16 Pages Number 11 11th year
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Friday, January 4, 2019
Netflix criticised after pulling satire show that criticised Saudi prince
LOS ANGELES - Netflix has removed an episode of a satirical comedy show, apparently in response to criticism from Saudi officials. An episode of Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj included the American-born Muslim comic criticising Saudi Arabia after the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October. Mr Khashoggi was a fierce critic of the Saudi rulers. The 33-year-old attacked Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, saying: “He has been getting away with autocratic s**t like this for years with almost no blowback from the international community. “It blows my mind that it took the killing of a Washington Post journalist for everyone to go, ‘Oh, I guess he’s really not a reformer.’” Minhaj also criticised the Saudi-led war in Yemen, which he described as “the worst of everything happening in one place”. In a statement, the streaming service said: “We strongly support artistic freedom worldwide and removed this episode only in Saudi Arabia after we had received a valid legal request and to comply with local law.” The removal of the episode came after a complaint from the Saudi Communications and Information Technology Commission, which said the episode violated the cyber crime law, according to the Financial Times. (net)
Hasan Minhaj is an American-born Muslim comedian
e-mail: info_ibp@balipost.co.id online: http://www.internationalbalipost.com. http://epaper.internationalbalipost.com.
Friday, January 4, 2019
Mark RALSTON / AFP
Barbie doll prototypes are displayed at a workshop in the Mattel design center as the iconic doll turns 60, in El Segundo, on December 7, 2018.
Barbie will soon be 60 -and is still going strong
EL SEGUNDO - She is turning 60 this year and still doesn’t have a single wrinkle.Blonde or brunette, slender or curvy, black or white, princess or president, Barbie is a forever favorite for young girls, even if she has caused controversy over the years. The iconic doll has evolved to keep up with the times -- check out her Twitter feed. And despite fierce competition in the toy industry, 58 million Barbies are sold each year in more than 150 countries. “In an industry where success today is three to five years, 60 years is a huge deal!” said Nathan Baynard, director of global brand marketing for Barbie. Around the world, Barbie is as universally known as Coca-Cola or McDonald’s, Baynard said during a recent visit to Mattel’s design studio in El Segundo, a
suburb of Los Angeles. In all, more than one billion Barbie dolls have been sold since she made her debut at the American Toy Fair in New York on March 9, 1959. She was invented by Ruth Handler, the co-founder of Mattel, who was inspired by her own children to create the doll. “Her daughter Barbara was limited in the choices of her toys -- the only ones were baby dolls,” Baynard recounted. “The only role she could imagine through that play was caregiver, mother,” whereas Handler’s son “could imagine being an astronaut, cowboy, pilot, surgeon.” Barbie is, of course, a shortened version of Barbara. The doll was supposed to teach girls “that they had choices, that they could be anything. In 1959, it was a radical idea!” Baynard said. Barbie was an instant success. In the first year, 300,000 dolls were sold, he added. (afp)
Yasuyoshi CHIBA / AFP
In this file photo taken on November 25, 2012 German Formula One driver Michael Schumacher poses with the Mercedes team in the pits of the Interlagos racetrack in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Absolute reference of the Formula 1, Michael Schumacher, will turn 50 years old on January 3, 2019.
Schumacher fans urged to celebrate his birthday in rare statement
Michael Schumacher’s family has released a rare statement urging fans to celebrate his birthday as he continues to recover from a head injury. The most decorated star in Formula 1 history has not been seen in public since he fell and hit his head in a skiing accident in the French Alps five years ago. The progress of his recovery has been kept largely secret, at the request of his wife Corinna, but on the eve of his 50th birthday, they released an encouraging statement revealing they will be celebrating his milestone. In a statement, the family said: “We are very happy to celebrate Michael’s 50th birthday tomorrow (today) together with you and thank you from the bottom of our hearts that we can do this together. “As a gift to him, you and us, Keep Fighting Foundation has created a virtual museum. The Official Michael Schumacher App will be released tomorrow, so that we can
review all together Michael’s successes. “The app is another milestone in our effort to do justice to him and you, his fans, by celebrating his accomplishments. We wish you a lot of fun with it. “Michael can be proud of what he has achieved, and so are we! That’s why we remember his successes with the Michael Schumacher Private Collection exhibition in Cologne, by publishing memories in social media and by continuing his charitable work through the Keep Fighting Foundation. “We want to remember and celebrate his victories, his records
and his jubilation. “You can be sure that he is in the very best of hands and that we are doing everything humanly possible to help him. “Please understand if we are following Michael’s wishes and keeping such a sensitive subject as health, as it has always been, in privacy. “At the same time we say thank you very much for your friendship and wish you a healthy and happy year 2019.” Schumacher is understood to be receiving treatment at the family home in Lake Geneva, Switzerland. The decision to keep so much of
his health private has divided even those close to the star. His former manager Willi Weber said it was “unfortunate” his fans did not know about his health, but Ross Brawn, who has visited Schumacher, supports the family decision. Mr Brawn, who worked with Schumacher at Benetton and Ferrari, said: “Michael has always been a very private person and that’s been a guiding principle in his career, his life and his family always agreed with that choice. “It’s completely understandable that Corinna has wanted to maintain the same approach, even after the tragic event, and it’s a decision we must all respect. I’m sure the millions of people who are still Michael fans will understand it, too.” In December, after winning the driver’s F1 championship, Lewis
Hamilton said Michael Schumacher should still be considered Formula 1’s greatest driver of all time. On Schumacher’s birthday, Ferrari will launch an exhibition at their Maranello headquarters in northern Italy, to honour his successes with the Italian team. His son, 19-year-old Mick Schumacher, is being watched closely by both Ferrari and Mercedes, with rumours he could be on the F1 track by 2022. He won F3 in 2018 and will compete in F2 in 2019.(afp) News can also be heard in “Bali Image” at Global Radio FM 96.5 from 9.30 until 10.00 am. Listen to Global Radio FM at http:// globalfmbali.listen2myradio.com or live video streaming at http://radioglobalfmbali.com and http:// ustream.tv/channel/global-fm-bali.
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Bali News
Friday, January 4, 2019
International
Data on village potential 2018
No villages are left disadvantaged in Bali
DENPASAR - Based on the village potential data collection conducted by the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) of the Bali Province, 27.67 percent or 176 villages are categorized to be independent, 72.33 percent or 460 villages to be developing and no villages are left behind in the Bali Province.
One of the village in Tabanan
IBP/file
This was revealed in the release of BPS Bali conveyed by the Head of BPS Bali, Adi Nugroho, on Wednesday (Jan. 2). Although a small number of villages are categorized to be independent village, the number of villages has increased by 76 villages or by 75 percent when compared to 2014. Meanwhile, developing village reduced by 70 villages or by 15.22 percent and all the disadvantaged villages in Bali recorded in the results of village potential data collection in 2014 amounted to 6 villages and changed into developing villages in the village potential data collection in 2018. Meanwhile, according to the data in 2014, the number of village in accordance with the village development index (IPD) is categorized into independent village (15.72 percent) or 100 villages and 0.94 percent or six villages to be underdeveloped villages. IPD is composed of five dimensions consisting of 42 indicators. In general, all the dimensions of the IPD composition in 2018 in Bali have increased. The dimension with the highest increase was the condition of infrastructure with an increase of 8.54 points. In the meantime, the basic service dimension was recorded to have decreased by 1.67 points. The transportation dimension increased by 2.55 points, public services increased by 4.34 points, and village government increased by 5.43 points. BPS also collected information regarding tourism potential at villages. Data collection of village potential in 2018 noted there are 110 tourism villages and 162 villages with tourism objects in the Bali Province. “Development of tourism at villages / urban areas can be a source of new economy remaining to firmly adhere to cultural heritage,” he said. In addition to the potential that can continuously develop, village development is not immune from a variety of problems that may become obstacles as well as challenges to villages in the future. One of the challenges is natural disasters. The types of natural disasters recorded in the 2018 in the village potential data collection are landslides, floods, flash floods, earthquakes, tsunamis, tidal waves, whirlwinds or tornadoes or typhoons, volcanic eruptions, forest and land fires and droughts. The village potential data collection 2018 noted that villages affected by natural disasters over the past three years covered landslide to 190 villages, volcanic eruption (101 villages), floods (95 villages), earthquake (93 villages), whirlwinds or tornadoes or typhoons (63 villages), tidal waves (24 villages), flash flood (23 village), forest and land fire (11 villages) as well as drought (7 villages). In addition to natural disasters, another challenge is environmental pollution and security. (kmb42)
Vocational education to produce competitive human resources
DENPASAR - Soft skills are now mandatory for Balinese human resources so as to be able to compete in the era of globalization. One of them can be obtained through vocational education or creating a curriculum that accommodates it. “This means that provision of soft skill education in an effort to improve the quality of human resources needs to be supported,” said member of Commission IV at the Bali House of Representatives, I Made Dauh Wijana, when confirmed on Wednesday (Jan. 2). According to Dauh, the identification needs to be carried out regarding the number of Balinese human resources with certain competencies. This is to measure whether the policies and regulations applied by the government so far have been quite accommodating or not in an effort to improve the quality of human resources. Especially it is for the younger generation of Bali.
“At that time, we have been able to identify. Then, if later on the regulations are made, they will all be accommodated in order to face the era of globalization. It means it’s accommodative,” explained this Golkar politician. However, Dauh appreciated to the wishes and intentions of the government in order to improve the quality of human resources. For example, the current elected governor’s program will develop the concept of developing Bali Excellent Human Resources based on local wisdom. Meanwhile, Head of the Bali Education Agency, TIA Kusuma Wardhani, said there are four national education agendas at this time. One of them is vocational, concerning the highest unemployment rate in Indonesia contributed by graduates of SMK or vocational schools. That is why vocation can be said to be the main agenda to reduce the unemployment rate.
“We hope that vocational schools that we have will enable to implement the MoU with the business world and the industrial world. “Hopefully, as soon as our children graduate from vocational school, they have already known whether they will continue or enter the job markets,” he explained. Tia added the competence of vocational graduates must be equal to the demands of the working world. If there is cooperation between the educational institution and the working world, of course the graduates of vocational schools will be in accordance with the expectations of the working world. Here, her office is tasked to lead all the SMK graduates in Bali to be able to complete students according to the needs of the workforce. If necessary, the productive teachers recruited do come from the business world and the industrial world. (kmb32)
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Activities
International
Friday, January 4, 2019
15
Loving couple Miller Khan and girlfriend enjoy a romantic dinner at Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa
Miller Khan and his girlfriend, Nathalie Stephens enjoyed an evening out during Nathalie’s birthday at Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa. They took time to enjoy each other’s company over a romantic dinner under the stars, overlooking the Indian Ocean. The Malaysian actor has starred in various famous Indonesian movies including Cintapuccino, Hantu Perawan Jeruk Purut. As a rising public figure, everything about Miller is in the
public spotlight, from his career as an actor to his love life. In the 2 years of long-distance relationship, Miller and Nathalie kept their commitment strong and the romance alive. The Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa is the pioneer of luxury accommodation within the Nusa Dua area. This 5-star diamond resort, has been welcoming kings, queens, presidents and other dignitaries since its grand opening. Nestled within beautifully landscaped
gardens, the resort, with its 382 guestrooms and suites, features all the elegance of a Balinese palace, while offering modern amenities. The Nusa Dua Spa is designed to highlight its rich Balinese tradition with a variety of indigenous treatments. Dining at Nusa Dua Hotel & Spa is an epicurean journey with a choice of five restaurants and four bars under the close watch of an award-winning culinary team. For more information, please visit www.nusaduahotel.com.
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Friday, January 4, 2019
Fashion
International
Bali News
International
The World’s Most Expensive Bags
PARIS - We’re used to hearing about the history-making sales of sprawling art collections that once belonged to American banking dynasties and French couturiers, within the hallowed walls of Christie’s auction house. It’s the place to go if you’re part of the one per cent that has a cool £342 million to spare on a Leonardo da Vinci or are looking to stock up on the finest bottles of Romanée-Conti. But in London this week it was handbags going under the hammer. Not just any old handbags, though; some of the rarest, most luxurious, most decadent – and most expensive – designs to have ever been made. The Handbags and Accessories sale broke the European record for a bag sold at auction. A 2010 Hermès, matte Himalaya Niloticus crocodile Birkin 35 with 18k white gold and diamond hardware, went for an eye-watering £236,750, exceeding the estimate by over 60 per cent. It’s the third sale of its kind in just over a year from the auction house, which achieved notable success with the previous two in terms of customer growth (31 per cent new buyers: 30 per cent from Asia, 30 per cent from the US and 30 per cent from Europe). Other notable lots from this week’s auction include an extremely rare aluminium Explorer Trunk by Louis Vuitton dating back to 1892, when the production of aluminium was so complex it was deemed more expensive than gold (£162,500). And a 2017 custom made Hermès Quelle Idole – a style released in 2000 to celebrate the millennium – which sold for a cool £68,750. According to Rachel Koffsky, who heads up the London department of Christie’s International Handbags and Accessories, the market has changed dramatically in the past 10 years. “Out of the recession, we’ve seen women looking at their handbags as an asset and not just a frivolous accessory,” she observes. “We’re seeing this female collector emerge. They’re starting to look at these pieces in the same way that perhaps men were traditionally looking at watch collections. There’s an awareness in terms of what a collectible handbag means and the value of these pieces on the primary and secondary market.” Bags, Koffsky adds, is one of the only women-centric collection categories, even in jewel-
lery men still make up the majority of bidders. Collecting frenzy has also grown in line with the popularity of Instagram, fan accounts, street style, YouTube closet tours and the re-issue of certain archive designs – such as the Gucci monogram by Alessandro Michele and the Dior saddle bag by Maria Grazia Chiuri. The presence brands have in the handbag and accessories arena can be linked to specific designers; after all the longevity of a creative directorship at a fashion house is often determined by the success of these moneymakers. Louis Vuitton’s foray into creating collectible show bags is relatively recent – when Marc Jacobs took the helm of the 19th century trunk makers two decades ago. The designer famously instigated collaborations with artists such as Takashi Murakami, Yayoi Kusama and Richard Prince and his legacy can still be felt. (Last year Louis Vuitton launched its second Masters collection in collaboration with Jeff Koons.) Iconic and obvious It bags aside, a piece could be worth more, or less, than its original retail price depending on what exactly it is. While there is a standard equation to help determine a bag’s potential worth, there aren’t any hard fast rules. The rarity is absolutely an important factor, as is the condition (graded from one, for new, through to six, for damaged). Then there’s the model, age,
materials, label, size (there’s been a significant trend for small bags at auction lately) and, more subjectively speaking, how keen a bidder you have in the room on the day. “For a collector who’s been looking for this [said] bag for 10 years, they’ll pay any amount for it,” says Koffsky. The room usually ranges from the first-time buyer, who will walk away wearing the piece she just bought, to the seasoned top buyer, who will treat it like art displayed in specially curated gallery-esque closets. “There’s a life cycle to a bag when it comes to limited editions,” says Koffsky. Expect a huge premium on the market to begin with, then give it a year to 18 months and it may experience a dip before it comes back. It might be a celebrity or important influencer that creates the renewed interest. Season to season, the market is prone to fluctuate. And these rare bags are the ultimate anti-fast fashion buy – long-lasting heirloom pieces with a pretty much guaranteed resale value. Koffsky predicts that if you spend £2000 on a piece you can be confident to get that back at resale. The recent news that Chanel will no longer use exotic skins or fur in its designs will surely only serve to increase the value of certain vintage pieces, too. Handbags are also a very personal thing. They hold our secrets, they tell a story. For example, the tiny horseshoe motif you’ll find inside an Hermès bag means it was custom-made for the buyer at the time, making it even more collectible. It’s because of these special equestrian insignias and heritage, coupled with almost unparalleled quality, that an Hermès has the highest return of any bag in the world. (net)
Friday, January 4, 2019
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Post-holidays, local tourists throng Gilimanuk Harbor
NEGARA - After the New Year’s Eve celebration on Monday night (Dec. 31), there was a buildup of vehicles at Gilimanuk Harbor on Tuesday (Jan. 1). Based on previous information on Monday night or New Year’s Eve, Gilimanuk Harbor was deserted.
