Edition Monday, February 4, 2019 | International Bali Post

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Monday, February 4, 2019

Social media firms should ‘stamp out’ celebrity ads for fad diets - top doctor

CALIFORNIA - Celebrities and influencers profiting from fad diet ads to young people on social media should have their accounts “stamped out”, the national medical director of NHS England has said.

Professor Stephen Powis said young people are being “bombarded” with images, ideas and advertising which project unattainable body types and lifestyles - but there is little accountability for the impact it has.

Half of girls now report feeling pressure to be thinner, while one in four people say their appearance is the most important thing to them, he warned.

He said the NHS was doing its utmost to help the one in 10 young people who are affected by mental health problems, but stressed it could not “keep putting out fires if some parts of society keep lighting matches”.

Writing in the Daily Telegraph, Prof Powis said: “Where celebrities and the platforms which promote them exploit this vulnerability by pushing products like laxative teas, diet pills and other getthin-quick solutions, they are taking the health of our young people in their hands and should act with far greater responsibility.

“Online platforms should stamp out accounts which

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Monday, February 4, 2019

exploit this vulnerability, and ban adverts for products with a known health risk.”

He added: “Everyone, especially those engaging with young people like social media firms and celebrities who profit from them, have a duty of care to do more for our health and well-being.” (net)

IBP/net

Sir Elton John and Liz Hurley settled phone hacking claims against News Group Newspapers.

Sir Elton John, Liz Hurley and Heather Mills settle phone hacking claims

LONDON - Sir Elton John, Elizabeth Hurley and Heather Mills have come to an agreement over phone hacking claims against The Sun and the News of the World. Their lawyers confirmed the settlement against News Group Newspapers (NGN) days before a trial was to start at the High Court in London. Solicitors Hamlins said Sir Elton and his husband David Furnish, actress and model Ms Hurley, model and Sir Paul McCartney’s ex-wife Ms Mills and her sister Fiona Mills had agreed terms with NGN. They did not reveal what the terms were or how much the celebrities had been awarded - but NGN has repeatedly said it “makes no admission of liability” for The Sun. Ms Hurley and the Mills sisters claimed their voicemails had been intercepted and unlawful information gathered at The Sun and the now-defunct News of the World.

Sir Elton and his film producer and director husband’s claim was for “misuse of private information”

by the two papers. If the trial had gone to court NGN would have had to answer questions about allegations that those activities were “widespread” at The Sun. The claims were “the fourth trial in the last 18 months which has settled very close to the start of the trial date”, the law firm said.

Hamlins revealed it will shortly apply to start another batch of claims against NGN from people who were allegedly phone hacked. The number of new claimants is expected to “equal those who have successfully settled their cases in the current wave,” Hamlins added. (net)

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Adrian DENNIS / AFP

Children play in the snow in Hartley Wintney, in Hampshire, 40 miles west of London, on February 1, 2019. Snowfall and icy conditions were expected Friday to cause travel disruption after temperatures overnight reached as low as minus 15.4C.

US thaws from Arctic deep freeze as death toll climbs

A brutal cold spell that paralyzed the US Midwest, freezing water mains, causing power outages and canceling flights, eased on Friday, with forecasts predicting a rapid thaw.

The two days of intense cold from the so-called polar vortex that descended on the US Midwest and Northeast will go down in memory for its scenes of winter at its most bitter.

Blocks of ice floated down the river that runs through downtown Chicago, the rushing waters of the Niagara Falls were frozen in some places, and half the Great Lakes were covered in ice.

US media reported as many as 21 weather-related deaths since a snow storm hit the Midwest early in the week, followed by plung-

ing temperatures Wednesday and Thursday.

Temperature readings were nosing up on Friday and “will continue to moderate,” the National Weather Service said. The concern, though, turned to the threat of flooding and further stress on already strained infrastructure as the region thawed out.

“In some areas of the Midwest, the coming wild temperature swing will be the most extreme warm-up from record winter cold ever seen in such a short time period,” Jeff Masters, meteorologist at Weather

Underground, told AFP.

- Hundreds of new records The Arctic air mass that veered off its normal polar route broke more than 340 records in communities across a cluster of states, according to the Midwestern Regional Climate Center. With wind chill factored in, temperatures dropped to as low as -64 degrees Fahrenheit (-53C) in Minnesota, -59F (-51C) in Wisconsin, -58F (-58C) in Iowa and -55F (-48C) in Illinois.

By Monday, the weather was expected to be comparatively balmy -- around 50F (10C) in Chicago and Detroit.

“It’s important to remember that

the rapid change in weather and snow melt could lead to dangerous flooding,” James Joseph, the regional director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), said in a statement.

In the region around Niagara Falls, officials worried that ice jams could raise water levels in the Upper Niagara River, accord-

ing to local TV station WIVB. Niagara Falls Mayor Paul Dyster said they were also working “to avert possible creek flooding once thaw comes.”

In Illinois, state officials said they were discharging warm water from a nuclear power station into a river in order to prevent ice jams and flash flooding.

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We, The International Bali Post would like to apologize in advance because we will not be published on Tuesday, February 5, 2019.

Thank You

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Bali News

Monday, February 4, 2019

Australia’s contribution stays small

Indonesian businessmen strengthen trade relations with Australia

DENPASAR - Based on statistical data, Indonesia’s contribution to trade relations between Indonesia and Australia is still small compared to Australia’s trade relations with China. In December 2018, Bali’s exports to Australia decreased significantly to 50.40 percent compared to November 2018. Meanwhile, when compared to December 2017, Bali’s exports to Australia decreased 5.26 percent. Its export value only reached USD 3 million, or its contribution is only 5.50 percent of Bali’s total exports.

Other than in Bali, Indonesia’s exports to Australia are not too large as well, where the value is only USD 157.3 million in December 2018.

Therefore, Indonesian business people coalesced into the members of the IABC try to strengthen relations between Indonesia and Australia, not only in the matter of trade and business relations but also friendship.

President of the Indonesia-Australia Business Council (IABC) of Bali Branch, IB Kharisma Wijaya, hoped the business and good relations of friendship between Indonesia and Australia will continue. Geographically, Indonesia cannot be separated. However, he hoped that in the future Indonesia will get a large contribution from trade relations between Australia and Indonesia.

“According to statistical data, it is not too large compared to Australia’s relationship with China,” he said recently during the IABC gathering at Byrdhouse Beach Club, Segara Village Hotel, Sanur.

With the presence of comprehensive economic agreement plan (CEPA), he expected to be able to increase the agreement, so that there are many businesses and investments carried out in Indonesia. This CEPA is being finalized by both parties, namely Indonesia and Australia.

The prospect of trade relations between Indonesia and Australia is said to always run well because Indonesia is a near neighboring country. On that account, Indonesia and Australia must have strong relationships.

President of IABC, T Moh Hamzah Thajeb, said that he is always trying to strengthen business relations and dialogue between the two neighboring countries. He hoped that Indonesia-Australia relations can continue to be established. According to him, the number of business players does not matter; the most important thing is the quality of cooperative relations between the business players of Indonesia and Australia. (kmb42)

IBP/net

International

Ornaments of Catur Muka Statue Denpasar damaged by foreigner

DENPASAR - In the past few days, the Denpasar Municipal Police have secured at least three foreigners because they caused tantrums and disrupted public order in the city of Denpasar. Previously, a foreigner acted on Jalan Drupadi and then at the Swiss Consulate Office on Saturday morning (Feb. 2) at the Catur Muka Statue. The foreigners did not have any identity.

One of the residents who were about to going to work witnessed directly the foreigner who was destroying the Catur Muka Statue.

He said the incident was estimated to occur at 05:30. At that time, the foreigner climbed the pool at the Catur Muka Statue and opened one by one of the lotus ornaments at the base of the statue. Fortunately, the rapid response from the Municipal Police and the Indonesian Military (TNI) on duty in Military Command Headquarters (Makodam) managed to secure the perpetrator and was led to the office of the Denpasar Municipal Police. “About half past five in the morning, the foreigner immediately climbed up and opened the lotus ornament made from brass pieces,” said one of the witnesses asking for anonymity.

From monitoring in the field, due to the presence of foreigner disturbing public order, 10 of the 16 lotus ornament petals in the Catur Muka Statue were damaged. Similar damage also happened to other mixed ornaments and fountain pipes in the area.

Chief of Denpasar Municipal Police, Dewa Gede Anom Sayoga, deeply regretted the incident of the

Denpasar icon’s destruction, plus the perpetrator is a foreigner. According to Dewa Sayoga, tourists and foreign nationals coming to visit Bali, especially Denpasar City, should uphold and participate in maintaining public order. “Well, they should help maintain public order, not even damage the existing facilities, let alone this icon of the city,” he explained.

Furthermore, he said the foreigner did not have an identity at all.

And when further communication and examination were carried out, the foreigner went on a rampage and had time to bite the officers’ feet.

“When asked, she even sings and runs amok, so that she is difficult to communicate with and tends to be very dangerous,” said Dewa Sayoga.

On that account, to maintain conduciveness, the Denpasar Municipal Police collaborated with the Social Service, Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) and the Health Office to carry out psychiatric examinations. And on the recommendation of the Health Office team, the foreign woman was taken to the Bali Mental Hospital in Bangli.

In the meantime, the Denpasar Housing Office, Settlement and Land Agency being responsible for the statue said that the team is currently moving and carrying out identification and calculation of the losses due to the destruction of the Catur Muka Statue. “As seen, the ornaments just came off, so that they can be reattached,” said the Division Head of Landscaping, Ida Ayu Widiana Sari, when confirmed via her telephone connection. (kmb12)

Ahead of Chinese New Year, beware of extreme weather conditions

DENPASAR - The National Weather Service (BMKG) predicted that the Indonesian region, especially in Bali, still has the potential to rain in the next week. Moreover, on Chinese New Year, Tuesday (Feb. 4), it is predicted to be raining with moderate to heavy rainfall intensity.

However, the recent Riley Tropical Cyclone phenomenon has been decaying. “Ahead of Chinese New Year, the weather condition is predicted to have the potential for light or moderate rain. The intensity varies from light to heavy. The potential for rain floods is in moderate intensity.

Meanwhile, the Riley tropical cyclone has decayed (going away from the territory of Indonesia—Ed),” said

I Wayan Wirata, weather forecaster of the BBMKG for Region III Denpasar, Saturday (Feb. 2).

Press release of the BMKG mentioned the latest atmospheric condition in the Indonesian region and the presence of several atmospheric phenomena having a significant impact in the next few days on increasing rainfall in most parts of Indonesia.

There is a tropical cyclone seedling in Carpentaria Bay and cyclonic circulation in West Kalimantan.

These tropical cyclone seedlings will have an impact in the form of strong new wind patterns and trigger the encounter of long winds starting from the waters of Kalimantan, Java Sea, Makassar Strait, Bali to NTB,

and the wind around the Indonesian Equator triggers an encounter of wet air masses causing the formation of rain clouds in the territory of Indonesia. The presence of atmospheric wave activity especially Equatorial Rossby in parts of Eastern Indonesia can add to the growth of rain clouds in the region.

Based on the analysis of the atmospheric conditions, the BMKG predicted the potential for rain in the next week’s period that will remain quite high. The moderate to heavy intensity rainfall will occur more frequently, especially at night or early morning until the morning and does not rule out the possibility that some areas will have the potential to be

flushed by rain all day long.

The regions having the potential for heavy rain during the period February 2-8 include Aceh, North Sumatra, West Java, Central Java, Special Region of Yogyakarta, East Java, Bali, NTB, NTT, West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, North Sulawesi, Southeast Sulawesi, Central Sulawesi, Gorontalo, Maluku, West Papua and Papua.

The BMKG called on the public to be aware of the potential for the occurrence of High Wave of 2.5 - 4.0 meters in the waters of the Arafura Sea, the waters in the south of Yos Sudarso Island, Sangihe Islands to Talaud Islands, North Maluku Sea, the waters in the north of Halmahera

Island, Halmahera Sea and Pacific Ocean in the north of Halmahera to Papua.

In general, people living in the areas with the potential of heavy rain, especially in areas prone to flooding and landslides are encouraged to remain vigilant about the potential for inundation, floods and landslides. In addition, the community is also expected to be aware of the possibility of rain accompanied by wind that can cause trees and billboards to collapse and always pay attention to the risk of high waves for sailing safety and coastal activities, and not take shelter under trees if the rain is accompanied by lightning. (win)

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

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

International

Activities

Monday, February 4, 2019

15

Aston Kuta Held CSR Project with Infants and Elderly in Kuta

Aston Kuta held a corporate social responsibility to help local infants and elderly at Segara Kuta area.

In cooperation with local authority and public health center, infants and elderly that live in surrounding of Segara Kuta was gathered to have free medical checkup and light aerobic movements. With total participant around 150 people, Aston Kuta also brought their team to prepare a light snacks to be enjoyed post exercise.

“This is a regular event initiated by the local authority of Banjar Segara Kuta, and as we located in the area, it must be our responsibility to care and support the well being of our surroundings” said Medawakanti, Director of Human Resources.

Aston Kuta is a 4-star hotel located at Wana Segara Street established for almost ten years, had done various CSR to support the local community such as education tuition fee, cooperate with local transport and preserve traditional art culture.

About Aston Kuta Hotel & Residence

Located in the quaint area of Kuta and only 5-minute away from I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport and boasting 209 guestrooms including 41 premier suites and 8 functional rooms, Aston Kuta Hotel & Residence is the best facility for leisure and business.

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Monday, February 4, 2019

Traveling

International

Bali News

International

4 reasons for foodies to fall in love with Shonai region, Japan

SHONAI - You will find the Shonai region located on the western side of Yamagata Prefecture in northern Japan, and is uniquely situated between the Sea of Japan to the west and mountains to the north, east, and south.

The area is blessed with bountiful flat plains and ocean access, with an abundance of natural resources that locals have spent centuries harnessing for both traditional techniques and advanced innovations in preparing delicious dishes.

It’s for that reason Shonai has earned the title of food capital and any foodie worth their salt should put this region on their bucket list.

1. Age-old regional dishes of the UNESCO Tsuruoka City

Food is a serious matter. So much so that even seasonal changes are marked not by flowers or weather changes, but by a detailed food calendar that indicates what crops and foods are in season. Tsuruoka City for instance, has been recognised globally for its gastronomy and was awarded the honour of being a UNESCO Designated Creative City of Gastronomy — the only one in Japan as of 2018. It was given the award because of the abundance of crops grown locally and foods and regional dishes that are always produced with seasonal ingredients. There are also festivals and age-old speciality dishes such as the mouthwatering dadachamame (a variety of edamame enjoyed for genera-

tions), rice, sake, Yamagata-brand beef and Shonai pork in particular.

2. A spiritual foodie experience at Sanjin Gosaiden

They say a good walk stimulates the appetite, and what better way to do so than by climbing Mount Haguro? The mountain is one of three sacred peaks in the region known collectively as Dewa Sanzan. Ascetics have come here on pilgrimages for centuries and though you don’t have to hike the whole way, starting at the bottom of Mount Haguro and scaling your way to the top is highly recommended. Along the way you’ll walk through an ancient cedar forest, which conceals an over 600-year-old five-story pagoda in a small grove. The 29-meter-high pagoda is unpainted, showing off the beauty of the wood used to build it. Continue along the trail and scale 2,446 steps to reach to top of Mount Haguro, where you’ll find the stunning Sanjin Gosaiden; a perfect place to take a break. Here you can enjoy your reward for your challenging journey: simplistic vegetarian fare known as shojin ryori, which has been served to ascetic monks for centuries.

3. Luxurious kaiseki multi-course meal at the Yonohama Onsen hot springs

There are dozens of fantastic locations to enjoy a stay at a traditional Japanese inn, but the most famous is the Yuno-

Monday, February 4, 2019

3

hama Onsen, a historic hot spring resort that’s been around for more than 1,000 years.

For a luxurious view of the sunset, enjoy it from the comfort of an open-air bath at Kameya, an illustrious Japanese-style inn that has hosted the Emperor of Japan.

Follow your bath with one of the most prestigious dining options in Japan: the kaiseki multi-course meal. Indulge yourself in every seasonal local specialty Shonai has to offer and pair your meal with a local sake to complete the experience.

