Edisi 05 Oktober 2017 | Internasional Bali Post

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

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

16 Pages Number 185 9th year

Price: Rp 3.000,-

Thursday, October 5, 2017

Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler shuts down heart attack rumors

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

Thursday, October 5, 2017

LOS ANGELES - Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler dismissed speculation that he had suffered a heart attack or a seizure but did little to clarify the ailment that led the band to cancel the remainder of its South American tour.

The rock band in September called off its last four shows in Brazil, Chile, Argentina and Mexico because Tyler was dealing with “unexpected medical issues” that required immediate care.

“I give you all an A+ for creative speculations but I certainly did not have a heart attack or a seizure,” Tyler, 69, wrote on the official Aerosmith website on Monday.

Tyler added that he was sorry the band had to cut its tour short, saying “I had to have a procedure that only my doc in the United States could perform.”

He did not elaborate.

Tyler has suffered a slew of medical issues in the past, ranging from drug abuse and prescription drug addiction to a broken shoulder, multiple leg surgeries, vocal chord surgery and hepatitis C. (rtr) Vocalist Steven Tyler (L) and guitarist Joe Perry of Aerosmith perform during their “Aerosmith: Let Rock Rule” tour at The Forum in Inglewood, California July 30, 2014.

British actor Coogan wins damages over phone-hacking

REUTERS/Darren Staples

British comedian Steve Coogan entertains the crowd as he waits for Jeremy Corbyn, leader of Britain’s opposition Labour Party, to arrive at a campaign rally in Birmingham, Britain June 6, 2017.

LONDON - British actor Steve Coogan won damages on Tuesday from Mirror Group Newspapers whose reporters illegally listened to his voicemail messages to get scoops, the latest chapter in a longrunning saga that has damaged the reputation of the British press.

Best known in Britain for his portrayal of fictional radio presenter Alan Partridge, Coogan is one of many celebrities who, along with politicians and members of the public caught up in news stories, fell victim to phone-hacking.

He was awarded an undisclosed sum in damages by the Mirror Group (MGN), owner of the Mirror, Sunday Mirror and People newspapers, in relation to 62 published articles that contained information obtained through

phone-hacking.

“MGN acknowledges that Mr Coogan was the target of unlawful activities and that these activities were concealed until years later,” a lawyer for the company said in a statement to the London High Court, circulated to media after the hearing.

“MGN apologises to Mr Coogan and accepts that he and other victims should not have been denied the truth for so long.”

The phone-hacking scandal erupted in 2011 when it was revealed that the News of the World, a rival of the Sunday Mirror, had hacked the voicemails of Milly Dowler, a teenage murder victim.

The uproar caused the News of the World’s proprietor, media magnate Rupert Murdoch, to close down the newspaper, and prompted

then Prime Minister David Cameron to order a public inquiry into the ethics and practices of the press.

At first centred on Murdoch’s British papers, the hacking scandal later widened as it became clear that reporters at MGN newspapers owned by Trinity Mirror had also relied on the illegal practice.

Apart from exposing their secrets, phone-hacking also had a devastating impact on victims’ personal relationships.

“Much of what was published caused enormous distress and significant damage to Mr Coogan’s relationships with those he wrongly suspected had leaked private information or who believed he was the cause of their private information being made public,” a lawyer for Coogan told the court. (rtr)

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

10 Malaika Scret 11 Snack Shack 12 Warung Lokal 13 Cokro Cafee 14 T.J.Bar 15 J & N Kebab 16 Goanna Bar 17 Batu Jimbar 18 Ramayana Cafee

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

19 Smirnof Cafee Jl. D.Tamblingan Sanur 20 Legwa Hotel Jl. D.Tamblingan Sanur 21 Nu Laser Cafee Jl. D.Tamblingan Sanur 22 Ganesa Book Jl. D.Tamblingan Sanur 23 All For Daiving Jl. D.Tamblingan Sanur 24 Barocca Jl.Petitenget 17 DKerobokan 25 Lantern Jl.Petitenget 17E Kerobokan 26 Shearlock Jl.Petitenget 17C Kerobokan Klod 27 Cafe Degan Jl.Petitenget 9 Kerobokan Klod

REUTERS/Darren Whiteside

An Indonesian flag is seen on a boat as fisherman carry it on to the beach with Mount Agung, a volcano on the highest alert level located some 15 km away, in the background in Amed, on the resort island of Bali, Indonesia October 2, 2017.

Bali remains safe and conducive: Governor

Mount Agung awakens There are several signs that Bali’s Mount Agung is ready to blow. An increase in volcanic activity is triggering more tremors in areas around the volcano, suggesting a major eruption is possible, according to Indonesia’s National Vulcanology Center. The chart below shows the rapid rise in the number of tremors since early September, and the increase in shallow quakes which indicates the magma is moving. Over 140,000 people have been evacuated after warnings the Mount Agung volcano could erupt at any time.

600 earthquakes

Deep volcanic earthquakes

500

(10km or deeper)

400

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

300

Shallow volcanic earthquakes

200

(5 to less than 10 km)

100

Local earthquake tectonics

0 Sep 03

Sep 10

Sep 17

Source: Center for Vocanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (Indonesia) S. Scarr, J. Wu, 04/10/2017

Sep 24

Oct 1

DENPASAR - Bali Governor, Made Mangku Pastika, has called on tourists to visit Bali without any hesitation, adding that the resort island was safe and conducive despite increased volcanic activity of Mount Agung, which is located in Karangasem District, Bali Island. The governor gave his assurance during a meeting with tourism stakeholders, such as travel operators, here on Tuesday. If Mount Agung erupts, it would have direct impact only on 28 villages located within a radius of 12 kilometers from the volcanos crater.

Bali’s main tourist attractions such, as Nusa Dua, Kuta, and Sanur, are located tens of kilometers away from the location of the mount, he added. According to him, Karangasem has 78 villages, and only 28 villages could be directly impacted.

The remaining 50 villages and other tourist destinations in Bali would be safe. “Therefore, do not hesitate to visit Bali, except for climbing the mount, which will be forbidden as it is dangerous,” Pastika explained.

Besides, the current condition is different from how it erupted in 1963.

Indonesia now has better disaster mitigation measures and more sophisticated information technology that could minimize the number of casualties and damages in case of eruption, he asserted. More than 4 million foreign tourists visited the resort island of Bali in the first eight months of this year, up 25.40 percent from 3.19 million in the same period last year.

“Therefore, I would like to reaffirm that Bali would be safe and there is nothing to be worried about. All arrangements have been already made in case of an eruption,” he reiterated.

The government has planned to hold a meeting with foreign consuls in Bali in order to eradicate misinformation and disinformation or hoax regarding the current situation.

Continued to page 6 News can also be heard in “Bali Image” at Global Radio FM 96.5 from 9.30 until 10.00 am. Listen to Global Radio FM at http:// globalfmbali.listen2myradio.com or live video streaming at http:// radioglobalfmbali.com and http:// ustream.tv/channel/global-fm-bali.

2

Thursday, October 5, 2017

Bali News

International

Simply make viral the real news

DENPASAR - Fake news about Mount Agung undeniably has an impact on Bali tourism. Information from the Association of Indonesia Tour and Travel Agency (ASITA) Bali and the Indonesia Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) Bali stated there were groups of foreign tourists having canceled their planned visit to Bali this October. Bali Tourism Office did not remain silent but immediately established a crisis center team.

REUTERS/Darren Whiteside

Mount Agung, a volcano on the highest alert level, is seen as tourists watch the sun set in Amed on the resort island of Bali, Indonesia October 1, 2017.

“The crisis center team we establish will disseminate the real news about Bali, not fake news,” said the Head of Bali Tourism Office, A.A. Gede Yuniartha Putra, when asked for his confirmation via phone on Tuesday (Oct. 3).

In addition, continued Yuniartha, the team will also inform about Bali that has many attractions located in safe radius from the possibility of Mount Agung eruption disaster. It is considering the estimated disaster zone is within the crater area of Mount Agung, all areas within the radius of 9 km from the crater of Mount Agung top and sectoral extension to the North-northeastward and Southeast-South-Southwestward as far as 12 km. In the meantime, the center of tourist activities all this time in South Bali, especially Denpasar, is about 90 km from the highest mountain in Bali.

“This is what we must make viral. So far, their understanding (foreign tourists—Ed) is that Mount Agung is located in Denpasar, that’s what makes people afraid whereas it is far away. People must only alert the radius of 12 km,” he explained.

According to Yuniartha, the special crisis center team for tourism has the duty to disseminate correct information about Mount Agung. It includes the latest development of Mount Agung situation after the status was raised to level IV or warning. This is important considering that incorrect or misleading information is vulnerable to be exploited by competitors to divert tourists to visit their country or not to Bali.

In addition to the Tourism Office, the team also consists of the National Agency for Disaster Management (BNPB), Communication and Informatics Agency and all tourism stakeholders in Bali. Regarding the travel advisory from a number of countries, he recognized to have existed but responded positively.

“Indeed, there are countries issuing it but we cannot counters. Let’s think positively because they just advise not to go near Mount Agung and be careful there. So, they just advise their citizens like that, not prohibit from coming to Bali,” he explained. (kmb32)

Amid warning status, five priests hold pakelem ritual on Mt. Agung

AMLAPURA - Amid the warning status of Mount Agung, five priests held a ritual procession of mulang pakelem on the summit crater of Mount Agung on Soma Kliwon Wariga, Monday (Oct. 2). The ritual was carried out in a series of guru piduka (apologetic) ceremonies at Pasar Agung Temple, Sogra hamlet, Sebudi, Selat, Karangasem. The ritual on Monday lasted from the morning at 08:30 until 14:00, synchronized with the activity to check the real condition of the crater of Mt. Agung at the altitude of 3,142 meters above sea level. The five priests that climbed to the summit performed mulang pakelem ritual escorted by a mountain climbing tour guide, I Ketut Ngenteg.

The entourage of temple priests that did the mulang pakelem ritual in the crater of the of Mount Agung top was coordinated by Jro Mangku Nyoman Reta, a priest on the peak of Mount Agung from Sebudi village, Selat. In the meantime, the other four priests are Jro Mangku Kadek Rimpug (from Kelodan hamlet, Pesinggahan, Dawan, Klungkung), Jro Mangku Wayan Subrata (Kelodan hamlet, Pesinggahan, Dawan, Klungkung), Jro Mangku Pasek (Kaler hamlet, Antiga, Manggis, Karangasem) and Jro Mangku Seleg (Langsat hamlet, Rendang, Karangasem). Besides, they were also accompanied by hamlet chief of Yehmalet,

Antiga Kelod, Manggis, I Nengah Sarianta.

Jro Mangku Reta explained that visual condition of Mount Agung on Monday looked normal as usual. Birds kept chirping cheerfully, wild animals living in the forests of Mount Agung were still hanging around. Last Tuesday, the peak had thick fog and cool weather with a temperature of 19-20 degrees Celsius around the pine forest.

In the meantime, from the summit crater of Mount Agung, said Jro Mangku Reta, blew low-pressure white smoke with a height of 50 meters seen at 11 points. Besides, there was smell of thin sulfur. “This indicates that crater of Mount Agung blows white smoke and makes a continuous roar,” said Jro Mangku Reta.

He claimed to arrive at the summit crater of Mount Agung faster than usual because he did not have time to stop while climbing. By and large, to get to the summit of Mount Agung, it takes him about three hours. “This time, it only takes me 2 hours 10 minutes,” he said.

“I only spent 10 minutes at the peak of Mount Agung because my feelings are anxious. Immediately I went down from the summit of Mount Agung after doing mulang pakelem ritual,” continued the priest from Sebudi village.

After arriving back from doing mulamg pakelem in the

summit crater of Mount Agung at 14.00, Jro Mangku Nyoman Reta and entourage directly went to Pasar Agung Temple to hold a guru piduka ceremony. The procession of guru piduka at Pasar Agung Temple was officiated over by Jro Mangku Gede Umbara, a priest from Sebudi village, Selat.

In the meantime, the prayers at Besakih Temple still took place even though the temple area is located in the disasterprone area (KRB) of Mount Agung. “Regular prayers are still carried out, but only done by one or two of priests in turn,” said chief of Besakih customary village, Jro Mangku Widiartha, quoted by Antara at Penataran Agung Besakih on Monday.

Jro Mangku Widiartha mentioned that regular prayers in Besakih Temple only involved internal circle of the temple priests. His institution highly respected to the appeal of PHDI Bali to the Hindus to delay the implementation of nyegara gunung ritual to Besakih Temple, related to the warning status of Mount Agung. However, Besakih Temple as a holy place must continue to carry out regular ritual procession.

Jro Mangku Widiartha himself believed that Mount Agung will not erupt, due to various spiritual considerations. “We are confident the Mount Agung is not have-not yet erupted, but will not erupt, while religious rituals will continue to be implemented,” he said. (kmb)

 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

Activities

International

Thursday, October 5, 2017

MELIÁ BALI PARTICIPATES IN INTERNATIONAL COASTAL CLEANUP DAY 2017

In partnership with Bali Hotels Association and Ocean Conservancy, Meliá Bali participates in International Coastal Cleanup

Day 2017which was held on Saturday, September16th, 2017.

Meliá Bali engages the employee to remove trash from the world’s

EVERY MONDAY Movie Monday19:00-21:00 Genius Cafe- Home to the entrepreneur Beach CLub Mertasari Beach (Next to Mercure), Sanur EVERY TUESDAY Ecstatic contact dance: Transformative journey Paradiso Ubud, Jalan Goutama Selatan, Ubud 100k includes dinner EVERY WEDNESDAY DEep Dive Dance Guided improvised movement 19:00-21:00 Paradiso Ubud Jalan Goutama Selatan, Ubud 100k EVERY THURSDAY African Drums with Catur SAng Klang Wijaya 16:00-18:00 Experience the healing power of drumming, all levels welcome

BY DONATION SUNDAY MARKETS 10AM 1PM Sunday Market at Batu Jimbar Jl. Danau Tablingan , Sanur 10AM-4PM The Sands Beach Club and Restaurant Sunday MArket Jl. Danau Tamblingan, No 27, Sanur 9:30AM-1PM Sunday Market @ Warung Sopa Jl. Sugriwas no36, Padang Tegal, Ubud 9AM-2PM Samadi Sunday Market Jalan. Padang Linjong 39, Canggu, 9AM-2PM Wednesday and Sunday Ubud Organik Market Jl. Raya Pengosekan across from Zens Hotel Tebesaya, Ubud 12PM-10PM Sunday Food Festival & Bazaar Byrdhouse Beach Club, Sanur 10AM-6PM, Mercure,last sunday of every month, jl. ,Mertasari, Sanur, fashion food and and kids activities The Coffee Spot, Jalan Peigenet 888X,Seminyak, last Sunday of every month, garage sale clothing, books, and hand-made jewellery

beaches and waterways, identify the sources of debris and change the behaviours.

It is exciting to see the cleanup grow each year. The members of Melia Bali are not only removing more trash from beaches, but they

are also contributing to a better understanding of the types of waste entering the ocean.

More than62kilograms trashfromplastic bottles, plastic in all sizes, paper waste, toys and cigarette buds, were all collected and

15

weighed in. A total of10trash bags were filled collected along the shores of Nusa Dua beach, including Nusa Darma and Nusa Gede Peninsula area for around 1 kilometres by 65members of staffs and management of Meliá Bali.

14

Thursday, October 5, 2017

Health

Meditation may help prevent heart disease, doctors say

CALIFORNIA - Meditation may help reduce the risk of heart disease when it’s added to proven approaches like lifestyle changes or drugs to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, U.S. doctors say.

In its first guidelines dedicated to meditation, the American Heart Association (AHA) stresses that the benefits haven’t been clearly established because studies have generally been too small, brief or poorly designed to draw broad conclusions. But the AHA research review concludes that meditation may have some benefits beyond just reducing stress, said Dr. Glenn Levine, chair of the AHA task force on clinical practice guidelines.

“Meditation can be considered as an adjunctive lifestyle intervention in those interested in this practice,” Levine, a researcher at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, said by email. “We do not believe meditation should be undertaken as a substitute for wellestablished and recommended lifestyle and medicinal interventions.”

The practice of meditation dates back as far as 5000 BC. While meditation is associated with certain philosophies and religions, today it’s practiced by people from many walks of life as a way to improve focus and relaxation, Levine and colleagues note in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

The guidelines don’t address mind-body practices such as yoga and Tai Chi because the physical activity in these pursuits has been proven to help lower the risk of heart disease.

Instead, the AHA focused on sitting meditation, including a variety of common forms such as: Samatha; Vipassana (Insight Meditation); Mindful Meditation; Zen Meditation (Zazen); Raja Yoga; Loving-Kindness (Metta); Transcendental Meditation; and Relaxation Response.

Among other things, these inactive forms of meditation may be associated with decreased levels of stress, anxiety and depression, and improved sleep and overall

wellbeing, the AHA guidelines note.

Meditation might also help lower blood pressure, but there isn’t enough evidence yet to show whether or how much blood pressure might decline for individuals.

Some studies have also suggested that meditation might help people quit smoking, the guidelines conclude.

Meditation may help lower the risk of heart disease by countering the impact of stress on the body, said Dr. James Stahl, a researcher at the Geisel Medical School at Dartmouth College and at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire.

When people are under stress, their fight or flight response can kick in, leading to a release of stress hormones as well as spikes in blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen consumption and a release of inflammatory chemicals in the body, Stahl, who wasn’t involved in the guidelines, said by email.

“This is perfectly appropriate when confronted by a tiger but not so much if ordinary things like traffic trigger this response,” Stahl said.

Meditation can trigger the opposite of a fight or flight response, encouraging the body to slow down and improving risk factors for heart disease like metabolic problems or inflammation.