IBP/kmb
Because many fruits perished, farmers are forced to sell these fruits cheaply.
Quality of mangosteen drops, price plummets
TABANAN — High rainfall causes the quality of Pupuan mangosteen to decline. Many fruits experienced spotted skin and perished. Because many fruits perished, farmers are forced to sell these fruits cheaply. From the latest information, the quality of mangosteen experiencing declined quality is sold for IDR 5,000 per kilogram. Division Head of the Production Enhancement and Horticulture at the Tabanan Agriculture Agency, Wayan Suandra, said on Tuesday (Jan. 1) the mangosteen harvest season should be this month. However, the presence of high rainfall caused most of the mangosteen produced to experience brown spots to rotten fruits. On the other hand, the brown spotted fruits are not included in the export requirements of mangosteen to China. So, farmers sold it for cheap prices to domestic market. “Besides, there are many mangosteen fruits experiencing brown spot. On that account, the selling price becomes cheap namely at IDR 5,000 per kilogram,” explained Suandra. Even though there are many brown spotted fruits, some farmers also harvest mangosteen of super quality being appropriate for export. For this super quality fruit, the price reaches IDR 30,000 per kilogram. “There are farmers harvesting super quality mangosteen and meet export quality. However, the number is quite small,” said Suandra. Since the rainy season with high rainfall, Suandra admitted that nothing can be done by farmers to prevent it. They expected the harvest in the following year can be supported by favorable season, so that the development of fruits
can have higher quality and not experience spotted skin due to high rainfall. Suandra also called on farmers to fertilize after this year’s harvest in order to increase soil fertility and restore healthy plants. Meanwhile, a mangosteen exporter, Jero Putu Tesan, revealed that some time ago the price of mangosteen at the farmer level had indeed declined. It happened because of the rainy season falling last month that coincided with the peak of mangosteen harvest season. Ultimately, it had an impact on the quality of mangosteen. “Many fruits perished. Therefore, this year’s mangosteen production cannot be maximally channeled to the export market,” he said. Tesan who is also the Chief of the Indonesian Mangosteen Association said that decline in the absorption through the export market makes the mangosteen stock at the farmer’s level and the local market booming. As a result, the price of mangosteen in the local market plummeted from IDR 25,000 to IDR 45,000 per kg to the level of IDR 5,000 per kg. “At present, the decline in the export to China may almost reach 70 percent. The mangosteen exporters currently just absorb 5-10 tons per day, no longer reaching 50 tons per day,” he said. He added that related to the quality of mangosteen, a number of buyers in China had also complained. That is why this factor also makes many exporters choose to temporarily postpone their exports to China. Hopefully, such conditions will not last longer and the quality of farmers’ mangosteen will return to be in good condition, so the exports to China can be carried out again in maximum volume. (kmb24)
Unloading vessels only carried a few vehicles. Moreover, the quiet use of crossing services in the Bali Strait remained visible until Tuesday morning. However, in the afternoon the situation suddenly changed. The vehicles are dominated by private cars of local tourists returning to Java and began to boom and slowly accumulated in the harbor parking area. Likewise motorbikes are also quite a lot plus tourism
buses and trucks. Dewi, one of the tourists from Surabaya, said that after traveling around to several tourist attractions and enjoying the turn of the year on Kuta Beach, they had short break at hotel. Then, the next morning they just returned. When entering late afternoon, more and more vehicles arrived so that the lines got to the terminal maneuver. On average the private cars had to wait for an hour in order to get a turn to cross. Ahmad from
Malang, for instance, said that he did not know if there was a line. Meanwhile, General Manager of PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry of the Ketapang-Gilimanuk Branch, Solikin, confirmed that at the beginning of this New Year the number of users of crossing services was quite crowded. With the operation of 32 vessels, he said that everything can be serviced smoothly so that the queue did not last longer. (120)
IBP/wit
The vehicles are dominated by private cars of local tourists returning to Java and began to boom and slowly accumulated in the harbor parking area.
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Bali News
Friday, January 4, 2019
International
Friday, January 4, 2019
International
13
Tourists flee Thai islands as Tropical Storm Pabuk looms
IBP/kmb31
Local community preserves its implementation as an effort to maintain the balance of nature.
To maintain natural balance
Residents of Sampal hamlet hold Ngadegang ritual
SEMARAPURA — The community of Sampalan hamlet, Dalem Setra Batununggul, Nusa Penida subdistrict, returned to hold Ngadegan ritual on Wednesday (Jan. 2). Local community preserves its implementation as an effort to maintain the balance of nature. It maintains harmony of macrocosm and microcosm, so that it is kept away from all forms of disasters. This annual ritual is held on day four before full moon in December (seventh month of Balinese calendar). The Ngadegang is commenced with melasti or purificatory procession. All the sanctified effigies such as the Barong Bangkal and others are consecrated there, carried by the local hamlet staff. There are also sanctified effigies carried from Gunung Hyang Temple. “Harmony of humans and nature can only be realized through rituals,” said one of the local temple
priests, Mangku Dewa Made Beneng Alit. After the melasti procession on the local beach, the entire sanctified effigies are carried back to local village intersection. At the location, the sanctified effigies are presented with caru oblation of black chicken with segehan agung. Implementation of this ritual adequately made the surrounding situation crowded, so that pecalang or customary security guard should work well together,
arrange the local residents and vehicles. Hamlet chief of Sampalan, I Dewa Made Sudiatmika, confirmed the ceremonial paraphernalia and all preparations are indeed carried out in mutual assistance by the local staff. On that account, all residents look to get involved in the ceremony. Meanwhile, chief of Dalem Setra Batununggul customary village, I Dewa Ketut Tayanegara, added that implementation of the ritual is an expression of gratitude for the gifts
bestowed by nature. Implementation of the ngadegang, according to him, is an attempt to present Ida Bathara or deities through the presence of the sanctified effigies. The presence of deities in the midst of the residents was marked with the coming down of rain, so that the universe is gentle, calm and always in seclusion. Thus, the peace of the local community is created. Expression of gratitude of local citizens is not only manifested in the form of rituals, but also in the form of togetherness. After the implementation of the ngadegang, it was resumed with the implementation of Nyadegang or generally
known as the Magibung or having communal meal tradition. As the meaning of magibung, nyadegang also represents the expression of gratitude and togetherness among the surrounding people. In addition to the time of holding such tradition, the nyadegang is also commonly held by local residents during other traditional events, such as palebon, pawiwahan, otonan and others. After holding the ceremony, the sanctified effigies of the deities are said to stand by or nyejer for eleven days. Tayanegara hoped that through implementation of such ritual, citizens can live in tranquility and peacefully. (kmb31)
BANGKOK - Tens of thousands of tourists have fled the Thai resort islands of Koh Phangan and Koh Tao in a mass exodus ahead of Tropical Storm Pabuk which is set to bring heavy rains, wind and seven-metre (22-foot) waves, officials said Thursday. The islands, hugely popular with holiday-makers especially during the peak Christmas and New Year season, have emptied out since Wednesday as tourists packed onto ferries bound for the southern Thai mainland, with swimming banned and boats set to suspend services. Pabuk, Thailand’s first tropical storm in the area outside of the monsoon season for around 30 years, is poised to batter Koh Phangan and Koh Tao as well as Koh Samui on Friday night, before cutting into the mainland. No official evacuation order has been given but tourists are leaving in droves. “I think the islands are almost empty... between 30,000 to 50,000 have left since the New Year ’s Eve countdown parties,” Krikkrai Songthanee, Koh Phangnan district chief, told AFP. The acting mayor of Koh Tao, one of Southeast Asia’s finest diving spots, said boats to Chumphon on the mainland were crammed with tourists, but several thousand guests were still on the island likely to brave the storm. Pabuk was packing winds of
104 kilometres per hour (65 mph) but was unlikely to intensify into a full blown typhoon, according to forecasters. “But we expect waves as high as five or seven metres near the eye of the storm. Normally in the Gulf of Thailand there are only two metre high waves,” Phuwieng Prakammaintara, director general at the Thai Meteorological Department, told reporters. “It’s difficult to predict the severity of the storm so people should comply with authorities’ recommendations.” On Koh Samui, the closest of the trio of islands, a Russian man drowned on Wednesday after his family ignored warnings not to go into the sea. “A family of three went swimming but the strong current caught a 56-year-old man who drowned,” Police Captain Boonnam Srinarat of Samui Police told AFP. “Island officials anounced the warning and put up the red ‘danger’ flags... but maybe the family did not think the situation was that serious.” Authorities on the island said they were preparing shelters for any tourists who decide to wait out the storm. Pabuk, which means a giant catfish in Lao, is also expected to dump heavy rain across the south, including tourist hotspots in the Andaman Sea such as Krabi and the southernmost provinces bordering Malaysia of Pattani, Narathiwat and Yala. (afp)
Peak of backflows at Ngurah Rai Airport
76,000 people estimated to leave Bali
MANGUPURA — During the holidays of Christmas and New Year 2019, the number of arrival passenger through Ngurah Rai Airport has increased very significantly. From the data available, the peak of arrival occurred on December 22. According to Communication and Legal Section Head of the Ngurah Rai Airport, Arie Ahsanurrohim, the number of arrival passenger at that time reached 74,000 people
with 484 flights. “Indeed, it is higher than previous estimation. Previously, we predicted 780,000 people,” he said on Wednesday (Jan. 2). Arie said, for the second wave, it will occur on the peak of the backflow after the New Year. His management estimated there will be a peak during the backflow on January 4 or 5, 2019. Passenger movement that will leave Bali is estimated to reach around 76,000 people. For the year 2018, the Christ-
mas and New Year holiday was dominated by foreign passengers compared to domestic passengers. He said that foreign passengers reached 51 percent while the remaining 49 percent was domestic passenger. This year’s foreign passengers were dominated by Australian followed by Indian and Chinese. Meanwhile, Chinese tourists are estimated to experience an increase again in the next Chinese New Year. (kmb23)
IBP/net
IBP/kmb
During the holidays of Christmas and New Year 2019, the number of arrival passenger through Ngurah Rai Airport has increased very significantly.
Tens of thousands of tourists have fled the Thai resort islands of Koh Phangan and Koh Tao in a mass exodus ahead of Tropical Storm Pabuk which is set to bring heavy rains, wind and seven-metre (22-foot) waves, officials said Thursday.
HANDOUT / China National Space Administration / AFP
This handout picture taken by the Chang’e-4 probe and released to AFP by China National Space Administration on January 3, 2019 shows an image of the “dark side” of the moon. A Chinese lunar rover landed on the far side of the moon on January 3, in a global first that boosts Beijing’s ambitions to become a space superpower.
China lands probe on far side of moon in world first
BEIJING - A Chinese lunar rover landed on the far side of the moon on Thursday, in a global first that boosts Beijing’s ambitions to become a space superpower.The Chang’e-4 probe touched down and sent a photo of the so-called “dark side” of the moon to the Queqiao satellite, which will relay communications to controllers on Earth, China’s national space agency said on its website. Beijing is pouring billions into its military-run space programme, with hopes of having a crewed space station by 2022, and of eventually sending humans to the moon. The Chang’e-4 lunar probe mission -- named after the moon goddess in Chinese mythology -- launched in December from the southwestern Xichang launch centre. It is the second Chinese probe to land on the moon, following the Yutu (Jade Rabbit) rover mission in 2013. Unlike the near side of the moon that offers many flat areas to touch down on, the far side is mountainous and rugged. The moon is “tidally locked” to Earth in its rotation so the same side is always facing Earth. Chang’e-4 is carrying six experiments from China and four from abroad, including lowfrequency radio astronomical
studies -- aiming to take advantage of the lack of interference on the moons’ far side. The rover will also conduct mineral and radiation tests, the China National Space Administration has said. “It’s a very good start,” said Wu Weiren, chief designer of China’s lunar exploration program, in an interview with state broadcaster CCTV. “We are now building China into an aerospace power.” - Space dominance Beijing is planning to send another lunar lander, Chang’e-5, later this year to collect samples and bring them back to Earth. It is among a slew of ambitious Chinese targets, which include a reusable launcher by 2021, a super-powerful rocket capable of delivering payloads heavier than those NASA and private rocket firm SpaceX can
handle, a moon base, a permanently crewed space station, and a Mars rover. The People’s Liberation Army “looks at space as a new strategic high ground,” said Michael Raska, who studies security and defence issues at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore. An increased presence in space will be vital for “anything for early warning, surveillance, reconnaissance, targeting... nearly every military mission out there is relying on some sort of space capability.” But China’s aerospace industry still has a long way to go, especially compared to that of the US, said Shen Dingli, a Shanghai-based international studies scholar. “Armstrong landed on the moon more than 50 years ago -- Chinese people still have not landed on the moon even today.” (afp)
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BUSINESS Ivanka Trump plans global women’s economic development push
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Suwat Water Festival, a Tourism Icon of North Gianyar
Hundreds of people attended the celebration held for the very first time. The event began with a parade featuring a variety of artistic creativities and potential owned by each hamlet. A number of arts including fragmentary show, bleganjur gamelan music and canang rebong games. Furthermore, it was presented the potential of each hamlet. Prominent attraction in the festival held for six days is the water wars. There was also a fun walk, areca nut sheath race, rice planting race, catching ducks and pigs and the arts from the reconstruction at four hamlets throughout the Suwat village, such as Kecak dag, Janger
A formal launch for the initiative was planned for next week but has been postponed amid uncertainty about the government shutdown, the White House said Monday. The original plan for the event included remarks from Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and national security adviser John Bolton, as well as from officials from a host of government agencies, financial organizations and private businesses, including the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, Walmart and Bank of America. The initiative, which is backed by the State Department and the National Security Council, seeks to align government agencies behind the mission of supporting women’s economic development around the world. It will also include private-sector investment. First daughter Ivanka Trump, a White House adviser who has made supporting women in business part of her portfolio, led the policy process over the past year and a half. “I look forward to continuing to work with the interagency and members of Congress on both sides of the aisle to advance women’s access to vocational training, fuel female entrepreneurship and lift legal and social barriers that restrict our full and free economic participation,” Ivanka Trump said in a statement to The Associated Press. Bolton said in a statement that the initiative “directly supports President Trump’s National Security Strategy.” Ivanka Trump previously led an effort to launch a World Bank fund to help drive women’s entrepreneurship. She recently advocated for the Women’s Entrepreneurship and Economic Empowerment Act, which has passed Congress. That legislation bolsters efforts focused on women by the United States Agency for International Development.(ap)
and others. Sejumlah peserta adu kecepatan menarik rekannya dengan pelepah kelapa dalam lomba tradisional Festival Air 2016 di Desa Swat, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali. Chairman of the SWF committee, Ngakan Putu Gede Sudibya, said that Suwat village is known to have many springs and one of them is the spring flowing in Melangge River. “Formerly the river was used as a source of livelihoods, so that we are challenged to create the Suwat Water Festival,” he said. The festival is expected to balance the tourism development in Gianyar. Approximately 500-600
travelers always pass through this village to visit the surrounding areas, so that it can generate the tourism development in the North Gianyar. “We are also grateful to the ranks of government of Gianyar as well as all those that have supported this event,” he explained. A.A. Bagus Ari Brahmanta who read the speech of the Regent of Gianyar, A.A. Gde Agung Bharata, appreciated the activities. The festival is expected to maintain the balance of Gianyar and the existence of natural resources, especially water. “It is meant to keep water for the prosperity of Gianyar society,” he added. (kmb)
Wow, Slide the City Presented on the Peninsula
n this Nov. 20, 2018, file photo, Ivanka Trump, the daughter of President Donald Trump, arrives for a ceremony to pardon the National Thanksgiving Turkey in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington. Ivanka Trump is set to launch a White House effort aimed at women’s global economic empowerment in early 2019.