4. Geisha lunch at Somaro Teahouse in Sakata City

Despite Shonai’s isolated location, it imported several cultural elements from Kyoto over the centuries, one of the being geisha entertainment.

At Somaro Teahouse in Sakata City, you can enjoy a sample of traditional Kyoto in the form of a maiko (apprentice geisha) dance performance — a rarity outside the ancient capital. There are two performances daily — one at noon including an exquisite bento lunch, and one at 2pm, with just the dance.

Bento options include a carefully pieced together kaiseki box with a selection of bite sized delicacies, a chirashi sushi (a scattered sushi with different ingredients), and one with aromatic grilled eel. This experience is extremely popular so be sure to book in advance.

With the presence of tourism, it is believed to also develop Bangli through the establishment of tourism areas.

IBP/kmb

Bangli hopes to have tourism area

Parliament asks executive to write to the special committee in Bali House

BANGLI — Bangli House of Representatives hoped that Bangli district can have tourism areas like other districts. Regarding this expectation, the Bangli House of Representatives asked the Bangli government to soon formally submit to the Special Committee in the Bali House of Representatives which is currently working on the Regional Bill on Revision of the Bali Regional Spatial Plan (RTRW).

“We have requested to relevant agencies to formally propose to the special committee in the Bali House of Representatives regarding the tourism area in Bangli. The proposal should not be in the form of discourse. It must be formally written so that it is truly escorted by the Special Committee of the Bali House of Representatives,” said Deputy Chairperson of the Bangli House of Representatives, Komang Carles, after attending the meeting of Regional Leadership Forum at the Segara Hotel, Kintamani, on Wednesday (Jan. 30).

Carles said that all this time Bangli does not have a tourism area. Bangli only becomes a buffer zone. He hoped that some regions having developed into tourist objects in Bangli

could be designated into tourism area. With the presence of tourism, it is believed to also develop Bangli. Through the establishment of tourism areas, the district government can give permission so that entrepreneurs can get guaranteed security and comfort in investing in Bangli.

However, the determination of tourism area must be limited so as not to damage forest. One of them is by fixing the existing forest area. So, the outermost forest area can be developed into tourist area without having to damage the forest itself. “We hope that Bangli will remain to be given the opportunity to become a tourism area. But it is not entirely free but restricted by still paying attention to the forest,” he explained.

In proposing to the tourism area, the Bangli government is expected to convey real facts in the field. Carles said the current regional regulation on the RTRW may still set forth the area as green belt or agricultural land even though the reality has been changed in terms of function. “For example, the Uma Aya LC may be still set forth as a green belt in the Regional Regulation on the RTRW. In reality, it has now changed into a settlement,” he said.

Meanwhile, Deputy Regent Sang Nyoman Sedana Arta in

the meeting of the district leadership council last Wednesday said that currently is a good moment to improve the layout in Bangli district in accordance with the reality in the field.

If the agencies do not take it seriously in addressing this matter, of course the documentation owned is never valid pursuant to the field reality.

On that account, Deputy Regent Sedana Arta on that occasion asked the Head of Public Works Agency (PU) to immediately submit to the Special Committee of the Bali Regional Regulation on the RTRW. In the letter, the Public Works Agency was asked to submit so that the provincial government makes some changes in accordance with the reality in the field. For example, the Penelokan area, especially for the right roadside, must be changed so that there is no provision on the cliff borderline. In addition, the tourism area should be expanded to 2,000 hectares.

Related to this matter, Deputy Regent Sedana Arta also asked the Bangli House leadership to also send a letter.

Moreover, there are two people’s representatives of Bangli in the Special Committee of the Regional Spatial Plan namely I Nyoman Adnyana and I Wayan Gunawan. (kmb40)

Floods on Jalan Dewi Kunti II Seminyak needs urgent handling MANGUPURA - The area of Jalan Dewi Kunti II, Seminyak village, Kuta subdistrict, is regularly hit by floods during the rain. For this reason, the handling of floods in the area is urgent for the Badung district government.

So far, the Bali-Penida River Agency has often flushed the Tukad Mati flow and river channel on Jalan Dewi Kunti II. Unfortunately, such effort is not enough to overcome the flood. Indeed, the location on Jalan Kunti is a channel from the river so that it is always inundated during rainy season.

For this reason, the Badung district government is ex-

pected to handle it in the future. This matter was revealed in the meeting of the Seminyak development plan 2020 recently.

According to Headman of Seminyak, Kadek Oka Parmadi, the handling of floods in the Seminyak area is indeed a priority proposal from residents of Seminyak. Seminyak community hoped that Badung district government will also intervene to handle it. Indeed, so far the Bali-Penida River Agency has continued to normalize the flow of Tukad Mati.

Thus, the problem of floods on Jalan Dewi Kunti II can be handled. He said that based on community proposal, the project of

Bali-Penida River Agency needs to be supported by optimization of drainage. It is meant to drain rainwater optimally to the Tukad Mati. “The optimization of drainage is done by normalizing and checking the drainage channel. If the condition is damaged, it is considered necessary to make new drainage,” he said.

All this time, he admitted, condition of the most land areas in Seminyak has undergone conversion from the agricultural area to the built area. As a result, the areas formerly in great measure owned by subak irrigation channels have now undergone land conversion. (kmb23)

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Bali News

Monday, February 4, 2019

International

Monday, February 4, 2019

International

As for revision of building height

Nepali women dies in outlawed ‘menstruation hut’

Badung House: Don’t let Bali be damaged because of us

MANGUPURA - The issue on the building height revision in the Bali Regional Spatial Planning (RTRW) also received rejection from the Chairperson of the Badung House of Representatives, Putu Parwata. This politician from Dalung, North Kuta, invited all parties to think clearly about Bali, especially in the future.

“Let us continue to preserve the customs, art and culture, so don’t let Bali be damaged, especially Badung, because of our own mistake.

So, let’s look at the study in full and comprehensively,” said Putu Parwata, on Wednesday (Jan. 30).

According to him, Badung remains committed to the decision (bhisama) of Parisadha Hindu Dharma Indonesia (PHDI), which is currently just 15 meters or the same as a coconut tree. “Don’t make rules that eventually goes along with others, so that for the time being 15 meters remain to be locked,” he said firmly.

This PDI-P politician hoped there will be a long-term study of building heights in Bali, rather than looking at Bali’s short-term conditions. “If there is a study, let us examine the study, not in short term, but in long term, not a year or two years but 100 years. This must be a clear study,” he said.

Regarding the proposal to revise the building height limit in certain zones, like the building of government agencies and health facilities, this Secretary of PDI-P Badung admitted that he remains to refer to the long term study.

“If anyone wants to change 15 meters to 20 meters in particular zones, well ... we want to see the study first, but for the time being we in Badung are still committed

to 15 meters (maximum height),” he said again.

Previously, similar rejection was also conveyed by the Regent of Badung, Nyoman Giri Prasta.

This number one person in Badung stated that he did not agree to revise the height of the building because it is considered to have denied the heritage. Moreover, the plan to revise the building height with the reason of public facility is not right.

“With the universal planning program, one island one management, each district must have a great hospital, so that only the extra emergency case will be referred to Sanglah Hospital. We hope this inheritance (bhisama—Ed) can still be maintained,” he said.

He said the development of Sanglah Hospital made into the reason could be overcome with the development of hospital equipped with complete facilities in each district, so that patients can be handled in the district, except for patients in very emergency conditions.

“Only the height of the Inna Grand Bali Beach Sanur exceeds the rules because it was established before the Regional Regulation was drafted,” he concluded.

As is known, the proposal to revise the building height limit emerged in the discussion of the revision of Regional Regulation Number 16/2009 concerning the Regional Spatial Plan (RTRW) of Bali Province. Chairperson of the Special Committee, Kariyasa Adnyana, revealed that based on the working visit made then emerged a proposal to revise the height limit, exceeding the provisions currently set at the maximum of 15 meters. (kmb27)

IBP/kmb

Chairperson of the Badung House of Representatives, Putu Parwata.

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Handout / QUEENSLAND FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES / AFP

This recent undated handout picture provided by the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services and received by AFP on February 3, 2019 shows floodwaters as they rush over the Aplins Weir in Townsville after days of torrential rain.

Go-Jek Bali during the meeting with the Bali Post.

IBP/kmb

Go-Jek participates in reducing disposable plastic waste

DENPASAR - Go-Jek, the largest application-based on-demand service provider in Indonesia, also supports the policies of the Governor of Bali and the Mayor of Denpasar in reducing the generation of disposable plastic waste. In Bali, Go-Jek starts with the 3R movement, namely Reduce, Recycle, and Re-invest.

“What we do in Go-Jek Bali is three things. Firstly, we start from reducing waste,” said District Head for Bali-Nusra of Go-Jek, Leo Arifin, during the meeting with the Bali Post on Wednesday (Jan. 30).

Leo coming with VP Corporate Affairs of Go-Jek Indonesia, Rosel Lavina, Head of Regional Corporate Affairs, Alfianto Domy Aji, and Regional Head of Government Relations at East Java & Bali Nusra, Boy Arno, was received by Editor of Bali Post, Dira Arsana and Chief Editor of Bali Travel News, Palgunadi.

According to Leo, the service for food delivery or Go-Food has mostly used disposable plastics such as plastic bag, straw, and plastic spoon. It is now aggressively campaigning for reducing the use of disposable plastic on the service.

Merchants wishing to change and reduce the use of plastic will be given incentives in the form of free

promotions and others.

“It takes time because it poses an education. Hopefully, in the near future more and more people will participate so that the reduction in plastic is truly visible,” he added.

In addition to reducing, continued Leo, the management also does recycling efforts because it also produces plastic. Go-Jek now provides plastic from recycled materials. One of them is a banner that is no longer used. Just by prohibiting the use of plastic will not provide a solution. “In our opinion, reduce and recycle are still not enough. We have to do the other ‘re-,’ namely re-invest, where we invest our resources back into the community,” he explained.

Leo added that such effort is welcomed by Go-Jek drivers who helped contribute to clean the beach and plant mangrove. The community is expected to be able

to feel what Go-Jek is doing and much more love the existence of Go-Jek in Bali.

As of December 2018, the GoJek application has been downloaded more than 125 million times by users and now processes more than 100 million transactions per month. Go-Jek operates in 178 cities and districts in Indonesia, and has announced international expansion to four countries, namely Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines.

Since the application was launched in 2015, Go-Jek continues to empower the informal sector as well as Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Indonesia through technology. In Bali in particular, Go-Jek also encouraged the progress of local culinary MSMEs in Bali by inaugurating the Go-Food Festival at Level 21 Mall, Denpasar on Thursday (Jan. 31). (kmb32)

‘Once-in-acentury’ floods hit northeast Australia

KATHMANDU - A Nepali woman has died of suspected smoke inhalation while banished to a hut during her period, police said Sunday, just weeks after the deaths of a mother and two children in similar circumstances sparked outrage.

Many communities in Nepal view menstruating women as impure and in some remote areas they are forced to sleep in a hut away from the home, following a centuries-old tradition known as “chhaupadi”.

Parbati Bogati, 21, was found dead in a smoke-filled hut on Thursday morning in the western Doti district when her mother-in-law went to check on her.

“We suspect she died due to smoke inhalation and suffocation because she closed the door of the windowless hut and lit a fire on the floor for warmth during the night,” local police officer Lal Bahadur Dhami told AFP. The body has been sent for autopsy, Dhami said.

Chhaupadi was outlawed in 2005 but is still enforced in parts of Nepal, particularly in remote and conservative western regions.

The practice is linked to Hinduism and considers women untouchable during menstruation and after childbirth.

Under Chhaupadi, women are barred from touching food, religious icons, cattle and men.

Just three weeks ago a mother and her two sons in neighbouring Bajura district died of suspected smoke inhalation while observing the tradition.

Their deaths prompted locals to demolish chhaupadi sheds in their village and local authorities to warn that services would be denied to anyone forcing their daughters and daughters-in-law to follow the banned practice.

Last year, Kathmandu introduced a three-months jail sentence and a 3,000 rupee ($30) fine for anyone caught imposing chhaupadi.

Ganga Chaudhary, a lawmaker who was involved in the drafting of the legislation, said much more needs to be done to enforce the law and change social norms.

“We have realised that only legal provisions are not enough to end such practices. We need to focus on awareness and educating women,” Chaudhary said. (afp)

SYDNEY - Once-in-a-century floods have turned streets into rivers and forced thousands to abandon their homes in northeast Australia, with authorities warning of tornadoes and more rain over the next few days.

Australia’s tropical north experiences heavy rains during the monsoon season at this time of the year, but the recent downpour has surged far above normal levels.

Thousands of residents in the city of Townsville in Queensland were without power and cut off by flooded roads.

More severe weather could whip up tornadoes and destructive winds in the days ahead, Bureau of Meteorology state manager Bruce Gunn told reporters Sunday.

Up to 20,000 homes are also at risk of being inundated if the rains continue. Military personnel were delivering tens of thousands of sandbags to affected locals, as Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk warned residents to be careful.

“It’s basically not just a one in 20-year event, it’s a one in 100year event,” she told reporters Saturday.

The Bureau of Meteorology said a slow-moving monsoonal trough was sitting above Queensland, with some areas expected to receive more than a year’s worth of rain before conditions ease.

Bureau meteorologist Adam

Blazak told AFP the heavy downpours could continue until Thursday, while floodwaters would take some time to recede even when the rains lessen.

The region receives an average of some 2,000 millimetres (6.5 feet) of rain annually but some towns were already on track to pass that.

The town of Ingham, north of Townsville, received 506 mm of rain in 24 hours between Saturday and Sunday, of which 145 mm fell in just one hour, Blazak said.

“I’ve never seen anything like this,” Townsville resident Chris Brookehouse told national broadcaster ABC, adding that his house was flooded with water more than one metre deep.

“The volume of water is just incredible. Downstairs is gone, the fridge and freezer are floating. Another five or six steps and upstairs is gone too.”

Blazak said that with adverse weather predicted to continue for up to 72 hours, some regions could see record-breaking levels of rainfall.

There has been a silver lining to the deluge, with drought-stricken

farmers in western Queensland welcoming the soaking.

“It is a welcome relief, especially in our western communities, to not only get the rain but also to fill up their dams,” Palaszczuk said Sunday.

“We’re getting food supplies in there. We still have many roads that are cut around those areas.”

The deluge comes amid a severe drought in the eastern inland of the vast Australian continent, including parts of Queensland state, that’s left graziers struggling to stay afloat.

Extreme heatwaves during the southern hemisphere summer have also led to maximum-temperature records being broken in some towns. High temperatures are not unusual in Australia during its arid southern hemisphere summer, with bushfires a common occurrence.

But climate change has pushed up land and sea temperatures and led to more extremely hot days and severe fire seasons.

In the southern states of Victoria and Tasmania, firefighters in recent days have been battling numerous bushfires threatening homes and communities. (afp)

IBP/net

Woman in Nepal dies after being exiled to outdoor hut during her period.

12

International

Monday, February 4, 2019

BUSINESS A robust US job market likely defied shutdown during January

Bali News

International

Numerous tourist attractions in Karangasem were thronged by visitors on Umanis Galungan. One of them is the Edelweiss tourist attraction located at Temukus hamlet, Besakih, Rendang, crowded by visitors taking advantage of their holidays on Thursday (Dec. 27).

AP Photo/Keith Srakocic, File

In this Nov. 2, 2017, file photo a recruiter from the postal service, right, speaks with an attendee of a job fair in the cafeteria of Deer Lakes High School in Cheswick, Pa. U.S. employers likely kept adding jobs at a healthy pace in January even in the face of threats ranging from weakening global growth to the Trump administration’s trade war with China to the partial shutdown of the government.

January. The ADP data doesn’t cover government workers and doesn’t always mirror the government’s official monthly jobs report.

But it suggests that the shutdown had little effect on private-sector hiring last month.

In another encouraging sign, the number of people seeking first-time unemployment benefits reached a 49-year low two weeks ago, though the figure jumped higher last week.

“The fact that the labor market is hanging so tough is a reason for optimism,” said Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s Analytics, which helps compile the ADP data. “As long as we are producing jobs at this pace, the economy will do OK.” The government shutdown will probably end up slowing the economy’s growth for the first three months of the year. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates that the shutdown lowered annual growth for the January-March quarter by about 0.4 percentage point, to a rate of 2.1 percent.

