Edition Friday, January 5 ,2018 | Internasional Bali Post

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

16 Pages Number 23 10th year

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Friday, January 5, 2018

Singapore bans film focused on indicted Palestinian teen activist

SINGAPORE - Singapore has banned a film festival from screening a documentary later this week that features a teenage Palestinian female activist whose arrest last month has made her a symbol of resistance to Israeli military occupation in the West Bank.

Justifying the ban, authorities in the Southeast Asian city state said the film “Radiance of Resistance” was “skewed” and potentially divisive for Singapore’s multi-ethnic population.

The documentary, which looks at the Palestine-Israeli conflict through the eyes of 16-year-old Ahed Tamimi and another young female activist, lacked “counterbalance”, the Info-communications Media Development Authority of Singapore (IMDA) said on its website.

“The skewed narrative of the film is inflammatory and has the potential to cause disharmony amongst the different races and religions in Singapore,” the IMDA said.

The documentary was due to have been shown at the Singapore Palestinian Film Festival on Thursday.

It was screened at a number of festivals worldwide in 2017 and won Best Documentary at the Respect Human Rights Film Festival in Belfast, but has become even more topical following Tamimi’s arrest last month.

Tamimi was charged on Monday with counts of aggravated assault and will be tried in an Israeli military court. An adult found guilty of assaulting a soldier could be jailed for up to 10 years, but Tamimi is a minor so such an outcome is unlikely.

While Singapore’s authorities are known to keep a tight rein on public speech and the media, especially when it comes to matters related to race and religion, outright bans are more rare.

Adela Foo, the organiser of the Singapore festival, called the ban “understandable”, without elaborating.

“At the end of the day, the IMDA’s position is one to be respected,” the 23-year-old student told Reuters. (rtr)

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

Friday, January 5, 2018

Indonesia shrinks danger zone around grumbling Bali volcano

“Mount Agung remains in an JAKARTA - Indonesia shrank the exclusion zone around a grumbling volcano on the resort island of Bali on Thursday eruption phase and could affect after fears of an imminent eruption, allowing farmers to settlements. All parties are urged to remain cautious,” Agung Pribreturn to their homes.

Actor Albert Schultz

IBP/net

‘Alias Grace’ Actor Albert Schultz Sued for Sexual Misconduct

by Four Actresses

The 3,000-metre Mount Agung remains on alert for a major eruption, but officials said the danger

zone around the crater would be reduced to a six-km (four-mile) radius from 10 km.

adi, press relations officer at the natural resources ministry, said in a statement.

The volcano has been spewing

lava and ash since late November, when authorities raised the alert status to the highest.

Bali airport was closed for three days, leaving thousands of tourists stranded and prompting others to cancel their year-end holiday plans.(rtr)

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

FOUR Canadian television and stage actresses have filed separate civil lawsuits against actor Albert Schultz, according to a report by the CBC. The suits allege 30 separate incidents of sexual assault of harassment over the course of a 13-year period from 2000 to 2013. The misconduct occurred while the women were acting in productions with Toronto’s Soulpepper Theatre Company during Schultz’s tenure as artistic director. The actresses are “Orphan Black” star Kristin Booth, Diana Bentley (Netflix’s “Frontier”), Hannah Miller (“Saving Hope”) and Patricia Fagan (“Murdoch Mysteries”).

IBP/net

Southeast Asian city state said the film “Radiance of Resistance” was “skewed” and potentially divisive for Singapore’s multi-ethnic population.

“Albert is a serial sexual predator who…had well-developed methods for targeting actresses and luring them into situations that he considered optimal for sexually harassing and assaulting them,” according to a copy of the lawsuits obtained by the CBC. Fagan’s suit alleges Schultz created a climate of “mocking, belittling and bullying,” which left her feeling “vulnerable and hunted.”

During rehearsals for a Soulpepper production of “Twelfth Night” in 2000, Fagan says she “felt him push his penis against [her].” She also says Schultz grabbed her thigh under her skirt, and flashed his penis at her seconds before she went onstage. Booth’s claims are eerily similar to Fagan’s, detailing multiple instances of groping, unwanted kissing, and comments about her body by Schultz. Booth says Schultz

would press his genitals against her during hugs, and comment on her “milky white breasts in front of the other cast members.”

Schultz is a prominent figure in the Canadian theater community and an executive producer of the CBC comedy “Kim’s Convenience.” He appeared in Part 6 of Netflix’s “Alias Grace,” in addition to many other Canadian television credits. (net)

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Jl. D.Poso No 68 Jl. D.Poso No. 50D Jl. D.Poso No. 39 Jl. D.Poso Sanur Jl. D.Poso Sanur Jl. D.Poso Sanur Jl. D.Poso Sanur Jl. D.Tamblingan Sanur Jl. D.Tamblingan

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28 Kopi Made Jl. Raya Puputan No. 106 Dps 29 Dimsum Manan Jl. Raya Niti Mandala Renon No 148 30 Furama Jl. Raya Niti Mandala No. 148 Renon 31 Warung Subah Renon Jl. Mohamad Yamin No.18 32 Ayam Betutu khas Gilimanuk Jl. Merdeka No.88 Renon 33 Bali Bakery Jl. Hayam Wuruk 184 Denpasar

People watch as Mount Agung spews ash and smoke during an eruption from an obeservation post in Rendang, Karangasem, Bali, Indonesia December 9, 2017 in this photo taken by Antara Foto.

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Bali News

Friday, January 5, 2018

Tourism Office aims to collect IDR 23 billion in levies

BANGLI - The Bangli Tourism and Culture Office aims to collect revenue worth IDR 23 billion this year through levies collected at tourist attractions. The tagetted amount for this year is IDR 1 billion more than last year’s targeted IDR 22 billion of which of which only IDR 19,304,168,000 was collected.

Head of the Bangli Tourism and Culture Office, Wayan Adnyana, said on Wednesday (Jan. 3) that the IDR 19,304,168,000 in levies were collected from a number of attractions in Bangli. Batur which aimed to IDR 17,446,068,716 only collected IDR 14,511,102,000; Kehen attraction aimed for IDR 1,220,376,448 in levies but only collected IDR 788,150,000; Penulisan targeted IDR 53,028,294 but only collected IDR 31,555,000; and Trunyan aimed to collect IDR 484,755,084 only amassed IDR 211,250,000 in levies.

“Penglipuran is the only attraction in Bangli to have reached it’s target and actually exceeded their intended target of IDR 3,116, 813, 995 with a total of

IDR 3,762,111,000 in levies collected”, he said.

According to Adnyana, several factors made most of Bangli’s tourist attractions unable to reach their targeted amount of collected levies. The Eruption of Mount Agung of course resulted in far less visitors not just in Bangli but for tourist attractions all over the Island of the Gods. Following the closure of Ngurah Rai Airport there was a drop of about 50 percent in the number of both domestic and international visitors.

“The eruption of Mount Agung had a big impact as many tourists cancelled their trip to Bangli. If there was no volcanic activity I am confident that we would have achieved our goal of IDR 22 billion – or at least been very close to achieving it”, said Adnyana.

In order to achieve their target this year Adnyana said that the Bangli Tourism and Culture Office will focus on guarding the shortcuts used by unscrupulous tours guides trying to avoid paying entrance tickets.

For this purpose, his office will work with the Transportation Agency to have a sign put up that lets people know that payments are required and police will also be on patrol. (kmb41)

IBP/Eka Parananda

The crowded Penglipuran Village.

International

Activities

International

Friday, January 5, 2018

15

Improving tourism facilities in Gilimanuk

NEGARA - Tourism in the District of Jembrana -chiefly Gilimanuk, is currently being developed with billions of rupiah going into improving GIlimanuk Bay. However these efforts have been criticised for overlooking small but important things that impact the comfort of tourists.

On Tuesday (Jan. 2) at the Water Bee in Gilimanuk Bay, Chairman of the Jembrana House of Representatives, I Ketut Sugiasa, accompanied by legislator Nyoman Renteb and Head of the Jembrana Tourism Office Nengah Alit pointed out that that the wooden dock there is rotting away. “If many tourists take selfies here, will they be safe? It does not look good and does not appear to be safe frankly”, said Sugiasa as he stood on the wooden bridge dock and pointed to the rotting planks.

The diving site’s changing rooms and showers were also criticised for their lacklustre appearance. “A lot of foreign tourists have been coming here for many years. We need to pay attention to the inside as well as the outside. Promotion must be backed up with good service and adequate facilities”, said Sugiasa.

Garbage littered around Gilimanuk Bay also needs to be given attention so that tourists are happy to come visit.

“Local communities need to develop the habit of conducted group clean-ups. People here earn there living from tourism so sanitation needs to be a top priority”, he said.

Sugiasa who was accompanied by Head of Tourism Office Nengah Alit also chatted with some foreign tourists who were getting changed on the beach to go diving. The tourists revealed that they did not know anything about tourism in Gilimanuk and that they had only come here to go diving as they had heard about the unique marine biota in Gilimanuk Bay. “These guests said they had never heard of the Archaeological Museum or the spiritual Kalong Island. A sign should be put here that informs visitors about other tourist destinations in Gilimanuk and the rest of Jembrana”, said Sugiasa.

Having more information will encourage visitors to stay in Gilimanuk longer. “Let’s say they usually come for 2 hours, this might be extended to 4 hours or even overnight”, he said.

With more tourists visiting Gilimanuk, local residents will see economic benefits and may not have to look for jobs in other regions. The problem of illegal migrant workers can also be addressed.

The arrangement of tourist attractions, he added is meant to both make these places more beautiful and empower the surrounding communities. “Local assets need to be explored improved in order to increase local employment. The management of tourist attractions also needs to be improved”, said Sugiasa.

Head of the Jembrana Tourism Office, Nengah Alit, said that his agency is creating various programs to increase the number of tourism supporting facilities particularly in Gilimanuk. (120)

Refreshed & Rebranded

Alaya Dedaun Kuta Unveiled

Alaya Hotels & Resorts is delighted to announce that the highly-awaited rebranding of Villa de daun to Alaya Dedaun Kuta took effect as of 1st January 2018.

This move marks the consolidation of the Alaya brand, which currently has two additional boutique resorts located within in the cultural heart of Ubud, Bali.

With its new name and subtle aesthetic upgrades, Alaya Dedaun Kuta brings understated Indonesian elegance to Bali’s favourite beachside playground. Designed to embrace the spirit of a traditional village, the property features a collection of just 12 private villas in a concept attuned to the attributes of outdoor living.

As the only Diamond certified villa complex of its kind in the area, Alaya Dedaun Kuta offers affordable luxury with a distinct focus on tropical relaxation. Attention to detail and heartfelt service, delivered by a team of trained butlers, promises discerning travellers a culturally-related experience

without the excessive price tag.

Steeped in romance, Alaya Dedaun Kuta is the perfect retreat for honeymooners and couples seeking design-driven serenity with a choice of one-bedroom villa categories. Similarly, the two-bedroom and three-bedroom villa options are both well-appointed and feature modern home comforts to anticipate the needs of families.

Known as Kuta’s little secret, the property is discreetly tucked away from the buzz of main street activity in a vibrant area with convenient accessibility. It is within easy walking distance to Kuta’s famed stretch of sunset beach where favourable surf conditions attract carefree visitors all year round.

Alaya Dedaun Kuta is supported by a charming restaurant facility edged by an exotic landscape of native greenery. It serves a flavourful menu of authentic local cuisine and international specialty dishes influenced by fresh ingredients.

An adjacent stretch of lawn lends itself to small scale events such as garden parties and intimate celebrations.

Signature to Alaya Dedaun Kuta is DaLa Spa, an awardwinning wellness facility with a bespoke design that embodies the refined style of a bygone era. Guests can enjoy head to toe indulgence with a curated menu of treatments inspired

by Indonesia’s age-old healing and beauty rituals.

“As Alaya Hotels & Resorts continue to evolve, the rebranding of the only all-villa property in our portfolio was the natural progression towards strengthening our brand. Despite some minor changes, Alaya Dedaun Kuta is still managed and staffed by the same team and hospitality remains warm and intuitive. By engaging with our guests, we are able to gently immerse them into the delights of Bali in a most tasteful way,” says Mr. Jimmy Gunawan, CEO of Alaya Hotels & Resorts. For more information, please visit www.alayahotels.com.

Creating shortcut between Canggu-Pererenan to reduce traffic congestion in the area

MANGUPURA - The traffic jams that frequently occur in the area of Canggu, North Kuta will soon be diminished as the local government plans to create a shortcut between Canggu and Pererenan Village, Mengwi.

Deputy Regent of Badung, I Ketut Suiasa, said that on Wednesday (Jan3) he surveyed the location that will connect Canggu and Perer-

enan. “This is an attempt to resolve the issues of frequent traffic jams in Canggu”, he said.

The construction of the Canggu-Pererenan shortcut will allow some traffic to be diverted from the main road. “We expect this shortcut to be taken advantage of my motorcyclists and other drivers. I am asking for further technical plans to be made so

that the project can be realised in 2019”, he said.

This official from Pecatu village, South Kuta, said that a grand design is being created to resolve traffic congestion in the sub-district of North Kuta. “A grand design is needed for the large scale infrastructure challenges in Cemagi, Pererenan, Canggu, Tibubeneng and Kerobokan as these are all

tourism areas”, he said.

Head of the Bina Marga, Public Works and Spatial Planning (PUPR) of Badung, Ida Bagus Surya Suamba, said the addition of a Detailed Engineering Design (DED) will be proposed for the amendment of the regional budget.

“Based on this DED, priority will be given to road infrastructure as access to the ring road from Kuta

to Canggu-Pererenan and so forth is very minimal. The physical work on this project will be proposed for 2019”, he said.

Suamab added that the proposed road will run along less than 500 meters with a width of 7 meter.

“The road area needs to be reexamined to ensure that the project complies with existing rules”, he concluded. (kmb27)

 Founder : K.Nadha,  General Manager :Palgunadi Chief Editor: Gugiek Savindra  Editors:Agus Toni, Daniel Fajry, Mawa, Sueca, Sugiartha, Yudi Winanto Denpasar: Dira Arsana, Giriana Saputra, Subrata, Sumatika, Asmara Putra. Bangli: Suasrina, Buleleng: Dewa kusuma, Gianyar: Manik Astajaya, Karangasem: Budana, Klungkung: Dewa Farendra. 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

Friday january 5rd 10:00-18:00 workshop and artist talk Jamir community murals Bentara Budaya Jl. Ida bAgus Mantra Gianyar 18:30-21:30 Magical-Bali Toastmasters Club One World Retreat Office, Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rau 101 Sanur 19:00-22:00 Latin Fever

Birdhouse Beach Club Sugar Beach Front Sanur Beach Saturday January 6 10:00-14:00 Saturday Farmer’s Market Moksa Ubud Restaurant Pusskesmas Ubud ii, Gg Damai Ubud 20:00-23:00 Live Music with Barefoot Warriors Bali Bohemia Jl.Nyuh Bojog Nyuh Kuning

Ubud 16:00-18:30 Aikido Classes for Kinds &Adults Miksa Ubud Restaurant Puskesmas Ubud, Gg damai Ubud 19:30-21:00 Long Table dinner with Janet DeNeef Indus Restaurant Jalan Raya Sanggingan Ubud January 6+7 10:00-4:30

Traditional Indonesian Dance with Ngurah Oka Jt Life Studio Jl. Subak Una Petulu lebah Ubud Sunday January 7th 14:00-16:00 Workshop#1 Immensly Miniature with lobster Rumah Sanur- Creative Hub Jalan Danau Poso no 51A Sanur

07:00-21:00 Sunday Funday!

Genius Cafe- Home to the Entrepreneur Beach Club Mertasari Beach, next to Mercure Resort Sanur 11:00-12:00 Kids Music Corner Paradiso Ubud Jalan Gautama Selatan Ubud

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Friday, January 5, 2018

Fashion

International

Glamour that came in from the cold

SO the temperature in New York has risen to minus eight degrees? Phew! After breaking a few records – including that for the entire 20th century – next weekend is expected to drop further to a shivering minus 16 degrees (not even counting the wind chill).

But I could have predicted that back in September, when, gasping from the heat, I dashed into “Expedition: Fashion From the Extreme” at The Museum at FIT (the Fashion Institute of Technology). There were outfits worn by Arctic explorers who reached the North Pole in 1909, while a century later Chanel launched a furry collection for Autumn/Winter 2010 that Karl Lagerfeld set against massive glaciers imported from Sweden.

No need for that extra ice right now, but currently it might be difficult to slip through the snow to see the New York exhibition in its final week.

Fashion continues its eerie ability to predict the future. This is nothing new, but can be traced back at least a century, as Polar exploration was mirrored in the clothing invented for protection.

