensio, who should have given Madrid breathing space but his finish was blocked by Ezequiel Garay.

Isco came off the bench in the 80th minute and played a part in the second goal. The excellent Carvajal was again the instigator, setting off on a barnstorming break forward before exchanging with Isco and crossing.

In the rush, Benzema did well to pick out Vazquez, who poked home to complete a convincing win. (afp)

Euro 2020 draw offers unique incentive for 12 host nations

The eyes of European football on Sunday turn to Dublin for the Euro 2020 qualifying draw with 12 nations handed the extra incentive of home advantage should they make it to the 24-team tournament in two years time for the first time.

Amsterdam, Baku, Bilbao, Bucharest, Budapest, Copenhagen, Dublin, Glasgow, London, Munich, Rome and Saint Petersburg are the 12 cities that will host matches across the continent to celebrate the 60th anniversary since the first European Championships.

The draw in the Irish capital (1100GMT) will see UEFA’s 55 nations split into 10 groups with the top two in each section making up the first 20 teams to qualify.

However, a maximum of two of the hosts nations can be paired together in each group to give all 12 the chance of experiencing a home tournament with a guarantee of at least two home games in the group stages.

England stand to gain most from home advantage with both semi-finals and the final, as well as three group games and a last 16 tie set to be played at Wembley.

The Three Lions have enjoyed arguably their best year since winning the World Cup on home soil in 1966 as Gareth Southgate’s side reached the semi-finals of the World Cup in Russia and then beat Spain and Croatia to reach the inaugural finals of the Nations League next summer.

Southgate is well aware of the extra inspiration of playing in a major tournament at home as he was part of the England side that reached the semi-finals at Euro ‘96.

“What the players are going to experience is close to what we experienced in 1996 and in ‘66. That’s incredible for everybody,” said the England manager.

The Wembley factor could be key to ending England’s half century without winning a major tournament with Southgate’s exciting young squad having re-energised a nation’s support.

“I think the most pleasing thing of the year has been the connection with the fans and being able to share brilliant experiences with them,” added Southgate after exacting some measure of revenge for defeat to Croatia in the World Cup semi-finals in a thrilling Nations League group finale earlier this month.

“I can’t remember the new Wembley like that. We have exciting players that give them excitement.”

England, Switzerland, Portugal and the Netherlands are guaranteed to end up in a five-team group to free them up from qualifiers for the Nations League finals in June.

Ronaldo caps dominant win as Juve move 11 points clear

Cristiano Ronaldo converted a penalty to cap a dominant 3-0 win for Juventus over Fiorentina on Saturday as the Italian champions continued their charge to an eighth consecutive league title by opening an 11-point lead on top of Serie A. Ronaldo slotted in his 10th goal from 14 league games from the spot after 79 minutes, to add to Rodrigo Bentancur’s opener after half an hour in Tuscany with captain Giorgio Chiellini volleying in after 69 minutes.

The Portuguese star was substituted just afterwards for the first time this season after receiving a yellow card, spending the last 10 minutes on the bench.

“Great team effort. Important win,” the five-time Ballon d’Or winner wrote on social media after the game.

Massimiliano Allegri’s side have 40 points from 14 games with second-place Napoli on 29 points before they host Atalanta on Monday.

It was Juventus’ fifth consecutive win in the championship and 13th in 14 games, as they have won all their away games, with just one home draw against Genoa.

“This is a squad of great champions, great talents, but above all of great men,” said Allegri.

“Technique alone is not enough, you need humility ... you need players who are open to chasing opponents down, of working for their teammates.

“We knew the difficulties, but we soon took command of the game,” said Allegri, just days after his side seal their ticket to the Champions League knock-out rounds.

“In the second half Fiorentina created problems for us but the victory was deserved.

“When you have such talented players in attack, they don’t need too many instructions and it’s important not to limit them,” continued Allegri. “We just have to get the ball up to them.”

- ‘Ugly, heavy defeat’ -

Juventus dominated the game before which tributes were paid to former Fiorentina captain and Italian international Davide Astori who died suddenly last March.

Midtable Fiorentina threatened in the second half through Federico Chiesa and Jordan Veretout but fell to their first home defeat this season, with Stefano Pioli’s side without a win since September 30.

“We came up against the strongest team in Italy. It’s an ugly,

OSCAR DEL POZO / AFP

Real Madrid’s Spanish midfielder Lucas Vazquez (C) celebrates with Real Madrid’s French forward Karim Benzema (R) and Real Madrid’s Spanish defender Sergio Reguilon after scoring a goal during the Spanish league football match between Real Madrid and Valencia at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on December 1, 2018.

heavy defeat which I do not think it reflects the match,” said Pioli.

“We’re not where we want to be, but the goal remains Europe.”

Uruguay international Bentancur broke through after a solo run with an angled low finish into the corner of the net. Juventus goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny saved two Chiesa efforts after the break with a Ronaldo freekick denied

by Fiorentina goalkeeper Alban Lafont.

Chiellini picked up a corner to turn in the second for the veteran defender’s first goal of the season.

Ten minutes later Mario Mandzukic’s cross caught Edmilson’s arm with Ronaldo slotting in the resulting penalty before being replaced by Federico Bernardeschi after a yellow card for his goal celebration.

He becomes the first Juventus player to score ten goals in his debut 14 season since Welsh international John Charles in 1957-58.

- Quagliarellea lifts Sampdoria -

In Genoa, Fabio Quagliarella continued his goal spree with a

- ‘Germany will qualify’ -

World champions France, Belgium, Croatia, Italy, Poland and Spain make up the rest of the top seeds, as Germany’s relegation from their Nations League group with the French and Dutch means they slip into pot two.

After also crashing out at the first hurdle at the World Cup for the first time in 80 years, Germany coach Joachim Loew needs to bounce back in qualifying with Munich playing host to five matches, including a quarter-final.

But Loew has no doubt the four-time world champions will qualify. “Of course we would have wished for a different set-up for the draw, but we face the situation and accept it,” said Loew.

“I’m looking forward to next year. We have a team with good prospects and we’ll qualify for the European Championships.”

For those who fail to qualify in the top two of their group, there may still be the safety net of a playoff via the Nations League.

The final four places will be decided in a semi-final and final between the top four sides from the four tiers of the Nations League that do not qualify automatically in March 2020. (afp)

9

Filippo MONTEFORTE / AFP

Juventus’s striker Cristiano Ronaldo from Portugal catches the ball before a penalty kick during their Serie A football match Fiorentina versus Juventus on December 1, 2018 at the Artemio Franchi Stadium in Florence.

brace which helped get Sampdoria back winning after five games with a 4-1 success which piled the pressure on struggling Bologna.

Italian international Quagliarella scored after 25 and 68 minutes to bring his tally for the season to seven goals.

Dennis Praet opened on ten minutes with Gaston Ramirez also finding the net against his former club five minutes before the break.

Sampdoria move up to ninth, one point off the Europa Leauge places with Bologna stuck third from bottom after their seventh defeat of the season.

Earlier, in a match between two sides fighting relegation, Slovenian winger Jasmin Kurtic scored headers in either half to rescue a 2-2 draw for 10-man SPAL against Empoli.

On Sunday, Inter Milan, a point Napoli in third, will look to pile the pressure on Roma who have dropped to seventh.

Lazio, in fourth, will try to close the gap on the top three with a trip to Verona side Chievo, who held Napoli 0-0 last weekend. (afp)

8

Monday, December 3, 2018

Monday, December 3, 2018

Madrid back to winning ways under Solari after Valencia victory

Real Madrid’s revival under Santiago Solari appears to be Benzema’s ambitious volley sailed back on track after they moved up to fifth in La Liga with a 2-0 win just wide.

Madrid had made much the better over Valencia on Saturday.

An own-goal from Valencia’s Daniel Wass gave Madrid an early lead before Lucas Vazquez added a late second to wrap up their sixth win in seven games under their new coach.

The 3-0 thrashing by Eibar last weekend, in Solari’s first official game in charge, had placed the depth of the recovery in doubt but this was another assured display to back up an impressive Champions League win over Roma in midweek.

“We did not play well against Eibar but we were good in Rome, and we were really good today,” Solari said.

Madrid move two points behind Barcelona and only three adrift of leaders Sevilla, albeit with both still to play on Sunday. Valencia stay 13th.

Marcelino’s side, attempting a comeback of sorts themselves after a poor start to the season, offered disappointingly little, save for a 20-minute spell at the start of the second half.

“We deserved to equalise,” Marcelino said. “For a long time in the second half we were better than Real Madrid.”

Otherwise, their opponents controlled the contest and while Gareth Bale’s league drought stretched to 10 games, his longest ever, the Welsh-

man played a lead role in an energetic performance before coming off in the second half.

He appeared to signal some discomfort with his right thigh when sitting on the bench, with Solari confirming afterwards that Bale had “felt a problem”.

The Santiago Bernabeu was almost packed out, eight days before Boca Juniors and River Plate are due to play here in the postponed second leg of the Copa Libertadores final.

With La Liga still pushing for Barcelona’s game against Girona to be staged in Miami, there was perhaps something to be savoured in two Spanish teams, in a Spanish competition, playing in a Spanish stadium.

Isco is one of Spain’s primary talents but is still to be picked in a starting line-up by Solari.

This was the midfielder’s seventh consecutive game out of the side and while he came on to cheers, 10 minutes with Madrid already ahead were only crumbs for comfort.

Bale seemed more pinned to the left wing than he has been for a long time and he rolled back the years with a straight run down the line before whipping in an early cross. Karim

start and in the eighth minute, took the lead.

Wass headed into his own net but Dani Carvajal led the celebrations. He kept the ball alive before rummaging past Gabriel Paulista and Jose Gaya.

The flicked cross gave Wass too little time to react.