Thousands of government workers who missed two paychecks slowed their spending. The federal government itself also spent

less. In addition, many businesses across the country lost income. Tourists cut back on visits to national parks, for example, thereby hurting nearby restaurants and hotels.

Yet even employers whose revenue dropped might have held onto their workers during January, Zandi said. With unemployment so low and many companies struggling to fill jobs, layoffs might not have been widespread. Chamberlain said that Glassdoor’s data shows the number of job postings rose nearly 9 percent in late January compared with a year earlier, suggesting that demand for labor remained strong.

The shutdown has delayed the release of a range of government data about the economy, including statistics on housing, factory orders, and fourth-quarter growth.

The reports that have been released have been mixed. The Federal Reserve’s industrial production report showed that manufacturing output rose in December by the most in nearly a year, boosted by auto production.

But consumer confidence fell in January for a third straight month as Americans’

optimism dimmed amid the shutdown and sharp drops in the stock market. Falling confidence can cause consumers to restrain their spending, though economists note that confidence typically returns quickly after shutdowns end.

The housing market has clearly slumped as mortgage rates have increased. Sales of existing homes plunged in December and fell 3.1 percent in 2018 from the previous year.

Mortgage rates have fallen back after nearly touching 5 percent last year, but the number of Americans who signed contracts to buy homes still declined in December.

China’s economy is decelerating sharply and Italy’s economy has entered recession, exacerbating fears that slower global growth will cut into U.S. exports.

Fed Chairman Jerome Powell on Wednesday cited the weaker global economy as a key reason why the central bank will be “patient” before it raises its benchmark interest rate again. That was a sharp turnaround from January, when Fed policymakers forecast two additional hikes for this year. (ap)

5

Sweet Memories in Edelweiss Park

WASHINGTON - U.S. employers likely kept adding jobs at a healthy pace in January even in the face of threats ranging from weakening global growth to the Trump administration’s trade war with China to the partial shutdown of the government.

On Friday, the Labor Department will issue the monthly employment report, the first major economic report to cover most of the 35-day shutdown period that ended a week ago.

Economists have forecast that employers added 165,000 jobs and that the unemployment rate remained at a low 3.9 percent, according to data provider FactSet. The predicted job gain would be a solid one, though it would follow a blowout figure of 312,000 jobs that were added in December.

The partial government shutdown, the longest on record, isn’t expected to have had a significant effect on the January jobs report. That’s because of how the government will categorize the 800,000 federal workers who weren’t paid for five weeks. All will be counted as employed in the government’s count of jobs in January. That means the economy will almost certainly record the 100th straight month of job gains, a record.

Still, some of the roughly 380,000 federal workers who didn’t work and weren’t paid might be counted as unemployed in a separate survey the government uses to calculate the unemployment rate. If so, this could inflate the jobless rate by 0.2 percentage point, economists say, though the effect would be reversed in February as federal employees return to work. Unlike some government agencies, the Labor Department received its annual funding before the shutdown and has operated normally throughout.

“The shutdown was very traumatic for federal workers, but it will probably not show up in most of the data for private sector workers,” said Andrew Chamberlain, chief economist for the employment site Glassdoor.

One unknown factor is the impact of the shutdown on government contractors, who perform a wide range of jobs — from janitorial work to data management. Some of them who were furloughed may receive back pay. But some won’t, and they could contribute to a higher unemployment rate and lower job count.

Still, a solid jobs report would provide reassurance that the economy remains mostly healthy and likely to shake off any effects of the shutdown. One positive sign emerged Wednesday from the payroll processing company ADP. Its survey found that private businesses added more than 200,000 jobs in

Monday, February 4, 2019

Moreover, the large number of visitors caused traffic jam along about three kilometers towards the tourist attraction. Visitors who took advantage of the Umanis Galungan holiday period had come to visit the tourist attraction from the morning. In the afternoon, the number of visitors continued to arrive one after another.

Visitors came by riding a motorcycle or a car. Aside from children coming with their families, there were also young men and women with their partners. Families were also busy visiting tourist attractions that offer natural beauty with the expanse of edelweiss and marigold flowers.

Moreover, due to flocking visitors, the parking space provided was unable to accommodate all the vehicles that arrived. Such condition made the road to both objects have traffic congestion. Nevertheless, it did not dampen visitors’ intentions. They remained patient in order to be able to enjoy the attraction located about 4 km from the summit of Mount Agung currently still at level III (Watch).

Research and Development Division Head of Edelweiss Park, I Nengah Sueca, revealed that visitors had continued to arrive from the morning. Until these days, along the road there are still vehicles of visitors going to the edelweiss attraction.

“Visitors are very crowded. The arrival of visitors is most crowded since this tourist attraction was built. Parking space is fully occupied, therefore vehicles cannot go up due to traffic jams,” he said On that account, visitors then parked their car on the road side. Only motorbikes could go up. In terms of the number of visitors, they were tripled from normal days. When calculated, it can reach a thousand more,” he said.

Chief of Temukus customary village, I Nengah Sindia, said that crowded visitors have started to come one day before Galungan.

Currently, visitors are quite a lot compared to on ordinary days. On normal days, the number of visits ranges from 400 to 500 but now it is more than 1,000 guests. (kmb)

Story on a Water-Selling Grandma

It is not difficult to reach this location.

Tirta Taman Mumbul Temple is situated around one kilometer from Sangeh tourist attraction. From Denpasar, we must turn right before Sangeh having been famous for its monkey forest. Within less than ten minutes, we will arrive at the destination. This location looks to be halved by the highway.

The temple with a small lake is located to the left of the road, while sacred shower for purificatory rite sits on the right way.

There are interesting stories about this location. It is much believed by local community, whether it is true or not, this is the story developing amid the community. It is said, the spring coming out at this place originates from a water jug belonging to a water-selling grandmother. It is not known for sure and untold who the grandmother is and where she comes from. Obviously she is a salesperson of water from one village to another. By and large, she brings a jug upheld on her head.

Once upon a time, she arrived at this lo-

cation. Due to being fatigue after selling for whole day, she then took a rest. Her water on sale remained. At this location, she saw a lot of plants were drought. Having a pity on them, she watered the plants with her water. Before long, the water poured then became a fountain.

So far, many people have come and perform purificatory rite at this location.

Other than for such ritual purpose, local communities also come to take water for drinking. Water of this shower is very clear.

People believe the water at this location no longer needs to be boiled, and can be immediately drunk. When taking a gallon, people will be charged donation as much as IDR 2,000.

For convenience of pilgrims, the operator has provided restrooms and locker room and wantilan hall. Apparently, the parking lot needs to be expanded. As a result, pilgrims should be lined when coming to say prayers on full moon, new moon and kajeng kliwon due to crowded. (kmb)

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Monday, February 4, 2019

W

International

International

RLD

Iran in ‘successful test’ of new cruise missile on revolution anniversary

TEHRAN - Iran announced the “successful test” of a new cruise missile with a range of over 1,350 kilometres on Saturday, coinciding with celebrations for the country’s 1979 Islamic revolution.

“The test of the Hoveizeh cruise missile was carried out successfully at a range of 1,200 kilometres (840 miles) and accurately hit the set target,” Defence Minister Amir Hatami said, quoted on state television which broadcast footage of its launch.

“It can be ready in the shortest possible time and flies at a very low altitude,” he said.

Hatami described the Hoveizeh as the “long arm of the Islamic Republic of Iran” in defending itself.

It is part of the Soumar group of cruise missiles, first unveiled in 2015 with a range of 700 kilometres, according to the minister.

The Hoveizeh unveiling was part of an arms exhibition dubbed “40 years of defensive achievements” and held in Tehran.

Friday marked the beginning of 10 days of celebrations of the Islamic revolution that ousted the pro-Western shah.

On Thursday, thousands of Iranians had packed the mausoleum of the Islamic republic’s founder Ayatollah Ruhollah

Khomeini.

Iran has voluntarily limited the range of its missiles to 2,000 kilometres (1,250 miles), but this is still sufficient to reach Israel and Western bases in the Middle East.

Washington and its allies have accused Tehran of pursuing enhanced missile capabilities that also threaten Europe.

Iran has “no intention of increasing the range” of its missiles, the country’s Supreme National Security Council secretary, Admiral Ali Shamkhani, said Tuesday.

- ‘Purely defensive’ -

Iran reined in most of its nuclear programme under a landmark 2015 deal with major powers but has kept up development of its ballistic missile technology.

US President Donald Trump’s administration pulled out of the nuclear accord in May and reimposed sanctions against Iran, citing the missile programme among its reasons.

European governments have stuck by the 2015 agreement, although some have demanded an addition to address Iran’s ballistic missile programme and its intervention in regional conflicts including Yemen.

UN Security Council Resolution 2231 -- adopted just after the nuclear deal -- calls on Iran “not to undertake any

Monday, February 4, 2019

INDONESIAN INDONESIAN

activity related to ballistic missiles designed to be capable of delivering nuclear weapons”.

The US has repeatedly accused Iran of violating the resolution.

But Tehran denies seeking any nuclear weapons capability, and insists that its missile development programme is “purely defensive” and compliant with the resolution.

Iran’s space programme has also been criticised by the West, with Washington charging that an abortive satellite launch in mid-January was cover for a bid to develop an intercontinental ballistic missile capability.

Iran tried unsuccessfully to put a satellite into orbit on January 15 and plans to “vigorously carry on” and make a second attempt, Shamkhani said.

Iran’s newly-tested missile takes its name from a city in the southwestern province of Khuzestan that was devastated in the 1980-1988 war against Saddam Hussein’s Iraq.

Several Iranian cities were battered by missiles during the eight-year conflict in a bombing campaign dubbed the “war of the cities”.

Iranian officials say Western sanctions have starved its air force of spare parts and replacement aircraft, limiting its operational capacity and forcing it to rely on the missile programme. (afp)

11

ELECTION 2019

IBP/net

Facebook bans accounts tied to Indonesian fake news group

Facebook has shut down hundreds of accounts and pages linked to an Indonesian group accused of spreading hate speech and fake news, the company said Friday.

ATTA KENARE / AFP

Hoveizeh, Iran’s new cruise missile is shown during an exhibition in the capital Tehran on February 2, 2019. Iran announced the succesful test of a new cruise missile with a range of over 1,350 kilometres on today, state TV reported.

US thaws...

From page 1

In Detroit and Chicago, which have already contended with dozens of broken water mains over the last several days, more pipes could burst as rapid warming puts pressure on aging systems.

- Return to normalcy -

Elements of normal life resumed in fits and starts, including transportation. Thousands of flights were scrapped this week,

especially at Chicago’s two major airports, which experienced more than 1,500 cancellations a day.

The city is a regional hub, and passengers were left stranded or looking for alternate routes.

“The majority of our customers have already been rebooked,” American Airlines spokesman Ross Feinstein told AFP on Friday.

Delta Airlines spokesman Drake Castaneda said the company had “fully recovered from the polar vortex and have operated normally today.”

Children -- some of whom have been at home for almost a week -- returned to class in many school districts, while others were off for another day because frozen school buses would not start. Milwaukee schools in Wisconsin were open, but Chicago schools were not.

In Minneapolis, students were back in class but food deliveries for school lunches were disrupted.

- Death toll rises -

Hypothermia and frostbite proved to be major dangers this

week. Officials repeatedly warned the homeless to take advantage of increased shelter capacity, and for others in need, such as the elderly, to use the hundreds of warming centers opened throughout the region.

They also warned residents to not spend more than a few minutes at a time outside.

Despite those efforts, there were still reports of fatalities. A 69-yearold FedEx worker was found dead outside of an Illinois delivery hub, according to TV station WQAD.

The University of Iowa confirmed that Gerald Belz, a pre-med student, had died Wednesday. Local media reported that the 18-yearold was found unconscious outside a university building when temperatures were in the negative double digits in Iowa City.

In Wisconsin, a 38-year-old woman was found frozen Wednesday night in an unheated home, and a man froze to death in his back yard Thursday afternoon, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported. (afp)

The world’s biggest social network said cyber group Saracen engaged in “coordinated abuse of the platform” by operating a network of hoax accounts that mislead online readers about who was behind them.

“The people behind this activity coordinated with one another and used fake accounts to misrepresent themselves, and that was the basis for our action,” Facebook’s head of cybersecurity policy Nathaniel Gleicher said in a statement.

Saracen gained infamy in Indonesia two years ago when police

accused it of deliberately spreading untruths via social media.

At least one of its members was jailed following a wideranging investigation.

Indonesia is battling its own wave of online hate speech, as conservative groups exploit social media to spread lies and target minorities.

Authorities are worried inflammatory material posted online could crack open social and religious fault lines in the world’s largest Muslim-majority country ahead of presidential elections in April.

Some 800 Saracen-linked accounts, 207 pages, 546 groups and 208 Instagram accounts linked to the group have been yanked from the network, Gleicher said.

About 170,000 people followed at least one of the pages,

and more than 65,000 followed at least one of the Instagram accounts.

The groups and accounts were shut down “based on their behaviour, not the content they were posting”, Gleicher said.

Facebook has moved to stamp out efforts by state actors and others to manipulate the social network using fraudulent accounts.

The US firm began looking into these kinds of activities after revelations of Russian influence campaigns during the 2016 US election, aimed at sowing discord.

“We are constantly working to detect and stop this type of activity because we don’t want our services to be used to manipulate people,” Gleicher said. Facebook has a factchecking partnership with AFP in multiple countries. (afp)

Indonesia recaptures French drug suspect after jailbreak

A French drug suspect on the run since escaping from an Indonesian jail nearly two weeks ago has been recaptured, police said on Saturday.

Felix Dorfin -- who faces the death penalty if convicted -- was found hiding in a forest in North Lombok on Friday night, police said,

and was returned to jail in Mataram, capital of the island.

Wearing dishevelled black clothes and looking tired, Dorfin initially tried to bribe officers to let him go.

“He didn’t resist arrest, but wanted to bribe our officers,” North Lombok police chief Herman Suriyono said Saturday, adding he was found

following a tip-off from locals in the area. After being checked by medical teams he was returned to jail.

The 35-year-old Frenchman was arrested in September allegedly carrying a false-bottomed suitcase filled with four kilogrammes (8.8 pounds) of drugs -- including cocaine, ecstasy and amphetamines

-- at the airport on the holiday island next to Bali.

On Friday officials said a female police officer had been arrested for allegedly helping Dorfin escape in exchange for Rp 14.5 million (around $1,000).

Jailbreaks are common in Indonesia, where corruption is endemic

at all levels of society and inmates often held in squalid and poorly guarded prisons.

In 2017, four foreign inmates tunnelled their way out of Bali’s Kerobokan prison.

Two of them were captured a few days later, but an Australian and Malaysian are still at large. (afp)

10

Destination

Monday, February 4, 2019

International

Monday, February 4, 2019

International

Kovalev regains WBO title by winning rematch with Alvarez

LOS ANGELES - Sergey Kovalev made his reputation as the ‘Krusher’, but on Saturday in a rematch with Eleider Alvarez, the Russian champ regained his light heavyweight title by using his boxing smarts.

Tegallalang Rice Terraces UBUD - Tegallalang Rice Terraces in Ubud is famous for its beautiful scenes of rice paddies involving the subak (traditional Balinese cooperative irrigation system), which according to history, was passed down by a revered holy man named Rsi Markandeya in the eighth century. Tegallalang forms the three most splendid terraced landscapes in Ubud’s shared region, with the others being in the villages of Pejeng and Campuhan. The Tegallalang rice terraces alone offers a scenic outlook that spreads down before you and away to the rice paddies on the slopes across the valley. The high roadside location is cool and breezy and it is a well-known spot for tourists to stop and take photos. Painters and nature lovers also enjoy visiting this spot, and there are numerous art kiosks and cafes near the ledge offering their ware.

local elder, a farmer who owns the land invites visitors to sample his green coconut drink, as well as to purchase woven hats that he makes from coconut leaves as well as posing with visitors for a small fee. This ancient valley has a timeless quality whether there are tourists there or not. The small village of Pakudui, a craftsman’s dominion located in Tegallalang, is a journey of witnessing the splendour of local talent at its best. Here you will find an extraordinary variety of ornamental

woodwork and various carvings.