Even for the lucky few spending January on a tropical isle today, the Thames & Hudson book that accompanies the FIT show gives much food for thought: how clothes may be born from necessity but are swiftly followed by fashion; and how Vogue itself interpreted the worldwide fascination with climate extremes as glamour that came in from the cold. Artist George Lepape’s illustration of a woman in white fur, with blood-red undergarments and stabbing a polar bear, is chilling in every sense. (net)

Bali News

International

Friday, January 5, 2018

Evacuees desperate to go home

SEMARAPURA — Hundreds of people who were evacuated from the area around Mount Agung to the district of Klungkung have returned to their homes in the disaster-prone area despite the fact that the Klungkung’s Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) has appealed to the evacuees not to return home until the highest mountain in Bali is declared safe again. Allegedly many evacuees were simply tired of living in the evacuation post.

IBP/net

From left: Puffer coat by Jean Paul Gaultier, “Le Grand Voyage” collection, Autumn/Winter 1994. Lent by Dorothea Mink; Isaac Mizrahi “Lumberjack ball gown” ensemble, Autumn/Winter 1994. Lent by Isaac Mizrahi; (in case) Siberian funerary coat, c. 1900. Lent by American Museum of Natural History; Yohji Yamamoto coat and skirt, dress and fur collar, and evening dress, all Yohji Yamamoto Autumn/Winter 2000

This is the bag every It girl owns WHEN it comes to celeb-favorite bags, one can typically expect designer names and steep price tags. But one bag we’ve been seeing on every It girl as of late breaks both those rules. Stars from Emily Ratajkowski to Jessica Alba have been sporting this little black camera bag—the perfect size for the girl on the go with customizable details and a day-to-night design.

The functional crossbody was designed by It girls themselves.

British model Suki Waterhouse and her BFF Poppy Jamie collaborated to create Pop & Suki, a spunky accessories line consisting of two customizable bag styles and a fun lineup of add-ons from tassels to tags to straps that transform the camera bag from a crossbody to a backpack to a fanny pack.

Rarely is a celebrity-favorite item under $300, but this new fashion-girl staple is $195—with customization included. Ratajkowski opted to get “emrata” emblazoned on the bottom of hers while Alba went with “Jess.” Since the brand’s launch, Pop & Suki has expanded its product line and added many more colorways to its original offerings. (net)

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Allegedly many evacuees were simply tired of living in the evacuation post.

IBP/kmb45

According to data compiled on Tuesday (Jan. 2), the 60 evacuees of various ages who recently returned home are from Perangsari village, Selat who had been living in Swecapura Stadium in Gelgel village. An evacuee named Wayan Gatiada said that they left the evacuation post to return to their village on Sunday (Dec. 31) before the New Year’s Eve celebration. “They brought all their belongings with them leaving their evacuation tent empty”, he explained.

This man from Muncan Selat said that he did not know for sure why they decided to return home, but thought it was simply because they were tired of living in an evacuation tent and having nothing to do. “Apparently there is activity in Selat. Some people are mining sand. Maybe they went home so they can work”, he said.

Secretary of the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Klungkung, I Made Suwista, said that the evacuees who decided to go home are from villages in disaster-prone area (KRB) II. He added that the BPBD has indeed appealed to people to remain in evacuation until further notice from the government. “We have suggested that people do not go home until Mount Agung has been declared safe. Unfortunately they did not pay attention, but we cannot force them”, he said.

There were also some 159 people who had been evacuated to the hamlet hall of Kelantik Koribatu, Tojan village who returned to their home in Selat.

Chief Executive of BPBD Klungkung, Putu Widiada, asserted that they did so of their own accord. “We did not facilitate their return home, in fact we told them not to go home until the government had given official information from the Center of Volcanology. However we cannot make anyone stay in the evacuation posts”, he added.

According to the latest data, in the district of Klungkung there are currently 11,282 evacuees spread across some 44 villages including 1, 176 people accommodated in Swecapura Stadium. (kmb45)

Area of Suwung landfill to be reduced

DENPASAR — The government plan to rearrange the Suwung landfill will affect the extend of the area used to dispose of garbage.

The plan involves using the sanitary landfill system that covers the garbage with soil. Some 22 hectares of the landfill will be backfilled with soil while the total area of the Suwung Landfill is 32 hectares.

Head of the Denpasar Environment and Sanitation Agency (DLHK), I Ketut Wisada, said on Tuesday (Jan. 2) that the arrangement of the Suwung Landfill will be done to give the impression of green space in the area where garbage disposed of. Once covered in soil the mounds of garbage will have trees planted on them.

Wisada went on to explain that only 10 hectares will be used for garbage disposal and that the waste power plant (PLTSA) will also be carried out. “This arrangement will

be carried out gradually”, he said.

Member of Commission IV of Denpasar House of Representatives, A.A. Ngurah Widiada, said that the sanitary landfilling on 22 hectares is a good idea but that it should not be done in haste as it could be non-beneficial to surrounding communities.

Widiada added that the planned arrangement of the Suwung Landfill with a budget of IDR 262 billion should not be rushed just to reach the target of being finished before the IMF-WB Forum as technical matters need to be considered as does the considerable budget.

“We need to understand all the technical matters and not do a half baked job for the benefit of the IMFWB event. It it better if the final result yields maximum benefits for the environment, the surrounding community and the futur of tourism in Bali”, he said. (kmb12)

Suwung landfill

IBP/kmb

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Bali News

Friday, January 5, 2018

International

Friday, January 5, 2018

International

Gilimanuk area arrangement may not be half-hearted

South Korea’s President Moon meets former ‘comfort women’

NEGARA - Jembrana tourism, chiefly Gilimanuk, is currently developing. Moreover, Gilimanuk Bay has also been arranged by district government of Jembrana with the budget of billions of rupiahs. But it is still considered half hearted because some small things are still neglected but very important to support tourism.

On Tuesday (Jan. 2) at the Water Bee / Gilimanuk Bay, Chairman of Jembrana House of Representatives, I Ketut Sugiasa, accompanied by legislator Nyoman Renteb and Head of Jembrana Tourism Office Nengah Alit highlighted the dock / wooden bridge having begun to decay even porous but has not got handling. “If many visitors take selfie here, are they safe? Apparently it looks not good and obsolescent. This wood is already broken, it’s not safe,” said Sugiasa when taking up a wooden handle of the bridge and pointing at the rotten and broken floor of the bridge.

Likewise at the diving site, he said the rinse room, changing room and bathroom / toilet should be made better. “A lot of foreign tourists have come here for diving since long time ago. Do not only look good outside while inside is not. Promotion must be balanced with good services and facilities,” said Sugiasa.

The garbage littering Gilimanuk Bay also needs to get attention, so it may not get polluted while tourists will be finally reluctant to come. “Get used to doing mutual assistance with people group and the community. Let alone we rely on living from tourism here, the sanitation should get priority,” he reminded.

Sugiasa who was accompanied by Head of Tourism Office Nengah Alit also had time to chat with some foreign tourists that will be diving at Gilimanuk Bay and are changing clothes on the beach.

Based on the discussion, it is known that

IBP/net

Australia said on Thursday it planned to become the fourth country in the world to legalise medicinal marijuana exports.

IBP/kmb

Gilimanuk Bay has also been arranged by district government of Jembrana with the budget of billions of rupiahs.

But it is still considered half hearted because some small things are still neglected. foreign tourists only come to diving due to the uniqueness and typicality owned by marine biota in the Gilimanuk Bay. Unfortunately, tourists did not know any other information about tourism in Gilimanuk.

“These guests said they do not know about Archaeological Museum or Kalong Island denoting a spiritual place here. A signboard containing tourism information in Gilimanuk or Jembrana should be installed here,” said Sugiasa.

He said this will also affect the length of

stay and the time for tourists to enjoy their excursion in Gilimanuk. “If they are usually here just for 2 hours, it can be extended to 4 hours or more even if necessary, they also stay overnight,” he said.

The increase of tourist visit to Gilimanuk will affect the economy of local community. So, Gilimanuk residents do not need to leave the region just to look for job opportunities and do not need to make a sale and purchase of identity cards that can affect the illegal immigrants.

Tourism arrangement is not only to beautify the objects but also to empower the community. “Assets need to be explored and created to increase employment in the community, while the management needs to be maximized,” he said.

In the meantime, the Head of the Jembrana Tourism Office, Nengah Alit, said that his agency has planned various programs to increase tourism supporting facilities, especially in Gilimanuk. (kmb)

At Rendang refugee post, mixed garbage complicates janitors

IBP/kmb

In the Rendang evacuation post, mixed garbage very much complicates janitors due to restricted facilities.

AMLAPURA — Waste becomes a classic problem including in the evacuation posts. In the Rendang evacuation post, Karangasem, for example, mixed garbage very much complicates janitors due to restricted facilities.

Rendang evacuation post is inhabited by hundreds of refugees from the Selat and Rendang areas.

Nyoman Merta, a staff of the Rendang sub-district office, said on Tuesday (Jan. 2), that every day the evacuation post produces at least two trucks of garbage. For transportation matter, the obstacles are relatively light because the Karangasem Sanitation Office deploys 12 janitors every day. The problem is in the temporary disposal at the evacuation sites.

Merta said the refugees indeed throw their garbage in the specified places. However, the garbage

is not separated, where the organic and inorganic waste is still mixed together. The problems arise when the provided bin is unable to accommodate the volume of garbage.

So, it is often overflowing and piling up although the pickup by janitors is done every day.

Overflowing garbage does not only complicate janitors, but also exudes stench. In addition, the pile of garbage can become the house to flies so it is feared to have impact on the health of refugees. “Necessarily, it should be provided with large plastic bags as wrapper. Other than facilitating us in the transportation, it is also good in terms of health,” said Merta.

One of the janitors, I Nengah Darmayasa, admitted the waste handling system at the refugee post is quite troublesome. Unwrapped garbage does not only make janitor dirty, but also difficult in the pro-

cess of transportation. “Moreover, it was exposed to rain, it’s quite difficult to handle,” he said.

Garbage from the Rendang evacuation post is usually taken to Besakih Landfill or the landfill in Bangli district. The transportation process is coordinated by Rendang subdistrict office by using only a truck. Limited truck availability often triggers a problem because janitors are also in charge of transporting the garbage of Yadnya Market and Boga Temple, Rendang. For truck matter, Merta said Rendang subdistrict office still awaits the realization of assistance as promised

by Bali government.

“When the vice president came here (visiting Rendang evacuation post--red), the province said to be ready to help the procurement of a truck, but until now it has not arrived yet,” he said. (kmb)

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Australia to permit medicinal cannabis exports in bid to capture lucrative market

SYDNEY - Australia said on Thursday it planned to become the fourth country in the world to legalise medicinal marijuana exports in a bid to score a piece of the estimated $55 billion global market.

Cannabis cultivation in Australia is still relatively small, as recreational use remains illegal.

But the government hopes domestic medicinal use, legalised last year, and exports will rapidly boost production.

“Our goal is very clear: to give farmers and producers the best shot at being the world’s number one exporter of medicinal cannabis,” Health Minister Greg Hunt told reporters in Melbourne.

Shares in the more than a dozen Australian cannabis producers listed on the local exchange soared after the announcement.

Cann Group ended the day up 35 percent; AusCann Group rose nearly 54 percent; and BOD Australia closed up about 39 percent.

All were record highs for those companies. Hydroponics Company finished up 30 percent, hitting its highest price in five weeks.

Peter Crock, chief executive of

Cann Group, which cultivates cannabis for medicinal and research purposes, said medicinal marijuana production had been stymied by limited demand from Australian patients.

“While the Australian patient base is growing, it is very small,” Crock told Reuters. “Being able to export will allow us to have the scale to increase production.”

Hunt said the new legislation would include a requirement that growers first meet demand from local patients before exporting the remainder of their crop.

Despite growing demand, only Uruguay, Canada and the Netherlands have so far legalised the export of medicinal marijuana.

Israel has said it intends to do so within months.

The Australian government’s proposal needs to pass federal parliament when it returns to session in February. The country’s main op-

position Labor Party has signalled it would support the move.

Exports would then likely begin within months. Fuelled by a growing acceptance of the benefits of marijuana to manage chronic pain, moderate the impact of multiple sclerosis and to soften the effects of cancer treatment, several countries and 29 states in the United States have legalised cannabis for medicinal use.

Australia’s chief commodity forecaster does not publish data on cannabis production, but rough estimates by the University of Sydney estimated the legal industry at A$100 million ($78 million), well below the C$4 billion ($3.19 billion) that Canada estimates its market to be worth.

U.S. consultancy company Grand View Research last year forecast the global medicinal cannabis market would be worth $55.8 billion by 2025. (rtr)

SEOUL - South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Thursday met women who were forced to work in Japanese wartime brothels, days after their plight again cast a shadow over relations with Japan.

A South Korean panel set up to investigate a 2015 agreement with Japan on the thousands of girls and women forced to work in Japan’s military brothels, euphemistically termed “comfort women” by Japan, said the deal failed to meet their needs. Moon said the 2015 deal, under which Japan apologised to victims and provided 1 billion yen ($8.8 million) to a fund to help them, was seriously flawed. Japan said any attempt to revise it could damage relations.

Eight of the women met Moon for lunch at the presidential compound, known as the Blue House, in Seoul, the president’s office said in a statement.

“We told you the previous government’s agreement was wrong and this issue hasn’t been resolved,” Moon told one of the women before the lunch.

“It’s still not an easy situation to handle within our bilateral relationship.”

Moon wanted to gauge the women’s reaction to his government’s position on the deal, the Blue House said.

Moon visited one of the women, Kim Bok-dong, separately in the morning as she was ill and unable to attend the lunch.

“We survived when bullets were raining down and we’ll be able to get through this,” Kim told Moon, the Blue House said.

The women want Japan to take legal, binding responsibility for its

actions and Kim was scornful of the 2015 pay-out.

“The money should be sent back to Japan,” she said.

South Korean activists estimate that there may have been as many as 200,000 Korean women forced to work in the brothels.

As of December, there are at least 32 surviving, according to a South Korean civic group set up to look after their rights.

It was the second time former “comfort women” visited the Blue House during Moon’s presidency after one was invited to a dinner when U.S. President Donald Trump visited in November.

Moon’s announcement on the Japanese deal last week raised consternation in Japan, where media reported said Prime Minister Shinzo Abe may decide not to visit South Korea for the Winter Olympics there next month.

South Korea’s foreign ministry said on Thursday it would seek final measures on the issue as quickly as possible while one ministry official told Reuters the measures could be finalised as early as next week.

Strained ties come as the U.S. allies are trying to cooperate on security in the face of North Korea’s nuclear and missile development.

But their bitter history, including Japanese colonisation of the Korean peninsula and the issue of the women, has regularly been a source of rancour between them.

Moon came to power in May after the removal of his disgraced predecessor, Park Geun-hye, whose conservative government was criticised for failing to fully consult victims over the 2015 settlement. (rtr)

The Presidential Blue House/Yonhap via REUTERS

South Korean President Moon Jae-in greets South Korean women who were forced to work in Japanese wartime brothels as “comfort women”, at the Presidential Blue House in Seoul, South Korea, January 4, 2018.

12

International

Friday, January 5, 2018

BUSINESS Malaysia says unlikely to meet 2020 balanced budget goal

KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia is unlikely to meet earlier targets it set for a balanced budget by 2020 and will need another two to three years to reach the goal, the country’s second finance minister said on Thursday.

The shift in the budget target follows comments by ratings agencies late last year that the Southeast Asian economy might struggle to meet its objectives in the stated timeframe due to a run up in spending.

“I don’t think by 2020 (the government) can achieve a balanced budget because if you do that, basically you will squeeze economic development,” second finance minister Johari Abdul Ghani said at a conference, adding the government will have to spend in order to stimulate the economy.

“We will try to extend it to 202223,” he said.

Johari reiterated projections stated previously that the fiscal deficit will be reduced to 2.8 percent of gross domestic product this year from 3 percent in 2017.

Prime Minister Najib Razak has been able to lower Malaysia’s fiscal deficit every year since taking power in 2009 and that has been significant for maintaining Malaysia’s investment-grade sovereign credit ratings.

However, some analysts are concerned the increase in government spending will hinder the pace of

deficit reduction going forward.

Najib, under pressure to shore up his government’s popularity, in October unveiled a budget aimed at winning votes in a national election that must be held by August.

He announced a spending increase of 7.5 percent for 2018 from last year, and said the government plans to cut personal income tax for lower-income citizens, pay more to pensioners and spend billions on schools, hospitals and rural infrastructure.

Post the 2018 budget announcement, ratings agency Moody’s said it does not expect Malaysia to achieve the balanced budget target by 2020. Rising spending in the run up to the elections and lack of revenue reforms slowed the pace of deficit reduction, it said.

Fitch, however, said in October Malaysia’s 2020 target would “require a step-up in consolidation efforts in 2019 and 2020, but is not unattainable.”