ECB installs temporary administrators at Italian bank governance,” the ECB’s banking supervision arm said in a statement. Fabio Innocenzi -- who resigned after serving as chief executive of Carige since September -- is among the three temporary administrators. They in turn will be watched over by a three-member surveillance
Friday, January 4, 2019
Suwat Water Festival (SWF) has become a new icon of North Gianyar. This festival involved the Suwat villages. For six days, various cultural and tourism activities as well as competitions were organized. It was opened by the Head of the Gianyar Tourism Office, AA Bagus Ari Brahmanta, Wednesday (Dec. 29).
WASHINGTON — Ivanka Trump is set to launch a White House effort aimed at women’s global economic empowerment in early 2019.
Supervisors at the European Central Bank said Wednesday they had ordered temporary administrators to take over floundering Italian lender Banca Carige, after most of its board resigned. Five departures “made the installation of temporary administration necessary to steer the bank in order to stabilise its
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committee. The ECB’s move on Carige follows a Wednesday decision by Italian market watchdog Consob to halt trading in Carige’s shares. Stock in the bank plunged last week after its board failed to agree on a capital increase, with its biggest shareholder the Malacalza group abstaining from the vote.
The 400-million-euro ($467 million) capital increase was one pillar of a restructuring plan approved by the ECB. Issuing new shares would have been the fourth such move in five years, a period that has also seen several chief executives come and go. Weighed down by the turmoil,
Carige shares have lost almost 90 percent of their value over the past three months on the Milan stock market to trade at well below one euro cent. And rating agency Fitch in October lowered its credit rating to CCC+ with a negative outlook, warning that bankruptcy was “a real possibility”.(afp)
Peninsula Island, the Nusa Dua, Badung, is an integrated tourism will be enlivened by attractions of Slide the City (STC) Bali. This unique attraction in the form of a water slide will be held for 19 days starting from December 14, 2018 to January 1, 2019. The community or tourists can glide from a height of eight meters with a slide reaching 100 meters. Slide the City is organized by the Indonesia Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) in collaboration with Malaysian company, Monkey Theory Sdn. Bhd. This attraction can be enjoyed by all ages, both children, teenagers to parents, couples and families. “This Slide the City attraction is the first to be held in Bali, and even in Indonesia. Therefore, The Nusa Dua offers this attraction to tourists to fill Christmas and yearend holidays in Bali,” said Deputy Managing Director of The Nusa Dua – ITDC, A.A. Istri Ratna Dewi, at a press conference at Tino’s Warung, Nusa Dua. Ratna Dewi said that Slide the City is an attraction brand that specializes in water recreation parks. It has been held in a number of countries and major cities in the world such as the United States, Columbia, Canada, England, Korea, Japan, Brunei, Hong Kong, Macau, China, Taiwan, Malaysia and others since 2013. In Bali, this large slides will come with different attractions. Tourists will be given skating facilities with friends and family in groups at once on a 100-meter long slide from a
height of 8 meters, so that it will become an unforgettable moment. “Not only that, it will also be launched the rides with other several rides that are no less interesting,” she added. With the outdoor recreation concept presenting 3F as the main pillar of Food, Fun and Festival, during the STC event all the visitors can also enjoy entertainment in the form of live music and DJs from local Balinese and the Nusa Dua musicians, as well as food and beverage stands. The City Slide is expected to be a choice of attractions enjoyed by tourists that spend Christmas and year-end holidays in Bali. In addition, of course, it is expected to be enjoyed by tourists staying in the Nusa Dua area and that visit the Nusa Dua area, Peninsula Island, and Waterblow in the period of administration. Opening hours of the City Slide is 10:00 through 18:00 local time with the price of daily ticket as follows: Weekday (Monday-Thursday) at IDR 170,000, Weekend/Public Holiday (Friday-Sunday) at IDR 200,000, and for children under 7 years are free of charge. Head of Event & Utilities Production Section, Ida Ayu Wita Febriana, said that throughout 2018 the ITDC has held various events ranging from the Sundown Dancing Lessons, Chinese New Year, Bali Heritage Food Festivals, Bali Blues Festival, Nusa Dua Light Festival, Enchanting Nusa Dua Fiesta, Mandiri Badung International Night Run and The City Slide. Each event is averagely visited by hundreds to thousands of visitors during. (kmb)
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NICHOLAS KAMM / AFP
US House Speaker-designate Nancy Pelosi (C), D-CA), Senate Minority Leader Senator Chuck Schumer (R), D-NY, and incoming House Majority Whip, Rep. Steny Hoyer (L), D-MD, speak to the press after meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington, DC, on January 2, 2019.
It’s official: divided government arrives on Capitol Hill
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against an administration they believe has overstepped its authority and abused power in the nearly two years since Trump’s inauguration. They will have that opportunity, as congressional panels will be led by chairmen who have pledged to probe topics such as Trump’s income taxes, his firing of attorney general Jeff Sessions, and the president’s ties to Vladimir Putin. Incoming chairpersons have signaled that Trump will face a barrage of probes that could bog down a White House already besieged by Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia collusion probe, draining energy from the administration’s agenda and foiling Trump’s mes-
sage. “It’s on,” Democrat Hakeem Jeffries, a new member of House leadership who is seen by some as a potential future House speaker, tweeted Wednesday. “Tomorrow, we seize the majority. Then, we pass legislation to end reckless #TrumpShutdown,” he added. “Next, we fight to lower healthcare costs and enact a progressive agenda.” While the “blue wave” swept dozens of House Republicans out of Congress last November, Trump’s party managed to modestly expand its majority in the Senate to 57-43, meaning Washington gridlock is almost certain to deepen. (afp)
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One dead, 15 injured after women enter flashpoint India temple
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - One person was killed and at least 15 injured in violence across southern India’s Kerala state which broke out after two women defied traditionalists to enter one of Hinduism’s holiest temples, police said Thursday. Clashes were reported across the state after the two women activists, escorted by police, entered the Sabarimala temple in a surprise pre-dawn operation on Wednesday. The Supreme Court in September overturned a decades-old ban on women of menstruating age -deemed as those between 10 and 50 -- setting foot inside the gold-plated Sabarimala temple. Several women activists have made unsuccessful attempts to reach the temple since the order but faced stiff resistance from thousands of devotees including men and women, who see it as an attack on tradition. “The person who died was part of a BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) demonstration yesterday and got injured when some stones were hurled (at the demonstrators),” Kerala police spokesman Pramod Kumar told AFP. “His injuries were serious and he died late Wednesday night. At least 15 others were injured in incidents across the state,” Kumar added. Local media reports said the demonstrators from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP were hit by stones from a local office of the
state’s ruling Communist party. Kerala remained tense on Thursday, and the police said additional forces had been deployed across the state to prevent further violence breaking out. The police Wednesday used tear gas, stun grenades and water cannon to control clashes between the rival groups, largely conservatives and cadres of the state’s ruling leftwing parties. Journalists were also assaulted during the disturbances in the state’s capital, Thiruvananthapuram, and nearby Kollam city. September’s verdict was the latest progressive ruling from the court, with judges also overturning bans on gay sex and adultery last year. In rare comments regarding the Sabarimala temple on Tuesday, Modi -- running for a second term in elections later this year -- appeared to support the ban, saying the matter was related to tradition. “There are some temples which have their own traditions, where men can’t go. And men don’t go,” Modi told Indian media. The Supreme Court is to start hearing a legal challenge on its ruling to allow women into the temple from January 22. Women are still barred from a handful of Hindu temples in India. The entry of women at Sabarimala was taboo for generations and formalised by the Kerala High Court in 1991. (afp)
60 Brimob personnel deployed to hunt down terrorist group
IBP/ant
JAKARTA - Some 60 personnel of the National Police`s Mobile Brigade (Brimob) unit have been deployed to assist Parigi Moutong district police in Central Sulawesi province in hunting down the East Indonesia Mujahidin (MIT) terrorist group, led by Ali Kalora.
“Right now, the Tinombala task force of the Central Sulawesi provincial police is still looking out for the group, led by Ali Kalora and his colleagues,” Chief of the Public Information Bureau of the National Police, Dedi Prasetyo,
said here on Thursday. The hunt came after the group shot two police officers who were removing the body of a murdered victim in Salubose hamlet, Parigi Moutong district, Central Sulawesi. The 60 Brimob personnel, belonging to Tinombala task force in Central Sulawesi provincial police, were tasked with hunting down the remaining members of the Poso terrorist group after security personnel shot dead its old leader, Santoso. Chief Brigadier Andrew Maha Putra and Second Brigadier, who suffered shot wounds, have gradually recovered
after they underwent a surgery at Bhayangkara Police Hospital in Palu. “They are getting better. Their health condition is stable. They are being treated at the hospital,” he noted. The Ali Kalora-led group shot the two police officers who were removing the body of the murdered victim in Salubanga village, Central Sulawesi on Monday (Dec 31, 2018). The group shot one of the two police officers while he was removing the wood and twigs blocking the road. The shootout with the terrorist group was inevitable, injuring the two police officers. (ant)
Police arrest 41 Airport operator Angkasa Pura II serves inmates escaped 115 million passengers last year from Lambaro prison
WASHINGTON - Washington’s new era of divided government begins Thursday as Democrats seize control of the US House, aiming to serve as a check on Donald Trump’s disruptive presidency at least until the 2020 election. Battle-tested Nancy Pelosi will in all likelihood win the gavel as speaker of the House of Representatives, a dramatic return to national power for the California Democrat who made history a dozen years earlier as the first woman to lead the chamber. She will take command during a period of American political upheaval, and with a caucus riding high after a very strong midterm election showing last November. Thursday brings an end to Trump’s one-party rule in Washington, a massive boost for Democrats who felt deflated after Trump’s 2016 victory. Progressives will be eager to push back with greater effect
Friday, January 4, 2019
STR / AFP
Indian supporters of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) march during a protest rally over two women entering the Sabarimala Ayyapa temple, in Kochi on January 3, 2019.
BANDAACEH - The police have arrested 41 out of the 113 prisoners, who escaped from Lambaro Prison in Aceh Besar District, Banda Aceh Police Chief Senior Commissioner Trisno Riyanto stated. “As of today, 41 prisoners were arrested, of which one died in North Sumatra,” Riyanto noted here on Wednesday. The inmate, Hamdani bin Rusli, died after being allegedly assaulted by the mass in North Sumatra. Hamdani was sentenced to death on April 30, 2018, in a murder case
on August 29, 2017. He killed his wife Nursiah binti Ibrahim, a midwife in Pidie District. “We will chase the escaped inmates, and we have put them on the list of wanted persons,” he remarked, adding that the arrested prisoners have been returned to Lambaro Prison. As many as 113 prisoners escaped from Lambaro Prison on Nov 11 through the front window and the back fence of the prison. Aceh Police Chief Inspector Gen. Rio S. Dampak has called on all inmates to surrender. (ant)
JAKARTA - State airport operator PT Angkasa Pura II served up to 115 million passengers last year, up 9.5 percent from 105 million a year earlier. “In line with the vision of the company to become the Best Smart Connected Airport Operator in Region, Angkasa Pura II is committed to continue to provide better services to the public through both hard infrastructure and soft infrastructure through digital platform to give impressive airport digital journey experiences to passengers,” PT Angkasa Pura II President Director, Muhammad Awalu-
ddin, said in a written statement released on Monday. The company provided its best services through airports that it operated last year. It participated in organizing transboundary events by, among other things, being an official supplier in the Asian Games 2018 and the Asian Para Games 2018. Being an official supplier of the two international events, the company provided airports and officers to help athletes and officials, he noted. The achievement made throughout last year was in line
with the company`s transformation policy to realize Angkasa Pura II Giant Dream 2020 under the theme RKAP 2018 Airports Grow Faster 2018 through three main programs, namely Accelerated Revenue Growth, On Becoming 1 Million Aircraft Movements, and Implementation of Digital Journey Experience at all PT Angkasa Pura II airports. To serve service users, PT Angkasa Pura II has developed mobile digital, namely Indonesia Airport App, to help passengers find information easily, he pointed out. (ant)
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Friday, January 4, 2019
International
‘Cricket in heaven’: Tendulkar honours boyhood coach
Ulun Danu Batur Temple in Kintamani BANGLI - Ulun Danu Batur Temple is an important Balinese Hindu temple in Kintamani, central Bali. It’s also called ‘Pura Batur’ or ‘Batur Temple’ for short. The temple is the second most significant mountain temple after the Besakih Temple complex. Ulun Danu
Batur sits at the southwestern rim of the vast caldera of Mount Batur. It features around nine majestic temples within its complex. There’s also over 200 different shrines and pavilions inside. The temple complex’s final site was established in 1926. This was after relocating
from its original site at the foot of the volcano. Batur’s eruptions in 1917 and 1921 saw lava flows damaging the former site. Ulun Danu Batur is not to be confused with the similarly named Ulun Danu Beratan (the famous lake temple in Bedugul). It is located at Kalanganyar village, Kintamani district and Bangli regency and recommended as one of Bali places to visit during your vacation in this paradise island. It will take about 2 and a half hours to find this one of biggest temple in Bali Island. Ulun Danu Batur Temple was build on 1926, and also known as one of important Temple in the island. This temple is dedicated to Dewi Batari Ulun Danu, the Goddess of lakes and rivers. The words “Ulun Danu” meaning as “head of the lake”. Bali also has other Temple that located at the lake area that’s Ulun Danu Beratan Temple. Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is easy to
find, you just need to go strike from the “Penelokan” the great point to see Mount Batur.
