Edition Wednesday, December 6, 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

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Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Final ‘House of Cards’ season to focus on Robin Wright after Spacey exit NEW YORK - The final season of Netflix’s political drama “House of Cards” will focus on Robin Wright’s first female president character and will start production in 2018, following a hiatus after the exit of star Kevin Spacey, the company said on Monday.

Netflix’s Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos told the UBS 45th Annual Global Media and Communications Conference in New York that the sixth season would be shortened to eight episodes instead of the usual 13.

Netflix Inc severed ties in November with Spacey, one of its biggest stars who played fictional U.S. president Frank Underwood in “House of Cards,” after accusations of sexual misconduct against the Oscar-winning actor.

Reuters was unable to independently confirmed the accusations.

“We have made an arrangement

to produce six seasons of ‘House of Cards’. It will be an eight-episode season. It will start production in early 2018 and it will not involve Kevin Spacey,” Sarandos said.

Sarandos did not say when season six would air or how Spacey’s character would be treated in the show.

A representative for Spacey did not respond to a request for comment.

Wright’s character, Claire Underwood, finished season five by winning election as the first U.S. female president after wresting power from her husband.

Claire Underwood has moved center stage since “House of Cards” premiered in 2013, going from the wife of Spacey’s congressman to first lady and then vice president.

Wright has won a Golden Globe for her role, and earned five Emmy nominations. (rtr)

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Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Mount Agung`s eruption to cause Rp9 trillion loss to Indonesia

JAKARTA - Indonesia`s tourism sector will suffer losses worth around Rp9 trillion in foreign exchange following the eruption of Mount Agung in Bali since the end of November. During the launch of the Helicity helicopter transportation service in Jakarta on Monday, Tourism Minister Arief Yahya made the statement based on the calculation of an estimated Rp250 billion in foreign exchange per day earned from 15 thousand tourists visiting Bali.

TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP

The Peace Diamond is on display at the Rapaport Group on December 4, 2017 in midtown New York.

One of world’s largest diamonds fetches $6.5 million to aid Sierra Leone

“Hence, count for yourself how many days since the incident occurred until Dec 31, it is about 36 days and when multiplied by Rp250 billion, the figure reaches about Rp9 trillion that we will lose in foreign exchange,” he explained.

Due to the natural disaster, the target of 15 million foreign tourist visits will certainly also not be

achieved this year.

Until last September, the government was still optimistic of achieving the target. However, since Mount Agung erupted, the government has estimated a reduction of some 1 million foreign tourist arrivals. “By only achieving 14 million foreign tourist visits, we will reach 93 percent of the total target,” Yahya said.

In order to meet the target, the government continues to conduct massive campaigns in the Riau Islands, which have become one of the main entry gates for foreign tourists to Indonesia after Jakarta and Bali.

The Central Bureau of Statistics has recorded a decline of 4.54 percent in the number of foreign tourists visiting Indonesia in October

2017, one of the main impacts of Mount Agung`s eruption.

The decline in the number of foreign tourists entering through the Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali was recorded at 15.99 percent, or 462.3 thousand arrivals, as compared to 55.2 thousand in the previous month.

In October 2017, the number of foreign tourist arrivals was recorded at 1.15 million comprising 964.8 thousand foreign travelers entering through 19 main gates and as many as 193.7 thousand arrivals from outside the main entry points.

Some of the main entry points that witnessed a decline in the number of passengers in addition to the Ngurah Rai Airport is the Soekarno-Hatta Airport, at 1.70 percent, and Batam, at 4.89 percent.(ant) 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.

NEW YORK - One of the world’s largest diamonds was sold for $6.5 million by Sierra Leone on Monday to fund local development projects, dealing a blow to smugglers in the West African nation.

Valery HACHE / AFP

This file photo taken on May 18, 2017 shows US actress Robin Wright as she arrives for the screening of the film ‘Loveless’ (Nelyubov) at the 70th edition of the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, southern France.

The egg-sized, 709-carat diamond found by a Christian pastor was bought at auction in New York by Laurence Graff, a British billionaire and jeweler, according to the Rapaport Group, an international diamond trading network that handled the sale.

Of the proceeds of the stone dubbed the “Peace Diamond,” the government will get 59 percent or about $3.9 million in tax revenue to fund clean water, electricity, schools, health centres and roads, said Martin Rapaport of the Rapaport Group.

“As a government, particularly in Africa, it has always been the narration of corruption, and the mineral wealth is not benefiting the people”, said Abdulai Bayraytay, a spokesman for Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma, at a news conference.

The auction marked the first time a diamond found in Sierra Leone was put up for public sale, and state officials said they hope it will be a step toward ending the illicit diamond trade.

Diamonds fueled civil war in Sierra Leone in the 1990s, when rebels forced civilians to mine the stones and bought weapons with the proceeds, leading to the term ‘blood diamonds’.

The United Nations lifted a ban on diamond exports from Sierra Leone in 2003, but the multi-million dollar sector is still plagued by smuggling.

The balance of the proceeds will go to a local group overseeing the development projects, the pastor and other miners who found the gem and gave it to the government, Rapaport said.

“It will encourage all the diggers back home,” Chief Paul Ngaba Saquee, head of Sierra Leone’s eastern Kono district, where the diamond was found in March, told the news conference.

“Instead of being ripped off in some dark corners when they find their diamonds, that they will bring it and put it on the table in front of the government,” he said in New York. “Maybe this is going to be the beginning of a new day in Sierra Leone.”

A first effort to sell the diamond failed in May when Sierra Leone rejected the highest bid of $7.8 million.

This time, the stone was shown to some 70 potential buyers and seven bids were submitted, according to Rapaport. (rtr)

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A tourist from Russia poses while a friend takes her photograph with Mount Agung volcano erupting in the background from Amed, Karangasem Regency, Bali, Indonesia, November 30, 2017.

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Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Bali News

Post-eruption of Mount Agung, Bali tourism turns fragile

MANGUPURA - After the eruption of Mount Agung, Bali tourism remains in a very fragile position. This happened because many tourists canceled their travel to Bali. From the existing data, averagely 18,000 tourists canceled their travel to Bali. They usually have the length of stay for 3-4 days. This was revealed

by Chairman of the Association of Indonesia Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) Bali, Tjokorda Oka Artha Ardana Sukawati or Cok Ace in the tourism gathering held in Kuta on Monday (Dec. 4).

He said that Bank Indonesia (BI) estimated that tourists cancelling their trip Bali have the cost per arrival reaching about IDR 13,500,000. Moreover, since most of tourism activities are in Badung district, the potential loss in Badung is estimated above IDR 250 billion for the cancellation of 18,000 people per day.

“Of that amount, for 4 days have reached IDR1 trillion of losses experienced by Badung from tourist transactions,” he said.

Related to this matter, there are two things getting the attention, namely concerning with Bali’s endurance and competitiveness. Bali’s durability is seen from three aspects, namely superstructure, human resources and infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Regent of Badung, Nyoman Giri Prasta, hoped the Bali tourism can be well managed in accordance with the initial concept of one island one

management. This concept is said to be the spirit of tourism in terms of juridical aspect, both the regulation of local and central government. Philosophically, it has something to do with historical and sociological aspect namely brotherhood. “This should be managed well,” he said.

Giri Prasta invited all parties to keep Bali together.

Nature, human and culture of Bali need to be guarded because currently it has been endowed with blessings

by God and must be managed properly. Do not let Bali having been famous and seeming strong internationally, be unable to enjoy it. “Therefore, we exemplify Badung. The people of Badung should be able to become the host in their own region and home,” he concluded.

He denied if Badung is said to be closed to investment. Instead, currently his government is open to investment, but it should not change the order, like the landscape and the people along with their culture.

“We will open the investment as widely as possible, but it should not marginalize the surrounding community,” he said.

In the past, tourists coming to Bali had the length of stay reaching up to 10-15 days and even up to one month. However, today their length of stay is maximally 5 days, even there is 1 day. The most worrisome is that Bali is currently used as a transit point to further travel to other destinations. “So, with the one island one management concept, it must be made one stop destination for the nine regencies / municipality,” he hoped. (kmb23)

The quiet conditon of the street of Kuta after the ruption of Mount Agung.

IBP/Yudi Karnaedi

International

Residents of Timbrah hold a joint prayer AMLAPURA - The entire residents of Timbrah village, Pertima, held a joint prayer on Monday (Dec. 4). It was held to pray for salvation of human beings so that they are kept away from all kinds of disasters, especially what is happening today, the threat of Mount Agung eruption.

The whole residents of the old village were enthusiastic about following the joint prayer. Series of the prayers was commenced from Puseh Temple at local village. Then, it was proceed to Panti Kaler by presenting canang sari oblation. Prayers were virtually carried out to all other temples, such as the Bale Agung and Panti Kelod Kangin. Chief of Timbrah customary village, Wayan Sukertha, said the joint prayers were held to coincide with Purnama Maksan, or the day after full moon in general.

He would like to invite all residents to pray so that the universe and its contents will calm down again. Thus, the people are kept away from the threat of natural disasters, such as the current eruption of Mount Agung.

“We invoke the best from nature.

This is a process that cannot be prevented. We can only pray so that we all will be kept away from natural disasters. It is the only one we can do now,” said Sukertha.

In addition to local residents, the refugees also participated in the joint prayers. They hoped this situation will pass quickly and Mount Agung will calm down.

One of the refugees, Wayan Suartika, expressed his gratitude to local villagers that have given them a decent place along with public facilities and logistics.

“Coincidentally, it has been quite complete here with safe place, adequate public facilities, public bath, and logistic distribution so far has been experiencing no obstacles,” he said.

Timbrah village received refugees from Bebandem. This old village takes advantage of wantilan and hamlet hall for the refugees. However, there are several hamlet halls are emptied, so as not to coincide with the activities of local residents frequently using their hall for customary activities, such as Bale Pauman and Pauman Beji.

A local community leader, Nengah Sudarsa, said the joint prayer is positive enough to ask for common safety. This former Regional Secretary of Karangasem and now a legislator of Karangasem assessed such joint prayer should be imitated by residents of other villages. The more people saying prayers with the hope of avoiding disaster, he is confident the universe will respond to the sincere prayers. (kmb31)

Impact of Mount Agung eruption, marketing of handicraft sluggish

BANGLI - Mount Agung eruption in Karangasem has an impact on the sluggish marketing of handicrafts in Bangli district. This condition is also experienced by a bamboo root craftsman, I Kadek Sudanco. He said the marketing of bamboo root craft of his works now decreases by up to 10 percent.

As revealed on Monday (Dec. 4), the eruption of Mount Agung has an impact on the marketing of handicrafts in Bangli. The eruption of Mount Agung made tourist arrivals to Bali decrease drastically and influences on the handicraft market.

He revealed the current impact is not so great for his craft business.

However, he admitted to be worried if the situation in the future is back to worsen. Despite the lethargy,

Sudanco claimed to still be lucky as still having regular buyers from overseas. So, despite the disruption caused by natural disasters of Mount Agung eruption, his regular buyers remain to order his craft products.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Bangli Industry and Trade Agency, I Nengah Sudibia, when confirmed separately said there has been a decline in craft marketing since recent weeks, especially for overseas market. However, the decline is not so significant. When asked about the marketing of handicraft in the local market, Sudibya stated that so far it is not so affected significantly. It can be seen from the normal activities of crafters in Bangli. (kmb40)

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Activities

International

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

15

Holistic Moor Mud Treatment

An Ashoka Spa Special This December Just in time for the New Year, why not indulge in an organic cleansing treatment at Bali Dynasty Resort’s Ashoka Spa featuring the greatly beneficial Moor Mud by Pevonia UK. Moor Mud has endless health benefits and its use dates back to the Roman times 2,000 years ago.

Moor Mud is rich black clay containing minerals, amino

acids,phyto-hormones, vitamins enzymes, humic acid and salicylic acid. It is widely known for its detoxifying abilities and, due to it being extremely rich in minerals, a powerful re-balancing effect on the body while reducing aches and pains, cellulite, water retention, muscular pain, stress relief, back treatments, rheumatism, sports injuries and so much more.

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

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Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Technology

International

Singapore researchers’ underwater robot inspired by manta ray

SINGAPORE - Researchers in Singapore have built an underwater robot that looks and swims like a manta ray, using only single motors and flexible fins to propel it through water in a manner uncannily like its biological cousin.

It’s not the first of its kind - academics have spent years trying to mimic the wing-like movements of rays’ pectoral fins - but Chew Chee Meng of the National University of Singapore says it’s the first to use single motors for each fin and rely on the interplay of fluid and fin.

One of nature’s most efficient and graceful swimmers, manta rays have long fascinated scientists with a unique propulsion method to cruise through even turbulent seas, flapping their pectoral fins effortlessly to drive water backwards.

So-called bio-locomotion, says Keith Moored, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering and mechanics at Lehigh University in Pennsylvania, has been studied for about 30 years.

But there is still a lot of work to be done on understanding the fluid flow around bio-robotic fins and the interaction between fluid and structure in flexible fins such as Chew’s manta ray robot, he said.

Chew’s MantaDroid is a flat black PVC body with ray-like fins and two rear rudders, which moves through water like its natural counterpart.

Chew said the fin’s passive flexibility allows it to

interact naturally with the water, propelling it at a speed of seven-tenths of a metre (yard) every second, to cover about twice its body length.

By creating a passive fin from a single PVC sheet, rather than trying to mimic its movements with a series of motors and joints, Chew’s team found the robot interacted more naturally and efficiently with its environment.

“You’re not fighting against the hydrodynamics of the system,” said Chew, an associate professor at NUS. The Singaporean team went through 40 different fin designs over two years before settling on using flexible PVC sheets.

The MantaDroid can swim for up to 10 hours. Chew and his team from the university’s engineering faculty plan to test the robot in sea waters and incorporate more modes of movement into its fin mechanism.

He said the team is also working on a ray twice the size of the 35-cm (14-inch) original, and believes such robots would be useful for studying marine biodiversity, gathering hydrographic data and underwater search efforts.

The MantaDroid is part of a growing field of biomimetics, which applies learning about natural systems and robotics to the design of new vehicles, said Thomas Atwood, executive director of the U.S. National Robotics Education Foundation.

Robots such as the ray, he said, could help carry out underwater mapping and ocean bed surveys, besides military reconnaissance. (rtr)

REUTERS/Edgar Su

NUS Department of Mechanical Engineering researcher Soheil Arastehfar showcases their aquatic robot manta ray “Mantadroid” at their faculty premises in Singapore November 27, 2017. Picture taken November 27, 2017.

Bali News

International

3

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

After a week in evacuation

Many people sick

REUTERS/Toby Melville

A giant logo is seen at Facebook’s headquarters in London, Britain, December 4, 2017.