Some patients may even be able to try meditation along with diet and lifestyle changes before they move on to drugs, Stahl said. Meditation will work best, however, if people practice with the help of a trained professional.

With regular practice, meditation may also help improve quality of life, especially emotional and spiritual aspects, said Bei-Hung Chang, a researcher at the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester who wasn’t involved in the guidelines.

“Meditation generally has low risks, and low costs,” Chang said by email. “Once learned, the technique can be practiced anytime and in any place, and integrated into one’s way of life.” (rtr)

IBP/net

AHA research review concludes that meditation may have some benefits beyond just reducing stress.

International

Bali News

International

Thursday, October 5, 2017

3

IBP/net

Experts are proposing ethics guidelines to ensure that the content of plastic surgery videos on social media isn’t harmful to patients.

Plastic surgery videos need strict ethics standards, doctors argue

CHICAGO - Some plastic surgeons have gained large social media followings by sharing theatrical videos of surgery with entertainment, rather than education, in mind. Now experts are proposing ethics guidelines to ensure that the content of plastic surgery videos on social media isn’t harmful to patients.

Too often, plastic surgery videos cross an ethical line, exploiting patients and luring future customers with flashy before-and-after images that gloss over the dangers of surgery, doctors argue in the proposed ethics guidelines published in the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

To refocus videos on education and prevent exploitation, the guidelines stress that patients should be asked to consent to filming in advance and be allowed to refuse the request. Because online videos might be manipulated and widely shared, patients should also understand that their image might be used for something their doctor didn’t sanction and that content is difficult to remove online once it’s posted.

“Plastic surgery is uniquely drawn to social media because we tend to do more marketing and we are a visual specialty,” said Dr. Clark Schierle, senior author of the guidelines and a plastic surgeon at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago.

“In general, there should be an effort to avoid distractions from the actual surgery itself and sharing any content that makes the patient identifiable without specific consent,” Schierle said by email.

Many plastic surgeons question the ethics of broadcasts done more for entertainment and marketing than for education, the authors said, and have called for the development of more structured oversight and guidance in this area.

The guidelines - the first to address sharing videos of plastic surgery on social media - will be presented October 6 at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) annual meeting in Orlando.

“We hope this will make its way into the official ethical code of conduct for board-certified plastic surgeons,” Schierle said.

Plastic surgeons, like others in the medical profession, should adhere to ethical standards that prioritize decisions that will not harm patients, the guidelines argue.

Even when patients agree to be filmed and have videos shared online, doctors still have an obligation to protect patients’ privacy and portray them in a respectful manner, the guidelines stress.

Any marks or identifying features on patients should be obscured in videos so that patients can’t be easily discovered online. Patients faces shouldn’t be shown unless the explicitly consent to this and are told this will allow viewers to identify them and name them in any social media posts using the video.

“Video shared may impact the patient socially or professionally in the future,” Schierle said. (rtr)

A number of people from villagers other than the now 28 villages included in the danger zone, have returned home.

IBP/kmb

Hundreds of Mt. Agung refugees in Bangli return home

BANGLI — The Command Post of the Mount Agung Disaster Mitigation Agency in Bangli district are still collecting data about evacuess in Bangli. According to preliminary data collection there are 6, 976 people who have been evacuated from villages that are not included in the 27 villages considered to be in the danger zone.

The latest data recap for Mt. Agung evacuess in Bangli as of Sunday (Oct. 1) at 15:30 submitted by the Head of Information, Data and Public Relations of Mt. Agung Disaster Relief Command Post in Bangli, Ni Wayan Manik, indicates the total number of evacuees in Bangli district amounts to

11,921 people. Tens of thousands of refugees are scattered in dozens of points in the four subdistricts.

Of that number, a total of 4,945 people were recorded from 27 disaster-prone villages having to evacuate, while 6,976 others were recorded from safe zones. In the latest data recap, it was also revealed that 117 people evacuated to Jehem village, have returned home.

Secretary of the Mt. Agung Disaster Mitigation Post Command in Bangli who is also Chief Executive of BPBD Bangli, Wayan Karmawan, when contacted separately last Monday confirmed that a number of people from villagers other than the now 28 villages included in the danger zone, have returned home. “Some refugees returned home inde-

pendently, while some others are facilitated with the vehicle we’ve provided”, he explained.

Karmawan said that his agency is still collecting data in the field though he admitted that they are facing many obstacles including discerpancies about which villages should be evacuated. He said the officials hesitate tosend some people home because the data regarding safe villages reamins confusing. Some villages declared to be in the safe zone have hamlets that appear to be in the danger zone.

According to Karmawan, to facilitate this process, the names of villages and hamlets that fall into the red zone should be clearly listed. “ We are currently collecting data and coordinating with the main post in Karangasem”, he explained. (kmb40)

Tourist visits on the rise

Length of stay and spending decrease

I Nyoman Wardawan

IBP/kmb

DENPASAR — The number of foreign tourist arrivals to Bali has continued to increase since 2010. According to data from the Bali Tourism office there were approximately 2. 4 million visitors to Bali in 2010, 3.2 million in 2013 and 4.

92 in 2016. However despite the incressenumber of visitors, lengths of stay and spending have decreased.

“In general, the expenditure of foreign tourists only amounts to 140 to 150 dollars per person per day. Previously it was closer 160 dollars a day. Similar condition are true of domestic tourists whose spending dropped from IDR 600,000 to the range of IDR 400 and IDR 500 per person per day,” said Destination Division Head of the Bali Tourism Office, I Nyoman Wardawan, in Denpasar, on Monday (Oct. 2).

In addition to spending, continued Wardawan, the decline is also evident from the length of stay of tourists from five days to only on the average of three days. Allegedly, it happened because tourists take their time to travel to neighbouring regions such as Lombok and surrounding areas. Some other factors alleged to be the cause are traffic congestion,

bad road conditions, air pollution, dirty environment, poorlymaintained public facilities at tourist attractions, shortage of public facilities, tourist activities only concentrated in South Bali, limited innovation of tourist destination development as well as saturation of tourist against tourist attractions of Bali.

“Many tourists indeed reduce their vacation time in Bali to Lombok. This trend has been seen since 2015,” he explained.

According to Wardawan, the current development of Lombok tourism is inseparable from the government that is quite eager to develop the tourism sector. It is visible from the progress of investment in infrastructure and transportation, construction of connectivity as well as the preparation of human resources in the tourism sector.

On the other hand, Lombok is one of the 10 New Bali destinations developed by central government. Mandalika is specially designated as a special economic zone with a number of natural potentials such as Kuta Beach, Serenting Beach, Tanjung Aan, Kelieuw Beach and Gerupuk Beach. These tourist objects surely become new alternatives for domestic and foreign tourists. (kmb32)

4

Bali News

Thursday, October 5, 2017

International

Thursday, October 5, 2017

International

13

U.S. expels 15 Cuban diplomats, fueling tensions with Havana

Mount Agung keeps us uncertain IT has been more than a week now since people were evacuated from the slopes of Mt. Agung following the alert level having been raised form ‘watch’ to ‘warning’. Despite the level IV waring status the largest mountain in Bali has not erupted and noone knows for sure when it might erupt.

So far there have been many signs such as smoke at the peak, expansion of the magma chamber, fractures due to magma continuing to break out and zones of destruction on the body of the mountain due to the magma energy increasing looking for ways to get out, all of which indicate that Mount Agung is on its way to erupting Deep and shallow volcanic seismicity have been decreasing which experts say may indicate that the eruption is building up and it is only a matter if time. However, until now, Mount Agung remains to stand up strong.

Division Head of Volcano Mitigation of the PVMBG / Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), I Gede Suartika, stated the deep or shallow

volcanic earthquakes have indeed decreased since last week. However he added that although the frequency of earthquakes has decrease, the energy generated has increased.

“The magnitude of the earthquakes is not too sharp and is showing slow progress. This indicates that Mount Agung remains critical, and this means that the potential for an eruptions is growing and it is only a matter of time because the movement of magma is now at a depth of 1-2 kilometers below the surface.

The earthquakes occur due to the impulse of the magma to want to break through”, he said.

Suartika added that based on the results of monitoring by satellites, Mount Agung has started to change as indicated by the expansion of the

magma chamber which shows that Mount Agung remains active. “We can see these activities from the earthquakes that continue to occur”, he said.

Head of Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation (PVMBG), Kasbani, said that the current magma chamber is located about 1-15 kilometers below the surface of the crater. According to him, the rise of magma to the surface following the intensity of the earthquake continues to increase.

Sub Division Head of Mountain Mitigation for Eastern Region, Devy Kamil Syahbana, said the energy pressure in the crater remains quite high. Without enough energy, the earthquakes could not occur. The earthquake occur due to excessive and strong pressure underneath. “If the energies are small, they are unlikely to result in earthquakes. Conversely, the earthquake occur due to excessive pressure and large amount of energy below”, said Devy.

Devy Syahbana added that the ongoing earthquakes have resulted in some zones of destruction on the body of Mount Agung. The plate that was previously located below, has started rising upward. The plate began to crack as the magma inside wants to break through. Unfortunately, the magma cannot be stopped even by this fairly large slab, so the plates are slowly cracking.

“The destruction zone of the plates within the mountain body has been fairly significant. This can be proved by the measurement of decreasing wave transmission velocity below. This indicates that under the mountain there has been destruction”, she said.

Shyabana further explained that although there has been gas and smoke coming out through fractures, this does not guarantee that the energy inside is diminishing. It absolutely depends on the gas excreted and produced in the crater. Since the magma moves to massively break through,

the magma seeks a volatile place or gap that can be passed through to get out. She explained that based on estimations, there are about 15 million cubic meters of magma that are moving and generating earthquakes all the time. “Parts of the magma can produce earthquakes, but is all the magma moves, it can be more terrible than that”, she said.

After the inner plate has been constantly bombarded by magma energy as it has been, she said, this eventually causes fractures at the bottom of crater. Ultimately, this results in smoke emerging from the crater.

Shyabana however explained this does not mean that the absence of earthquakes and smoke indicate that it is safe but on the contrary should be taken as a sign that the energy being generated is not coming out but instead is accumulating inside. So the collected energy is getting bigger.

“The plates are getting thinner. This indicates a bigger eruption”, said Devy Syahbana. (nan)

IBP/kmb40

Vanuatu in final evacuation of island threatened by volcano

Impact of increasing Mt. Agung activities

SYDNEY - The last residents on Vanuatu’s northern island of Ambae will be evacuated on Wednesday, officials said, as a volcano that has been spitting rock and ash into the air for more than a week shows signs of stabilising.

BANGLI — The increased activities of Mt. Agung in Karangasem to warning status since more than a week ago has impacted on the sluggish supply of lava stones to Bangli. As a result, this condition makes lava stone craftsmen in Bangli confused in getting raw materials for the continuity of their business.

This condition is also experienced by a lava stone crafter from Bunutin village, I Nengah Darsa.

He admitted on Tuesday (Oct. 3) that the supply of lava stone from Karangasem is now starting to turn

Vanuatu was forced to use a flotilla of small boats, barges and supply ships to evacuate roughly 11,000 people in recent days after Manaro Voui volcano, the South Pacific island nation’s largest, threatened to erupt.

“There are just several hundred people left, many of whom are officials assisting with the evacuation. We expect the evacuation to be complete today,” said a Vanuatu official, who declined to be named as he is not authorised to talk to the media.

Although confident of evacuating the vast majority of Ambae residents, officials may struggle to

Lava stone supplies to Bangli sluggish

Lava stone craftsmen in Bangli confused in getting raw materials for the continuity of their business

REUTERS/Ben Bohane

Residents stand with their possessions as they prepare to board a boat at Lolowai Port as they evacuate due to the Manaro Voui volcano continuing to emanate smoke and ash on Vanuatu’s northern island of Ambae in the South Pacific, October 1, 2017. Picture taken October 1, 2017.

sluggish. It has happened since the activities of Mount Agung increased.

Darsa added that even if there remains the supply of lava stone, the price is quite expensive. Previously, the lava stone could be purchased at IDR 8.5 million, but now increases to IDR 11 million. The increase in prices reaching more than 30 percent is very burdensome himself as a crafter.

Although he should purchase at expensive price, the quality of lava stone obtained today is not appropriate with the price.

He mentioned the quality of lava stone he purchases today is worse than the ones he used to purchase before. “Like the stone purchased yesterday, the quality is easily broken,” he explained.

Due to difficulty to get supplies of raw materials, he is now forced to limit the incoming orders. Darsa admitted that he did not want to receive many orders because it remains hard to get raw materials this time. “It’s a pity that customer must wait for long,” he added. (kmb40)

convince everyone to leave amid fears of losing vulnerable livestock and crops.

Ambae’s population has been moved to the closest islands of Maewo, Pentecost and Espiritu Santo until the threat of an eruption has eased.

Although the volcano remains at a level four, the second highest level in Vanuatu’s alert system, aid workers said the amount of rock and ash being emitted had stabilised.

With the evacuation nearly complete, focus has shifted to ensuring those displaced have enough food and water, with shipments from

Australia and New Zealand filling an urgent need.

Despite evacuating to safety, aid workers said locals are anxious to return to assess the damage.

“The biggest source of stress and anxiety to many is they have been told to leave and they couldn’t take their livestock, which is so important to their subsistence and income,” said Georgia Tacey, Vanuatu country director at ?Save the Children Australia.

Vanuatu is one of the world’s poorest nations, where locals are almost entirely reliant on food grown in their garden to survive, aid workers said. (rtr)

WASHINGTON - The Trump administration on Tuesday expelled 15 Cuban diplomats to protest Cuba’s failure to protect staff at the U.S. embassy in Havana from a mysterious spate of health “attacks,” spurring new tensions between the former Cold War foes.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said the expulsions from Cuba’s embassy in Washington were also intended to ensure “equity” in staffing levels, after he recalled more than half the U.S. diplomatic personnel in Havana on Friday.

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez denounced the decision as “unjustified,” accused the United States of insufficient cooperation with Cuba’s investigation of the health incidents and urged Washington to stop politicizing the matter.

The steps taken by Republican President Donald Trump’s administration delivers another blow to his Democratic predecessor Barack Obama’s policy of rapprochement, including actions likely to erode the normalization of a relationship dominated for decades by mutual hostility and suspicion.

The latest U.S. move was communicated to Cuban Ambassador Jose Ramon Cabanas on Tuesday, and the diplomats were given seven days to leave, a State Department official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

“Until the Government of Cuba can ensure the safety of our diplomats in Cuba, our embassy will be reduced to emergency personnel to minimize the number of diplomats

at risk of exposure to harm,” Tillerson said in a statement.

“We continue to maintain diplomatic relations with Cuba, and will continue to cooperate with Cuba as we pursue the investigation into these attacks,” he added.

The United States announced on Friday that it was sharply reducing its diplomatic presence in Cuba, as it warned U.S. citizens not to visit the Communist-ruled island because of the alleged attacks it says have caused hearing loss, dizziness and fatigue in 22 U.S. embassy personnel.

The State Department had said the embassy was halting regular visa operations for Cubans seeking to visit the United States and would offer only emergency services to U.S. citizens.

Cuba has denied involvement in any attacks and says it has reinforced security for U.S. diplomatic personnel.

Rodriguez said lack of U.S. cooperation had stymied its own investigation into the matter. Authorities had not provided access to the injured people and the doctors who examined them, or to the homes where the attacks allegedly took place, he said, adding that evidence had been delivered late.

Rodriguez urged the United States to cooperate more and said Cuba was also working with Canada on the investigation as Canadian diplomats have reported similar symptoms.

So far, none of the probes have yielded any answers about how the alleged attacks were carried out or who was responsible. (rtr)

REUTERS/Carlos Barria/File Photo/File Photo

The Cuban national flag is seen raised over their new embassy in Washington, DC, U.S. on July 20, 2015.

12

International

Thursday, October 5, 2017

BUSINESS White tiger, dark horse: North Korean art market heats up

DANDONG - Seated beneath tall windows and dressed simply in singlets and trousers, North Korean painters are hard at work. The artists staple canvases to frames or copy idyllic landscapes from laptop computers. One wears headphones as he brushes a group of running horses onto his canvas.

The nine men have come to the Chinese border town of Dandong from Mansudae Art Studio, North Korea’s largest producer of art.

There are many outlets like this along the border; they house some of the thousands of North Korean artists who cater to burgeoning demand for their work. “Chinese have begun collecting art, and North Korean art is much easier and cheaper for them to obtain,” says Park Young-jeong, a research fellow at the Korea Culture and Tourism Institute, a Seoulbased organisation.

In recent years as countries have responded to North Korea’s weapons tests with sanctions, Mansudae and other art studios have increasingly played a more controversial role – helping Pyongyang raise cash abroad. North Korea has long been punished for alleged underhand dealings in minerals, finance and arms; art was seen more as a channel for mutual understanding. That is changing.

Mansudae is run by the North Korean state. Its output ranges from statues of global leaders to propaganda posters, embroidery and more. It has built monuments and statues in at least 15 African countries, according to independent United Nations sanctions experts. In a report in February, they said that a part of Mansudae called Mansudae Overseas Projects was a front for the North Korean state to cash in on military deals. As well as monumental statues, they found it built military installations such as a munitions factory and bases in Namibia.

A diplomat at the North Korean mission to the U.N. in Geneva said Mansudae had nothing to do with funding weapons manufacturing. No one from Mansudae could be reached. The U.N. Security Council banned Mansudae’s statue business in 2016. On Aug. 5, after Pyongyang conducted more weapons tests, the Security Council blacklisted Mansudae Art Studio, subjecting it to a global asset freeze and travel ban. Diplomats say this will prevent Mansudae from conducting business.