Najib faces his toughest election yet as he looks to counter bad publicity from a corruption scandal involving state-owned fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) and a growing challenge from Mahathir Mohamad, his former mentor turned rival.

Malaysia’s economy expanded at its fastest pace in more than three years in the third quarter of 2017, a turnaround from 2016 when low oil prices hurt.(ant)

Bali News

International

Friday, January 5, 2018

Matekap, a Farming Activity Made into Tourist Attraction

5

For the people of the Island of Gods, matekap (plowing) by cattle may be an ordinary activity. However, it becomes a tremendous attraction for foreign tourists. They are not only satisfied with capturing through photos, but they also scramble to try it. They are willing to get in touch with mud when trying with local farmers.

REUTERS/Daniel Becerril

Women arrange and weight freshly made corn tortillas at a tortilla factory in Mexico City, Mexico, January 3, 2018.

Tortilla, gasoline prices unnerve Mexicans as election year begins

MEXICO CITY - Mexico’s government on Wednesday denounced forecast price hikes by fuel retailers and tortilla makers, saying increases were unjustified as it sought to allay public concern about high inflation at the start of a presidential election year.

Prices for corn tortillas, the Mexican staple, are forecast to rise in the coming days by between nearly 11 and 21 percent, according to figures from the National Union of Industrial Mills and Tortillas.

Meanwhile, gasoline and diesel prices are seen by one retail association rising an average of about 7 percent this year due to tax changes, volatility of the peso currency and higher crude prices.

“That they say they are now going to hike prices is unjustified. We don’t see the market conditions for this to happen,” said Jose Rogelio Garza, a deputy economy minister.

The forecast from the Mexican Association of Gasoline Businesses (AMEGAS) was quickly dismissed as false in a statement by state-run oil company Pemex, but that did not stop complaints.

“My suppliers bring me the dough by car and if gasoline prices go up then obviously they are going to have to adjust their prices,” said Jorge Garcia, the owner of a Mexico City bakery.

The price of liquefied natural gas, used for cooking, rose by an average of 25 percent in 2017, while electricity rates have also inched up, according to government data.

“With increasing gas prices we’re going to have to make adjustments... I can’t work without gas,” said Garcia.

As inflation hovers near a 16year high at just below 7 percent, officials insisted the forecast price spikes, which have triggered social media outrage and threats of protests, are not warranted.

“In 2018, variations in international fuel prices will continue to be cushioned,” the finance ministry said in a statement on Tuesday, emphasizing a scheme that allows it to reduce a key excise tax applied to fuel sales.

With presidential elections looming in July, the government is especially sensitive to the possibility that protests could further erode its support among voters.

But beyond rhetoric, the govern-

ment is mostly powerless to force the hands of gas station owners as its ability to set prices ended in late November after it finalized a gradual, nationwide fuel liberalization. The move to market prices, part of sweeping 2013-2014 energy reform, ending a transitional period during which it still set maximum gasoline and diesel prices.

The fuel regulator, or CRE, said in a statement that prices in central Mexico for Pemex’s Magna gasoline, which makes up more than 80 percent of total sales, have only risen 1.3 percent compared to average prices at the end of November, an increase it described as stable.

The CRE reported that the average nationwide price on Tuesday for Magna stood at 16.13 pesos per liter. That works out to about $3.15 per gallon at the current exchange rate.

For many years prior to the passage of the energy reform, fuel prices in Mexico were set by the government and were the same across the country.(rtr)

Well, this is the atmosphere of plowing with foreign tourists at Baru village, Marga, Tabanan. In the green paddy field area, tourists can join in the plowing activities to experience the activities of farmers in Bali. When doing it, they are guided by a farmer, so that the cow can pull in accordance with the track. “I do not let them plow alone,” said Ni Putu Supasti, a women farmer offering the plowing attraction.

Tourists wishing to get involved in the plowing activities are firstly invited to sit relaxingly in a simple field hut. Subsequently, they are served with a stamina enhancer drink made of roasted young coconut mixed with egg. They are then given an explanation of the purpose, tools and methods of plowing. After that, tourists are given bamboo steamer-like hat.

At first, the cows are directed to the edge of paddy field, so that tourists can ride on the wooden plow.

After sitting, Ni Putu Supasti then tells her cows to walk. The cows

walk around the fields. Ni Putu Supasti who follows just keeps talking (sort of sign language) to her cows so as to keep going on the track. In mid-track, the cows stop based on the order of Ni Putu Supasti. Tourists are given the opportunity to capture the moment with their camera.

With her husband I Made Suparta (Mr. Risa), she has a specialty to turn tourists into a farmer of her own way. After plowing, tourists are invited to start transplanting paddy traditionally. They are introduced how to the process making paddy grain into rice. Similarly, they are invited to catch fish in small pond,

climbing coconut trees and picking fruits in paddy field.

Ultimately, tourists are taken to visit organic ornamental plants and Rumah Desa, a community activity of ancient Bali, such as ngelawar (preparing Balinese cuisine) and others. According to Supasti, in a day there are always tourists tak-

ing the plowing activity. Yet their amount is uncertain depending on the tourism condition. “There are always tourists wishing to plow every day. They are mostly European tourists as well as those from other countries. Of course, they come with tour guide,” said this mother of two sons. (kmb)

Tangkup Showers Believed to Cure Non-Medical and Mental Illness If Feeling Curious, Make a Visit Tangkup waterfall object sits at Undisan Kelod hamlet, Undisan, Tembuku, Bangli. The waterfall with a height of approximately 20 meters flows from five springs namely the Kibul, Besi, Belatuk, Pasucian Bathara Pucak Sari and Getar. Aside from offering amazing panorama at the surrounding areas, the two showers at this waterfall are also believed to have capability of healing non-medical illness and mental disorder.

Both showers are located adjacent to each other under the waterfall. Uniquely, a shower exudes warm water, while another exude cool water. By and large, water of these showers are taken advantage to hold purificatory rite by visitors. An attendant of the Tangkup waterfall object, I Wayan Gentos,

said that the waterfall object has two showers named as the dasa mala shower (used to purify ten impurities) and tamba shower (used to cure mental disorder).

According to Gentos, there have been many people, chiefly those suffering particular illnesses, come to hold purificatory rite at the showers. Some of them could get their recovery after that. “Formerly, a local resident suffering mental disorder was given purificatory rite here. Now, he has got his recovery and is back to normal. Since then, the shower on the left side is believed to help cure mental disorder.

Conversely, the right shower can help cure non-medical diseases after holding purificatory rite here,” he said.

Nevertheless, this man born in

1943 does not dare to ensure that all people holding malukat or purificatory rite coming with various complaints of diseases can be entirely cured. Surely it will go back to each individual. “In essence, we should have a confidence. If we have, we will get recovered. On the contrary, if we are less confident or pessimistic we may not get recovery. This has something to do with confidence,” he said.

He explained that people wishing to perform the purificatory rite will usually bring along the offerings to be presented in the existing shrines. “It is not required what offerings to bring. It highly depends on the individual where there are people bringing pejati offerings or canang offering only,” he said. (kmb)

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Friday, January 5, 2018

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International

International

RLD

Friday, January 5, 2018

11

Yogyakarta tourism development aims to reduce disparity By Otniel Tamindael

JAKARTA - Beginning in 2018, the government of the special autonomous province of Yogyakarta will be more serious in developing the tourism sector in the southern part of the region to reduce disparities and poverty gaps.

Former British prime minister Tony Blair

REUTERS

Tony Blair tells UK voters: time is running out to stop Brexit folly

Soeren Stache / dpa / AFP

A picture taken on January 3, 2018 shows the Galeries Lafayette department store (L) on the commercial Friedrichstrasse street in central Berlin. Top-selling German newspaper says new online hate speech law must be scrapped.

Top-selling German newspaper says new online hate speech law must be scrapped

BERLIN - A new law meant to curtail hate speech on social media in Germany is stifling free speech and making martyrs out of anti-immigrant politicians whose posts are deleted, the top-selling Bild newspaper said on Thursday.

The law which took effect on Jan. 1 can impose fines of up to 50 million euros ($60 million) on sites that fail to remove hate speech promptly. Twitter has deleted anti-Muslim and anti-migrant posts by the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) and blocked a satirical account that parodied Islamophobia.

“Please spare us the thought police!” read a headline in Wednesday’s Bild above an article that called the law a “sin” against freedom of opinion enshrined in Germany’s constitution.

The law requires social media sites to delete or block obviously criminal content within 24 hours but Bild Editor-in-Chief Julian Reichelt said it could be applied against anything and anyone since there was no definition of what was “manifestly unlawful” in most cases.

Intended to prevent radical groups from gaining influence, it was having precisely the opposite effect, he said.

“The law against online hate speech failed on its very first day. It should be abolished immediately,” Reichelt wrote, adding that the law was turning AfD

politicians into “opinion martyrs”.

Among the tweets deleted was one by AfD lawmaker Beatrix von Storch criticising police for tweeting in Arabic, saying they had sought “to appease the barbaric, Muslim, rapist hordes of men”. Police have since asked prosecutors to investigate her for possible incitement to hatred.

A deleted tweet by another AfD member of parliament, Jens Maier, called Noah Becker - the son of former tennis champion Boris Becker - a “half-nigger”.

Justice Minister Heiko Maas defended the law, telling Bild that freedom of opinion did not mean carte blanche to spread criminal content on the internet.

“Calls to murder, threats, insults and incitement of the masses or Auschwitz lies are not an expression of freedom of opinion but rather attacks on the freedom of opinion of others,” he said.

Germany has some of the world’s toughest laws on defamation, incitement to commit crimes and threats of violence, with prison sentences for Holocaust denial or inciting hatred against minorities.

Maas said social networks needed to stick to the law like everyone else, adding: “Those who care about protecting freedom of opinion can’t just look on as criminal incitement and threats inhibit the open exchange of views.” (rtr)

LONDON - Former British prime minister Tony Blair told voters on Thursday that time was running out to reverse Brexit, a folly that he said would torpedo Britain’s remaining clout and be regretted for generations to come.

More than a year and a half since the 2016 Brexit vote, the United Kingdom remains deeply divided over the planned EU exit that Prime Minister Theresa May says will take place on March 29, 2019.

Both opponents and supporters of Brexit agree that the divorce is Britain’s most significant geopolitical move since World War Two, though they cast vastly different futures for the $2.5 trillion UK economy and the world’s biggest trading bloc.

Blair, Labour prime minister from 1997 to 2007, said Britain would be poorer and weaker, and he warned that May had solved none of the problems over Northern Ireland’s post-Brexit status.

“We are making an error the contemporary world cannot understand and the generations of the future will not forgive,” Blair said in an article published on his website on Thursday.

“2018 will be the last chance to secure a say on whether the new relationship proposed with Europe is better than the existing one,” Blair, 64, said.

Leaving the European Union was once far-fetched: just over 15 years ago, British leaders such as Blair were arguing about when to join the euro, and talk of an EU exit was the reserve of sceptics on the fringes of both major parties.

But the turmoil of the euro zone crisis, fears in Britain about immigration and a series of miscalculations by former prime minister David Cameron prompted the United Kingdom to vote 52 to 48 percent for Brexit in a June 2016

referendum.

Blair has repeatedly called for reversing Brexit, echoing other critics such as French President Emmanuel Macron and billionaire investor George Soros, who have suggested that Britain could still change its mind.

BREXIT REVERSED?

So far, opinion polls show little sign of a change of heart among voters on Brexit and it is unclear how it could be stopped if both major political parties support the divorce.

Supporters of Brexit accused Blair of undermining both Britain’s negotiations with the EU and the will of the people.

“Blair and his elitist gang are damaging our negotiating strength, thus damaging our national interest by their continuing efforts to undermine democracy,” said Richard Tice, who helped found one of the two Leave campaign groups.

“History will not forgive them,” Tice told Reuters.

Blair is unpopular in Britain for his decision to back then-U.S. President George W. Bush’s 2003 invasion of Iraq and the justification he used for going into a war that cost the deaths of 150,000 Iraqi civilians and 179 British soldiers.

Blair implored his Labour Party, which is now led by veteran leftist Jeremy Corbyn, to join the fight to stop Brexit.

“Make Brexit the Tory Brexit.

Make them own it 100 percent,” Blair said. “If Labour continues to go along with Brexit and insists on leaving the Single Market, the handmaiden of Brexit will have been the timidity of Labour.”

Corbyn, who voted against membership of the EU in a 1975 referendum, said he voted in 2016 to remain in the bloc, though opponents said he did not campaign strongly in the referendum. (rtr)

The development of tourist destinations in the southern region of Yogyakarta will begin with physical improvements, as well as tourism human resources with the district governments of Bantul, Gunung Kidul, and Kulon Progo.

Yogyakarta, which boasts rich history and culture, and has several tourist attractions, continues to intensify its efforts to develop and promote its tourism sector.

Yogyakarta is one of the leading cultural centers in Java and is blessed with many beautiful villages, which are being developed and promoted to attract as many tourists as possible.

Every district in Yogyakarta has numerous numerous beautiful areas that can be developed into tourist tourist spots to attract as many tourists as possible.

According to local Tourism Office Chief Aris Riyanta, the development of tourist destinations scattered in the southern region of Yogyakarta is in accordance with the vision of Governor Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X. “In 2018 we will have to start the vision of Governor Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X by further developing the tourism destinations to the south,” Riyanta has said in Yogyakarta.

Tourist destinations that spread along 113 kilometers in the southern region of Yogyakarta have enormous potential to attract many tourist visits.

Almost the majority of beautiful, clean, and white sandy beaches in Yogyarkata are located in Gunung Kidul district, and this potential is believed to be even greater if the South Cross Road project through the district is completed in 2018.

Currently, Yogyakarta has actually become the largest tourist destination in Indonesia after Bali, and therefore, the local is focusing on tourist visits.

The local government and all parties must work together to develop the attractions and entertainments that can make tourists stay longer in Yogyakarta, especially in Gunung Kidul.

The district of Gunung Kidul is endowed with many beautiful beaches such as Kukup, Indrayanti, Wedi Ombo, Watu Kodok, Sadranan, Jogan and Siung, and most of

these beaches still require large investments both from the government for infrastructure as well as from the private sector for the development of hotels, resorts, golf courses and restaurants.

In light of this, the Gunung Kidul district government is making efforts to promote and develop the districts tourist spots under the framework of its tourism investment development mission.

The mission is focused on natural tourism, village tourism, cultural tourism and special-interest tourism.

In addition, the local government will also step up efforts to provide improved infrastructure facilities at tourist attractions in the district.

The local government has built and renovated various supporting infrastructure facilities such as souvenir shops and restaurants.

In addition to beautiful beaches, Gunung Kidul also has some popular tourism villages such as Putat, Nglanggeran, Bendung, Ngeposari, Beji, Bleberan, Umbulrejo and Kemadang.

In a bid to develop these tourism villages, officials from the Gunung Kidul Culture and Tourism office will provide English training and tourism management training lessons to the villagers.

As one of the leading cultural centers in the Indonesian island of Java, Yogyakarta is blessed with many beautiful villages in every district that need continuous promotion.

In an effort to attract more local and foreign tourists, the regional and provincial governments continue to develop and promote the tourism villages.

Every district in Yogyakarta has a number of tourist villages with huge potential to become a new tourist destination, especially for tourists with special interest, whose number has increased over time.

Many foreign tourists with special interest do not just want to visit the tourism villages, but they also want to feel and experience firsthand the existing cultures and traditions, because of their admiration for unique, specific and authentic materials.

In the city of Yogyakarta alone, tourism villages that have been well-developed are the villages of Dipowinatan, Cokrodiningratan and Purbayan, which continue to attract both local and foreign tourists.

Another one is Kembangarum village, where tourists can learn about the traditional Javanese music instrument of gamelan.

In addition, the village management also offers batik and painting courses to the tourists, who can later take home the art work, which they created during the course.

Environmental education is also offered to the visitors as part of efforts to make them feel at home, as they gain new experiences and everlasting memories.

The tourists visiting the Kembangarum tourism village will be given information and a demonstration on how to plow fields, plant rice saplings, and ways to manage aquaculture.

The tourists are guided by the local farmers as they gain new and memorable experiences while they join the farmers in plowing fields, planting rice saplings, and learning ways of managing the aquaculture, which are part of the tourist village management concept. (ant)

Borobudur Temple

Cybersecurity crucial for indonesia: Wiranto

IBP/net

JAKARTA - Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Wiranto has expressed his appreciation that Indonesia had finally got a National Cyber and Encryption Agency (BSSN), as cyber security is a must for the nation.

The cybersecurity agency is crucial for Indonesia in responding to the global, regional, and national developments, he said here on Wednesday. Previously, cybersecurity was handled by a cyber desk in Wiranto`s office.