Facebook rolls out messenger app for kids under 13

CALIFORNIA - Facebook Inc on Monday rolled out Messenger Kids, an app that lets the world’s biggest social media company expand into a so-far untapped market of kids under 13 while also giving parents complete control over what their children see.

Facebook normally requires users to be at least 13 years old.

The new app gives it a chance to win brand loyalty from younger children at a time when it faces competition for teenagers from other social media platforms such as Snapchat.

There already are a handful of other apps that children can use with parental consent, and kids can communicate with each other using texting on cellpones.

Facebook said research showed young children were already using technology on a regular basis - but on apps built for teens and adults, raising concern among parents that their children might be communicating with strangers.

At the same time, parents were willing to let their children aged 6 to 12 use social media as long as there was strict parental control. Facebook Messenger Kids requires parents to set up an account and approve their children’s contacts.

“There’s really a gap in the market for a messaging app for kids that also gives parents control,” Facebook spokeswoman Lauren Svensson said. “We’re going to see how kids are using it, and that will allow us to add updates in future versions as necessary.”

The stand-alone app on children’s devices can be controlled by a parent’s Facebook account that will allow kids to use video chat and send photos, videos or text messages to friends approved by their parents.

Monday’s unveiling was billed as a preview because so far it is only available in the United States and only on iOS, or Apple operating systems. The app was 18 months in development, Svensson said.

Facebook said it consulted with 1,200 parents plus online security and child development specialists, including the National Parent-Teacher Association, the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, Connect Safely, Center on Media and Child Health, and Sesame Workshop. (rtr)

AMLAPURA — Residents whose areas belonging to disasterprone area (KRB) have been in refugee camp for more than a week following the eruption on Monday (Nov. 21). Currently, they begin to get sick due to various diseases.

Adult and child refugees do not escape from the attack of the disease.

A resident, I Wayan Nuada, from Batumadeg hamlet, Besakih, Rendang, Karangasem, evacuating at the office of Rendang Subdistrict Agriculture Agency, has been in the refuge for a week. He has started getting fever about five days ago. In order to get well soon, he was treated to Rendang public health center.

However, he was just provided with drug, without an injection.

“I have gone to the public health center and was only provided with medication without injection.

Then, I have to consult to private general practitioner in order to get an injection so that it can recover quickly. If only the medicine and without injection, it will take long time to get recovered,” explained Wayan Nuada.

Similar experience was also expressed by Kadek Lanus. He explained that his only child has got fever since a few days ago. He has brought his son to consult to

a doctor so that he can remain to attend school. He believed it happened due to unpredictable weather condition. Moreover, during rainy season it is very susceptible to disease.

“My son has been checked up at the health center but was only given a medicine. Since there is no change after taking the medicine from the doctor at public health center, I have to consult to a private general practitioner and pay,” he said.

He explained though being in not fine condition, his son still attends school at refuge at SDN 4 Rendang elementary school, located near the evacuation post in Rendang Agricultural Agency. “He insists on attending school because he has a final examination (UAS).

But now he is lying down again in bed, maybe he is tired,” he said.

Meanwhile, I Nengah Sukarsa explained that many refugees indeed get health problems such as cough, colds, respiratory problems, fever and others, while he himself gets sick and cold. “I have got medical treatment, but until now it has not fully recovered. My cold remains so I went to a private general practitioner and pay IDR 80,000,” said Sukarsa. (kmb41)

IBP/kmb35

In the last few days, a number of beaches in Gianyar have become covered in marine debris consitsting of some driftwood and lots garbage.

Garbage besieges beaches in Gianyar

DLH Gianyar and public clean up plastic garbage

GIANYAR — In the last few days, a number of beaches in Gianyar have become covered in marine debris consitsting of some driftwood and lots garbage. Garbage activits, the Gianyar Enviroenment Agency (DLH) and members of the general public came together in Sunday (Dec 3) to collect the plastic garbage.

IBP/kmb

Residents whose areas belonging to disaster-prone area (KRB) have been in refugee camp for more than a week following the eruption on Monday (Nov. 21).

The sand on Saba Beach in Sukawati has become entirely covered in garbage and some driftwood which is clearly unpleasant for visitors coming to spend the weekend at the beach.

Coordinator of Trash Hero Community, Wayan Aksara, explained that a number of groups participated in the clean-up on Sunday: youth from Saba village, Kertalangu, junior volunteers caring for cleanliness from Buluh hamlet, junior mosquito larva monitoring volunteers from Guwang village, the tol-tol community and Chairman of Commission IV of Bali House of Representatives, Nyoman Parta. “We collected about 65kg of plastic waste so that it is not carried back out to sea. We only focused on the plstic waste because it is harzardous”, he said.

Every rainy season there is an increase in the amount of garbage on the beaches, so Trash Hero organises beach clean-ups on different beaches every Sunday. “ Next Week, we are going to collect garbage on Lembang Beach”, said Aksara.

Head of DLH Gianyar, Wayan Kujus Pawitra, acknowledged there is alot of garbage in Gianyar Beach but said it was nt as bad as on Kuta Beach and elswhere.

“During rainy season, marine debris is popping up on the beach including in Gianyar, but the one in Gianyar is not as bad as the one on other beaches,” he said.

Kujus Pawitra also compared to the daily household waste in Gianyar district reaching up to 1,500 cubic meters, while the marine debris on the beach carried by ocean currents only lies in the range of 50 cubic meters. “The comparison is obtained from the daily volume of rubbish where household waste reaches 36 trucks, while marine debris only ranges from 2 to 3 trucks,” he said.

He added that in dealing with rubbish is required the participation of all components. Therefore, he also appreciated to the action of rubbish collection organized on Ketewel Beach on Sunday morning.

“The community like Trash Hero and other activists has been regularly educated and invited people around the coast to maintain their sanitation. We also intensively do communication and regularly come down together. If there is mutual assistance, we send garbage truck as we do today (last Sunday—Ed),” he said.

To optimize the role of community in cleaning up garbage around the beach, he also has corresponded to every headman existing in coastal areas of Gianyar district. Through the letter he invited headmen to more intensively do clean-up action on the beach because the beach is a strategic place for refreshing and religious ceremonies. “Let’s take care of our coastal areas so as to be clean. We are ready to back up the headmen on the coastal areas with truck so that it just needs to make a good coordination,” he said.

Through regional budget plan (APBD) 2018, DLH Gianyar will increase the number of trash cans on every beach in Gianyar district. “We have budgeted this for the addition of trash cans on the beach, even though there have been some on the beaches like the Lebih. Other beaches will be added to maintain sanitation,” he said. (kmb35)

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Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Bali News

International

Scientists watch and wait as Bali’s menacing volcano rumbles

KARANGASEM - The question Indonesian volcanologist Devy Kamil Syahbana gets most is the one he cannot answer - when, or if, rumbling Mount Agung on Bali island will blow up in a major eruption.

The 3,000 metre (9,800 ft) Agung - a so-called strato-volcano capable of very violent eruptions - has recorded a sharp rise in activity that has raised worries about a repeat of a 1963 eruption that killed more than 1,000 people.

“There’s no instrument in the world that can estimate precisely when there will be a major eruption,” said Syahbana, who runs an observatory monitoring the towering volcano, just outside a 10-km exclusion zone.

Sensors beeped and walkie-talkies crackled he spoke to Reuters at the monitoring station.

“People expect certainty but volcanology is a science of probability,” he said pointing to charts showing dramatic fluctuations in the seismic activity deep under Agung.

Authorities raised the alert status to the maximum after the volcano started erupting last month, spewing out ash over the holiday island and causing travel chaos by closing

its airport for three days last week.

While hot magma has produced an eerie orange glow just above the crater, and thousands of villagers have fled from their homes on the mountain’s slopes, Agung has, this time, yet to explode violently.

Syahbana, who studied volcanology in Brussels and Paris, said his team’s main job was to “increase the preparedness of the communities here in the event of a major eruption”.

He said safety was his priority, never mind that raising the alert level has spooked residents and tourists alike.

Syahbana said he had not come under any pressure to lower the alert, though his team was “aware of the costs” for Indonesia’s main tourist destination famous for its beaches and temples.

‘NO RECORDS’ Indonesia has nearly 130 active volcanoes, more than any other country.

Syahbana has surveyed and installed instruments on many of the most active ones, including Mount Merapi on Java island, to the west of Bali, and on Mount Sinabung in the north of Sumatra island.

His team of 16 scientists takes sixhour shifts to monitor seismic stations on Agung that record tremors deep inside the mountain, GPS trackers that record changes in land features and CCTV cameras that provide 24-hour surveillance.

“The difference between other volcanoes and Mount Agung is that there are no scientific records about previous eruptions here, only people’s experiences,” Syahbana said.

In 1963, pyroclastic flows of lava and rocks poured out of the volcano, killing more than 1,000 people and razing dozens of villages.

According to survivors, that eruption was preceded by earthquakes, volcanic mudflows, and ashfall – all signs that Mount Agung is showing again now, said Syahbana.

COMMUNITY OF EXPERTS This time, with the internet and live feeds on social media, experts around the world are watching the smouldering Agung.

U.S.-based volcanologist Janine B. Krippner has been closely following since the alert status was first raised to the highest in September, and uses Twitter to share official information and bust myths and hoaxes circulating online.

An eruption is “usually a good time for the volcanology community to pull together and share their knowledge”, she said.

“But I’ve never seen it happen on this scale before. It’s partly due to social media and partly because it’s a small and supportive community anyway,” Krippner, who has also remotely monitored eruptions in Iceland, Hawaii and Chile, said by telephone.

With every passing day, and no big eruption, a danger is that a false sense of security creeps in. Syahbana and other experts said everyone has to stay on alert.

“We know this can be a very dangerous eruption,” Krippner said. “We shouldn’t be complacent.” (rtr)

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

International

13

Australia to probe Facebook, Google over media disruption

SYDNEY - Australia’s competition regulator said on Monday it would investigate whether U.S. online giants Facebook and Alphabet Inc’s Google have disrupted the news media market to the detriment of publishers and consumers.

Like their rivals globally, Australia’s traditional media companies have been squeezed by online rivals, as advertising dollars have followed eyeballs to digital distributors such as Google, Facebook and Netflix Inc. The government ordered the probe as part of wider media reforms, amid growing concern for the future of journalism and the quality of news following years of declining profits and newsroom job cuts and the rise of fake news.

“We will examine whether platforms are exercising market power in commercial dealings to the detriment of consumers, media content creators and advertisers,” Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) Chairman Rod Sims said in a statement.

The inquiry also would study how Facebook and Google operated to “fully understand their influence in Australia”, he added.

A Google spokesman said, “We look forward to engaging with this

process as relevant.”

Facebook did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The idea for an ACCC investigation was hatched during media reform negotiations in parliament earlier this year, which resulted in a relaxation of ownership laws to allow the country’s big players to boost their market share to better compete against online disruptors.

Independent media analyst Peter Cox told Reuters it was unclear what measures the competition regulator could recommend to the government even if it found the country’s media sector was increasingly anti-competitive.

“You could see this as a stepping stone towards another type of reform, such as tax,” said Cox. Jurisdictions around the world, including the European Union, are grappling with how to tax technology giants with global operations.

Currently corporate taxes are paid where firms have a physical presence, which allows digital

REUTERS/Toby Melville

Balloons are seen in front of a logo at Facebook’s headquarters in London, Britain, December 4, 2017. multinationals to book most of their profits where they have set up headquarters as opposed to where

they make their money.

The Australian probe will have power to demand information from

businesses and hold hearings. It is due to make its final report in 18 months. (rtr)

Philippines orders probe into Sanofi dengue vaccine for 730,000 children

MANILA - The Philippines ordered an investigation on Monday into the immunisation of more than 730,000 children with a vaccine for dengue that has been suspended following an announcement by French drug company Sanofi that it could

Mount Agung volcano erupts as seen from Kubu, Karangasem Regency, Bali, Indonesia November 28, 2017.

worsen the disease in some cases.

The World Health Organization said it hoped to conduct a full review by year-end of data on the vaccine, commercially known as Dengvaxia. In the meantime, the WHO recommended that it only

REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco

A worker shows used anti-dengue vaccine Dengvaxia inside a vaccine storage room in Sta. Cruz city, Metro Manila, Philippines December 4, 2017.

be used in people who had a prior infection with dengue .

The government of Brazil, where dengue is a significant health challenge, confirmed it already had recommended restricted use of the vaccine but had not suspended it entirely.

Amid mounting public concern, Sanofi explained its “new findings” at a news conference in Manila but did not say why action was not taken after a WHO report in mid2016 that identified the risk it was now flagging.

A non-governmental organisation (NGO) said it had received information that three children who were vaccinated with Dengvaxia in the Philippines had died and a senator said he was aware of two cases.

However, Department of Health Undersecretary Gerardo Bayugo told Reuters the three referred to by the NGO died due to causes not related to the vaccine and Sanofi said no deaths had been reported as a result of the programme.

“As far as we know, as far as we are made aware, there are no reported deaths that are related to dengue vaccination,” said Ruby

Dizon, medical director at Sanofi Pasteur Philippines.

Last week, the Philippines Department of Health halted the use of Dengvaxia after Sanofi said it must be strictly limited due to evidence it can worsen the disease in people not previously exposed to the infection.

In a statement, Sanofi said the long-term safety evaluation of the vaccines showed significantly fewer hospitalisations due to dengue in vaccinated people over 9 years old compared with those who had not been vaccinated.

Nearly 734,000 children aged 9 and over in the Philippines have received one dose of the vaccine as part of a programme that cost 3.5 billion pesos ($69.54 million).

The Department of Justice on Monday ordered the National Bureau of Investigation to look into “the alleged danger to public health ... and if evidence so warrants, to file appropriate charges thereon.”

There was no indication that Philippines health officials knew of any risks when they administered the vaccination.

However, the WHO said in a July 2016 research paper that

“vaccination may be ineffective or may theoretically even increase the future risk of hospitalised or severe dengue illness in those who are seronegative at the time of first vaccination regardless of age.”

Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority said last week that it flagged risks when Dengvaxia was approved there in October 2016, and was working with Sanofi to strengthen risk warnings on the drug’s packaging.

According to Sanofi in Manila, 19 licences were granted for Dengvaxia, and it was launched in 11 countries, two of which – the Philippines and Brazil – had public vaccination programmes.

Brazil’s healthcare regulator Anvisa said in a statement that it now recommends that people who have never been infected with dengue not take the vaccine, which was approved for use in Brazil at the end of 2015.

It was not known whether many people have taken the vaccine, if it was part of any government immunization program or if any illnesses or deaths linked to the drug have been reported to the government. (rtr)

12

International

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Bali News

International

BUSINESS

Penglipuran, an Exotic Traditional Village in Bangli

Russian tycoons, fearing new sanctions, float new bond idea-sources

MOSCOW - Wealthy Russians facing the prospect of targeted U.S. sanctions next year have floated the idea of a special treasury bond to facilitate favourable terms for bringing their cash home, three sources familiar with the scheme said. The bond, denominated in foreign exchange, would be offered at a higher yield than bank rates and be more liquid than Eurobonds, the sources said.