“With this listing, anything Mansudae produces - including paintings, other artwork, monuments, buildings, and other construction - cannot be bought and should be frozen per the asset freeze,” said a U.N. Security Council diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity. In a further resolution on Sept. 11, the Security Council decided that all joint ventures with North Korean entities or individuals must be shut down within 120 days, or by mid-January.

Exactly what the measures mean for exist-

ing Mansudae art has yet to become clear.

In Beijing’s art district, a gallery called the Mansudae Art Gallery says it is the studio’s official overseas gallery. Its head insists the sanctions do not apply to it and says they have had no impact on his business.

“Now more than ever we need avenues like art to create understanding between North Korea and the rest of the world,” said Ji Zhengtai.

It is not possible to estimate the total value of Mansudae’s dealings, but the Security Council diplomat said the business had earned tens of millions of dollars globally.

“WE DON’T DO POLITICS” Mansudaeartsudio.com, a website in Italy which calls itself Mansudae’s “official website abroad,” says the studio is “probably the largest art production centre in the world.” Mansudae’s Pyongyang studio covers 120,000 sq m (nearly 30 acres), employs about 4,000 people including around 1,000 artists, and is divided into 13 creative groups, seven manufacturing plants and more than 50 supply departments, the website says.

The website is run by Pier Luigi Cecioni, who sells Mansudae works online and at fairs through what he calls an exclusive agreement with Mansudae Art Studio. He declined to say how much he sells, but in August after the sanctions on Mansudae Art Studio were announced, he told Reuters that the revenues go direct to the studio to pay for paints and equipment. Cecioni said he sells works from his personal collection, most of them bought several years ago - before sanctions on Mansudae were announced. His website makes clear that any online purchase is made with his Italian company, not Mansudae. U.N. sanctions are not retroactive.

A panel of independent experts is charged with monitoring U.N. sanctions on North Korea. It reports violations and recommendations to the Security Council’s North Korea sanctions committee. Its reports are confidential, but the committee traditionally publishes annual reports. Hugh Griffiths, who heads the panel, declined to comment, saying “the matter is subject to an ongoing investigation.”

Cecioni said, “the last thing I want is to have trouble with Italian or American authorities. I have strong contacts, especially with the Italian ones, and they help me to respect all the rules.” An Italian foreign ministry source said it is customary to keep contact with everyone who has ties to countries under sanctions, to ensure they respect Italy’s international commitments.

In September, Cecioni said that he had no plans to shut down his operation. “I consider it very important to let people know that ...

North Koreans do not make only bombs but also art and are common people,” he said.

He postponed an exhibition of propaganda posters he had planned for September in Treviso, but said this was because Mansudae’s representatives told him they thought it unwise to showcase their anti-U.S. tone in the current climate.

Word of the sanctions has been slower to reach China. A circular from its Commerce Ministry announcing the start date of the measures which included Mansudae Art Studio does not name Mansudae. Asked why not, the ministry did not respond.

The Dandong centre works in partnership with Mansudae, said its manager, Gai Longji.

Asked on the day the sanctions took effect if they were affecting business, he did not answer directly. “We don’t do politics,” he said. “We do art.” Liaoning Sanyi, the firm behind the centre, did not respond to a request for comment.

WHITE TIGER Reuters spoke to at least 30 experts - collectors, art historians, academics and people who have sold North Korean art globally.

Many said the market for paintings is niche and amounts to little in terms of revenue compared with the billion-plus dollars North Korea has raised every year selling coal and

other minerals abroad. Even so, they say North Korean diplomats in Europe have been enthusiastic to promote art exhibitions with the simple aim of bringing in hard currency.

In China, demand has really taken off.

Dandong is a popular attraction for tourists who come to peep at North Koreans over the Yalu River border. Busloads of tourists show up every morning. Visitors sample a North Korean speciality of noodles in cold soup, watch North Korean women sing and dance, and buy North Korean paintings.

Besides Mansudae, just about every ministry and almost all the local authorities in North Korea have an art studio, said Koen De Ceuster, a lecturer in Korean studies at Leiden University who has been studying North Korean art for over a decade. “There’s studios all across the country,” he said.

Other prominent studio names include Paekho and the Central Arts Studio. Paekho, which means “white tiger” in Korean, is the biggest seller of popular paintings in Dandong, traders there said. Collectors who have dealt with Paekho say it is run by North Korea’s military - Reuters could not independently establish this. Paekho’s varied output includes propaganda posters calling for a nuclear-free world. The Dandong centre that Reuters visited has hosted around 500 North Korean artists since 2014, manager Gai said. They stay for between six months and three years.(rtr)

Bali News

International

Thursday, October 5, 2017

5

Masaiban, Simplest Sacrifice in Hindu

Offering saiban oblation or frequently known as mebanten nasi/ ngejot is one of the traditions carried out by Hindu society, especially in Bali, done after cooking. It is also known as Yadnya Sesa, denoting the simplest offering that must be executed every day by the Hindus.

Masaiban as the simplest yadnya or sacrifice is often performed after cooking or before having meals. That’s how it should be. It means that people should offer food respectfully after completing the cooking activities.

“Masaiban is one of the easiest sacrifices to be implemented. It does not cost much, but must be undertaken every day. In Hinduism, it is believed that human beings after getting prosperous life from nature must be returned to nature again because nature is the source of our prosperity,” said Jero Mangku I Komang Nurata, a priest of clan temple in Besakih region.

In addition, the masaiban is also meant as an expression of devotion, gratitude for God’s fortune. As is known, yadnya ceremony serves as an intermediary between human beings and deities in order to get peace of mind. The saiban as we often see in the community is usually in the form of labaan containing rice, salt or vegetables placed on banana leaves. Since belonging to the simplest form of sacrifice, there is no necessity in expressing the contents of the banten. Rice and salt only are okay.

The most complete yadnya sésa is usually accompanied with canang sari, incense (as witness), and sprinkled with holy water or tirta. It can also be presented without other means because it is back to the essence namely yadnya sesa is a simple yadnya.

There are five places to offer saiban oblation namely Pertiwi (land), in front of the entrance gate into the house compound

or in the home yard; Apah (water), placed in the well or at water meter of municipal waterworks; Teja (fire), placed in kitchen, cooking place; Bayu, at the place of storing rice; while Akasa, placed in the shrine, wooden platform and other places. In addition, the Manawa Dharmasastra states that location where devotees usually put the saiban offerings are family temple, kitchen, water, shaving stone, mortar and brooms. These places are said to be the place of people doing Himsa Karma every

day. Therefore, the places must get the offerings.

“In harmony with the progress of time, all the properties owned are also offered with the saiban offerings such as motorcycles, TVs and cars considering that it is not only natures that can help people achieve prosperity. The equipment also greatly helps people achieve worldly prosperity.”

Jero Mangku added that talking about nature is the same as talking about this whole universe, including all of His creation. In

other words, offering sacrifice to nature is the same as offering to all the creations of God like the bhuta-bhuti.

He reminded that such yadnya sesa should be implemented every day. For Hindu community that has not implemented this yadnya should start it immediately. He assessed that people’s awareness in implementing yadnya sesa is still considered lacking. In addition, something considered trivial and simple can bring in catastrophe or cause problems in the future. (kmb)

Pepes Telengis, a Delicious Balinese Traditional Menu

If you are traditional foodies, try to taste the delicious pepes telengis, a traditional Balinese menu with main ingredient of telengis (remaining coconut oil deposits). It is byproduct traditionally coconut oil processing. Balinese cuisine has been popular since the past because

it tastes good, nutritious and quite cheap. Although tasting just a little, it will feel very prominent, so a pack of pepes telengis is usually eaten with a plate of rice.

Pepes telengis has distinctive aromas and flavors. In the dough, it is usually combined with green

leaves and herbs, such as sweet leaf and moringa leaves containing chlorophyll, calcium, vitamin C and others. It can also be mixed with other types of vegetables, so that it feels better. If you like meat, the pepes telengis is usually mixed with pindang or salted fish. This traditional menu is very close to the life of farmers at villages. Few children and teenagers are willing to consume it. Pepes telengis will be better when eaten in warm condition.

In the past, pepes telengis can only be found in food stalls at villages. Sometimes, it is also sold in traditional markets along with porridge or cassava rice. Old people used to live in rural areas will miss enjoying this pepes wrapped in banana leaf. Fortunately, pepes telengis can now be found in urban areas. “I often send pepes telengis to Denpasar. It happens there is an order. Thus, almost every day I make pepes telengis,” said Mrs. Tini, a farmer from Tabanan who

used to make pepes telengis.

This menu is fairly healthy because it uses natural ingredient without chemicals. Coconut oil deposit as the main ingredient is the leftover of coconut oil processing, so it is taken advantage for food in the form of pepes telengis.

The ingredients are telengis, sweet leaf or moringa leaf and banana leaf used to wrap it. Meanwhile, the spices are onion, garlic, chili, turmeric, ginger, shrimp paste and salt to taste.

Before making it, it may be necessary to look at the nanusin (oil making) process that can produce telengis. First of all, make coconut milk from dry or even old coconut.

Because the coconut is old, it will usually produce more oil. When making coconut milk, please begin with grating the coconut. The type of coconut for oil is different from the one for cake. Then, squeeze, so that it can produce coconut milk.

On the first squeeze, do it without

water, while the second use water to help.

The coconut milk is then fried.

In addition to reducing water content, it is also meant to separate the clump of protein. The protein clumps will form a deposit at the bottom of pan. This deposit is called telengis. The oil is then poured into a bottle or other container. The deposit of coconut milk is then filtered by using a cloth or a filter with a fine hole that can also collect the deposit of coconut milk, telengis.

How to prepare it? At first, ground all the spices until becoming smooth. Then, add telengis and mix well. Combine the sweet leaf or moringa leaf and then cook it until well done. Wrap it with banana leaf in tubular shape and lock each tip with bamboo stick.

After that, steam until cooked, and then bake it. Well, after generating a distinctive aroma, take out. Now, it is ready to serve. (kmb)

6

Thursday, October 5, 2017

W

RLD

Spain’s King condemns Catalan leaders as thousands take to streets BARCELONA - Spain’s King Felipe VI on Tuesday accused Catalan secessionist leaders of shattering democratic principles and dividing Catalan society, as thousands took to the streets to protest against a violent police crackdown against the banned independence referendum held on Sunday.

The televised speech, a rare intervention by the 49-yearold monarch who is normally silent on politics, was a sign of how deeply Spain has been shaken by the Catalan vote and a police crackdown that injured 900 people.

On Tuesday tens of thousands of Catalans demonstrated in the streets of the northeastern region against action by the police who tried to disrupt Sunday’s vote by firing rubber bullets and charging into crowds with truncheons.

Tuesday’s protests shut down road traffic, public transport and businesses.

The referendum and its aftermath have plunged Spain into its worst constitutional crisis in decades, and are a political test for Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, a conservative who has taken a hard line stance on the issue.

Late Tuesday Catalonia’s leader, Carles Puigdemont, told the BBC that the region will declare independence in a matter of days.

Pro-independence parties who control the regional government staged Sunday’s referendum in defiance of the Constitutional Court, which had ruled that the vote violated Spain’s 1978 constitution which states the country is indivisible.

Catalonia, Spain’s richest region, has its own language and culture and a political movement for secession that has strengthened in recent years.

Those who participated in Sunday’s ballot voted overwhelmingly for independence, a result that was expected since residents who favour remaining part of Spain mainly boycotted the referendum. Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont has said the result is valid and must be implemented.

Outside of Catalonia, Spaniards mostly hold strong views against its independence drive. In his televised

International

address, the king said the “irresponsible behaviour” of the Catalan leaders had undermined social harmony in the region.

“Today Catalan society is fractured and in conflict,” he said. “They (the Catalan leaders) have infringed the system of legally approved rules with their decisions, showing an unacceptable disloyalty towards the powers of the state.”

The king said the crown was strongly committed to the Spanish constitution and to democracy, and underlined his commitment to the unity and permanence of Spain. He had earlier met Rajoy to discuss the situation in Catalonia.

Opinion polls conducted before the vote suggested a minority of around 40 percent of residents in the region backed independence. But a majority wanted a referendum to be held, and the violent police crackdown angered Catalans across the divide.

“I’m not in favour of independence, but I’m against repression,” said Erwin, a 25-year-old pilot at one demonstration, wearing a Spanish flag. One of his companions was wearing the red-and-yellow striped Catalan flag.

Several demonstrations unfolded across Catalonia on Tuesday. To the north of Barcelona, a line of tractors moved down a road blocked to traffic, accompanied by protesters chanting “Independence!” and “The streets will always be ours!”

FC Barcelona, the city’s football club, joined the strike, saying it would close for the day and none of its teams would train. Carmaker SEAT was forced temporarily to shut a production line when a road closure cut supplies.

Crowds gathered outside the local headquarters of Spain’s ruling People’s Party (PP) and the Spanish national police headquarters in Barcelona, whistling and waving the red-and-yellow regional flag.

“What happened on Oct. 1 has fired up independence feeling that will never die,” said 18-year-old student Monica Ventinc, who attended a protest on Tuesday.

On financial markets, Spain’s 10-year borrowing costs hit their highest level in nearly three months as tensions between Madrid and Catalonia spilled on to the streets. (rtr)

REUTERS/Susana Vera

People stand during a demonstration two days after the banned independence referendum in Barcelona, Spain, October 3, 2017.

Bali remains...

From page 1

Meanwhile, in August 2017 alone, 601,884 foreign tourists visited Bali, a 37.37 percent increase compared to the same month last year, Chief of the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) office in Bali, Adi Nugroho, remarked here on Tuesday. The number of tourist arrivals in August 2017 also increased 1.66 percent compared to a month earlier, he added.

He stated that all top 10 sources of tourist arrivals saw a significant rise in the number of tourists visiting the resort island from the January-August 2017 period. The number of Chinese

tourists surged 58.69 percent, from 661,462 to 1,049,648, placing China atop the list of sources of tourist arrivals to the island.

Trailing behind in the second place was Australia, which saw a 0.26 percent rise in the number of tourists from 741,952 to 743,860. India was ranked third, with a 48.84 percent surge in the number of tourist arrivals from 117,897 to 175,473, while Japan was ranked fourth, with a 12.10 percent rise from 154,597 to 173,296. Bali has set a target of tourist arrivals for this year at 5.5 million. According to data from the Bali statistics office, the resort island received 4.92 million foreign tourists in 2016, a 23.14 percent increase, compared to 4.001 million in 2015. (ant)

Las Vegas gunman’s girlfriend arrives in Los Angeles from Philippines LOS ANGELES - The girlfriend of a retiree who killed 58 people and then himself in a shooting rampage in Las Vegas arrived from the Philippines in Los Angeles, where FBI agents hoped to question her about the massacre, law enforcement officials said.

Marilou Danley, who U.S. authorities have described as a “person of interest” in the investigation, left Manila on Tuesday evening aboard Philippine Airlines Flight PR 102, according to Philippines immigration spokeswoman Antonette Mangrobang.

The non-stop flight arrived as scheduled at about 7:30 p.m. local time on Tuesday (0230 GMT Wednesday) at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), according to the airline tracking website FlightAware.com and passengers from the flight.

Mangrobang told Reuters by text message there was no information about whether Danley was traveling with anyone else.

A police official in Manila and a law enforcement official in the United States, both speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters that Danley left the Philippines unescorted but was being met by Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents in Los Angeles.

The U.S. source said Danley was not under arrest but that the FBI hoped she would consent to be interviewed voluntarily.

The police official in Manila said Danley’s trip back to the United States “was coordinated with FBI authorities” and that she was returning to clear her name of any involvement in the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history. Stephen Paddock, her live-in companion who killed himself moments before police stormed the Las Vegas hotel suite he had transformed into a sniper’s nest on Sunday night, left no clear clues about why he staged his attack on an outdoor concert below the high-rise building.

Law enforcement authorities are

hoping to obtain some answers from Danley, who according to public records and police shared Paddock’s condo in a retirement community in Mesquite, Nevada, about 90 miles (145 km) northeast of Las Vegas.

The Philippine police official said authorities in Manila were told that Paddock used identification belonging to Danley, who has an Australian passport, when checking in to the Las Vegas hotel.

Investigators are also examining a $100,000 wire transfer that Paddock sent to an account in the Philippines that appeared to be intended for Danley, a senior U.S. homeland security official told Reuters on Tuesday.

The official, who has been briefed regularly on the probe but spoke on condition of anonymity, said investigators were working on the assumption that the money was intended as a form of life insurance payment to Danley.

The official said U.S. authorities were eager to question Danley about whether Paddock encouraged her to leave the United States before going on his rampage.

Danley arrived in Manila on Sept.

15, more than two weeks before the mass shooting in Las Vegas, then flew to Hong Kong on Sept. 22 and returned in Manila on Sept. 25. She was there until she flew to LAX on Tuesday night, according to a Philippine immigration official who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Danley, an Australian citizen aged 62 who is reported to have been born in the Philippines, was not seen by reporters in any public area of the LAX arrival terminal.

A flight attendant from the plane declined to comment, as did an airline manager at the terminal, citing privacy concerns, when asked if they had seen Danley. One passenger told Reuters she overheard members of the flight crew saying that one of them had escorted Danley from the plane. (rtr)

International

Thursday, October 5, 2017

11

Indonesia encourages Asian parliament to resolve Rohingya crisis

JAKARTA - The delegation of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) has encouraged the Asian Parliament to support efforts to resolve the humanitarian crisis in Rakhine State, Myanmar.

The statement was delivered by the Indonesian delegation at the

Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA) in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on Oct 2 and 3, 2017, according to a statement from the chairman of the Indonesian delegation, Rofi Munawar, received by ANTARA here on Tuesday.