The villagers here are avid Balinese craftsmen and have taken up different forms of sculptures, either handed down through generations or as a result of an ever-growing creative process using the most natural of all media – wood. But through your village tour in Pakudui you will notice the recurring presence of one particular mythical Balinese figure - the Garuda. Amongst the carved mythical lions, horses, human figures, dogs, dragons, vases, frogs,

kangaroos, cats, ornate totems, panels, doors, windows, tables and the many brilliant forms of creativity – extending even to large-scale dinosaurs – the Garuda seems to be majestically ever present amongst the creations.

Good to Know Terraces Some souvenir sellers and the old farmer will seem occasionally pushy, but there are no fixed prices, so have those bargaining skills at hand or best still, remind

yourself that you are just there for the picture. A ‘modest fee’ for the posing farmer is at your own discretion. While the rice terraces serve as a highlight photo-op in the Tegallalang area, souvenir shopping options abound along the roadsides, and the trip to Pakudui village is worth its while. Pakudui is reachable after a right turn up from the famed rice paddy outlook. Find magnificent carvings and wooden art forms lined up along the small and winding village road. (IBP/net)

Kovalev (R) regains WBO title by winning rematch with Alvarez.

IBP/net

The 35-year-old Kovalev won by a 12-round unanimous decision to avenge a stunning loss to Alvarez six months ago and retake the World Boxing Organization 175-pound belt.

The judges had Kovalev controlling the fight with one scoring it 120-108. The other two scored it 116-112. Kovalev did some of his best boxing in the 10th round, where he hurt Alvarez, and the 12th, where he had a strong finish.

Saturday’s victory makes him the first fighter since 1990, and the third all time, to win the light heavyweight title three times. Kovalev, who improved to 33-3-1 with 28 knockouts, seemed all but invincible in the light heavyweight division until he lost consecutive fights to Andre Ward in 2017 and 2016.

Alvarez seized the WBO belt from Kovalev on August 4. The Colombian was trailing on every scorecard, but knocked Kovalev down three times in the seventh round to win his first world title.

Saturday’s fight at the Ford Center in Dallas, Texas started out like the first fight but Kovalev switched the script. Kovalev appeared to be in better shape, he used his jab more effectively and his defence was much improved.

The Russian threw almost twice as many punches (213-111) and landed 60 jabs compared to just 33 for Alvarez.

Kovalev blamed the first loss on “overtraining” so this time he brought in a new trainer Buddy McGirt and strength coach Teddy Cruz. Alvarez, 34, suffered the first loss of his career to go with 24 victories. This was his fourth straight fight against a former or current champion. On the undercard, Richard Commey earned his first world title by stopping Isa Chaniev in the second round of a IBF world lightweight championship fight.

Commey, of Ghana, takes the vacant title and sets up a more lucrative title fight with Vasiliy Lomachenko.

Commey knocked Chaniev down three times in the bout before referee Laurence Cole stopped it at 39 seconds of the second.

“I am very happy I won this world title,” said Commey. “It is everything for me, this is what I worked so hard for.” (afp)

Harden extends streak, Doncic gets job done for Mavs

Rice Terraces Tegallalang rice terraces offer a perfect Bali photo opportunity with its dramatic views. The vista sprawls down and away to the rice terraces on the slopes across the valley. A

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LOS ANGELES - James Harden posted his 26th game with at least 30 points for the third longest streak in NBA history as the Houston Rockets rolled over the Utah Jazz 125-98 on Saturday.

James finished with 43 points to extend his streak and break a tie with legendary Wilt Chamberlain.

Hall of Famer Chamberlain also had the two longest streaks in history, runs of 65 and 31.

“He has great hands and great anticipation,” said Houston coach Mike D’Antoni. “We ask him to do a lot and he just buckled down and did it tonight.’”

Harden added 12 rebounds, six steals, five assists and four blocks. He was 12 of 22 from the field, making four of 12 threepointers, and made all 15 of his free throws.

Gerald Green added 25 points, and Kenneth Faried had 16 points and 12 rebounds as the Rockets

snapped a two-game losing streak.

They managed to hold the Jazz to 36 percent shooting and forced 23 turnovers.

“We smelled a little blood and went after them,” D’Antoni said.

Donovan Mitchell finished with 26 points and nine assists and Rudy Gobert added 10 points and 13 rebounds in the loss.

Elsewhere, Dallas rookie Luka Doncic matched his season high 35 points to lead the Mavericks to a 111-98 victory over the Cavaliers in Cleveland. Slovenian sensation Doncic, who won’t turn 20 until February 28, had 28 points by halftime -- almost as many as the 30 points scored before the break by all of Cleveland’s starters.

“I just felt great,” said Doncic, who was cheered by a number of Slovenian flag-waving fans in Cleveland.

“It wasn’t my best second half for sure, but we got a win so that’s

all that matters for me.”

Doncic had missed Thursday’s game in Detroit with a sore left ankle but showed no sign of injury as he scored 18 points in the first quarter -- when he became the seventh player to score 1,000 points in the NBA before turning 20, following in the footsteps of such stars as LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Kobe Bryant.

Doncic also pulled down 11 rebounds and handed out six assists.

Harrison Barnes scored 13 of his 17 points in the fourth quarter -- his three-pointer with 4:34 to play putting the Mavs up 15 points as Dallas ended Cleveland’s twogame winning streak.

In Oakland, Klay Thompson returned from a one-game absence to score 28 points and Stephen Curry overcame a slow start to lead the Golden State Warriors to a 115-101 win over the Los Angeles Lakers, who were again missing

LeBron James. Curry missed his first eight shots but still finished with 14 points.

James’ rest was for what coach Luke Walton described as “load management.” (afp)

Copyright 2019 NBAE Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images/AFP

James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball against the Utah Jazz on February 2, 2019 at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah.

8

Monday, February 4, 2019

Monday, February 4, 2019

Messi double earns Barca a point in thriller with Valencia Lionel Messi scored in a ninth consecutive match but his latest double on Saturday was only enough to earn Barcelona a 2-2 draw against Valencia.

Messi instigated another Barca comeback at the Camp Nou before placing an injury doubt over his availability for We d n e s d a y ’ s Copa del Rey Clasico against Real Madrid.

Ernesto Valverde confirmed after the game his captain had felt a “small problem” but insisted it was nothing serious.

Valverde is still unlikely to take any risks given Barcelona’s testing month ahead, even if Messi’s absence, however brief, would be a blow, particularly while he is in such irresistible form.

Kevin Gameiro and Dani Parejo’s penalty gave Valencia a surprise twogoal lead but Messi pulled one back with his own spot-kick before curling in a brilliant equaliser with 26 minutes left.

After their stunning turn-around against Sevilla in midweek, Barca looked destined again to finish the job, but at the end of a breathless contest, Valencia had held on for a point.

“When you don’t win, you always feel you have missed something,” Valverde said. “But the league is long and there are matches where you come up against a good team.

This was one of those.”

- Encouragement for the rest -

Messi’s 20th and 21st league goals of the season leave his team six points clear of Atletico Madrid, who could cut the gap to three by beating Real Betis on Sunday, with Real Madrid, 11 points back, at home to Alaves.

After eight consecutive Barcelona wins in La Liga, this result perhaps offered the chasing pack a little encouragement at least.

Real could inflict further disruption themselves. The first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals on Wednesday will be the first of three Clasicos in a month. The latter two will be back-to-back, within four days.

But Messi fit and in this sort of form means any confidence Real feel comes with an asterisk.

His 12 goals in his last nine games is the same number the whole Valencia squad managed in their first 15 league matches. Valencia were 15th in December, with only three wins, and their coach Marcelino was under pressure, just

six months after propelling them back into the Champions League.

The club kept faith and results have improved.

They have now lost only one of their last seven matches and are within sight of the top four.

Valencia deserved their first-half lead and could have scored sooner, Parejo drawing a smart save from Marc-Andre ter Stegen before Denis Cheryshev lashed the rebound off the far post.

The visitors rode their luck as two decisions went their way in a matter of minutes. First, Barca could have had a penalty when Gabriel Paulista blocked Nelson Semedo’s shot with his hand.

Then the home team should have had a freekick as Messi was bundled over by Parejo. The latter proved key, with Valencia sprawling forward on the counter-attack.

Rodrigo carried the ball 40 yards before slipping a cute reverse pass behind Vermaelen and Gameiro banged in the finish.

Valencia’s penalty was clear after Sergi shoved Daniel Wass in the back, with Parejo whipping the ball into the corner to make it two.

Barca looked shell-shocked but the third goal in 15 minutes was theirs. Semedo beat Toni Lato to Arturo Vidal’s pass and tumbled after a clip on his shin. Messi slammed the loose ball

Neuer injury adds to Bayern’s woes after title-race slip Bayern Munich are unsure whether Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer can play in next week’s crunch German Cup tie at Hertha Berlin after losing more ground in the Bundesliga title race on Saturday.

The defending German champions were humbled 3-1 at Bayer Leverkusen to leave them seven points behind leaders Borussia Dortmund in the title race.

To make matters worse, Bayern later dropped to third in the table after Borussia Moenchengladbach’s 2-0 win at 10-man Schalke meant they drew level on 42 points and leap-frogged into second on goal difference.

“The only positive thing is that Dortmund didn’t get three points,” said Bayern’s head coach Niko Kovac after Dortmund drew 1-1 at Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday.

“Now we are seven points behind and that’s no small amount. “We have to use the remaining games, which won’t be easy, but we won’t give up, we still believe and will keep on working.”

After Leon Goretzka gave Bayern a 1-0 first-half lead and Robert Lewandowski had a goal ruled offside, Kovac’s side had few answers as Leon Bailey curled in a free-kick, then Leverkusen attacked on the counter with goals by Kevin Volland and Lucas Alario.

“We should have led by more after the first-half, then what happened is exactly what I didn’t want,” said Kovac as Bayern’s seven-match winning streak in the league ended abruptly. “We got into an exchange of blows with Leverkusen and they killed us.

“The goals we conceded shouldn’t have happened the way they did, so we have to be annoyed with ourselves. “The result doesn’t reflect the game and we shouldn’t have lost it.

“Leverkusen had four shots on goal and created three goals.”

- ‘Small consolation’ -

The last half an hour was a horror show for Kovac and Bayern supporters as Leverkusen

shredded the Bavarians defence with both Volland and Alario tapping home after the hosts countered at will.

To compound matters, Munich club captain and Germany shot-stopper Neuer missed the defeat in Leverkusen after injuring his thumb in training last week.

It is unclear whether Neuer can play in Wednesday’s German Cup, last 16 clash at Hertha Berlin, where Bayern have already suffered one of their four league defeats this season last September, going down 2-0 at the Olympic Stadium.

Kovac refused to say if Neuer could be fit in time, but Bayern’s stand-in goalkeeper Sven Ulreich, playing his first game for the Bavarians this season, was more candid.

“The thumb (Neuer’s) is really fat, but in one or two days things should look different and he could be able to play,” said Ulreich, after his first game for seven months.

“Of course, I was happy to be able to play again, but it was bitter news for Manuel.”

Victory was especially sweet for Leverkusen coach Peter Bosz in only his third game in charge after replacing sacked Heiko Herrlich during the winter break.

Dortmund earned a point in Frankfurt as club captain and playmaker Marco Reus tapped home his 13th league goal this season before Eintracht striker Luka Jovic, the league’s top-scorer, equalised with his 14th league goal this campaign.

“We have a point more than we did three hours ago and it’s the 20th round of matches - it doesn’t change much,” insisted Dortmund’s director of sport Michael Zorc.

The seven-point margin turns up the pressure on Bayern with Dortmund now needing to lose at least twice.

For Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Burki, Bayern’s defeat at Leverkusen “is a small consolation, I’d say.

“We really wanted to win this game and if we had won here, it would have been a great weekend.” (afp)

into the top corner but the whistle had blown. He rolled in the penalty instead.

Sergi’s shot crashed against the post and Barca were dominant after half-time. At the other end, on a rare Valencia break, Rodrigo should have made it three but, on the stretch, put it over from six yards.

That was in the 63rd minute, and in the 64th, Barcelona were level. Vidal teed up Messi, who teed up his own left foot and curled the ball inside the post.

The teams, and the crowd, seemed to take a breath, in anticipation of a late push, but it never came. The draw was a fair result. (afp) Barcelona’s Argentinian forward Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring during the Spanish league football match FC Barcelona against Valencia CF at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on February 2, 2019.

9

Guenter SCHIFFMANN / AFP

Bayern Munich’s German keeper Manuel Neuer reacts during the German first division Bundesliga football match FC Bayern Munich vs VfB Stuttgart in the southern German city of Munich on January 27, 2019.

Marco BERTORELLO / AFP

Parma’s Italian midfielder Antonino Barilla (L) and Parma’s Ivorian forward Gervinho celebrate after scoring during the Italian Serie A football match Juventus vs Parma on February 2, 2019 at the Juventus stadium in Turin.

Gervinho matches Ronaldo double as Parma frustrate Juventus

Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice but champions Juventus had to settle for a point as a late Gervinho double snatched a 3-3 draw after promoted Parma staged an impressive comeback in Serie A on Saturday.

Juventus’ dropped points allowed Napoli to cut the gap on the leaders to nine points after a confident 3-0 win over Sampdoria.

Massimiliano Allegri’s side had already had their confidence shaken after a 3-0 defeat to Atalanta shattered their hopes of winning a fifth straight Coppa Italia.

Saturday’s draw was not the response Allegri had called for ahead of their Champions League last 16 first leg tie against Atletico Madrid on February 20.

“I’m happy for the goals but not the result,” said Ronaldo. “Parma didn’t do anything special, they waited for us to make a mistake. “But we’re not worried, we know it will be a great season for Juventus.”

Juve, hit by injuries to defenders Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli, have now conceded six goals in their last two matches.

But they still have a comfortable nine-point lead over Napoli with Inter Milan 20 points behind in third.

“It doesn’t change anything, but we must not take anything for granted,” said Allegri.

“We were too light in defence. It was the first time this back four had played together.”

Juventus lined up with an inexperienced back line of Leonardo Spinazzola alongside Uruguay defender Martin Caceres who got his first start since moving from Lazio.

Sami Khedira rattled the post twice, before Ronaldo opened the scoring after 36 minutes with Daniele Rugani again scoring for the hosts on 62 minutes.

An Antonino Barilla header clawed one back for Parma two minutes later before Ronaldo completed his brace to return to the top of the Serie A goalscorers’ chart with 17.

But Ivorian Gervinho threw his side a lifeline on 74 minutes and grabbed a point at the death for Parma who remain 12th in the table, 31 points behind Juventus.

“At least we satisfied those who complained we weren’t entertaining,” said Allegri.

“But the beautiful football doesn’t pay off, at the end of the day you have got to just kick it away from your goal.”

The seven-time reigning champions nevertheless remain unbeaten this season having dropped points just twice before against Genoa and Atalanta.

- Napoli power back -

Earlier Arkadiusz Milik and Lorenzo Insigne scored quick-fire goals and Simone Verdi added a third from the spot as Napoli got back on track.

AC Milan had dented Carlo Ancelotti’s side’s title hopes with a goalless draw in the San Siro last weekend before dumping the southerners out of the Coppa Italia midweek.

“Napoli are back strong,” said Ancelotti.

“Today we found the depth and the ability to quickly overturn the game. “The two tests against Milan were not our usual selves, we’re back to our normal standard.”

Sampdoria striker Fabio Quagliarella was thwarted in his bid to set a new record of scoring in 12 consecutive Serie A games as the side from Genoa also missed the chance to move up into fourth and the Champions League places.

But Quagliarella -- who is from Naples and had scored in Sampdoria’s 3-0 win over Napoli earlier in the campaign -- was denied his best chance to make history by a sliding Kalidou Koulibaly tackle.

Napoli skipper Marek Hamsik -- reportedly set for a move to China -- returned from injury and orchestrated the opener after 25 minutes in the San Paolo Stadium.

The Slovak international’s cross found Jose Callejon who burst through to provide the assist which Milik finished off for his 12th league goal this season.

Less than a minute later Insigne connected sweetly with another Callejon assist for his first league goal in three months.