Crucially, unlike with bank accounts, holders would be able to remain anonymous.

“There is information that a number of people want to bring their foreign cash assets back here,” said an executive from a major Russian state company, who like others spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the topic. “The idea they came up with is that you open some sort of account, with that you buy special bonds which the finance ministry will issue.”

There was no indication that the Russian government was seriously considering such a move, and the finance ministry declined to comment. Two sources close to the ministry said they did not look favourably on the idea.

A senior executive in a Russian state bank said it would accelerate a move that has already started.

The banker said wealthy people in President Vladimir Putin’s inner circle were putting modest amounts of foreign currency into Russian bank deposits.

“But the interest rates on foreign currency deposits are low, whereas investing in finance ministry forex instruments can secure them good returns,” he said. “They can make money on that.” A source in the Russian financial markets said he had also heard from wealth managers about new cashflows from abroad. “They are moving their money to Russia,” he said.

Special forex bonds have been issued in the past and even have a nickname, “Vebovki”, after state development bank VEB which issued them, according to a person with close ties to the Kremlin and to leading oligarchs. “Now the

REUTERS/Yuri Maltsev

A general view of an oil terminal of the Transneft – Kozmino Port near the far eastern town of Nakhodka, Russia November 15, 2017. sanctions could be an additional argument,” for issuing such an instrument, he said.

He added they would provide an alternative vehicle for the state to raise debt in case expanded U.S. sanctions bar foreign investors from buying Russian sovereign debt.

UNPATRIOTIC Putin has been trying to persuade wealthy Russians to bring their money back to Russia, pointing out that many ordinary Russians view the business community as “unpatriotic” because of their assets offshore. A 2014 “de-offshorisation” law had limited success and for some tycoons even had a deleterious effect by encouraging them to become non-residents.

But that was before the U.S. Congress passed sanctions this year over Russia’s annexation of Crimea that include a list of individuals with close links to Putin expected to be submitted at the end of Janu-

ary. The list will not automatically lead to people on it being hit by personal sanctions, which could include freezing foreign assets and bans on travel or access to foreign bank accounts, but many Russian businesspeople have said they believe it will.

That has many wealthy Russians in a bind over whether to leave their assets abroad and possibly get caught up in the sanctions net, or bring the assets home to be exposed to other risks, including being prosecuted for tax evasion or getting caught up in an economic crash.

Reuters was not able to establish which individuals were involved in the lobbying effort, what approaches they had made, or who in the government they were talking to.

“The idea is out there, but for now there is no decision,” the state bank executive said. The Russian authorities have shown little sympathy for the foreign asset problems

of wealthy businesspeople in the past. “It’s nonsense,” one of the two sources close to the finance ministry said of the idea of issuing special bonds.

OPTIONS AT HOME There is no reliable data on how much money Russians have abroad. According to a rough estimate by Gabriel Zucman, an assistant professor of economics at the University of California at Berkeley, Russians had about $200 billion worth of financial assets in offshore tax havens as of 2014, equivalent to 10 percent of Russia’s GDP that year.

Several of the wealthiest have told Reuters they keep their assets abroad because of the volatility of the economy, the secrecy afforded by offshore havens and uncertainty about Russia’s future political stability. The options at home have all sorts of pitfalls.

Although interest rates for rouble deposits in Russian banks are

relatively high, at around 7-8 percent, wealthy Russians are wary of the risk of a rouble crash and prefer to keep deposits in foreign currency where rates are much lower, usually ranging between just above zero to 2 percent.

Yields on Eurobonds are higher - a benchmark Eurobond issued this year for 30 years is trading at 5 percent yield - but the market lacks liquidity, as new bond issues are rare, and holders of existing bonds do not tend to sell.

In addition, the compliance departments of Russian banks are required to ask lots of questions if a wealthy individual deposits a large amount with them, especially if that person is under U.S. sanctions.

Russian banks may also pass information about big depositors to the Russian tax authorities, which some businessman have said they don’t want because they want to protect commercially sensitive information and safeguard their privacy.(rtr)

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Peliatan Customary Village Holds Ngeredag Desa What Does It Mean?

Thousands of people of Peliatan customary village, Ubud, attended the tradition of ngeredag ??desa on Saturday (Nov. 18). The tradition taking place late afternoon until midnight was preceded with a convoy of dozens of bala ngeredag ??with unique uniforms and hit bamboo split drum (kulkul) followed by dozens of sacred barongs surrounding the village with ritual at every border.

The ngeredag ??desa procession began to move towards the border of customary village, precisely in front of Bebek Tepi Sawah Restaurant around 18:00 Local Time.

Procession of the villagers wearing unique uniform surrounded the village while beating kulkul. They put on kukusan meselet siyut (bamboo steamer and stirrer) and cross sign made of whiting.

Various forms of sacred barong were also paraded in the series of this tradition and followed by thousands of citizens. The sacred barong includes the Rangda Mask, Garuda, Barong Landung, Barong Ket, Male Boar and Tiger Barong.

After walking around the village, this series of ceremony then paused at Dalem Puri Temple, Ubud. Until evening, the procession continued

towards the center of local village.

As a peak of the procession, a big ceremony called caru sambleh was held.

Chief of Peliatan customary village, I Ketut Sandi, explained that the annual ritual is called sasuhunan nguya nyatur desa or in the old term was named as ngeredag ??desa. This unique ceremony is meant to neutralize basic elements of nature, thus giving peace and prosperity. Moreover, considering the full moon of the sixth month in the Balinese calendar is believed to be very sacred, where all sorts of diseases and pests are endemic.

It is indicated by the beginning of rain plus sea breezes blowing hard as well as flies and plant pests are breeding.

Meanwhile, the barong sanctified

effigy included in this tradition as a symbol of the catastrophe repellent is invoked to constantly control the negative aura entering the village area. At the same time, residents were led to realize and understand the condition of each body. “So, people must also understand together the condition of natural environment so that balance is constantly well maintained,” he said.

On the other hand, the activity in the series of this tradition also triggered congestion on the road section to Ubud. Rows of vehicles have been seen since Saturday afternoon around 15:00 until night.

The procession taking place for several hours and utilized the entire road body made the traffic from the direction of Gianyar paralyzed. (kmb)

Penglipuran tourism village is one of the prideful tourism villages owned by Bangli. Exotic natural beauty accompanied by strong customs makes the village in Bangli district indeed appropriate to be included in the itinerary of the traveling lovers.

To reach the location, it only takes 1.5 hours from Denpasar.

On arriving at the entrance, cool atmosphere of surrounding nature can have been felt. Left and right sides are decorated with green leaves of trees.

As soon as arriving at the location, the curiosity of its beauty will soon be relieved. Your eyes will be immediately drawn to the allure of the whole row of houses along with the angkulangkul roofed with bamboo Wrapped in brown color with traditional image will not make visitors get bored. Existing anxiety due to daily bustles immediately vanishes and precisely regains the atmosphere of the1990s.

In addition to the exterior, the home yard of local people is also equipped with traditional building. Roof and walls are made of bamboo, while the floor is still made of earth. Nevertheless, it precisely becomes one of the photo objects for visitors. If you’re still curious about this unique village, simply come to the memorial monument located in the south. Right next to the memorial, visitors can also see the karang memadu. Polygamous husbands will be isolated in this area.

Operations Manager of Penglipuran attraction, Nengah Moneng, said not long ago that the high tourist visit to Penglipuran usually happens during holidays associated with religious feast like Christmas. Daily visits can reach 650 people.

Domestic travelers are dominated by those from Bali and outside Bali. Then, foreign traveler is not so much, approximately 60 people. “Tourist visit increased about 10 percent. Hopefully, in the future it can continue to increase,” said Moneng accompanied by his colleague, I Nengah Sudibia.

READ Garden Eel Point Aside from the layout of traditional settlement, visitors will also see the bamboo forests in the northern part of the village.

Besides, some visitors are trying to taste the typical culinary products of Penglipuran, namely herbal drinks like loloh cemcem, loloh kunyit and klepon made of purple yam. To increase the number of visitors, a festival is held coinciding with the holiday season where the current one is the third year. In addition to jazzing up, the village festival is also organized to evoke the culture, such as dance performances and the development of industrial sector and the SMEs into the wider realm.

Since 2015, the Penglipuran community has been concerned with the environmental arrangement. Telajakan or space between road section and people’s house compound is planted with various kinds of ornamental flowers. This will indirectly increase the beauty of the object and tourist visit to the village. “We also raised potential of the region through festival activities. It is also intended to increase the number of visits,” he said.

He added that the admission ticket to the Penglipuran village for domestic travelers is IDR 10,000 per person and foreign travelers IDR 30,000 per person. (kmb)

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Wednesday, December 6, 2017

W

RLD

U.S. top court lets Trump’s latest travel ban go into full effect

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday handed a victory to President Donald Trump by allowing his latest travel ban targeting people from six Muslim-majority countries to go into full effect even as legal challenges continue in lower courts.

The nine-member court, with two liberal justices dissenting, granted his administration’s request to lift two injunctions imposed by lower courts that had partially blocked the ban, which is the third version of a contentious policy that Trump first sought to implement a week after taking office in January.

The high court’s action means that the ban will now go fully into effect for people from Chad, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria and Yemen seeking to enter the United States. The Republican president has said the travel ban is needed to protect the United States from terrorism

by Islamic militants.

In a statement, Attorney General Jeff Sessions called the Supreme Court’s action “a substantial victory for the safety and security of the American people.” Sessions said the Trump administration was heartened that a clear majority of the justices “allowed the president’s lawful proclamation protecting our country’s national security to go into full effect.”

The ban was challenged in separate lawsuits by the state of Hawaii and the American Civil Liberties Union. Both sets of challengers said the latest ban, like the earlier ones, discriminates against Muslims in

violation of the U.S. Constitution and is not permissible under immigration laws.

Trump had promised as a candidate to impose “a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States.” Last week he shared on Twitter anti-Muslim videos posted by a far-right British party leader.

“President Trump’s anti-Muslim prejudice is no secret - he has repeatedly confirmed it, including just last week on Twitter,” ACLU lawyer Omar Jadwat said.

“It’s unfortunate that the full ban can move forward for now, but this order does not address the merits of our claims. We continue to stand for freedom, equality and for those who are unfairly being separated from their loved ones,” Jadwat added.

Lower courts had previously limited the scope of the ban to people without either certain family connections to the United States or formal relationships with U.S.-based entities such as universities and resettlement agencies.

Trump’s ban also covers people from North Korea and certain government officials from Venezuela, but the lower courts had already allowed those provisions to go into effect.

The high court said in two similar one-page orders that lower court rulings that partly blocked the latest ban should be put on hold while federal appeals courts in San Francisco and Richmond, Virginia weigh the cases. Both courts are due to hear arguments in those cases this week. (rtr)

REUTERS/Brian Snyder/File Photo

International travelers (reflected in a closed door) arrive on the day that U.S. President Donald Trump’s limited travel ban, approved by the U.S. Supreme Court, goes into effect, at Logan Airport in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S., June 29, 2017.

REUTERS/Tim Cocks

A Marie Stopes nurse explains to mother-of-three Kadidja Toudjani how a contraceptive implant works in Niger’s village of Libore, about 20km southeast of the capital Niamey, Niger November 2, 2017. Picture taken November 2, 2017.

Contraceptive use gaining momentum in world’s poorest countries

DAKAR - The use of contraceptives is gaining momentum worldwide and preventing millions of unsafe abortions and maternal deaths each year in the world’s poorest countries, experts said on Tuesday.

Nearly 40 million more women and girls use modern contraceptives now compared to five years ago across 69 countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, according to a report by advocacy group Family Planning 2020 (FP2020).

Family planning is a key tool for reducing poverty since it frees up women to work and leads to smaller families, allowing parents to devote more resources to each child’s health and education, experts say.

Condoms, birth control pills and other contraceptive methods have prevented 84 million unintended pregnancies, 26 million unsafe abortions and 125,000 maternal deaths in the past year alone, FP2020 said.

“What we’re seeing is more rapid change... across all the countries,” said Beth Schlachter, executive director of FP2020, in a telephone briefing.

More than half of the new contraceptive users were in Asia, where 38 percent of women of reproductive age use modern birth control, FP2020 estimated.

Iraq child marriage bill draws U.N. ire

NEW YORK - A proposed law that could allow marriage for children as young as 9 years old in Iraq would rob boys and girls already scarred by war of their childhoods, top U.N. officials said on Monday.

The bill, which would allow religious leaders to govern marriage contracts and wed children, has prompted public demonstrations by women’s rights groups and activists

in Iraq.

“The boys and girls of Iraq, already victims of grave violations resulting from years of conflict, are now at risk of being deprived of their childhood,” Virginia Gamba, U.N. children and armed conflict envoy, said in a statement.

“The government of Iraq must take all necessary actions to protect every child by preventing the

adoption of policies that can harm children already exposed to armed conflict,” she said.

About one in five girls is married before turning 18 in Iraq, where the legal age for marriage is 18 but girls can wed at 15 with parental consent, according to the United Nations’ children’s agency (UNICEF) and global charity Girls Not Brides.

International

International

Around the world, 15 million girls are married before the age of 18 every year, according to Girls Not Brides.

The proposal in Iraq, which opponents say could allow the marriage of children as young as 9 or at puberty in some religious sects, has been approved in principle by the Council of Representatives, the country’s legislature, local media says.

In Africa, the rate of contraceptive use increased to 23.4 percent from 19.5 percent from 2012 to 2017, the report said.

However, the future of some family planning projects is in doubt since U.S. President Donald Trump reinstated a policy this year blocking U.S. funding to overseas groups that perform or provide information about abortion, it added.

International donors vowed to fill the gap and pledged $207 million at a summit on family planning in July, but the U.N. Population Fund (UNFPA) said it needs an additional $700 million by 2020, without which it will have to cut services.

At least 214 million women in developing countries lack access to birth control - resulting in 89 million unintended pregnancies and 48 million abortions a year, according to UNFPA. “There may be uncertainties on the horizon, but our community’s dedication to women and girls is stronger than ever,” said Natalia Kanem, UNFPA’s executive director, in a statement accompanying the report.

The FP2020 initiative started in 2012 with the goal of enabling 120 million more women and girls in developing countries to use modern contraceptives by the year 2020. (rtr)

The draft amendment to Iraq’s personal status law could fuel infighting as the nation deals with the scars of Islamic State and conflict-related sexual violence, said Gamba and Pramila Patten, U.N. special envoy on sexual violence in conflict.