According to him, the meeting discussed 24 drafts of resolution that highlighted various issues.

Rofi explained that the meeting

in Cambodia was very strategic, especially to confirm Indonesias stance regarding various issues in Asia, including the Rohingya crisis.

“The Indonesian delegation is here to emphasize the country’s stance over many issues, including the humanitarian crisis in Rakhine State,” the politician from the Social Justice Party (PKS) noted.

Rofi remarked that Indonesia, along with the Turkish and Iranian delegations, fully supported the discussion of the resolution on Rohingya issues. Indonesia itself has proposed several strategic points in the resolution, he added.

“The Indonesian delegation proposed the Formula 4+1 to be included in the drafts. We hope that the formula can be a consensus of the Asian Parliament to resolve the humanitarian crisis in Rakhine,” Rofi asserted.

Furthermore, he explained that Indonesia also emphasized that the solution to Rohingya crisis should be fundamental and comprehensive.

“We may focus on the emergency of humanitarian aid, but we should not forget the root of the problem.

We should urge the Myanmar government to immediately recognize Rohingyas as the citizens of the country constitutionally, “Rofi revealed.

The Formula 4+1 proposed by Indonesia calls on the Myanmar government to restore stability and

security; conduct maximum restraint and non-violence acts; protect all persons residing in Rakhine, regardless of race and religion; and open access to humanitarian aid.

Meanwhile, the +1 point, led

by Kofi Annan, emphasizes the importance of implementing recommendations from the Advisory Committee for Rakhine State. (ant)

REUTERS/Mohammad Ponir Hossain

Rohingya refugee children play in the river at the Kutupalang refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh October 2, 2017.

Picture taken October 2, 2017.

Indonesia`s gender equality index ranking shows improvement: Plan International

KUPANG - Based on the international gender equality index, Indonesia rose to the 110th rank among 155 countries in various parts of the world, Communication Manager of Plan International Indonesia Isni Ahmad stated. “There is something to be proud of, as gender equality in Indonesia has shown progress, although there is still discrimination against women in some areas,” Ahmad remarked here on Wednesday.

According to Ahmad, as an international organization working towards the fulfillment of childrens rights, continually striving to increase the involvement of children and youth in various fields, and promoting gender equality, Plan International noted that Indonesia has shown rapid progress in advancing gender equality. However, Ahmad stated that rampant cases of gender-based violence against children, including child marriages, are still a matter of grave concern in Indonesia.

To this end, as a global organization that upholds childrens rights and humanity, Plan International will focus its program on the prevention of child marriages for the next five years. “This is in line with Plan Internationals goal to fight to realize a fair world by promoting childrens rights and equality for girls,” Ahmad remarked.

Ahmad said one of the efforts to increase the involvement of children is by providing access and

space for minors to express themselves as leaders.

He pointed out that the activity named “A Day to be Governor of East Nusa Tenggara,” held on Tuesday at the Office of the Governor of East Nusa Tenggara Province in Kupang City, offered opportunities to at least 12 students from several districts of the province to learn ways to become leaders of the East Nusa Tenggara provincial government.

“Although only for a day, but the children are given access and opportunities to become governmental leaders, learn how to manage things, make decisions, and so on,” Ahmad stated. Ahmad said a similar activity was also held in more than 70 countries in various continents across the world, which served as the basis for carrying out Plan Internationals activities to welcome the International Day of the Girl Child on October 11, 2017, as the permanent agenda of the United Nations.

Ahmad stated that the implementation of the activity demonstrated the commitment of all parties in a bid to empower and protect girls. Ahmad expressed hope that the activities to empower children and especially girls will be conducted by every local government, through its programs, in a sustainable manner. “By providing sufficient access to children, especially girls, they can express their ideas and shape the character as well as souls of future leaders,” Ahmad said. (ant)

10

Destination

Thursday, October 5, 2017

International

Thursday, October 5, 2017

International

Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton in action during the race.

REUTERS/Lai Seng Sin

Watching mud war or mebuugbuugan at kedonganan

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

Head of the Taruna Eka Chanti youth organization, I Wayan Yustisia Semarariana explained that

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

reclamation.

“The name ‘mebuug-buugan’ comes from the Balinese word ‘buug’, meaning earth as in both ‘mud’ and ‘ land’” said spokese person, Made Sudarsana who added that they hope that the reclamation project is stopped so that this traditional activity can continue to take place.

Obviously, if the reclamation project goes through, then the area where they use the mud will disappear.

Traditional Village Head of Kedongonan, Ketut Puja expressed

his appreciation for the youth of Kedongan’s enthusiasm about preserving this ancestral traditional heritage that has been passed for uncountable generations. Puja explained that ‘mebuug-buugan’ is part of the Nyepi Day celebrations that serve to cleanse the macro and the micro-cosmos. He also expressed his hope that this traditional activity will not only be preserved but that it can be further developed and perhaps serve as a cultural tourist attraction as well.

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

Mercedes in search of lost speed at Suzuka

SUZUKA - Lewis Hamilton and his Mercedes team will be looking for lost speed as Formula One wraps up its Asian leg in Japan this weekend.

The championship leader is thankful to have extended his advantage over Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel to 34 points with five races remaining but he is also conscious that there is work to be done.

Mercedes were slower than Ferrari and Red Bull for the second successive race in Malaysia after similarly struggling for pace in Singapore.

That represented unfamiliar territory for the reigning champions, even if they came away with a tidy points haul as Ferrari self-

destructed.

Hamilton has won twice before at Suzuka, and three times in Japan when Fuji is included in the reckoning, while Mercedes are unbeaten there in three years.

On paper it should suit them again, but there is also an air of uncertainty with Red Bull very much in the mix after Max Verstappen’s victory at Sepang.

“There are a lot of question marks generally which we need to assess,” said Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff. “I think we should have

been quicker than we were (in Malaysia) but Suzuka should be much more in the window.

“I’m very much looking forward to Suzuka to see how the car behaves there because it should be completely different.”

Last year, Hamilton arrived in Japan ill at ease and still feeling the agony of an engine failure at Sepang while leading from pole position -- a blow that ultimately cost him the championship.

He played around on Snapchat and then moodily refused questions from ‘disrespectful’ media who criticised his behaviour.

This time he is riding a run of good fortune, with an opening lap

crash for Vettel in Singapore dealing the German a significant setback in a race that the Briton went on to win.

In Malaysia he finished second after his rival raced to fourth place from last on the grid due to a power unit problem in qualifying.

Vettel had a new engine for Sepang and the four times winner in Japan will expect to be quick on Sunday, with fears for his car’s gearbox subsiding since he and Canadian Lance Stroll collided on the post-race slowing down lap.

“It’s been a difficult weekend, but nevertheless the speed is there,” said the four-time champion, who has four wins this year to Hamilton’s

seven. But both he and Hamilton also have to contend with a resurgent Red Bull.

“The Red Bulls are right in it now,” said former racer and television commentator Martin Brundle.

“You think of Suzuka, it’s just one corner after another. You always want power but they should be mighty in Suzuka, the Red Bulls.”

Sunday’s race will also be Honda’s last home grand prix as power unit suppliers to McLaren, with the Japanese manufacturer set to tie up with Toro Rosso next year.

The Woking-based team head into the weekend having chalked up their first consecutive points finishes of the season. (rtr)

Nadal survives Pouille fright to progress at China Open Le Pirate Beach Club,Looking for Hotel Operational Manager, Exp Min 5 years(F&B, HK, FO, Operation).Bartender & Waiter Staff,Engineering Staff, Sous Chef , Good Salary, Accommodations &Transport,BPJS Ready to Work.Age Max 35 years, Min Exp 2 year.Sent CV to: hrd@lepirate.com ,0361487240

Resto Kuta-Server-F,CashierAsap SMK,Exp/Clever=Higher Salary SMS,WA Hp:081238347428

Needed HK for villa @Seminyakspeak Eng,can Cook&Exp-4490319 CV:gm.asaproperty@gmail.com

Cook for Hotel at Lembongan Island,Experience Phn.728088 Email:putu@bali-activities.com

Needed Reservation for villa Mgt-good English & Exp,4490319 CV:gm.asaproperty@gmail.com

Engineer for Hotel at Lembongan Island, Experience Ph.728088 Email:putu@bali-activities.com

B.BP.004.09.17.0001958

B.BP.001.10.17.0000253

B.BP.001.10.17.0000252

B.BP.004.10.17.0000111

Sea Medewi Resort in Jembrana looking for candidates: Operational Manage;Chef, Accounting. Min 2 years experience,fluently English.

Email:rikadewi27@gmail.com

B.BP.004.10.17.0000223

B.BP.001.09.17.0001824

B.BP.001.09.17.0001826

Urgently Need RSVN staff,familliar with english and outlook email.send CV to info2@bountybali.com or Contact 0361 286655

B.BP.001.10.17.0000158

Security for Hotel at Lembongan Island, Experience Ph.728088 Email:putu@bali-activities.com

Place Your Add Here

B.BP.001.09.17.0001825

FO Female,25-35Yrs,Fluent English,Hotel/Villa Exp.Skills in MS Excel&Word,a team player to Report to the DOSM. Send full CV to: demi@sienna-villas.com Sienna Villas Jl.Raya Seminyak Gg.Keraton No.5 Bandung 80361 Tel:0361734698

B.BP.004.09.17.0001421

It is for Job Vacancy, Property, Selling or Buying Please contact Gugiek : 08123840500 / Eka : 081338519538 NICOLAS ASFOURI / AFP

Rafael Nadal of Spain hits a return during his men’s singles match against Lucas Pouille of France at the China Open tennis tournament in Beijing on October 3, 2017.

BEIJING - Rafa Nadal came within a whisker of making an opening-round exit at the China Open on Tuesday as he was pushed to three sets by Frenchman Lucas Pouille before winning 4-6 7-6(6) 7-5.

The world number one, who was beaten by Pouille the last time they met at the 2016 U.S. Open, lost a close first set before saving two match points in a second-set tiebreak which he won to level things up.

Nadal needed all his experience to keep Pouille at bay in the decider and the match looked to be heading for another tiebreak before he pounced to break Pouille’s serve for the first time to go 6-5 up.

The Spaniard held his nerve to close out the match in clinical fashion after two hours and 31 minutes and will next face Russian Karen

Khachanov, who beat Chinese wild card Wu Di 6-4 6-2. ”(Pouille) played well. Very aggressive, He’s serving well,“ Nadal said. ”For me it was little bit difficult at the beginning. Then I started to play better. But still I didn’t have the control of the match for almost all the time.

“I remember the match against him in the U.S. Open... That time was for him, today was for me.”

Second seed Alexander Zverev served seven aces as he beat Britain’s Kyle Edmund 6-3 7-6(3) in the day’s last match and will meet Italy’s Fabio Fognini in the next round.

Juan Martin del Potro stormed into round two with a 7-6(4) 6-4 win over Uruguay’s Pablo Cuevas and will face third seed Grigor Dimitrov, who battled past Bosnian Damir

Dzumhur 6-1 3-6 6-3.

Eighth seed Nick Kyrgios breezed past Georgia’s Nikoloz Basilashvili 6-1 6-2, the Australian serving 12 aces as he closed out the contest in under an hour.

John Isner, the number six seed, also pulled off a routine 6-2 6-3 victory over Tunisian qualifier Malek Jaziri, although two of the American’s unseeded compatriots bowed out. Jared Donaldson fought hard against Czech seventh seed Tomas Berdych, but ran out of steam as he went down 6-3 0-6 6-2.

Jack Sock was also eliminated and the 25-year-old will be disappointed he could not hold off Andrey Rublev despite comfortably winning the first set against the Russian, who bounced back to win 3-6 6-1 6-2 and will face Berdych next. (rtr)

8

Thursday, October 5, 2017

Thursday, October 5, 2017

Sp rt

Don’t write Bulgaria off, says captain Popov

REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh

Egypt team group

Three from Africa on brink of World Cup qualification

CAPE TOWN - Nigeria, Egypt and Tunisia could all book their spots at next year’s World Cup in the penultimate round of African qualifiers at the weekend but the other two slots will only be decided next month.

A home victory over Zambia – a side they beat away at the start of the group phase – will be enough to see Nigeria return to the finals after reaching the second round in Brazil in 2014.

Last month’s convincing 4-0 win over Cameroon, inspired by the return of Victor Moses to the team, saw them eliminate the reigning African champions and establish a three point advantage, with two games to play, at the head of Group B. “We must wrap this race up on Saturday. Our team has shown professionalism, dedication and determination to be in this position,” captain John Obi Mikel said in the build-up to the match in Uyo. Zambia’s young side upset Algeria away in their last game to stay in the race and give themselves hopes of an unlikely turnaround after picking up a solitary point from their opening two matches.

Egypt play on Sunday against Congo in Alexandria in a match expected to produce a routine win and which follows 24 hours after their two rivals in Group E – Uganda and Ghana -- go head-to-head in Kampala.

Uganda are two points behind Egypt and Ghana four points adrift of the group leaders, as they face

SOFIA - Bulgaria captain Ivelin Popov believes his side can pick up maximum points in their last two matches in Group A and qualify for the 2018 World Cup after a 14-year absence from major tournaments.

Bulgaria, who have failed to reach a major tournament since Euro 2004, host leaders France on Saturday, knowing only a win will keep their chances of playing at the finals in Russia next summer alive.

“There are still games to be played in the group and a turnaround is possible,” said Spartak Moscow striker Popov, who will miss the France game due to suspension.

France top the standings with 17 points from eight matches, followed by Sweden on 16. Netherlands are third with 13 points while Bulgaria are fourth on 12.

“We’ll go out and try to take maximum points in these two matches (Bulgaria visit Luxembourg in their final game on Tuesday), so they really shouldn’t write us off,” Popov said. “We’re very

strong at home.”

The eight best runners-up from the qualifying groups in Europe will play home-and-away over two legs with the winners going through to Russia.

Bulgarian media, fans and former international players recalled the Balkan country’s famous victory against France at the Parc des Princes in 1993 to help inspire the players ahead of the clash at Vasil Levski stadium.

A dramatic last-minute goal by Emil Kostadinov gave Bulgaria a 2-1 win over France to clinch a place at the 1994 World Cup finals in the United States, breaking French hearts as Gerard Houllier’s team were eliminated. Bulgaria then went on to reach the semifinals after beating Germany in the last eight.

Local media even suggested that the presence of Kostadinov’s namesake - Maccabi Haifa midfielder Georgi Kostadinov, in Bulgarian squad could be a good omen for the team. (rtr)

England lucky to have ‘hot’ Kane, says Hart Harry Kane is on a goalscoring hot streak in the Premier League and the England striker has already established himself as a top player regardless of his season’s tally, goalkeeper Joe Hart has said.

Kane, who is set to lead the line for England in their World Cup qualifier against Slovenia on Thursday, has scored six goals in seven league games and five times in the Champions League for Tottenham Hotspur.

The 24-year-old’s brace against Malta swelled his haul for club and country to 13 goals last month, a feat that has raised Kane’s stock in

international soccer.

“Whether he keeps his form, scores 40 goals or ends up with 20, he is still a top player and we are lucky to have him,” England goalkeeper Hart told British media ahead of the game at Wembley.

“Right now, Harry is hot. He has (Mauricio) Pochettino, one of the hottest managers in the world, who regards him highly and there are reasons for that.

“Harry will keep being Harry and he will keep scoring goals. As long as he is in my team, wearing an England badge, I want that to continue.”

Hart felt Kane’s secret was his simplicity in front of goal. The striker has made steady progress over the past two seasons for his club, scoring 25 and 29 goals to pick up the golden boot twice in succession. “There is no real secret to him and that is the brilliance of Harry,” Hart said.

“It is not dazzling skills... he is just one of the best out there. You know you will get a hard shot with Harry. If you give him half an inch he will get a strike on goal.

“He keeps scoring goals and you cannot ask for any more than that.

Long may it continue in an England shirt.” (rtr)

Allardyce to sue FA over sacking - reports

Former England manager Sam Allardyce has sent a “5,000-word letter” to the Football Association seeking damages for the way they handled his sacking, according to a report in the Daily Mail newspaper.

Allardyce left his role with the national side by mutual consent after just one game following a newspaper investigation by Britian’s Daily Telegraph which featured a video of him offering advice to undercover reporters on how to “get around” FA rules on player transfers.

The Daily Mail story says that lawyers for the 62-year-old, who lasted 67 days in the job, have now obtained transcripts of the recordings and have written to FA chairman Greg Clarke and chief executive Martin Glenn.

They argue that the FA did not confirm facts before firing Allardyce and that the experienced manager did not breach the terms of his employment. When contacted by Reuters, the FA refused to comment. (rtr)

missing out on the World Cup after appearing at the last three finals.

For Egypt, World Cup qualification has been something of a Holy Grail since their last appearance at the tournament in Italy in 1990 with several heart-breaking failures since.

STRESSFUL

Injuries to key players have ratcheted up the pressure as coach Hector Cuper told a press conference in Cairo at the start of the week.

“The challenge is stressful, of course. I’m taking hypertension medicine because of it. Life is full of stress, but the challenge of reaching the World Cup is the toughest stress I’ve faced,” he said.

Tunisia’s three-point advantage over the Democratic Republic of Congo in Group A has also put them in a strong position to qualify although both countries play away on Saturday in their penultimate ties. Tunisia are away in Guinea while the Congolese take on Libya.

In Group C, the Ivory Coast have a narrow one point advantage over Morocco but have a tough match in Mali on Friday. Morocco host Gabon, who have PierreEmerick Auabemyang back, on Saturday.

In Group D, all four teams are still in with a chance as the Cape Verde Islands host Senegal and Burkina Faso are away in Johannesburg to take on South Africa.