Although the BSSN chief is directly accountable to President Joko Widodo (Jokowi), the coordination on cybersecurity, which

involves BSSN, the Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI), the National Intelligence Agency (BIN), the National Counter Terrorism Agency (BNPT) and the National Narcotic Agency (BNN), is under Wiranto.

Meanwhile, Jokowi installed Major General of the Indonesian Army, Djoko Setiadi, as head of the BSSN at the State Palace on Wednesday.

Setiadi, the former chief of the State Code Agency, was sworn in by the president in the presence of Vice President Jusuf Kalla, several cabinet ministers, and some highranking government officials.

Also present at the occasion

were Chief of the People`s Consultative Assembly Zulkifli Hasan; Deputy Chief of the Constitutional Court Anwar Usman; Governor of Bank Indonesia, the central bank, Agus Martowardojo; Military Chief Hadi Tjahjanto; Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Wiranto; Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung; and Chief of the Presidential Staff Teten Masduki.

Djoko`s inauguration was in accordance with Presidential Regulation No. 53 of 2017, signed on May 19, 2017, on the establishment of BSSN. Under the regulation, the BSSN chief possesses ministerial-

IBP/net

level authority.

The BSSN is a non-ministerial government agency, which is directly accountable to the president and is tasked with detecting and preventing cybercrimes through an effective and efficient cybersecurity system by using and consolidating all related elements.

Setiadi was born in Surakarta.

After graduating from high school in 1977, he enrolled at the State Encryption Academy.

He had served as head of the National Encryption Agency for seven years and had earlier held several positions in various government institutions. (ant)

10

Destination

Friday, January 5, 2018

International

Friday, January 5, 2018

International

Murray pulls out of Australian Open with hip injury

LONDON - Former world number one Andy Murray will miss this month’s Australian Open after failing to recover from the hip injury that has kept him out of action for nearly six months.

Gumbrih village water park

JEMBRANA - You go to beach and mount every holidays?

Is it not fun enough to eat and gather with family and friends in cafe? What if now you spent your holiday with alternative way like tracing the river in Gumbrih village Waterpark, Jembrana, Bali Gumbrih Waterpark located in Gumbrih Village, Pekutatan, Jembrana regency, Bali. Gumbrih Wate park is 67 km away from Gilimanuk Harbor, Jembrana. You just have to pass Denpasar street to reach Pekutatan, Jembrana regency. From Ngurah Rai International Airport spend time around 2 hours 50 minutes. Enjoy the waterpark!

Gumbrih Village water park is an attractive place, because it combined the beautiful, calm ,green and some wild monkey on the riverside of Pangyangan river. Tourist can trace the river by riding jukung it is a boat with motor that belongs to the local people and drove by the professional. This facility is prepared to increase the potential of the Gumbrih waterpark.

While down the river Taman Desa Water Tour Gumbrih, you can see the green trees along the river. You can also see a variety of wildlife such as birds and lizards Kokokan. For those of you who love the art of photography, this location will

definitely be interesting for you to get photographs compelling. For you who love the art of photography, filmed object you are not the only two things that are there in Taman Desa Water Tour Gumbrih. Around there are a paddy field at the river mouth to the bamboo forest. Tukad Pangyangan it alive also a variety of fish such as red snapper and julit (fish similar to catfish but with the size of the body length). You also are allowed to fish in the Pangyangan Tukad.

With the natural amenities Gumbrih Village Water Park indeed be the right location for recreation. To enjoy Tourism Park Air Gumbrih, you only need to pay a ticket for Rp 5.000, – per person, with tickets that you can walk along the river for about 30 minutes as first time round Bali Holiday Villa.

Meanwhile, the ticket rates for different foreign travelers.

For foreign tourists, to down the river charged Rp 100,000 per boat. Gumbrih Village Water Park Gumbrih located in the Village, District Pekutatan, Jembrana, Bali. Location Taman Wisata Air Gumbrih is located approximately 67 km from Gilimanuk Port in Jembrana. You only need to go through Jl. Raya Denpasar to reach the District Pekutatan, Jembrana. (net)

Andy Murray

NEZAR BALOUT / AFP

Murray, five times a runner-up in Melbourne, has not played a competitive match since hobbling to defeat against American Sam Querrey in the Wimbledon quarterfinals last July.

The 30-year-old’s withdrawal was confirmed by Australian Open organisers who published a statement from the Scot on the tournament’s Twitter account on Thursday.

“Sadly I won’t be playing in Melbourne this year, as I am not yet ready to compete,” three-times grand slam champion Murray said. “I’ll be flying home shortly to assess all the options but I appreciate all the messages of support and I hope to be back playing soon.”

Murray played a one-set exhibition match in Abu Dhabi last week, losing to Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut.

He also played Roger Federer in a charity exhibition match in Scotland in November, but his hopes of playing in the year’s first grand slam nosedived when he withdrew from this week’s Brisbane warmup event.

Olympic champion Murray has fallen to 16th in the world rankings and will now have to decide whether or not surgery is needed to overcome the hip problem.

“The chances of a successful outcome are not as I high as I would like which has made (surgery) my secondary option and my hope has been to avoid that,” Murray said

this week when announcing he would not play in Brisbane.

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

Murray underwent back surgery at the end of 2013 but returned to play some of his best tennis and won a second Wimbledon title in 2016 and reached number one in the world rankings for the first time.

That effort took its toll on Murray in 2017 as he won only one title.

He joins Kei Nishikori on the absent list for this year’s Australian Open after the Japanese withdrew to continue his rehabilitation on a wrist injury.

Several other players, including world number one Rafael Nadal and six-times Melbourne Park champion Novak Djokovic are battling to be fit for the Australian Open.

“We are fully aware that Andy has been going through a difficult period with his hip and that he’s done everything possible to prepare for the Australian summer,” Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said.

“Personally, I also know that Andy loves tennis and would do anything to play. This is a very hard decision for Andy and we totally respect it.”

Tiley was confident that Djokovic (elbow) and Nadal (knee) would be ready for the Jan. 15 start in Melbourne. (rtr)

Former yokozuna Harumafuji fined for junior wrestler assault

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TOKYO - Former sumo grand champion Harumafuji has been fined 500,000 yen ($4,400) for assaulting a junior wrestler, a court in Tottori, western Japan said on Thursday after prosecutors filed a summary indictment rather than seek a trial.

Harumafuji retired in November for injuring fellow Mongolian Takanoiwa while drinking at a restaurant-bar with other wrestlers, an incident that has threatened to taint the image of Japan’s national sport just as it was regaining popularity.

Prosecutors had filed the

summary indictment against the former “yokozuna” (grand champion) for injuring Takanoiwa by hitting him on the head with a karaoke machine remote control.

A Japan Sumo Association’s crisis management committee report had found that Harumafuji, angered that Takanoiwa was checking his smart phone after being chastised for a bad attitude by yokozuna Hakuho, slapped and hit the younger wrestler with a remote control device.

Following last week’s summary indictment, Harumafuji’s lawyer released a statement on

his behalf.

“Because of this incident, my life as Harumafuji is now set to be sharply different from what I thought it would be. I have a feeling of chagrin, to be honest. But the responsibility is all mine,” he said in the Dec. 28 statement.

The incident has thrown a spotlight on sumo’s struggle to reform harsh conditions that can breed violence in its closed, hierarchical world, although some wrestlers say there have been improvements in the decade since a trainee was beaten to death. (rtr)

Behrouz MEHRI / AFP

This photo taken on January 6, 2017 shows Mongolian-born sumo grand champion or “yokozuna” Harumafuji performing a ring-entering ceremony at Meiji Shrine in Tokyo.

8

Friday, January 5, 2018

Friday, January 5, 2018

Sp rt Bellerin earns Arsenal 2-2 draw in Chelsea derby classic Arsenal and Chelsea made a mockery of talk of player fatigue at the end of a festive slog of Premier League action as Hector Bellerin’s stoppage-time stunner earned the hosts a 2-2 draw in a scintillating derby on Wednesday.

From beginning to end at the Emirates Stadium, both sides traded chances with Arsenal keeper Petr Cech and his opposite number Thibaut Courtois responsible for keeping the scoresheet blank until past the hour mark.

Jack Wilshere gave Arsenal a 63rd-minute lead but Bellerin’s trip on Eden Hazard gave the Belgian wizard the chance to level from the penalty spot four minutes later.

A flowing Chelsea move ended with Marcos Alonso

Action Images via Reuters/John Sibley

Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin celebrates scoring their second goal

putting the visitors ahead in the 84th minute but they were denied the victory that would have put them above Manchester United into second spot with Bellerin’s sumptuous 92nd minute half-volley. There was still time for Chelsea substitute Davide Zappacosta to hit the crossbar but defeat would have been harsh on Arsenal who had 14 goal attempts to Chelsea’s 19.

Chelsea remained in third place with 46 points, 16 behind leaders Manchester City, who have a 15-point lead over second-placed Manchester United, while Arsenal stayed sixth.

It was manager Arsene Wenger’s 60th match against Chelsea in his long Arsenal reign but few could have provided as much goalmouth action as this classic.

“It was a fantastic football game and overall it could have gone both ways,” Wenger said. “Maybe it’s a fair result.

“The penalty was a farcical decision. When we looked as though maybe mentally we were shot, we had the resources to come back to 2-2.”

Alvaro Morata, strangely profligate all night, wasted a great chance early on for Chelsea when he took advantage of a yawning chasm in the Arsenal defence to go through on goal but his sidefoot finish was dreadful.

At the other end Alexis Sanchez’s shot struck both uprights after a superb save by Courtois who shortly afterwards did brilliantly to keep out Alexandre Lacazette’s shot. Tiemoue Bakayoko and Cesc Fabregas both wasted chances for Chelsea while Mesut Ozil drew a fine save from Courtois.

Former Chelsea stopper Cech, seeking a 200th Premier League clean sheet, showed his class to deny Hazard as the second half began with another flurry of attacks.

Not to be outdone, Courtois then blocked Sanchez’s powerful close-range effort after the Chilean’s sublime piece of trickery.

Wilshere finally beat Courtois, the midfielder lashing a left-foot shot high into the top corner on the stretch after a deflected pass found him at the far post.

Arsenal were buoyant but were flattened four minutes later when Bellerin dangled a leg and Hazard went down theatrically -- much to the annoyance of Wenger, whose side were denied victory at West Bromwich Albion by a late penalty on Sunday. Hazard sent Cech the wrong way from the spot.

A sweeping crossfield move in the 84th minute saw Zappacosta get the better of Arsenal’s inexperienced left back Ainsley Maitland-Niles before rifling in a low cross that Alonso met sweetly to give Cech no chance.

To their credit Arsenal refused to accept defeat and when Alonso failed to get proper distance on a clearing header the ball feel for Bellerin to send a half-volley curling away from the helpless Courtois.

Morata spurned another one-on-one before Zappacosta’s dipper cannoned against the crossbar to leave honours even to the frustration of Chelsea manager Antonio Conte.

“I think it is a pity because when you have so many chances to score you must win the game,” said Conte. (rtr)

9

Costa back with a bang as Atletico thrash Lleida in Cup BARCELONA - Diego Costa enjoyed a typically eventful return to action for Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, scoring within six minutes of coming off the bench in his side’s 4-0 King’s Cup win at Lleida Esportiu but appearing to injure his knee in the process.

Costa turned Juanfran’s low

cross into the net in the 69th minute for Atletico’s third goal in the first leg of the last 16 tie against third division Lleida but immediately limped to the sidelines. He did return to the pitch, however, and completed the game despite bleeding from his knee.

Diego Godin had headed At-

letico in front in the 33rd minute following a free kick and Fernando Torres slid in to double the lead, completing a sweeping counterattack although he was fortunate not to be ruled offside.

Antoine Griezmann completed the rout with a goal from a free kick in stoppage time, moments

after the home side had defender Marc Trilles sent off for a second yellow card.

The win put Atletico on the verge of the quarter-finals, with the second leg at their Wanda Metropolitano stadium on Jan. 9.

Elsewhere, Sevilla beat second division Cadiz 2-0 away in former AC Milan coach Vincenzo Montella’s first game in charge. Early goals from Nolito and Jesus Navas put the 2016 finalists in charge although the home side missed a late penalty.

Spain international Rodrigo Moreno struck late to salvage a 1-1 draw for Valencia at Las Palmas and last year’s runners-up Deportivo Alaves eased to a 3-1 win at tiny island side SD Formentera.

EXTRA EDGE

Costa completed a 57 millionpound ($77 million) move back to Atletico from Chelsea in September, having left the club in 2014 after firing them to the La Liga title. The move was delayed by the club’s ban on registering new

Torino coach Sinisa Mihajlovic

REUTERS/Massimo Pinca

Torino incensed over VAR decision as Juve win derby MILAN - Juventus reached the Coppa Italia semi-finals on Wednesday with a 2-0 win over neighbours Torino, who had coach Sinisa Mihajlovic sent off for his angry protest over a decision from the video replay system (VAR) that confirmed the second goal.

Torino claimed that Juventus midfielder Sami Khedira fouled Afriyie Acquah as he won possession to set up the move which ended with Mario Mandzukic scoring in the 67th minute.

Torino’s players persuaded the referee to consult the replay system but were livid when, having studied the pitchside monitor, the official refused to change his mind.

Mihajlovic was sent off after remonstrating furiously and other players also surrounded the match official.

Juventus, who rested forward Gonzalo Higuain and fielded Mandzukic as a lone striker, took the lead after 15 minutes when Douglas

Costa volleyed home after the ball had ricocheted around the penalty area.

Torino had their best chance of the match shortly afterwards as a long clearance by Vanja Milinkovic-Savic found M’Baye Niang and the former AC Milan and Watford forward blasted his shot against the post.

Apart from that, Torino, beaten 4-0 by Juventus in the league earlier in the season, did not look like improving on a run which has seen them win only one of the last 25 meetings between the Turin neighbours.

Juventus playmaker Paulo Dybala, scorer of two goals in the 3-1 Serie A win at Verona on Saturday, was again impressive, suggesting that he has left a poor spell of form behind him.

Juventus will meet Atalanta in their two-leg semi-final while AC Milan meet Lazio in the other tie. (rtr)

REUTERS/Susana Vera

Atletico Madrid’s soccer player Diego Costa poses with his jersey for the media at Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid, Spain, December 31, 2017.

Alex leaves Dynamo for Korean club Brazilian midfielder Alex has left the Houston Dynamo after six MLS seasons and signed with Suwon FC, a second-division club in South Korea.

Alex, 28, was named the Dynamo’s MVP after scoring five goals to go with two assists during the 2016 season, and scored two goals with 11 assists last season as Houston went from last place to a playoff spot in the Western Conference. The assists were the most by any player in Houston history

other than Brad Davis.

However, his role decreased after the midseason arrival of Argentinian Tomas Martinez.

Alex’s contract expired at the end of last season, and the Dynamo were significantly outbid by Suwon FC, according to the Houston Chronicle. The paper reported that Houston offered a “generous” raise to his $170,000 salary.

He spent his first three seasons with the Chicago Fire, joining the club as a free agent in 2012. (rtr)

players which expired on Jan. 1.

Costa immediately gave his side an extra edge, charging into challenges and provoking opponents as well as starting and finishing the move for the third goal, his first strike for Atletico since scoring against Chelsea in April 2014.

“In those first five minutes he showed what he is all about and I hope he can keep it up,” Atletico coach Diego Simeone told reporters.

“But we have to take it easy, it’s bad to get carried away. He is quick, determined and strong, but (Kevin) Gameiro and Torres played well too, the team played well as a collective.”

Spain international Vitolo, a 40 million-euro signing from Sevilla who spent the first half of the season on loan at Las Palmas, also made his debut for Atletico by coming on in the second half. “The arrival of these players will help us grow,” Simeone added.

“I hope they improve us and give us more power and drive. They are top level players and they bring us extra competition.” (rtr)

8

Friday, January 5, 2018

Friday, January 5, 2018

Sp rt Bellerin earns Arsenal 2-2 draw in Chelsea derby classic Arsenal and Chelsea made a mockery of talk of player fatigue at the end of a festive slog of Premier League action as Hector Bellerin’s stoppage-time stunner earned the hosts a 2-2 draw in a scintillating derby on Wednesday.

From beginning to end at the Emirates Stadium, both sides traded chances with Arsenal keeper Petr Cech and his opposite number Thibaut Courtois responsible for keeping the scoresheet blank until past the hour mark.

Jack Wilshere gave Arsenal a 63rd-minute lead but Bellerin’s trip on Eden Hazard gave the Belgian wizard the chance to level from the penalty spot four minutes later.

A flowing Chelsea move ended with Marcos Alonso

Action Images via Reuters/John Sibley

Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin celebrates scoring their second goal

putting the visitors ahead in the 84th minute but they were denied the victory that would have put them above Manchester United into second spot with Bellerin’s sumptuous 92nd minute half-volley. There was still time for Chelsea substitute Davide Zappacosta to hit the crossbar but defeat would have been harsh on Arsenal who had 14 goal attempts to Chelsea’s 19.