Valencia made hardly any impact on the half, pressed and harried into submission. Neto skewed a clearance under pressure but then made up for his error by denying Bale from close range.

Fortunate only to be one behind, Valencia improved after the break. Santi Mina blazed over with only Thibaut Courtois to beat. Gaya’s cutback was slightly misplaced. Paulista volleyed over on the stretch from three yards.

Bale was replaced by Marco Asensio, who should have given Madrid breathing space but his finish was blocked by Ezequiel Garay.

Isco came off the bench in the 80th minute and played a part in the second goal. The excellent Carvajal was again the instigator, setting off on a barnstorming break forward before exchanging with Isco and crossing.

In the rush, Benzema did well to pick out Vazquez, who poked home to complete a convincing win. (afp)

Euro 2020 draw offers unique incentive for 12 host nations

The eyes of European football on Sunday turn to Dublin for the Euro 2020 qualifying draw with 12 nations handed the extra incentive of home advantage should they make it to the 24-team tournament in two years time for the first time.

Amsterdam, Baku, Bilbao, Bucharest, Budapest, Copenhagen, Dublin, Glasgow, London, Munich, Rome and Saint Petersburg are the 12 cities that will host matches across the continent to celebrate the 60th anniversary since the first European Championships.

The draw in the Irish capital (1100GMT) will see UEFA’s 55 nations split into 10 groups with the top two in each section making up the first 20 teams to qualify.

However, a maximum of two of the hosts nations can be paired together in each group to give all 12 the chance of experiencing a home tournament with a guarantee of at least two home games in the group stages.

England stand to gain most from home advantage with both semi-finals and the final, as well as three group games and a last 16 tie set to be played at Wembley.

The Three Lions have enjoyed arguably their best year since winning the World Cup on home soil in 1966 as Gareth Southgate’s side reached the semi-finals of the World Cup in Russia and then beat Spain and Croatia to reach the inaugural finals of the Nations League next summer.

Southgate is well aware of the extra inspiration of playing in a major tournament at home as he was part of the England side that reached the semi-finals at Euro ‘96.

“What the players are going to experience is close to what we experienced in 1996 and in ‘66. That’s incredible for everybody,” said the England manager.

The Wembley factor could be key to ending England’s half century without winning a major tournament with Southgate’s exciting young squad having re-energised a nation’s support.

“I think the most pleasing thing of the year has been the connection with the fans and being able to share brilliant experiences with them,” added Southgate after exacting some measure of revenge for defeat to Croatia in the World Cup semi-finals in a thrilling Nations League group finale earlier this month.

“I can’t remember the new Wembley like that. We have exciting players that give them excitement.”

England, Switzerland, Portugal and the Netherlands are guaranteed to end up in a five-team group to free them up from qualifiers for the Nations League finals in June.

Ronaldo caps dominant win as Juve move 11 points clear

Cristiano Ronaldo converted a penalty to cap a dominant 3-0 win for Juventus over Fiorentina on Saturday as the Italian champions continued their charge to an eighth consecutive league title by opening an 11-point lead on top of Serie A. Ronaldo slotted in his 10th goal from 14 league games from the spot after 79 minutes, to add to Rodrigo Bentancur’s opener after half an hour in Tuscany with captain Giorgio Chiellini volleying in after 69 minutes.

The Portuguese star was substituted just afterwards for the first time this season after receiving a yellow card, spending the last 10 minutes on the bench.

“Great team effort. Important win,” the five-time Ballon d’Or winner wrote on social media after the game.

Massimiliano Allegri’s side have 40 points from 14 games with second-place Napoli on 29 points before they host Atalanta on Monday.

It was Juventus’ fifth consecutive win in the championship and 13th in 14 games, as they have won all their away games, with just one home draw against Genoa.

“This is a squad of great champions, great talents, but above all of great men,” said Allegri.

“Technique alone is not enough, you need humility ... you need players who are open to chasing opponents down, of working for their teammates.

“We knew the difficulties, but we soon took command of the game,” said Allegri, just days after his side seal their ticket to the Champions League knock-out rounds.

“In the second half Fiorentina created problems for us but the victory was deserved.

“When you have such talented players in attack, they don’t need too many instructions and it’s important not to limit them,” continued Allegri. “We just have to get the ball up to them.”

- ‘Ugly, heavy defeat’ -

Juventus dominated the game before which tributes were paid to former Fiorentina captain and Italian international Davide Astori who died suddenly last March.

Midtable Fiorentina threatened in the second half through Federico Chiesa and Jordan Veretout but fell to their first home defeat this season, with Stefano Pioli’s side without a win since September 30.

“We came up against the strongest team in Italy. It’s an ugly,

OSCAR DEL POZO / AFP

Real Madrid’s Spanish midfielder Lucas Vazquez (C) celebrates with Real Madrid’s French forward Karim Benzema (R) and Real Madrid’s Spanish defender Sergio Reguilon after scoring a goal during the Spanish league football match between Real Madrid and Valencia at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on December 1, 2018.

heavy defeat which I do not think it reflects the match,” said Pioli.

“We’re not where we want to be, but the goal remains Europe.”

Uruguay international Bentancur broke through after a solo run with an angled low finish into the corner of the net. Juventus goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny saved two Chiesa efforts after the break with a Ronaldo freekick denied

by Fiorentina goalkeeper Alban Lafont.

Chiellini picked up a corner to turn in the second for the veteran defender’s first goal of the season.

Ten minutes later Mario Mandzukic’s cross caught Edmilson’s arm with Ronaldo slotting in the resulting penalty before being replaced by Federico Bernardeschi after a yellow card for his goal celebration.

He becomes the first Juventus player to score ten goals in his debut 14 season since Welsh international John Charles in 1957-58.

- Quagliarellea lifts Sampdoria -

In Genoa, Fabio Quagliarella continued his goal spree with a

- ‘Germany will qualify’ -

World champions France, Belgium, Croatia, Italy, Poland and Spain make up the rest of the top seeds, as Germany’s relegation from their Nations League group with the French and Dutch means they slip into pot two.

After also crashing out at the first hurdle at the World Cup for the first time in 80 years, Germany coach Joachim Loew needs to bounce back in qualifying with Munich playing host to five matches, including a quarter-final.

But Loew has no doubt the four-time world champions will qualify. “Of course we would have wished for a different set-up for the draw, but we face the situation and accept it,” said Loew.

“I’m looking forward to next year. We have a team with good prospects and we’ll qualify for the European Championships.”

For those who fail to qualify in the top two of their group, there may still be the safety net of a playoff via the Nations League.

The final four places will be decided in a semi-final and final between the top four sides from the four tiers of the Nations League that do not qualify automatically in March 2020. (afp)

9

Filippo MONTEFORTE / AFP

Juventus’s striker Cristiano Ronaldo from Portugal catches the ball before a penalty kick during their Serie A football match Fiorentina versus Juventus on December 1, 2018 at the Artemio Franchi Stadium in Florence.

brace which helped get Sampdoria back winning after five games with a 4-1 success which piled the pressure on struggling Bologna.

Italian international Quagliarella scored after 25 and 68 minutes to bring his tally for the season to seven goals.

Dennis Praet opened on ten minutes with Gaston Ramirez also finding the net against his former club five minutes before the break.

Sampdoria move up to ninth, one point off the Europa Leauge places with Bologna stuck third from bottom after their seventh defeat of the season.

Earlier, in a match between two sides fighting relegation, Slovenian winger Jasmin Kurtic scored headers in either half to rescue a 2-2 draw for 10-man SPAL against Empoli.

On Sunday, Inter Milan, a point Napoli in third, will look to pile the pressure on Roma who have dropped to seventh.

Lazio, in fourth, will try to close the gap on the top three with a trip to Verona side Chievo, who held Napoli 0-0 last weekend. (afp)

10

Destination

Monday, December 3, 2018

International

Monday, December 3, 2018

International

Pistons beat Warriors to win fifth straight, Raptors roll on

Batuan Temple Bali Old Balinese Temple near Ubud GIANYAR - Batuan Temple is a secret Hindu temple set in the center of Batuan Village as a shrine for local people to worship to the god. Nowadays, this temple is become one of Bali Places of Interest where many tourists visit this temple everyday. It is strategically located beside of the main road from Denpasar City to Ubud or just 25 minutes to the south way from Ubud Village.

It is a local village temple and a part of three major temples in a village that is called Tri Khayangan.

Batuan Temple is also called Pura Desa beautifully designed with Balinese architecture and antique Balinese ornaments decorate entire temple building including the entrance gate. This temple is also featured by the three areas includes Nista Mandala (outside area) Madya Mandala (Middle area) and Utama Mandala (Main temple area).

As usual other Tree Khayangan Temples in Bali, Batuan Temple is used to worship to the god for the

villagers of Batuan. This temple ceremony is gradually conducted every six month according to the Balinese calendar where entire local people will come to this temple to worship to the god.

Batuan Temple, referred to locally as ‘Pura Puseh lan Pura Desa Adat Batuan’, is a focal landmark in the namesake village of Batuan, wellknown for its traditional Balinese arts and paintings. Within only a 10km transfer south from Ubud central, the site features a grand complex of shrines laid out within its 0.65Ha complex. Well preserved sandstone bas motifs and well-preserved traditional Balinese temple architecture are its main draws. This 11th century temple faces a separate large communal hall from where most visitors start their visit. When there’s no major temple ceremony on, which otherwise occupies this space with towering fruit and flower offerings, it is filled with local artists and craftsmen displaying their latest work, from batiks to framed paintings and

statuettes. With a compulsory sash and cloth around your waist, you can cross over the road to enter the main temple grounds.