Only the five group winners advance to next year’s World Cup finals. (rtr)

IBP/net

IBP/net

9

Action Images via Reuters/John Sibley

England’s Harry Kane during training

8

Thursday, October 5, 2017

Thursday, October 5, 2017

Sp rt

Don’t write Bulgaria off, says captain Popov

REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh

Egypt team group

Three from Africa on brink of World Cup qualification

CAPE TOWN - Nigeria, Egypt and Tunisia could all book their spots at next year’s World Cup in the penultimate round of African qualifiers at the weekend but the other two slots will only be decided next month.

A home victory over Zambia – a side they beat away at the start of the group phase – will be enough to see Nigeria return to the finals after reaching the second round in Brazil in 2014.

Last month’s convincing 4-0 win over Cameroon, inspired by the return of Victor Moses to the team, saw them eliminate the reigning African champions and establish a three point advantage, with two games to play, at the head of Group B. “We must wrap this race up on Saturday. Our team has shown professionalism, dedication and determination to be in this position,” captain John Obi Mikel said in the build-up to the match in Uyo. Zambia’s young side upset Algeria away in their last game to stay in the race and give themselves hopes of an unlikely turnaround after picking up a solitary point from their opening two matches.

Egypt play on Sunday against Congo in Alexandria in a match expected to produce a routine win and which follows 24 hours after their two rivals in Group E – Uganda and Ghana -- go head-to-head in Kampala.

Uganda are two points behind Egypt and Ghana four points adrift of the group leaders, as they face

SOFIA - Bulgaria captain Ivelin Popov believes his side can pick up maximum points in their last two matches in Group A and qualify for the 2018 World Cup after a 14-year absence from major tournaments.

Bulgaria, who have failed to reach a major tournament since Euro 2004, host leaders France on Saturday, knowing only a win will keep their chances of playing at the finals in Russia next summer alive.

“There are still games to be played in the group and a turnaround is possible,” said Spartak Moscow striker Popov, who will miss the France game due to suspension.

France top the standings with 17 points from eight matches, followed by Sweden on 16. Netherlands are third with 13 points while Bulgaria are fourth on 12.

“We’ll go out and try to take maximum points in these two matches (Bulgaria visit Luxembourg in their final game on Tuesday), so they really shouldn’t write us off,” Popov said. “We’re very

strong at home.”

The eight best runners-up from the qualifying groups in Europe will play home-and-away over two legs with the winners going through to Russia.

Bulgarian media, fans and former international players recalled the Balkan country’s famous victory against France at the Parc des Princes in 1993 to help inspire the players ahead of the clash at Vasil Levski stadium.

A dramatic last-minute goal by Emil Kostadinov gave Bulgaria a 2-1 win over France to clinch a place at the 1994 World Cup finals in the United States, breaking French hearts as Gerard Houllier’s team were eliminated. Bulgaria then went on to reach the semifinals after beating Germany in the last eight.

Local media even suggested that the presence of Kostadinov’s namesake - Maccabi Haifa midfielder Georgi Kostadinov, in Bulgarian squad could be a good omen for the team. (rtr)

England lucky to have ‘hot’ Kane, says Hart Harry Kane is on a goalscoring hot streak in the Premier League and the England striker has already established himself as a top player regardless of his season’s tally, goalkeeper Joe Hart has said.

Kane, who is set to lead the line for England in their World Cup qualifier against Slovenia on Thursday, has scored six goals in seven league games and five times in the Champions League for Tottenham Hotspur.

The 24-year-old’s brace against Malta swelled his haul for club and country to 13 goals last month, a feat that has raised Kane’s stock in

international soccer.

“Whether he keeps his form, scores 40 goals or ends up with 20, he is still a top player and we are lucky to have him,” England goalkeeper Hart told British media ahead of the game at Wembley.

“Right now, Harry is hot. He has (Mauricio) Pochettino, one of the hottest managers in the world, who regards him highly and there are reasons for that.

“Harry will keep being Harry and he will keep scoring goals. As long as he is in my team, wearing an England badge, I want that to continue.”

Hart felt Kane’s secret was his simplicity in front of goal. The striker has made steady progress over the past two seasons for his club, scoring 25 and 29 goals to pick up the golden boot twice in succession. “There is no real secret to him and that is the brilliance of Harry,” Hart said.

“It is not dazzling skills... he is just one of the best out there. You know you will get a hard shot with Harry. If you give him half an inch he will get a strike on goal.

“He keeps scoring goals and you cannot ask for any more than that.

Long may it continue in an England shirt.” (rtr)

Allardyce to sue FA over sacking - reports

Former England manager Sam Allardyce has sent a “5,000-word letter” to the Football Association seeking damages for the way they handled his sacking, according to a report in the Daily Mail newspaper.

Allardyce left his role with the national side by mutual consent after just one game following a newspaper investigation by Britian’s Daily Telegraph which featured a video of him offering advice to undercover reporters on how to “get around” FA rules on player transfers.

The Daily Mail story says that lawyers for the 62-year-old, who lasted 67 days in the job, have now obtained transcripts of the recordings and have written to FA chairman Greg Clarke and chief executive Martin Glenn.

They argue that the FA did not confirm facts before firing Allardyce and that the experienced manager did not breach the terms of his employment. When contacted by Reuters, the FA refused to comment. (rtr)

missing out on the World Cup after appearing at the last three finals.

For Egypt, World Cup qualification has been something of a Holy Grail since their last appearance at the tournament in Italy in 1990 with several heart-breaking failures since.

STRESSFUL

Injuries to key players have ratcheted up the pressure as coach Hector Cuper told a press conference in Cairo at the start of the week.

“The challenge is stressful, of course. I’m taking hypertension medicine because of it. Life is full of stress, but the challenge of reaching the World Cup is the toughest stress I’ve faced,” he said.

Tunisia’s three-point advantage over the Democratic Republic of Congo in Group A has also put them in a strong position to qualify although both countries play away on Saturday in their penultimate ties. Tunisia are away in Guinea while the Congolese take on Libya.

In Group C, the Ivory Coast have a narrow one point advantage over Morocco but have a tough match in Mali on Friday. Morocco host Gabon, who have PierreEmerick Auabemyang back, on Saturday.

In Group D, all four teams are still in with a chance as the Cape Verde Islands host Senegal and Burkina Faso are away in Johannesburg to take on South Africa.

Only the five group winners advance to next year’s World Cup finals. (rtr)

IBP/net

IBP/net

9

Action Images via Reuters/John Sibley

England’s Harry Kane during training

10

Destination

Thursday, October 5, 2017

International

Thursday, October 5, 2017

International

Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton in action during the race.

REUTERS/Lai Seng Sin

Watching mud war or mebuugbuugan at kedonganan

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

Head of the Taruna Eka Chanti youth organization, I Wayan Yustisia Semarariana explained that

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

reclamation.

“The name ‘mebuug-buugan’ comes from the Balinese word ‘buug’, meaning earth as in both ‘mud’ and ‘ land’” said spokese person, Made Sudarsana who added that they hope that the reclamation project is stopped so that this traditional activity can continue to take place.

Obviously, if the reclamation project goes through, then the area where they use the mud will disappear.

Traditional Village Head of Kedongonan, Ketut Puja expressed

his appreciation for the youth of Kedongan’s enthusiasm about preserving this ancestral traditional heritage that has been passed for uncountable generations. Puja explained that ‘mebuug-buugan’ is part of the Nyepi Day celebrations that serve to cleanse the macro and the micro-cosmos. He also expressed his hope that this traditional activity will not only be preserved but that it can be further developed and perhaps serve as a cultural tourist attraction as well.

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

Mercedes in search of lost speed at Suzuka

SUZUKA - Lewis Hamilton and his Mercedes team will be looking for lost speed as Formula One wraps up its Asian leg in Japan this weekend.

The championship leader is thankful to have extended his advantage over Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel to 34 points with five races remaining but he is also conscious that there is work to be done.

Mercedes were slower than Ferrari and Red Bull for the second successive race in Malaysia after similarly struggling for pace in Singapore.

That represented unfamiliar territory for the reigning champions, even if they came away with a tidy points haul as Ferrari self-

destructed.

Hamilton has won twice before at Suzuka, and three times in Japan when Fuji is included in the reckoning, while Mercedes are unbeaten there in three years.

On paper it should suit them again, but there is also an air of uncertainty with Red Bull very much in the mix after Max Verstappen’s victory at Sepang.

“There are a lot of question marks generally which we need to assess,” said Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff. “I think we should have

been quicker than we were (in Malaysia) but Suzuka should be much more in the window.

“I’m very much looking forward to Suzuka to see how the car behaves there because it should be completely different.”

Last year, Hamilton arrived in Japan ill at ease and still feeling the agony of an engine failure at Sepang while leading from pole position -- a blow that ultimately cost him the championship.

He played around on Snapchat and then moodily refused questions from ‘disrespectful’ media who criticised his behaviour.

This time he is riding a run of good fortune, with an opening lap

crash for Vettel in Singapore dealing the German a significant setback in a race that the Briton went on to win.

In Malaysia he finished second after his rival raced to fourth place from last on the grid due to a power unit problem in qualifying.

Vettel had a new engine for Sepang and the four times winner in Japan will expect to be quick on Sunday, with fears for his car’s gearbox subsiding since he and Canadian Lance Stroll collided on the post-race slowing down lap.

“It’s been a difficult weekend, but nevertheless the speed is there,” said the four-time champion, who has four wins this year to Hamilton’s

seven. But both he and Hamilton also have to contend with a resurgent Red Bull.

“The Red Bulls are right in it now,” said former racer and television commentator Martin Brundle.

“You think of Suzuka, it’s just one corner after another. You always want power but they should be mighty in Suzuka, the Red Bulls.”

Sunday’s race will also be Honda’s last home grand prix as power unit suppliers to McLaren, with the Japanese manufacturer set to tie up with Toro Rosso next year.

The Woking-based team head into the weekend having chalked up their first consecutive points finishes of the season. (rtr)

Nadal survives Pouille fright to progress at China Open Le Pirate Beach Club,Looking for Hotel Operational Manager, Exp Min 5 years(F&B, HK, FO, Operation).Bartender & Waiter Staff,Engineering Staff, Sous Chef , Good Salary, Accommodations &Transport,BPJS Ready to Work.Age Max 35 years, Min Exp 2 year.Sent CV to: hrd@lepirate.com ,0361487240

Resto Kuta-Server-F,CashierAsap SMK,Exp/Clever=Higher Salary SMS,WA Hp:081238347428

Needed HK for villa @Seminyakspeak Eng,can Cook&Exp-4490319 CV:gm.asaproperty@gmail.com

Cook for Hotel at Lembongan Island,Experience Phn.728088 Email:putu@bali-activities.com

Needed Reservation for villa Mgt-good English & Exp,4490319 CV:gm.asaproperty@gmail.com

Engineer for Hotel at Lembongan Island, Experience Ph.728088 Email:putu@bali-activities.com

B.BP.004.09.17.0001958

B.BP.001.10.17.0000253

B.BP.001.10.17.0000252

B.BP.004.10.17.0000111

Sea Medewi Resort in Jembrana looking for candidates: Operational Manage;Chef, Accounting. Min 2 years experience,fluently English.

Email:rikadewi27@gmail.com

B.BP.004.10.17.0000223

B.BP.001.09.17.0001824

B.BP.001.09.17.0001826

Urgently Need RSVN staff,familliar with english and outlook email.send CV to info2@bountybali.com or Contact 0361 286655

B.BP.001.10.17.0000158

Security for Hotel at Lembongan Island, Experience Ph.728088 Email:putu@bali-activities.com

Place Your Add Here

B.BP.001.09.17.0001825

FO Female,25-35Yrs,Fluent English,Hotel/Villa Exp.Skills in MS Excel&Word,a team player to Report to the DOSM. Send full CV to: demi@sienna-villas.com Sienna Villas Jl.Raya Seminyak Gg.Keraton No.5 Bandung 80361 Tel:0361734698

B.BP.004.09.17.0001421

It is for Job Vacancy, Property, Selling or Buying Please contact Gugiek : 08123840500 / Eka : 081338519538 NICOLAS ASFOURI / AFP

Rafael Nadal of Spain hits a return during his men’s singles match against Lucas Pouille of France at the China Open tennis tournament in Beijing on October 3, 2017.

BEIJING - Rafa Nadal came within a whisker of making an opening-round exit at the China Open on Tuesday as he was pushed to three sets by Frenchman Lucas Pouille before winning 4-6 7-6(6) 7-5.

The world number one, who was beaten by Pouille the last time they met at the 2016 U.S. Open, lost a close first set before saving two match points in a second-set tiebreak which he won to level things up.

Nadal needed all his experience to keep Pouille at bay in the decider and the match looked to be heading for another tiebreak before he pounced to break Pouille’s serve for the first time to go 6-5 up.

The Spaniard held his nerve to close out the match in clinical fashion after two hours and 31 minutes and will next face Russian Karen

Khachanov, who beat Chinese wild card Wu Di 6-4 6-2. ”(Pouille) played well. Very aggressive, He’s serving well,“ Nadal said. ”For me it was little bit difficult at the beginning. Then I started to play better. But still I didn’t have the control of the match for almost all the time.

“I remember the match against him in the U.S. Open... That time was for him, today was for me.”

Second seed Alexander Zverev served seven aces as he beat Britain’s Kyle Edmund 6-3 7-6(3) in the day’s last match and will meet Italy’s Fabio Fognini in the next round.

Juan Martin del Potro stormed into round two with a 7-6(4) 6-4 win over Uruguay’s Pablo Cuevas and will face third seed Grigor Dimitrov, who battled past Bosnian Damir

Dzumhur 6-1 3-6 6-3.

Eighth seed Nick Kyrgios breezed past Georgia’s Nikoloz Basilashvili 6-1 6-2, the Australian serving 12 aces as he closed out the contest in under an hour.

John Isner, the number six seed, also pulled off a routine 6-2 6-3 victory over Tunisian qualifier Malek Jaziri, although two of the American’s unseeded compatriots bowed out. Jared Donaldson fought hard against Czech seventh seed Tomas Berdych, but ran out of steam as he went down 6-3 0-6 6-2.

Jack Sock was also eliminated and the 25-year-old will be disappointed he could not hold off Andrey Rublev despite comfortably winning the first set against the Russian, who bounced back to win 3-6 6-1 6-2 and will face Berdych next. (rtr)

6

Thursday, October 5, 2017

W

RLD

Spain’s King condemns Catalan leaders as thousands take to streets BARCELONA - Spain’s King Felipe VI on Tuesday accused Catalan secessionist leaders of shattering democratic principles and dividing Catalan society, as thousands took to the streets to protest against a violent police crackdown against the banned independence referendum held on Sunday.

The televised speech, a rare intervention by the 49-yearold monarch who is normally silent on politics, was a sign of how deeply Spain has been shaken by the Catalan vote and a police crackdown that injured 900 people.

On Tuesday tens of thousands of Catalans demonstrated in the streets of the northeastern region against action by the police who tried to disrupt Sunday’s vote by firing rubber bullets and charging into crowds with truncheons.

Tuesday’s protests shut down road traffic, public transport and businesses.

The referendum and its aftermath have plunged Spain into its worst constitutional crisis in decades, and are a political test for Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, a conservative who has taken a hard line stance on the issue.

Late Tuesday Catalonia’s leader, Carles Puigdemont, told the BBC that the region will declare independence in a matter of days.

Pro-independence parties who control the regional government staged Sunday’s referendum in defiance of the Constitutional Court, which had ruled that the vote violated Spain’s 1978 constitution which states the country is indivisible.

Catalonia, Spain’s richest region, has its own language and culture and a political movement for secession that has strengthened in recent years.

Those who participated in Sunday’s ballot voted overwhelmingly for independence, a result that was expected since residents who favour remaining part of Spain mainly boycotted the referendum. Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont has said the result is valid and must be implemented.

Outside of Catalonia, Spaniards mostly hold strong views against its independence drive. In his televised

International

address, the king said the “irresponsible behaviour” of the Catalan leaders had undermined social harmony in the region.

“Today Catalan society is fractured and in conflict,” he said. “They (the Catalan leaders) have infringed the system of legally approved rules with their decisions, showing an unacceptable disloyalty towards the powers of the state.”

The king said the crown was strongly committed to the Spanish constitution and to democracy, and underlined his commitment to the unity and permanence of Spain. He had earlier met Rajoy to discuss the situation in Catalonia.

Opinion polls conducted before the vote suggested a minority of around 40 percent of residents in the region backed independence. But a majority wanted a referendum to be held, and the violent police crackdown angered Catalans across the divide.

“I’m not in favour of independence, but I’m against repression,” said Erwin, a 25-year-old pilot at one demonstration, wearing a Spanish flag. One of his companions was wearing the red-and-yellow striped Catalan flag.

Several demonstrations unfolded across Catalonia on Tuesday. To the north of Barcelona, a line of tractors moved down a road blocked to traffic, accompanied by protesters chanting “Independence!” and “The streets will always be ours!”

FC Barcelona, the city’s football club, joined the strike, saying it would close for the day and none of its teams would train. Carmaker SEAT was forced temporarily to shut a production line when a road closure cut supplies.

Crowds gathered outside the local headquarters of Spain’s ruling People’s Party (PP) and the Spanish national police headquarters in Barcelona, whistling and waving the red-and-yellow regional flag.

“What happened on Oct. 1 has fired up independence feeling that will never die,” said 18-year-old student Monica Ventinc, who attended a protest on Tuesday.

On financial markets, Spain’s 10-year borrowing costs hit their highest level in nearly three months as tensions between Madrid and Catalonia spilled on to the streets. (rtr)

REUTERS/Susana Vera

People stand during a demonstration two days after the banned independence referendum in Barcelona, Spain, October 3, 2017.