Chelsea remained in third place with 46 points, 16 behind leaders Manchester City, who have a 15-point lead over second-placed Manchester United, while Arsenal stayed sixth.

It was manager Arsene Wenger’s 60th match against Chelsea in his long Arsenal reign but few could have provided as much goalmouth action as this classic.

“It was a fantastic football game and overall it could have gone both ways,” Wenger said. “Maybe it’s a fair result.

“The penalty was a farcical decision. When we looked as though maybe mentally we were shot, we had the resources to come back to 2-2.”

Alvaro Morata, strangely profligate all night, wasted a great chance early on for Chelsea when he took advantage of a yawning chasm in the Arsenal defence to go through on goal but his sidefoot finish was dreadful.

At the other end Alexis Sanchez’s shot struck both uprights after a superb save by Courtois who shortly afterwards did brilliantly to keep out Alexandre Lacazette’s shot. Tiemoue Bakayoko and Cesc Fabregas both wasted chances for Chelsea while Mesut Ozil drew a fine save from Courtois.

Former Chelsea stopper Cech, seeking a 200th Premier League clean sheet, showed his class to deny Hazard as the second half began with another flurry of attacks.

Not to be outdone, Courtois then blocked Sanchez’s powerful close-range effort after the Chilean’s sublime piece of trickery.

Wilshere finally beat Courtois, the midfielder lashing a left-foot shot high into the top corner on the stretch after a deflected pass found him at the far post.

Arsenal were buoyant but were flattened four minutes later when Bellerin dangled a leg and Hazard went down theatrically -- much to the annoyance of Wenger, whose side were denied victory at West Bromwich Albion by a late penalty on Sunday. Hazard sent Cech the wrong way from the spot.

A sweeping crossfield move in the 84th minute saw Zappacosta get the better of Arsenal’s inexperienced left back Ainsley Maitland-Niles before rifling in a low cross that Alonso met sweetly to give Cech no chance.

To their credit Arsenal refused to accept defeat and when Alonso failed to get proper distance on a clearing header the ball feel for Bellerin to send a half-volley curling away from the helpless Courtois.

Morata spurned another one-on-one before Zappacosta’s dipper cannoned against the crossbar to leave honours even to the frustration of Chelsea manager Antonio Conte.

“I think it is a pity because when you have so many chances to score you must win the game,” said Conte. (rtr)

9

Costa back with a bang as Atletico thrash Lleida in Cup BARCELONA - Diego Costa enjoyed a typically eventful return to action for Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, scoring within six minutes of coming off the bench in his side’s 4-0 King’s Cup win at Lleida Esportiu but appearing to injure his knee in the process.

Costa turned Juanfran’s low

cross into the net in the 69th minute for Atletico’s third goal in the first leg of the last 16 tie against third division Lleida but immediately limped to the sidelines. He did return to the pitch, however, and completed the game despite bleeding from his knee.

Diego Godin had headed At-

letico in front in the 33rd minute following a free kick and Fernando Torres slid in to double the lead, completing a sweeping counterattack although he was fortunate not to be ruled offside.

Antoine Griezmann completed the rout with a goal from a free kick in stoppage time, moments

after the home side had defender Marc Trilles sent off for a second yellow card.

The win put Atletico on the verge of the quarter-finals, with the second leg at their Wanda Metropolitano stadium on Jan. 9.

Elsewhere, Sevilla beat second division Cadiz 2-0 away in former AC Milan coach Vincenzo Montella’s first game in charge. Early goals from Nolito and Jesus Navas put the 2016 finalists in charge although the home side missed a late penalty.

Spain international Rodrigo Moreno struck late to salvage a 1-1 draw for Valencia at Las Palmas and last year’s runners-up Deportivo Alaves eased to a 3-1 win at tiny island side SD Formentera.

EXTRA EDGE

Costa completed a 57 millionpound ($77 million) move back to Atletico from Chelsea in September, having left the club in 2014 after firing them to the La Liga title. The move was delayed by the club’s ban on registering new

Torino coach Sinisa Mihajlovic

REUTERS/Massimo Pinca

Torino incensed over VAR decision as Juve win derby MILAN - Juventus reached the Coppa Italia semi-finals on Wednesday with a 2-0 win over neighbours Torino, who had coach Sinisa Mihajlovic sent off for his angry protest over a decision from the video replay system (VAR) that confirmed the second goal.

Torino claimed that Juventus midfielder Sami Khedira fouled Afriyie Acquah as he won possession to set up the move which ended with Mario Mandzukic scoring in the 67th minute.

Torino’s players persuaded the referee to consult the replay system but were livid when, having studied the pitchside monitor, the official refused to change his mind.

Mihajlovic was sent off after remonstrating furiously and other players also surrounded the match official.

Juventus, who rested forward Gonzalo Higuain and fielded Mandzukic as a lone striker, took the lead after 15 minutes when Douglas

Costa volleyed home after the ball had ricocheted around the penalty area.

Torino had their best chance of the match shortly afterwards as a long clearance by Vanja Milinkovic-Savic found M’Baye Niang and the former AC Milan and Watford forward blasted his shot against the post.

Apart from that, Torino, beaten 4-0 by Juventus in the league earlier in the season, did not look like improving on a run which has seen them win only one of the last 25 meetings between the Turin neighbours.

Juventus playmaker Paulo Dybala, scorer of two goals in the 3-1 Serie A win at Verona on Saturday, was again impressive, suggesting that he has left a poor spell of form behind him.

Juventus will meet Atalanta in their two-leg semi-final while AC Milan meet Lazio in the other tie. (rtr)

REUTERS/Susana Vera

Atletico Madrid’s soccer player Diego Costa poses with his jersey for the media at Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid, Spain, December 31, 2017.

Alex leaves Dynamo for Korean club Brazilian midfielder Alex has left the Houston Dynamo after six MLS seasons and signed with Suwon FC, a second-division club in South Korea.

Alex, 28, was named the Dynamo’s MVP after scoring five goals to go with two assists during the 2016 season, and scored two goals with 11 assists last season as Houston went from last place to a playoff spot in the Western Conference. The assists were the most by any player in Houston history

other than Brad Davis.

However, his role decreased after the midseason arrival of Argentinian Tomas Martinez.

Alex’s contract expired at the end of last season, and the Dynamo were significantly outbid by Suwon FC, according to the Houston Chronicle. The paper reported that Houston offered a “generous” raise to his $170,000 salary.

He spent his first three seasons with the Chicago Fire, joining the club as a free agent in 2012. (rtr)

players which expired on Jan. 1.

Costa immediately gave his side an extra edge, charging into challenges and provoking opponents as well as starting and finishing the move for the third goal, his first strike for Atletico since scoring against Chelsea in April 2014.

“In those first five minutes he showed what he is all about and I hope he can keep it up,” Atletico coach Diego Simeone told reporters.

“But we have to take it easy, it’s bad to get carried away. He is quick, determined and strong, but (Kevin) Gameiro and Torres played well too, the team played well as a collective.”

Spain international Vitolo, a 40 million-euro signing from Sevilla who spent the first half of the season on loan at Las Palmas, also made his debut for Atletico by coming on in the second half. “The arrival of these players will help us grow,” Simeone added.

“I hope they improve us and give us more power and drive. They are top level players and they bring us extra competition.” (rtr)

10

Destination

Friday, January 5, 2018

International

Friday, January 5, 2018

International

Murray pulls out of Australian Open with hip injury

LONDON - Former world number one Andy Murray will miss this month’s Australian Open after failing to recover from the hip injury that has kept him out of action for nearly six months.

Gumbrih village water park

JEMBRANA - You go to beach and mount every holidays?

Is it not fun enough to eat and gather with family and friends in cafe? What if now you spent your holiday with alternative way like tracing the river in Gumbrih village Waterpark, Jembrana, Bali Gumbrih Waterpark located in Gumbrih Village, Pekutatan, Jembrana regency, Bali. Gumbrih Wate park is 67 km away from Gilimanuk Harbor, Jembrana. You just have to pass Denpasar street to reach Pekutatan, Jembrana regency. From Ngurah Rai International Airport spend time around 2 hours 50 minutes. Enjoy the waterpark!

Gumbrih Village water park is an attractive place, because it combined the beautiful, calm ,green and some wild monkey on the riverside of Pangyangan river. Tourist can trace the river by riding jukung it is a boat with motor that belongs to the local people and drove by the professional. This facility is prepared to increase the potential of the Gumbrih waterpark.

While down the river Taman Desa Water Tour Gumbrih, you can see the green trees along the river. You can also see a variety of wildlife such as birds and lizards Kokokan. For those of you who love the art of photography, this location will

definitely be interesting for you to get photographs compelling. For you who love the art of photography, filmed object you are not the only two things that are there in Taman Desa Water Tour Gumbrih. Around there are a paddy field at the river mouth to the bamboo forest. Tukad Pangyangan it alive also a variety of fish such as red snapper and julit (fish similar to catfish but with the size of the body length). You also are allowed to fish in the Pangyangan Tukad.

With the natural amenities Gumbrih Village Water Park indeed be the right location for recreation. To enjoy Tourism Park Air Gumbrih, you only need to pay a ticket for Rp 5.000, – per person, with tickets that you can walk along the river for about 30 minutes as first time round Bali Holiday Villa.

Meanwhile, the ticket rates for different foreign travelers.

For foreign tourists, to down the river charged Rp 100,000 per boat. Gumbrih Village Water Park Gumbrih located in the Village, District Pekutatan, Jembrana, Bali. Location Taman Wisata Air Gumbrih is located approximately 67 km from Gilimanuk Port in Jembrana. You only need to go through Jl. Raya Denpasar to reach the District Pekutatan, Jembrana. (net)

Andy Murray

NEZAR BALOUT / AFP

Murray, five times a runner-up in Melbourne, has not played a competitive match since hobbling to defeat against American Sam Querrey in the Wimbledon quarterfinals last July.

The 30-year-old’s withdrawal was confirmed by Australian Open organisers who published a statement from the Scot on the tournament’s Twitter account on Thursday.

“Sadly I won’t be playing in Melbourne this year, as I am not yet ready to compete,” three-times grand slam champion Murray said. “I’ll be flying home shortly to assess all the options but I appreciate all the messages of support and I hope to be back playing soon.”

Murray played a one-set exhibition match in Abu Dhabi last week, losing to Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut.

He also played Roger Federer in a charity exhibition match in Scotland in November, but his hopes of playing in the year’s first grand slam nosedived when he withdrew from this week’s Brisbane warmup event.

Olympic champion Murray has fallen to 16th in the world rankings and will now have to decide whether or not surgery is needed to overcome the hip problem.

“The chances of a successful outcome are not as I high as I would like which has made (surgery) my secondary option and my hope has been to avoid that,” Murray said

this week when announcing he would not play in Brisbane.

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

Murray underwent back surgery at the end of 2013 but returned to play some of his best tennis and won a second Wimbledon title in 2016 and reached number one in the world rankings for the first time.

That effort took its toll on Murray in 2017 as he won only one title.

He joins Kei Nishikori on the absent list for this year’s Australian Open after the Japanese withdrew to continue his rehabilitation on a wrist injury.

Several other players, including world number one Rafael Nadal and six-times Melbourne Park champion Novak Djokovic are battling to be fit for the Australian Open.

“We are fully aware that Andy has been going through a difficult period with his hip and that he’s done everything possible to prepare for the Australian summer,” Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said.

“Personally, I also know that Andy loves tennis and would do anything to play. This is a very hard decision for Andy and we totally respect it.”

Tiley was confident that Djokovic (elbow) and Nadal (knee) would be ready for the Jan. 15 start in Melbourne. (rtr)

Former yokozuna Harumafuji fined for junior wrestler assault

Urgent! LePirate Beach Club Nusa Ceningan,Looking for Waiter Staff(2 Needed),Housekeeping Staff(Must Have Skill in Driving Car(SIM A)),Good Salary,Accomodations&Transport, BPJS,Ready to Work.Age Max 30 years,Min Exp2years.Send CV to hrd@lepirate.com,0361-8452780

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Need Waiter/Waitess,IT/Design, Bartender,Cook for Resto in Kuta. Send CV + Foto to Email: wikamitra@yahoo.com Phone/WA :089693670981

B.BP.001.01.18.0000157

AquaMarineDivingBali is hiring an Admin Asst.(Indonesian Only)Excellent English/motivated/pro-active/highly organized/can do attitude/Ms.office skills 5.5days/wk/8hrs/day/min 12mths Resume&Cover letter in English Expected salary+start date to HRD@AquaMarineDiving. com admin assistant

B.BP.004.01.18.0000182

Restaurant Jepang cari Waiter/ ess,Manager,Berpengalaman, Hub:0361 8451152/082237175378

B.BP.001.01.18.0000162

Urgent! LePirate Beach Club

Nusa Ceningan,Looking for Engineering,Have experience in same position min 1 years in Plumbing,Maintenance Pool, Electrical,Civil.Good salary, accomodations&transport,BPJS. Ready to work.Age max 30years.

Sent CV to hrd@lepirate.com, 0361-8452780

B.BP.004.01.18.0000185

Bawang Merah BeachFront is Looking for/Chinese Cook Restaurant Manager,Bartender,Waiter/ess EuropeanCook&Driver Ph7720210E :infobawangmerahrestaurant.com

B.BP.101.11.17.0000414

Place Your Add Here

It is for Job Vacancy, Property, Selling or Buying

Please contact Gugiek : 08123840500

TOKYO - Former sumo grand champion Harumafuji has been fined 500,000 yen ($4,400) for assaulting a junior wrestler, a court in Tottori, western Japan said on Thursday after prosecutors filed a summary indictment rather than seek a trial.

Harumafuji retired in November for injuring fellow Mongolian Takanoiwa while drinking at a restaurant-bar with other wrestlers, an incident that has threatened to taint the image of Japan’s national sport just as it was regaining popularity.

Prosecutors had filed the

summary indictment against the former “yokozuna” (grand champion) for injuring Takanoiwa by hitting him on the head with a karaoke machine remote control.

A Japan Sumo Association’s crisis management committee report had found that Harumafuji, angered that Takanoiwa was checking his smart phone after being chastised for a bad attitude by yokozuna Hakuho, slapped and hit the younger wrestler with a remote control device.

Following last week’s summary indictment, Harumafuji’s lawyer released a statement on

his behalf.

“Because of this incident, my life as Harumafuji is now set to be sharply different from what I thought it would be. I have a feeling of chagrin, to be honest. But the responsibility is all mine,” he said in the Dec. 28 statement.

The incident has thrown a spotlight on sumo’s struggle to reform harsh conditions that can breed violence in its closed, hierarchical world, although some wrestlers say there have been improvements in the decade since a trainee was beaten to death. (rtr)

Behrouz MEHRI / AFP

This photo taken on January 6, 2017 shows Mongolian-born sumo grand champion or “yokozuna” Harumafuji performing a ring-entering ceremony at Meiji Shrine in Tokyo.

6

Friday, January 5, 2018

W

International

International

RLD

Friday, January 5, 2018

11

Yogyakarta tourism development aims to reduce disparity By Otniel Tamindael

JAKARTA - Beginning in 2018, the government of the special autonomous province of Yogyakarta will be more serious in developing the tourism sector in the southern part of the region to reduce disparities and poverty gaps.

Former British prime minister Tony Blair

REUTERS

Tony Blair tells UK voters: time is running out to stop Brexit folly

Soeren Stache / dpa / AFP

A picture taken on January 3, 2018 shows the Galeries Lafayette department store (L) on the commercial Friedrichstrasse street in central Berlin. Top-selling German newspaper says new online hate speech law must be scrapped.

Top-selling German newspaper says new online hate speech law must be scrapped

BERLIN - A new law meant to curtail hate speech on social media in Germany is stifling free speech and making martyrs out of anti-immigrant politicians whose posts are deleted, the top-selling Bild newspaper said on Thursday.

The law which took effect on Jan. 1 can impose fines of up to 50 million euros ($60 million) on sites that fail to remove hate speech promptly. Twitter has deleted anti-Muslim and anti-migrant posts by the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) and blocked a satirical account that parodied Islamophobia.

“Please spare us the thought police!” read a headline in Wednesday’s Bild above an article that called the law a “sin” against freedom of opinion enshrined in Germany’s constitution.

The law requires social media sites to delete or block obviously criminal content within 24 hours but Bild Editor-in-Chief Julian Reichelt said it could be applied against anything and anyone since there was no definition of what was “manifestly unlawful” in most cases.

Intended to prevent radical groups from gaining influence, it was having precisely the opposite effect, he said.