Highlights of Ulun Danu Batur Temple Batur temple is around 900 metres above sea level. It faces west with the black lava-covered peak of Mount Batur in the background. Ulun Danu Batur is not a lake temple. However, it essentially honours the goddess of Lake Batur, Dewi Danu. She’s revered by agrarian communities as the goddess of lakes and rivers. Dewi Danu is also believed to bless the island with fertility. The different shrines that you can see within the complex honour a variety of deities. They govern many aspects of Balinese agrarian life. These range from agriculture, arts, carpentry, masonry and more. One of the most unique shrines is decorated in red
Chinese ornaments. It’s dedicated to the legendary Chinese queen of the historical King Sri Jaya Pangus, Kang Cing Wie. Batur temple’s anniversary is every Purnama Kedasa. This is known as the ‘tenth full moon’ on the 210-day cycle Balinese Pawukon calendar. From the main temple courtyards, you can also catch a beautiful panorama of Mount Batur and its caldera lake. Great views are particularly from the Pura Penataran Agung Batu temple, to its west. The Ulun Danu Batur temple complex itself is along the same path that leads you towards the Kintamani highlands. From here, you can enjoy sweeping vistas over the vast Batur range. As with any temple visit, you’re required to wear sarongs and a sash around your waist. These are available for rent (but usually sold for much cheaper) around the temple gates. (IBP/net)
NEW DELHI - Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar paid a glowing tribute on Thursday to Ramakant Achrekar, his childhood coach and lifelong mentor who has died aged 87. Achrekar, a club-level coach, discovered a 12-year-old Tendulkar’s extraordinary talents in Mumbai and nurtured him on his way to becoming cricket’s most prolific run-scorer of all time. Achrekar died at his home in Mumbai on Wednesday. “Cricket in heaven will be enriched by the presence of Achrekar Sir. Like many of his students I learnt the ABCD of cricket under Sir’s guidance,” Tendulkar said in a statement. “His contribution to my life cannot be captured in words. He built the foundation that I stand on. “Achrekar Sir taught us the virtues of playing straight and living straight. Thank you for making us a part of your life and enriching us with your coaching manual. Well played Sir and may you coach many more,” the 45-year-old Tendulkar added. Tendulkar, who holds many batting records in his illustrious career including 100 centuries in Test and ODIs, retired in 2013 after scoring more than 34,000 international runs. He attended Achrekar’s funeral which was carried out according to Hindu traditions on Thursday. Besides Tendulkar, the top coach also trained other prominent Indian players including Vinod Kambli, Pravin Amre and Balwinder Singh Sandhu. The Board of Control for Cricket in India expressed its “deepest sympathy”. “Not only did he produce great cricketers, but also trained them to be fine human beings. His contribution to Indian Cricket has been immense,” the BCCI wrote on Twitter. The Indian cricket team wore black armbands Thursday during the Test against Australia in Sydney to pay their respects. (afp)
ERNESTO BENAVIDES / AFP
Peruvian co-driver Lucas Barron, 25, smiles at a mechanics workshop in Lima, on December 18, 2018, where his car is being prepared to take part in the upcoming Rally Dakar on January 2019.
Down Syndrome competitor to make Dakar Rally history
LIMA - Lucas Barron will make history on Sunday when he lines up on the Dakar 2019 starting line in Peru, becoming the first person with Down Syndrome to take part in the gruelling race.
Prakash PARSEKAR / AFP
In this file photo taken on October 31, 2018 former Indian cricketers Sachin Tendulkar (L) and Vinod Kambli pose for a picture with their former coach Ramakant Achrekar (C) in Mumbai.
The 25-year-old, who will be co-pilot for his father Jacques, will tackle the world’s most demanding rally: a 5,000 kilometer (3,000 mile), 10-day marathon, 70 percent of which will be raced over sand. “Our aim is to finish the race and achieve our goal,” a beaming Barron told AFP. “This race is brilliant for me. It will be easy because we know the route.” Barron, who has been training for a year and a half alongside his father, will ride on one of 500 vehicles taking part in the race. He will compete in the UTV category for off-road four-wheel drive buggies, a class that was added for the first time in 2017. Born in Lima, Barron has always been a keen sportsman despite his disability, taking part in swimming, football, cycling, surfing and waterskiing. He says he’s “ready and able to overcome the desert dunes.” A fan of both rock and hip hop music, Barron says he will provide important mechanical assistance to his father. “I’m going to help him look at the engine, the road and the tyres,” said Barron.
He is familiar with the Peruvian terrain that will host the entirety of the Dakar rally this year after Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Bolivia declined the opportunity due to austerity measures. In September, he was co-pilot alongside his father in the Desafio Inca race that acted as preparation for the main event and took on the dunes of Ica, in the south of Peru. The “Barron x 2” team finished seventh. - No fear While Down Syndrome can cause lifelong intellectual disability and development delays, those with the condition can still lead fulfilling lives. Jacques Barron, a 55-year-old engineer, told AFP that Dakar organizers had no problem with his son taking part. The requirements were the same as for any other competitor: passing all the medical exams and supplying the necessary documentation. “Lucas already has the International Automobile Federation licence to participate in the Dakar,” Barron told AFP. He said his son is afraid of noth-
ing and knows what to do if there is a problem. “He knows how to look at the temperature of the belt, the oil and tyre pressure,” said Barron, who has competed in the Dakar five times. “Lucas’s eyes will be the cars’ eyes to avoid crashing into another car or any object. “People with Down Syndrome can develop certain abilities: Lucas can play any sport.” The Dakar will be run from January 6-17, starting in Peru’s capital Lima and traversing the southern regions of Ica, Arequipa, Moquegua and down to Tacna on the border with Chile. The longest, and toughest stage will cover 370 kilometers from Arequipa to Tacna on January 10. The Barron team’s main aim is simply to finish the race. Lucas Barron has the support of one of his idols, five-time motorbike winner Cyril Despres of France, a friend of his father’s. “Despres wrote to me on Facebook congratulating me,” he said, adding that the Frenchman gave him a signed shirt in 2017 -- a treasured possession. (afp)
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Lukaku saves Solskjaer’s perfect record as Chelsea fire blanks
Lippi left needing a Chinese miracle at Asian Cup
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Manchester United made it four wins out of four in the Premier League on Wednesday, beating Newcastle to close the gap on fourth-placed Chelsea, who were held at home by Southampton.
United have been transformed since their former striker replaced Jose Mourinho, scoring 12 goals in his first three games in temporary charge but were forced to dig deep to emerge with a 2-0 win against a disciplined Newcastle side at St James’s Park. The victory leaves them in sixth spot in the table with 38 points, just three behind Arsenal and six adrift of Chelsea. Substitute Romelu Lukaku broke the deadlock just 38 seconds after coming on midway through the second half, pouncing after Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka had spilled a fierce Marcus Rashford free kick and Rashford himself made sure of the points in the 80th minute. Manchester United bossed possession but a resolute Newcastle defence kept clear-cut chances to a minimum, prompting Solskjaer to throw on Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez shortly after the hour mark. The changes bore fruit immediately and the interim boss will be equally pleased that United managed just their third clean sheet of the season in the Premier League. “Finally we kept a clean sheet,” Solskjaer told Sky Sports. “A very professional performance. We didn’t hit the heights that we can do but we were in control, kept plugging away and got the goals. “A good first touch from a sub. When you see big Romelu Lukaku running towards you, as a keeper you might take your hands away. We were sluggish in the first half, it was like a testimonial, too many square passes.” Solskjaer is only the second manager in Manchester United history to win his first four league games in charge
of the club, after Matt Busby in 1946. - Misfiring Chelsea -
It was a frustrating evening for Chelsea, who dominated possession but lacked any cutting edge, maintaining a worrying sequence for Maurizio Sarri’s team. His side failed to score for the third time in their past five Premier League games at Stamford Bridge, raising more questions about Chelsea’s need for a top-class striker in the January transfer window. With Olivier Giroud sidelined after suffering an ankle injury in Sunday’s win at Crystal Palace, Sarri opted to recall misfiring striker Alvaro Morata. But once again the former Real Madrid star looked completely bereft of touch and confidence. “If you can score the first goal, you can find spaces so it’s easier,” said a frustrated Sarri. “We need to solve the problem of the last 20 metres. In the last matches, we were in full control but it’s not easy in this moment to score the first goal.” Chelsea earlier Wednesday announced they had agreed terms with Borussia Dortmund for the signing of US winger Christian Pulisic for a reported £58 million ($73 million). He will link up with the club ahead of the 2019/20 season. In an astonishing game at Bournemouth, the home side shared six goals with Watford in a helter-skelter first half but there was no addition to the scoreline in the second half. Andy Carroll was named in the West Ham team to face Brighton -- a year to the day since he last started a match but Marko Arnautovic was the star for the London side, scoring a quickfire double to rescue a 2-2 draw. Elsewhere on Wednesday, 10-man Huddersfield lost 2-1 at home to Burnley, who also finished with 10 men, while Crystal Palace beat Wolves 2-0 away from home. In Tuesday’s matches, Arsenal bounced back from their mauling by Liverpool to beat Fulham 4-1, Tottenham brushed aside Cardiff 3-0 and Leicester beat Everton 1-0. Manchester City face Premier League leaders Liverpool on Thursday in a potentially season-defining match at the Etihad, with the pressure on Pep Guardiola’s side, who are seven points behind Jurgen Klopp’s men.
Manchester United’s Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku (2nd L) celebrates with Manchester United’s English midfielder Jesse Lingard (L) and Manchester United’s English midfielder Ashley Young (R) after scoring their fourth goal during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Bournemouth at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on December 30, 2018.
ALEJANDRO PAGNI / AFP
The new coach of Argentinian football team Boca Juniors, Gustavo Alfaro poses with the team jersey, during his presentation at La Bombonera stadium in Buenos Aires on January 2, 2019. Alfaro who formerly was the coach of Argentinian team Huracan, replaces Guillermo Barros Schelotto following the historic Copa Libertadores defeat to arch rivals River Plate.
China coach Marcello Lippi has put his players through a tough month of training ahead of the Asian Cup, but the decorated Italian will need to inspire something special if his ageing side are to be serious contenders. Lippi looks set to leave the wellpaid post when his contract expires after the tournament in the United Arab Emirates, which begins Saturday, and at the age of 70 the end of his coaching career is in sight. He is aiming to add an Asian Cup to a long managerial CV that includes the 2006 World Cup as well as a Champions League medal and five Italian league titles with Juventus. Lippi was also a Chinese Super League winner three times in a row with Guangzhou Evergrande from 2012 to 2014. But his two years in charge of the national side have been underwhelming. The Chinese government is throwing money at youth football but the squad at Lippi’s disposal is limited and one of the oldest at the tournament. Their build-up to the UAE has been complicated by injuries to back-up goalkeepers, while cold and flu have crept into the squad. China have won only one of their previous seven games, and scoring goals has been a particular problem during Lippi’s stuttering
reign, managing on average barely a goal a game. Lippi drove his players hard to ramp up their fitness while at a closed camp on the wet and humid southern island of Hainan, where the bulk of China’s Asian Cup preparations took place. “I am very satisfied with the performance of the players in training, (but) injuries and sickness did occur,” Lippi, reportedly one of the best-paid coaches in football, said. The Italian was buoyed however by being able to get the squad together at the start of December, giving him ample time to get his message across. “This is truly the first time that we have enough time for better preparation tactically and physically,” added the Italian, who must find a way to get Shanghai SIPG forward Wu Lei, last season’s CSL top-scorer, banging in goals for his country. Expectations back home are as low as ever -- Chinese football fans have long been exasperated by their team -- though Lippi’s men ought to have enough to squeeze out of Group C, most likely behind South Korea. Kyrgyzstan and the Philippines are the other countries in the group and failure to qualify for the knockout rounds would trigger another bout of hand-wringing.
- Zheng Zhi ploughs on -
It says much about the scarcity of Lippi’s options that Zheng Zhi, at age 38, remains a figurehead. This will be Zheng’s fifth and surely last Asian Cup and the midfielder, formerly of Charlton Athletic when they were in the English Premier League, wants to go out with a bang. “I thought the previous Asian Cup would have been my last and I didn’t expect that I can still take part again four years later,” said the Guangzhou Evergrande stalwart. “I’m very happy and honoured, and will cherish the chance.” China, who have never won the Asian Cup, will begin their tournament on Monday against Kyrgyzstan. A sideshow will be whether the Chinese players cover up their tattoos -- something they have done in previous international matches with long sleeves and bandages, though there has been no official announcement from the Chinese Football Association banning body art. Tattoos have long been considered taboo in China. The country’s media watchdog last January banned tattoos and other “decadent” subculture elements from broadcasts, as it cracks down on what it sees as behaviour contrary to the ruling Communist Party’s “values and morals”. (afp)
Boca Juniors name Alfaro as new coach
Argentine giants Boca Juniors named Gustavo Alfaro as their new coach on Wednesday, just hours after former boss Guillermo Barros Schelotto joined LA Galaxy. Barros Schelotto left the Buenos Aires club last month after their historic Copa Libertadores final defeat to arch rivals River Plate. Boca president Daniel Angelici, who had tried and failed to have River kicked out of the Libertadores final after the second leg was postponed following an attack on Boca’s team bus by their rivals’ fans, said Alfaro had the “ability and professionalism to take charge of” the club known as the “Dung Shovellers.” Alfaro, 56, who leaves another Buenos Aires outfit, Huracan, said he felt a “mixture of pride and challenge. It wasn’t an easy decision because I was torn inside.
“But I feel that I’m delivering on a promise to my old man: I promised him I’d arrive at the biggest (club) in Argentine football.” Boca had been linked with former Brazil and Chelsea coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, as well as former Argentina and Colombia boss Jose Pekerman. Barros Schelotto, 45, left the club despite having led them to back-to-back titles in his first two seasons before the disappointment of losing to River in South America’s premier club competition, the final second leg of which was switched to Madrid -- and won 3-1 by River -- due to the fan violence. Two weeks ago, Boca named former Inter Milan and Roma defender Nicolas Burdisso as their sporting director, his first management job since retiring as a player at the end of last season. (afp)
IBP/afp
This file picture taken on March 22, 2018 shows China’s head coach Marcello Lippi looking on during their China Cup International Football Championship Semi-final match against Wales in Nanning in China’s southern Guangxi region.