Napoli were awarded a penalty for a Joachim Andersen handball but despite the calls of “Kalidou, Kalidou” from the crowd for the Senegalese defender to take it after his towering performance, it was Verdi who stepped up to convert in the final minute. Sampdoria remain sixth, two points off AC Milan in the final Champions League berth. (afp)

8

Monday, February 4, 2019

Monday, February 4, 2019

Messi double earns Barca a point in thriller with Valencia Lionel Messi scored in a ninth consecutive match but his latest double on Saturday was only enough to earn Barcelona a 2-2 draw against Valencia.

Messi instigated another Barca comeback at the Camp Nou before placing an injury doubt over his availability for We d n e s d a y ’ s Copa del Rey Clasico against Real Madrid.

Ernesto Valverde confirmed after the game his captain had felt a “small problem” but insisted it was nothing serious.

Valverde is still unlikely to take any risks given Barcelona’s testing month ahead, even if Messi’s absence, however brief, would be a blow, particularly while he is in such irresistible form.

Kevin Gameiro and Dani Parejo’s penalty gave Valencia a surprise twogoal lead but Messi pulled one back with his own spot-kick before curling in a brilliant equaliser with 26 minutes left.

After their stunning turn-around against Sevilla in midweek, Barca looked destined again to finish the job, but at the end of a breathless contest, Valencia had held on for a point.

“When you don’t win, you always feel you have missed something,” Valverde said. “But the league is long and there are matches where you come up against a good team.

This was one of those.”

- Encouragement for the rest -

Messi’s 20th and 21st league goals of the season leave his team six points clear of Atletico Madrid, who could cut the gap to three by beating Real Betis on Sunday, with Real Madrid, 11 points back, at home to Alaves.

After eight consecutive Barcelona wins in La Liga, this result perhaps offered the chasing pack a little encouragement at least.

Real could inflict further disruption themselves. The first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals on Wednesday will be the first of three Clasicos in a month. The latter two will be back-to-back, within four days.

But Messi fit and in this sort of form means any confidence Real feel comes with an asterisk.

His 12 goals in his last nine games is the same number the whole Valencia squad managed in their first 15 league matches. Valencia were 15th in December, with only three wins, and their coach Marcelino was under pressure, just

six months after propelling them back into the Champions League.

The club kept faith and results have improved.

They have now lost only one of their last seven matches and are within sight of the top four.

Valencia deserved their first-half lead and could have scored sooner, Parejo drawing a smart save from Marc-Andre ter Stegen before Denis Cheryshev lashed the rebound off the far post.

The visitors rode their luck as two decisions went their way in a matter of minutes. First, Barca could have had a penalty when Gabriel Paulista blocked Nelson Semedo’s shot with his hand.

Then the home team should have had a freekick as Messi was bundled over by Parejo. The latter proved key, with Valencia sprawling forward on the counter-attack.

Rodrigo carried the ball 40 yards before slipping a cute reverse pass behind Vermaelen and Gameiro banged in the finish.

Valencia’s penalty was clear after Sergi shoved Daniel Wass in the back, with Parejo whipping the ball into the corner to make it two.

Barca looked shell-shocked but the third goal in 15 minutes was theirs. Semedo beat Toni Lato to Arturo Vidal’s pass and tumbled after a clip on his shin. Messi slammed the loose ball

Neuer injury adds to Bayern’s woes after title-race slip Bayern Munich are unsure whether Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer can play in next week’s crunch German Cup tie at Hertha Berlin after losing more ground in the Bundesliga title race on Saturday.

The defending German champions were humbled 3-1 at Bayer Leverkusen to leave them seven points behind leaders Borussia Dortmund in the title race.

To make matters worse, Bayern later dropped to third in the table after Borussia Moenchengladbach’s 2-0 win at 10-man Schalke meant they drew level on 42 points and leap-frogged into second on goal difference.

“The only positive thing is that Dortmund didn’t get three points,” said Bayern’s head coach Niko Kovac after Dortmund drew 1-1 at Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday.

“Now we are seven points behind and that’s no small amount. “We have to use the remaining games, which won’t be easy, but we won’t give up, we still believe and will keep on working.”

After Leon Goretzka gave Bayern a 1-0 first-half lead and Robert Lewandowski had a goal ruled offside, Kovac’s side had few answers as Leon Bailey curled in a free-kick, then Leverkusen attacked on the counter with goals by Kevin Volland and Lucas Alario.

“We should have led by more after the first-half, then what happened is exactly what I didn’t want,” said Kovac as Bayern’s seven-match winning streak in the league ended abruptly. “We got into an exchange of blows with Leverkusen and they killed us.

“The goals we conceded shouldn’t have happened the way they did, so we have to be annoyed with ourselves. “The result doesn’t reflect the game and we shouldn’t have lost it.

“Leverkusen had four shots on goal and created three goals.”

- ‘Small consolation’ -

The last half an hour was a horror show for Kovac and Bayern supporters as Leverkusen

shredded the Bavarians defence with both Volland and Alario tapping home after the hosts countered at will.

To compound matters, Munich club captain and Germany shot-stopper Neuer missed the defeat in Leverkusen after injuring his thumb in training last week.

It is unclear whether Neuer can play in Wednesday’s German Cup, last 16 clash at Hertha Berlin, where Bayern have already suffered one of their four league defeats this season last September, going down 2-0 at the Olympic Stadium.

Kovac refused to say if Neuer could be fit in time, but Bayern’s stand-in goalkeeper Sven Ulreich, playing his first game for the Bavarians this season, was more candid.

“The thumb (Neuer’s) is really fat, but in one or two days things should look different and he could be able to play,” said Ulreich, after his first game for seven months.

“Of course, I was happy to be able to play again, but it was bitter news for Manuel.”

Victory was especially sweet for Leverkusen coach Peter Bosz in only his third game in charge after replacing sacked Heiko Herrlich during the winter break.

Dortmund earned a point in Frankfurt as club captain and playmaker Marco Reus tapped home his 13th league goal this season before Eintracht striker Luka Jovic, the league’s top-scorer, equalised with his 14th league goal this campaign.

“We have a point more than we did three hours ago and it’s the 20th round of matches - it doesn’t change much,” insisted Dortmund’s director of sport Michael Zorc.

The seven-point margin turns up the pressure on Bayern with Dortmund now needing to lose at least twice.

For Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Burki, Bayern’s defeat at Leverkusen “is a small consolation, I’d say.

“We really wanted to win this game and if we had won here, it would have been a great weekend.” (afp)

into the top corner but the whistle had blown. He rolled in the penalty instead.

Sergi’s shot crashed against the post and Barca were dominant after half-time. At the other end, on a rare Valencia break, Rodrigo should have made it three but, on the stretch, put it over from six yards.

That was in the 63rd minute, and in the 64th, Barcelona were level. Vidal teed up Messi, who teed up his own left foot and curled the ball inside the post.

The teams, and the crowd, seemed to take a breath, in anticipation of a late push, but it never came. The draw was a fair result. (afp) Barcelona’s Argentinian forward Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring during the Spanish league football match FC Barcelona against Valencia CF at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on February 2, 2019.

9

Guenter SCHIFFMANN / AFP

Bayern Munich’s German keeper Manuel Neuer reacts during the German first division Bundesliga football match FC Bayern Munich vs VfB Stuttgart in the southern German city of Munich on January 27, 2019.

Marco BERTORELLO / AFP

Parma’s Italian midfielder Antonino Barilla (L) and Parma’s Ivorian forward Gervinho celebrate after scoring during the Italian Serie A football match Juventus vs Parma on February 2, 2019 at the Juventus stadium in Turin.

Gervinho matches Ronaldo double as Parma frustrate Juventus

Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice but champions Juventus had to settle for a point as a late Gervinho double snatched a 3-3 draw after promoted Parma staged an impressive comeback in Serie A on Saturday.

Juventus’ dropped points allowed Napoli to cut the gap on the leaders to nine points after a confident 3-0 win over Sampdoria.

Massimiliano Allegri’s side had already had their confidence shaken after a 3-0 defeat to Atalanta shattered their hopes of winning a fifth straight Coppa Italia.

Saturday’s draw was not the response Allegri had called for ahead of their Champions League last 16 first leg tie against Atletico Madrid on February 20.

“I’m happy for the goals but not the result,” said Ronaldo. “Parma didn’t do anything special, they waited for us to make a mistake. “But we’re not worried, we know it will be a great season for Juventus.”

Juve, hit by injuries to defenders Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli, have now conceded six goals in their last two matches.

But they still have a comfortable nine-point lead over Napoli with Inter Milan 20 points behind in third.

“It doesn’t change anything, but we must not take anything for granted,” said Allegri.

“We were too light in defence. It was the first time this back four had played together.”

Juventus lined up with an inexperienced back line of Leonardo Spinazzola alongside Uruguay defender Martin Caceres who got his first start since moving from Lazio.

Sami Khedira rattled the post twice, before Ronaldo opened the scoring after 36 minutes with Daniele Rugani again scoring for the hosts on 62 minutes.

An Antonino Barilla header clawed one back for Parma two minutes later before Ronaldo completed his brace to return to the top of the Serie A goalscorers’ chart with 17.

But Ivorian Gervinho threw his side a lifeline on 74 minutes and grabbed a point at the death for Parma who remain 12th in the table, 31 points behind Juventus.

“At least we satisfied those who complained we weren’t entertaining,” said Allegri.

“But the beautiful football doesn’t pay off, at the end of the day you have got to just kick it away from your goal.”

The seven-time reigning champions nevertheless remain unbeaten this season having dropped points just twice before against Genoa and Atalanta.

- Napoli power back -

Earlier Arkadiusz Milik and Lorenzo Insigne scored quick-fire goals and Simone Verdi added a third from the spot as Napoli got back on track.

AC Milan had dented Carlo Ancelotti’s side’s title hopes with a goalless draw in the San Siro last weekend before dumping the southerners out of the Coppa Italia midweek.

“Napoli are back strong,” said Ancelotti.

“Today we found the depth and the ability to quickly overturn the game. “The two tests against Milan were not our usual selves, we’re back to our normal standard.”

Sampdoria striker Fabio Quagliarella was thwarted in his bid to set a new record of scoring in 12 consecutive Serie A games as the side from Genoa also missed the chance to move up into fourth and the Champions League places.

But Quagliarella -- who is from Naples and had scored in Sampdoria’s 3-0 win over Napoli earlier in the campaign -- was denied his best chance to make history by a sliding Kalidou Koulibaly tackle.

Napoli skipper Marek Hamsik -- reportedly set for a move to China -- returned from injury and orchestrated the opener after 25 minutes in the San Paolo Stadium.

The Slovak international’s cross found Jose Callejon who burst through to provide the assist which Milik finished off for his 12th league goal this season.

Less than a minute later Insigne connected sweetly with another Callejon assist for his first league goal in three months.

Napoli were awarded a penalty for a Joachim Andersen handball but despite the calls of “Kalidou, Kalidou” from the crowd for the Senegalese defender to take it after his towering performance, it was Verdi who stepped up to convert in the final minute. Sampdoria remain sixth, two points off AC Milan in the final Champions League berth. (afp)

10

Destination

Monday, February 4, 2019

International

Monday, February 4, 2019

International

Kovalev regains WBO title by winning rematch with Alvarez

LOS ANGELES - Sergey Kovalev made his reputation as the ‘Krusher’, but on Saturday in a rematch with Eleider Alvarez, the Russian champ regained his light heavyweight title by using his boxing smarts.

Tegallalang Rice Terraces UBUD - Tegallalang Rice Terraces in Ubud is famous for its beautiful scenes of rice paddies involving the subak (traditional Balinese cooperative irrigation system), which according to history, was passed down by a revered holy man named Rsi Markandeya in the eighth century. Tegallalang forms the three most splendid terraced landscapes in Ubud’s shared region, with the others being in the villages of Pejeng and Campuhan. The Tegallalang rice terraces alone offers a scenic outlook that spreads down before you and away to the rice paddies on the slopes across the valley. The high roadside location is cool and breezy and it is a well-known spot for tourists to stop and take photos. Painters and nature lovers also enjoy visiting this spot, and there are numerous art kiosks and cafes near the ledge offering their ware.

local elder, a farmer who owns the land invites visitors to sample his green coconut drink, as well as to purchase woven hats that he makes from coconut leaves as well as posing with visitors for a small fee. This ancient valley has a timeless quality whether there are tourists there or not. The small village of Pakudui, a craftsman’s dominion located in Tegallalang, is a journey of witnessing the splendour of local talent at its best. Here you will find an extraordinary variety of ornamental

woodwork and various carvings.

The villagers here are avid Balinese craftsmen and have taken up different forms of sculptures, either handed down through generations or as a result of an ever-growing creative process using the most natural of all media – wood. But through your village tour in Pakudui you will notice the recurring presence of one particular mythical Balinese figure - the Garuda. Amongst the carved mythical lions, horses, human figures, dogs, dragons, vases, frogs,

kangaroos, cats, ornate totems, panels, doors, windows, tables and the many brilliant forms of creativity – extending even to large-scale dinosaurs – the Garuda seems to be majestically ever present amongst the creations.

Good to Know Terraces Some souvenir sellers and the old farmer will seem occasionally pushy, but there are no fixed prices, so have those bargaining skills at hand or best still, remind

yourself that you are just there for the picture. A ‘modest fee’ for the posing farmer is at your own discretion. While the rice terraces serve as a highlight photo-op in the Tegallalang area, souvenir shopping options abound along the roadsides, and the trip to Pakudui village is worth its while. Pakudui is reachable after a right turn up from the famed rice paddy outlook. Find magnificent carvings and wooden art forms lined up along the small and winding village road. (IBP/net)

Kovalev (R) regains WBO title by winning rematch with Alvarez.

IBP/net

The 35-year-old Kovalev won by a 12-round unanimous decision to avenge a stunning loss to Alvarez six months ago and retake the World Boxing Organization 175-pound belt.

The judges had Kovalev controlling the fight with one scoring it 120-108. The other two scored it 116-112. Kovalev did some of his best boxing in the 10th round, where he hurt Alvarez, and the 12th, where he had a strong finish.

Saturday’s victory makes him the first fighter since 1990, and the third all time, to win the light heavyweight title three times. Kovalev, who improved to 33-3-1 with 28 knockouts, seemed all but invincible in the light heavyweight division until he lost consecutive fights to Andre Ward in 2017 and 2016.

Alvarez seized the WBO belt from Kovalev on August 4. The Colombian was trailing on every scorecard, but knocked Kovalev down three times in the seventh round to win his first world title.

Saturday’s fight at the Ford Center in Dallas, Texas started out like the first fight but Kovalev switched the script. Kovalev appeared to be in better shape, he used his jab more effectively and his defence was much improved.

The Russian threw almost twice as many punches (213-111) and landed 60 jabs compared to just 33 for Alvarez.

Kovalev blamed the first loss on “overtraining” so this time he brought in a new trainer Buddy McGirt and strength coach Teddy Cruz. Alvarez, 34, suffered the first loss of his career to go with 24 victories. This was his fourth straight fight against a former or current champion. On the undercard, Richard Commey earned his first world title by stopping Isa Chaniev in the second round of a IBF world lightweight championship fight.

Commey, of Ghana, takes the vacant title and sets up a more lucrative title fight with Vasiliy Lomachenko.

Commey knocked Chaniev down three times in the bout before referee Laurence Cole stopped it at 39 seconds of the second.

“I am very happy I won this world title,” said Commey. “It is everything for me, this is what I worked so hard for.” (afp)

Harden extends streak, Doncic gets job done for Mavs

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LOS ANGELES - James Harden posted his 26th game with at least 30 points for the third longest streak in NBA history as the Houston Rockets rolled over the Utah Jazz 125-98 on Saturday.

James finished with 43 points to extend his streak and break a tie with legendary Wilt Chamberlain.

Hall of Famer Chamberlain also had the two longest streaks in history, runs of 65 and 31.

“He has great hands and great anticipation,” said Houston coach Mike D’Antoni. “We ask him to do a lot and he just buckled down and did it tonight.’”

Harden added 12 rebounds, six steals, five assists and four blocks. He was 12 of 22 from the field, making four of 12 threepointers, and made all 15 of his free throws.

Gerald Green added 25 points, and Kenneth Faried had 16 points and 12 rebounds as the Rockets

snapped a two-game losing streak.

They managed to hold the Jazz to 36 percent shooting and forced 23 turnovers.

“We smelled a little blood and went after them,” D’Antoni said.