They called for a law setting a minimum age for marriage of 18. (rtr)

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

11

Poems highlight love, struggles of migrant workers in Singapore

KUALA LUMPUR - When night falls after her 14-hour work day, Indonesian domestic worker Deni Apriyani retreats to her room in Singapore and reaches for a pen to jot down her feelings, in poem after poem. “I usually write about my daily life,” the 27-year-old said.

“I feel satisfied - it’s like you have just released something heavy in your head,” Apriyani told the Thomson Reuters Foundation from

Singapore where she has been a domestic helper for an expatriate family since 2013.

Like tens of thousands of

maids in Singapore, Apriyani rises at dawn to clean, cook and look after children but this largely invisible domestic workforce and other migrant workers in the citystate often live in the shadows.

Now a small number have taken to poetry to write about their daily struggles, being homesick, love and joy in an annual contest which aims to break down barriers with Singaporean society by showcasing migrant workers’ literary talents.

Apriyani won the first prize at this year’s competition on Sunday with a poem about domestic abuse, which was based on an account from a woman in her home village in Indonesia.

Organisers said they have seen

steadily rising entries since the competition was launched in 2014, with over 100 submissions this year from migrant workers representing eight countries including Bangladesh, Myanmar and the Philippines.

The poems were mostly written in their own languages before being translated into English.

Organiser Shivaji Das said he had seen a surge in what he termed “activism poems” in recent years which talk about the struggles of migrant workers. “We have seen poems about their work situations, such as not being treated nicely, not being paid or around their living conditions,” said Das, an Indianborn management consultant and author who moved to Singapore 12 years ago.

Indonesian workers in Singapore.

Migrant rights groups allege mistreatment of domestic helpers is widespread although the Singaporean authorities have consistently denied this. Das said the aim of the competition was to give migrant workers “a voice and a platform”.

“It is much more powerful to have them speaking about themselves in their own voice, their dreams and fears”. “The whole idea is when you see them in this way, you tend to appreciate them more as a complete human being, instead of being just an economic machine,” Das told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. Singapore counts on a large number of migrant workers in sectors ranging from construction and manufacturing to the service sector. (rtr)

IBP/net

Nurmantyo hopes his successor will cope with future challenges

JAKARTA - Outgoing Military Chief General Gatot Nurmantyo stated here on Monday that his successor is expected to be able to cope with more complex challenges while fulfilling his duties in future.

“Please do not ask me, but it is the president who will use the person replacing me to lead the Indonesian military by taking into account the future challenges in terms of duties,” he told journalists.

Nurmantyo remarked in the presence of Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Fadli Zon during a press conference that President Widodo had

suggested to the parliament that Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto lead the military.

Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto, currently chief of the Air Force Chief of Staff, is the only candidate for the Indonesian military`s top post.

Zon said he had received President Widodo`s official letter proposing Hadi`s appointment.

Meanwhile, Presidential spokesman Johan Budi said the head of state would replace General Nurmantyo as since November 2017 he had entered a period of preparing for retirement in March 2018. (rtr)

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Destination

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

International

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

International

Williams to have further talks with Kubica and Sirotkin

LONDON - Formula One comeback hopeful Robert Kubica and young Russian Sergey Sirotkin will both be at the Williams factory this week as the former champions continue to assess their driver options for 2018.

Tirta Tawar Temple is believed can heal all sickness

GIANYAR - Do you want to experience a healing process without going to the doctor,come to Tirta Tawar Temple in Petulu Customary Village, Ubud, Gianyar. Petulu customary village is not only famous for its egret tourist attraction, but also has a unique Tirta Tawar Temple. Local people believe the temple retains a lot of history and mystery. The power to heal all diseases is commonly invoked here, so that its existence is still considered sacred by local community.

Two routes can be taken to arrive at the temple. Travelers can pass through Ubud or Petulu village.

The track leading to the temple is beautiful and the atmosphere is

cool. Thus, the road is often taken advantage by foreign travelers for trekking.

Chief of Petulu customary village, I Wayan Beneh, said the Tirta Tawar Temple had the power to heal illnesses, purificatory qualities to all impurities, grace of efficacy and procreation. Many people of local village, other regions in Bali and even from outside Bali were also often invoking a recovery here.

“People usually come to present oblation and then perform purificatory rite (melukat) in the shower of this temple,” he said.

Beneh said that tirta tawar consisted of two Balinese words, namely tirta and tawar. Tirta meant

‘water’ and tawar or penawar meant ‘a drug.’ In addition to cure all diseases, the temple was also serving as a bathing place of the deities usually taken advantage by people from three villages namely the Petulu, Kutuh and Ubud customary village. “There is a sacred white huge eel believed as property guarding the temple,” he added.

This sacred area had a cave whose aura was good for meditation. In earlier times, when the illegal Toto was still in demand, many people were coming to beg number. Interestingly, most of them successfully won, so that it became a famous temple. “As a drug, any disease can be cured. When the

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water is weighed, it will be heavier than ordinary water,” said Beneh convincingly.

According to Beneh, there was a tradition that should be followed and not be violated. When taking a bath or melukat, people were not allowed to put on any clothes. In other words, they should be naked.

People were allowed to invoke holy water as much as they needed.

However, it should not be cooked.

Meanwhile, as the abstinence, people were not allowed to commercialize or sell the holy water of Tirta Tawar Temple. In other words, people invoked the holy water and then processed it for sale either in the form of fruit salad, beverage or other food.

“People who violate can experience bad luck or calamities,” he said.

Any people who wanted to enter the temple were obliged to put on Balinese customary attires, a worship-style clothing of the Hindu society. Then, people were forbidden to enter the temple in a cuntaka condition, such as there was a death of family members and the woman who is getting her period.

Making use of the water for washing was not allowed. When violating this tradition, people would be afflicted by disaster, accidents or illness. Piodalan or temple anniversary here fell once every six months on Buda Wage Klawu. (kmb)

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Robert Kubica

IBP/net

Both tested for the team in Abu Dhabi last week and are in the frame to replace Brazilian Felipe Massa alongside Canadian teenager Lance Stroll.

“Robert was always scheduled to visit Grove this week to conduct a post-test review and Sergey will be doing the same,” a team spokeswoman said on Monday when asked about further simulator tests.

The team said no inference should be made from previously arranged discussions and planned follow-up work after the end of season tyre test.

Sirotkin, a 22-year-old development driver for the Renault team, has been backed by Russian billionaire Boris Rotenberg and enhanced his credentials with a strong showing at Yas Marina.

Kubica, 33 next Thursday, was tipped as a future champion before a 2011 rally accident partially severed his right arm and stalled his F1 career.

Speaking at the Autosport Awards on Sunday, the Pole said he was amazed by how far he had come this year already.

“I think this year has been great for me although I haven’t raced,” Kubica, a Canadian Grand Prix win-

Bolt overwhelmed by unveiling of statue where it all began

KINGSTON - Multiple Olympic and world champion Usain Bolt has described the unveiling of his statue in front of Kingston’s National Stadium as one of the greatest moments of his career.

The statue, commissioned by the Jamaican government and revealed

by Prime Minister Andrew Holness, stands in front of the place where 15 years ago Bolt won the junior championships to announce himself to the world.

“For me this is up there, it can’t be doubted that this is one of the greatest moments in my career,” Bolt told Reuters after the unveiling on Sunday.

“Having a statue in the National Stadium where it all began; there are no words, I am just happy and really excited about this.”

The statue was sculpted by Jamaican artist Basil Watson and features the 31-year-old in his trademark ‘lightning bolt’ pose, seen many times over the years as he set world records in the 100 and 200 metres, winning 11 world and

eight Olympic golds.

“It was all worth it: the losses, the injuries, everything I’ve been through, it’s all worth it,” said Bolt, who signed off his stellar career with bronze in the 100m at the world championships in London earlier this year.

“It’s a wonderful thing to look back and see what your career has brought you. I’m very happy and proud of myself for the work. It’s just a good time and I am in a good place.”

Holness has previously said that Bolt’s performances over the years has elevated the status of Jamaican sport.

“I have always aimed to make my country proud and to put my country in the best light possible so for the Prime Minster to say that it showed that my work paid off and it’s something that I am happy about,” Bolt added. “In any way that I can continue doing that, it would be great.”

Bolt was stripped of one of his nine Olympic gold medals when his former 4x100m relay team mate

Nesta Carter retroactively tested positive for the banned stimulant methylhexanamine at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Carter has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport against the decision resulting from the doping test.

Bolt, the only sprinter to win the 100m, 200m and 4x100 relay titles at three consecutive Olympics (2008, 2012, 2016) until Carter’s test result, was not losing any sleep over the medal missing from his glittering collection.

“I haven’t really been following it (the appeal). I’m just waiting on the time for them to say what is what. I’m just focusing on which direction I want my career to go,” he said. (rtr) Olympic champion Usain Bolt (C) poses after the unveiling of his statue at the Statue Park at the National Stadium, in Kingston, Jamaica December 3, 2017.

ner with BMW-Sauber in 2008, told the audience.

“What I achieved and how I progressed has been amazing.”

Kubica, whose arm is noticeably thin and twisted when he offers a handshake, was able to complete 100 laps -- nearly two race distances -- on the first day of the Abu Dhabi test.

No detailed data was made available, although Williams technical head Paddy Lowe said at the time that he had done a “fantastic job.”

A recent BBC analysis indicated, however, that the performance was inconclusive with Sirotkin apparently faster in hotter, and therefore slower, conditions and on harder tyres.

“Of course it’s not the same driving an F1 car as it has been in the past but still my limitations are much less than it looks like,” Kubica said on Sunday.

“Ninety percent of my driving is exactly the same as it was in the old days. I’m actually in better shape fitness wise than I was, I was a lazy guy in the past and now I have to work much harder.

“All in all, the brain makes a big difference and it’s incredible how big a potential the brain has and how quickly you can adapt to different conditions.” (rtr)

8

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Sp rt Surprise title contenders Valencia stay calm after first defeat

MADRID - Valencia suffered their first defeat of the season against 10-man Getafe in La Liga on Sunday but coach Marcelino remains positive that they can keep up with Spain’s elite sides. The east coast team, who last won the championship in 2004, are five points behind leaders Barcelona in second place on 31 after 14 games and surprise contenders for the title after two seasons in the doldrums, finishing 12th each time.

Marcelino was appointed in May, their 10th coach in a rollercoaster period since Unai Emery left in 2012 after four years at the helm. Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville endured a torrid four-month spell in charge after being appointed in December 2015 and was sacked before Pako Ayestaran suffered the same fate as the Englishman and Cesare Prandelli resigned.

Marcelino’s appointment was heralded as a fresh start and it has proved to be just that, with Atletico Madrid a point behind Valencia on 30 and champions Real Madrid fourth with 28.

Real sold striker Alvaro Morata to Chelsea and loaned James Rodriguez to Bayern Munich this year and although they signed promising young players

they look weaker. “I think that the Real Madrid squad is worse than last season, they’ve lost power over the last year,” Marcelino told Radio Marca.

“Barcelona, Real, Atletico Madrid and Sevilla (fifth on 28 points) have been there for years. We can consider Barcelona a little more of a favourite than the rest.” None of La Liga’s top sides were convincing at the weekend however. Barca and Real Madrid drew at home to Celta Vigo and away at Athletic Bilbao respectively while Atletico needed a late Antoine Griezmann strike to see off Real Sociedad.

Valencia have an advantage because they are not competing in Europe due to their mid-table finish last season, meaning they can rest players in Champions League weeks.

Marcelino, however, is not permitting any title talk after seeing Sevilla impress everyone in the first half of last season before falling away and finishing fourth. “We aren’t looking too far ahead, only at the next game. Right now we are not in a position to fight for the title,” said the coach.

“Sevilla last season finished the first half of the season in second place and then had trouble qualifying for the Champions League. “We must live in the present. As a reference point, we have to take on each match as (if it were) a final.” (rtr)

Striker Jo wins Brazil’s Player of the Year award

Corinthians striker Jo was named Brazil’s Player of the Year by sportswriters on Monday, a day after ending the season as joint top scorer in the country’s first division.

Jo, who had unhappy spells at Manchester City and Everton, scored 18 goals to tie with Fluminense’s Henrique Dourado.

His club Corinthians won the league and had three

of the 11 players in the team of the year – the same number as Copa Libertadores champions Gremio.

“We are delighted, we worked hard and we deserved it so this Golden Ball goes to Corinthians fans and my team mates who deserve it as well,” Jo said at a ceremony in Rio de Janeiro.

The Goal of the Season award went to Atletico Mineiro’s Otero for his 50-yard lob against Coritiba. (rtr)

Lionel Messi Statue in Buenos Aires Has Its Legs Cut off

A statue of Argentina captain Lionel Messi in Buenos Aires has sustained vandalism for the second time this year after it had both of its legs removed.

Spanish news agency EFE reported the tribute in Paseo de las Glorias, an area in the Argentine capital, had been defaced, and Goal’s Mootaz Chehade posted an image of the now legless statue.

The statue was unveiled in June 2016 and was first hit by vandals in January 2017, making this the second time this year in which it has attracted unwanted attention.

The torso and head were cut off the first time it suffered damage.

The statue was unveiled by Buenos Aires Mayor Horacio Rodriguez Larreta and stands alongside other

great Argentine athletes, such as 1986 World Cup winner Diego Maradona and Formula One world champion Juan Manuel Fangio.

It’s clear Messi has his detractors as well as admirers in his native Argentina, and while a successful season continues in Barcelona, his image has taken a hit on home soil. (rtr) IBP/net

Former Australian Coach Ange Postecoglou

IBP/net

Australia sets February deadline for new coach

Valencia’s Neto celebrates after Rodrigo scored their first goal

REUTERS/Heino Kalis

9

MELBOURNE - Australia will decide on a successor for Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou by mid-February, the country’s football association said on Tuesday, as former England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson emerged as a surprise candidate. Football Federation Australia said on Tuesday it had formed a nine-person panel and engaged a consulting firm to assess candidates to take Australia to the World Cup in Russia and beyond.

Postecoglou announced his resignation last week after four years in the role, having recently secured Australia’s qualification to a fourth successive World Cup. FFA chief executive David Gallop said last week that the governing body’s preference was for another Australian coach but on Tuesday said they were keeping their options open. “As things stand, no-one is ruled in or out,” he said in a statement.

“We are open minded about whether the coach is Australian or someone from overseas but they

must live in Australia, embrace the progress on and off the field that has been achieved with national teams over the past four years... and be prepared to be an ambassador for our sport here and abroad. “FFA’s starting point is to appoint a coach for the long term but we will be advised on this and other matters by our expert panel.”

A number of high-profile international coaches have been linked with the role but Eriksson became the first to declare his interest publicly, according to a report in Melbourne’s Herald-Sun newspaper on Tuesday.

“Yes of course I’m interested.

It’s a big job, a big football country, you’re playing in the World Cup — again. You more or less always play in the World Cup,” the paper quoted the Swede as saying.