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Lukaku saves Solskjaer’s perfect record as Chelsea fire blanks
Lippi left needing a Chinese miracle at Asian Cup
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Manchester United made it four wins out of four in the Premier League on Wednesday, beating Newcastle to close the gap on fourth-placed Chelsea, who were held at home by Southampton.
United have been transformed since their former striker replaced Jose Mourinho, scoring 12 goals in his first three games in temporary charge but were forced to dig deep to emerge with a 2-0 win against a disciplined Newcastle side at St James’s Park. The victory leaves them in sixth spot in the table with 38 points, just three behind Arsenal and six adrift of Chelsea. Substitute Romelu Lukaku broke the deadlock just 38 seconds after coming on midway through the second half, pouncing after Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka had spilled a fierce Marcus Rashford free kick and Rashford himself made sure of the points in the 80th minute. Manchester United bossed possession but a resolute Newcastle defence kept clear-cut chances to a minimum, prompting Solskjaer to throw on Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez shortly after the hour mark. The changes bore fruit immediately and the interim boss will be equally pleased that United managed just their third clean sheet of the season in the Premier League. “Finally we kept a clean sheet,” Solskjaer told Sky Sports. “A very professional performance. We didn’t hit the heights that we can do but we were in control, kept plugging away and got the goals. “A good first touch from a sub. When you see big Romelu Lukaku running towards you, as a keeper you might take your hands away. We were sluggish in the first half, it was like a testimonial, too many square passes.” Solskjaer is only the second manager in Manchester United history to win his first four league games in charge
of the club, after Matt Busby in 1946. - Misfiring Chelsea -
It was a frustrating evening for Chelsea, who dominated possession but lacked any cutting edge, maintaining a worrying sequence for Maurizio Sarri’s team. His side failed to score for the third time in their past five Premier League games at Stamford Bridge, raising more questions about Chelsea’s need for a top-class striker in the January transfer window. With Olivier Giroud sidelined after suffering an ankle injury in Sunday’s win at Crystal Palace, Sarri opted to recall misfiring striker Alvaro Morata. But once again the former Real Madrid star looked completely bereft of touch and confidence. “If you can score the first goal, you can find spaces so it’s easier,” said a frustrated Sarri. “We need to solve the problem of the last 20 metres. In the last matches, we were in full control but it’s not easy in this moment to score the first goal.” Chelsea earlier Wednesday announced they had agreed terms with Borussia Dortmund for the signing of US winger Christian Pulisic for a reported £58 million ($73 million). He will link up with the club ahead of the 2019/20 season. In an astonishing game at Bournemouth, the home side shared six goals with Watford in a helter-skelter first half but there was no addition to the scoreline in the second half. Andy Carroll was named in the West Ham team to face Brighton -- a year to the day since he last started a match but Marko Arnautovic was the star for the London side, scoring a quickfire double to rescue a 2-2 draw. Elsewhere on Wednesday, 10-man Huddersfield lost 2-1 at home to Burnley, who also finished with 10 men, while Crystal Palace beat Wolves 2-0 away from home. In Tuesday’s matches, Arsenal bounced back from their mauling by Liverpool to beat Fulham 4-1, Tottenham brushed aside Cardiff 3-0 and Leicester beat Everton 1-0. Manchester City face Premier League leaders Liverpool on Thursday in a potentially season-defining match at the Etihad, with the pressure on Pep Guardiola’s side, who are seven points behind Jurgen Klopp’s men.
Manchester United’s Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku (2nd L) celebrates with Manchester United’s English midfielder Jesse Lingard (L) and Manchester United’s English midfielder Ashley Young (R) after scoring their fourth goal during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Bournemouth at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on December 30, 2018.
ALEJANDRO PAGNI / AFP
The new coach of Argentinian football team Boca Juniors, Gustavo Alfaro poses with the team jersey, during his presentation at La Bombonera stadium in Buenos Aires on January 2, 2019. Alfaro who formerly was the coach of Argentinian team Huracan, replaces Guillermo Barros Schelotto following the historic Copa Libertadores defeat to arch rivals River Plate.
China coach Marcello Lippi has put his players through a tough month of training ahead of the Asian Cup, but the decorated Italian will need to inspire something special if his ageing side are to be serious contenders. Lippi looks set to leave the wellpaid post when his contract expires after the tournament in the United Arab Emirates, which begins Saturday, and at the age of 70 the end of his coaching career is in sight. He is aiming to add an Asian Cup to a long managerial CV that includes the 2006 World Cup as well as a Champions League medal and five Italian league titles with Juventus. Lippi was also a Chinese Super League winner three times in a row with Guangzhou Evergrande from 2012 to 2014. But his two years in charge of the national side have been underwhelming. The Chinese government is throwing money at youth football but the squad at Lippi’s disposal is limited and one of the oldest at the tournament. Their build-up to the UAE has been complicated by injuries to back-up goalkeepers, while cold and flu have crept into the squad. China have won only one of their previous seven games, and scoring goals has been a particular problem during Lippi’s stuttering
reign, managing on average barely a goal a game. Lippi drove his players hard to ramp up their fitness while at a closed camp on the wet and humid southern island of Hainan, where the bulk of China’s Asian Cup preparations took place. “I am very satisfied with the performance of the players in training, (but) injuries and sickness did occur,” Lippi, reportedly one of the best-paid coaches in football, said. The Italian was buoyed however by being able to get the squad together at the start of December, giving him ample time to get his message across. “This is truly the first time that we have enough time for better preparation tactically and physically,” added the Italian, who must find a way to get Shanghai SIPG forward Wu Lei, last season’s CSL top-scorer, banging in goals for his country. Expectations back home are as low as ever -- Chinese football fans have long been exasperated by their team -- though Lippi’s men ought to have enough to squeeze out of Group C, most likely behind South Korea. Kyrgyzstan and the Philippines are the other countries in the group and failure to qualify for the knockout rounds would trigger another bout of hand-wringing.
- Zheng Zhi ploughs on -
It says much about the scarcity of Lippi’s options that Zheng Zhi, at age 38, remains a figurehead. This will be Zheng’s fifth and surely last Asian Cup and the midfielder, formerly of Charlton Athletic when they were in the English Premier League, wants to go out with a bang. “I thought the previous Asian Cup would have been my last and I didn’t expect that I can still take part again four years later,” said the Guangzhou Evergrande stalwart. “I’m very happy and honoured, and will cherish the chance.” China, who have never won the Asian Cup, will begin their tournament on Monday against Kyrgyzstan. A sideshow will be whether the Chinese players cover up their tattoos -- something they have done in previous international matches with long sleeves and bandages, though there has been no official announcement from the Chinese Football Association banning body art. Tattoos have long been considered taboo in China. The country’s media watchdog last January banned tattoos and other “decadent” subculture elements from broadcasts, as it cracks down on what it sees as behaviour contrary to the ruling Communist Party’s “values and morals”. (afp)
Boca Juniors name Alfaro as new coach
Argentine giants Boca Juniors named Gustavo Alfaro as their new coach on Wednesday, just hours after former boss Guillermo Barros Schelotto joined LA Galaxy. Barros Schelotto left the Buenos Aires club last month after their historic Copa Libertadores final defeat to arch rivals River Plate. Boca president Daniel Angelici, who had tried and failed to have River kicked out of the Libertadores final after the second leg was postponed following an attack on Boca’s team bus by their rivals’ fans, said Alfaro had the “ability and professionalism to take charge of” the club known as the “Dung Shovellers.” Alfaro, 56, who leaves another Buenos Aires outfit, Huracan, said he felt a “mixture of pride and challenge. It wasn’t an easy decision because I was torn inside.
“But I feel that I’m delivering on a promise to my old man: I promised him I’d arrive at the biggest (club) in Argentine football.” Boca had been linked with former Brazil and Chelsea coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, as well as former Argentina and Colombia boss Jose Pekerman. Barros Schelotto, 45, left the club despite having led them to back-to-back titles in his first two seasons before the disappointment of losing to River in South America’s premier club competition, the final second leg of which was switched to Madrid -- and won 3-1 by River -- due to the fan violence. Two weeks ago, Boca named former Inter Milan and Roma defender Nicolas Burdisso as their sporting director, his first management job since retiring as a player at the end of last season. (afp)
IBP/afp
This file picture taken on March 22, 2018 shows China’s head coach Marcello Lippi looking on during their China Cup International Football Championship Semi-final match against Wales in Nanning in China’s southern Guangxi region.
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‘Cricket in heaven’: Tendulkar honours boyhood coach
Ulun Danu Batur Temple in Kintamani BANGLI - Ulun Danu Batur Temple is an important Balinese Hindu temple in Kintamani, central Bali. It’s also called ‘Pura Batur’ or ‘Batur Temple’ for short. The temple is the second most significant mountain temple after the Besakih Temple complex. Ulun Danu
Batur sits at the southwestern rim of the vast caldera of Mount Batur. It features around nine majestic temples within its complex. There’s also over 200 different shrines and pavilions inside. The temple complex’s final site was established in 1926. This was after relocating
from its original site at the foot of the volcano. Batur’s eruptions in 1917 and 1921 saw lava flows damaging the former site. Ulun Danu Batur is not to be confused with the similarly named Ulun Danu Beratan (the famous lake temple in Bedugul). It is located at Kalanganyar village, Kintamani district and Bangli regency and recommended as one of Bali places to visit during your vacation in this paradise island. It will take about 2 and a half hours to find this one of biggest temple in Bali Island. Ulun Danu Batur Temple was build on 1926, and also known as one of important Temple in the island. This temple is dedicated to Dewi Batari Ulun Danu, the Goddess of lakes and rivers. The words “Ulun Danu” meaning as “head of the lake”. Bali also has other Temple that located at the lake area that’s Ulun Danu Beratan Temple. Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is easy to
find, you just need to go strike from the “Penelokan” the great point to see Mount Batur.
Highlights of Ulun Danu Batur Temple Batur temple is around 900 metres above sea level. It faces west with the black lava-covered peak of Mount Batur in the background. Ulun Danu Batur is not a lake temple. However, it essentially honours the goddess of Lake Batur, Dewi Danu. She’s revered by agrarian communities as the goddess of lakes and rivers. Dewi Danu is also believed to bless the island with fertility. The different shrines that you can see within the complex honour a variety of deities. They govern many aspects of Balinese agrarian life. These range from agriculture, arts, carpentry, masonry and more. One of the most unique shrines is decorated in red
Chinese ornaments. It’s dedicated to the legendary Chinese queen of the historical King Sri Jaya Pangus, Kang Cing Wie. Batur temple’s anniversary is every Purnama Kedasa. This is known as the ‘tenth full moon’ on the 210-day cycle Balinese Pawukon calendar. From the main temple courtyards, you can also catch a beautiful panorama of Mount Batur and its caldera lake. Great views are particularly from the Pura Penataran Agung Batu temple, to its west. The Ulun Danu Batur temple complex itself is along the same path that leads you towards the Kintamani highlands. From here, you can enjoy sweeping vistas over the vast Batur range. As with any temple visit, you’re required to wear sarongs and a sash around your waist. These are available for rent (but usually sold for much cheaper) around the temple gates. (IBP/net)
NEW DELHI - Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar paid a glowing tribute on Thursday to Ramakant Achrekar, his childhood coach and lifelong mentor who has died aged 87. Achrekar, a club-level coach, discovered a 12-year-old Tendulkar’s extraordinary talents in Mumbai and nurtured him on his way to becoming cricket’s most prolific run-scorer of all time. Achrekar died at his home in Mumbai on Wednesday. “Cricket in heaven will be enriched by the presence of Achrekar Sir. Like many of his students I learnt the ABCD of cricket under Sir’s guidance,” Tendulkar said in a statement. “His contribution to my life cannot be captured in words. He built the foundation that I stand on. “Achrekar Sir taught us the virtues of playing straight and living straight. Thank you for making us a part of your life and enriching us with your coaching manual. Well played Sir and may you coach many more,” the 45-year-old Tendulkar added. Tendulkar, who holds many batting records in his illustrious career including 100 centuries in Test and ODIs, retired in 2013 after scoring more than 34,000 international runs. He attended Achrekar’s funeral which was carried out according to Hindu traditions on Thursday. Besides Tendulkar, the top coach also trained other prominent Indian players including Vinod Kambli, Pravin Amre and Balwinder Singh Sandhu. The Board of Control for Cricket in India expressed its “deepest sympathy”. “Not only did he produce great cricketers, but also trained them to be fine human beings. His contribution to Indian Cricket has been immense,” the BCCI wrote on Twitter. The Indian cricket team wore black armbands Thursday during the Test against Australia in Sydney to pay their respects. (afp)
ERNESTO BENAVIDES / AFP
Peruvian co-driver Lucas Barron, 25, smiles at a mechanics workshop in Lima, on December 18, 2018, where his car is being prepared to take part in the upcoming Rally Dakar on January 2019.
Down Syndrome competitor to make Dakar Rally history
LIMA - Lucas Barron will make history on Sunday when he lines up on the Dakar 2019 starting line in Peru, becoming the first person with Down Syndrome to take part in the gruelling race.
Prakash PARSEKAR / AFP
In this file photo taken on October 31, 2018 former Indian cricketers Sachin Tendulkar (L) and Vinod Kambli pose for a picture with their former coach Ramakant Achrekar (C) in Mumbai.
The 25-year-old, who will be co-pilot for his father Jacques, will tackle the world’s most demanding rally: a 5,000 kilometer (3,000 mile), 10-day marathon, 70 percent of which will be raced over sand. “Our aim is to finish the race and achieve our goal,” a beaming Barron told AFP. “This race is brilliant for me. It will be easy because we know the route.” Barron, who has been training for a year and a half alongside his father, will ride on one of 500 vehicles taking part in the race. He will compete in the UTV category for off-road four-wheel drive buggies, a class that was added for the first time in 2017. Born in Lima, Barron has always been a keen sportsman despite his disability, taking part in swimming, football, cycling, surfing and waterskiing. He says he’s “ready and able to overcome the desert dunes.” A fan of both rock and hip hop music, Barron says he will provide important mechanical assistance to his father. “I’m going to help him look at the engine, the road and the tyres,” said Barron.