Donovan Mitchell finished with 26 points and nine assists and Rudy Gobert added 10 points and 13 rebounds in the loss.

Elsewhere, Dallas rookie Luka Doncic matched his season high 35 points to lead the Mavericks to a 111-98 victory over the Cavaliers in Cleveland. Slovenian sensation Doncic, who won’t turn 20 until February 28, had 28 points by halftime -- almost as many as the 30 points scored before the break by all of Cleveland’s starters.

“I just felt great,” said Doncic, who was cheered by a number of Slovenian flag-waving fans in Cleveland.

“It wasn’t my best second half for sure, but we got a win so that’s

all that matters for me.”

Doncic had missed Thursday’s game in Detroit with a sore left ankle but showed no sign of injury as he scored 18 points in the first quarter -- when he became the seventh player to score 1,000 points in the NBA before turning 20, following in the footsteps of such stars as LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Kobe Bryant.

Doncic also pulled down 11 rebounds and handed out six assists.

Harrison Barnes scored 13 of his 17 points in the fourth quarter -- his three-pointer with 4:34 to play putting the Mavs up 15 points as Dallas ended Cleveland’s twogame winning streak.

In Oakland, Klay Thompson returned from a one-game absence to score 28 points and Stephen Curry overcame a slow start to lead the Golden State Warriors to a 115-101 win over the Los Angeles Lakers, who were again missing

LeBron James. Curry missed his first eight shots but still finished with 14 points.

James’ rest was for what coach Luke Walton described as “load management.” (afp)

Copyright 2019 NBAE Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images/AFP

James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball against the Utah Jazz on February 2, 2019 at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah.

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Monday, February 4, 2019

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International

International

RLD

Iran in ‘successful test’ of new cruise missile on revolution anniversary

TEHRAN - Iran announced the “successful test” of a new cruise missile with a range of over 1,350 kilometres on Saturday, coinciding with celebrations for the country’s 1979 Islamic revolution.

“The test of the Hoveizeh cruise missile was carried out successfully at a range of 1,200 kilometres (840 miles) and accurately hit the set target,” Defence Minister Amir Hatami said, quoted on state television which broadcast footage of its launch.

“It can be ready in the shortest possible time and flies at a very low altitude,” he said.

Hatami described the Hoveizeh as the “long arm of the Islamic Republic of Iran” in defending itself.

It is part of the Soumar group of cruise missiles, first unveiled in 2015 with a range of 700 kilometres, according to the minister.

The Hoveizeh unveiling was part of an arms exhibition dubbed “40 years of defensive achievements” and held in Tehran.

Friday marked the beginning of 10 days of celebrations of the Islamic revolution that ousted the pro-Western shah.

On Thursday, thousands of Iranians had packed the mausoleum of the Islamic republic’s founder Ayatollah Ruhollah

Khomeini.

Iran has voluntarily limited the range of its missiles to 2,000 kilometres (1,250 miles), but this is still sufficient to reach Israel and Western bases in the Middle East.

Washington and its allies have accused Tehran of pursuing enhanced missile capabilities that also threaten Europe.

Iran has “no intention of increasing the range” of its missiles, the country’s Supreme National Security Council secretary, Admiral Ali Shamkhani, said Tuesday.

- ‘Purely defensive’ -

Iran reined in most of its nuclear programme under a landmark 2015 deal with major powers but has kept up development of its ballistic missile technology.

US President Donald Trump’s administration pulled out of the nuclear accord in May and reimposed sanctions against Iran, citing the missile programme among its reasons.

European governments have stuck by the 2015 agreement, although some have demanded an addition to address Iran’s ballistic missile programme and its intervention in regional conflicts including Yemen.

UN Security Council Resolution 2231 -- adopted just after the nuclear deal -- calls on Iran “not to undertake any

Monday, February 4, 2019

INDONESIAN INDONESIAN

activity related to ballistic missiles designed to be capable of delivering nuclear weapons”.

The US has repeatedly accused Iran of violating the resolution.

But Tehran denies seeking any nuclear weapons capability, and insists that its missile development programme is “purely defensive” and compliant with the resolution.

Iran’s space programme has also been criticised by the West, with Washington charging that an abortive satellite launch in mid-January was cover for a bid to develop an intercontinental ballistic missile capability.

Iran tried unsuccessfully to put a satellite into orbit on January 15 and plans to “vigorously carry on” and make a second attempt, Shamkhani said.

Iran’s newly-tested missile takes its name from a city in the southwestern province of Khuzestan that was devastated in the 1980-1988 war against Saddam Hussein’s Iraq.

Several Iranian cities were battered by missiles during the eight-year conflict in a bombing campaign dubbed the “war of the cities”.

Iranian officials say Western sanctions have starved its air force of spare parts and replacement aircraft, limiting its operational capacity and forcing it to rely on the missile programme. (afp)

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ELECTION 2019

IBP/net

Facebook bans accounts tied to Indonesian fake news group

Facebook has shut down hundreds of accounts and pages linked to an Indonesian group accused of spreading hate speech and fake news, the company said Friday.

ATTA KENARE / AFP

Hoveizeh, Iran’s new cruise missile is shown during an exhibition in the capital Tehran on February 2, 2019. Iran announced the succesful test of a new cruise missile with a range of over 1,350 kilometres on today, state TV reported.

US thaws...

From page 1

In Detroit and Chicago, which have already contended with dozens of broken water mains over the last several days, more pipes could burst as rapid warming puts pressure on aging systems.

- Return to normalcy -

Elements of normal life resumed in fits and starts, including transportation. Thousands of flights were scrapped this week,

especially at Chicago’s two major airports, which experienced more than 1,500 cancellations a day.

The city is a regional hub, and passengers were left stranded or looking for alternate routes.

“The majority of our customers have already been rebooked,” American Airlines spokesman Ross Feinstein told AFP on Friday.

Delta Airlines spokesman Drake Castaneda said the company had “fully recovered from the polar vortex and have operated normally today.”

Children -- some of whom have been at home for almost a week -- returned to class in many school districts, while others were off for another day because frozen school buses would not start. Milwaukee schools in Wisconsin were open, but Chicago schools were not.

In Minneapolis, students were back in class but food deliveries for school lunches were disrupted.

- Death toll rises -

Hypothermia and frostbite proved to be major dangers this

week. Officials repeatedly warned the homeless to take advantage of increased shelter capacity, and for others in need, such as the elderly, to use the hundreds of warming centers opened throughout the region.

They also warned residents to not spend more than a few minutes at a time outside.

Despite those efforts, there were still reports of fatalities. A 69-yearold FedEx worker was found dead outside of an Illinois delivery hub, according to TV station WQAD.

The University of Iowa confirmed that Gerald Belz, a pre-med student, had died Wednesday. Local media reported that the 18-yearold was found unconscious outside a university building when temperatures were in the negative double digits in Iowa City.

In Wisconsin, a 38-year-old woman was found frozen Wednesday night in an unheated home, and a man froze to death in his back yard Thursday afternoon, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported. (afp)

The world’s biggest social network said cyber group Saracen engaged in “coordinated abuse of the platform” by operating a network of hoax accounts that mislead online readers about who was behind them.

“The people behind this activity coordinated with one another and used fake accounts to misrepresent themselves, and that was the basis for our action,” Facebook’s head of cybersecurity policy Nathaniel Gleicher said in a statement.

Saracen gained infamy in Indonesia two years ago when police

accused it of deliberately spreading untruths via social media.

At least one of its members was jailed following a wideranging investigation.

Indonesia is battling its own wave of online hate speech, as conservative groups exploit social media to spread lies and target minorities.

Authorities are worried inflammatory material posted online could crack open social and religious fault lines in the world’s largest Muslim-majority country ahead of presidential elections in April.

Some 800 Saracen-linked accounts, 207 pages, 546 groups and 208 Instagram accounts linked to the group have been yanked from the network, Gleicher said.

About 170,000 people followed at least one of the pages,

and more than 65,000 followed at least one of the Instagram accounts.

The groups and accounts were shut down “based on their behaviour, not the content they were posting”, Gleicher said.

Facebook has moved to stamp out efforts by state actors and others to manipulate the social network using fraudulent accounts.

The US firm began looking into these kinds of activities after revelations of Russian influence campaigns during the 2016 US election, aimed at sowing discord.

“We are constantly working to detect and stop this type of activity because we don’t want our services to be used to manipulate people,” Gleicher said. Facebook has a factchecking partnership with AFP in multiple countries. (afp)

Indonesia recaptures French drug suspect after jailbreak

A French drug suspect on the run since escaping from an Indonesian jail nearly two weeks ago has been recaptured, police said on Saturday.

Felix Dorfin -- who faces the death penalty if convicted -- was found hiding in a forest in North Lombok on Friday night, police said,

and was returned to jail in Mataram, capital of the island.

Wearing dishevelled black clothes and looking tired, Dorfin initially tried to bribe officers to let him go.

“He didn’t resist arrest, but wanted to bribe our officers,” North Lombok police chief Herman Suriyono said Saturday, adding he was found

following a tip-off from locals in the area. After being checked by medical teams he was returned to jail.

The 35-year-old Frenchman was arrested in September allegedly carrying a false-bottomed suitcase filled with four kilogrammes (8.8 pounds) of drugs -- including cocaine, ecstasy and amphetamines

-- at the airport on the holiday island next to Bali.

On Friday officials said a female police officer had been arrested for allegedly helping Dorfin escape in exchange for Rp 14.5 million (around $1,000).

Jailbreaks are common in Indonesia, where corruption is endemic

at all levels of society and inmates often held in squalid and poorly guarded prisons.

In 2017, four foreign inmates tunnelled their way out of Bali’s Kerobokan prison.

Two of them were captured a few days later, but an Australian and Malaysian are still at large. (afp)

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International

Monday, February 4, 2019

BUSINESS A robust US job market likely defied shutdown during January

Bali News

International

Numerous tourist attractions in Karangasem were thronged by visitors on Umanis Galungan. One of them is the Edelweiss tourist attraction located at Temukus hamlet, Besakih, Rendang, crowded by visitors taking advantage of their holidays on Thursday (Dec. 27).

AP Photo/Keith Srakocic, File

In this Nov. 2, 2017, file photo a recruiter from the postal service, right, speaks with an attendee of a job fair in the cafeteria of Deer Lakes High School in Cheswick, Pa. U.S. employers likely kept adding jobs at a healthy pace in January even in the face of threats ranging from weakening global growth to the Trump administration’s trade war with China to the partial shutdown of the government.

January. The ADP data doesn’t cover government workers and doesn’t always mirror the government’s official monthly jobs report.

But it suggests that the shutdown had little effect on private-sector hiring last month.

In another encouraging sign, the number of people seeking first-time unemployment benefits reached a 49-year low two weeks ago, though the figure jumped higher last week.

“The fact that the labor market is hanging so tough is a reason for optimism,” said Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s Analytics, which helps compile the ADP data. “As long as we are producing jobs at this pace, the economy will do OK.” The government shutdown will probably end up slowing the economy’s growth for the first three months of the year. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates that the shutdown lowered annual growth for the January-March quarter by about 0.4 percentage point, to a rate of 2.1 percent.

Thousands of government workers who missed two paychecks slowed their spending. The federal government itself also spent

less. In addition, many businesses across the country lost income. Tourists cut back on visits to national parks, for example, thereby hurting nearby restaurants and hotels.

Yet even employers whose revenue dropped might have held onto their workers during January, Zandi said. With unemployment so low and many companies struggling to fill jobs, layoffs might not have been widespread. Chamberlain said that Glassdoor’s data shows the number of job postings rose nearly 9 percent in late January compared with a year earlier, suggesting that demand for labor remained strong.

The shutdown has delayed the release of a range of government data about the economy, including statistics on housing, factory orders, and fourth-quarter growth.

The reports that have been released have been mixed. The Federal Reserve’s industrial production report showed that manufacturing output rose in December by the most in nearly a year, boosted by auto production.

But consumer confidence fell in January for a third straight month as Americans’

optimism dimmed amid the shutdown and sharp drops in the stock market. Falling confidence can cause consumers to restrain their spending, though economists note that confidence typically returns quickly after shutdowns end.

The housing market has clearly slumped as mortgage rates have increased. Sales of existing homes plunged in December and fell 3.1 percent in 2018 from the previous year.

Mortgage rates have fallen back after nearly touching 5 percent last year, but the number of Americans who signed contracts to buy homes still declined in December.

China’s economy is decelerating sharply and Italy’s economy has entered recession, exacerbating fears that slower global growth will cut into U.S. exports.

Fed Chairman Jerome Powell on Wednesday cited the weaker global economy as a key reason why the central bank will be “patient” before it raises its benchmark interest rate again. That was a sharp turnaround from January, when Fed policymakers forecast two additional hikes for this year. (ap)

5

Sweet Memories in Edelweiss Park

WASHINGTON - U.S. employers likely kept adding jobs at a healthy pace in January even in the face of threats ranging from weakening global growth to the Trump administration’s trade war with China to the partial shutdown of the government.

On Friday, the Labor Department will issue the monthly employment report, the first major economic report to cover most of the 35-day shutdown period that ended a week ago.

Economists have forecast that employers added 165,000 jobs and that the unemployment rate remained at a low 3.9 percent, according to data provider FactSet. The predicted job gain would be a solid one, though it would follow a blowout figure of 312,000 jobs that were added in December.

The partial government shutdown, the longest on record, isn’t expected to have had a significant effect on the January jobs report. That’s because of how the government will categorize the 800,000 federal workers who weren’t paid for five weeks. All will be counted as employed in the government’s count of jobs in January. That means the economy will almost certainly record the 100th straight month of job gains, a record.

Still, some of the roughly 380,000 federal workers who didn’t work and weren’t paid might be counted as unemployed in a separate survey the government uses to calculate the unemployment rate. If so, this could inflate the jobless rate by 0.2 percentage point, economists say, though the effect would be reversed in February as federal employees return to work. Unlike some government agencies, the Labor Department received its annual funding before the shutdown and has operated normally throughout.

“The shutdown was very traumatic for federal workers, but it will probably not show up in most of the data for private sector workers,” said Andrew Chamberlain, chief economist for the employment site Glassdoor.

One unknown factor is the impact of the shutdown on government contractors, who perform a wide range of jobs — from janitorial work to data management. Some of them who were furloughed may receive back pay. But some won’t, and they could contribute to a higher unemployment rate and lower job count.

Still, a solid jobs report would provide reassurance that the economy remains mostly healthy and likely to shake off any effects of the shutdown. One positive sign emerged Wednesday from the payroll processing company ADP. Its survey found that private businesses added more than 200,000 jobs in

Monday, February 4, 2019

Moreover, the large number of visitors caused traffic jam along about three kilometers towards the tourist attraction. Visitors who took advantage of the Umanis Galungan holiday period had come to visit the tourist attraction from the morning. In the afternoon, the number of visitors continued to arrive one after another.

Visitors came by riding a motorcycle or a car. Aside from children coming with their families, there were also young men and women with their partners. Families were also busy visiting tourist attractions that offer natural beauty with the expanse of edelweiss and marigold flowers.

Moreover, due to flocking visitors, the parking space provided was unable to accommodate all the vehicles that arrived. Such condition made the road to both objects have traffic congestion. Nevertheless, it did not dampen visitors’ intentions. They remained patient in order to be able to enjoy the attraction located about 4 km from the summit of Mount Agung currently still at level III (Watch).

Research and Development Division Head of Edelweiss Park, I Nengah Sueca, revealed that visitors had continued to arrive from the morning. Until these days, along the road there are still vehicles of visitors going to the edelweiss attraction.

“Visitors are very crowded. The arrival of visitors is most crowded since this tourist attraction was built. Parking space is fully occupied, therefore vehicles cannot go up due to traffic jams,” he said On that account, visitors then parked their car on the road side. Only motorbikes could go up. In terms of the number of visitors, they were tripled from normal days. When calculated, it can reach a thousand more,” he said.

Chief of Temukus customary village, I Nengah Sindia, said that crowded visitors have started to come one day before Galungan.

Currently, visitors are quite a lot compared to on ordinary days. On normal days, the number of visits ranges from 400 to 500 but now it is more than 1,000 guests. (kmb)

Story on a Water-Selling Grandma

It is not difficult to reach this location.