Slavoljub Muslin, who was axed after successfully guiding Serbia through Russia qualifying, was also reported to be a candidate last week, with Graham Arnold and Tony Popovic seen as the strongest local contenders. (rtr)

REUTERS/Marcos Brindicci

A woman and a child stand in front of the statue of Argentina’s soccer player Lionel Messi after it was vandalized in Buenos Aires, Argentina, December 4, 2017.

8

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Sp rt Surprise title contenders Valencia stay calm after first defeat

MADRID - Valencia suffered their first defeat of the season against 10-man Getafe in La Liga on Sunday but coach Marcelino remains positive that they can keep up with Spain’s elite sides. The east coast team, who last won the championship in 2004, are five points behind leaders Barcelona in second place on 31 after 14 games and surprise contenders for the title after two seasons in the doldrums, finishing 12th each time.

Marcelino was appointed in May, their 10th coach in a rollercoaster period since Unai Emery left in 2012 after four years at the helm. Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville endured a torrid four-month spell in charge after being appointed in December 2015 and was sacked before Pako Ayestaran suffered the same fate as the Englishman and Cesare Prandelli resigned.

Marcelino’s appointment was heralded as a fresh start and it has proved to be just that, with Atletico Madrid a point behind Valencia on 30 and champions Real Madrid fourth with 28.

Real sold striker Alvaro Morata to Chelsea and loaned James Rodriguez to Bayern Munich this year and although they signed promising young players

they look weaker. “I think that the Real Madrid squad is worse than last season, they’ve lost power over the last year,” Marcelino told Radio Marca.

“Barcelona, Real, Atletico Madrid and Sevilla (fifth on 28 points) have been there for years. We can consider Barcelona a little more of a favourite than the rest.” None of La Liga’s top sides were convincing at the weekend however. Barca and Real Madrid drew at home to Celta Vigo and away at Athletic Bilbao respectively while Atletico needed a late Antoine Griezmann strike to see off Real Sociedad.

Valencia have an advantage because they are not competing in Europe due to their mid-table finish last season, meaning they can rest players in Champions League weeks.

Marcelino, however, is not permitting any title talk after seeing Sevilla impress everyone in the first half of last season before falling away and finishing fourth. “We aren’t looking too far ahead, only at the next game. Right now we are not in a position to fight for the title,” said the coach.

“Sevilla last season finished the first half of the season in second place and then had trouble qualifying for the Champions League. “We must live in the present. As a reference point, we have to take on each match as (if it were) a final.” (rtr)

Striker Jo wins Brazil’s Player of the Year award

Corinthians striker Jo was named Brazil’s Player of the Year by sportswriters on Monday, a day after ending the season as joint top scorer in the country’s first division.

Jo, who had unhappy spells at Manchester City and Everton, scored 18 goals to tie with Fluminense’s Henrique Dourado.

His club Corinthians won the league and had three

of the 11 players in the team of the year – the same number as Copa Libertadores champions Gremio.

“We are delighted, we worked hard and we deserved it so this Golden Ball goes to Corinthians fans and my team mates who deserve it as well,” Jo said at a ceremony in Rio de Janeiro.

The Goal of the Season award went to Atletico Mineiro’s Otero for his 50-yard lob against Coritiba. (rtr)

Lionel Messi Statue in Buenos Aires Has Its Legs Cut off

A statue of Argentina captain Lionel Messi in Buenos Aires has sustained vandalism for the second time this year after it had both of its legs removed.

Spanish news agency EFE reported the tribute in Paseo de las Glorias, an area in the Argentine capital, had been defaced, and Goal’s Mootaz Chehade posted an image of the now legless statue.

The statue was unveiled in June 2016 and was first hit by vandals in January 2017, making this the second time this year in which it has attracted unwanted attention.

The torso and head were cut off the first time it suffered damage.

The statue was unveiled by Buenos Aires Mayor Horacio Rodriguez Larreta and stands alongside other

great Argentine athletes, such as 1986 World Cup winner Diego Maradona and Formula One world champion Juan Manuel Fangio.

It’s clear Messi has his detractors as well as admirers in his native Argentina, and while a successful season continues in Barcelona, his image has taken a hit on home soil. (rtr) IBP/net

Former Australian Coach Ange Postecoglou

IBP/net

Australia sets February deadline for new coach

Valencia’s Neto celebrates after Rodrigo scored their first goal

REUTERS/Heino Kalis

9

MELBOURNE - Australia will decide on a successor for Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou by mid-February, the country’s football association said on Tuesday, as former England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson emerged as a surprise candidate. Football Federation Australia said on Tuesday it had formed a nine-person panel and engaged a consulting firm to assess candidates to take Australia to the World Cup in Russia and beyond.

Postecoglou announced his resignation last week after four years in the role, having recently secured Australia’s qualification to a fourth successive World Cup. FFA chief executive David Gallop said last week that the governing body’s preference was for another Australian coach but on Tuesday said they were keeping their options open. “As things stand, no-one is ruled in or out,” he said in a statement.

“We are open minded about whether the coach is Australian or someone from overseas but they

must live in Australia, embrace the progress on and off the field that has been achieved with national teams over the past four years... and be prepared to be an ambassador for our sport here and abroad. “FFA’s starting point is to appoint a coach for the long term but we will be advised on this and other matters by our expert panel.”

A number of high-profile international coaches have been linked with the role but Eriksson became the first to declare his interest publicly, according to a report in Melbourne’s Herald-Sun newspaper on Tuesday.

“Yes of course I’m interested.

It’s a big job, a big football country, you’re playing in the World Cup — again. You more or less always play in the World Cup,” the paper quoted the Swede as saying.

Slavoljub Muslin, who was axed after successfully guiding Serbia through Russia qualifying, was also reported to be a candidate last week, with Graham Arnold and Tony Popovic seen as the strongest local contenders. (rtr)

REUTERS/Marcos Brindicci

A woman and a child stand in front of the statue of Argentina’s soccer player Lionel Messi after it was vandalized in Buenos Aires, Argentina, December 4, 2017.

10

Destination

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

International

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

International

Williams to have further talks with Kubica and Sirotkin

LONDON - Formula One comeback hopeful Robert Kubica and young Russian Sergey Sirotkin will both be at the Williams factory this week as the former champions continue to assess their driver options for 2018.

Tirta Tawar Temple is believed can heal all sickness

GIANYAR - Do you want to experience a healing process without going to the doctor,come to Tirta Tawar Temple in Petulu Customary Village, Ubud, Gianyar. Petulu customary village is not only famous for its egret tourist attraction, but also has a unique Tirta Tawar Temple. Local people believe the temple retains a lot of history and mystery. The power to heal all diseases is commonly invoked here, so that its existence is still considered sacred by local community.

Two routes can be taken to arrive at the temple. Travelers can pass through Ubud or Petulu village.

The track leading to the temple is beautiful and the atmosphere is

cool. Thus, the road is often taken advantage by foreign travelers for trekking.

Chief of Petulu customary village, I Wayan Beneh, said the Tirta Tawar Temple had the power to heal illnesses, purificatory qualities to all impurities, grace of efficacy and procreation. Many people of local village, other regions in Bali and even from outside Bali were also often invoking a recovery here.

“People usually come to present oblation and then perform purificatory rite (melukat) in the shower of this temple,” he said.

Beneh said that tirta tawar consisted of two Balinese words, namely tirta and tawar. Tirta meant

‘water’ and tawar or penawar meant ‘a drug.’ In addition to cure all diseases, the temple was also serving as a bathing place of the deities usually taken advantage by people from three villages namely the Petulu, Kutuh and Ubud customary village. “There is a sacred white huge eel believed as property guarding the temple,” he added.

This sacred area had a cave whose aura was good for meditation. In earlier times, when the illegal Toto was still in demand, many people were coming to beg number. Interestingly, most of them successfully won, so that it became a famous temple. “As a drug, any disease can be cured. When the

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water is weighed, it will be heavier than ordinary water,” said Beneh convincingly.

According to Beneh, there was a tradition that should be followed and not be violated. When taking a bath or melukat, people were not allowed to put on any clothes. In other words, they should be naked.

People were allowed to invoke holy water as much as they needed.

However, it should not be cooked.

Meanwhile, as the abstinence, people were not allowed to commercialize or sell the holy water of Tirta Tawar Temple. In other words, people invoked the holy water and then processed it for sale either in the form of fruit salad, beverage or other food.

“People who violate can experience bad luck or calamities,” he said.

Any people who wanted to enter the temple were obliged to put on Balinese customary attires, a worship-style clothing of the Hindu society. Then, people were forbidden to enter the temple in a cuntaka condition, such as there was a death of family members and the woman who is getting her period.

Making use of the water for washing was not allowed. When violating this tradition, people would be afflicted by disaster, accidents or illness. Piodalan or temple anniversary here fell once every six months on Buda Wage Klawu. (kmb)

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Robert Kubica

IBP/net

Both tested for the team in Abu Dhabi last week and are in the frame to replace Brazilian Felipe Massa alongside Canadian teenager Lance Stroll.

“Robert was always scheduled to visit Grove this week to conduct a post-test review and Sergey will be doing the same,” a team spokeswoman said on Monday when asked about further simulator tests.

The team said no inference should be made from previously arranged discussions and planned follow-up work after the end of season tyre test.

Sirotkin, a 22-year-old development driver for the Renault team, has been backed by Russian billionaire Boris Rotenberg and enhanced his credentials with a strong showing at Yas Marina.

Kubica, 33 next Thursday, was tipped as a future champion before a 2011 rally accident partially severed his right arm and stalled his F1 career.

Speaking at the Autosport Awards on Sunday, the Pole said he was amazed by how far he had come this year already.

“I think this year has been great for me although I haven’t raced,” Kubica, a Canadian Grand Prix win-

Bolt overwhelmed by unveiling of statue where it all began

KINGSTON - Multiple Olympic and world champion Usain Bolt has described the unveiling of his statue in front of Kingston’s National Stadium as one of the greatest moments of his career.

The statue, commissioned by the Jamaican government and revealed

by Prime Minister Andrew Holness, stands in front of the place where 15 years ago Bolt won the junior championships to announce himself to the world.

“For me this is up there, it can’t be doubted that this is one of the greatest moments in my career,” Bolt told Reuters after the unveiling on Sunday.

“Having a statue in the National Stadium where it all began; there are no words, I am just happy and really excited about this.”

The statue was sculpted by Jamaican artist Basil Watson and features the 31-year-old in his trademark ‘lightning bolt’ pose, seen many times over the years as he set world records in the 100 and 200 metres, winning 11 world and

eight Olympic golds.

“It was all worth it: the losses, the injuries, everything I’ve been through, it’s all worth it,” said Bolt, who signed off his stellar career with bronze in the 100m at the world championships in London earlier this year.

“It’s a wonderful thing to look back and see what your career has brought you. I’m very happy and proud of myself for the work. It’s just a good time and I am in a good place.”

Holness has previously said that Bolt’s performances over the years has elevated the status of Jamaican sport.

“I have always aimed to make my country proud and to put my country in the best light possible so for the Prime Minster to say that it showed that my work paid off and it’s something that I am happy about,” Bolt added. “In any way that I can continue doing that, it would be great.”

Bolt was stripped of one of his nine Olympic gold medals when his former 4x100m relay team mate

Nesta Carter retroactively tested positive for the banned stimulant methylhexanamine at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Carter has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport against the decision resulting from the doping test.

Bolt, the only sprinter to win the 100m, 200m and 4x100 relay titles at three consecutive Olympics (2008, 2012, 2016) until Carter’s test result, was not losing any sleep over the medal missing from his glittering collection.

“I haven’t really been following it (the appeal). I’m just waiting on the time for them to say what is what. I’m just focusing on which direction I want my career to go,” he said. (rtr) Olympic champion Usain Bolt (C) poses after the unveiling of his statue at the Statue Park at the National Stadium, in Kingston, Jamaica December 3, 2017.

ner with BMW-Sauber in 2008, told the audience.

“What I achieved and how I progressed has been amazing.”

Kubica, whose arm is noticeably thin and twisted when he offers a handshake, was able to complete 100 laps -- nearly two race distances -- on the first day of the Abu Dhabi test.

No detailed data was made available, although Williams technical head Paddy Lowe said at the time that he had done a “fantastic job.”

A recent BBC analysis indicated, however, that the performance was inconclusive with Sirotkin apparently faster in hotter, and therefore slower, conditions and on harder tyres.

“Of course it’s not the same driving an F1 car as it has been in the past but still my limitations are much less than it looks like,” Kubica said on Sunday.

“Ninety percent of my driving is exactly the same as it was in the old days. I’m actually in better shape fitness wise than I was, I was a lazy guy in the past and now I have to work much harder.

“All in all, the brain makes a big difference and it’s incredible how big a potential the brain has and how quickly you can adapt to different conditions.” (rtr)

6

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

W

RLD

U.S. top court lets Trump’s latest travel ban go into full effect

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday handed a victory to President Donald Trump by allowing his latest travel ban targeting people from six Muslim-majority countries to go into full effect even as legal challenges continue in lower courts.

The nine-member court, with two liberal justices dissenting, granted his administration’s request to lift two injunctions imposed by lower courts that had partially blocked the ban, which is the third version of a contentious policy that Trump first sought to implement a week after taking office in January.

The high court’s action means that the ban will now go fully into effect for people from Chad, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria and Yemen seeking to enter the United States. The Republican president has said the travel ban is needed to protect the United States from terrorism

by Islamic militants.

In a statement, Attorney General Jeff Sessions called the Supreme Court’s action “a substantial victory for the safety and security of the American people.” Sessions said the Trump administration was heartened that a clear majority of the justices “allowed the president’s lawful proclamation protecting our country’s national security to go into full effect.”

The ban was challenged in separate lawsuits by the state of Hawaii and the American Civil Liberties Union. Both sets of challengers said the latest ban, like the earlier ones, discriminates against Muslims in

violation of the U.S. Constitution and is not permissible under immigration laws.

Trump had promised as a candidate to impose “a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States.” Last week he shared on Twitter anti-Muslim videos posted by a far-right British party leader.

“President Trump’s anti-Muslim prejudice is no secret - he has repeatedly confirmed it, including just last week on Twitter,” ACLU lawyer Omar Jadwat said.

“It’s unfortunate that the full ban can move forward for now, but this order does not address the merits of our claims. We continue to stand for freedom, equality and for those who are unfairly being separated from their loved ones,” Jadwat added.

Lower courts had previously limited the scope of the ban to people without either certain family connections to the United States or formal relationships with U.S.-based entities such as universities and resettlement agencies.

Trump’s ban also covers people from North Korea and certain government officials from Venezuela, but the lower courts had already allowed those provisions to go into effect.