Up the five-tiered ‘candi bentar’ gate of Batuan Temple, you’ll come across various reliefs depicting mythical Balinese figures and floral themes, as well as statues depicting the Hindu trinity, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva further inside. A series of multi-tiered thatched-roof shrines within the temple’s inner courtyard are set in a layout that is typical of all large temple complexes in Bali. The temple pavilion’s wooden beams and ceilings are heavily engraved and gold gilded. A visit to any temple in Bali is best during their celebrations. If your visit to Batuan Temple doesn’t coincide with any ‘piodalan’ anniversary, you may also check out the village’s daily barong dance shows, occasionally featuring other traditional Balinese dance performances at a purpose-built stage nearby.

(IBP/net)

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Deontay Wilder punches Tyson Fury in the ninth round fighting to a draw during the WBC Heavyweight Champioinship at Staples Center on December 1, 2018 in Los Angeles, California.

Wilder, Fury battle to draw in heavyweight thriller

LOS ANGELES - Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury battled to a controversial split-decision draw in their WBC heavyweight title showdown Saturday, triggering immediate demands from both camps for a rematch.

Wilder, who retains his WBC belt after 12 rounds of pulsating action, had Fury on the canvas twice at the Staples Center in Los Angeles but was unable to deliver the knockout he had promised his fans. The three judges were divided on the outcome, with one scoring it 115-111 for Wilder, another 114-112 for Fury and the third 113-113.

But while the scoring drew criticism, with many arguing that Fury had done enough to win, there was a marked absence of animosity after the bout. Instead, the main talking point from a thrilling contest was Fury’s miraculous recovery after being knocked down by Wilder in the 12th round.

The 30-year-old Briton, who had boxed skillfully to frustrate and outpoint the aggressive but inaccurate Wilder, looked to have finally been beaten when the American champion uncorked a savage right-left combination that sent him sprawling to the floor.

Wilder celebrated as if he had

won and members of his entourage moved to climb into the ring, only to stare in disbelief as Fury somehow cleared his head and got to his feet.

“I really thought I had him out of there,” Wilder said afterwards.

“I saw the eyes in his head rolling, I saw the ref checking on him and I thought, ‘It’s over’. I don’t know how he got up,” the 33-yearold added.

Fury, who won the unified world title from Wladimir Klitschko in 2015 only to lose his belts as he battled depression, alcohol and drug problems, was equally baffled.

“I don’t know,” Fury said. “I had a holy hand upon me tonight and brought me back. I’ve got good fighting spirit.”

- ‘We’re both warriors’ While both men felt they had done enough to win the fight, both accepted the result.

“I’m not going to sit here and complain, and scream robbery or whatever,” Fury said. “I thought I

won the fight. I’ll leave the audience to make up their mind.”

Wilder, who also had Fury on the deck in the ninth round, was adamant he had won.

“I think with the two knockdowns I definitely won the fight,” said Wilder afterwards. “We poured our hearts out tonight. We’re both warriors, but with those two drops, I think I won the fight.”

Wilder, who remains unbeaten after 41 fights, immediately called for a rematch.

“I would love for it to be my next fight,” Wilder said. “Let’s give the fans what they want to see. It was a great fight and let’s do it again.”

Fury also said he hopes to arrange a rematch.

“One hundred percent we’ll do the rematch,” Fury said.

“We are two great champions.

Me and this man are the two best heavyweights on the planet,” added Fury, who exited his press conference after leading a rousing chorus of Don McLean’s classic “American Pie.” (afp)

LOS ANGELES - Blake Griffin scored 26 points as the Detroit Pistons spoiled the return of Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry by beating the two-time defending NBA champions, 111-102, on Saturday.

Andre Drummond finished with 16 points and 19 rebounds for Detroit as the Pistons stretched their winning streak to five games.

“That’s obviously a great win,” Griffin said. “You could tell by the crowd and the atmosphere tonight that we were facing a big team, and we protected our home floor.”

Curry missed 11 games with a groin problem. He shot 10 of 21 and drained three of nine from beyond the arc to finish with 27 points. But he started out rusty, missing his first three shots, all three-point attempts.

Curry said it might take some time to get back into the flow of the Warriors offense.

“I just didn’t have the right timing, wasn’t seeing the rim that well.

The second half was better and I am sure that will carry over each game,” Curry said.

Kevin Durant scored 28 points and Klay Thompson added 21 in the losing effort for Golden State.

The Warriors couldn’t overcome Detroit’s dominance on the offensive boards, with just eight offensive rebounds compared to 14 for Detroit.

A half dozen Pistons finished in double figures. Detroit have now won two consecutive games over Golden State -- after losing 12 or their previous 13.

The Pistons built an 11-point lead in the second quarter and led 54-46 at the half.

- Best start ever In Cleveland, Raptors star Kawhi Leonard scored 34 points as Toronto overcame the absence of all-star guard Kyle Lowry and beat the strug-

gling Cavaliers, 106-95.

“I feel great. The coaching staff has done a good job of making me feel comfortable out there,” said Leonard, who joined the Raptors this season via a trade from the San Antonio Spurs.

“It is great just to be able to play basketball again and do something that I enjoy, added Leonard, who only played nine games last season for the Spurs due to a quadriceps injury.

Lowry, who leads the NBA in assists, was a late scratch, missing his first game of the season with a back injury. The Raptors did not provide any details about his condition.

Fred VanVleet also scored 15 points for Toronto, who won their eighth consecutive contest and improved to a league best 20-4 record.

They are 10-2 on the road.

The Raptors have reached the 20-win mark quicker than any other team in franchise history.

VanVleet, who started in place of Lowry, drained consecutive clutch three-pointers with just over two minutes left in the fourth to pad the Raptors lead to 10 points.

Jordan Clarkson and Tristan Thompson each scored 18 points for Cleveland, who lost their fourth in a row and dropped to 4-18 overall.

Cleveland got George Hill back after the starting guard missed 11 games with a sprained right shoulder, but he only delivered eight points.

Elsewhere, Emmanuel Mudiay scored 28 points and rookie Kevin Knox tallied a career-high 26 as the visiting New York Knicks outlasted the high-flying Milwaukee Bucks in overtime, 136-134.

Damyean Dotson and Tim Hardaway Jr added 21 points each, and Noah Vonleh contributed 15 points for the Knicks, who snapped a twogame losing skid. (afp)

Copyright 2018 NBAE Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images/AFP

Andre Drummond #0 showers Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons with water after the game against the Golden State Warriors on December 1, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan.

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America mourns George H.W. Bush, dead at 94

COLLEGE STATION - Flags flew at half-staff across the United States on Saturday as Americans prepared for a week of solemn tributes to George H.W. Bush, in his home state of Texas and in the US Capitol, a day after the former president died aged 94.

Tributes poured in from world leaders in memory of the 41st US president, who guided America through the end of the Cold War and launched the international campaign to drive Iraqi strongman Saddam Hussein’s forces from Kuwait.

Many of those same leaders are expected to attend Bush’s state funeral next week, alongside President Donald Trump and his wife Melania. Trump was notably absent from the funerals of the statesman’s late wife Barbara, and of veteran fellow Republican John McCain.

Although the two Republican presidents were in many ways polar opposites -- the soft-spoken, patrician Bush reportedly once dismissed the blustering New Yorker as a “blowhard” and even voted for his rival Hillary Clinton -- Trump paid the late leader a gracious tribute, saying he had “inspired generations of his fellow Americans to public service.”

“His accomplishments were great from beginning to end,” Trump tweeted.

Declaring a national day of mourning for December 5 -- when the federal government and New York Stock Exchange will close in Bush’s honor -- Trump also

signaled his respect by calling off a press conference planned at the G20 summit in Buenos Aires.

The days-long national farewell to Bush will begin Monday with a commemoration in Houston, where the Bushes lived for years and where he died on Friday surrounded by friends and family.

From there, Bush’s casket will travel to Washington on board Trump’s presidential aircraft -- in what the US leader called “a special tribute that he deserves very much.”

The former president will lie in state in the US Capitol between Monday and Wednesday ahead of a state funeral at the towering National Cathedral, expected to draw dozens of dignitaries from around the world.

Bush’s remains will travel back to Texas late Wednesday, where he will lie in repose at St Martin’s Episcopal Church in Houston with a funeral service the next day preceding his internment at the George Bush Presidential Library in College Station. He will make his final journey aboard a funeral train.

At the presidential library on Saturday, people came to sign the memorial book in Bush’s honor, or lay flowers at the feet of his statue.

“We wanted to come here and

Scott Olson/Getty Images/AFP

Visitors sign a guest book at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library Center on December 1, 2018 in College Station, Texas. Bush, who died on November 30, will be buried next to his wife Barbara at the library on Thursday.

International

at least respect senior George Bush because he was a great president, and a great human being,” said Bhoumin Mehta, a well-wisher from Sugar Land, southwest of Houston.

- ‘Grace, civility and social conscience’ -

Bush was a decorated World War II pilot, diplomat and onetime CIA chief who saw his son George follow in his footsteps to the Oval Office -- making them only the second father-son duo in American presidential history, after John and John Quincy Adams.

From former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev to current heads of state, leaders praised Bush both for his strength and his moderation, as well as the commitment to internationalism typified by his assembling of a global coalition to oust Iraqi invaders from Kuwait in 1991.

The oldest surviving former US president Jimmy Carter said Bush’s administration “was marked by grace, civility and social conscience.”

Britain took the rare step of lowering flags in government buildings, while Germany’s President Frank-Walter Steinmeier praised Bush’s “unwavering support” for the country’s reunification.”

Gorbachev called him “a true partner” in winding down the Cold War. French President Emmanuel Macron mourned the loss of a leader who “strongly supported the alliance with Europe” -- drawing an unspoken contrast to Trump’s frequent criticisms of the Old Continent.

Suffering from Parkinson’s disease, Bush had been wheelchairbound and in failing health. He is survived by his five living children and 17 grandchildren.