He is familiar with the Peruvian terrain that will host the entirety of the Dakar rally this year after Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Bolivia declined the opportunity due to austerity measures. In September, he was co-pilot alongside his father in the Desafio Inca race that acted as preparation for the main event and took on the dunes of Ica, in the south of Peru. The “Barron x 2” team finished seventh. - No fear While Down Syndrome can cause lifelong intellectual disability and development delays, those with the condition can still lead fulfilling lives. Jacques Barron, a 55-year-old engineer, told AFP that Dakar organizers had no problem with his son taking part. The requirements were the same as for any other competitor: passing all the medical exams and supplying the necessary documentation. “Lucas already has the International Automobile Federation licence to participate in the Dakar,” Barron told AFP. He said his son is afraid of noth-
ing and knows what to do if there is a problem. “He knows how to look at the temperature of the belt, the oil and tyre pressure,” said Barron, who has competed in the Dakar five times. “Lucas’s eyes will be the cars’ eyes to avoid crashing into another car or any object. “People with Down Syndrome can develop certain abilities: Lucas can play any sport.” The Dakar will be run from January 6-17, starting in Peru’s capital Lima and traversing the southern regions of Ica, Arequipa, Moquegua and down to Tacna on the border with Chile. The longest, and toughest stage will cover 370 kilometers from Arequipa to Tacna on January 10. The Barron team’s main aim is simply to finish the race. Lucas Barron has the support of one of his idols, five-time motorbike winner Cyril Despres of France, a friend of his father’s. “Despres wrote to me on Facebook congratulating me,” he said, adding that the Frenchman gave him a signed shirt in 2017 -- a treasured possession. (afp)
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NICHOLAS KAMM / AFP
US House Speaker-designate Nancy Pelosi (C), D-CA), Senate Minority Leader Senator Chuck Schumer (R), D-NY, and incoming House Majority Whip, Rep. Steny Hoyer (L), D-MD, speak to the press after meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington, DC, on January 2, 2019.
It’s official: divided government arrives on Capitol Hill
International
International
against an administration they believe has overstepped its authority and abused power in the nearly two years since Trump’s inauguration. They will have that opportunity, as congressional panels will be led by chairmen who have pledged to probe topics such as Trump’s income taxes, his firing of attorney general Jeff Sessions, and the president’s ties to Vladimir Putin. Incoming chairpersons have signaled that Trump will face a barrage of probes that could bog down a White House already besieged by Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia collusion probe, draining energy from the administration’s agenda and foiling Trump’s mes-
sage. “It’s on,” Democrat Hakeem Jeffries, a new member of House leadership who is seen by some as a potential future House speaker, tweeted Wednesday. “Tomorrow, we seize the majority. Then, we pass legislation to end reckless #TrumpShutdown,” he added. “Next, we fight to lower healthcare costs and enact a progressive agenda.” While the “blue wave” swept dozens of House Republicans out of Congress last November, Trump’s party managed to modestly expand its majority in the Senate to 57-43, meaning Washington gridlock is almost certain to deepen. (afp)
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One dead, 15 injured after women enter flashpoint India temple
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - One person was killed and at least 15 injured in violence across southern India’s Kerala state which broke out after two women defied traditionalists to enter one of Hinduism’s holiest temples, police said Thursday. Clashes were reported across the state after the two women activists, escorted by police, entered the Sabarimala temple in a surprise pre-dawn operation on Wednesday. The Supreme Court in September overturned a decades-old ban on women of menstruating age -deemed as those between 10 and 50 -- setting foot inside the gold-plated Sabarimala temple. Several women activists have made unsuccessful attempts to reach the temple since the order but faced stiff resistance from thousands of devotees including men and women, who see it as an attack on tradition. “The person who died was part of a BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) demonstration yesterday and got injured when some stones were hurled (at the demonstrators),” Kerala police spokesman Pramod Kumar told AFP. “His injuries were serious and he died late Wednesday night. At least 15 others were injured in incidents across the state,” Kumar added. Local media reports said the demonstrators from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP were hit by stones from a local office of the
state’s ruling Communist party. Kerala remained tense on Thursday, and the police said additional forces had been deployed across the state to prevent further violence breaking out. The police Wednesday used tear gas, stun grenades and water cannon to control clashes between the rival groups, largely conservatives and cadres of the state’s ruling leftwing parties. Journalists were also assaulted during the disturbances in the state’s capital, Thiruvananthapuram, and nearby Kollam city. September’s verdict was the latest progressive ruling from the court, with judges also overturning bans on gay sex and adultery last year. In rare comments regarding the Sabarimala temple on Tuesday, Modi -- running for a second term in elections later this year -- appeared to support the ban, saying the matter was related to tradition. “There are some temples which have their own traditions, where men can’t go. And men don’t go,” Modi told Indian media. The Supreme Court is to start hearing a legal challenge on its ruling to allow women into the temple from January 22. Women are still barred from a handful of Hindu temples in India. The entry of women at Sabarimala was taboo for generations and formalised by the Kerala High Court in 1991. (afp)
60 Brimob personnel deployed to hunt down terrorist group
IBP/ant
JAKARTA - Some 60 personnel of the National Police`s Mobile Brigade (Brimob) unit have been deployed to assist Parigi Moutong district police in Central Sulawesi province in hunting down the East Indonesia Mujahidin (MIT) terrorist group, led by Ali Kalora.
“Right now, the Tinombala task force of the Central Sulawesi provincial police is still looking out for the group, led by Ali Kalora and his colleagues,” Chief of the Public Information Bureau of the National Police, Dedi Prasetyo,
said here on Thursday. The hunt came after the group shot two police officers who were removing the body of a murdered victim in Salubose hamlet, Parigi Moutong district, Central Sulawesi. The 60 Brimob personnel, belonging to Tinombala task force in Central Sulawesi provincial police, were tasked with hunting down the remaining members of the Poso terrorist group after security personnel shot dead its old leader, Santoso. Chief Brigadier Andrew Maha Putra and Second Brigadier, who suffered shot wounds, have gradually recovered
after they underwent a surgery at Bhayangkara Police Hospital in Palu. “They are getting better. Their health condition is stable. They are being treated at the hospital,” he noted. The Ali Kalora-led group shot the two police officers who were removing the body of the murdered victim in Salubanga village, Central Sulawesi on Monday (Dec 31, 2018). The group shot one of the two police officers while he was removing the wood and twigs blocking the road. The shootout with the terrorist group was inevitable, injuring the two police officers. (ant)
Police arrest 41 Airport operator Angkasa Pura II serves inmates escaped 115 million passengers last year from Lambaro prison
WASHINGTON - Washington’s new era of divided government begins Thursday as Democrats seize control of the US House, aiming to serve as a check on Donald Trump’s disruptive presidency at least until the 2020 election. Battle-tested Nancy Pelosi will in all likelihood win the gavel as speaker of the House of Representatives, a dramatic return to national power for the California Democrat who made history a dozen years earlier as the first woman to lead the chamber. She will take command during a period of American political upheaval, and with a caucus riding high after a very strong midterm election showing last November. Thursday brings an end to Trump’s one-party rule in Washington, a massive boost for Democrats who felt deflated after Trump’s 2016 victory. Progressives will be eager to push back with greater effect
Friday, January 4, 2019
STR / AFP
Indian supporters of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) march during a protest rally over two women entering the Sabarimala Ayyapa temple, in Kochi on January 3, 2019.
BANDAACEH - The police have arrested 41 out of the 113 prisoners, who escaped from Lambaro Prison in Aceh Besar District, Banda Aceh Police Chief Senior Commissioner Trisno Riyanto stated. “As of today, 41 prisoners were arrested, of which one died in North Sumatra,” Riyanto noted here on Wednesday. The inmate, Hamdani bin Rusli, died after being allegedly assaulted by the mass in North Sumatra. Hamdani was sentenced to death on April 30, 2018, in a murder case
on August 29, 2017. He killed his wife Nursiah binti Ibrahim, a midwife in Pidie District. “We will chase the escaped inmates, and we have put them on the list of wanted persons,” he remarked, adding that the arrested prisoners have been returned to Lambaro Prison. As many as 113 prisoners escaped from Lambaro Prison on Nov 11 through the front window and the back fence of the prison. Aceh Police Chief Inspector Gen. Rio S. Dampak has called on all inmates to surrender. (ant)
JAKARTA - State airport operator PT Angkasa Pura II served up to 115 million passengers last year, up 9.5 percent from 105 million a year earlier. “In line with the vision of the company to become the Best Smart Connected Airport Operator in Region, Angkasa Pura II is committed to continue to provide better services to the public through both hard infrastructure and soft infrastructure through digital platform to give impressive airport digital journey experiences to passengers,” PT Angkasa Pura II President Director, Muhammad Awalu-
ddin, said in a written statement released on Monday. The company provided its best services through airports that it operated last year. It participated in organizing transboundary events by, among other things, being an official supplier in the Asian Games 2018 and the Asian Para Games 2018. Being an official supplier of the two international events, the company provided airports and officers to help athletes and officials, he noted. The achievement made throughout last year was in line
with the company`s transformation policy to realize Angkasa Pura II Giant Dream 2020 under the theme RKAP 2018 Airports Grow Faster 2018 through three main programs, namely Accelerated Revenue Growth, On Becoming 1 Million Aircraft Movements, and Implementation of Digital Journey Experience at all PT Angkasa Pura II airports. To serve service users, PT Angkasa Pura II has developed mobile digital, namely Indonesia Airport App, to help passengers find information easily, he pointed out. (ant)
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BUSINESS Ivanka Trump plans global women’s economic development push
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Suwat Water Festival, a Tourism Icon of North Gianyar
Hundreds of people attended the celebration held for the very first time. The event began with a parade featuring a variety of artistic creativities and potential owned by each hamlet. A number of arts including fragmentary show, bleganjur gamelan music and canang rebong games. Furthermore, it was presented the potential of each hamlet. Prominent attraction in the festival held for six days is the water wars. There was also a fun walk, areca nut sheath race, rice planting race, catching ducks and pigs and the arts from the reconstruction at four hamlets throughout the Suwat village, such as Kecak dag, Janger
A formal launch for the initiative was planned for next week but has been postponed amid uncertainty about the government shutdown, the White House said Monday. The original plan for the event included remarks from Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and national security adviser John Bolton, as well as from officials from a host of government agencies, financial organizations and private businesses, including the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, Walmart and Bank of America. The initiative, which is backed by the State Department and the National Security Council, seeks to align government agencies behind the mission of supporting women’s economic development around the world. It will also include private-sector investment. First daughter Ivanka Trump, a White House adviser who has made supporting women in business part of her portfolio, led the policy process over the past year and a half. “I look forward to continuing to work with the interagency and members of Congress on both sides of the aisle to advance women’s access to vocational training, fuel female entrepreneurship and lift legal and social barriers that restrict our full and free economic participation,” Ivanka Trump said in a statement to The Associated Press. Bolton said in a statement that the initiative “directly supports President Trump’s National Security Strategy.” Ivanka Trump previously led an effort to launch a World Bank fund to help drive women’s entrepreneurship. She recently advocated for the Women’s Entrepreneurship and Economic Empowerment Act, which has passed Congress. That legislation bolsters efforts focused on women by the United States Agency for International Development.(ap)
and others. Sejumlah peserta adu kecepatan menarik rekannya dengan pelepah kelapa dalam lomba tradisional Festival Air 2016 di Desa Swat, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali. Chairman of the SWF committee, Ngakan Putu Gede Sudibya, said that Suwat village is known to have many springs and one of them is the spring flowing in Melangge River. “Formerly the river was used as a source of livelihoods, so that we are challenged to create the Suwat Water Festival,” he said. The festival is expected to balance the tourism development in Gianyar. Approximately 500-600
travelers always pass through this village to visit the surrounding areas, so that it can generate the tourism development in the North Gianyar. “We are also grateful to the ranks of government of Gianyar as well as all those that have supported this event,” he explained. A.A. Bagus Ari Brahmanta who read the speech of the Regent of Gianyar, A.A. Gde Agung Bharata, appreciated the activities. The festival is expected to maintain the balance of Gianyar and the existence of natural resources, especially water. “It is meant to keep water for the prosperity of Gianyar society,” he added. (kmb)
Wow, Slide the City Presented on the Peninsula
n this Nov. 20, 2018, file photo, Ivanka Trump, the daughter of President Donald Trump, arrives for a ceremony to pardon the National Thanksgiving Turkey in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington. Ivanka Trump is set to launch a White House effort aimed at women’s global economic empowerment in early 2019.
ECB installs temporary administrators at Italian bank governance,” the ECB’s banking supervision arm said in a statement. Fabio Innocenzi -- who resigned after serving as chief executive of Carige since September -- is among the three temporary administrators. They in turn will be watched over by a three-member surveillance
Friday, January 4, 2019
Suwat Water Festival (SWF) has become a new icon of North Gianyar. This festival involved the Suwat villages. For six days, various cultural and tourism activities as well as competitions were organized. It was opened by the Head of the Gianyar Tourism Office, AA Bagus Ari Brahmanta, Wednesday (Dec. 29).
WASHINGTON — Ivanka Trump is set to launch a White House effort aimed at women’s global economic empowerment in early 2019.
Supervisors at the European Central Bank said Wednesday they had ordered temporary administrators to take over floundering Italian lender Banca Carige, after most of its board resigned. Five departures “made the installation of temporary administration necessary to steer the bank in order to stabilise its
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committee. The ECB’s move on Carige follows a Wednesday decision by Italian market watchdog Consob to halt trading in Carige’s shares. Stock in the bank plunged last week after its board failed to agree on a capital increase, with its biggest shareholder the Malacalza group abstaining from the vote.
The 400-million-euro ($467 million) capital increase was one pillar of a restructuring plan approved by the ECB. Issuing new shares would have been the fourth such move in five years, a period that has also seen several chief executives come and go. Weighed down by the turmoil,
Carige shares have lost almost 90 percent of their value over the past three months on the Milan stock market to trade at well below one euro cent. And rating agency Fitch in October lowered its credit rating to CCC+ with a negative outlook, warning that bankruptcy was “a real possibility”.(afp)
Peninsula Island, the Nusa Dua, Badung, is an integrated tourism will be enlivened by attractions of Slide the City (STC) Bali. This unique attraction in the form of a water slide will be held for 19 days starting from December 14, 2018 to January 1, 2019. The community or tourists can glide from a height of eight meters with a slide reaching 100 meters. Slide the City is organized by the Indonesia Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) in collaboration with Malaysian company, Monkey Theory Sdn. Bhd. This attraction can be enjoyed by all ages, both children, teenagers to parents, couples and families. “This Slide the City attraction is the first to be held in Bali, and even in Indonesia. Therefore, The Nusa Dua offers this attraction to tourists to fill Christmas and yearend holidays in Bali,” said Deputy Managing Director of The Nusa Dua – ITDC, A.A. Istri Ratna Dewi, at a press conference at Tino’s Warung, Nusa Dua. Ratna Dewi said that Slide the City is an attraction brand that specializes in water recreation parks. It has been held in a number of countries and major cities in the world such as the United States, Columbia, Canada, England, Korea, Japan, Brunei, Hong Kong, Macau, China, Taiwan, Malaysia and others since 2013. In Bali, this large slides will come with different attractions. Tourists will be given skating facilities with friends and family in groups at once on a 100-meter long slide from a
height of 8 meters, so that it will become an unforgettable moment. “Not only that, it will also be launched the rides with other several rides that are no less interesting,” she added. With the outdoor recreation concept presenting 3F as the main pillar of Food, Fun and Festival, during the STC event all the visitors can also enjoy entertainment in the form of live music and DJs from local Balinese and the Nusa Dua musicians, as well as food and beverage stands. The City Slide is expected to be a choice of attractions enjoyed by tourists that spend Christmas and year-end holidays in Bali. In addition, of course, it is expected to be enjoyed by tourists staying in the Nusa Dua area and that visit the Nusa Dua area, Peninsula Island, and Waterblow in the period of administration. Opening hours of the City Slide is 10:00 through 18:00 local time with the price of daily ticket as follows: Weekday (Monday-Thursday) at IDR 170,000, Weekend/Public Holiday (Friday-Sunday) at IDR 200,000, and for children under 7 years are free of charge. Head of Event & Utilities Production Section, Ida Ayu Wita Febriana, said that throughout 2018 the ITDC has held various events ranging from the Sundown Dancing Lessons, Chinese New Year, Bali Heritage Food Festivals, Bali Blues Festival, Nusa Dua Light Festival, Enchanting Nusa Dua Fiesta, Mandiri Badung International Night Run and The City Slide. Each event is averagely visited by hundreds to thousands of visitors during. (kmb)
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Bali News
Friday, January 4, 2019
International
Friday, January 4, 2019
International
13
Tourists flee Thai islands as Tropical Storm Pabuk looms
IBP/kmb31
Local community preserves its implementation as an effort to maintain the balance of nature.