The high court said in two similar one-page orders that lower court rulings that partly blocked the latest ban should be put on hold while federal appeals courts in San Francisco and Richmond, Virginia weigh the cases. Both courts are due to hear arguments in those cases this week. (rtr)

REUTERS/Brian Snyder/File Photo

International travelers (reflected in a closed door) arrive on the day that U.S. President Donald Trump’s limited travel ban, approved by the U.S. Supreme Court, goes into effect, at Logan Airport in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S., June 29, 2017.

REUTERS/Tim Cocks

A Marie Stopes nurse explains to mother-of-three Kadidja Toudjani how a contraceptive implant works in Niger’s village of Libore, about 20km southeast of the capital Niamey, Niger November 2, 2017. Picture taken November 2, 2017.

Contraceptive use gaining momentum in world’s poorest countries

DAKAR - The use of contraceptives is gaining momentum worldwide and preventing millions of unsafe abortions and maternal deaths each year in the world’s poorest countries, experts said on Tuesday.

Nearly 40 million more women and girls use modern contraceptives now compared to five years ago across 69 countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, according to a report by advocacy group Family Planning 2020 (FP2020).

Family planning is a key tool for reducing poverty since it frees up women to work and leads to smaller families, allowing parents to devote more resources to each child’s health and education, experts say.

Condoms, birth control pills and other contraceptive methods have prevented 84 million unintended pregnancies, 26 million unsafe abortions and 125,000 maternal deaths in the past year alone, FP2020 said.

“What we’re seeing is more rapid change... across all the countries,” said Beth Schlachter, executive director of FP2020, in a telephone briefing.

More than half of the new contraceptive users were in Asia, where 38 percent of women of reproductive age use modern birth control, FP2020 estimated.

Iraq child marriage bill draws U.N. ire

NEW YORK - A proposed law that could allow marriage for children as young as 9 years old in Iraq would rob boys and girls already scarred by war of their childhoods, top U.N. officials said on Monday.

The bill, which would allow religious leaders to govern marriage contracts and wed children, has prompted public demonstrations by women’s rights groups and activists

in Iraq.

“The boys and girls of Iraq, already victims of grave violations resulting from years of conflict, are now at risk of being deprived of their childhood,” Virginia Gamba, U.N. children and armed conflict envoy, said in a statement.

“The government of Iraq must take all necessary actions to protect every child by preventing the

adoption of policies that can harm children already exposed to armed conflict,” she said.

About one in five girls is married before turning 18 in Iraq, where the legal age for marriage is 18 but girls can wed at 15 with parental consent, according to the United Nations’ children’s agency (UNICEF) and global charity Girls Not Brides.

International

International

Around the world, 15 million girls are married before the age of 18 every year, according to Girls Not Brides.

The proposal in Iraq, which opponents say could allow the marriage of children as young as 9 or at puberty in some religious sects, has been approved in principle by the Council of Representatives, the country’s legislature, local media says.

In Africa, the rate of contraceptive use increased to 23.4 percent from 19.5 percent from 2012 to 2017, the report said.

However, the future of some family planning projects is in doubt since U.S. President Donald Trump reinstated a policy this year blocking U.S. funding to overseas groups that perform or provide information about abortion, it added.

International donors vowed to fill the gap and pledged $207 million at a summit on family planning in July, but the U.N. Population Fund (UNFPA) said it needs an additional $700 million by 2020, without which it will have to cut services.

At least 214 million women in developing countries lack access to birth control - resulting in 89 million unintended pregnancies and 48 million abortions a year, according to UNFPA. “There may be uncertainties on the horizon, but our community’s dedication to women and girls is stronger than ever,” said Natalia Kanem, UNFPA’s executive director, in a statement accompanying the report.

The FP2020 initiative started in 2012 with the goal of enabling 120 million more women and girls in developing countries to use modern contraceptives by the year 2020. (rtr)

The draft amendment to Iraq’s personal status law could fuel infighting as the nation deals with the scars of Islamic State and conflict-related sexual violence, said Gamba and Pramila Patten, U.N. special envoy on sexual violence in conflict.

They called for a law setting a minimum age for marriage of 18. (rtr)

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

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Poems highlight love, struggles of migrant workers in Singapore

KUALA LUMPUR - When night falls after her 14-hour work day, Indonesian domestic worker Deni Apriyani retreats to her room in Singapore and reaches for a pen to jot down her feelings, in poem after poem. “I usually write about my daily life,” the 27-year-old said.

“I feel satisfied - it’s like you have just released something heavy in your head,” Apriyani told the Thomson Reuters Foundation from

Singapore where she has been a domestic helper for an expatriate family since 2013.

Like tens of thousands of

maids in Singapore, Apriyani rises at dawn to clean, cook and look after children but this largely invisible domestic workforce and other migrant workers in the citystate often live in the shadows.

Now a small number have taken to poetry to write about their daily struggles, being homesick, love and joy in an annual contest which aims to break down barriers with Singaporean society by showcasing migrant workers’ literary talents.

Apriyani won the first prize at this year’s competition on Sunday with a poem about domestic abuse, which was based on an account from a woman in her home village in Indonesia.

Organisers said they have seen

steadily rising entries since the competition was launched in 2014, with over 100 submissions this year from migrant workers representing eight countries including Bangladesh, Myanmar and the Philippines.

The poems were mostly written in their own languages before being translated into English.

Organiser Shivaji Das said he had seen a surge in what he termed “activism poems” in recent years which talk about the struggles of migrant workers. “We have seen poems about their work situations, such as not being treated nicely, not being paid or around their living conditions,” said Das, an Indianborn management consultant and author who moved to Singapore 12 years ago.

Indonesian workers in Singapore.

Migrant rights groups allege mistreatment of domestic helpers is widespread although the Singaporean authorities have consistently denied this. Das said the aim of the competition was to give migrant workers “a voice and a platform”.

“It is much more powerful to have them speaking about themselves in their own voice, their dreams and fears”. “The whole idea is when you see them in this way, you tend to appreciate them more as a complete human being, instead of being just an economic machine,” Das told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. Singapore counts on a large number of migrant workers in sectors ranging from construction and manufacturing to the service sector. (rtr)

IBP/net

Nurmantyo hopes his successor will cope with future challenges

JAKARTA - Outgoing Military Chief General Gatot Nurmantyo stated here on Monday that his successor is expected to be able to cope with more complex challenges while fulfilling his duties in future.

“Please do not ask me, but it is the president who will use the person replacing me to lead the Indonesian military by taking into account the future challenges in terms of duties,” he told journalists.

Nurmantyo remarked in the presence of Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Fadli Zon during a press conference that President Widodo had

suggested to the parliament that Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto lead the military.

Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto, currently chief of the Air Force Chief of Staff, is the only candidate for the Indonesian military`s top post.

Zon said he had received President Widodo`s official letter proposing Hadi`s appointment.

Meanwhile, Presidential spokesman Johan Budi said the head of state would replace General Nurmantyo as since November 2017 he had entered a period of preparing for retirement in March 2018. (rtr)

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Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Bali News

International

BUSINESS

Penglipuran, an Exotic Traditional Village in Bangli

Russian tycoons, fearing new sanctions, float new bond idea-sources

MOSCOW - Wealthy Russians facing the prospect of targeted U.S. sanctions next year have floated the idea of a special treasury bond to facilitate favourable terms for bringing their cash home, three sources familiar with the scheme said. The bond, denominated in foreign exchange, would be offered at a higher yield than bank rates and be more liquid than Eurobonds, the sources said.

Crucially, unlike with bank accounts, holders would be able to remain anonymous.

“There is information that a number of people want to bring their foreign cash assets back here,” said an executive from a major Russian state company, who like others spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the topic. “The idea they came up with is that you open some sort of account, with that you buy special bonds which the finance ministry will issue.”

There was no indication that the Russian government was seriously considering such a move, and the finance ministry declined to comment. Two sources close to the ministry said they did not look favourably on the idea.

A senior executive in a Russian state bank said it would accelerate a move that has already started.

The banker said wealthy people in President Vladimir Putin’s inner circle were putting modest amounts of foreign currency into Russian bank deposits.

“But the interest rates on foreign currency deposits are low, whereas investing in finance ministry forex instruments can secure them good returns,” he said. “They can make money on that.” A source in the Russian financial markets said he had also heard from wealth managers about new cashflows from abroad. “They are moving their money to Russia,” he said.

Special forex bonds have been issued in the past and even have a nickname, “Vebovki”, after state development bank VEB which issued them, according to a person with close ties to the Kremlin and to leading oligarchs. “Now the

REUTERS/Yuri Maltsev

A general view of an oil terminal of the Transneft – Kozmino Port near the far eastern town of Nakhodka, Russia November 15, 2017. sanctions could be an additional argument,” for issuing such an instrument, he said.

He added they would provide an alternative vehicle for the state to raise debt in case expanded U.S. sanctions bar foreign investors from buying Russian sovereign debt.

UNPATRIOTIC Putin has been trying to persuade wealthy Russians to bring their money back to Russia, pointing out that many ordinary Russians view the business community as “unpatriotic” because of their assets offshore. A 2014 “de-offshorisation” law had limited success and for some tycoons even had a deleterious effect by encouraging them to become non-residents.

But that was before the U.S. Congress passed sanctions this year over Russia’s annexation of Crimea that include a list of individuals with close links to Putin expected to be submitted at the end of Janu-

ary. The list will not automatically lead to people on it being hit by personal sanctions, which could include freezing foreign assets and bans on travel or access to foreign bank accounts, but many Russian businesspeople have said they believe it will.

That has many wealthy Russians in a bind over whether to leave their assets abroad and possibly get caught up in the sanctions net, or bring the assets home to be exposed to other risks, including being prosecuted for tax evasion or getting caught up in an economic crash.

Reuters was not able to establish which individuals were involved in the lobbying effort, what approaches they had made, or who in the government they were talking to.

“The idea is out there, but for now there is no decision,” the state bank executive said. The Russian authorities have shown little sympathy for the foreign asset problems

of wealthy businesspeople in the past. “It’s nonsense,” one of the two sources close to the finance ministry said of the idea of issuing special bonds.

OPTIONS AT HOME There is no reliable data on how much money Russians have abroad. According to a rough estimate by Gabriel Zucman, an assistant professor of economics at the University of California at Berkeley, Russians had about $200 billion worth of financial assets in offshore tax havens as of 2014, equivalent to 10 percent of Russia’s GDP that year.

Several of the wealthiest have told Reuters they keep their assets abroad because of the volatility of the economy, the secrecy afforded by offshore havens and uncertainty about Russia’s future political stability. The options at home have all sorts of pitfalls.

Although interest rates for rouble deposits in Russian banks are

relatively high, at around 7-8 percent, wealthy Russians are wary of the risk of a rouble crash and prefer to keep deposits in foreign currency where rates are much lower, usually ranging between just above zero to 2 percent.

Yields on Eurobonds are higher - a benchmark Eurobond issued this year for 30 years is trading at 5 percent yield - but the market lacks liquidity, as new bond issues are rare, and holders of existing bonds do not tend to sell.

In addition, the compliance departments of Russian banks are required to ask lots of questions if a wealthy individual deposits a large amount with them, especially if that person is under U.S. sanctions.

Russian banks may also pass information about big depositors to the Russian tax authorities, which some businessman have said they don’t want because they want to protect commercially sensitive information and safeguard their privacy.(rtr)

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Peliatan Customary Village Holds Ngeredag Desa What Does It Mean?

Thousands of people of Peliatan customary village, Ubud, attended the tradition of ngeredag ??desa on Saturday (Nov. 18). The tradition taking place late afternoon until midnight was preceded with a convoy of dozens of bala ngeredag ??with unique uniforms and hit bamboo split drum (kulkul) followed by dozens of sacred barongs surrounding the village with ritual at every border.

The ngeredag ??desa procession began to move towards the border of customary village, precisely in front of Bebek Tepi Sawah Restaurant around 18:00 Local Time.

Procession of the villagers wearing unique uniform surrounded the village while beating kulkul. They put on kukusan meselet siyut (bamboo steamer and stirrer) and cross sign made of whiting.

Various forms of sacred barong were also paraded in the series of this tradition and followed by thousands of citizens. The sacred barong includes the Rangda Mask, Garuda, Barong Landung, Barong Ket, Male Boar and Tiger Barong.

After walking around the village, this series of ceremony then paused at Dalem Puri Temple, Ubud. Until evening, the procession continued

towards the center of local village.

As a peak of the procession, a big ceremony called caru sambleh was held.

Chief of Peliatan customary village, I Ketut Sandi, explained that the annual ritual is called sasuhunan nguya nyatur desa or in the old term was named as ngeredag ??desa. This unique ceremony is meant to neutralize basic elements of nature, thus giving peace and prosperity. Moreover, considering the full moon of the sixth month in the Balinese calendar is believed to be very sacred, where all sorts of diseases and pests are endemic.

It is indicated by the beginning of rain plus sea breezes blowing hard as well as flies and plant pests are breeding.

Meanwhile, the barong sanctified

effigy included in this tradition as a symbol of the catastrophe repellent is invoked to constantly control the negative aura entering the village area. At the same time, residents were led to realize and understand the condition of each body. “So, people must also understand together the condition of natural environment so that balance is constantly well maintained,” he said.

On the other hand, the activity in the series of this tradition also triggered congestion on the road section to Ubud. Rows of vehicles have been seen since Saturday afternoon around 15:00 until night.

The procession taking place for several hours and utilized the entire road body made the traffic from the direction of Gianyar paralyzed. (kmb)

Penglipuran tourism village is one of the prideful tourism villages owned by Bangli. Exotic natural beauty accompanied by strong customs makes the village in Bangli district indeed appropriate to be included in the itinerary of the traveling lovers.

To reach the location, it only takes 1.5 hours from Denpasar.

On arriving at the entrance, cool atmosphere of surrounding nature can have been felt. Left and right sides are decorated with green leaves of trees.

As soon as arriving at the location, the curiosity of its beauty will soon be relieved. Your eyes will be immediately drawn to the allure of the whole row of houses along with the angkulangkul roofed with bamboo Wrapped in brown color with traditional image will not make visitors get bored. Existing anxiety due to daily bustles immediately vanishes and precisely regains the atmosphere of the1990s.

In addition to the exterior, the home yard of local people is also equipped with traditional building. Roof and walls are made of bamboo, while the floor is still made of earth. Nevertheless, it precisely becomes one of the photo objects for visitors. If you’re still curious about this unique village, simply come to the memorial monument located in the south. Right next to the memorial, visitors can also see the karang memadu. Polygamous husbands will be isolated in this area.

Operations Manager of Penglipuran attraction, Nengah Moneng, said not long ago that the high tourist visit to Penglipuran usually happens during holidays associated with religious feast like Christmas. Daily visits can reach 650 people.

Domestic travelers are dominated by those from Bali and outside Bali. Then, foreign traveler is not so much, approximately 60 people. “Tourist visit increased about 10 percent. Hopefully, in the future it can continue to increase,” said Moneng accompanied by his colleague, I Nengah Sudibia.