According to Bush’s longtime friend, the former secretary of state James Baker, quoted by The New York Times, Bush’s final words were to the younger George, who was put on the speaker phone to say goodbye, to tell him he had been a “wonderful dad” and that he loved him. “I love you, too,” Bush replied. (afp)

Macron...

From page 1

“It’s been thirty years that people change course every 18 months,” he added, referring to Macron’s presidential predecessors who have often caved in to pressure from French street protests.

Macron has so far refused to roll back taxes on fuel, which he says are needed to fund the country’s transition to a low-emission economy.

And he remains a fervent defender of the tax cuts he has delivered for businesses and highearners, which he believes were necessary to lower the country’s chronic high unemployment.

“We’re at a time when a bit of national unity around our security forces, around those who are really struggling would be a good thing for the country,” Griveaux added.

- Change in style -

After the traditional swearing-in ceremony, Lopez Obrador climbed in his white Volkswagen Jetta -- his car of choice -- and headed to Mexico City’s central square, the Zocalo,

Monday, December 3, 2018

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- State of emergency? -

An estimated 75,000 demonstrators, most of them peaceful, were counted across the country on Saturday, the interior ministry said.

The number was well below the first day of protests on November 17, which attracted around 282,000 people, and also down from the 106,000 who turned out last Saturday. Interior Minister Castaner attributed the violence to “specialists in sowing conflict, specialists in destruction”.

He did not rule out imposing a state of emergency -- a demand made by the police union Alliance -- declaring: “Nothing is taboo for me. I am prepared to examine everything.”

Two people have died and dozens have been injured in the rallies, which opinion polls suggest still attract the support of two out of three French people. (afp)

Leftist Lopez Obrador sworn in as Mexico’s new president

MEXICO CITY - Anti-establishment leftist Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador vowed a “deep and radical” change in Mexico as he assumed the country’s presidency Saturday, five months after winning a landslide election victory.

The leader, widely known by his initials as “AMLO,” took the oath of office and donned the presidential sash before Congress -- where the coalition led by the upstart party he founded four years ago, Morena, now has strong majorities in both houses.

Ending 89 years of government by the same two parties, Lopez Obrador surged to victory in the July 1 elections promising a new approach to issues fueling widespread outrage: crime, poverty and corruption.

But not everyone is persuaded: critics say the sharp-tongued, silverhaired leader has a radical and authoritarian streak. And despite his promises of business-friendly policies, Mexican stocks and the peso have plunged in recent weeks.

That did not stop Lopez Obrador, 65, from doubling down on his promise of a sweeping “transformation” as he started his six-year term.

“It might seem pretentious or exaggerated to say it, but today is not just the start of a new government.

It is the start of a political regime change,” he said, the presidential sash newly draped over his dark suit and burgundy tie.

“We will carry out a peaceful and orderly but also deep and radical transformation.”

International

for a colorful second ceremony of his own design.

There, indigenous shamans purified him with incense and flowers, and presented him with a symbolic chieftain’s staff.

“I reaffirm my commitment not to lie, rob or betray the Mexican people,” he said, clutching the long wooden staff.

Jose Angel Mejia, 38, was among the tens of thousands of people who gathered to fete the new president.

“It’s a historic day, I still can’t believe it,” he said, raising his eight-year-old son’s arm in the air in celebration.

“We’re going to have a change at last.”

The new president inherits a sticky set of problems from his unpopular predecessor, Enrique Pena Nieto.

They include deeply entrenched corruption, gruesome violence fueled by the war on drug cartels, and the caravan of 6,000 Central American migrants camped at the US-Mexican border -- not to mention the minefield that diplomacy with Mexico’s giant northern neighbor has become under President Donald Trump.

Lopez Obrador, a former protest leader and Mexico City mayor, has been short on specifics regarding his plans for all of the above.

What he is promising, first and foremost, is a presidency like no other in Mexican history.

Vowing to lead his anti-corruption, pro-austerity drive by example, he has forsworn the presidential residence, jet and security detail, and cut his own salary by 60 percent.

In a sign of the times, the sumptuous presidential residence, Los Pinos, was opened to the public Saturday as a cultural center. (afp)

Indonesian island clean-up nets 40 tons of rubbish daily

Residents on a string of coral-fringed islands off Jakarta’s coast are battling a tidal wave of trash, with more than 40 tons of rubbish collected daily over the past week, an official said.

Indonesian authorities have deployed an army of staff and a fleet of boats to help clear rubbish-infested shorelines and surrounding waters, underscoring the Southeast Asian archipelago’s mammoth marine waste problem.

It is the world’s second biggest contributor to marine debris after China, producing about 1.29 million metric tons annually.

This week’s clean-up operation is centred on an area known as the Thousand Islands, a popular day trip from the traffic-clogged capital.

Residents of one island have reported dead turtles in the area, although Yusen Hardiman, head of the region’s environment department, said it was not yet clear if it was a result of ingesting rubbish.

A sperm whale was found dead last week in a marine park off Sulawesi island with 115 plastic cups and 25 plastic bags in its stomach.

Indonesia’s marine waste problem has become so bad that officials last year declared a “garbage emergency” after a stretch of coast in Bali was swamped with rubbish.

Some 264 sanitation officers are involved in the ongoing clean-up of the Thousand Islands, while 13 boats regularly patrol trashchoked areas of the archipelago with another 10 set to be added to the fleet next year.

Most of the rubbish clogging the chain of islands is from elsewhere, flushed into the ocean by bulging rivers or swirling currents during the monsoon season, Hardiman said in a statement late Thursday.

Indonesia, an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands, has pledged to reduce marine plastic waste by 70 percent by 2025.

But poor waste-processing infrastructure and low awareness among its 260 million inhabitants prove major obstacles. (afp)

DASRIL ROSZANDI / AFP

In this picture taken on March 17, 2018 workers clear up garbage piling up in Jakarta Bay area as part of the earliest local government combat against waste on its waters. Residents living on a string of coral-fringed islands to the north of Jakarta’s coast are battling a tidal wave of trash, with more than 40 tons of rubbish picked up daily over the past week.

West Papuans demand independence at Indonesia rally

SURABAYA — About 300 West Papuan demonstrators calling for independence for the restive Indonesian region faced off with counterprotesters Saturday in the country’s second-largest city.

The demonstrators in Surabaya chanted “Freedom Papua” and held banners demanding a referendum for independence to mark Dec. 1, which many West Papuans consider the anniversary of what they say should have been their independence.

“We are demanding the truth of

our history,” a speaker shouted at the crowd at the rally, which was organized by the Papua Students Alliance. “Referendum for independence is the right solution for the people of Papua.”

The crowd, including many wearing headbands with the morning star flag as a separatist group symbol, was blocked from marching to the city center by scores of counterprotesters from several youth organizations in Surabaya, the capital of East Java province.

Some confronted the pro-indepen-

dence protesters with sharpened bamboos.

“You may rally to voice your aspiration, but don’t bring the separatist issue,” said a speaker from the rival group. “Papua is a part of Indonesia forever, and we are willing to die to defend the unitary state of Indonesia.”

Members of the two camps pushed each other, but several hundred anti-riot police prevented the two groups from clashing, said East Java police spokesman Frans Barung Mangera.

The protest ended after about two hours. No one was detained by police, Mangera said.

The Free Papua Movement, a separatist group in Indonesia’s restive Papua province, declared independence from Dutch rule on Dec. 1, 1961. That was rejected by the Dutch and later by Indonesia.

Papua, a former Dutch colony in the western part of New Guinea, was incorporated into Indonesia in 1969 after a U.N.-sponsored ballot that was seen as a sham by many.

A small, poorly armed separatist group has been battling for independence since then.

For years, a low-level insurgency has plagued the mineral-rich region, which is ethnically and culturally distinct from much of Indonesia.

Indonesia’s government, which for decades had a policy of sending Javanese and other Indonesians to settle in Papua, is now also trying to spur economic development to dampen the separatist movement. (ap)

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Monday, December 3, 2018

BUSINESS US economy grew at brisk 3.5 pct. annual rate last quarter

WASHINGTON - The U.S. economy expanded at a solid 3.5 percent annual rate in the July-September quarter, led by lower but still strong consumer spending and more business investment than previously estimated.

The Commerce Department’s figure for gross domestic product, released Wednesday, was the same as its first estimate last month. GDP is the broadest measure of the nation’s output of goods and services and covers everything from homebuilding to haircuts. Greater corporate investment offset downward revisions in spending by state and local governments and consumers.

The third quarter figure follows a robust expansion of 4.2 percent in the April-June quarter.

Six months of healthy growth have put the U.S. economy on track to expand in 2018 at its fastest pace in 13 years. Still, economists forecast that growth will slow in the fourth quarter and decelerate further next year.

Borrowing costs are headed higher as the Federal Reserve raises short-term interest rates.

That has lifted mortgage rates and weighed on home and auto sales. The Trump administration’s trade fights have also raised uncertainty for many companies and may cause them to delay investments. And the boost to consumer spending from last year’s tax cuts is likely to fade by next year.

The Trump administration has imposed tariffs on about half the goods that the United States imports from China, and has threatened to impose tariffs on the rest. That would raise prices on billions of dollars of consumer goods, including smartphones, tablets, toys and shoes.

“A trade war remains the biggest downside risk to near-term growth,” said Gus Faucher, chief economist at PNC. Economists at JPMorgan Chase forecast that growth will slow to 2.5 percent in the fourth quarter and 2.2 percent in the first three months

AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, File

In this Jan. 30, 2018, file photo a rubber tire gantry moves into position to transfer shipping containers at the Georgia Ports Authority’s Port of Savannah in Savannah, Ga. On Wednesday, Nov. 28, the Commerce Department issues the final estimate of how the U.S. economy performed in the July-September quarter. of 2019.