To maintain natural balance
Residents of Sampal hamlet hold Ngadegang ritual
SEMARAPURA — The community of Sampalan hamlet, Dalem Setra Batununggul, Nusa Penida subdistrict, returned to hold Ngadegan ritual on Wednesday (Jan. 2). Local community preserves its implementation as an effort to maintain the balance of nature. It maintains harmony of macrocosm and microcosm, so that it is kept away from all forms of disasters. This annual ritual is held on day four before full moon in December (seventh month of Balinese calendar). The Ngadegang is commenced with melasti or purificatory procession. All the sanctified effigies such as the Barong Bangkal and others are consecrated there, carried by the local hamlet staff. There are also sanctified effigies carried from Gunung Hyang Temple. “Harmony of humans and nature can only be realized through rituals,” said one of the local temple
priests, Mangku Dewa Made Beneng Alit. After the melasti procession on the local beach, the entire sanctified effigies are carried back to local village intersection. At the location, the sanctified effigies are presented with caru oblation of black chicken with segehan agung. Implementation of this ritual adequately made the surrounding situation crowded, so that pecalang or customary security guard should work well together,
arrange the local residents and vehicles. Hamlet chief of Sampalan, I Dewa Made Sudiatmika, confirmed the ceremonial paraphernalia and all preparations are indeed carried out in mutual assistance by the local staff. On that account, all residents look to get involved in the ceremony. Meanwhile, chief of Dalem Setra Batununggul customary village, I Dewa Ketut Tayanegara, added that implementation of the ritual is an expression of gratitude for the gifts
bestowed by nature. Implementation of the ngadegang, according to him, is an attempt to present Ida Bathara or deities through the presence of the sanctified effigies. The presence of deities in the midst of the residents was marked with the coming down of rain, so that the universe is gentle, calm and always in seclusion. Thus, the peace of the local community is created. Expression of gratitude of local citizens is not only manifested in the form of rituals, but also in the form of togetherness. After the implementation of the ngadegang, it was resumed with the implementation of Nyadegang or generally
known as the Magibung or having communal meal tradition. As the meaning of magibung, nyadegang also represents the expression of gratitude and togetherness among the surrounding people. In addition to the time of holding such tradition, the nyadegang is also commonly held by local residents during other traditional events, such as palebon, pawiwahan, otonan and others. After holding the ceremony, the sanctified effigies of the deities are said to stand by or nyejer for eleven days. Tayanegara hoped that through implementation of such ritual, citizens can live in tranquility and peacefully. (kmb31)
BANGKOK - Tens of thousands of tourists have fled the Thai resort islands of Koh Phangan and Koh Tao in a mass exodus ahead of Tropical Storm Pabuk which is set to bring heavy rains, wind and seven-metre (22-foot) waves, officials said Thursday. The islands, hugely popular with holiday-makers especially during the peak Christmas and New Year season, have emptied out since Wednesday as tourists packed onto ferries bound for the southern Thai mainland, with swimming banned and boats set to suspend services. Pabuk, Thailand’s first tropical storm in the area outside of the monsoon season for around 30 years, is poised to batter Koh Phangan and Koh Tao as well as Koh Samui on Friday night, before cutting into the mainland. No official evacuation order has been given but tourists are leaving in droves. “I think the islands are almost empty... between 30,000 to 50,000 have left since the New Year ’s Eve countdown parties,” Krikkrai Songthanee, Koh Phangnan district chief, told AFP. The acting mayor of Koh Tao, one of Southeast Asia’s finest diving spots, said boats to Chumphon on the mainland were crammed with tourists, but several thousand guests were still on the island likely to brave the storm. Pabuk was packing winds of
104 kilometres per hour (65 mph) but was unlikely to intensify into a full blown typhoon, according to forecasters. “But we expect waves as high as five or seven metres near the eye of the storm. Normally in the Gulf of Thailand there are only two metre high waves,” Phuwieng Prakammaintara, director general at the Thai Meteorological Department, told reporters. “It’s difficult to predict the severity of the storm so people should comply with authorities’ recommendations.” On Koh Samui, the closest of the trio of islands, a Russian man drowned on Wednesday after his family ignored warnings not to go into the sea. “A family of three went swimming but the strong current caught a 56-year-old man who drowned,” Police Captain Boonnam Srinarat of Samui Police told AFP. “Island officials anounced the warning and put up the red ‘danger’ flags... but maybe the family did not think the situation was that serious.” Authorities on the island said they were preparing shelters for any tourists who decide to wait out the storm. Pabuk, which means a giant catfish in Lao, is also expected to dump heavy rain across the south, including tourist hotspots in the Andaman Sea such as Krabi and the southernmost provinces bordering Malaysia of Pattani, Narathiwat and Yala. (afp)
Peak of backflows at Ngurah Rai Airport
76,000 people estimated to leave Bali
MANGUPURA — During the holidays of Christmas and New Year 2019, the number of arrival passenger through Ngurah Rai Airport has increased very significantly. From the data available, the peak of arrival occurred on December 22. According to Communication and Legal Section Head of the Ngurah Rai Airport, Arie Ahsanurrohim, the number of arrival passenger at that time reached 74,000 people
with 484 flights. “Indeed, it is higher than previous estimation. Previously, we predicted 780,000 people,” he said on Wednesday (Jan. 2). Arie said, for the second wave, it will occur on the peak of the backflow after the New Year. His management estimated there will be a peak during the backflow on January 4 or 5, 2019. Passenger movement that will leave Bali is estimated to reach around 76,000 people. For the year 2018, the Christ-
mas and New Year holiday was dominated by foreign passengers compared to domestic passengers. He said that foreign passengers reached 51 percent while the remaining 49 percent was domestic passenger. This year’s foreign passengers were dominated by Australian followed by Indian and Chinese. Meanwhile, Chinese tourists are estimated to experience an increase again in the next Chinese New Year. (kmb23)
IBP/net
IBP/kmb
During the holidays of Christmas and New Year 2019, the number of arrival passenger through Ngurah Rai Airport has increased very significantly.
Tens of thousands of tourists have fled the Thai resort islands of Koh Phangan and Koh Tao in a mass exodus ahead of Tropical Storm Pabuk which is set to bring heavy rains, wind and seven-metre (22-foot) waves, officials said Thursday.
HANDOUT / China National Space Administration / AFP
This handout picture taken by the Chang’e-4 probe and released to AFP by China National Space Administration on January 3, 2019 shows an image of the “dark side” of the moon. A Chinese lunar rover landed on the far side of the moon on January 3, in a global first that boosts Beijing’s ambitions to become a space superpower.
China lands probe on far side of moon in world first
BEIJING - A Chinese lunar rover landed on the far side of the moon on Thursday, in a global first that boosts Beijing’s ambitions to become a space superpower.The Chang’e-4 probe touched down and sent a photo of the so-called “dark side” of the moon to the Queqiao satellite, which will relay communications to controllers on Earth, China’s national space agency said on its website. Beijing is pouring billions into its military-run space programme, with hopes of having a crewed space station by 2022, and of eventually sending humans to the moon. The Chang’e-4 lunar probe mission -- named after the moon goddess in Chinese mythology -- launched in December from the southwestern Xichang launch centre. It is the second Chinese probe to land on the moon, following the Yutu (Jade Rabbit) rover mission in 2013. Unlike the near side of the moon that offers many flat areas to touch down on, the far side is mountainous and rugged. The moon is “tidally locked” to Earth in its rotation so the same side is always facing Earth. Chang’e-4 is carrying six experiments from China and four from abroad, including lowfrequency radio astronomical
studies -- aiming to take advantage of the lack of interference on the moons’ far side. The rover will also conduct mineral and radiation tests, the China National Space Administration has said. “It’s a very good start,” said Wu Weiren, chief designer of China’s lunar exploration program, in an interview with state broadcaster CCTV. “We are now building China into an aerospace power.” - Space dominance Beijing is planning to send another lunar lander, Chang’e-5, later this year to collect samples and bring them back to Earth. It is among a slew of ambitious Chinese targets, which include a reusable launcher by 2021, a super-powerful rocket capable of delivering payloads heavier than those NASA and private rocket firm SpaceX can
handle, a moon base, a permanently crewed space station, and a Mars rover. The People’s Liberation Army “looks at space as a new strategic high ground,” said Michael Raska, who studies security and defence issues at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore. An increased presence in space will be vital for “anything for early warning, surveillance, reconnaissance, targeting... nearly every military mission out there is relying on some sort of space capability.” But China’s aerospace industry still has a long way to go, especially compared to that of the US, said Shen Dingli, a Shanghai-based international studies scholar. “Armstrong landed on the moon more than 50 years ago -- Chinese people still have not landed on the moon even today.” (afp)
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Friday, January 4, 2019
Fashion
International
Bali News
International
The World’s Most Expensive Bags
PARIS - We’re used to hearing about the history-making sales of sprawling art collections that once belonged to American banking dynasties and French couturiers, within the hallowed walls of Christie’s auction house. It’s the place to go if you’re part of the one per cent that has a cool £342 million to spare on a Leonardo da Vinci or are looking to stock up on the finest bottles of Romanée-Conti. But in London this week it was handbags going under the hammer. Not just any old handbags, though; some of the rarest, most luxurious, most decadent – and most expensive – designs to have ever been made. The Handbags and Accessories sale broke the European record for a bag sold at auction. A 2010 Hermès, matte Himalaya Niloticus crocodile Birkin 35 with 18k white gold and diamond hardware, went for an eye-watering £236,750, exceeding the estimate by over 60 per cent. It’s the third sale of its kind in just over a year from the auction house, which achieved notable success with the previous two in terms of customer growth (31 per cent new buyers: 30 per cent from Asia, 30 per cent from the US and 30 per cent from Europe). Other notable lots from this week’s auction include an extremely rare aluminium Explorer Trunk by Louis Vuitton dating back to 1892, when the production of aluminium was so complex it was deemed more expensive than gold (£162,500). And a 2017 custom made Hermès Quelle Idole – a style released in 2000 to celebrate the millennium – which sold for a cool £68,750. According to Rachel Koffsky, who heads up the London department of Christie’s International Handbags and Accessories, the market has changed dramatically in the past 10 years. “Out of the recession, we’ve seen women looking at their handbags as an asset and not just a frivolous accessory,” she observes. “We’re seeing this female collector emerge. They’re starting to look at these pieces in the same way that perhaps men were traditionally looking at watch collections. There’s an awareness in terms of what a collectible handbag means and the value of these pieces on the primary and secondary market.” Bags, Koffsky adds, is one of the only women-centric collection categories, even in jewel-
lery men still make up the majority of bidders. Collecting frenzy has also grown in line with the popularity of Instagram, fan accounts, street style, YouTube closet tours and the re-issue of certain archive designs – such as the Gucci monogram by Alessandro Michele and the Dior saddle bag by Maria Grazia Chiuri. The presence brands have in the handbag and accessories arena can be linked to specific designers; after all the longevity of a creative directorship at a fashion house is often determined by the success of these moneymakers. Louis Vuitton’s foray into creating collectible show bags is relatively recent – when Marc Jacobs took the helm of the 19th century trunk makers two decades ago. The designer famously instigated collaborations with artists such as Takashi Murakami, Yayoi Kusama and Richard Prince and his legacy can still be felt. (Last year Louis Vuitton launched its second Masters collection in collaboration with Jeff Koons.) Iconic and obvious It bags aside, a piece could be worth more, or less, than its original retail price depending on what exactly it is. While there is a standard equation to help determine a bag’s potential worth, there aren’t any hard fast rules. The rarity is absolutely an important factor, as is the condition (graded from one, for new, through to six, for damaged). Then there’s the model, age,
materials, label, size (there’s been a significant trend for small bags at auction lately) and, more subjectively speaking, how keen a bidder you have in the room on the day. “For a collector who’s been looking for this [said] bag for 10 years, they’ll pay any amount for it,” says Koffsky. The room usually ranges from the first-time buyer, who will walk away wearing the piece she just bought, to the seasoned top buyer, who will treat it like art displayed in specially curated gallery-esque closets. “There’s a life cycle to a bag when it comes to limited editions,” says Koffsky. Expect a huge premium on the market to begin with, then give it a year to 18 months and it may experience a dip before it comes back. It might be a celebrity or important influencer that creates the renewed interest. Season to season, the market is prone to fluctuate. And these rare bags are the ultimate anti-fast fashion buy – long-lasting heirloom pieces with a pretty much guaranteed resale value. Koffsky predicts that if you spend £2000 on a piece you can be confident to get that back at resale. The recent news that Chanel will no longer use exotic skins or fur in its designs will surely only serve to increase the value of certain vintage pieces, too. Handbags are also a very personal thing. They hold our secrets, they tell a story. For example, the tiny horseshoe motif you’ll find inside an Hermès bag means it was custom-made for the buyer at the time, making it even more collectible. It’s because of these special equestrian insignias and heritage, coupled with almost unparalleled quality, that an Hermès has the highest return of any bag in the world. (net)
Friday, January 4, 2019
3
Post-holidays, local tourists throng Gilimanuk Harbor
NEGARA - After the New Year’s Eve celebration on Monday night (Dec. 31), there was a buildup of vehicles at Gilimanuk Harbor on Tuesday (Jan. 1). Based on previous information on Monday night or New Year’s Eve, Gilimanuk Harbor was deserted.
IBP/kmb
Because many fruits perished, farmers are forced to sell these fruits cheaply.