READ Garden Eel Point Aside from the layout of traditional settlement, visitors will also see the bamboo forests in the northern part of the village.

Besides, some visitors are trying to taste the typical culinary products of Penglipuran, namely herbal drinks like loloh cemcem, loloh kunyit and klepon made of purple yam. To increase the number of visitors, a festival is held coinciding with the holiday season where the current one is the third year. In addition to jazzing up, the village festival is also organized to evoke the culture, such as dance performances and the development of industrial sector and the SMEs into the wider realm.

Since 2015, the Penglipuran community has been concerned with the environmental arrangement. Telajakan or space between road section and people’s house compound is planted with various kinds of ornamental flowers. This will indirectly increase the beauty of the object and tourist visit to the village. “We also raised potential of the region through festival activities. It is also intended to increase the number of visits,” he said.

He added that the admission ticket to the Penglipuran village for domestic travelers is IDR 10,000 per person and foreign travelers IDR 30,000 per person. (kmb)

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Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Bali News

International

Scientists watch and wait as Bali’s menacing volcano rumbles

KARANGASEM - The question Indonesian volcanologist Devy Kamil Syahbana gets most is the one he cannot answer - when, or if, rumbling Mount Agung on Bali island will blow up in a major eruption.

The 3,000 metre (9,800 ft) Agung - a so-called strato-volcano capable of very violent eruptions - has recorded a sharp rise in activity that has raised worries about a repeat of a 1963 eruption that killed more than 1,000 people.

“There’s no instrument in the world that can estimate precisely when there will be a major eruption,” said Syahbana, who runs an observatory monitoring the towering volcano, just outside a 10-km exclusion zone.

Sensors beeped and walkie-talkies crackled he spoke to Reuters at the monitoring station.

“People expect certainty but volcanology is a science of probability,” he said pointing to charts showing dramatic fluctuations in the seismic activity deep under Agung.

Authorities raised the alert status to the maximum after the volcano started erupting last month, spewing out ash over the holiday island and causing travel chaos by closing

its airport for three days last week.

While hot magma has produced an eerie orange glow just above the crater, and thousands of villagers have fled from their homes on the mountain’s slopes, Agung has, this time, yet to explode violently.

Syahbana, who studied volcanology in Brussels and Paris, said his team’s main job was to “increase the preparedness of the communities here in the event of a major eruption”.

He said safety was his priority, never mind that raising the alert level has spooked residents and tourists alike.

Syahbana said he had not come under any pressure to lower the alert, though his team was “aware of the costs” for Indonesia’s main tourist destination famous for its beaches and temples.

‘NO RECORDS’ Indonesia has nearly 130 active volcanoes, more than any other country.

Syahbana has surveyed and installed instruments on many of the most active ones, including Mount Merapi on Java island, to the west of Bali, and on Mount Sinabung in the north of Sumatra island.

His team of 16 scientists takes sixhour shifts to monitor seismic stations on Agung that record tremors deep inside the mountain, GPS trackers that record changes in land features and CCTV cameras that provide 24-hour surveillance.

“The difference between other volcanoes and Mount Agung is that there are no scientific records about previous eruptions here, only people’s experiences,” Syahbana said.

In 1963, pyroclastic flows of lava and rocks poured out of the volcano, killing more than 1,000 people and razing dozens of villages.

According to survivors, that eruption was preceded by earthquakes, volcanic mudflows, and ashfall – all signs that Mount Agung is showing again now, said Syahbana.

COMMUNITY OF EXPERTS This time, with the internet and live feeds on social media, experts around the world are watching the smouldering Agung.

U.S.-based volcanologist Janine B. Krippner has been closely following since the alert status was first raised to the highest in September, and uses Twitter to share official information and bust myths and hoaxes circulating online.

An eruption is “usually a good time for the volcanology community to pull together and share their knowledge”, she said.

“But I’ve never seen it happen on this scale before. It’s partly due to social media and partly because it’s a small and supportive community anyway,” Krippner, who has also remotely monitored eruptions in Iceland, Hawaii and Chile, said by telephone.

With every passing day, and no big eruption, a danger is that a false sense of security creeps in. Syahbana and other experts said everyone has to stay on alert.

“We know this can be a very dangerous eruption,” Krippner said. “We shouldn’t be complacent.” (rtr)

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

International

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Australia to probe Facebook, Google over media disruption

SYDNEY - Australia’s competition regulator said on Monday it would investigate whether U.S. online giants Facebook and Alphabet Inc’s Google have disrupted the news media market to the detriment of publishers and consumers.

Like their rivals globally, Australia’s traditional media companies have been squeezed by online rivals, as advertising dollars have followed eyeballs to digital distributors such as Google, Facebook and Netflix Inc. The government ordered the probe as part of wider media reforms, amid growing concern for the future of journalism and the quality of news following years of declining profits and newsroom job cuts and the rise of fake news.

“We will examine whether platforms are exercising market power in commercial dealings to the detriment of consumers, media content creators and advertisers,” Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) Chairman Rod Sims said in a statement.

The inquiry also would study how Facebook and Google operated to “fully understand their influence in Australia”, he added.

A Google spokesman said, “We look forward to engaging with this

process as relevant.”

Facebook did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The idea for an ACCC investigation was hatched during media reform negotiations in parliament earlier this year, which resulted in a relaxation of ownership laws to allow the country’s big players to boost their market share to better compete against online disruptors.

Independent media analyst Peter Cox told Reuters it was unclear what measures the competition regulator could recommend to the government even if it found the country’s media sector was increasingly anti-competitive.

“You could see this as a stepping stone towards another type of reform, such as tax,” said Cox. Jurisdictions around the world, including the European Union, are grappling with how to tax technology giants with global operations.

Currently corporate taxes are paid where firms have a physical presence, which allows digital

REUTERS/Toby Melville

Balloons are seen in front of a logo at Facebook’s headquarters in London, Britain, December 4, 2017. multinationals to book most of their profits where they have set up headquarters as opposed to where

they make their money.

The Australian probe will have power to demand information from

businesses and hold hearings. It is due to make its final report in 18 months. (rtr)

Philippines orders probe into Sanofi dengue vaccine for 730,000 children

MANILA - The Philippines ordered an investigation on Monday into the immunisation of more than 730,000 children with a vaccine for dengue that has been suspended following an announcement by French drug company Sanofi that it could

Mount Agung volcano erupts as seen from Kubu, Karangasem Regency, Bali, Indonesia November 28, 2017.

worsen the disease in some cases.

The World Health Organization said it hoped to conduct a full review by year-end of data on the vaccine, commercially known as Dengvaxia. In the meantime, the WHO recommended that it only

REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco

A worker shows used anti-dengue vaccine Dengvaxia inside a vaccine storage room in Sta. Cruz city, Metro Manila, Philippines December 4, 2017.

be used in people who had a prior infection with dengue .

The government of Brazil, where dengue is a significant health challenge, confirmed it already had recommended restricted use of the vaccine but had not suspended it entirely.

Amid mounting public concern, Sanofi explained its “new findings” at a news conference in Manila but did not say why action was not taken after a WHO report in mid2016 that identified the risk it was now flagging.

A non-governmental organisation (NGO) said it had received information that three children who were vaccinated with Dengvaxia in the Philippines had died and a senator said he was aware of two cases.

However, Department of Health Undersecretary Gerardo Bayugo told Reuters the three referred to by the NGO died due to causes not related to the vaccine and Sanofi said no deaths had been reported as a result of the programme.

“As far as we know, as far as we are made aware, there are no reported deaths that are related to dengue vaccination,” said Ruby

Dizon, medical director at Sanofi Pasteur Philippines.

Last week, the Philippines Department of Health halted the use of Dengvaxia after Sanofi said it must be strictly limited due to evidence it can worsen the disease in people not previously exposed to the infection.

In a statement, Sanofi said the long-term safety evaluation of the vaccines showed significantly fewer hospitalisations due to dengue in vaccinated people over 9 years old compared with those who had not been vaccinated.

Nearly 734,000 children aged 9 and over in the Philippines have received one dose of the vaccine as part of a programme that cost 3.5 billion pesos ($69.54 million).

The Department of Justice on Monday ordered the National Bureau of Investigation to look into “the alleged danger to public health ... and if evidence so warrants, to file appropriate charges thereon.”

There was no indication that Philippines health officials knew of any risks when they administered the vaccination.

However, the WHO said in a July 2016 research paper that

“vaccination may be ineffective or may theoretically even increase the future risk of hospitalised or severe dengue illness in those who are seronegative at the time of first vaccination regardless of age.”

Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority said last week that it flagged risks when Dengvaxia was approved there in October 2016, and was working with Sanofi to strengthen risk warnings on the drug’s packaging.

According to Sanofi in Manila, 19 licences were granted for Dengvaxia, and it was launched in 11 countries, two of which – the Philippines and Brazil – had public vaccination programmes.

Brazil’s healthcare regulator Anvisa said in a statement that it now recommends that people who have never been infected with dengue not take the vaccine, which was approved for use in Brazil at the end of 2015.

It was not known whether many people have taken the vaccine, if it was part of any government immunization program or if any illnesses or deaths linked to the drug have been reported to the government. (rtr)

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Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Technology

International

Singapore researchers’ underwater robot inspired by manta ray

SINGAPORE - Researchers in Singapore have built an underwater robot that looks and swims like a manta ray, using only single motors and flexible fins to propel it through water in a manner uncannily like its biological cousin.

It’s not the first of its kind - academics have spent years trying to mimic the wing-like movements of rays’ pectoral fins - but Chew Chee Meng of the National University of Singapore says it’s the first to use single motors for each fin and rely on the interplay of fluid and fin.

One of nature’s most efficient and graceful swimmers, manta rays have long fascinated scientists with a unique propulsion method to cruise through even turbulent seas, flapping their pectoral fins effortlessly to drive water backwards.

So-called bio-locomotion, says Keith Moored, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering and mechanics at Lehigh University in Pennsylvania, has been studied for about 30 years.

But there is still a lot of work to be done on understanding the fluid flow around bio-robotic fins and the interaction between fluid and structure in flexible fins such as Chew’s manta ray robot, he said.

Chew’s MantaDroid is a flat black PVC body with ray-like fins and two rear rudders, which moves through water like its natural counterpart.

Chew said the fin’s passive flexibility allows it to

interact naturally with the water, propelling it at a speed of seven-tenths of a metre (yard) every second, to cover about twice its body length.

By creating a passive fin from a single PVC sheet, rather than trying to mimic its movements with a series of motors and joints, Chew’s team found the robot interacted more naturally and efficiently with its environment.

“You’re not fighting against the hydrodynamics of the system,” said Chew, an associate professor at NUS. The Singaporean team went through 40 different fin designs over two years before settling on using flexible PVC sheets.

The MantaDroid can swim for up to 10 hours. Chew and his team from the university’s engineering faculty plan to test the robot in sea waters and incorporate more modes of movement into its fin mechanism.

He said the team is also working on a ray twice the size of the 35-cm (14-inch) original, and believes such robots would be useful for studying marine biodiversity, gathering hydrographic data and underwater search efforts.

The MantaDroid is part of a growing field of biomimetics, which applies learning about natural systems and robotics to the design of new vehicles, said Thomas Atwood, executive director of the U.S. National Robotics Education Foundation.

Robots such as the ray, he said, could help carry out underwater mapping and ocean bed surveys, besides military reconnaissance. (rtr)

REUTERS/Edgar Su

NUS Department of Mechanical Engineering researcher Soheil Arastehfar showcases their aquatic robot manta ray “Mantadroid” at their faculty premises in Singapore November 27, 2017. Picture taken November 27, 2017.

Bali News

International

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Wednesday, December 6, 2017

After a week in evacuation

Many people sick

REUTERS/Toby Melville

A giant logo is seen at Facebook’s headquarters in London, Britain, December 4, 2017.

Facebook rolls out messenger app for kids under 13

CALIFORNIA - Facebook Inc on Monday rolled out Messenger Kids, an app that lets the world’s biggest social media company expand into a so-far untapped market of kids under 13 while also giving parents complete control over what their children see.

Facebook normally requires users to be at least 13 years old.

The new app gives it a chance to win brand loyalty from younger children at a time when it faces competition for teenagers from other social media platforms such as Snapchat.

There already are a handful of other apps that children can use with parental consent, and kids can communicate with each other using texting on cellpones.

Facebook said research showed young children were already using technology on a regular basis - but on apps built for teens and adults, raising concern among parents that their children might be communicating with strangers.

At the same time, parents were willing to let their children aged 6 to 12 use social media as long as there was strict parental control. Facebook Messenger Kids requires parents to set up an account and approve their children’s contacts.

“There’s really a gap in the market for a messaging app for kids that also gives parents control,” Facebook spokeswoman Lauren Svensson said. “We’re going to see how kids are using it, and that will allow us to add updates in future versions as necessary.”

The stand-alone app on children’s devices can be controlled by a parent’s Facebook account that will allow kids to use video chat and send photos, videos or text messages to friends approved by their parents.

Monday’s unveiling was billed as a preview because so far it is only available in the United States and only on iOS, or Apple operating systems. The app was 18 months in development, Svensson said.

Facebook said it consulted with 1,200 parents plus online security and child development specialists, including the National Parent-Teacher Association, the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, Connect Safely, Center on Media and Child Health, and Sesame Workshop. (rtr)

AMLAPURA — Residents whose areas belonging to disasterprone area (KRB) have been in refugee camp for more than a week following the eruption on Monday (Nov. 21). Currently, they begin to get sick due to various diseases.

Adult and child refugees do not escape from the attack of the disease.

A resident, I Wayan Nuada, from Batumadeg hamlet, Besakih, Rendang, Karangasem, evacuating at the office of Rendang Subdistrict Agriculture Agency, has been in the refuge for a week. He has started getting fever about five days ago. In order to get well soon, he was treated to Rendang public health center.

However, he was just provided with drug, without an injection.

“I have gone to the public health center and was only provided with medication without injection.

Then, I have to consult to private general practitioner in order to get an injection so that it can recover quickly. If only the medicine and without injection, it will take long time to get recovered,” explained Wayan Nuada.

Similar experience was also expressed by Kadek Lanus. He explained that his only child has got fever since a few days ago. He has brought his son to consult to

a doctor so that he can remain to attend school. He believed it happened due to unpredictable weather condition. Moreover, during rainy season it is very susceptible to disease.

“My son has been checked up at the health center but was only given a medicine. Since there is no change after taking the medicine from the doctor at public health center, I have to consult to a private general practitioner and pay,” he said.

He explained though being in not fine condition, his son still attends school at refuge at SDN 4 Rendang elementary school, located near the evacuation post in Rendang Agricultural Agency. “He insists on attending school because he has a final examination (UAS).

But now he is lying down again in bed, maybe he is tired,” he said.