Even so, growth is on pace to top 3 percent this year for the first time since 2005. Consumer confidence is near 18-year highs, and the unemployment rate is at a nearly five-decade low of 3.7 percent.

Consumers lifted their spending 3.6 percent at an annual rate in the third quarter, a solid pace but down from the government’s first estimate of 4 percent. State and local governments spent just 2 percent, down from the previous estimate of 3.2 percent.

Those declines were offset by greater business investment: Companies spent more on equipment and did not cut back nearly as much on their spending on buildings as initially estimated. Businesses also spent more to stockpile goods on store shelves and in warehouses.

The inventory building occurred as businesses stepped up their efforts to import more goods before January, when U.S. tariffs on $200 billion of imports from China are expected to jump to 25 percent, from 10 percent.

Imports surged 9.2 percent in the third

quarter as companies sought to get ahead of the increased tariffs. Trump has also threatened to slap import taxes on car.

Exports fell 4.4 percent as more U.S. goods are facing retaliatory tariffs abroad. Exports of U.S. soybeans had jumped in the second quarter in advance of a large tariff increase imposed by China, a key market for U.S. soybeans. Those exports fell back in the third quarter.

The drop in exports and increase in imports in the third quarter meant that international trade cut into growth by the most since 1985.(ap)

Pakistan’s currency plunges again as country seeks IMF loan ISLAMABAD - Pakistan’s currency has plunged further as the country is mired in a financial crisis and seeking an $8 billion bailout package from the International

A Pakistani money changer counts US dollar bills in Islamabad, Pakistan, Friday, Nov. 30, 2018.

Monetary Fund.

The Pakistani rupee traded at 142 to the dollar on Friday, a decline from 133.90 rupees to $1 at close of business the previous day.

Analyst Mohammad Suhail says it’s a clear indication the government has no option but to accept IMF conditions for the bailout — the “bitter pill” required to tackle

significant economic challenges such as high fiscal and current account deficits, and low growth and foreign exchange reserves.

He says the rupee has plunged 15 percent since parliamentary elections in July and 36 percent over the past year.

IMF and Pakistan held a week of negotiations in Islamabad earlier this month. (ap)

Bali News

International

Monday, December 3, 2018

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Come on, Explore Uniqueness of Ubud Village by Bicycle

Once upon a time, try to travel in Ubud village by cycling. The atmosphere must be different. Other than having exercise, you can also enjoy cultural attractions of the local community up close. Moreover, you can interact with them. Indeed, between Ubud and cycling activities are two inseparable things.

Although there is a variety of transportation means at this tourism village, cycling remains an option for tourists wishing to explore the enjoyable tourist area. So, don’t be surprised if most accommodations provide bicycle facility for tourists desiring to enjoy the local countryside. Alam Puisi Villa Ubud at Sembuwuk village, for instance, also offers this facility.

General Manager of Alam Puisi Villa Ubud, Budiarta, said that cycling is one of the very popular activities among foreign tourists traveling to Ubud. This activity is in great demand. Since the Ubud area is identical to cycling, the tourist accommodation should provide bicycle. “This bicycle can be used by tourists wishing to look around the villa,” he said.

In addition, the Alam Puisi Villa Ubud also has a cycling route, consisting of long track that starts from Ubud to Kintamani and medium track only located around Ubud while enjoying the local natural beauty. “This cycling track is the most in demand by tourists in Ubud,” said Budiarta.

Cycling trails in the Ubud area are very easy to pass through. On this route, tourists are introduced to traditional agrarian activities posing the main livelihood of Ubud peo-

ple. However, tourists will also be introduced to several other cultural activities. Cycling paths have been adjusted and combined with natural and cultural pathways.

As the advantages of this track, tourists can enjoy the true natural beauty of Bali and cultural activities because they will be invited to stop by for a moment where the elements of Balinese culture are still maintained. Ubud as one of the cultural centers in Bali also become a concern of guests. Moreover, each

side of Ubud has many uniqueness that can be enjoyed by tourists.

The terrain traversed by tourists is quite interesting, starting from the snaking contours of the road passing through the rice fields, reeds in the hill area of ??Campuhan, Ubud, to the area owned by local residents and many other beautiful sceneries that can be explored. For package of long route, tourists cycle from Ubud to Kintamani with several choices, one of which is cycling

from Puncak Penulisan, Sukawana village, Kintamani.

This track invites tourists to look around the mountains through the eastern path by crossing forest, seeing mountain views, rural environment and then crossing the mountains behind Mount Batur with the overlay of Mount Batur view. For cycling in Kintamani, the tour will end at Toya Bungkah village located right at the foot of Mount Batur and close to Lake Batur. (kmb)

Penting Traditional Musical Instrument

Ancient Art of Karangasem from Dutch Colonial Period

Bali is indeed a unique and interesting region because they still maintain their cultural heritage along with traditions and customs.

In fact, there are still many Balinese traditions need to be developed or minimally promoted in order not to become extinct and are no longer recognizable.

Thus, it must be attempted to revive so that they can be recognized again by the community. It is very unfortunate if the culture disappears from their society, so finding and revitalizing cultural heritages having been approaching extinction can also increase the cultural wealth belonging to Balinese people and surely it will have an impact on cultural tourism in Bali.

In general, the Balinese culture having not been recognized by Balinese people is very diverse. One of them is in the form of typical musical instrument of Karangasem.

It is known as penting musical instrument.

According to A.A. Gede Krisna Dwipayana, a penting craftsman and troupe member of Merdu Komala Karangasem, it is based on the strings stretched from the tip to the base of the tool when picked will produce maklenting sound, so that it is better named as penting.

Furthermore, he said that similar musical instrument can also be found in Lombok named penteng.

Then, in Banjarmasin it is named as anting, while in Japan it is known as Taishogoto. Nevertheless, he said that such penting musical instrument indeed originates from Bali precisely in Karangasem because the name of the parts uses Balinese vocabularies. In addition to the strings called pentang, there is also a resonance box that must have a hollow (pelawah) and special keys to produce tones known as pakocet. Besides, there are canten

and pangiret as parts of the string regulator.

“After I searched for information and consulted to several higher priests having close relations to Karangasem palace, it turns out that penting art has emerged along with the art of cekepung, rebana and rudat in Karangasem. Moreover, during the Dutch colonial period, this kind of art was once staged in an art event called Ngeraja Kuning or similar to the current Bali Arts Festival (BAF) held to honor the Dutch King at that time,” he said.

Furthermore, he said that condition of this art is unstable or facing ups and downs. After being observed, design of the tool and components are very simple. Then, he concluded that young generation is less interested to play it because it is designed like a box and still gives old-fashioned impression. Actually according to him, this art is unique and has the potential to become

a typical art of Karangasem like jegog in Jembrana district.

Chief of Merdu Komala Penting art troupe of Karangasem, Wayan Widana, said that based on stories of his elders, before 1963 the musical instrument was rampant and trendy but faded after the eruption of Mount Agung. After that, it reappeared and dimmed in 1965 due to the Communist 30 September Movement (G30S/PKI) in Bali.

Then, it re-emerged but in the 1990s faded again as a result of the development of new entertainment media such as radio and TV so that people feel reluctant to learn it and many senior figures already died.

Finally in the 2000s the penting art began to rise again marked by the establishment of this penting art troupe.

Widana further added that initially this penting musical instrument only used slendro musical scale. After further development,

it finally becomes like the current one where it applies pelog scale and even seven-tone scale.

Uniqueness and advantages of this instrument, according to him, is rich in tone and having many patet (tonal hierarchical system) so that it can be used to accompany various types of gamelan music such as pegongan, angklungan, pejogedan, sadur and selonding. Moreover, it can also be used to accompany modern pop songs including national songs as it can also follow the seven tones.

“So, do not be surprised if this instrument is often played in Panca Yadnya rituals and its gamelan composition will be adjusted to the designation of the play, whether it is Dewa Yadnya, Pitra Yadnya, Manusa Yadnya, Rishi Yadnya or Bhuta Yadnya because this instrument is flexible and can be categorized into Panca Gita as well,” said Wayan Widana. (kmb)

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Bali News

Monday, December 3, 2018

International

Monday, December 3, 2018

International

Pejaten ceramic crafts

Pablo Escobar’s dark legacy refuses to die 25 years on

Lacking of order from foreign tourists in 2018

PEJATEN village is not only famous for its roof tile crafts but also its ceramic crafts. In addition to the domestic market, the ceramic products of Pejaten have drawn the interest of foreign tourists coming on vacation to Bali. Unfortunately, in 2018, the demand for ceramics from foreign tourists declined. This has caused the sales of ceramics of Pejaten posing a domestic craft currently to be only focused on the domestic market.

One of the ceramics craftsmen, Asiani, a resident of Panesan hamlet, Pejaten, when met at the Maria Building exhibition on Wednesday (Nov. 28) stated there are usually many tourists coming directly to their place to buy ceramics. Asiani has Wisula ceramics brand that makes incense stick holder, candle holder to water jug of various sizes. ’’Most foreign tourists usually come to buy aromatherapy and kettles,” she said.

Aside from for self-usage, tourists usually order or buy a lot for resale in their home country. “There are indeed orders for resale in their country of origin,” said Asiani. But she admitted, this year there are no more orders or foreign tourists coming to buy ceramics directly. So now, Asiani only meets domestic demand.

Asiani acknowledged having deep desire to export ceramic products she produces. However, due to limited capital, she sets aside this desire. “The capital is large.

Besides, it must also be prepared with good quality and reliable

workforce. I do this only with my husband and relatives. It’s a domestic craft industry,” she said.

In making this ceramic craft, continued Asiani, her family obtains clay raw material from Java.

According to her, the raw materials in Tabanan actually still exist but the price is much more expensive than the clay from Java. In Java, she purchases at IDR 2,500 per kilogram, while in Tabanan the selling price is IDR 3,000 per kilogram.

