Edisi 08 March 2017 | Internasional Bali post

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

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

16 Pages Number 48 9th year

Price: Rp 3.000,-

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Rapper Future makes Billboard chart history with ‘HNDRXX’ LOS ANGELES - Atlanta rapper Future became the first artist to score two consecutive charttopping albums in as many weeks on the U.S. Billboard 200 album chart, as his latest release debuted at No. 1 on Monday, a week after his last chart-topping album.

Future’s “HNDRXX” (pronounced “Hendrix”) sold 121,000 units across album and song sales and streaming activity since its Feb. 24 release, according to figures from Nielsen SoundScan.

It follows the rapper’s self-titled album, released Feb. 17, which topped the Billboard 200 chart last week and dropped to No. 2 this week with another 64,000 units sold.

Billboard magazine described “HNDRXX” as exploring “the softer, vulnerable side” of the rapper compared with his “Future”

album.

The publication also said the rapper was the first artist not only to achieve two back-to-back No. 1 albums but also to succeed himself at the top of the chart.

The Billboard 200 album chart tallies units from album sales, song sales (10 songs equal one album) and streaming activity (1,500 streams equal one album).

Other new entries on the top 10 of the Billboard 200 album chart this week include country band Little Big Town, debuting at No. 4 with “Breaker,” and country singer Aaron Watson at No. 10 with “Vaquero.”

On the Digital Songs chart, which measures online singles sales, British singer Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You” held onto the top spot with another 141,000 copies sold. (rtr)

British designer Stella McCartney appears at the end of her Fall/ Winter 2017-2018 women’s ready-towear collection show during the Paris Fashion Week, in Paris, France March 6, 2017.

Stella McCartney brings dance to Paris Opera for fashion week

REUTERS/Benoit Tessier

PARIS - Stella McCartney livened up the catwalk at Paris chief Anna Wintour and Charlotte Fashion Week on Monday with dancing models wearing her Casiraghi, the daughter of Princess signature over-sized clothes in trademark neutral shades with Caroline of Hanover were also there.

A long-time vegetarian who does splashes of unusual colours.

The British fashion designer, known for her sharp tailoring and for mixing luxury and sporty looks, unveiled her autumn/winter 20172018 women’s collection which mixed in burgundy, bottle green, sky blue, white and silver.

Her models gave the penultimate day of the show a relaxed but effortlessly elegant vibe in trenchcoats and jackets, ultra-wide, high-waisted trousers, all-in-one jumpsuits and overalls, and turtleneck mini-dresses with super-sized sleeves.

The show, at the Paris Opera, was inspired by “faith. love. energy.” McCartney’s Twitter feed said, with dancing to “Faith” by the late singer George Michael in the finale.

It was watched by a star-studded crowd including Mexican-U.S. actress Salma Hayek and her French businessman husband FrancoisHenri Pinault, chief executive of the Kering group, which has a 50 percent stake in Stella McCartney.

Canadian-American actress Pamela Anderson, Vogue’s editor-in-

not use leather or fur, McCartney’s fabrics included fake leather and suede, velvet, chequered tweed, denim, pleated organza, loose cotton, chiffon with horse prints or lace-like embroidered details.

Models wore over-sized handheld or strap-over bags, wide belts, casual sporty pumps juxtaposed by elegant but flat fronted and wideheeled, steel toe capped shoes.

Stella McCartney is one of the most active fashion brands on Instagram, with 3.7 million followers and her show was live-streamed on social media. (rtr)

You can find International Bali Post at:

Epic Records via AP

This image released by Epic Records shows “Hndrxx,” a new release by Future.

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

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

1 Kuta Beach Club Jl. Bakung Sari Kuta 2 Wen Dys Kuta the Coffe Bear Jl. Pantai Kuta 3 Seminyak Paradiso Bali Hotel Jl. Camplung Tanduk 4 Ramayana Resort&Spa Jl. Bakung Sari Kuta 5 The Lokha Legian Resort&Spa Jl. Padma Legian Kuta 6 66 Corner Live Sport Emtertaiment Jl. Doble Six/Werkudara 23 7 Leghawa Grill Jl. D.Tamblingan No. 51 8 Retno Barr dan Restoran Jl. D.Tamblingan No.126 A Sanur 9 Elkomedor Jl. D.Tamblingan 140 10 Malaika Scret Jl. D.Poso No 68 11 Snack Shack Jl. D.Poso No. 50D 12 Warung Lokal Jl. D.Poso No. 39 13 Cokro Cafee Jl. D.Poso Sanur 14 T.J.Bar Jl. D.Poso Sanur 15 J & N Kebab Jl. D.Poso Sanur 16 Goanna Bar Jl. D.Poso Sanur 17 Batu Jimbar Jl. D.Tamblingan Sanur