Bali remains...

From page 1

Meanwhile, in August 2017 alone, 601,884 foreign tourists visited Bali, a 37.37 percent increase compared to the same month last year, Chief of the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) office in Bali, Adi Nugroho, remarked here on Tuesday. The number of tourist arrivals in August 2017 also increased 1.66 percent compared to a month earlier, he added.

He stated that all top 10 sources of tourist arrivals saw a significant rise in the number of tourists visiting the resort island from the January-August 2017 period. The number of Chinese

tourists surged 58.69 percent, from 661,462 to 1,049,648, placing China atop the list of sources of tourist arrivals to the island.

Trailing behind in the second place was Australia, which saw a 0.26 percent rise in the number of tourists from 741,952 to 743,860. India was ranked third, with a 48.84 percent surge in the number of tourist arrivals from 117,897 to 175,473, while Japan was ranked fourth, with a 12.10 percent rise from 154,597 to 173,296. Bali has set a target of tourist arrivals for this year at 5.5 million. According to data from the Bali statistics office, the resort island received 4.92 million foreign tourists in 2016, a 23.14 percent increase, compared to 4.001 million in 2015. (ant)

Las Vegas gunman’s girlfriend arrives in Los Angeles from Philippines LOS ANGELES - The girlfriend of a retiree who killed 58 people and then himself in a shooting rampage in Las Vegas arrived from the Philippines in Los Angeles, where FBI agents hoped to question her about the massacre, law enforcement officials said.

Marilou Danley, who U.S. authorities have described as a “person of interest” in the investigation, left Manila on Tuesday evening aboard Philippine Airlines Flight PR 102, according to Philippines immigration spokeswoman Antonette Mangrobang.

The non-stop flight arrived as scheduled at about 7:30 p.m. local time on Tuesday (0230 GMT Wednesday) at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), according to the airline tracking website FlightAware.com and passengers from the flight.

Mangrobang told Reuters by text message there was no information about whether Danley was traveling with anyone else.

A police official in Manila and a law enforcement official in the United States, both speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters that Danley left the Philippines unescorted but was being met by Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents in Los Angeles.

The U.S. source said Danley was not under arrest but that the FBI hoped she would consent to be interviewed voluntarily.

The police official in Manila said Danley’s trip back to the United States “was coordinated with FBI authorities” and that she was returning to clear her name of any involvement in the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history. Stephen Paddock, her live-in companion who killed himself moments before police stormed the Las Vegas hotel suite he had transformed into a sniper’s nest on Sunday night, left no clear clues about why he staged his attack on an outdoor concert below the high-rise building.

Law enforcement authorities are

hoping to obtain some answers from Danley, who according to public records and police shared Paddock’s condo in a retirement community in Mesquite, Nevada, about 90 miles (145 km) northeast of Las Vegas.

The Philippine police official said authorities in Manila were told that Paddock used identification belonging to Danley, who has an Australian passport, when checking in to the Las Vegas hotel.

Investigators are also examining a $100,000 wire transfer that Paddock sent to an account in the Philippines that appeared to be intended for Danley, a senior U.S. homeland security official told Reuters on Tuesday.

The official, who has been briefed regularly on the probe but spoke on condition of anonymity, said investigators were working on the assumption that the money was intended as a form of life insurance payment to Danley.

The official said U.S. authorities were eager to question Danley about whether Paddock encouraged her to leave the United States before going on his rampage.

Danley arrived in Manila on Sept.

15, more than two weeks before the mass shooting in Las Vegas, then flew to Hong Kong on Sept. 22 and returned in Manila on Sept. 25. She was there until she flew to LAX on Tuesday night, according to a Philippine immigration official who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Danley, an Australian citizen aged 62 who is reported to have been born in the Philippines, was not seen by reporters in any public area of the LAX arrival terminal.

A flight attendant from the plane declined to comment, as did an airline manager at the terminal, citing privacy concerns, when asked if they had seen Danley. One passenger told Reuters she overheard members of the flight crew saying that one of them had escorted Danley from the plane. (rtr)

International

Thursday, October 5, 2017

11

Indonesia encourages Asian parliament to resolve Rohingya crisis

JAKARTA - The delegation of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) has encouraged the Asian Parliament to support efforts to resolve the humanitarian crisis in Rakhine State, Myanmar.

The statement was delivered by the Indonesian delegation at the

Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA) in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on Oct 2 and 3, 2017, according to a statement from the chairman of the Indonesian delegation, Rofi Munawar, received by ANTARA here on Tuesday.

According to him, the meeting discussed 24 drafts of resolution that highlighted various issues.

Rofi explained that the meeting

in Cambodia was very strategic, especially to confirm Indonesias stance regarding various issues in Asia, including the Rohingya crisis.

“The Indonesian delegation is here to emphasize the country’s stance over many issues, including the humanitarian crisis in Rakhine State,” the politician from the Social Justice Party (PKS) noted.

Rofi remarked that Indonesia, along with the Turkish and Iranian delegations, fully supported the discussion of the resolution on Rohingya issues. Indonesia itself has proposed several strategic points in the resolution, he added.

“The Indonesian delegation proposed the Formula 4+1 to be included in the drafts. We hope that the formula can be a consensus of the Asian Parliament to resolve the humanitarian crisis in Rakhine,” Rofi asserted.

Furthermore, he explained that Indonesia also emphasized that the solution to Rohingya crisis should be fundamental and comprehensive.

“We may focus on the emergency of humanitarian aid, but we should not forget the root of the problem.

We should urge the Myanmar government to immediately recognize Rohingyas as the citizens of the country constitutionally, “Rofi revealed.

The Formula 4+1 proposed by Indonesia calls on the Myanmar government to restore stability and

security; conduct maximum restraint and non-violence acts; protect all persons residing in Rakhine, regardless of race and religion; and open access to humanitarian aid.

Meanwhile, the +1 point, led

by Kofi Annan, emphasizes the importance of implementing recommendations from the Advisory Committee for Rakhine State. (ant)

REUTERS/Mohammad Ponir Hossain

Rohingya refugee children play in the river at the Kutupalang refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh October 2, 2017.

Picture taken October 2, 2017.

Indonesia`s gender equality index ranking shows improvement: Plan International

KUPANG - Based on the international gender equality index, Indonesia rose to the 110th rank among 155 countries in various parts of the world, Communication Manager of Plan International Indonesia Isni Ahmad stated. “There is something to be proud of, as gender equality in Indonesia has shown progress, although there is still discrimination against women in some areas,” Ahmad remarked here on Wednesday.

According to Ahmad, as an international organization working towards the fulfillment of childrens rights, continually striving to increase the involvement of children and youth in various fields, and promoting gender equality, Plan International noted that Indonesia has shown rapid progress in advancing gender equality. However, Ahmad stated that rampant cases of gender-based violence against children, including child marriages, are still a matter of grave concern in Indonesia.

To this end, as a global organization that upholds childrens rights and humanity, Plan International will focus its program on the prevention of child marriages for the next five years. “This is in line with Plan Internationals goal to fight to realize a fair world by promoting childrens rights and equality for girls,” Ahmad remarked.

Ahmad said one of the efforts to increase the involvement of children is by providing access and

space for minors to express themselves as leaders.

He pointed out that the activity named “A Day to be Governor of East Nusa Tenggara,” held on Tuesday at the Office of the Governor of East Nusa Tenggara Province in Kupang City, offered opportunities to at least 12 students from several districts of the province to learn ways to become leaders of the East Nusa Tenggara provincial government.

“Although only for a day, but the children are given access and opportunities to become governmental leaders, learn how to manage things, make decisions, and so on,” Ahmad stated. Ahmad said a similar activity was also held in more than 70 countries in various continents across the world, which served as the basis for carrying out Plan Internationals activities to welcome the International Day of the Girl Child on October 11, 2017, as the permanent agenda of the United Nations.

Ahmad stated that the implementation of the activity demonstrated the commitment of all parties in a bid to empower and protect girls. Ahmad expressed hope that the activities to empower children and especially girls will be conducted by every local government, through its programs, in a sustainable manner. “By providing sufficient access to children, especially girls, they can express their ideas and shape the character as well as souls of future leaders,” Ahmad said. (ant)

12

International

Thursday, October 5, 2017

BUSINESS White tiger, dark horse: North Korean art market heats up

DANDONG - Seated beneath tall windows and dressed simply in singlets and trousers, North Korean painters are hard at work. The artists staple canvases to frames or copy idyllic landscapes from laptop computers. One wears headphones as he brushes a group of running horses onto his canvas.

The nine men have come to the Chinese border town of Dandong from Mansudae Art Studio, North Korea’s largest producer of art.

There are many outlets like this along the border; they house some of the thousands of North Korean artists who cater to burgeoning demand for their work. “Chinese have begun collecting art, and North Korean art is much easier and cheaper for them to obtain,” says Park Young-jeong, a research fellow at the Korea Culture and Tourism Institute, a Seoulbased organisation.

In recent years as countries have responded to North Korea’s weapons tests with sanctions, Mansudae and other art studios have increasingly played a more controversial role – helping Pyongyang raise cash abroad. North Korea has long been punished for alleged underhand dealings in minerals, finance and arms; art was seen more as a channel for mutual understanding. That is changing.

Mansudae is run by the North Korean state. Its output ranges from statues of global leaders to propaganda posters, embroidery and more. It has built monuments and statues in at least 15 African countries, according to independent United Nations sanctions experts. In a report in February, they said that a part of Mansudae called Mansudae Overseas Projects was a front for the North Korean state to cash in on military deals. As well as monumental statues, they found it built military installations such as a munitions factory and bases in Namibia.

A diplomat at the North Korean mission to the U.N. in Geneva said Mansudae had nothing to do with funding weapons manufacturing. No one from Mansudae could be reached. The U.N. Security Council banned Mansudae’s statue business in 2016. On Aug. 5, after Pyongyang conducted more weapons tests, the Security Council blacklisted Mansudae Art Studio, subjecting it to a global asset freeze and travel ban. Diplomats say this will prevent Mansudae from conducting business.

“With this listing, anything Mansudae produces - including paintings, other artwork, monuments, buildings, and other construction - cannot be bought and should be frozen per the asset freeze,” said a U.N. Security Council diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity. In a further resolution on Sept. 11, the Security Council decided that all joint ventures with North Korean entities or individuals must be shut down within 120 days, or by mid-January.

Exactly what the measures mean for exist-

ing Mansudae art has yet to become clear.

In Beijing’s art district, a gallery called the Mansudae Art Gallery says it is the studio’s official overseas gallery. Its head insists the sanctions do not apply to it and says they have had no impact on his business.

“Now more than ever we need avenues like art to create understanding between North Korea and the rest of the world,” said Ji Zhengtai.

It is not possible to estimate the total value of Mansudae’s dealings, but the Security Council diplomat said the business had earned tens of millions of dollars globally.

“WE DON’T DO POLITICS” Mansudaeartsudio.com, a website in Italy which calls itself Mansudae’s “official website abroad,” says the studio is “probably the largest art production centre in the world.” Mansudae’s Pyongyang studio covers 120,000 sq m (nearly 30 acres), employs about 4,000 people including around 1,000 artists, and is divided into 13 creative groups, seven manufacturing plants and more than 50 supply departments, the website says.

The website is run by Pier Luigi Cecioni, who sells Mansudae works online and at fairs through what he calls an exclusive agreement with Mansudae Art Studio. He declined to say how much he sells, but in August after the sanctions on Mansudae Art Studio were announced, he told Reuters that the revenues go direct to the studio to pay for paints and equipment. Cecioni said he sells works from his personal collection, most of them bought several years ago - before sanctions on Mansudae were announced. His website makes clear that any online purchase is made with his Italian company, not Mansudae. U.N. sanctions are not retroactive.

A panel of independent experts is charged with monitoring U.N. sanctions on North Korea. It reports violations and recommendations to the Security Council’s North Korea sanctions committee. Its reports are confidential, but the committee traditionally publishes annual reports. Hugh Griffiths, who heads the panel, declined to comment, saying “the matter is subject to an ongoing investigation.”

Cecioni said, “the last thing I want is to have trouble with Italian or American authorities. I have strong contacts, especially with the Italian ones, and they help me to respect all the rules.” An Italian foreign ministry source said it is customary to keep contact with everyone who has ties to countries under sanctions, to ensure they respect Italy’s international commitments.

In September, Cecioni said that he had no plans to shut down his operation. “I consider it very important to let people know that ...

North Koreans do not make only bombs but also art and are common people,” he said.

He postponed an exhibition of propaganda posters he had planned for September in Treviso, but said this was because Mansudae’s representatives told him they thought it unwise to showcase their anti-U.S. tone in the current climate.

Word of the sanctions has been slower to reach China. A circular from its Commerce Ministry announcing the start date of the measures which included Mansudae Art Studio does not name Mansudae. Asked why not, the ministry did not respond.

The Dandong centre works in partnership with Mansudae, said its manager, Gai Longji.

Asked on the day the sanctions took effect if they were affecting business, he did not answer directly. “We don’t do politics,” he said. “We do art.” Liaoning Sanyi, the firm behind the centre, did not respond to a request for comment.

WHITE TIGER Reuters spoke to at least 30 experts - collectors, art historians, academics and people who have sold North Korean art globally.

Many said the market for paintings is niche and amounts to little in terms of revenue compared with the billion-plus dollars North Korea has raised every year selling coal and

other minerals abroad. Even so, they say North Korean diplomats in Europe have been enthusiastic to promote art exhibitions with the simple aim of bringing in hard currency.

In China, demand has really taken off.

Dandong is a popular attraction for tourists who come to peep at North Koreans over the Yalu River border. Busloads of tourists show up every morning. Visitors sample a North Korean speciality of noodles in cold soup, watch North Korean women sing and dance, and buy North Korean paintings.

Besides Mansudae, just about every ministry and almost all the local authorities in North Korea have an art studio, said Koen De Ceuster, a lecturer in Korean studies at Leiden University who has been studying North Korean art for over a decade. “There’s studios all across the country,” he said.

Other prominent studio names include Paekho and the Central Arts Studio. Paekho, which means “white tiger” in Korean, is the biggest seller of popular paintings in Dandong, traders there said. Collectors who have dealt with Paekho say it is run by North Korea’s military - Reuters could not independently establish this. Paekho’s varied output includes propaganda posters calling for a nuclear-free world. The Dandong centre that Reuters visited has hosted around 500 North Korean artists since 2014, manager Gai said. They stay for between six months and three years.(rtr)

Bali News

International

Thursday, October 5, 2017

5

Masaiban, Simplest Sacrifice in Hindu

Offering saiban oblation or frequently known as mebanten nasi/ ngejot is one of the traditions carried out by Hindu society, especially in Bali, done after cooking. It is also known as Yadnya Sesa, denoting the simplest offering that must be executed every day by the Hindus.

Masaiban as the simplest yadnya or sacrifice is often performed after cooking or before having meals. That’s how it should be. It means that people should offer food respectfully after completing the cooking activities.

“Masaiban is one of the easiest sacrifices to be implemented. It does not cost much, but must be undertaken every day. In Hinduism, it is believed that human beings after getting prosperous life from nature must be returned to nature again because nature is the source of our prosperity,” said Jero Mangku I Komang Nurata, a priest of clan temple in Besakih region.

In addition, the masaiban is also meant as an expression of devotion, gratitude for God’s fortune. As is known, yadnya ceremony serves as an intermediary between human beings and deities in order to get peace of mind. The saiban as we often see in the community is usually in the form of labaan containing rice, salt or vegetables placed on banana leaves. Since belonging to the simplest form of sacrifice, there is no necessity in expressing the contents of the banten. Rice and salt only are okay.

The most complete yadnya sésa is usually accompanied with canang sari, incense (as witness), and sprinkled with holy water or tirta. It can also be presented without other means because it is back to the essence namely yadnya sesa is a simple yadnya.

There are five places to offer saiban oblation namely Pertiwi (land), in front of the entrance gate into the house compound

or in the home yard; Apah (water), placed in the well or at water meter of municipal waterworks; Teja (fire), placed in kitchen, cooking place; Bayu, at the place of storing rice; while Akasa, placed in the shrine, wooden platform and other places. In addition, the Manawa Dharmasastra states that location where devotees usually put the saiban offerings are family temple, kitchen, water, shaving stone, mortar and brooms. These places are said to be the place of people doing Himsa Karma every

day. Therefore, the places must get the offerings.

“In harmony with the progress of time, all the properties owned are also offered with the saiban offerings such as motorcycles, TVs and cars considering that it is not only natures that can help people achieve prosperity. The equipment also greatly helps people achieve worldly prosperity.”

Jero Mangku added that talking about nature is the same as talking about this whole universe, including all of His creation. In

other words, offering sacrifice to nature is the same as offering to all the creations of God like the bhuta-bhuti.

He reminded that such yadnya sesa should be implemented every day. For Hindu community that has not implemented this yadnya should start it immediately. He assessed that people’s awareness in implementing yadnya sesa is still considered lacking. In addition, something considered trivial and simple can bring in catastrophe or cause problems in the future. (kmb)

Pepes Telengis, a Delicious Balinese Traditional Menu

If you are traditional foodies, try to taste the delicious pepes telengis, a traditional Balinese menu with main ingredient of telengis (remaining coconut oil deposits). It is byproduct traditionally coconut oil processing. Balinese cuisine has been popular since the past because

it tastes good, nutritious and quite cheap. Although tasting just a little, it will feel very prominent, so a pack of pepes telengis is usually eaten with a plate of rice.