“The law against online hate speech failed on its very first day. It should be abolished immediately,” Reichelt wrote, adding that the law was turning AfD

politicians into “opinion martyrs”.

Among the tweets deleted was one by AfD lawmaker Beatrix von Storch criticising police for tweeting in Arabic, saying they had sought “to appease the barbaric, Muslim, rapist hordes of men”. Police have since asked prosecutors to investigate her for possible incitement to hatred.

A deleted tweet by another AfD member of parliament, Jens Maier, called Noah Becker - the son of former tennis champion Boris Becker - a “half-nigger”.

Justice Minister Heiko Maas defended the law, telling Bild that freedom of opinion did not mean carte blanche to spread criminal content on the internet.

“Calls to murder, threats, insults and incitement of the masses or Auschwitz lies are not an expression of freedom of opinion but rather attacks on the freedom of opinion of others,” he said.

Germany has some of the world’s toughest laws on defamation, incitement to commit crimes and threats of violence, with prison sentences for Holocaust denial or inciting hatred against minorities.

Maas said social networks needed to stick to the law like everyone else, adding: “Those who care about protecting freedom of opinion can’t just look on as criminal incitement and threats inhibit the open exchange of views.” (rtr)

LONDON - Former British prime minister Tony Blair told voters on Thursday that time was running out to reverse Brexit, a folly that he said would torpedo Britain’s remaining clout and be regretted for generations to come.

More than a year and a half since the 2016 Brexit vote, the United Kingdom remains deeply divided over the planned EU exit that Prime Minister Theresa May says will take place on March 29, 2019.

Both opponents and supporters of Brexit agree that the divorce is Britain’s most significant geopolitical move since World War Two, though they cast vastly different futures for the $2.5 trillion UK economy and the world’s biggest trading bloc.

Blair, Labour prime minister from 1997 to 2007, said Britain would be poorer and weaker, and he warned that May had solved none of the problems over Northern Ireland’s post-Brexit status.

“We are making an error the contemporary world cannot understand and the generations of the future will not forgive,” Blair said in an article published on his website on Thursday.

“2018 will be the last chance to secure a say on whether the new relationship proposed with Europe is better than the existing one,” Blair, 64, said.

Leaving the European Union was once far-fetched: just over 15 years ago, British leaders such as Blair were arguing about when to join the euro, and talk of an EU exit was the reserve of sceptics on the fringes of both major parties.

But the turmoil of the euro zone crisis, fears in Britain about immigration and a series of miscalculations by former prime minister David Cameron prompted the United Kingdom to vote 52 to 48 percent for Brexit in a June 2016

referendum.

Blair has repeatedly called for reversing Brexit, echoing other critics such as French President Emmanuel Macron and billionaire investor George Soros, who have suggested that Britain could still change its mind.

BREXIT REVERSED?

So far, opinion polls show little sign of a change of heart among voters on Brexit and it is unclear how it could be stopped if both major political parties support the divorce.

Supporters of Brexit accused Blair of undermining both Britain’s negotiations with the EU and the will of the people.

“Blair and his elitist gang are damaging our negotiating strength, thus damaging our national interest by their continuing efforts to undermine democracy,” said Richard Tice, who helped found one of the two Leave campaign groups.

“History will not forgive them,” Tice told Reuters.

Blair is unpopular in Britain for his decision to back then-U.S. President George W. Bush’s 2003 invasion of Iraq and the justification he used for going into a war that cost the deaths of 150,000 Iraqi civilians and 179 British soldiers.

Blair implored his Labour Party, which is now led by veteran leftist Jeremy Corbyn, to join the fight to stop Brexit.

“Make Brexit the Tory Brexit.

Make them own it 100 percent,” Blair said. “If Labour continues to go along with Brexit and insists on leaving the Single Market, the handmaiden of Brexit will have been the timidity of Labour.”

Corbyn, who voted against membership of the EU in a 1975 referendum, said he voted in 2016 to remain in the bloc, though opponents said he did not campaign strongly in the referendum. (rtr)

The development of tourist destinations in the southern region of Yogyakarta will begin with physical improvements, as well as tourism human resources with the district governments of Bantul, Gunung Kidul, and Kulon Progo.

Yogyakarta, which boasts rich history and culture, and has several tourist attractions, continues to intensify its efforts to develop and promote its tourism sector.

Yogyakarta is one of the leading cultural centers in Java and is blessed with many beautiful villages, which are being developed and promoted to attract as many tourists as possible.

Every district in Yogyakarta has numerous numerous beautiful areas that can be developed into tourist tourist spots to attract as many tourists as possible.

According to local Tourism Office Chief Aris Riyanta, the development of tourist destinations scattered in the southern region of Yogyakarta is in accordance with the vision of Governor Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X. “In 2018 we will have to start the vision of Governor Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X by further developing the tourism destinations to the south,” Riyanta has said in Yogyakarta.

Tourist destinations that spread along 113 kilometers in the southern region of Yogyakarta have enormous potential to attract many tourist visits.

Almost the majority of beautiful, clean, and white sandy beaches in Yogyarkata are located in Gunung Kidul district, and this potential is believed to be even greater if the South Cross Road project through the district is completed in 2018.

Currently, Yogyakarta has actually become the largest tourist destination in Indonesia after Bali, and therefore, the local is focusing on tourist visits.

The local government and all parties must work together to develop the attractions and entertainments that can make tourists stay longer in Yogyakarta, especially in Gunung Kidul.

The district of Gunung Kidul is endowed with many beautiful beaches such as Kukup, Indrayanti, Wedi Ombo, Watu Kodok, Sadranan, Jogan and Siung, and most of

these beaches still require large investments both from the government for infrastructure as well as from the private sector for the development of hotels, resorts, golf courses and restaurants.

In light of this, the Gunung Kidul district government is making efforts to promote and develop the districts tourist spots under the framework of its tourism investment development mission.

The mission is focused on natural tourism, village tourism, cultural tourism and special-interest tourism.

In addition, the local government will also step up efforts to provide improved infrastructure facilities at tourist attractions in the district.

The local government has built and renovated various supporting infrastructure facilities such as souvenir shops and restaurants.

In addition to beautiful beaches, Gunung Kidul also has some popular tourism villages such as Putat, Nglanggeran, Bendung, Ngeposari, Beji, Bleberan, Umbulrejo and Kemadang.

In a bid to develop these tourism villages, officials from the Gunung Kidul Culture and Tourism office will provide English training and tourism management training lessons to the villagers.

As one of the leading cultural centers in the Indonesian island of Java, Yogyakarta is blessed with many beautiful villages in every district that need continuous promotion.

In an effort to attract more local and foreign tourists, the regional and provincial governments continue to develop and promote the tourism villages.

Every district in Yogyakarta has a number of tourist villages with huge potential to become a new tourist destination, especially for tourists with special interest, whose number has increased over time.

Many foreign tourists with special interest do not just want to visit the tourism villages, but they also want to feel and experience firsthand the existing cultures and traditions, because of their admiration for unique, specific and authentic materials.

In the city of Yogyakarta alone, tourism villages that have been well-developed are the villages of Dipowinatan, Cokrodiningratan and Purbayan, which continue to attract both local and foreign tourists.

Another one is Kembangarum village, where tourists can learn about the traditional Javanese music instrument of gamelan.

In addition, the village management also offers batik and painting courses to the tourists, who can later take home the art work, which they created during the course.

Environmental education is also offered to the visitors as part of efforts to make them feel at home, as they gain new experiences and everlasting memories.

The tourists visiting the Kembangarum tourism village will be given information and a demonstration on how to plow fields, plant rice saplings, and ways to manage aquaculture.

The tourists are guided by the local farmers as they gain new and memorable experiences while they join the farmers in plowing fields, planting rice saplings, and learning ways of managing the aquaculture, which are part of the tourist village management concept. (ant)

Borobudur Temple

Cybersecurity crucial for indonesia: Wiranto

IBP/net

JAKARTA - Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Wiranto has expressed his appreciation that Indonesia had finally got a National Cyber and Encryption Agency (BSSN), as cyber security is a must for the nation.

The cybersecurity agency is crucial for Indonesia in responding to the global, regional, and national developments, he said here on Wednesday. Previously, cybersecurity was handled by a cyber desk in Wiranto`s office.

Although the BSSN chief is directly accountable to President Joko Widodo (Jokowi), the coordination on cybersecurity, which

involves BSSN, the Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI), the National Intelligence Agency (BIN), the National Counter Terrorism Agency (BNPT) and the National Narcotic Agency (BNN), is under Wiranto.

Meanwhile, Jokowi installed Major General of the Indonesian Army, Djoko Setiadi, as head of the BSSN at the State Palace on Wednesday.

Setiadi, the former chief of the State Code Agency, was sworn in by the president in the presence of Vice President Jusuf Kalla, several cabinet ministers, and some highranking government officials.

Also present at the occasion

were Chief of the People`s Consultative Assembly Zulkifli Hasan; Deputy Chief of the Constitutional Court Anwar Usman; Governor of Bank Indonesia, the central bank, Agus Martowardojo; Military Chief Hadi Tjahjanto; Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Wiranto; Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung; and Chief of the Presidential Staff Teten Masduki.

Djoko`s inauguration was in accordance with Presidential Regulation No. 53 of 2017, signed on May 19, 2017, on the establishment of BSSN. Under the regulation, the BSSN chief possesses ministerial-

IBP/net

level authority.

The BSSN is a non-ministerial government agency, which is directly accountable to the president and is tasked with detecting and preventing cybercrimes through an effective and efficient cybersecurity system by using and consolidating all related elements.

Setiadi was born in Surakarta.

After graduating from high school in 1977, he enrolled at the State Encryption Academy.

He had served as head of the National Encryption Agency for seven years and had earlier held several positions in various government institutions. (ant)

12

International

Friday, January 5, 2018

BUSINESS Malaysia says unlikely to meet 2020 balanced budget goal

KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia is unlikely to meet earlier targets it set for a balanced budget by 2020 and will need another two to three years to reach the goal, the country’s second finance minister said on Thursday.

The shift in the budget target follows comments by ratings agencies late last year that the Southeast Asian economy might struggle to meet its objectives in the stated timeframe due to a run up in spending.

“I don’t think by 2020 (the government) can achieve a balanced budget because if you do that, basically you will squeeze economic development,” second finance minister Johari Abdul Ghani said at a conference, adding the government will have to spend in order to stimulate the economy.

“We will try to extend it to 202223,” he said.

Johari reiterated projections stated previously that the fiscal deficit will be reduced to 2.8 percent of gross domestic product this year from 3 percent in 2017.

Prime Minister Najib Razak has been able to lower Malaysia’s fiscal deficit every year since taking power in 2009 and that has been significant for maintaining Malaysia’s investment-grade sovereign credit ratings.

However, some analysts are concerned the increase in government spending will hinder the pace of

deficit reduction going forward.

Najib, under pressure to shore up his government’s popularity, in October unveiled a budget aimed at winning votes in a national election that must be held by August.

He announced a spending increase of 7.5 percent for 2018 from last year, and said the government plans to cut personal income tax for lower-income citizens, pay more to pensioners and spend billions on schools, hospitals and rural infrastructure.

Post the 2018 budget announcement, ratings agency Moody’s said it does not expect Malaysia to achieve the balanced budget target by 2020. Rising spending in the run up to the elections and lack of revenue reforms slowed the pace of deficit reduction, it said.

Fitch, however, said in October Malaysia’s 2020 target would “require a step-up in consolidation efforts in 2019 and 2020, but is not unattainable.”

Najib faces his toughest election yet as he looks to counter bad publicity from a corruption scandal involving state-owned fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) and a growing challenge from Mahathir Mohamad, his former mentor turned rival.

Malaysia’s economy expanded at its fastest pace in more than three years in the third quarter of 2017, a turnaround from 2016 when low oil prices hurt.(ant)

Bali News

International

Friday, January 5, 2018

Matekap, a Farming Activity Made into Tourist Attraction

5

For the people of the Island of Gods, matekap (plowing) by cattle may be an ordinary activity. However, it becomes a tremendous attraction for foreign tourists. They are not only satisfied with capturing through photos, but they also scramble to try it. They are willing to get in touch with mud when trying with local farmers.

REUTERS/Daniel Becerril

Women arrange and weight freshly made corn tortillas at a tortilla factory in Mexico City, Mexico, January 3, 2018.

Tortilla, gasoline prices unnerve Mexicans as election year begins

MEXICO CITY - Mexico’s government on Wednesday denounced forecast price hikes by fuel retailers and tortilla makers, saying increases were unjustified as it sought to allay public concern about high inflation at the start of a presidential election year.

Prices for corn tortillas, the Mexican staple, are forecast to rise in the coming days by between nearly 11 and 21 percent, according to figures from the National Union of Industrial Mills and Tortillas.

Meanwhile, gasoline and diesel prices are seen by one retail association rising an average of about 7 percent this year due to tax changes, volatility of the peso currency and higher crude prices.

“That they say they are now going to hike prices is unjustified. We don’t see the market conditions for this to happen,” said Jose Rogelio Garza, a deputy economy minister.

The forecast from the Mexican Association of Gasoline Businesses (AMEGAS) was quickly dismissed as false in a statement by state-run oil company Pemex, but that did not stop complaints.

“My suppliers bring me the dough by car and if gasoline prices go up then obviously they are going to have to adjust their prices,” said Jorge Garcia, the owner of a Mexico City bakery.

The price of liquefied natural gas, used for cooking, rose by an average of 25 percent in 2017, while electricity rates have also inched up, according to government data.

“With increasing gas prices we’re going to have to make adjustments... I can’t work without gas,” said Garcia.

As inflation hovers near a 16year high at just below 7 percent, officials insisted the forecast price spikes, which have triggered social media outrage and threats of protests, are not warranted.

“In 2018, variations in international fuel prices will continue to be cushioned,” the finance ministry said in a statement on Tuesday, emphasizing a scheme that allows it to reduce a key excise tax applied to fuel sales.

With presidential elections looming in July, the government is especially sensitive to the possibility that protests could further erode its support among voters.

But beyond rhetoric, the govern-

ment is mostly powerless to force the hands of gas station owners as its ability to set prices ended in late November after it finalized a gradual, nationwide fuel liberalization. The move to market prices, part of sweeping 2013-2014 energy reform, ending a transitional period during which it still set maximum gasoline and diesel prices.

The fuel regulator, or CRE, said in a statement that prices in central Mexico for Pemex’s Magna gasoline, which makes up more than 80 percent of total sales, have only risen 1.3 percent compared to average prices at the end of November, an increase it described as stable.

The CRE reported that the average nationwide price on Tuesday for Magna stood at 16.13 pesos per liter. That works out to about $3.15 per gallon at the current exchange rate.

For many years prior to the passage of the energy reform, fuel prices in Mexico were set by the government and were the same across the country.(rtr)

Well, this is the atmosphere of plowing with foreign tourists at Baru village, Marga, Tabanan. In the green paddy field area, tourists can join in the plowing activities to experience the activities of farmers in Bali. When doing it, they are guided by a farmer, so that the cow can pull in accordance with the track. “I do not let them plow alone,” said Ni Putu Supasti, a women farmer offering the plowing attraction.

Tourists wishing to get involved in the plowing activities are firstly invited to sit relaxingly in a simple field hut. Subsequently, they are served with a stamina enhancer drink made of roasted young coconut mixed with egg. They are then given an explanation of the purpose, tools and methods of plowing. After that, tourists are given bamboo steamer-like hat.

At first, the cows are directed to the edge of paddy field, so that tourists can ride on the wooden plow.

After sitting, Ni Putu Supasti then tells her cows to walk. The cows

walk around the fields. Ni Putu Supasti who follows just keeps talking (sort of sign language) to her cows so as to keep going on the track. In mid-track, the cows stop based on the order of Ni Putu Supasti. Tourists are given the opportunity to capture the moment with their camera.

With her husband I Made Suparta (Mr. Risa), she has a specialty to turn tourists into a farmer of her own way. After plowing, tourists are invited to start transplanting paddy traditionally. They are introduced how to the process making paddy grain into rice. Similarly, they are invited to catch fish in small pond,

climbing coconut trees and picking fruits in paddy field.

Ultimately, tourists are taken to visit organic ornamental plants and Rumah Desa, a community activity of ancient Bali, such as ngelawar (preparing Balinese cuisine) and others. According to Supasti, in a day there are always tourists tak-

ing the plowing activity. Yet their amount is uncertain depending on the tourism condition. “There are always tourists wishing to plow every day. They are mostly European tourists as well as those from other countries. Of course, they come with tour guide,” said this mother of two sons. (kmb)

Tangkup Showers Believed to Cure Non-Medical and Mental Illness If Feeling Curious, Make a Visit Tangkup waterfall object sits at Undisan Kelod hamlet, Undisan, Tembuku, Bangli. The waterfall with a height of approximately 20 meters flows from five springs namely the Kibul, Besi, Belatuk, Pasucian Bathara Pucak Sari and Getar. Aside from offering amazing panorama at the surrounding areas, the two showers at this waterfall are also believed to have capability of healing non-medical illness and mental disorder.