Quality of mangosteen drops, price plummets
TABANAN — High rainfall causes the quality of Pupuan mangosteen to decline. Many fruits experienced spotted skin and perished. Because many fruits perished, farmers are forced to sell these fruits cheaply. From the latest information, the quality of mangosteen experiencing declined quality is sold for IDR 5,000 per kilogram. Division Head of the Production Enhancement and Horticulture at the Tabanan Agriculture Agency, Wayan Suandra, said on Tuesday (Jan. 1) the mangosteen harvest season should be this month. However, the presence of high rainfall caused most of the mangosteen produced to experience brown spots to rotten fruits. On the other hand, the brown spotted fruits are not included in the export requirements of mangosteen to China. So, farmers sold it for cheap prices to domestic market. “Besides, there are many mangosteen fruits experiencing brown spot. On that account, the selling price becomes cheap namely at IDR 5,000 per kilogram,” explained Suandra. Even though there are many brown spotted fruits, some farmers also harvest mangosteen of super quality being appropriate for export. For this super quality fruit, the price reaches IDR 30,000 per kilogram. “There are farmers harvesting super quality mangosteen and meet export quality. However, the number is quite small,” said Suandra. Since the rainy season with high rainfall, Suandra admitted that nothing can be done by farmers to prevent it. They expected the harvest in the following year can be supported by favorable season, so that the development of fruits
can have higher quality and not experience spotted skin due to high rainfall. Suandra also called on farmers to fertilize after this year’s harvest in order to increase soil fertility and restore healthy plants. Meanwhile, a mangosteen exporter, Jero Putu Tesan, revealed that some time ago the price of mangosteen at the farmer level had indeed declined. It happened because of the rainy season falling last month that coincided with the peak of mangosteen harvest season. Ultimately, it had an impact on the quality of mangosteen. “Many fruits perished. Therefore, this year’s mangosteen production cannot be maximally channeled to the export market,” he said. Tesan who is also the Chief of the Indonesian Mangosteen Association said that decline in the absorption through the export market makes the mangosteen stock at the farmer’s level and the local market booming. As a result, the price of mangosteen in the local market plummeted from IDR 25,000 to IDR 45,000 per kg to the level of IDR 5,000 per kg. “At present, the decline in the export to China may almost reach 70 percent. The mangosteen exporters currently just absorb 5-10 tons per day, no longer reaching 50 tons per day,” he said. He added that related to the quality of mangosteen, a number of buyers in China had also complained. That is why this factor also makes many exporters choose to temporarily postpone their exports to China. Hopefully, such conditions will not last longer and the quality of farmers’ mangosteen will return to be in good condition, so the exports to China can be carried out again in maximum volume. (kmb24)
Unloading vessels only carried a few vehicles. Moreover, the quiet use of crossing services in the Bali Strait remained visible until Tuesday morning. However, in the afternoon the situation suddenly changed. The vehicles are dominated by private cars of local tourists returning to Java and began to boom and slowly accumulated in the harbor parking area. Likewise motorbikes are also quite a lot plus tourism
buses and trucks. Dewi, one of the tourists from Surabaya, said that after traveling around to several tourist attractions and enjoying the turn of the year on Kuta Beach, they had short break at hotel. Then, the next morning they just returned. When entering late afternoon, more and more vehicles arrived so that the lines got to the terminal maneuver. On average the private cars had to wait for an hour in order to get a turn to cross. Ahmad from
Malang, for instance, said that he did not know if there was a line. Meanwhile, General Manager of PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry of the Ketapang-Gilimanuk Branch, Solikin, confirmed that at the beginning of this New Year the number of users of crossing services was quite crowded. With the operation of 32 vessels, he said that everything can be serviced smoothly so that the queue did not last longer. (120)
IBP/wit
The vehicles are dominated by private cars of local tourists returning to Java and began to boom and slowly accumulated in the harbor parking area.
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Bali News
Friday, January 4, 2019
International
Data on village potential 2018
No villages are left disadvantaged in Bali
DENPASAR - Based on the village potential data collection conducted by the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) of the Bali Province, 27.67 percent or 176 villages are categorized to be independent, 72.33 percent or 460 villages to be developing and no villages are left behind in the Bali Province.
One of the village in Tabanan
IBP/file
This was revealed in the release of BPS Bali conveyed by the Head of BPS Bali, Adi Nugroho, on Wednesday (Jan. 2). Although a small number of villages are categorized to be independent village, the number of villages has increased by 76 villages or by 75 percent when compared to 2014. Meanwhile, developing village reduced by 70 villages or by 15.22 percent and all the disadvantaged villages in Bali recorded in the results of village potential data collection in 2014 amounted to 6 villages and changed into developing villages in the village potential data collection in 2018. Meanwhile, according to the data in 2014, the number of village in accordance with the village development index (IPD) is categorized into independent village (15.72 percent) or 100 villages and 0.94 percent or six villages to be underdeveloped villages. IPD is composed of five dimensions consisting of 42 indicators. In general, all the dimensions of the IPD composition in 2018 in Bali have increased. The dimension with the highest increase was the condition of infrastructure with an increase of 8.54 points. In the meantime, the basic service dimension was recorded to have decreased by 1.67 points. The transportation dimension increased by 2.55 points, public services increased by 4.34 points, and village government increased by 5.43 points. BPS also collected information regarding tourism potential at villages. Data collection of village potential in 2018 noted there are 110 tourism villages and 162 villages with tourism objects in the Bali Province. “Development of tourism at villages / urban areas can be a source of new economy remaining to firmly adhere to cultural heritage,” he said. In addition to the potential that can continuously develop, village development is not immune from a variety of problems that may become obstacles as well as challenges to villages in the future. One of the challenges is natural disasters. The types of natural disasters recorded in the 2018 in the village potential data collection are landslides, floods, flash floods, earthquakes, tsunamis, tidal waves, whirlwinds or tornadoes or typhoons, volcanic eruptions, forest and land fires and droughts. The village potential data collection 2018 noted that villages affected by natural disasters over the past three years covered landslide to 190 villages, volcanic eruption (101 villages), floods (95 villages), earthquake (93 villages), whirlwinds or tornadoes or typhoons (63 villages), tidal waves (24 villages), flash flood (23 village), forest and land fire (11 villages) as well as drought (7 villages). In addition to natural disasters, another challenge is environmental pollution and security. (kmb42)
Vocational education to produce competitive human resources
DENPASAR - Soft skills are now mandatory for Balinese human resources so as to be able to compete in the era of globalization. One of them can be obtained through vocational education or creating a curriculum that accommodates it. “This means that provision of soft skill education in an effort to improve the quality of human resources needs to be supported,” said member of Commission IV at the Bali House of Representatives, I Made Dauh Wijana, when confirmed on Wednesday (Jan. 2). According to Dauh, the identification needs to be carried out regarding the number of Balinese human resources with certain competencies. This is to measure whether the policies and regulations applied by the government so far have been quite accommodating or not in an effort to improve the quality of human resources. Especially it is for the younger generation of Bali.
“At that time, we have been able to identify. Then, if later on the regulations are made, they will all be accommodated in order to face the era of globalization. It means it’s accommodative,” explained this Golkar politician. However, Dauh appreciated to the wishes and intentions of the government in order to improve the quality of human resources. For example, the current elected governor’s program will develop the concept of developing Bali Excellent Human Resources based on local wisdom. Meanwhile, Head of the Bali Education Agency, TIA Kusuma Wardhani, said there are four national education agendas at this time. One of them is vocational, concerning the highest unemployment rate in Indonesia contributed by graduates of SMK or vocational schools. That is why vocation can be said to be the main agenda to reduce the unemployment rate.
“We hope that vocational schools that we have will enable to implement the MoU with the business world and the industrial world. “Hopefully, as soon as our children graduate from vocational school, they have already known whether they will continue or enter the job markets,” he explained. Tia added the competence of vocational graduates must be equal to the demands of the working world. If there is cooperation between the educational institution and the working world, of course the graduates of vocational schools will be in accordance with the expectations of the working world. Here, her office is tasked to lead all the SMK graduates in Bali to be able to complete students according to the needs of the workforce. If necessary, the productive teachers recruited do come from the business world and the industrial world. (kmb32)
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Activities
International
Friday, January 4, 2019
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Loving couple Miller Khan and girlfriend enjoy a romantic dinner at Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa
Miller Khan and his girlfriend, Nathalie Stephens enjoyed an evening out during Nathalie’s birthday at Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa. They took time to enjoy each other’s company over a romantic dinner under the stars, overlooking the Indian Ocean. The Malaysian actor has starred in various famous Indonesian movies including Cintapuccino, Hantu Perawan Jeruk Purut. As a rising public figure, everything about Miller is in the
public spotlight, from his career as an actor to his love life. In the 2 years of long-distance relationship, Miller and Nathalie kept their commitment strong and the romance alive. The Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa is the pioneer of luxury accommodation within the Nusa Dua area. This 5-star diamond resort, has been welcoming kings, queens, presidents and other dignitaries since its grand opening. Nestled within beautifully landscaped
gardens, the resort, with its 382 guestrooms and suites, features all the elegance of a Balinese palace, while offering modern amenities. The Nusa Dua Spa is designed to highlight its rich Balinese tradition with a variety of indigenous treatments. Dining at Nusa Dua Hotel & Spa is an epicurean journey with a choice of five restaurants and four bars under the close watch of an award-winning culinary team. For more information, please visit www.nusaduahotel.com.
16 Pages Number 11 11th year
I N T E R N A T I O N A L
Price: Rp 3.000,-
Friday, January 4, 2019
Netflix criticised after pulling satire show that criticised Saudi prince
LOS ANGELES - Netflix has removed an episode of a satirical comedy show, apparently in response to criticism from Saudi officials. An episode of Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj included the American-born Muslim comic criticising Saudi Arabia after the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October. Mr Khashoggi was a fierce critic of the Saudi rulers. The 33-year-old attacked Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, saying: “He has been getting away with autocratic s**t like this for years with almost no blowback from the international community. “It blows my mind that it took the killing of a Washington Post journalist for everyone to go, ‘Oh, I guess he’s really not a reformer.’” Minhaj also criticised the Saudi-led war in Yemen, which he described as “the worst of everything happening in one place”. In a statement, the streaming service said: “We strongly support artistic freedom worldwide and removed this episode only in Saudi Arabia after we had received a valid legal request and to comply with local law.” The removal of the episode came after a complaint from the Saudi Communications and Information Technology Commission, which said the episode violated the cyber crime law, according to the Financial Times. (net)
Hasan Minhaj is an American-born Muslim comedian
e-mail: info_ibp@balipost.co.id online: http://www.internationalbalipost.com. http://epaper.internationalbalipost.com.
Friday, January 4, 2019
Mark RALSTON / AFP
Barbie doll prototypes are displayed at a workshop in the Mattel design center as the iconic doll turns 60, in El Segundo, on December 7, 2018.
Barbie will soon be 60 -and is still going strong
EL SEGUNDO - She is turning 60 this year and still doesn’t have a single wrinkle.Blonde or brunette, slender or curvy, black or white, princess or president, Barbie is a forever favorite for young girls, even if she has caused controversy over the years. The iconic doll has evolved to keep up with the times -- check out her Twitter feed. And despite fierce competition in the toy industry, 58 million Barbies are sold each year in more than 150 countries. “In an industry where success today is three to five years, 60 years is a huge deal!” said Nathan Baynard, director of global brand marketing for Barbie. Around the world, Barbie is as universally known as Coca-Cola or McDonald’s, Baynard said during a recent visit to Mattel’s design studio in El Segundo, a
suburb of Los Angeles. In all, more than one billion Barbie dolls have been sold since she made her debut at the American Toy Fair in New York on March 9, 1959. She was invented by Ruth Handler, the co-founder of Mattel, who was inspired by her own children to create the doll. “Her daughter Barbara was limited in the choices of her toys -- the only ones were baby dolls,” Baynard recounted. “The only role she could imagine through that play was caregiver, mother,” whereas Handler’s son “could imagine being an astronaut, cowboy, pilot, surgeon.” Barbie is, of course, a shortened version of Barbara. The doll was supposed to teach girls “that they had choices, that they could be anything. In 1959, it was a radical idea!” Baynard said. Barbie was an instant success. In the first year, 300,000 dolls were sold, he added. (afp)
Yasuyoshi CHIBA / AFP
In this file photo taken on November 25, 2012 German Formula One driver Michael Schumacher poses with the Mercedes team in the pits of the Interlagos racetrack in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Absolute reference of the Formula 1, Michael Schumacher, will turn 50 years old on January 3, 2019.
Schumacher fans urged to celebrate his birthday in rare statement
Michael Schumacher’s family has released a rare statement urging fans to celebrate his birthday as he continues to recover from a head injury. The most decorated star in Formula 1 history has not been seen in public since he fell and hit his head in a skiing accident in the French Alps five years ago. The progress of his recovery has been kept largely secret, at the request of his wife Corinna, but on the eve of his 50th birthday, they released an encouraging statement revealing they will be celebrating his milestone. In a statement, the family said: “We are very happy to celebrate Michael’s 50th birthday tomorrow (today) together with you and thank you from the bottom of our hearts that we can do this together. “As a gift to him, you and us, Keep Fighting Foundation has created a virtual museum. The Official Michael Schumacher App will be released tomorrow, so that we can
review all together Michael’s successes. “The app is another milestone in our effort to do justice to him and you, his fans, by celebrating his accomplishments. We wish you a lot of fun with it. “Michael can be proud of what he has achieved, and so are we! That’s why we remember his successes with the Michael Schumacher Private Collection exhibition in Cologne, by publishing memories in social media and by continuing his charitable work through the Keep Fighting Foundation. “We want to remember and celebrate his victories, his records
and his jubilation. “You can be sure that he is in the very best of hands and that we are doing everything humanly possible to help him. “Please understand if we are following Michael’s wishes and keeping such a sensitive subject as health, as it has always been, in privacy. “At the same time we say thank you very much for your friendship and wish you a healthy and happy year 2019.” Schumacher is understood to be receiving treatment at the family home in Lake Geneva, Switzerland. The decision to keep so much of
his health private has divided even those close to the star. His former manager Willi Weber said it was “unfortunate” his fans did not know about his health, but Ross Brawn, who has visited Schumacher, supports the family decision. Mr Brawn, who worked with Schumacher at Benetton and Ferrari, said: “Michael has always been a very private person and that’s been a guiding principle in his career, his life and his family always agreed with that choice. “It’s completely understandable that Corinna has wanted to maintain the same approach, even after the tragic event, and it’s a decision we must all respect. I’m sure the millions of people who are still Michael fans will understand it, too.” In December, after winning the driver’s F1 championship, Lewis
Hamilton said Michael Schumacher should still be considered Formula 1’s greatest driver of all time. On Schumacher’s birthday, Ferrari will launch an exhibition at their Maranello headquarters in northern Italy, to honour his successes with the Italian team. His son, 19-year-old Mick Schumacher, is being watched closely by both Ferrari and Mercedes, with rumours he could be on the F1 track by 2022. He won F3 in 2018 and will compete in F2 in 2019.(afp) News can also be heard in “Bali Image” at Global Radio FM 96.5 from 9.30 until 10.00 am. Listen to Global Radio FM at http:// globalfmbali.listen2myradio.com or live video streaming at http://radioglobalfmbali.com and http:// ustream.tv/channel/global-fm-bali.