Pepes telengis has distinctive aromas and flavors. In the dough, it is usually combined with green

leaves and herbs, such as sweet leaf and moringa leaves containing chlorophyll, calcium, vitamin C and others. It can also be mixed with other types of vegetables, so that it feels better. If you like meat, the pepes telengis is usually mixed with pindang or salted fish. This traditional menu is very close to the life of farmers at villages. Few children and teenagers are willing to consume it. Pepes telengis will be better when eaten in warm condition.

In the past, pepes telengis can only be found in food stalls at villages. Sometimes, it is also sold in traditional markets along with porridge or cassava rice. Old people used to live in rural areas will miss enjoying this pepes wrapped in banana leaf. Fortunately, pepes telengis can now be found in urban areas. “I often send pepes telengis to Denpasar. It happens there is an order. Thus, almost every day I make pepes telengis,” said Mrs. Tini, a farmer from Tabanan who

used to make pepes telengis.

This menu is fairly healthy because it uses natural ingredient without chemicals. Coconut oil deposit as the main ingredient is the leftover of coconut oil processing, so it is taken advantage for food in the form of pepes telengis.

The ingredients are telengis, sweet leaf or moringa leaf and banana leaf used to wrap it. Meanwhile, the spices are onion, garlic, chili, turmeric, ginger, shrimp paste and salt to taste.

Before making it, it may be necessary to look at the nanusin (oil making) process that can produce telengis. First of all, make coconut milk from dry or even old coconut.

Because the coconut is old, it will usually produce more oil. When making coconut milk, please begin with grating the coconut. The type of coconut for oil is different from the one for cake. Then, squeeze, so that it can produce coconut milk.

On the first squeeze, do it without

water, while the second use water to help.

The coconut milk is then fried.

In addition to reducing water content, it is also meant to separate the clump of protein. The protein clumps will form a deposit at the bottom of pan. This deposit is called telengis. The oil is then poured into a bottle or other container. The deposit of coconut milk is then filtered by using a cloth or a filter with a fine hole that can also collect the deposit of coconut milk, telengis.

How to prepare it? At first, ground all the spices until becoming smooth. Then, add telengis and mix well. Combine the sweet leaf or moringa leaf and then cook it until well done. Wrap it with banana leaf in tubular shape and lock each tip with bamboo stick.

After that, steam until cooked, and then bake it. Well, after generating a distinctive aroma, take out. Now, it is ready to serve. (kmb)

4

Bali News

Thursday, October 5, 2017

International

Thursday, October 5, 2017

International

13

U.S. expels 15 Cuban diplomats, fueling tensions with Havana

Mount Agung keeps us uncertain IT has been more than a week now since people were evacuated from the slopes of Mt. Agung following the alert level having been raised form ‘watch’ to ‘warning’. Despite the level IV waring status the largest mountain in Bali has not erupted and noone knows for sure when it might erupt.

So far there have been many signs such as smoke at the peak, expansion of the magma chamber, fractures due to magma continuing to break out and zones of destruction on the body of the mountain due to the magma energy increasing looking for ways to get out, all of which indicate that Mount Agung is on its way to erupting Deep and shallow volcanic seismicity have been decreasing which experts say may indicate that the eruption is building up and it is only a matter if time. However, until now, Mount Agung remains to stand up strong.

Division Head of Volcano Mitigation of the PVMBG / Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), I Gede Suartika, stated the deep or shallow

volcanic earthquakes have indeed decreased since last week. However he added that although the frequency of earthquakes has decrease, the energy generated has increased.

“The magnitude of the earthquakes is not too sharp and is showing slow progress. This indicates that Mount Agung remains critical, and this means that the potential for an eruptions is growing and it is only a matter of time because the movement of magma is now at a depth of 1-2 kilometers below the surface.

The earthquakes occur due to the impulse of the magma to want to break through”, he said.

Suartika added that based on the results of monitoring by satellites, Mount Agung has started to change as indicated by the expansion of the

magma chamber which shows that Mount Agung remains active. “We can see these activities from the earthquakes that continue to occur”, he said.

Head of Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation (PVMBG), Kasbani, said that the current magma chamber is located about 1-15 kilometers below the surface of the crater. According to him, the rise of magma to the surface following the intensity of the earthquake continues to increase.

Sub Division Head of Mountain Mitigation for Eastern Region, Devy Kamil Syahbana, said the energy pressure in the crater remains quite high. Without enough energy, the earthquakes could not occur. The earthquake occur due to excessive and strong pressure underneath. “If the energies are small, they are unlikely to result in earthquakes. Conversely, the earthquake occur due to excessive pressure and large amount of energy below”, said Devy.

Devy Syahbana added that the ongoing earthquakes have resulted in some zones of destruction on the body of Mount Agung. The plate that was previously located below, has started rising upward. The plate began to crack as the magma inside wants to break through. Unfortunately, the magma cannot be stopped even by this fairly large slab, so the plates are slowly cracking.

“The destruction zone of the plates within the mountain body has been fairly significant. This can be proved by the measurement of decreasing wave transmission velocity below. This indicates that under the mountain there has been destruction”, she said.

Shyabana further explained that although there has been gas and smoke coming out through fractures, this does not guarantee that the energy inside is diminishing. It absolutely depends on the gas excreted and produced in the crater. Since the magma moves to massively break through,

the magma seeks a volatile place or gap that can be passed through to get out. She explained that based on estimations, there are about 15 million cubic meters of magma that are moving and generating earthquakes all the time. “Parts of the magma can produce earthquakes, but is all the magma moves, it can be more terrible than that”, she said.

After the inner plate has been constantly bombarded by magma energy as it has been, she said, this eventually causes fractures at the bottom of crater. Ultimately, this results in smoke emerging from the crater.

Shyabana however explained this does not mean that the absence of earthquakes and smoke indicate that it is safe but on the contrary should be taken as a sign that the energy being generated is not coming out but instead is accumulating inside. So the collected energy is getting bigger.

“The plates are getting thinner. This indicates a bigger eruption”, said Devy Syahbana. (nan)

IBP/kmb40

Vanuatu in final evacuation of island threatened by volcano

Impact of increasing Mt. Agung activities

SYDNEY - The last residents on Vanuatu’s northern island of Ambae will be evacuated on Wednesday, officials said, as a volcano that has been spitting rock and ash into the air for more than a week shows signs of stabilising.

BANGLI — The increased activities of Mt. Agung in Karangasem to warning status since more than a week ago has impacted on the sluggish supply of lava stones to Bangli. As a result, this condition makes lava stone craftsmen in Bangli confused in getting raw materials for the continuity of their business.

This condition is also experienced by a lava stone crafter from Bunutin village, I Nengah Darsa.

He admitted on Tuesday (Oct. 3) that the supply of lava stone from Karangasem is now starting to turn

Vanuatu was forced to use a flotilla of small boats, barges and supply ships to evacuate roughly 11,000 people in recent days after Manaro Voui volcano, the South Pacific island nation’s largest, threatened to erupt.

“There are just several hundred people left, many of whom are officials assisting with the evacuation. We expect the evacuation to be complete today,” said a Vanuatu official, who declined to be named as he is not authorised to talk to the media.

Although confident of evacuating the vast majority of Ambae residents, officials may struggle to

Lava stone supplies to Bangli sluggish

Lava stone craftsmen in Bangli confused in getting raw materials for the continuity of their business

REUTERS/Ben Bohane

Residents stand with their possessions as they prepare to board a boat at Lolowai Port as they evacuate due to the Manaro Voui volcano continuing to emanate smoke and ash on Vanuatu’s northern island of Ambae in the South Pacific, October 1, 2017. Picture taken October 1, 2017.

sluggish. It has happened since the activities of Mount Agung increased.

Darsa added that even if there remains the supply of lava stone, the price is quite expensive. Previously, the lava stone could be purchased at IDR 8.5 million, but now increases to IDR 11 million. The increase in prices reaching more than 30 percent is very burdensome himself as a crafter.

Although he should purchase at expensive price, the quality of lava stone obtained today is not appropriate with the price.

He mentioned the quality of lava stone he purchases today is worse than the ones he used to purchase before. “Like the stone purchased yesterday, the quality is easily broken,” he explained.

Due to difficulty to get supplies of raw materials, he is now forced to limit the incoming orders. Darsa admitted that he did not want to receive many orders because it remains hard to get raw materials this time. “It’s a pity that customer must wait for long,” he added. (kmb40)

convince everyone to leave amid fears of losing vulnerable livestock and crops.

Ambae’s population has been moved to the closest islands of Maewo, Pentecost and Espiritu Santo until the threat of an eruption has eased.

Although the volcano remains at a level four, the second highest level in Vanuatu’s alert system, aid workers said the amount of rock and ash being emitted had stabilised.

With the evacuation nearly complete, focus has shifted to ensuring those displaced have enough food and water, with shipments from

Australia and New Zealand filling an urgent need.

Despite evacuating to safety, aid workers said locals are anxious to return to assess the damage.

“The biggest source of stress and anxiety to many is they have been told to leave and they couldn’t take their livestock, which is so important to their subsistence and income,” said Georgia Tacey, Vanuatu country director at ?Save the Children Australia.

Vanuatu is one of the world’s poorest nations, where locals are almost entirely reliant on food grown in their garden to survive, aid workers said. (rtr)

WASHINGTON - The Trump administration on Tuesday expelled 15 Cuban diplomats to protest Cuba’s failure to protect staff at the U.S. embassy in Havana from a mysterious spate of health “attacks,” spurring new tensions between the former Cold War foes.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said the expulsions from Cuba’s embassy in Washington were also intended to ensure “equity” in staffing levels, after he recalled more than half the U.S. diplomatic personnel in Havana on Friday.

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez denounced the decision as “unjustified,” accused the United States of insufficient cooperation with Cuba’s investigation of the health incidents and urged Washington to stop politicizing the matter.

The steps taken by Republican President Donald Trump’s administration delivers another blow to his Democratic predecessor Barack Obama’s policy of rapprochement, including actions likely to erode the normalization of a relationship dominated for decades by mutual hostility and suspicion.

The latest U.S. move was communicated to Cuban Ambassador Jose Ramon Cabanas on Tuesday, and the diplomats were given seven days to leave, a State Department official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

“Until the Government of Cuba can ensure the safety of our diplomats in Cuba, our embassy will be reduced to emergency personnel to minimize the number of diplomats

at risk of exposure to harm,” Tillerson said in a statement.

“We continue to maintain diplomatic relations with Cuba, and will continue to cooperate with Cuba as we pursue the investigation into these attacks,” he added.

The United States announced on Friday that it was sharply reducing its diplomatic presence in Cuba, as it warned U.S. citizens not to visit the Communist-ruled island because of the alleged attacks it says have caused hearing loss, dizziness and fatigue in 22 U.S. embassy personnel.

The State Department had said the embassy was halting regular visa operations for Cubans seeking to visit the United States and would offer only emergency services to U.S. citizens.

Cuba has denied involvement in any attacks and says it has reinforced security for U.S. diplomatic personnel.

Rodriguez said lack of U.S. cooperation had stymied its own investigation into the matter. Authorities had not provided access to the injured people and the doctors who examined them, or to the homes where the attacks allegedly took place, he said, adding that evidence had been delivered late.

Rodriguez urged the United States to cooperate more and said Cuba was also working with Canada on the investigation as Canadian diplomats have reported similar symptoms.

So far, none of the probes have yielded any answers about how the alleged attacks were carried out or who was responsible. (rtr)

REUTERS/Carlos Barria/File Photo/File Photo

The Cuban national flag is seen raised over their new embassy in Washington, DC, U.S. on July 20, 2015.

14

Thursday, October 5, 2017

Health

Meditation may help prevent heart disease, doctors say

CALIFORNIA - Meditation may help reduce the risk of heart disease when it’s added to proven approaches like lifestyle changes or drugs to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, U.S. doctors say.

In its first guidelines dedicated to meditation, the American Heart Association (AHA) stresses that the benefits haven’t been clearly established because studies have generally been too small, brief or poorly designed to draw broad conclusions. But the AHA research review concludes that meditation may have some benefits beyond just reducing stress, said Dr. Glenn Levine, chair of the AHA task force on clinical practice guidelines.

“Meditation can be considered as an adjunctive lifestyle intervention in those interested in this practice,” Levine, a researcher at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, said by email. “We do not believe meditation should be undertaken as a substitute for wellestablished and recommended lifestyle and medicinal interventions.”

The practice of meditation dates back as far as 5000 BC. While meditation is associated with certain philosophies and religions, today it’s practiced by people from many walks of life as a way to improve focus and relaxation, Levine and colleagues note in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

The guidelines don’t address mind-body practices such as yoga and Tai Chi because the physical activity in these pursuits has been proven to help lower the risk of heart disease.

Instead, the AHA focused on sitting meditation, including a variety of common forms such as: Samatha; Vipassana (Insight Meditation); Mindful Meditation; Zen Meditation (Zazen); Raja Yoga; Loving-Kindness (Metta); Transcendental Meditation; and Relaxation Response.

Among other things, these inactive forms of meditation may be associated with decreased levels of stress, anxiety and depression, and improved sleep and overall

wellbeing, the AHA guidelines note.

Meditation might also help lower blood pressure, but there isn’t enough evidence yet to show whether or how much blood pressure might decline for individuals.

Some studies have also suggested that meditation might help people quit smoking, the guidelines conclude.

Meditation may help lower the risk of heart disease by countering the impact of stress on the body, said Dr. James Stahl, a researcher at the Geisel Medical School at Dartmouth College and at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire.

When people are under stress, their fight or flight response can kick in, leading to a release of stress hormones as well as spikes in blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen consumption and a release of inflammatory chemicals in the body, Stahl, who wasn’t involved in the guidelines, said by email.

“This is perfectly appropriate when confronted by a tiger but not so much if ordinary things like traffic trigger this response,” Stahl said.

Meditation can trigger the opposite of a fight or flight response, encouraging the body to slow down and improving risk factors for heart disease like metabolic problems or inflammation.

Some patients may even be able to try meditation along with diet and lifestyle changes before they move on to drugs, Stahl said. Meditation will work best, however, if people practice with the help of a trained professional.

With regular practice, meditation may also help improve quality of life, especially emotional and spiritual aspects, said Bei-Hung Chang, a researcher at the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester who wasn’t involved in the guidelines.

“Meditation generally has low risks, and low costs,” Chang said by email. “Once learned, the technique can be practiced anytime and in any place, and integrated into one’s way of life.” (rtr)

IBP/net

AHA research review concludes that meditation may have some benefits beyond just reducing stress.

International

Bali News

International

Thursday, October 5, 2017

3

IBP/net

Experts are proposing ethics guidelines to ensure that the content of plastic surgery videos on social media isn’t harmful to patients.

Plastic surgery videos need strict ethics standards, doctors argue

CHICAGO - Some plastic surgeons have gained large social media followings by sharing theatrical videos of surgery with entertainment, rather than education, in mind. Now experts are proposing ethics guidelines to ensure that the content of plastic surgery videos on social media isn’t harmful to patients.

Too often, plastic surgery videos cross an ethical line, exploiting patients and luring future customers with flashy before-and-after images that gloss over the dangers of surgery, doctors argue in the proposed ethics guidelines published in the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

To refocus videos on education and prevent exploitation, the guidelines stress that patients should be asked to consent to filming in advance and be allowed to refuse the request. Because online videos might be manipulated and widely shared, patients should also understand that their image might be used for something their doctor didn’t sanction and that content is difficult to remove online once it’s posted.

“Plastic surgery is uniquely drawn to social media because we tend to do more marketing and we are a visual specialty,” said Dr. Clark Schierle, senior author of the guidelines and a plastic surgeon at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago.

“In general, there should be an effort to avoid distractions from the actual surgery itself and sharing any content that makes the patient identifiable without specific consent,” Schierle said by email.

Many plastic surgeons question the ethics of broadcasts done more for entertainment and marketing than for education, the authors said, and have called for the development of more structured oversight and guidance in this area.

The guidelines - the first to address sharing videos of plastic surgery on social media - will be presented October 6 at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) annual meeting in Orlando.

“We hope this will make its way into the official ethical code of conduct for board-certified plastic surgeons,” Schierle said.

Plastic surgeons, like others in the medical profession, should adhere to ethical standards that prioritize decisions that will not harm patients, the guidelines argue.

Even when patients agree to be filmed and have videos shared online, doctors still have an obligation to protect patients’ privacy and portray them in a respectful manner, the guidelines stress.

Any marks or identifying features on patients should be obscured in videos so that patients can’t be easily discovered online. Patients faces shouldn’t be shown unless the explicitly consent to this and are told this will allow viewers to identify them and name them in any social media posts using the video.

“Video shared may impact the patient socially or professionally in the future,” Schierle said. (rtr)

A number of people from villagers other than the now 28 villages included in the danger zone, have returned home.

IBP/kmb

Hundreds of Mt. Agung refugees in Bangli return home

BANGLI — The Command Post of the Mount Agung Disaster Mitigation Agency in Bangli district are still collecting data about evacuess in Bangli. According to preliminary data collection there are 6, 976 people who have been evacuated from villages that are not included in the 27 villages considered to be in the danger zone.

The latest data recap for Mt. Agung evacuess in Bangli as of Sunday (Oct. 1) at 15:30 submitted by the Head of Information, Data and Public Relations of Mt. Agung Disaster Relief Command Post in Bangli, Ni Wayan Manik, indicates the total number of evacuees in Bangli district amounts to

11,921 people. Tens of thousands of refugees are scattered in dozens of points in the four subdistricts.

Of that number, a total of 4,945 people were recorded from 27 disaster-prone villages having to evacuate, while 6,976 others were recorded from safe zones. In the latest data recap, it was also revealed that 117 people evacuated to Jehem village, have returned home.