Every three months, Asiani buys 50 sacks of clay from Java with a total price of IDR 5 million.

The types of ceramics she makes are mostly adjusted to the market demand because she currently only focuses on domestic market. Her products are mostly incense holder to the water jugs for holy water.

Besides, she also produces other crafts such as candle holder, kettles, plates and glasses. The price offered varies where the cheapest is IDR 10,000 to IDR 200,000. Every month, Asiani claimed to be able to get a turnover of IDR 5 million. (kmb24)

Tiziana FABI / AFP

A picture taken on November 28, 2018 shows the Pisa Tower in Pisa. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is now stable and has even straightened slightly thanks to engineering work to save the world-renowned tourist attraction, experts said on November 21, 2018.

IBP/kmb24

the ceramic products of Pejaten have drawn the interest of foreign tourists coming on vacation to Bali.

Bank customers’ car breaker rushed to hospital

Hundreds of millions spent for nightlife

DENPASAR - The arrest of a burglar gang specializing to target bank customers was carried out by a joint team of the Mobile Detective Unit and IT from the Bali Police

Andi Fairan

IBP/kmb

General Criminal Investigation Directorate on Tuesday (Nov. 27). The suspects Ilham Wahli Saputra, 28, and Muhammad Alpian, 20, known as the Palembang group and acting across the province were arrested at Astina Square, Gianyar. From the action, the perpetrators got hundreds of millions of rupiahs in cash and were spent at nightlife delights.

When invited to show off the crime scene, both perpetrators resisted and police were forced to shoot their legs. After that, both perpetrators were rushed to Bhayangkara Hospital Denpasar on Jalan Trijata, East Denpasar. “They have been in action since two months ago,” the source said on Wednesday (Nov. 28).

So far, police have difficulty tracking the perpetrators’ residence because Ilham is staying at boarding house on Jalan Kebo Iwa Gang Kebo Ireng I, Denpasar, while Alpian on Jalan Muding, North Kuta. It is meant to make police difficult to trace their hiding place. “The current mode of criminals is like that. They don’t live together,” said

the source.

Meanwhile, according to the Director of the Bali Police General Criminal Investigation Unit, Andi Fairan, the perpetrators came to the bank to transfer money from the proceeds of their crime. At that time, they were monitoring the bank customers that made cash withdrawals. “The perpetrators continued to monitor the bank customers to put their money in the car,” he said.

When the victim left the bank, the perpetrators followed him. “When the victim is negligent, for example, eating in a stall or somewhere and leaving money in the car, it’s time for the perpetrators to take action,” said Commissioner Andi.

The perpetrators took action by damaging the hole of the car door using bolts. After the car door can be opened, the perpetrators took out the victim’s money. “There are only four reports, namely at the crime scene in Blahbatuh, Seririt, Singaraja and Banjar, Buleleng,” he said.

After being arrested at the Astina Square in Gianyar at 14:00, Ilham from Palembang

and Alpian from Jakarta confessed that on October 8, 2018 he took IDR 40 million on Jalan Raya Wenalu, Blahbatuh, Gianyar; on October 16 took IDR 414 million on Jalan Mayong, Seririt, Buleleng; on November 13 took IDR 50 million in the Cahaya Baru, Penarukan, Buleleng and on November 26 took from a shop as much as IDR 35 million in the Banjar Sekar area, Banjar subdistrict, Buleleng. Meanwhile, on November 22, they took IDR 40 million in NTB regional police jurisdiction.

“Based on the reports we’ve already received, the victims are Putu Lantik Wijaya from Jembrana, Putu Sumiasa from Busungbiu and Made Maliasa from Sawan, Penglatan, Buleleng,” said Andi.

Regarding the disclosure of this case, said Andi, his members are still developing, especially the number of crime scenes. “The disclosure of this case is related to the Great Social Disease Operation that we are carrying out at the moment. After this operation ends, we will release all of them,” he added. (kmb36)

13

How engineers are straightening the Leaning Tower of Pisa

PISA - “It’s still straightening,” said engineer Roberto Cela, gazing at the Leaning Tower of Pisa gleaming in the autumn sunshine of northern Italy. “And many years will have to pass before it stops.”

The gravitationally-challenged landmark is leaning less after years of ambitious engineering work.

Fortunately for the millions of tourists who come here every year, the 57-metre (186-feet) tower remains beautifully askance.

The medieval bell tower, a symbol of the power of the maritime republic of Pisa in the Middle Ages, has leaned to one side ever since building started in 1173 on ground that proved a little too soft. The tower was closed to the public in January 1990 for 11 years over safety fears, as its tilt reached 4.5 meters (15 feet) from the vertical, threatening to turn it into a pile of rubble.

“We installed a number of tubes underground, on the side that the Tower leans away from,” said Cela, technical director at the OPA, which looks after Pisa’s main monuments.

“We removed soil by drilling very carefully. Thanks to this system, we recovered half a degree of lean,” he said. Michele Jamiolkowski, an engineer of Polish origin who adopted Italian nationality, coordinated an

international committee to rescue the landmark between 1993 and 2001. Engineering lecturer Nunziante Squeglia of Pisa University, who works with the Surveillance Group that was set up after the rescue work, has been studying and measuring the tower for 25 years.

He says that the tower straightened by 41 centimetres (16 inches) until 2001, and another four centimetres since then.

- Still mysterious To understand how the 14,500tonne building is moving, measurements are made as often as once an hour, some automatically using pendulums, some manually using a surveyor’s optical level.

“The tower tends to deform and reduce its lean in the summer, when it’s hot, because the tower leans to the south, so its southern side is warmed, and the stone expands. And by expanding, the tower straightens,” said Squeglia.

He explains that there are three pendulums, one dating back to 1935,

when systematic measurements began, although annual measurements began as far back as 1911.

“The tower was much more mysterious when I arrived, it wasn’t clear why it was leaning, and increasingly leaning,” said Squeglia.

“It is a building that has been extensively studied for over 100 years but there are still so many things to know,” he said, including the remains of what looks like a domed roof inside the tower that is still unexplained.

Meanwhile, Cela predicted that the tower “will never be completely straight”. “When they were building it, there were attempts to straighten it (by adding stone on one side), so it has a slight banana shape.”

Singaporean tourist Alvin, who like many visitors is taking photos of friends ‘holding up’ the tower in the background, said he didn’t know about the decreased lean.

“Oh I didn’t notice, is it because like everyone’s pushing against it?” he said, promising to try to push the tower back if it straightens too much. (afp)

MEDELLIN - Twenty-five years after he was gunned down by police, Pablo Escobar’s legacy refuses to die in Medellin, the Colombian city where he ran his cocaine empire with a mix of brutality and largesse.

Even as city officials prepare to demolish the bunker-like mansion where the late drug lord lived, in the neighborhood that bears his name residents who live in homes he built for them are planning heartfelt tributes to mark Sunday’s anniversary.

Escobar was killed in a rooftop shootout in Medellin on December 2, 1993 -- one day after his 44th birthday, and five months after he appeared on Forbes magazine’s list of the world’s richest people for the seventh straight time.

His eight-story mansion, the Monaco, a symbol of the decadent opulence of the Colombian mafia in the 1980s and 90s, has fallen into disrepair in the years since his death.

Its battered frame still bears the scars of Colombia’s first car bombing, in 1988, the start of a bloody war between the country’s rival cartels.

The hulking white building is slated to be demolished in February, in a public implosion complete with stands for viewers to watch.

“The Monaco has become an anti-symbol, in a place where some people are outspoken defenders of crime and terrorism,” says Manuel Villa, the city hall secretary who will perform the official countdown to the detonation.

“We don’t want any more children saying they want to be Pablo Escobar when they grow up.”

The mansion, a top tourist attraction in Medellin’s upscale El Poblado neighborhood, will be replaced by a public park dedicated to the thousands of people killed in Colombia by “narcoterrorism” -- the no-holds-barred war the cartels waged on each other and the state in the 1980s and ‘90s.

The park will cost an estimated $2.5 million. Renovating and reinforcing the crumbling mansion would have cost $11 million, according to the city.

“It will be painful” to tear it down, says Villa, “but it’s the only way we can heal our wounds.”

- Deep divide Colombian society remains deeply divided over the legacy of Escobar and other drug barons.

Angela Zuluaga is one of those who wants to wipe out the country’s lingering “narco culture.”

She was an unborn baby in her mother’s womb when Escobar hitmen assassinated her father, a judge, for issuing an arrest warrant against their boss. Her mother was wounded in the October 1986 attack.

“Creating a space to remember the victims means having a space where we attempt to symbolically compensate those of us who have suffered from the scourge of narcoterrorism,” she says.

According to Medellin officials, Colombia’s drug violence killed 46,612 people from 1983 to 1994. (afp)

Raul ARBOLEDA / AFP

View of souvenirs with the image of the late Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar for sale in a hairdresser’s at Pablo Escobar neighborhood, on November 28, 2018, in Medellin, Colombia. December 2 marks the 25th anniversary of Escobar’s death.

14

Monday, December 3, 2018

Traveling

International

Bali News

International

Chicago at Christmas – what is there to see and do

Chicago Skydeck

I’m in my own personal snow globe. I’m 1,353ft up at Skydeck, atop Willis Tower, what for a quarter of a century was the world’s tallest building. I’m also 4ft out from the side in a glass box, The Ledge, in the middle of a cloud and it’s snowing a storm.

Winter here in Chicago is a wonderland. When the cloud parts I can see white dappled skyscraper roofs and a wealth of twinkling Christmas lights, the chilly waters of lake Michigan

stretching into the distance.