Tirta Taman Mumbul Temple is situated around one kilometer from Sangeh tourist attraction. From Denpasar, we must turn right before Sangeh having been famous for its monkey forest. Within less than ten minutes, we will arrive at the destination. This location looks to be halved by the highway.

The temple with a small lake is located to the left of the road, while sacred shower for purificatory rite sits on the right way.

There are interesting stories about this location. It is much believed by local community, whether it is true or not, this is the story developing amid the community. It is said, the spring coming out at this place originates from a water jug belonging to a water-selling grandmother. It is not known for sure and untold who the grandmother is and where she comes from. Obviously she is a salesperson of water from one village to another. By and large, she brings a jug upheld on her head.

Once upon a time, she arrived at this lo-

cation. Due to being fatigue after selling for whole day, she then took a rest. Her water on sale remained. At this location, she saw a lot of plants were drought. Having a pity on them, she watered the plants with her water. Before long, the water poured then became a fountain.

So far, many people have come and perform purificatory rite at this location.

Other than for such ritual purpose, local communities also come to take water for drinking. Water of this shower is very clear.

People believe the water at this location no longer needs to be boiled, and can be immediately drunk. When taking a gallon, people will be charged donation as much as IDR 2,000.

For convenience of pilgrims, the operator has provided restrooms and locker room and wantilan hall. Apparently, the parking lot needs to be expanded. As a result, pilgrims should be lined when coming to say prayers on full moon, new moon and kajeng kliwon due to crowded. (kmb)

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Bali News

Monday, February 4, 2019

International

Monday, February 4, 2019

International

As for revision of building height

Nepali women dies in outlawed ‘menstruation hut’

Badung House: Don’t let Bali be damaged because of us

MANGUPURA - The issue on the building height revision in the Bali Regional Spatial Planning (RTRW) also received rejection from the Chairperson of the Badung House of Representatives, Putu Parwata. This politician from Dalung, North Kuta, invited all parties to think clearly about Bali, especially in the future.

“Let us continue to preserve the customs, art and culture, so don’t let Bali be damaged, especially Badung, because of our own mistake.

So, let’s look at the study in full and comprehensively,” said Putu Parwata, on Wednesday (Jan. 30).

According to him, Badung remains committed to the decision (bhisama) of Parisadha Hindu Dharma Indonesia (PHDI), which is currently just 15 meters or the same as a coconut tree. “Don’t make rules that eventually goes along with others, so that for the time being 15 meters remain to be locked,” he said firmly.

This PDI-P politician hoped there will be a long-term study of building heights in Bali, rather than looking at Bali’s short-term conditions. “If there is a study, let us examine the study, not in short term, but in long term, not a year or two years but 100 years. This must be a clear study,” he said.

Regarding the proposal to revise the building height limit in certain zones, like the building of government agencies and health facilities, this Secretary of PDI-P Badung admitted that he remains to refer to the long term study.

“If anyone wants to change 15 meters to 20 meters in particular zones, well ... we want to see the study first, but for the time being we in Badung are still committed

to 15 meters (maximum height),” he said again.

Previously, similar rejection was also conveyed by the Regent of Badung, Nyoman Giri Prasta.

This number one person in Badung stated that he did not agree to revise the height of the building because it is considered to have denied the heritage. Moreover, the plan to revise the building height with the reason of public facility is not right.

“With the universal planning program, one island one management, each district must have a great hospital, so that only the extra emergency case will be referred to Sanglah Hospital. We hope this inheritance (bhisama—Ed) can still be maintained,” he said.

He said the development of Sanglah Hospital made into the reason could be overcome with the development of hospital equipped with complete facilities in each district, so that patients can be handled in the district, except for patients in very emergency conditions.

“Only the height of the Inna Grand Bali Beach Sanur exceeds the rules because it was established before the Regional Regulation was drafted,” he concluded.

As is known, the proposal to revise the building height limit emerged in the discussion of the revision of Regional Regulation Number 16/2009 concerning the Regional Spatial Plan (RTRW) of Bali Province. Chairperson of the Special Committee, Kariyasa Adnyana, revealed that based on the working visit made then emerged a proposal to revise the height limit, exceeding the provisions currently set at the maximum of 15 meters. (kmb27)

IBP/kmb

Chairperson of the Badung House of Representatives, Putu Parwata.

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Handout / QUEENSLAND FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES / AFP

This recent undated handout picture provided by the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services and received by AFP on February 3, 2019 shows floodwaters as they rush over the Aplins Weir in Townsville after days of torrential rain.

Go-Jek Bali during the meeting with the Bali Post.

IBP/kmb

Go-Jek participates in reducing disposable plastic waste

DENPASAR - Go-Jek, the largest application-based on-demand service provider in Indonesia, also supports the policies of the Governor of Bali and the Mayor of Denpasar in reducing the generation of disposable plastic waste. In Bali, Go-Jek starts with the 3R movement, namely Reduce, Recycle, and Re-invest.

“What we do in Go-Jek Bali is three things. Firstly, we start from reducing waste,” said District Head for Bali-Nusra of Go-Jek, Leo Arifin, during the meeting with the Bali Post on Wednesday (Jan. 30).

Leo coming with VP Corporate Affairs of Go-Jek Indonesia, Rosel Lavina, Head of Regional Corporate Affairs, Alfianto Domy Aji, and Regional Head of Government Relations at East Java & Bali Nusra, Boy Arno, was received by Editor of Bali Post, Dira Arsana and Chief Editor of Bali Travel News, Palgunadi.

According to Leo, the service for food delivery or Go-Food has mostly used disposable plastics such as plastic bag, straw, and plastic spoon. It is now aggressively campaigning for reducing the use of disposable plastic on the service.

Merchants wishing to change and reduce the use of plastic will be given incentives in the form of free

promotions and others.

“It takes time because it poses an education. Hopefully, in the near future more and more people will participate so that the reduction in plastic is truly visible,” he added.

In addition to reducing, continued Leo, the management also does recycling efforts because it also produces plastic. Go-Jek now provides plastic from recycled materials. One of them is a banner that is no longer used. Just by prohibiting the use of plastic will not provide a solution. “In our opinion, reduce and recycle are still not enough. We have to do the other ‘re-,’ namely re-invest, where we invest our resources back into the community,” he explained.

Leo added that such effort is welcomed by Go-Jek drivers who helped contribute to clean the beach and plant mangrove. The community is expected to be able

to feel what Go-Jek is doing and much more love the existence of Go-Jek in Bali.

As of December 2018, the GoJek application has been downloaded more than 125 million times by users and now processes more than 100 million transactions per month. Go-Jek operates in 178 cities and districts in Indonesia, and has announced international expansion to four countries, namely Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines.

Since the application was launched in 2015, Go-Jek continues to empower the informal sector as well as Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Indonesia through technology. In Bali in particular, Go-Jek also encouraged the progress of local culinary MSMEs in Bali by inaugurating the Go-Food Festival at Level 21 Mall, Denpasar on Thursday (Jan. 31). (kmb32)

‘Once-in-acentury’ floods hit northeast Australia

KATHMANDU - A Nepali woman has died of suspected smoke inhalation while banished to a hut during her period, police said Sunday, just weeks after the deaths of a mother and two children in similar circumstances sparked outrage.

Many communities in Nepal view menstruating women as impure and in some remote areas they are forced to sleep in a hut away from the home, following a centuries-old tradition known as “chhaupadi”.

Parbati Bogati, 21, was found dead in a smoke-filled hut on Thursday morning in the western Doti district when her mother-in-law went to check on her.

“We suspect she died due to smoke inhalation and suffocation because she closed the door of the windowless hut and lit a fire on the floor for warmth during the night,” local police officer Lal Bahadur Dhami told AFP. The body has been sent for autopsy, Dhami said.

Chhaupadi was outlawed in 2005 but is still enforced in parts of Nepal, particularly in remote and conservative western regions.

The practice is linked to Hinduism and considers women untouchable during menstruation and after childbirth.

Under Chhaupadi, women are barred from touching food, religious icons, cattle and men.

Just three weeks ago a mother and her two sons in neighbouring Bajura district died of suspected smoke inhalation while observing the tradition.

Their deaths prompted locals to demolish chhaupadi sheds in their village and local authorities to warn that services would be denied to anyone forcing their daughters and daughters-in-law to follow the banned practice.

Last year, Kathmandu introduced a three-months jail sentence and a 3,000 rupee ($30) fine for anyone caught imposing chhaupadi.

Ganga Chaudhary, a lawmaker who was involved in the drafting of the legislation, said much more needs to be done to enforce the law and change social norms.

“We have realised that only legal provisions are not enough to end such practices. We need to focus on awareness and educating women,” Chaudhary said. (afp)

SYDNEY - Once-in-a-century floods have turned streets into rivers and forced thousands to abandon their homes in northeast Australia, with authorities warning of tornadoes and more rain over the next few days.

Australia’s tropical north experiences heavy rains during the monsoon season at this time of the year, but the recent downpour has surged far above normal levels.

Thousands of residents in the city of Townsville in Queensland were without power and cut off by flooded roads.

More severe weather could whip up tornadoes and destructive winds in the days ahead, Bureau of Meteorology state manager Bruce Gunn told reporters Sunday.

Up to 20,000 homes are also at risk of being inundated if the rains continue. Military personnel were delivering tens of thousands of sandbags to affected locals, as Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk warned residents to be careful.

“It’s basically not just a one in 20-year event, it’s a one in 100year event,” she told reporters Saturday.

The Bureau of Meteorology said a slow-moving monsoonal trough was sitting above Queensland, with some areas expected to receive more than a year’s worth of rain before conditions ease.

Bureau meteorologist Adam

Blazak told AFP the heavy downpours could continue until Thursday, while floodwaters would take some time to recede even when the rains lessen.

The region receives an average of some 2,000 millimetres (6.5 feet) of rain annually but some towns were already on track to pass that.

The town of Ingham, north of Townsville, received 506 mm of rain in 24 hours between Saturday and Sunday, of which 145 mm fell in just one hour, Blazak said.

“I’ve never seen anything like this,” Townsville resident Chris Brookehouse told national broadcaster ABC, adding that his house was flooded with water more than one metre deep.

“The volume of water is just incredible. Downstairs is gone, the fridge and freezer are floating. Another five or six steps and upstairs is gone too.”

Blazak said that with adverse weather predicted to continue for up to 72 hours, some regions could see record-breaking levels of rainfall.

There has been a silver lining to the deluge, with drought-stricken

farmers in western Queensland welcoming the soaking.

“It is a welcome relief, especially in our western communities, to not only get the rain but also to fill up their dams,” Palaszczuk said Sunday.

“We’re getting food supplies in there. We still have many roads that are cut around those areas.”

The deluge comes amid a severe drought in the eastern inland of the vast Australian continent, including parts of Queensland state, that’s left graziers struggling to stay afloat.

Extreme heatwaves during the southern hemisphere summer have also led to maximum-temperature records being broken in some towns. High temperatures are not unusual in Australia during its arid southern hemisphere summer, with bushfires a common occurrence.

But climate change has pushed up land and sea temperatures and led to more extremely hot days and severe fire seasons.

In the southern states of Victoria and Tasmania, firefighters in recent days have been battling numerous bushfires threatening homes and communities. (afp)

IBP/net

Woman in Nepal dies after being exiled to outdoor hut during her period.

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Monday, February 4, 2019

Traveling

International

Bali News

International

4 reasons for foodies to fall in love with Shonai region, Japan

SHONAI - You will find the Shonai region located on the western side of Yamagata Prefecture in northern Japan, and is uniquely situated between the Sea of Japan to the west and mountains to the north, east, and south.

The area is blessed with bountiful flat plains and ocean access, with an abundance of natural resources that locals have spent centuries harnessing for both traditional techniques and advanced innovations in preparing delicious dishes.

It’s for that reason Shonai has earned the title of food capital and any foodie worth their salt should put this region on their bucket list.

1. Age-old regional dishes of the UNESCO Tsuruoka City

Food is a serious matter. So much so that even seasonal changes are marked not by flowers or weather changes, but by a detailed food calendar that indicates what crops and foods are in season. Tsuruoka City for instance, has been recognised globally for its gastronomy and was awarded the honour of being a UNESCO Designated Creative City of Gastronomy — the only one in Japan as of 2018. It was given the award because of the abundance of crops grown locally and foods and regional dishes that are always produced with seasonal ingredients. There are also festivals and age-old speciality dishes such as the mouthwatering dadachamame (a variety of edamame enjoyed for genera-

tions), rice, sake, Yamagata-brand beef and Shonai pork in particular.

2. A spiritual foodie experience at Sanjin Gosaiden

They say a good walk stimulates the appetite, and what better way to do so than by climbing Mount Haguro? The mountain is one of three sacred peaks in the region known collectively as Dewa Sanzan. Ascetics have come here on pilgrimages for centuries and though you don’t have to hike the whole way, starting at the bottom of Mount Haguro and scaling your way to the top is highly recommended. Along the way you’ll walk through an ancient cedar forest, which conceals an over 600-year-old five-story pagoda in a small grove. The 29-meter-high pagoda is unpainted, showing off the beauty of the wood used to build it. Continue along the trail and scale 2,446 steps to reach to top of Mount Haguro, where you’ll find the stunning Sanjin Gosaiden; a perfect place to take a break. Here you can enjoy your reward for your challenging journey: simplistic vegetarian fare known as shojin ryori, which has been served to ascetic monks for centuries.

3. Luxurious kaiseki multi-course meal at the Yonohama Onsen hot springs

There are dozens of fantastic locations to enjoy a stay at a traditional Japanese inn, but the most famous is the Yuno-

Monday, February 4, 2019

3

hama Onsen, a historic hot spring resort that’s been around for more than 1,000 years.

For a luxurious view of the sunset, enjoy it from the comfort of an open-air bath at Kameya, an illustrious Japanese-style inn that has hosted the Emperor of Japan.

Follow your bath with one of the most prestigious dining options in Japan: the kaiseki multi-course meal. Indulge yourself in every seasonal local specialty Shonai has to offer and pair your meal with a local sake to complete the experience.

4. Geisha lunch at Somaro Teahouse in Sakata City

Despite Shonai’s isolated location, it imported several cultural elements from Kyoto over the centuries, one of the being geisha entertainment.

At Somaro Teahouse in Sakata City, you can enjoy a sample of traditional Kyoto in the form of a maiko (apprentice geisha) dance performance — a rarity outside the ancient capital. There are two performances daily — one at noon including an exquisite bento lunch, and one at 2pm, with just the dance.

Bento options include a carefully pieced together kaiseki box with a selection of bite sized delicacies, a chirashi sushi (a scattered sushi with different ingredients), and one with aromatic grilled eel. This experience is extremely popular so be sure to book in advance.

With the presence of tourism, it is believed to also develop Bangli through the establishment of tourism areas.

IBP/kmb

Bangli hopes to have tourism area

Parliament asks executive to write to the special committee in Bali House

BANGLI — Bangli House of Representatives hoped that Bangli district can have tourism areas like other districts. Regarding this expectation, the Bangli House of Representatives asked the Bangli government to soon formally submit to the Special Committee in the Bali House of Representatives which is currently working on the Regional Bill on Revision of the Bali Regional Spatial Plan (RTRW).

“We have requested to relevant agencies to formally propose to the special committee in the Bali House of Representatives regarding the tourism area in Bangli. The proposal should not be in the form of discourse. It must be formally written so that it is truly escorted by the Special Committee of the Bali House of Representatives,” said Deputy Chairperson of the Bangli House of Representatives, Komang Carles, after attending the meeting of Regional Leadership Forum at the Segara Hotel, Kintamani, on Wednesday (Jan. 30).

Carles said that all this time Bangli does not have a tourism area. Bangli only becomes a buffer zone. He hoped that some regions having developed into tourist objects in Bangli

could be designated into tourism area. With the presence of tourism, it is believed to also develop Bangli. Through the establishment of tourism areas, the district government can give permission so that entrepreneurs can get guaranteed security and comfort in investing in Bangli.

However, the determination of tourism area must be limited so as not to damage forest. One of them is by fixing the existing forest area. So, the outermost forest area can be developed into tourist area without having to damage the forest itself. “We hope that Bangli will remain to be given the opportunity to become a tourism area. But it is not entirely free but restricted by still paying attention to the forest,” he explained.