Secretary of the Mt. Agung Disaster Mitigation Post Command in Bangli who is also Chief Executive of BPBD Bangli, Wayan Karmawan, when contacted separately last Monday confirmed that a number of people from villagers other than the now 28 villages included in the danger zone, have returned home. “Some refugees returned home inde-

pendently, while some others are facilitated with the vehicle we’ve provided”, he explained.

Karmawan said that his agency is still collecting data in the field though he admitted that they are facing many obstacles including discerpancies about which villages should be evacuated. He said the officials hesitate tosend some people home because the data regarding safe villages reamins confusing. Some villages declared to be in the safe zone have hamlets that appear to be in the danger zone.

According to Karmawan, to facilitate this process, the names of villages and hamlets that fall into the red zone should be clearly listed. “ We are currently collecting data and coordinating with the main post in Karangasem”, he explained. (kmb40)

Tourist visits on the rise

Length of stay and spending decrease

I Nyoman Wardawan

IBP/kmb

DENPASAR — The number of foreign tourist arrivals to Bali has continued to increase since 2010. According to data from the Bali Tourism office there were approximately 2. 4 million visitors to Bali in 2010, 3.2 million in 2013 and 4.

92 in 2016. However despite the incressenumber of visitors, lengths of stay and spending have decreased.

“In general, the expenditure of foreign tourists only amounts to 140 to 150 dollars per person per day. Previously it was closer 160 dollars a day. Similar condition are true of domestic tourists whose spending dropped from IDR 600,000 to the range of IDR 400 and IDR 500 per person per day,” said Destination Division Head of the Bali Tourism Office, I Nyoman Wardawan, in Denpasar, on Monday (Oct. 2).

In addition to spending, continued Wardawan, the decline is also evident from the length of stay of tourists from five days to only on the average of three days. Allegedly, it happened because tourists take their time to travel to neighbouring regions such as Lombok and surrounding areas. Some other factors alleged to be the cause are traffic congestion,

bad road conditions, air pollution, dirty environment, poorlymaintained public facilities at tourist attractions, shortage of public facilities, tourist activities only concentrated in South Bali, limited innovation of tourist destination development as well as saturation of tourist against tourist attractions of Bali.

“Many tourists indeed reduce their vacation time in Bali to Lombok. This trend has been seen since 2015,” he explained.

According to Wardawan, the current development of Lombok tourism is inseparable from the government that is quite eager to develop the tourism sector. It is visible from the progress of investment in infrastructure and transportation, construction of connectivity as well as the preparation of human resources in the tourism sector.

On the other hand, Lombok is one of the 10 New Bali destinations developed by central government. Mandalika is specially designated as a special economic zone with a number of natural potentials such as Kuta Beach, Serenting Beach, Tanjung Aan, Kelieuw Beach and Gerupuk Beach. These tourist objects surely become new alternatives for domestic and foreign tourists. (kmb32)

2

Thursday, October 5, 2017

Bali News

International

Simply make viral the real news

DENPASAR - Fake news about Mount Agung undeniably has an impact on Bali tourism. Information from the Association of Indonesia Tour and Travel Agency (ASITA) Bali and the Indonesia Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) Bali stated there were groups of foreign tourists having canceled their planned visit to Bali this October. Bali Tourism Office did not remain silent but immediately established a crisis center team.

REUTERS/Darren Whiteside

Mount Agung, a volcano on the highest alert level, is seen as tourists watch the sun set in Amed on the resort island of Bali, Indonesia October 1, 2017.

“The crisis center team we establish will disseminate the real news about Bali, not fake news,” said the Head of Bali Tourism Office, A.A. Gede Yuniartha Putra, when asked for his confirmation via phone on Tuesday (Oct. 3).

In addition, continued Yuniartha, the team will also inform about Bali that has many attractions located in safe radius from the possibility of Mount Agung eruption disaster. It is considering the estimated disaster zone is within the crater area of Mount Agung, all areas within the radius of 9 km from the crater of Mount Agung top and sectoral extension to the North-northeastward and Southeast-South-Southwestward as far as 12 km. In the meantime, the center of tourist activities all this time in South Bali, especially Denpasar, is about 90 km from the highest mountain in Bali.

“This is what we must make viral. So far, their understanding (foreign tourists—Ed) is that Mount Agung is located in Denpasar, that’s what makes people afraid whereas it is far away. People must only alert the radius of 12 km,” he explained.

According to Yuniartha, the special crisis center team for tourism has the duty to disseminate correct information about Mount Agung. It includes the latest development of Mount Agung situation after the status was raised to level IV or warning. This is important considering that incorrect or misleading information is vulnerable to be exploited by competitors to divert tourists to visit their country or not to Bali.

In addition to the Tourism Office, the team also consists of the National Agency for Disaster Management (BNPB), Communication and Informatics Agency and all tourism stakeholders in Bali. Regarding the travel advisory from a number of countries, he recognized to have existed but responded positively.

“Indeed, there are countries issuing it but we cannot counters. Let’s think positively because they just advise not to go near Mount Agung and be careful there. So, they just advise their citizens like that, not prohibit from coming to Bali,” he explained. (kmb32)

Amid warning status, five priests hold pakelem ritual on Mt. Agung

AMLAPURA - Amid the warning status of Mount Agung, five priests held a ritual procession of mulang pakelem on the summit crater of Mount Agung on Soma Kliwon Wariga, Monday (Oct. 2). The ritual was carried out in a series of guru piduka (apologetic) ceremonies at Pasar Agung Temple, Sogra hamlet, Sebudi, Selat, Karangasem. The ritual on Monday lasted from the morning at 08:30 until 14:00, synchronized with the activity to check the real condition of the crater of Mt. Agung at the altitude of 3,142 meters above sea level. The five priests that climbed to the summit performed mulang pakelem ritual escorted by a mountain climbing tour guide, I Ketut Ngenteg.

The entourage of temple priests that did the mulang pakelem ritual in the crater of the of Mount Agung top was coordinated by Jro Mangku Nyoman Reta, a priest on the peak of Mount Agung from Sebudi village, Selat. In the meantime, the other four priests are Jro Mangku Kadek Rimpug (from Kelodan hamlet, Pesinggahan, Dawan, Klungkung), Jro Mangku Wayan Subrata (Kelodan hamlet, Pesinggahan, Dawan, Klungkung), Jro Mangku Pasek (Kaler hamlet, Antiga, Manggis, Karangasem) and Jro Mangku Seleg (Langsat hamlet, Rendang, Karangasem). Besides, they were also accompanied by hamlet chief of Yehmalet,

Antiga Kelod, Manggis, I Nengah Sarianta.

Jro Mangku Reta explained that visual condition of Mount Agung on Monday looked normal as usual. Birds kept chirping cheerfully, wild animals living in the forests of Mount Agung were still hanging around. Last Tuesday, the peak had thick fog and cool weather with a temperature of 19-20 degrees Celsius around the pine forest.

In the meantime, from the summit crater of Mount Agung, said Jro Mangku Reta, blew low-pressure white smoke with a height of 50 meters seen at 11 points. Besides, there was smell of thin sulfur. “This indicates that crater of Mount Agung blows white smoke and makes a continuous roar,” said Jro Mangku Reta.

He claimed to arrive at the summit crater of Mount Agung faster than usual because he did not have time to stop while climbing. By and large, to get to the summit of Mount Agung, it takes him about three hours. “This time, it only takes me 2 hours 10 minutes,” he said.

“I only spent 10 minutes at the peak of Mount Agung because my feelings are anxious. Immediately I went down from the summit of Mount Agung after doing mulang pakelem ritual,” continued the priest from Sebudi village.

After arriving back from doing mulamg pakelem in the

summit crater of Mount Agung at 14.00, Jro Mangku Nyoman Reta and entourage directly went to Pasar Agung Temple to hold a guru piduka ceremony. The procession of guru piduka at Pasar Agung Temple was officiated over by Jro Mangku Gede Umbara, a priest from Sebudi village, Selat.

In the meantime, the prayers at Besakih Temple still took place even though the temple area is located in the disasterprone area (KRB) of Mount Agung. “Regular prayers are still carried out, but only done by one or two of priests in turn,” said chief of Besakih customary village, Jro Mangku Widiartha, quoted by Antara at Penataran Agung Besakih on Monday.

Jro Mangku Widiartha mentioned that regular prayers in Besakih Temple only involved internal circle of the temple priests. His institution highly respected to the appeal of PHDI Bali to the Hindus to delay the implementation of nyegara gunung ritual to Besakih Temple, related to the warning status of Mount Agung. However, Besakih Temple as a holy place must continue to carry out regular ritual procession.

Jro Mangku Widiartha himself believed that Mount Agung will not erupt, due to various spiritual considerations. “We are confident the Mount Agung is not have-not yet erupted, but will not erupt, while religious rituals will continue to be implemented,” he said. (kmb)

 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

Activities

International

Thursday, October 5, 2017

MELIÁ BALI PARTICIPATES IN INTERNATIONAL COASTAL CLEANUP DAY 2017

In partnership with Bali Hotels Association and Ocean Conservancy, Meliá Bali participates in International Coastal Cleanup

Day 2017which was held on Saturday, September16th, 2017.

Meliá Bali engages the employee to remove trash from the world’s

EVERY MONDAY Movie Monday19:00-21:00 Genius Cafe- Home to the entrepreneur Beach CLub Mertasari Beach (Next to Mercure), Sanur EVERY TUESDAY Ecstatic contact dance: Transformative journey Paradiso Ubud, Jalan Goutama Selatan, Ubud 100k includes dinner EVERY WEDNESDAY DEep Dive Dance Guided improvised movement 19:00-21:00 Paradiso Ubud Jalan Goutama Selatan, Ubud 100k EVERY THURSDAY African Drums with Catur SAng Klang Wijaya 16:00-18:00 Experience the healing power of drumming, all levels welcome

BY DONATION SUNDAY MARKETS 10AM 1PM Sunday Market at Batu Jimbar Jl. Danau Tablingan , Sanur 10AM-4PM The Sands Beach Club and Restaurant Sunday MArket Jl. Danau Tamblingan, No 27, Sanur 9:30AM-1PM Sunday Market @ Warung Sopa Jl. Sugriwas no36, Padang Tegal, Ubud 9AM-2PM Samadi Sunday Market Jalan. Padang Linjong 39, Canggu, 9AM-2PM Wednesday and Sunday Ubud Organik Market Jl. Raya Pengosekan across from Zens Hotel Tebesaya, Ubud 12PM-10PM Sunday Food Festival & Bazaar Byrdhouse Beach Club, Sanur 10AM-6PM, Mercure,last sunday of every month, jl. ,Mertasari, Sanur, fashion food and and kids activities The Coffee Spot, Jalan Peigenet 888X,Seminyak, last Sunday of every month, garage sale clothing, books, and hand-made jewellery

beaches and waterways, identify the sources of debris and change the behaviours.

It is exciting to see the cleanup grow each year. The members of Melia Bali are not only removing more trash from beaches, but they

are also contributing to a better understanding of the types of waste entering the ocean.

More than62kilograms trashfromplastic bottles, plastic in all sizes, paper waste, toys and cigarette buds, were all collected and

15

weighed in. A total of10trash bags were filled collected along the shores of Nusa Dua beach, including Nusa Darma and Nusa Gede Peninsula area for around 1 kilometres by 65members of staffs and management of Meliá Bali.

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

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

16 Pages Number 185 9th year

Price: Rp 3.000,-

Thursday, October 5, 2017

Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler shuts down heart attack rumors

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

Thursday, October 5, 2017

LOS ANGELES - Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler dismissed speculation that he had suffered a heart attack or a seizure but did little to clarify the ailment that led the band to cancel the remainder of its South American tour.

The rock band in September called off its last four shows in Brazil, Chile, Argentina and Mexico because Tyler was dealing with “unexpected medical issues” that required immediate care.

“I give you all an A+ for creative speculations but I certainly did not have a heart attack or a seizure,” Tyler, 69, wrote on the official Aerosmith website on Monday.

Tyler added that he was sorry the band had to cut its tour short, saying “I had to have a procedure that only my doc in the United States could perform.”

He did not elaborate.

Tyler has suffered a slew of medical issues in the past, ranging from drug abuse and prescription drug addiction to a broken shoulder, multiple leg surgeries, vocal chord surgery and hepatitis C. (rtr) Vocalist Steven Tyler (L) and guitarist Joe Perry of Aerosmith perform during their “Aerosmith: Let Rock Rule” tour at The Forum in Inglewood, California July 30, 2014.

British actor Coogan wins damages over phone-hacking

REUTERS/Darren Staples

British comedian Steve Coogan entertains the crowd as he waits for Jeremy Corbyn, leader of Britain’s opposition Labour Party, to arrive at a campaign rally in Birmingham, Britain June 6, 2017.

LONDON - British actor Steve Coogan won damages on Tuesday from Mirror Group Newspapers whose reporters illegally listened to his voicemail messages to get scoops, the latest chapter in a longrunning saga that has damaged the reputation of the British press.

Best known in Britain for his portrayal of fictional radio presenter Alan Partridge, Coogan is one of many celebrities who, along with politicians and members of the public caught up in news stories, fell victim to phone-hacking.

He was awarded an undisclosed sum in damages by the Mirror Group (MGN), owner of the Mirror, Sunday Mirror and People newspapers, in relation to 62 published articles that contained information obtained through

phone-hacking.

“MGN acknowledges that Mr Coogan was the target of unlawful activities and that these activities were concealed until years later,” a lawyer for the company said in a statement to the London High Court, circulated to media after the hearing.

“MGN apologises to Mr Coogan and accepts that he and other victims should not have been denied the truth for so long.”

The phone-hacking scandal erupted in 2011 when it was revealed that the News of the World, a rival of the Sunday Mirror, had hacked the voicemails of Milly Dowler, a teenage murder victim.

The uproar caused the News of the World’s proprietor, media magnate Rupert Murdoch, to close down the newspaper, and prompted

then Prime Minister David Cameron to order a public inquiry into the ethics and practices of the press.

At first centred on Murdoch’s British papers, the hacking scandal later widened as it became clear that reporters at MGN newspapers owned by Trinity Mirror had also relied on the illegal practice.

Apart from exposing their secrets, phone-hacking also had a devastating impact on victims’ personal relationships.

“Much of what was published caused enormous distress and significant damage to Mr Coogan’s relationships with those he wrongly suspected had leaked private information or who believed he was the cause of their private information being made public,” a lawyer for Coogan told the court. (rtr)

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

10 Malaika Scret 11 Snack Shack 12 Warung Lokal 13 Cokro Cafee 14 T.J.Bar 15 J & N Kebab 16 Goanna Bar 17 Batu Jimbar 18 Ramayana Cafee

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

19 Smirnof Cafee Jl. D.Tamblingan Sanur 20 Legwa Hotel Jl. D.Tamblingan Sanur 21 Nu Laser Cafee Jl. D.Tamblingan Sanur 22 Ganesa Book Jl. D.Tamblingan Sanur 23 All For Daiving Jl. D.Tamblingan Sanur 24 Barocca Jl.Petitenget 17 DKerobokan 25 Lantern Jl.Petitenget 17E Kerobokan 26 Shearlock Jl.Petitenget 17C Kerobokan Klod 27 Cafe Degan Jl.Petitenget 9 Kerobokan Klod

REUTERS/Darren Whiteside

An Indonesian flag is seen on a boat as fisherman carry it on to the beach with Mount Agung, a volcano on the highest alert level located some 15 km away, in the background in Amed, on the resort island of Bali, Indonesia October 2, 2017.

Bali remains safe and conducive: Governor

Mount Agung awakens There are several signs that Bali’s Mount Agung is ready to blow. An increase in volcanic activity is triggering more tremors in areas around the volcano, suggesting a major eruption is possible, according to Indonesia’s National Vulcanology Center. The chart below shows the rapid rise in the number of tremors since early September, and the increase in shallow quakes which indicates the magma is moving. Over 140,000 people have been evacuated after warnings the Mount Agung volcano could erupt at any time.

600 earthquakes

Deep volcanic earthquakes

500

(10km or deeper)

400

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

300

Shallow volcanic earthquakes

200

(5 to less than 10 km)

100

Local earthquake tectonics

0 Sep 03

Sep 10

Sep 17

Source: Center for Vocanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (Indonesia) S. Scarr, J. Wu, 04/10/2017

Sep 24

Oct 1

DENPASAR - Bali Governor, Made Mangku Pastika, has called on tourists to visit Bali without any hesitation, adding that the resort island was safe and conducive despite increased volcanic activity of Mount Agung, which is located in Karangasem District, Bali Island. The governor gave his assurance during a meeting with tourism stakeholders, such as travel operators, here on Tuesday. If Mount Agung erupts, it would have direct impact only on 28 villages located within a radius of 12 kilometers from the volcanos crater.

Bali’s main tourist attractions such, as Nusa Dua, Kuta, and Sanur, are located tens of kilometers away from the location of the mount, he added. According to him, Karangasem has 78 villages, and only 28 villages could be directly impacted.

The remaining 50 villages and other tourist destinations in Bali would be safe. “Therefore, do not hesitate to visit Bali, except for climbing the mount, which will be forbidden as it is dangerous,” Pastika explained.

Besides, the current condition is different from how it erupted in 1963.

Indonesia now has better disaster mitigation measures and more sophisticated information technology that could minimize the number of casualties and damages in case of eruption, he asserted. More than 4 million foreign tourists visited the resort island of Bali in the first eight months of this year, up 25.40 percent from 3.19 million in the same period last year.

“Therefore, I would like to reaffirm that Bali would be safe and there is nothing to be worried about. All arrangements have been already made in case of an eruption,” he reiterated.

The government has planned to hold a meeting with foreign consuls in Bali in order to eradicate misinformation and disinformation or hoax regarding the current situation.

Continued to page 6 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.