The Christkindlmarket

And they do Christmas properly here. The Christkindlmarket on Daley Plaza is a frenzy of gluwein drinking, pretzel eating and ornament buying, a world of wooden huts that would do Europe proud. In fact it’s run in conjunction with Nuremburg whose market dates back to the 16th century; this one has been

Garuda Indonesia serves Jakarta-Nagoya route vice versa

CENGKARENG — In line with the commitment to expanding the international aviation network implemented by the company, on March 23, 2019, Garuda Indonesia plans to open a flight route for Jakarta - Nagoya vice versa. This route will be served four times per week, namely Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The Magnificent Mile

Museum of Science and Industry

At the Museum of Science and Industry (proud owner of a captured German U-boat) a four-storey tree sits inside the vast building, with 50-plus trees highlighting cultures from around the world – the Philippines gets coconut and bamboo while England is crowns, photos of the royals and, mistakenly, Union Jacks.

Four Seasons hotel

Christmas is everywhere, not least the elegant Four Seasons hotel (with the city’s highest rooms, on the 46th floor), sitting above Bloomingdale’s department store and the other shops of 900 North Michigan, a posh mall which has its own tree-lighting spectacular with wine and fizz, and where brand new Aster Hall gives the food courts a private members’ club air with 16 boutique offerings serving local produce, from seafood to hotdogs, smoked meats to chocolate.

Chicago shopping and restaurants

Near the banks of the Chicago River, department store Macy’s, with its grandiose Tiffany’s ceiling, is an exquisite place to shop at any time of year but in winter the Walnut Room, a magnificent dining hall dating from 1905, the country’s first department store restaurant, is a treat. Its 45ft tree towers over the Great Tree Buffet (running into January), where for $25.95 (about £20) I can tuck into as much lobster bisque, cider-glazed turkey (and much more) as I want.

There are plenty more warming treats – dinners at everywhere from the dark, sophisticated steakhouse and jazz haunt the Tortoise Supper Club to the deep, crusty pie-like pizzas at Lou Malnati’s to a bundle of blues clubs, not least Kingston Mines, a half-century old and still casual and fun with live bands on two stages seven nights a week, often until 5am. (IBP/net)

3

Effective March 2019

ho-ho-hoing for nearly a quarter of a century and you’ll even find German stallholders.

The previous evening Christmas was up and running with the official lighting, amid a crowd of thousands, of the city Christmas tree in Millennium Park, a 60-footer, donated by one of dozens of families who contest the right to have their own tree chopped down to cheer the city. The ceremony was hosted by Miguel Cervantes, star of the city’s production of the musical Hamilton, and involved Cozi Zuehlsdorff, star of Disney’s new Freaky Friday TV movie, alongside mayor Rahm Emanuel, once a bigwig in Bill Clinton’s presidential team. Nearby there’s jollity as crowds in mittens and mufflers tackle the Maggie Daley Ice Skating Ribbon, an oval track running through the trees.

Next night is even more Christmassy with thousands lining Michigan Avenue, known as the Magnificent Mile for its extravagant shops, for an hour-long parade involving those massive floating balloon characters, the biggest school bands you’ve ever seen, dozens of floats and, of course Santa. It ends with trees along the mile erupting into light before the skyscrapers act as a mirror backdrop to a firework spectacular.

Monday, December 3, 2018

IBP/kmb

After the explosion of the water pipe belonging to (PDAM) located on Jalan Uluwatu, the water supply to Ungasan and Pecatu areas began to get disrupted.

Due to pipe explosion

Clean water supply to Ungasan and Pecatu disrupted

MANGUPURA — After the explosion of the water pipe belonging to the Tirta Mangutama Municipal Waterworks (PDAM) located on Jalan Uluwatu on Tuesday (Nov. 27), the water supply to Ungasan and Pecatu areas began to get disrupted. Moreover, residents complained about this condition.

According to Chief of Pecatu customary village, Made Sumerta, when confirmed on Wednesday (Nov. 28) said that lately the Ungasan to Pecatu area indeed gets very minimal water supply from the PDAM. Moreover, the condition is increasingly severe because the water supply stops following the damage caused by the exploding pipe. “All this time the water is crisis condition. Moreover, after the pipeline exploded, many people complained because the supply of clean water stops,” he concluded.

Nevertheless, Sumerta admitted that commencement of rainy season is surely very helpful especially for people who still have rainwater cistern. But for people that do not have rainwater storage, surely it will be difficult to accommodate water. Those living in housing complex with a narrow land will definitely find it difficult to place water storage.

For this reason, related to this condition, he hoped the PDAM to quickly anticipate the request.

Meanwhile, he also hoped the help of clean water needs by the opera-

tion of tank truck. “This must be dealt with immediately,” he said.

Managing Director of PDAM Tirta Mangutama, Ketut Golak, when confirmed separately, claimed to have repaired the exploded pipes due to the incident of the water hammer. He said the repair had been completed at 02:00 last Wednesday by the PDAM’s technical team. “We have finished making improvements to the water hammer incident. Currently, it is in the process of water compaction, which of course requires a process and takes time,” said Golak.

Meanwhile, during the compaction process, it will still serve the community with tank trucks. The pipe experiencing the water hammer, said Golak, measures 600 mm.

It is quite large, so that it certainly takes time to normalize the water supply back to the community. A total of 200 customers potentially experience the disruption due to the incident. “We serve the community for free with four units of tank trucks provided,” he said.

He admitted the water hammer incident indeed cannot be predicted. Such condition can happen instantly because it is a disaster.

“Such incident happened when the water from Ungasan was pumped up, while the water had not yet reached its peak. So, with such high topography, the water dropped again because of the pump had short circuit,” he added. (kmb23)

The Jakarta-Nagoya vice versa flight route services are planned to be operated using a dual class Airbus A330 fleet consisting of economy and business flight classes.

President Director of Garuda Indonesia, Ari Askhara, revealed the introduction of the Jakarta -- Nagoya international flight route vice versa is part of the commitment to developing Garuda Indonesia’s international flight network especially through developing flight capacity and fleet utilization on prospective flight routes.

“Flight services on this route are also a positive measure for the company in maintaining the growing market share of the Japan-Indonesia aviation sector, which

is increasingly promising. The number of foreign tourist arrivals from Japan to Indonesia shows a significant increase especially to a number of major tourist destinations in Indonesia, one of which is Jakarta as the largest economic center in Indonesia,” explained Ari on Wednesday (Nov. 27).

Nagoya which is the capital of Aichi Prefecture is a very potential market share for Garuda, especially business and tourist passengers.

“We hope the opening of this direct flight route will further strengthen good relations of both countries, especially in improving economic, trade and tourism relations between the two countries,” he added.

Aichi Prefecture is known as one

of the busiest industrial and manufacturing cities in Japan. Therefore, Garuda is optimistic that opening Jakarta-Nagoya direct services can support the endeavor to accelerate the pace of business climate and economic potential between the two countries.

He continued that Japan is one of the most important market shares for Garuda Indonesia. For more than 50 years, Garuda Indonesia has showed its support for strong bilateral relations between Indonesia and Japan. With the opening of this service, passengers are expected to be able to enjoy more choices of flights and destinations to Japan and Indonesia and vice versa. (kmb42)

Garuda Indonesia plans to open a flight route for Jakarta - Nagoya vice versa.

IBP/kmb

2

Monday, December 3, 2018

Bali News

International

Rejang Renteng Dance staged at Legian Kelod

MANGUPURA - Hundreds of PKK housewives from the Legian Kelod neighborhood thronged along the Legian road while performing a joint Rejang Dance on Saturday (Dec. 1).

Not only local residents, there were also foreigners who participated in the dance held in a series of ritual inauguration of kulkul or wooden split drum tower of Legian Kelod. During the procession, a number of residents were touched when enthroning Ida Betara Kulkul.

According to the Committee Chairperson, Wayan Puspa Negara, Pemelaspasan and enthroning the deities on the kulkul or wooden split drum’s tower was started with a mass Rejang Dance performed by 220 PKK housewives and the participation of business people at Legian Kelod. He said it serves as a procession believed to strengthen the unity of residents at the Legian Kelod. “With the refunctioning of the kulkul after the restoration process since May 16, it is hoped to become a means of communication for the community in various dimensions.”

“This gives a meaning that we give the highest appreciation to the unity of society at Legian Kelod. With the enthroning of Ida Bathara Kulkul, this serves as the spirit and strength of our unity at Legian Kelod having been united in single entity,” he said.

Puspa Negara added the height of the bale kulkul reaches 13.9 meters and costs IDR 750 million from the assistance of the regent of Badung. Other than during the renovation, there was also an overhaul to the front face of the meeting hall spending a total of IDR 1.2 billion.

“Other than getting from government assistance, the budget is also from people’s donation SONNY TUMBELAKA / AFP in and participation of business actors around Balinese women perform the Rejang traditional dance during a cultural ceremony in Legian, near Kuta on Indonesia’s the neighborhood of Legian Kelod,” he said. resort island of Bali on December 1, 2018. (kmb23)

Post-blocking, residents agree with decision of Kempinski Bali MANGUPURA - Following the blocking of the gates of The Apurva Kempinski Bali located at Peminge village, South Kuta, by residents on Friday (Nov. 30), a mediation meeting was held on Saturday (Dec. 1). Present at the meeting were representatives of the hotel management, chief of Peminge customary village, representatives of citizens, community leaders as well as the Indonesian Military (TNI) and National Police (Polri).

At the meeting, the Peminge villagers agreed with the hotel decision.

Met after the mediation, Danti Yuliandari as Director of Market-

ing of The Apurva Kempinski Bali said that results of the meeting are very positive. Besides, according to her, the results are very beneficial for both parties, namely the hotel and the community. Representing the hotel management, she claimed to be very happy to work with the community to jointly build at the Kempinski Bali. In addition, both parties also agreed to build better relationship in the future.

According to her, through the meeting, local residents will be prioritized to be able to work together and commit to assisting village organizations. Several pro-

grams have been announced. One of them is joint activity to be done with local residents. “We are very excited to be able to work with local residents,” she said.