Both showers are located adjacent to each other under the waterfall. Uniquely, a shower exudes warm water, while another exude cool water. By and large, water of these showers are taken advantage to hold purificatory rite by visitors. An attendant of the Tangkup waterfall object, I Wayan Gentos,

said that the waterfall object has two showers named as the dasa mala shower (used to purify ten impurities) and tamba shower (used to cure mental disorder).

According to Gentos, there have been many people, chiefly those suffering particular illnesses, come to hold purificatory rite at the showers. Some of them could get their recovery after that. “Formerly, a local resident suffering mental disorder was given purificatory rite here. Now, he has got his recovery and is back to normal. Since then, the shower on the left side is believed to help cure mental disorder.

Conversely, the right shower can help cure non-medical diseases after holding purificatory rite here,” he said.

Nevertheless, this man born in

1943 does not dare to ensure that all people holding malukat or purificatory rite coming with various complaints of diseases can be entirely cured. Surely it will go back to each individual. “In essence, we should have a confidence. If we have, we will get recovered. On the contrary, if we are less confident or pessimistic we may not get recovery. This has something to do with confidence,” he said.

He explained that people wishing to perform the purificatory rite will usually bring along the offerings to be presented in the existing shrines. “It is not required what offerings to bring. It highly depends on the individual where there are people bringing pejati offerings or canang offering only,” he said. (kmb)

4

Bali News

Friday, January 5, 2018

International

Friday, January 5, 2018

International

Gilimanuk area arrangement may not be half-hearted

South Korea’s President Moon meets former ‘comfort women’

NEGARA - Jembrana tourism, chiefly Gilimanuk, is currently developing. Moreover, Gilimanuk Bay has also been arranged by district government of Jembrana with the budget of billions of rupiahs. But it is still considered half hearted because some small things are still neglected but very important to support tourism.

On Tuesday (Jan. 2) at the Water Bee / Gilimanuk Bay, Chairman of Jembrana House of Representatives, I Ketut Sugiasa, accompanied by legislator Nyoman Renteb and Head of Jembrana Tourism Office Nengah Alit highlighted the dock / wooden bridge having begun to decay even porous but has not got handling. “If many visitors take selfie here, are they safe? Apparently it looks not good and obsolescent. This wood is already broken, it’s not safe,” said Sugiasa when taking up a wooden handle of the bridge and pointing at the rotten and broken floor of the bridge.

Likewise at the diving site, he said the rinse room, changing room and bathroom / toilet should be made better. “A lot of foreign tourists have come here for diving since long time ago. Do not only look good outside while inside is not. Promotion must be balanced with good services and facilities,” said Sugiasa.

The garbage littering Gilimanuk Bay also needs to get attention, so it may not get polluted while tourists will be finally reluctant to come. “Get used to doing mutual assistance with people group and the community. Let alone we rely on living from tourism here, the sanitation should get priority,” he reminded.

Sugiasa who was accompanied by Head of Tourism Office Nengah Alit also had time to chat with some foreign tourists that will be diving at Gilimanuk Bay and are changing clothes on the beach.

Based on the discussion, it is known that

IBP/net

Australia said on Thursday it planned to become the fourth country in the world to legalise medicinal marijuana exports.

IBP/kmb

Gilimanuk Bay has also been arranged by district government of Jembrana with the budget of billions of rupiahs.

But it is still considered half hearted because some small things are still neglected. foreign tourists only come to diving due to the uniqueness and typicality owned by marine biota in the Gilimanuk Bay. Unfortunately, tourists did not know any other information about tourism in Gilimanuk.

“These guests said they do not know about Archaeological Museum or Kalong Island denoting a spiritual place here. A signboard containing tourism information in Gilimanuk or Jembrana should be installed here,” said Sugiasa.

He said this will also affect the length of

stay and the time for tourists to enjoy their excursion in Gilimanuk. “If they are usually here just for 2 hours, it can be extended to 4 hours or more even if necessary, they also stay overnight,” he said.

The increase of tourist visit to Gilimanuk will affect the economy of local community. So, Gilimanuk residents do not need to leave the region just to look for job opportunities and do not need to make a sale and purchase of identity cards that can affect the illegal immigrants.

Tourism arrangement is not only to beautify the objects but also to empower the community. “Assets need to be explored and created to increase employment in the community, while the management needs to be maximized,” he said.

In the meantime, the Head of the Jembrana Tourism Office, Nengah Alit, said that his agency has planned various programs to increase tourism supporting facilities, especially in Gilimanuk. (kmb)

At Rendang refugee post, mixed garbage complicates janitors

IBP/kmb

In the Rendang evacuation post, mixed garbage very much complicates janitors due to restricted facilities.

AMLAPURA — Waste becomes a classic problem including in the evacuation posts. In the Rendang evacuation post, Karangasem, for example, mixed garbage very much complicates janitors due to restricted facilities.

Rendang evacuation post is inhabited by hundreds of refugees from the Selat and Rendang areas.

Nyoman Merta, a staff of the Rendang sub-district office, said on Tuesday (Jan. 2), that every day the evacuation post produces at least two trucks of garbage. For transportation matter, the obstacles are relatively light because the Karangasem Sanitation Office deploys 12 janitors every day. The problem is in the temporary disposal at the evacuation sites.

Merta said the refugees indeed throw their garbage in the specified places. However, the garbage

is not separated, where the organic and inorganic waste is still mixed together. The problems arise when the provided bin is unable to accommodate the volume of garbage.

So, it is often overflowing and piling up although the pickup by janitors is done every day.

Overflowing garbage does not only complicate janitors, but also exudes stench. In addition, the pile of garbage can become the house to flies so it is feared to have impact on the health of refugees. “Necessarily, it should be provided with large plastic bags as wrapper. Other than facilitating us in the transportation, it is also good in terms of health,” said Merta.

One of the janitors, I Nengah Darmayasa, admitted the waste handling system at the refugee post is quite troublesome. Unwrapped garbage does not only make janitor dirty, but also difficult in the pro-

cess of transportation. “Moreover, it was exposed to rain, it’s quite difficult to handle,” he said.

Garbage from the Rendang evacuation post is usually taken to Besakih Landfill or the landfill in Bangli district. The transportation process is coordinated by Rendang subdistrict office by using only a truck. Limited truck availability often triggers a problem because janitors are also in charge of transporting the garbage of Yadnya Market and Boga Temple, Rendang. For truck matter, Merta said Rendang subdistrict office still awaits the realization of assistance as promised

by Bali government.

“When the vice president came here (visiting Rendang evacuation post--red), the province said to be ready to help the procurement of a truck, but until now it has not arrived yet,” he said. (kmb)

13

Australia to permit medicinal cannabis exports in bid to capture lucrative market

SYDNEY - Australia said on Thursday it planned to become the fourth country in the world to legalise medicinal marijuana exports in a bid to score a piece of the estimated $55 billion global market.

Cannabis cultivation in Australia is still relatively small, as recreational use remains illegal.

But the government hopes domestic medicinal use, legalised last year, and exports will rapidly boost production.

“Our goal is very clear: to give farmers and producers the best shot at being the world’s number one exporter of medicinal cannabis,” Health Minister Greg Hunt told reporters in Melbourne.

Shares in the more than a dozen Australian cannabis producers listed on the local exchange soared after the announcement.

Cann Group ended the day up 35 percent; AusCann Group rose nearly 54 percent; and BOD Australia closed up about 39 percent.

All were record highs for those companies. Hydroponics Company finished up 30 percent, hitting its highest price in five weeks.

Peter Crock, chief executive of

Cann Group, which cultivates cannabis for medicinal and research purposes, said medicinal marijuana production had been stymied by limited demand from Australian patients.

“While the Australian patient base is growing, it is very small,” Crock told Reuters. “Being able to export will allow us to have the scale to increase production.”

Hunt said the new legislation would include a requirement that growers first meet demand from local patients before exporting the remainder of their crop.

Despite growing demand, only Uruguay, Canada and the Netherlands have so far legalised the export of medicinal marijuana.

Israel has said it intends to do so within months.

The Australian government’s proposal needs to pass federal parliament when it returns to session in February. The country’s main op-

position Labor Party has signalled it would support the move.

Exports would then likely begin within months. Fuelled by a growing acceptance of the benefits of marijuana to manage chronic pain, moderate the impact of multiple sclerosis and to soften the effects of cancer treatment, several countries and 29 states in the United States have legalised cannabis for medicinal use.

Australia’s chief commodity forecaster does not publish data on cannabis production, but rough estimates by the University of Sydney estimated the legal industry at A$100 million ($78 million), well below the C$4 billion ($3.19 billion) that Canada estimates its market to be worth.

U.S. consultancy company Grand View Research last year forecast the global medicinal cannabis market would be worth $55.8 billion by 2025. (rtr)

SEOUL - South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Thursday met women who were forced to work in Japanese wartime brothels, days after their plight again cast a shadow over relations with Japan.

A South Korean panel set up to investigate a 2015 agreement with Japan on the thousands of girls and women forced to work in Japan’s military brothels, euphemistically termed “comfort women” by Japan, said the deal failed to meet their needs. Moon said the 2015 deal, under which Japan apologised to victims and provided 1 billion yen ($8.8 million) to a fund to help them, was seriously flawed. Japan said any attempt to revise it could damage relations.

Eight of the women met Moon for lunch at the presidential compound, known as the Blue House, in Seoul, the president’s office said in a statement.

“We told you the previous government’s agreement was wrong and this issue hasn’t been resolved,” Moon told one of the women before the lunch.

“It’s still not an easy situation to handle within our bilateral relationship.”

Moon wanted to gauge the women’s reaction to his government’s position on the deal, the Blue House said.

Moon visited one of the women, Kim Bok-dong, separately in the morning as she was ill and unable to attend the lunch.

“We survived when bullets were raining down and we’ll be able to get through this,” Kim told Moon, the Blue House said.

The women want Japan to take legal, binding responsibility for its

actions and Kim was scornful of the 2015 pay-out.

“The money should be sent back to Japan,” she said.

South Korean activists estimate that there may have been as many as 200,000 Korean women forced to work in the brothels.

As of December, there are at least 32 surviving, according to a South Korean civic group set up to look after their rights.

It was the second time former “comfort women” visited the Blue House during Moon’s presidency after one was invited to a dinner when U.S. President Donald Trump visited in November.

Moon’s announcement on the Japanese deal last week raised consternation in Japan, where media reported said Prime Minister Shinzo Abe may decide not to visit South Korea for the Winter Olympics there next month.

South Korea’s foreign ministry said on Thursday it would seek final measures on the issue as quickly as possible while one ministry official told Reuters the measures could be finalised as early as next week.

Strained ties come as the U.S. allies are trying to cooperate on security in the face of North Korea’s nuclear and missile development.

But their bitter history, including Japanese colonisation of the Korean peninsula and the issue of the women, has regularly been a source of rancour between them.

Moon came to power in May after the removal of his disgraced predecessor, Park Geun-hye, whose conservative government was criticised for failing to fully consult victims over the 2015 settlement. (rtr)

The Presidential Blue House/Yonhap via REUTERS

South Korean President Moon Jae-in greets South Korean women who were forced to work in Japanese wartime brothels as “comfort women”, at the Presidential Blue House in Seoul, South Korea, January 4, 2018.

14

Friday, January 5, 2018

Fashion

International

Glamour that came in from the cold

SO the temperature in New York has risen to minus eight degrees? Phew! After breaking a few records – including that for the entire 20th century – next weekend is expected to drop further to a shivering minus 16 degrees (not even counting the wind chill).

But I could have predicted that back in September, when, gasping from the heat, I dashed into “Expedition: Fashion From the Extreme” at The Museum at FIT (the Fashion Institute of Technology). There were outfits worn by Arctic explorers who reached the North Pole in 1909, while a century later Chanel launched a furry collection for Autumn/Winter 2010 that Karl Lagerfeld set against massive glaciers imported from Sweden.

No need for that extra ice right now, but currently it might be difficult to slip through the snow to see the New York exhibition in its final week.

Fashion continues its eerie ability to predict the future. This is nothing new, but can be traced back at least a century, as Polar exploration was mirrored in the clothing invented for protection.

Even for the lucky few spending January on a tropical isle today, the Thames & Hudson book that accompanies the FIT show gives much food for thought: how clothes may be born from necessity but are swiftly followed by fashion; and how Vogue itself interpreted the worldwide fascination with climate extremes as glamour that came in from the cold. Artist George Lepape’s illustration of a woman in white fur, with blood-red undergarments and stabbing a polar bear, is chilling in every sense. (net)

Bali News

International

Friday, January 5, 2018

Evacuees desperate to go home

SEMARAPURA — Hundreds of people who were evacuated from the area around Mount Agung to the district of Klungkung have returned to their homes in the disaster-prone area despite the fact that the Klungkung’s Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) has appealed to the evacuees not to return home until the highest mountain in Bali is declared safe again. Allegedly many evacuees were simply tired of living in the evacuation post.

IBP/net

From left: Puffer coat by Jean Paul Gaultier, “Le Grand Voyage” collection, Autumn/Winter 1994. Lent by Dorothea Mink; Isaac Mizrahi “Lumberjack ball gown” ensemble, Autumn/Winter 1994. Lent by Isaac Mizrahi; (in case) Siberian funerary coat, c. 1900. Lent by American Museum of Natural History; Yohji Yamamoto coat and skirt, dress and fur collar, and evening dress, all Yohji Yamamoto Autumn/Winter 2000

This is the bag every It girl owns WHEN it comes to celeb-favorite bags, one can typically expect designer names and steep price tags. But one bag we’ve been seeing on every It girl as of late breaks both those rules. Stars from Emily Ratajkowski to Jessica Alba have been sporting this little black camera bag—the perfect size for the girl on the go with customizable details and a day-to-night design.

The functional crossbody was designed by It girls themselves.

British model Suki Waterhouse and her BFF Poppy Jamie collaborated to create Pop & Suki, a spunky accessories line consisting of two customizable bag styles and a fun lineup of add-ons from tassels to tags to straps that transform the camera bag from a crossbody to a backpack to a fanny pack.

Rarely is a celebrity-favorite item under $300, but this new fashion-girl staple is $195—with customization included. Ratajkowski opted to get “emrata” emblazoned on the bottom of hers while Alba went with “Jess.” Since the brand’s launch, Pop & Suki has expanded its product line and added many more colorways to its original offerings. (net)

3

Allegedly many evacuees were simply tired of living in the evacuation post.

IBP/kmb45

According to data compiled on Tuesday (Jan. 2), the 60 evacuees of various ages who recently returned home are from Perangsari village, Selat who had been living in Swecapura Stadium in Gelgel village. An evacuee named Wayan Gatiada said that they left the evacuation post to return to their village on Sunday (Dec. 31) before the New Year’s Eve celebration. “They brought all their belongings with them leaving their evacuation tent empty”, he explained.

This man from Muncan Selat said that he did not know for sure why they decided to return home, but thought it was simply because they were tired of living in an evacuation tent and having nothing to do. “Apparently there is activity in Selat. Some people are mining sand. Maybe they went home so they can work”, he said.

Secretary of the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Klungkung, I Made Suwista, said that the evacuees who decided to go home are from villages in disaster-prone area (KRB) II. He added that the BPBD has indeed appealed to people to remain in evacuation until further notice from the government. “We have suggested that people do not go home until Mount Agung has been declared safe. Unfortunately they did not pay attention, but we cannot force them”, he said.

There were also some 159 people who had been evacuated to the hamlet hall of Kelantik Koribatu, Tojan village who returned to their home in Selat.

Chief Executive of BPBD Klungkung, Putu Widiada, asserted that they did so of their own accord. “We did not facilitate their return home, in fact we told them not to go home until the government had given official information from the Center of Volcanology. However we cannot make anyone stay in the evacuation posts”, he added.

According to the latest data, in the district of Klungkung there are currently 11,282 evacuees spread across some 44 villages including 1, 176 people accommodated in Swecapura Stadium. (kmb45)

Area of Suwung landfill to be reduced

DENPASAR — The government plan to rearrange the Suwung landfill will affect the extend of the area used to dispose of garbage.

The plan involves using the sanitary landfill system that covers the garbage with soil. Some 22 hectares of the landfill will be backfilled with soil while the total area of the Suwung Landfill is 32 hectares.

Head of the Denpasar Environment and Sanitation Agency (DLHK), I Ketut Wisada, said on Tuesday (Jan. 2) that the arrangement of the Suwung Landfill will be done to give the impression of green space in the area where garbage disposed of. Once covered in soil the mounds of garbage will have trees planted on them.