In proposing to the tourism area, the Bangli government is expected to convey real facts in the field. Carles said the current regional regulation on the RTRW may still set forth the area as green belt or agricultural land even though the reality has been changed in terms of function. “For example, the Uma Aya LC may be still set forth as a green belt in the Regional Regulation on the RTRW. In reality, it has now changed into a settlement,” he said.

Meanwhile, Deputy Regent Sang Nyoman Sedana Arta in

the meeting of the district leadership council last Wednesday said that currently is a good moment to improve the layout in Bangli district in accordance with the reality in the field.

If the agencies do not take it seriously in addressing this matter, of course the documentation owned is never valid pursuant to the field reality.

On that account, Deputy Regent Sedana Arta on that occasion asked the Head of Public Works Agency (PU) to immediately submit to the Special Committee of the Bali Regional Regulation on the RTRW. In the letter, the Public Works Agency was asked to submit so that the provincial government makes some changes in accordance with the reality in the field. For example, the Penelokan area, especially for the right roadside, must be changed so that there is no provision on the cliff borderline. In addition, the tourism area should be expanded to 2,000 hectares.

Related to this matter, Deputy Regent Sedana Arta also asked the Bangli House leadership to also send a letter.

Moreover, there are two people’s representatives of Bangli in the Special Committee of the Regional Spatial Plan namely I Nyoman Adnyana and I Wayan Gunawan. (kmb40)

Floods on Jalan Dewi Kunti II Seminyak needs urgent handling MANGUPURA - The area of Jalan Dewi Kunti II, Seminyak village, Kuta subdistrict, is regularly hit by floods during the rain. For this reason, the handling of floods in the area is urgent for the Badung district government.

So far, the Bali-Penida River Agency has often flushed the Tukad Mati flow and river channel on Jalan Dewi Kunti II. Unfortunately, such effort is not enough to overcome the flood. Indeed, the location on Jalan Kunti is a channel from the river so that it is always inundated during rainy season.

For this reason, the Badung district government is ex-

pected to handle it in the future. This matter was revealed in the meeting of the Seminyak development plan 2020 recently.

According to Headman of Seminyak, Kadek Oka Parmadi, the handling of floods in the Seminyak area is indeed a priority proposal from residents of Seminyak. Seminyak community hoped that Badung district government will also intervene to handle it. Indeed, so far the Bali-Penida River Agency has continued to normalize the flow of Tukad Mati.

Thus, the problem of floods on Jalan Dewi Kunti II can be handled. He said that based on community proposal, the project of

Bali-Penida River Agency needs to be supported by optimization of drainage. It is meant to drain rainwater optimally to the Tukad Mati. “The optimization of drainage is done by normalizing and checking the drainage channel. If the condition is damaged, it is considered necessary to make new drainage,” he said.

All this time, he admitted, condition of the most land areas in Seminyak has undergone conversion from the agricultural area to the built area. As a result, the areas formerly in great measure owned by subak irrigation channels have now undergone land conversion. (kmb23)

2

Bali News

Monday, February 4, 2019

Australia’s contribution stays small

Indonesian businessmen strengthen trade relations with Australia

DENPASAR - Based on statistical data, Indonesia’s contribution to trade relations between Indonesia and Australia is still small compared to Australia’s trade relations with China. In December 2018, Bali’s exports to Australia decreased significantly to 50.40 percent compared to November 2018. Meanwhile, when compared to December 2017, Bali’s exports to Australia decreased 5.26 percent. Its export value only reached USD 3 million, or its contribution is only 5.50 percent of Bali’s total exports.

Other than in Bali, Indonesia’s exports to Australia are not too large as well, where the value is only USD 157.3 million in December 2018.

Therefore, Indonesian business people coalesced into the members of the IABC try to strengthen relations between Indonesia and Australia, not only in the matter of trade and business relations but also friendship.

President of the Indonesia-Australia Business Council (IABC) of Bali Branch, IB Kharisma Wijaya, hoped the business and good relations of friendship between Indonesia and Australia will continue. Geographically, Indonesia cannot be separated. However, he hoped that in the future Indonesia will get a large contribution from trade relations between Australia and Indonesia.

“According to statistical data, it is not too large compared to Australia’s relationship with China,” he said recently during the IABC gathering at Byrdhouse Beach Club, Segara Village Hotel, Sanur.

With the presence of comprehensive economic agreement plan (CEPA), he expected to be able to increase the agreement, so that there are many businesses and investments carried out in Indonesia. This CEPA is being finalized by both parties, namely Indonesia and Australia.

The prospect of trade relations between Indonesia and Australia is said to always run well because Indonesia is a near neighboring country. On that account, Indonesia and Australia must have strong relationships.

President of IABC, T Moh Hamzah Thajeb, said that he is always trying to strengthen business relations and dialogue between the two neighboring countries. He hoped that Indonesia-Australia relations can continue to be established. According to him, the number of business players does not matter; the most important thing is the quality of cooperative relations between the business players of Indonesia and Australia. (kmb42)

IBP/net

International

Ornaments of Catur Muka Statue Denpasar damaged by foreigner

DENPASAR - In the past few days, the Denpasar Municipal Police have secured at least three foreigners because they caused tantrums and disrupted public order in the city of Denpasar. Previously, a foreigner acted on Jalan Drupadi and then at the Swiss Consulate Office on Saturday morning (Feb. 2) at the Catur Muka Statue. The foreigners did not have any identity.

One of the residents who were about to going to work witnessed directly the foreigner who was destroying the Catur Muka Statue.

He said the incident was estimated to occur at 05:30. At that time, the foreigner climbed the pool at the Catur Muka Statue and opened one by one of the lotus ornaments at the base of the statue. Fortunately, the rapid response from the Municipal Police and the Indonesian Military (TNI) on duty in Military Command Headquarters (Makodam) managed to secure the perpetrator and was led to the office of the Denpasar Municipal Police. “About half past five in the morning, the foreigner immediately climbed up and opened the lotus ornament made from brass pieces,” said one of the witnesses asking for anonymity.

From monitoring in the field, due to the presence of foreigner disturbing public order, 10 of the 16 lotus ornament petals in the Catur Muka Statue were damaged. Similar damage also happened to other mixed ornaments and fountain pipes in the area.

Chief of Denpasar Municipal Police, Dewa Gede Anom Sayoga, deeply regretted the incident of the

Denpasar icon’s destruction, plus the perpetrator is a foreigner. According to Dewa Sayoga, tourists and foreign nationals coming to visit Bali, especially Denpasar City, should uphold and participate in maintaining public order. “Well, they should help maintain public order, not even damage the existing facilities, let alone this icon of the city,” he explained.

Furthermore, he said the foreigner did not have an identity at all.

And when further communication and examination were carried out, the foreigner went on a rampage and had time to bite the officers’ feet.

“When asked, she even sings and runs amok, so that she is difficult to communicate with and tends to be very dangerous,” said Dewa Sayoga.

On that account, to maintain conduciveness, the Denpasar Municipal Police collaborated with the Social Service, Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) and the Health Office to carry out psychiatric examinations. And on the recommendation of the Health Office team, the foreign woman was taken to the Bali Mental Hospital in Bangli.

In the meantime, the Denpasar Housing Office, Settlement and Land Agency being responsible for the statue said that the team is currently moving and carrying out identification and calculation of the losses due to the destruction of the Catur Muka Statue. “As seen, the ornaments just came off, so that they can be reattached,” said the Division Head of Landscaping, Ida Ayu Widiana Sari, when confirmed via her telephone connection. (kmb12)

Ahead of Chinese New Year, beware of extreme weather conditions

DENPASAR - The National Weather Service (BMKG) predicted that the Indonesian region, especially in Bali, still has the potential to rain in the next week. Moreover, on Chinese New Year, Tuesday (Feb. 4), it is predicted to be raining with moderate to heavy rainfall intensity.

However, the recent Riley Tropical Cyclone phenomenon has been decaying. “Ahead of Chinese New Year, the weather condition is predicted to have the potential for light or moderate rain. The intensity varies from light to heavy. The potential for rain floods is in moderate intensity.

Meanwhile, the Riley tropical cyclone has decayed (going away from the territory of Indonesia—Ed),” said

I Wayan Wirata, weather forecaster of the BBMKG for Region III Denpasar, Saturday (Feb. 2).

Press release of the BMKG mentioned the latest atmospheric condition in the Indonesian region and the presence of several atmospheric phenomena having a significant impact in the next few days on increasing rainfall in most parts of Indonesia.

There is a tropical cyclone seedling in Carpentaria Bay and cyclonic circulation in West Kalimantan.

These tropical cyclone seedlings will have an impact in the form of strong new wind patterns and trigger the encounter of long winds starting from the waters of Kalimantan, Java Sea, Makassar Strait, Bali to NTB,

and the wind around the Indonesian Equator triggers an encounter of wet air masses causing the formation of rain clouds in the territory of Indonesia. The presence of atmospheric wave activity especially Equatorial Rossby in parts of Eastern Indonesia can add to the growth of rain clouds in the region.

Based on the analysis of the atmospheric conditions, the BMKG predicted the potential for rain in the next week’s period that will remain quite high. The moderate to heavy intensity rainfall will occur more frequently, especially at night or early morning until the morning and does not rule out the possibility that some areas will have the potential to be

flushed by rain all day long.

The regions having the potential for heavy rain during the period February 2-8 include Aceh, North Sumatra, West Java, Central Java, Special Region of Yogyakarta, East Java, Bali, NTB, NTT, West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, North Sulawesi, Southeast Sulawesi, Central Sulawesi, Gorontalo, Maluku, West Papua and Papua.

The BMKG called on the public to be aware of the potential for the occurrence of High Wave of 2.5 - 4.0 meters in the waters of the Arafura Sea, the waters in the south of Yos Sudarso Island, Sangihe Islands to Talaud Islands, North Maluku Sea, the waters in the north of Halmahera

Island, Halmahera Sea and Pacific Ocean in the north of Halmahera to Papua.

In general, people living in the areas with the potential of heavy rain, especially in areas prone to flooding and landslides are encouraged to remain vigilant about the potential for inundation, floods and landslides. In addition, the community is also expected to be aware of the possibility of rain accompanied by wind that can cause trees and billboards to collapse and always pay attention to the risk of high waves for sailing safety and coastal activities, and not take shelter under trees if the rain is accompanied by lightning. (win)

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

International

Activities

Monday, February 4, 2019

15

Aston Kuta Held CSR Project with Infants and Elderly in Kuta

Aston Kuta held a corporate social responsibility to help local infants and elderly at Segara Kuta area.

In cooperation with local authority and public health center, infants and elderly that live in surrounding of Segara Kuta was gathered to have free medical checkup and light aerobic movements. With total participant around 150 people, Aston Kuta also brought their team to prepare a light snacks to be enjoyed post exercise.

“This is a regular event initiated by the local authority of Banjar Segara Kuta, and as we located in the area, it must be our responsibility to care and support the well being of our surroundings” said Medawakanti, Director of Human Resources.

Aston Kuta is a 4-star hotel located at Wana Segara Street established for almost ten years, had done various CSR to support the local community such as education tuition fee, cooperate with local transport and preserve traditional art culture.

About Aston Kuta Hotel & Residence

Located in the quaint area of Kuta and only 5-minute away from I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport and boasting 209 guestrooms including 41 premier suites and 8 functional rooms, Aston Kuta Hotel & Residence is the best facility for leisure and business.

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

16 Pages Number 31 11th year

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

Price: Rp 3.000,-

Monday, February 4, 2019

Social media firms should ‘stamp out’ celebrity ads for fad diets - top doctor

CALIFORNIA - Celebrities and influencers profiting from fad diet ads to young people on social media should have their accounts “stamped out”, the national medical director of NHS England has said.

Professor Stephen Powis said young people are being “bombarded” with images, ideas and advertising which project unattainable body types and lifestyles - but there is little accountability for the impact it has.

Half of girls now report feeling pressure to be thinner, while one in four people say their appearance is the most important thing to them, he warned.

He said the NHS was doing its utmost to help the one in 10 young people who are affected by mental health problems, but stressed it could not “keep putting out fires if some parts of society keep lighting matches”.

Writing in the Daily Telegraph, Prof Powis said: “Where celebrities and the platforms which promote them exploit this vulnerability by pushing products like laxative teas, diet pills and other getthin-quick solutions, they are taking the health of our young people in their hands and should act with far greater responsibility.

“Online platforms should stamp out accounts which

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Monday, February 4, 2019

exploit this vulnerability, and ban adverts for products with a known health risk.”

He added: “Everyone, especially those engaging with young people like social media firms and celebrities who profit from them, have a duty of care to do more for our health and well-being.” (net)

IBP/net

Sir Elton John and Liz Hurley settled phone hacking claims against News Group Newspapers.

Sir Elton John, Liz Hurley and Heather Mills settle phone hacking claims

LONDON - Sir Elton John, Elizabeth Hurley and Heather Mills have come to an agreement over phone hacking claims against The Sun and the News of the World. Their lawyers confirmed the settlement against News Group Newspapers (NGN) days before a trial was to start at the High Court in London. Solicitors Hamlins said Sir Elton and his husband David Furnish, actress and model Ms Hurley, model and Sir Paul McCartney’s ex-wife Ms Mills and her sister Fiona Mills had agreed terms with NGN. They did not reveal what the terms were or how much the celebrities had been awarded - but NGN has repeatedly said it “makes no admission of liability” for The Sun. Ms Hurley and the Mills sisters claimed their voicemails had been intercepted and unlawful information gathered at The Sun and the now-defunct News of the World.

Sir Elton and his film producer and director husband’s claim was for “misuse of private information”

by the two papers. If the trial had gone to court NGN would have had to answer questions about allegations that those activities were “widespread” at The Sun. The claims were “the fourth trial in the last 18 months which has settled very close to the start of the trial date”, the law firm said.

Hamlins revealed it will shortly apply to start another batch of claims against NGN from people who were allegedly phone hacked. The number of new claimants is expected to “equal those who have successfully settled their cases in the current wave,” Hamlins added. (net)

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Adrian DENNIS / AFP

Children play in the snow in Hartley Wintney, in Hampshire, 40 miles west of London, on February 1, 2019. Snowfall and icy conditions were expected Friday to cause travel disruption after temperatures overnight reached as low as minus 15.4C.

US thaws from Arctic deep freeze as death toll climbs

A brutal cold spell that paralyzed the US Midwest, freezing water mains, causing power outages and canceling flights, eased on Friday, with forecasts predicting a rapid thaw.

The two days of intense cold from the so-called polar vortex that descended on the US Midwest and Northeast will go down in memory for its scenes of winter at its most bitter.

Blocks of ice floated down the river that runs through downtown Chicago, the rushing waters of the Niagara Falls were frozen in some places, and half the Great Lakes were covered in ice.

US media reported as many as 21 weather-related deaths since a snow storm hit the Midwest early in the week, followed by plung-

ing temperatures Wednesday and Thursday.

Temperature readings were nosing up on Friday and “will continue to moderate,” the National Weather Service said. The concern, though, turned to the threat of flooding and further stress on already strained infrastructure as the region thawed out.

“In some areas of the Midwest, the coming wild temperature swing will be the most extreme warm-up from record winter cold ever seen in such a short time period,” Jeff Masters, meteorologist at Weather

Underground, told AFP.

- Hundreds of new records The Arctic air mass that veered off its normal polar route broke more than 340 records in communities across a cluster of states, according to the Midwestern Regional Climate Center. With wind chill factored in, temperatures dropped to as low as -64 degrees Fahrenheit (-53C) in Minnesota, -59F (-51C) in Wisconsin, -58F (-58C) in Iowa and -55F (-48C) in Illinois.

By Monday, the weather was expected to be comparatively balmy -- around 50F (10C) in Chicago and Detroit.

“It’s important to remember that

the rapid change in weather and snow melt could lead to dangerous flooding,” James Joseph, the regional director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), said in a statement.

In the region around Niagara Falls, officials worried that ice jams could raise water levels in the Upper Niagara River, accord-

ing to local TV station WIVB. Niagara Falls Mayor Paul Dyster said they were also working “to avert possible creek flooding once thaw comes.”

In Illinois, state officials said they were discharging warm water from a nuclear power station into a river in order to prevent ice jams and flash flooding.

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We, The International Bali Post would like to apologize in advance because we will not be published on Tuesday, February 5, 2019.

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