Regarding the expected workforce as much as 30 percent of local residents, she said, for now what can be said is not in the form of percentage.

However, she emphasized to support the villagers for village development and growth with their citizens.

Meanwhile, the South Kuta community leader who is also Chairperson of Commission II at the Badung House of Representatives, Wayan Luwir Wiana, who was pres-

ent at the mediation meeting, said that results of the meeting are very accepted by the community. Admittedly, the meeting also attended by hotel and village officials was indeed very difficult at first. Finally, it can be accepted with good cooperation. For employee recruitment, it is already running according to the people’s demand, namely 30 percent has been fulfilled.

He said that from the planned recruitment of 400 people, 30 percent of which or 120 local are local residents. So far, a total of 83 local residents have been recruited by the hotel, the remaining 37 people will

be made an agreement. “Actually the recruitment has not reached 400 people. At present, there are only 310 people,” he said.

It has been agreed upon in the meeting, so the community had accepted. All parties already mutually shook hands. Previously, there was a lack of communication, so that people spontaneously blocked the hotel gates. “On behalf of the people’s representatives, we’d like to express a lot of gratitude.

However, there was just indeed miscommunication. Just now the limestone was already removed,” he added. (kmb23)

 Founder : K.Nadha,  General Manager :Palgunadi Chief Editor: Gugiek Savindra  Editors:Agus Toni, Daniel Fajry, Mawa, Sueca, Denpasar: Dira Arsana, Giriana Saputra, Subrata, Sumatika, Asmara Putra.

Bangli: Suasrina, Buleleng: Mudiarta, Gianyar: Manik Astajaya, Karangasem: Bagiarta, Klungkung: Sosiawan. Jakarta: Nikson, Hardianto, Ade Irawan. NTB: Agus Talino, Izzul Khairi, Raka Akriyani. Surabaya: Bambang Wilianto.  Office: Jalan Kepundung 67 A Denpasar 80232. Telephone (0361)225764, Facsimile: 227418, P.O.Box: 3010 Denpasar 80001. Bali Post Jakarta, Advertizing: Jl.Palmerah Barat 21F. Telp 021-5357602, Facsimile: 021-5357605 Jakarta Pusat. NTB: Jalam Bangau No. 15 Cakranegara Telp. (0370) 639543, Facsimile: (0370) 628257. Publisher: PT Bali Post

International

Activities

Monday, December 3, 2018

15

Exclusive Balinese Cultural Activities at The Ritz-Carlton Club

The Ritz-Carlton, Bali introduces an exclusive array of culture-based activities for its Club Level guests as part of the club benefits, adding to myriad benefits already experienced at this best family resort in Bali. The newly introduced cultural activities give a genuine insight into the unique, artistic ceremonial traditions that imbue life on the island of the Gods.

“Bali is famous for its rich cultural heritage and our discerning guests are always looking for exclusive experience while staying at the resort.

As part of the benefits, Club guests can now join in the exclusive daily activities offered in the comfort of the elegant Club Lounge, and immerse themselves in the fascinating culture of the island,” says General Manager, Karim Tayach.

At one of the best resort in Bali, daily activities in the Club Lounge include learning the fragrant craft of making Canang Sari – flower offerings that act as an expression of gratitude and praise to the Gods. Canang means small square-shaped coconut leaf basket, while sari means essence and refers to the flower petals that fill it. Guests can also learn to make more elaborate temple offerings, known as Gebogan – elaborate towers of fruit and sweets that women carry on their heads in colorful processions that wind through the streets. Bali is often called the ‘island of a thousand temples’, and the fascinating Temple Tour leads guests to the resort’s own tranquil temple where a local guide explains the significance and symbolism of temples as places of Hindu worship. In the Fruit Carving workshop, edible art is created using exotic tropical fruits such as watermelon, pineapple and cantaloupe. While Janur Creation is also on offer, an art form similar to origami that uses yellow ribbon-like coconut leaves to create shapes and forms for ceremonial ornamentation across the island.

Additional luxuries enjoyed at Club Level at The Ritz-Carlton, Bali, include access to the private Club pool and five gourmet food services per day served in the elegant club restaurant – including gourmet breakfast with a choice of a la carte and buffet, light buffet lunch, traditional high tea and evening cocktails and canapés. A personalized Check-in, check-out service at the Club lounge and complimentary laundry service are also offered.

To learn more about cultural activities and the benefits of elevating to Club Level view the video here, join the conversation on social media using #RCMemories, or please contact rc.dpssw.reservation@ritzcarlton.com.

Upgrade your stay with club access at IDR 1,400,000 plus 21% tax and service charge per person per day.

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

16 Pages Number 245 10th year

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

Price: Rp 3.000,-

Monday, December 3, 2018

Ariana Grande: Manchester attack ‘seems impossible to fully recover from’ LOS ANGELES - Ariana Grande has described the Manchester Arena terror attack as something “that seems impossible to fully recover from”.

The singer had just finished performing in the city for her Dangerous Woman world tour in May 2017 when suicide bomber Salman Abedi detonated an explosive device in the arena foyer, killing 22 people and injuring hundreds of others.

Grande, 25, was physically unharmed in the attack but suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder afterwards.

In the fourth episode of her docu-series, Ariana Grande: Dangerous Woman Diaries, the star shares a letter about the attack.

The letter says: “I’m writing to you this February 22, 2018. It’s been eight months since the attack at our show at the Manchester Arena. It’s impossible to know where to start or to know what to say about this part. May 22, 2017, will leave me speechless and filled with questions for the rest of my life.

“Music is an escape. Music is the safest thing I’ve ever known.

Music - pop music, stan culture - is something that brings people together, introduces them to some of their best friends, and makes them feel like they can be themselves. It is comfort. It is fun. It is expression.

It is happiness. It is the last thing that would ever harm someone. It is safe. (IBP/net)

Monday, December 3, 2018

YOSHIKAZU TSUNO / AFP

In this file photo taken on July 28, 2013 US film stars Brad Pitt (R) and Angelina Jolie (C), accompanied by their children, arrive at Haneda International Airport in Tokyo.

Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie reach child custody agreement

LOS ANGELES - Hollywood superstars Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have reached an amicable agreement on the custody of their six children, avoiding a potentially messy public trial, US media reported on Friday.

Ariana Grande

IBP/net

Pitt and Jolie announced their separation in September 2016 after two years of marriage and 11 years together.

Three of their children are their biological children, and the other three are adopted.

“A custody arrangement was agreed two weeks ago, and has been signed by both parties and the judge,” Jolie’s lawyer, Sa-

mantha Bley DeJean, said in a statement carried by several US celebrity news outlets including TMZ. “The agreement, which is based on the recommendations of the child custody evaluator, eliminates the need for a trial,” she said.

The couple had been set for a trial on December 4 -- the deal means they will not battle in court.

Jolie originally wanted to have sole custody of the children, while Pitt asked for shared custody.

The terms of the agreement are confidential, DeJean said.

The couple is still working out the details of their divorce, with the distribution of assets reportedly proving especially thorny. Jolie and Pitt did not have a prenuptial agreement. (afp)

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Abdulmonam EASSA / AFP

Protesters hold a French flag near a burning barricade during a protest of Yellow vests (Gilets jaunes) against rising oil prices and living costs, on December 1, 2018 in Paris.

Macron to hold crisis meeting after anti-government riots

French President Emmanuel Macron is to hold a crisis meeting on Sunday after anti-government protests in Paris that left 133 people injured and a trail of destruction around the capital.

Macron is set to fly into Paris late morning after attending a G20 summit in Argentina and will meet the prime minister, interior minister and top security service officials at the presidential palace.

New figures released from the Paris police service showed that 412 people were arrested on Saturday during the worst clashes for years in the capital and 378 were still in custody.

A total of 133 had been injured, including 23 members of the security forces who battled rioters for most of the day in some of the most famous parts of the capital.

“I will never accept violence,” Macron told a news conference in

Buenos Aires before flying home.

“No cause justifies that authorities are attacked, that businesses are plundered, that passers-by or journalists are threatened or that the Arc du Triomphe is defiled,” he said.

In a fresh incident on Sunday morning, a motorway pay booth was set on fire by arsonists in southern France near the city of Narbonne, a judicial source told AFP. The main north-south motorway in eastern France, the A6, was also blocked by protesters near the city of Lyon on Sunday morning, its operator said.

The capital was calm, however, but as groups of workers moved

around cleaning up the mess from the previous day, the scale of the destruction became clear.

In famed areas around the Champs-Elysees, the Louvre palace, the Opera or Place Vendome, smashed shop windows, broken glass and the occasional burned out car were testament to the violence.

Dozens of cars were torched by the gangs of rioters, some of whom wore gas masks and ski goggles to lessen the effects of tear gas which was fired continually by police.

One person was in a critical condition after protesters pulled down one of the huge iron gates of the Tuileries garden facing the Louvre museum, crushing several people.

Nearly 190 fires were put out and six buildings were set alight,

the interior ministry said. At the Arc de Triomphe, a monument to France’s war dead, graffiti had been daubed, saying: “The yellow vests will win.”

-- What response? This was a reference to the so-called “yellow vest” anti-government protests that have swept France over the last fortnight, sparked initially by a rise in taxes on diesel.

The movement has since morphed into a broad opposition front to Macron, a 40-year-old probusiness centrist elected in May 2017.

Violent anarchist and far-right groups have since infiltrated it and are thought to be behind Saturday’s clashes.

Macron faces a dilemma in

how to respond to the “yellow vests”, not least because they are a grassroots movement with no formal leaders and a wide range of demands.

Some representatives have also insisted on public talks broadcast on TV. “We have said that we won’t change course. Because the course is good,” government spokesman Benjamin Griveaux told BFM television defiantly on Sunday morning.

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