Wisada went on to explain that only 10 hectares will be used for garbage disposal and that the waste power plant (PLTSA) will also be carried out. “This arrangement will

be carried out gradually”, he said.

Member of Commission IV of Denpasar House of Representatives, A.A. Ngurah Widiada, said that the sanitary landfilling on 22 hectares is a good idea but that it should not be done in haste as it could be non-beneficial to surrounding communities.

Widiada added that the planned arrangement of the Suwung Landfill with a budget of IDR 262 billion should not be rushed just to reach the target of being finished before the IMF-WB Forum as technical matters need to be considered as does the considerable budget.

“We need to understand all the technical matters and not do a half baked job for the benefit of the IMFWB event. It it better if the final result yields maximum benefits for the environment, the surrounding community and the futur of tourism in Bali”, he said. (kmb12)

Suwung landfill

IBP/kmb

2

Bali News

Friday, January 5, 2018

Tourism Office aims to collect IDR 23 billion in levies

BANGLI - The Bangli Tourism and Culture Office aims to collect revenue worth IDR 23 billion this year through levies collected at tourist attractions. The tagetted amount for this year is IDR 1 billion more than last year’s targeted IDR 22 billion of which of which only IDR 19,304,168,000 was collected.

Head of the Bangli Tourism and Culture Office, Wayan Adnyana, said on Wednesday (Jan. 3) that the IDR 19,304,168,000 in levies were collected from a number of attractions in Bangli. Batur which aimed to IDR 17,446,068,716 only collected IDR 14,511,102,000; Kehen attraction aimed for IDR 1,220,376,448 in levies but only collected IDR 788,150,000; Penulisan targeted IDR 53,028,294 but only collected IDR 31,555,000; and Trunyan aimed to collect IDR 484,755,084 only amassed IDR 211,250,000 in levies.

“Penglipuran is the only attraction in Bangli to have reached it’s target and actually exceeded their intended target of IDR 3,116, 813, 995 with a total of

IDR 3,762,111,000 in levies collected”, he said.

According to Adnyana, several factors made most of Bangli’s tourist attractions unable to reach their targeted amount of collected levies. The Eruption of Mount Agung of course resulted in far less visitors not just in Bangli but for tourist attractions all over the Island of the Gods. Following the closure of Ngurah Rai Airport there was a drop of about 50 percent in the number of both domestic and international visitors.

“The eruption of Mount Agung had a big impact as many tourists cancelled their trip to Bangli. If there was no volcanic activity I am confident that we would have achieved our goal of IDR 22 billion – or at least been very close to achieving it”, said Adnyana.

In order to achieve their target this year Adnyana said that the Bangli Tourism and Culture Office will focus on guarding the shortcuts used by unscrupulous tours guides trying to avoid paying entrance tickets.

For this purpose, his office will work with the Transportation Agency to have a sign put up that lets people know that payments are required and police will also be on patrol. (kmb41)

IBP/Eka Parananda

The crowded Penglipuran Village.

International

Activities

International

Friday, January 5, 2018

15

Improving tourism facilities in Gilimanuk

NEGARA - Tourism in the District of Jembrana -chiefly Gilimanuk, is currently being developed with billions of rupiah going into improving GIlimanuk Bay. However these efforts have been criticised for overlooking small but important things that impact the comfort of tourists.

On Tuesday (Jan. 2) at the Water Bee in Gilimanuk Bay, Chairman of the Jembrana House of Representatives, I Ketut Sugiasa, accompanied by legislator Nyoman Renteb and Head of the Jembrana Tourism Office Nengah Alit pointed out that that the wooden dock there is rotting away. “If many tourists take selfies here, will they be safe? It does not look good and does not appear to be safe frankly”, said Sugiasa as he stood on the wooden bridge dock and pointed to the rotting planks.

The diving site’s changing rooms and showers were also criticised for their lacklustre appearance. “A lot of foreign tourists have been coming here for many years. We need to pay attention to the inside as well as the outside. Promotion must be backed up with good service and adequate facilities”, said Sugiasa.

Garbage littered around Gilimanuk Bay also needs to be given attention so that tourists are happy to come visit.

“Local communities need to develop the habit of conducted group clean-ups. People here earn there living from tourism so sanitation needs to be a top priority”, he said.

Sugiasa who was accompanied by Head of Tourism Office Nengah Alit also chatted with some foreign tourists who were getting changed on the beach to go diving. The tourists revealed that they did not know anything about tourism in Gilimanuk and that they had only come here to go diving as they had heard about the unique marine biota in Gilimanuk Bay. “These guests said they had never heard of the Archaeological Museum or the spiritual Kalong Island. A sign should be put here that informs visitors about other tourist destinations in Gilimanuk and the rest of Jembrana”, said Sugiasa.

Having more information will encourage visitors to stay in Gilimanuk longer. “Let’s say they usually come for 2 hours, this might be extended to 4 hours or even overnight”, he said.

With more tourists visiting Gilimanuk, local residents will see economic benefits and may not have to look for jobs in other regions. The problem of illegal migrant workers can also be addressed.

The arrangement of tourist attractions, he added is meant to both make these places more beautiful and empower the surrounding communities. “Local assets need to be explored improved in order to increase local employment. The management of tourist attractions also needs to be improved”, said Sugiasa.

Head of the Jembrana Tourism Office, Nengah Alit, said that his agency is creating various programs to increase the number of tourism supporting facilities particularly in Gilimanuk. (120)

Refreshed & Rebranded

Alaya Dedaun Kuta Unveiled

Alaya Hotels & Resorts is delighted to announce that the highly-awaited rebranding of Villa de daun to Alaya Dedaun Kuta took effect as of 1st January 2018.

This move marks the consolidation of the Alaya brand, which currently has two additional boutique resorts located within in the cultural heart of Ubud, Bali.

With its new name and subtle aesthetic upgrades, Alaya Dedaun Kuta brings understated Indonesian elegance to Bali’s favourite beachside playground. Designed to embrace the spirit of a traditional village, the property features a collection of just 12 private villas in a concept attuned to the attributes of outdoor living.

As the only Diamond certified villa complex of its kind in the area, Alaya Dedaun Kuta offers affordable luxury with a distinct focus on tropical relaxation. Attention to detail and heartfelt service, delivered by a team of trained butlers, promises discerning travellers a culturally-related experience

without the excessive price tag.

Steeped in romance, Alaya Dedaun Kuta is the perfect retreat for honeymooners and couples seeking design-driven serenity with a choice of one-bedroom villa categories. Similarly, the two-bedroom and three-bedroom villa options are both well-appointed and feature modern home comforts to anticipate the needs of families.

Known as Kuta’s little secret, the property is discreetly tucked away from the buzz of main street activity in a vibrant area with convenient accessibility. It is within easy walking distance to Kuta’s famed stretch of sunset beach where favourable surf conditions attract carefree visitors all year round.

Alaya Dedaun Kuta is supported by a charming restaurant facility edged by an exotic landscape of native greenery. It serves a flavourful menu of authentic local cuisine and international specialty dishes influenced by fresh ingredients.

An adjacent stretch of lawn lends itself to small scale events such as garden parties and intimate celebrations.

Signature to Alaya Dedaun Kuta is DaLa Spa, an awardwinning wellness facility with a bespoke design that embodies the refined style of a bygone era. Guests can enjoy head to toe indulgence with a curated menu of treatments inspired

by Indonesia’s age-old healing and beauty rituals.

“As Alaya Hotels & Resorts continue to evolve, the rebranding of the only all-villa property in our portfolio was the natural progression towards strengthening our brand. Despite some minor changes, Alaya Dedaun Kuta is still managed and staffed by the same team and hospitality remains warm and intuitive. By engaging with our guests, we are able to gently immerse them into the delights of Bali in a most tasteful way,” says Mr. Jimmy Gunawan, CEO of Alaya Hotels & Resorts. For more information, please visit www.alayahotels.com.

Creating shortcut between Canggu-Pererenan to reduce traffic congestion in the area

MANGUPURA - The traffic jams that frequently occur in the area of Canggu, North Kuta will soon be diminished as the local government plans to create a shortcut between Canggu and Pererenan Village, Mengwi.

Deputy Regent of Badung, I Ketut Suiasa, said that on Wednesday (Jan3) he surveyed the location that will connect Canggu and Perer-

enan. “This is an attempt to resolve the issues of frequent traffic jams in Canggu”, he said.

The construction of the Canggu-Pererenan shortcut will allow some traffic to be diverted from the main road. “We expect this shortcut to be taken advantage of my motorcyclists and other drivers. I am asking for further technical plans to be made so

that the project can be realised in 2019”, he said.

This official from Pecatu village, South Kuta, said that a grand design is being created to resolve traffic congestion in the sub-district of North Kuta. “A grand design is needed for the large scale infrastructure challenges in Cemagi, Pererenan, Canggu, Tibubeneng and Kerobokan as these are all

tourism areas”, he said.

Head of the Bina Marga, Public Works and Spatial Planning (PUPR) of Badung, Ida Bagus Surya Suamba, said the addition of a Detailed Engineering Design (DED) will be proposed for the amendment of the regional budget.

“Based on this DED, priority will be given to road infrastructure as access to the ring road from Kuta

to Canggu-Pererenan and so forth is very minimal. The physical work on this project will be proposed for 2019”, he said.

Suamab added that the proposed road will run along less than 500 meters with a width of 7 meter.

“The road area needs to be reexamined to ensure that the project complies with existing rules”, he concluded. (kmb27)

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Friday january 5rd 10:00-18:00 workshop and artist talk Jamir community murals Bentara Budaya Jl. Ida bAgus Mantra Gianyar 18:30-21:30 Magical-Bali Toastmasters Club One World Retreat Office, Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rau 101 Sanur 19:00-22:00 Latin Fever

Birdhouse Beach Club Sugar Beach Front Sanur Beach Saturday January 6 10:00-14:00 Saturday Farmer’s Market Moksa Ubud Restaurant Pusskesmas Ubud ii, Gg Damai Ubud 20:00-23:00 Live Music with Barefoot Warriors Bali Bohemia Jl.Nyuh Bojog Nyuh Kuning

Ubud 16:00-18:30 Aikido Classes for Kinds &Adults Miksa Ubud Restaurant Puskesmas Ubud, Gg damai Ubud 19:30-21:00 Long Table dinner with Janet DeNeef Indus Restaurant Jalan Raya Sanggingan Ubud January 6+7 10:00-4:30

Traditional Indonesian Dance with Ngurah Oka Jt Life Studio Jl. Subak Una Petulu lebah Ubud Sunday January 7th 14:00-16:00 Workshop#1 Immensly Miniature with lobster Rumah Sanur- Creative Hub Jalan Danau Poso no 51A Sanur

07:00-21:00 Sunday Funday!

Genius Cafe- Home to the Entrepreneur Beach Club Mertasari Beach, next to Mercure Resort Sanur 11:00-12:00 Kids Music Corner Paradiso Ubud Jalan Gautama Selatan Ubud

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

16 Pages Number 23 10th year

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

Price: Rp 3.000,-

Friday, January 5, 2018

Singapore bans film focused on indicted Palestinian teen activist

SINGAPORE - Singapore has banned a film festival from screening a documentary later this week that features a teenage Palestinian female activist whose arrest last month has made her a symbol of resistance to Israeli military occupation in the West Bank.

Justifying the ban, authorities in the Southeast Asian city state said the film “Radiance of Resistance” was “skewed” and potentially divisive for Singapore’s multi-ethnic population.

The documentary, which looks at the Palestine-Israeli conflict through the eyes of 16-year-old Ahed Tamimi and another young female activist, lacked “counterbalance”, the Info-communications Media Development Authority of Singapore (IMDA) said on its website.

“The skewed narrative of the film is inflammatory and has the potential to cause disharmony amongst the different races and religions in Singapore,” the IMDA said.

The documentary was due to have been shown at the Singapore Palestinian Film Festival on Thursday.

It was screened at a number of festivals worldwide in 2017 and won Best Documentary at the Respect Human Rights Film Festival in Belfast, but has become even more topical following Tamimi’s arrest last month.

Tamimi was charged on Monday with counts of aggravated assault and will be tried in an Israeli military court. An adult found guilty of assaulting a soldier could be jailed for up to 10 years, but Tamimi is a minor so such an outcome is unlikely.

While Singapore’s authorities are known to keep a tight rein on public speech and the media, especially when it comes to matters related to race and religion, outright bans are more rare.

Adela Foo, the organiser of the Singapore festival, called the ban “understandable”, without elaborating.

“At the end of the day, the IMDA’s position is one to be respected,” the 23-year-old student told Reuters. (rtr)

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

Friday, January 5, 2018

Indonesia shrinks danger zone around grumbling Bali volcano

“Mount Agung remains in an JAKARTA - Indonesia shrank the exclusion zone around a grumbling volcano on the resort island of Bali on Thursday eruption phase and could affect after fears of an imminent eruption, allowing farmers to settlements. All parties are urged to remain cautious,” Agung Pribreturn to their homes.

Actor Albert Schultz

IBP/net

‘Alias Grace’ Actor Albert Schultz Sued for Sexual Misconduct

by Four Actresses

The 3,000-metre Mount Agung remains on alert for a major eruption, but officials said the danger

zone around the crater would be reduced to a six-km (four-mile) radius from 10 km.

adi, press relations officer at the natural resources ministry, said in a statement.

The volcano has been spewing

lava and ash since late November, when authorities raised the alert status to the highest.

Bali airport was closed for three days, leaving thousands of tourists stranded and prompting others to cancel their year-end holiday plans.(rtr)

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

FOUR Canadian television and stage actresses have filed separate civil lawsuits against actor Albert Schultz, according to a report by the CBC. The suits allege 30 separate incidents of sexual assault of harassment over the course of a 13-year period from 2000 to 2013. The misconduct occurred while the women were acting in productions with Toronto’s Soulpepper Theatre Company during Schultz’s tenure as artistic director. The actresses are “Orphan Black” star Kristin Booth, Diana Bentley (Netflix’s “Frontier”), Hannah Miller (“Saving Hope”) and Patricia Fagan (“Murdoch Mysteries”).

IBP/net

Southeast Asian city state said the film “Radiance of Resistance” was “skewed” and potentially divisive for Singapore’s multi-ethnic population.

“Albert is a serial sexual predator who…had well-developed methods for targeting actresses and luring them into situations that he considered optimal for sexually harassing and assaulting them,” according to a copy of the lawsuits obtained by the CBC. Fagan’s suit alleges Schultz created a climate of “mocking, belittling and bullying,” which left her feeling “vulnerable and hunted.”

During rehearsals for a Soulpepper production of “Twelfth Night” in 2000, Fagan says she “felt him push his penis against [her].” She also says Schultz grabbed her thigh under her skirt, and flashed his penis at her seconds before she went onstage. Booth’s claims are eerily similar to Fagan’s, detailing multiple instances of groping, unwanted kissing, and comments about her body by Schultz. Booth says Schultz

would press his genitals against her during hugs, and comment on her “milky white breasts in front of the other cast members.”

Schultz is a prominent figure in the Canadian theater community and an executive producer of the CBC comedy “Kim’s Convenience.” He appeared in Part 6 of Netflix’s “Alias Grace,” in addition to many other Canadian television credits. (net)

You can find International Bali Post at: 1 Kuta Beach Club Jl. Bakung Sari Kuta 2 Wen Dys Kuta the Coffe Bear Jl. Pantai Kuta 3 Seminyak Paradiso Bali Hotel Jl. Camplung Tanduk 4 Ramayana Resort&Spa Jl. Bakung Sari Kuta 5 The Lokha Legian Resort&Spa Jl. Padma Legian Kuta 6 66 Corner Live Sport Emtertaiment Jl. Doble Six/Werkudara 23 7 Leghawa Grill Jl. D.Tamblingan No. 51 8 Retno Barr dan Restoran Jl. D.Tamblingan No.126 A Sanur 9 Elkomedor Jl. D.Tamblingan 140

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Jl. D.Poso No 68 Jl. D.Poso No. 50D Jl. D.Poso No. 39 Jl. D.Poso Sanur Jl. D.Poso Sanur Jl. D.Poso Sanur Jl. D.Poso Sanur Jl. D.Tamblingan Sanur Jl. D.Tamblingan

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28 Kopi Made Jl. Raya Puputan No. 106 Dps 29 Dimsum Manan Jl. Raya Niti Mandala Renon No 148 30 Furama Jl. Raya Niti Mandala No. 148 Renon 31 Warung Subah Renon Jl. Mohamad Yamin No.18 32 Ayam Betutu khas Gilimanuk Jl. Merdeka No.88 Renon 33 Bali Bakery Jl. Hayam Wuruk 184 Denpasar

People watch as Mount Agung spews ash and smoke during an eruption from an obeservation post in Rendang, Karangasem, Bali, Indonesia December 9, 2017 in this photo taken by Antara Foto.