Meanwhile, I Nengah Sukarsa explained that many refugees indeed get health problems such as cough, colds, respiratory problems, fever and others, while he himself gets sick and cold. “I have got medical treatment, but until now it has not fully recovered. My cold remains so I went to a private general practitioner and pay IDR 80,000,” said Sukarsa. (kmb41)

IBP/kmb35

In the last few days, a number of beaches in Gianyar have become covered in marine debris consitsting of some driftwood and lots garbage.

Garbage besieges beaches in Gianyar

DLH Gianyar and public clean up plastic garbage

GIANYAR — In the last few days, a number of beaches in Gianyar have become covered in marine debris consitsting of some driftwood and lots garbage. Garbage activits, the Gianyar Enviroenment Agency (DLH) and members of the general public came together in Sunday (Dec 3) to collect the plastic garbage.

IBP/kmb

Residents whose areas belonging to disaster-prone area (KRB) have been in refugee camp for more than a week following the eruption on Monday (Nov. 21).

The sand on Saba Beach in Sukawati has become entirely covered in garbage and some driftwood which is clearly unpleasant for visitors coming to spend the weekend at the beach.

Coordinator of Trash Hero Community, Wayan Aksara, explained that a number of groups participated in the clean-up on Sunday: youth from Saba village, Kertalangu, junior volunteers caring for cleanliness from Buluh hamlet, junior mosquito larva monitoring volunteers from Guwang village, the tol-tol community and Chairman of Commission IV of Bali House of Representatives, Nyoman Parta. “We collected about 65kg of plastic waste so that it is not carried back out to sea. We only focused on the plstic waste because it is harzardous”, he said.

Every rainy season there is an increase in the amount of garbage on the beaches, so Trash Hero organises beach clean-ups on different beaches every Sunday. “ Next Week, we are going to collect garbage on Lembang Beach”, said Aksara.

Head of DLH Gianyar, Wayan Kujus Pawitra, acknowledged there is alot of garbage in Gianyar Beach but said it was nt as bad as on Kuta Beach and elswhere.

“During rainy season, marine debris is popping up on the beach including in Gianyar, but the one in Gianyar is not as bad as the one on other beaches,” he said.

Kujus Pawitra also compared to the daily household waste in Gianyar district reaching up to 1,500 cubic meters, while the marine debris on the beach carried by ocean currents only lies in the range of 50 cubic meters. “The comparison is obtained from the daily volume of rubbish where household waste reaches 36 trucks, while marine debris only ranges from 2 to 3 trucks,” he said.

He added that in dealing with rubbish is required the participation of all components. Therefore, he also appreciated to the action of rubbish collection organized on Ketewel Beach on Sunday morning.

“The community like Trash Hero and other activists has been regularly educated and invited people around the coast to maintain their sanitation. We also intensively do communication and regularly come down together. If there is mutual assistance, we send garbage truck as we do today (last Sunday—Ed),” he said.

To optimize the role of community in cleaning up garbage around the beach, he also has corresponded to every headman existing in coastal areas of Gianyar district. Through the letter he invited headmen to more intensively do clean-up action on the beach because the beach is a strategic place for refreshing and religious ceremonies. “Let’s take care of our coastal areas so as to be clean. We are ready to back up the headmen on the coastal areas with truck so that it just needs to make a good coordination,” he said.

Through regional budget plan (APBD) 2018, DLH Gianyar will increase the number of trash cans on every beach in Gianyar district. “We have budgeted this for the addition of trash cans on the beach, even though there have been some on the beaches like the Lebih. Other beaches will be added to maintain sanitation,” he said. (kmb35)

2

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Bali News

Post-eruption of Mount Agung, Bali tourism turns fragile

MANGUPURA - After the eruption of Mount Agung, Bali tourism remains in a very fragile position. This happened because many tourists canceled their travel to Bali. From the existing data, averagely 18,000 tourists canceled their travel to Bali. They usually have the length of stay for 3-4 days. This was revealed

by Chairman of the Association of Indonesia Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) Bali, Tjokorda Oka Artha Ardana Sukawati or Cok Ace in the tourism gathering held in Kuta on Monday (Dec. 4).

He said that Bank Indonesia (BI) estimated that tourists cancelling their trip Bali have the cost per arrival reaching about IDR 13,500,000. Moreover, since most of tourism activities are in Badung district, the potential loss in Badung is estimated above IDR 250 billion for the cancellation of 18,000 people per day.

“Of that amount, for 4 days have reached IDR1 trillion of losses experienced by Badung from tourist transactions,” he said.

Related to this matter, there are two things getting the attention, namely concerning with Bali’s endurance and competitiveness. Bali’s durability is seen from three aspects, namely superstructure, human resources and infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Regent of Badung, Nyoman Giri Prasta, hoped the Bali tourism can be well managed in accordance with the initial concept of one island one

management. This concept is said to be the spirit of tourism in terms of juridical aspect, both the regulation of local and central government. Philosophically, it has something to do with historical and sociological aspect namely brotherhood. “This should be managed well,” he said.

Giri Prasta invited all parties to keep Bali together.

Nature, human and culture of Bali need to be guarded because currently it has been endowed with blessings

by God and must be managed properly. Do not let Bali having been famous and seeming strong internationally, be unable to enjoy it. “Therefore, we exemplify Badung. The people of Badung should be able to become the host in their own region and home,” he concluded.

He denied if Badung is said to be closed to investment. Instead, currently his government is open to investment, but it should not change the order, like the landscape and the people along with their culture.

“We will open the investment as widely as possible, but it should not marginalize the surrounding community,” he said.

In the past, tourists coming to Bali had the length of stay reaching up to 10-15 days and even up to one month. However, today their length of stay is maximally 5 days, even there is 1 day. The most worrisome is that Bali is currently used as a transit point to further travel to other destinations. “So, with the one island one management concept, it must be made one stop destination for the nine regencies / municipality,” he hoped. (kmb23)

The quiet conditon of the street of Kuta after the ruption of Mount Agung.

IBP/Yudi Karnaedi

International

Residents of Timbrah hold a joint prayer AMLAPURA - The entire residents of Timbrah village, Pertima, held a joint prayer on Monday (Dec. 4). It was held to pray for salvation of human beings so that they are kept away from all kinds of disasters, especially what is happening today, the threat of Mount Agung eruption.

The whole residents of the old village were enthusiastic about following the joint prayer. Series of the prayers was commenced from Puseh Temple at local village. Then, it was proceed to Panti Kaler by presenting canang sari oblation. Prayers were virtually carried out to all other temples, such as the Bale Agung and Panti Kelod Kangin. Chief of Timbrah customary village, Wayan Sukertha, said the joint prayers were held to coincide with Purnama Maksan, or the day after full moon in general.

He would like to invite all residents to pray so that the universe and its contents will calm down again. Thus, the people are kept away from the threat of natural disasters, such as the current eruption of Mount Agung.

“We invoke the best from nature.

This is a process that cannot be prevented. We can only pray so that we all will be kept away from natural disasters. It is the only one we can do now,” said Sukertha.

In addition to local residents, the refugees also participated in the joint prayers. They hoped this situation will pass quickly and Mount Agung will calm down.

One of the refugees, Wayan Suartika, expressed his gratitude to local villagers that have given them a decent place along with public facilities and logistics.

“Coincidentally, it has been quite complete here with safe place, adequate public facilities, public bath, and logistic distribution so far has been experiencing no obstacles,” he said.

Timbrah village received refugees from Bebandem. This old village takes advantage of wantilan and hamlet hall for the refugees. However, there are several hamlet halls are emptied, so as not to coincide with the activities of local residents frequently using their hall for customary activities, such as Bale Pauman and Pauman Beji.

A local community leader, Nengah Sudarsa, said the joint prayer is positive enough to ask for common safety. This former Regional Secretary of Karangasem and now a legislator of Karangasem assessed such joint prayer should be imitated by residents of other villages. The more people saying prayers with the hope of avoiding disaster, he is confident the universe will respond to the sincere prayers. (kmb31)

Impact of Mount Agung eruption, marketing of handicraft sluggish

BANGLI - Mount Agung eruption in Karangasem has an impact on the sluggish marketing of handicrafts in Bangli district. This condition is also experienced by a bamboo root craftsman, I Kadek Sudanco. He said the marketing of bamboo root craft of his works now decreases by up to 10 percent.

As revealed on Monday (Dec. 4), the eruption of Mount Agung has an impact on the marketing of handicrafts in Bangli. The eruption of Mount Agung made tourist arrivals to Bali decrease drastically and influences on the handicraft market.

He revealed the current impact is not so great for his craft business.

However, he admitted to be worried if the situation in the future is back to worsen. Despite the lethargy,

Sudanco claimed to still be lucky as still having regular buyers from overseas. So, despite the disruption caused by natural disasters of Mount Agung eruption, his regular buyers remain to order his craft products.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Bangli Industry and Trade Agency, I Nengah Sudibia, when confirmed separately said there has been a decline in craft marketing since recent weeks, especially for overseas market. However, the decline is not so significant. When asked about the marketing of handicraft in the local market, Sudibya stated that so far it is not so affected significantly. It can be seen from the normal activities of crafters in Bangli. (kmb40)

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International

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

15

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Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Final ‘House of Cards’ season to focus on Robin Wright after Spacey exit NEW YORK - The final season of Netflix’s political drama “House of Cards” will focus on Robin Wright’s first female president character and will start production in 2018, following a hiatus after the exit of star Kevin Spacey, the company said on Monday.

Netflix’s Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos told the UBS 45th Annual Global Media and Communications Conference in New York that the sixth season would be shortened to eight episodes instead of the usual 13.

Netflix Inc severed ties in November with Spacey, one of its biggest stars who played fictional U.S. president Frank Underwood in “House of Cards,” after accusations of sexual misconduct against the Oscar-winning actor.

Reuters was unable to independently confirmed the accusations.

“We have made an arrangement

to produce six seasons of ‘House of Cards’. It will be an eight-episode season. It will start production in early 2018 and it will not involve Kevin Spacey,” Sarandos said.

Sarandos did not say when season six would air or how Spacey’s character would be treated in the show.

A representative for Spacey did not respond to a request for comment.

Wright’s character, Claire Underwood, finished season five by winning election as the first U.S. female president after wresting power from her husband.

Claire Underwood has moved center stage since “House of Cards” premiered in 2013, going from the wife of Spacey’s congressman to first lady and then vice president.

Wright has won a Golden Globe for her role, and earned five Emmy nominations. (rtr)

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

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Mount Agung`s eruption to cause Rp9 trillion loss to Indonesia

JAKARTA - Indonesia`s tourism sector will suffer losses worth around Rp9 trillion in foreign exchange following the eruption of Mount Agung in Bali since the end of November. During the launch of the Helicity helicopter transportation service in Jakarta on Monday, Tourism Minister Arief Yahya made the statement based on the calculation of an estimated Rp250 billion in foreign exchange per day earned from 15 thousand tourists visiting Bali.

TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP

The Peace Diamond is on display at the Rapaport Group on December 4, 2017 in midtown New York.

One of world’s largest diamonds fetches $6.5 million to aid Sierra Leone

“Hence, count for yourself how many days since the incident occurred until Dec 31, it is about 36 days and when multiplied by Rp250 billion, the figure reaches about Rp9 trillion that we will lose in foreign exchange,” he explained.

Due to the natural disaster, the target of 15 million foreign tourist visits will certainly also not be

achieved this year.

Until last September, the government was still optimistic of achieving the target. However, since Mount Agung erupted, the government has estimated a reduction of some 1 million foreign tourist arrivals. “By only achieving 14 million foreign tourist visits, we will reach 93 percent of the total target,” Yahya said.

In order to meet the target, the government continues to conduct massive campaigns in the Riau Islands, which have become one of the main entry gates for foreign tourists to Indonesia after Jakarta and Bali.

The Central Bureau of Statistics has recorded a decline of 4.54 percent in the number of foreign tourists visiting Indonesia in October

2017, one of the main impacts of Mount Agung`s eruption.

The decline in the number of foreign tourists entering through the Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali was recorded at 15.99 percent, or 462.3 thousand arrivals, as compared to 55.2 thousand in the previous month.

In October 2017, the number of foreign tourist arrivals was recorded at 1.15 million comprising 964.8 thousand foreign travelers entering through 19 main gates and as many as 193.7 thousand arrivals from outside the main entry points.

Some of the main entry points that witnessed a decline in the number of passengers in addition to the Ngurah Rai Airport is the Soekarno-Hatta Airport, at 1.70 percent, and Batam, at 4.89 percent.(ant) 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.

NEW YORK - One of the world’s largest diamonds was sold for $6.5 million by Sierra Leone on Monday to fund local development projects, dealing a blow to smugglers in the West African nation.

Valery HACHE / AFP

This file photo taken on May 18, 2017 shows US actress Robin Wright as she arrives for the screening of the film ‘Loveless’ (Nelyubov) at the 70th edition of the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, southern France.

The egg-sized, 709-carat diamond found by a Christian pastor was bought at auction in New York by Laurence Graff, a British billionaire and jeweler, according to the Rapaport Group, an international diamond trading network that handled the sale.

Of the proceeds of the stone dubbed the “Peace Diamond,” the government will get 59 percent or about $3.9 million in tax revenue to fund clean water, electricity, schools, health centres and roads, said Martin Rapaport of the Rapaport Group.

“As a government, particularly in Africa, it has always been the narration of corruption, and the mineral wealth is not benefiting the people”, said Abdulai Bayraytay, a spokesman for Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma, at a news conference.

The auction marked the first time a diamond found in Sierra Leone was put up for public sale, and state officials said they hope it will be a step toward ending the illicit diamond trade.

Diamonds fueled civil war in Sierra Leone in the 1990s, when rebels forced civilians to mine the stones and bought weapons with the proceeds, leading to the term ‘blood diamonds’.

The United Nations lifted a ban on diamond exports from Sierra Leone in 2003, but the multi-million dollar sector is still plagued by smuggling.

The balance of the proceeds will go to a local group overseeing the development projects, the pastor and other miners who found the gem and gave it to the government, Rapaport said.

“It will encourage all the diggers back home,” Chief Paul Ngaba Saquee, head of Sierra Leone’s eastern Kono district, where the diamond was found in March, told the news conference.

“Instead of being ripped off in some dark corners when they find their diamonds, that they will bring it and put it on the table in front of the government,” he said in New York. “Maybe this is going to be the beginning of a new day in Sierra Leone.”

A first effort to sell the diamond failed in May when Sierra Leone rejected the highest bid of $7.8 million.

This time, the stone was shown to some 70 potential buyers and seven bids were submitted, according to Rapaport. (rtr)

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A tourist from Russia poses while a friend takes her photograph with Mount Agung volcano erupting in the background from Amed, Karangasem Regency, Bali, Indonesia, November 30, 2017.