18 Ramayana Cafee Jl. D.Tamblingan 19 Smirnof Cafee Jl. D.Tamblingan Sanur 20 Legwa Hotel Jl. D.Tamblingan Sanur 21 Nu Laser Cafee Jl. D.Tamblingan Sanur 22 Ganesa Book Jl. D.Tamblingan Sanur 23 All For Daiving Jl. D.Tamblingan Sanur 24 Barocca Jl.Petitenget 17 DKerobokan 25 Lantern Jl.Petitenget 17E Kerobokan 26 Shearlock Jl.Petitenget 17C Kerobokan Klod 27 Cafe Degan Jl.Petitenget 9 Kerobokan Klod 28 Kopi Made Jl. Raya Puputan No. 106 Dps 29 Dimsum Manan Jl. Raya Niti Mandala Renon No 148 30 Furama Jl. Raya Niti Mandala No. 148 Renon 31 Warung Subah Renon Jl. Mohamad Yamin No.18 32 Ayam Betutu khas Gilimanuk Jl. Merdeka No.88 Renon 33 Bali Bakery Jl. Hayam Wuruk 184 Denpasar

AP Photo/David Vincent, file

FILE - In this Sunday, Feb. 26, 2017 file photo, French Far-right leader presidential candidate Marine Le Pen gestures at the start of a conference in Nantes, western France. The European Parliament voted Thursday, March 2 to lift French far-right leader Marine Le Pen’s immunity from prosecution for tweeting gruesome images of violence, a crime carrying a maximum sentence of three years in prison.

France faces remarkable moment as Le Pen and Macron may be in run-off

PARIS - The French centre-right is in self-destruct mode. “I’m not capable of doing what’s Back in December, it all looked so different. In a US-style ‘pri- necessary, rallying people around mary’, Republican Party voters surprised everyone by choosing a unifying project,” he said.

Steadily, Mr Fillon’s poll ratings the so-called ‘third man’ as their candidate for President.

Francois Fillon was picked instead of Alain Juppe and Nicholas Sarkozy. Mr Juppe had been the favourite and if not him then Mr Sarkozy.

But both of them carry significant baggage. Mr Juppe is a convicted fraudster and Mr Sarkozy is under investigation for misuse of funds.

So they chose Mr Fillon, scandalfree and, with policies further to the right of Mr Juppe or Mr Sarkozy, he seemed to be the best foil for Marine Le Pen on the far-right.

Then came ‘Penelope-Gate’ - the allegation that Mr Fillon paid his wife Penelope and his children for

parliamentary jobs they allegedly didn’t do.

For over a month, he has fought the allegations with an ever more remarkable defiance. Several times, the expectation has been that he would stand aside under the pressure.

A weekend rally in central Paris was seen as a make-or-break moment - senior party insiders watched the crowd size and the fluctuating polls. Should they ditch their man and replace him so close to the election?

And if so then with whom? Mr Juppe has made quite clear ‘once and for all’ that he will not stand.

have slipped and his staff have quit. He is currently not expected to make it into the second round of the election. The beneficiaries are centrist Emmanuel Macron and far-right leader Marine Le Pen who are most likely to fight out the run-off.

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

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Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Bali News

International

Activities

International

Rascal: Indonesia’s First Phinisi Superyacht

Rascal, both by name and nature, vows to live up to her moniker as she gears up to take guests on an experiential journey around Indonesia’s stunning archipelago.

Built on Indonesian sand using local ironwood and teak for an indigenous structure, a skilled design team exercised century old tech-

nique to handcraft the 103ft vessel.

A true combination of East meets West, Rascal showcases the latest in Western boating technology— the result: a cutting-edge contemporary superyacht that possesses the soul and secrets of a traditional Indonesian Phinisi sailing boat.

The only superyacht in Indone-

WEEKLY EVENTS and FARMERS MARKETS EVERY SATURDAY Meditation class by Mangku Budi Dharma 14-16:30 Bona, Blahbatuh meet at Ubud Cocomarket at 13:00 REUTERS/Nyimas Laula

A man offering camel rides waits on a beach in the luxury resort area of Nusa Dua ahead of Saudi Arabia’s King Salman’s visit on the island of Bali, Indonesia March 2, 2017. Picture taken March 2, 2017.

Saudi king’s Bali beach holiday turns into military exercise

NUSA DUA - A Bali beach holiday for Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and his considerable entourage has turned into a military exercise for host Indonesia.

The octogenarian monarch and his entourage of 1,500, including 25 princes and 10 ministers, flies on Saturday to Indonesia’s Bali island aboard nine passenger jets for a private vacation. They will be guarded by at least 2,500 police and military personnel, as well as naval vessels parked offshore.

The king’s Boeing 747-jet will be met at the airport by his usual gold coloured escalator. Flown in ahead of the visit were two plane loads of cargo, including plates, carpets and two bullet-proof Mercedes, said customs official Budi Harjanto.

King Salman’s tour of Asia aims to build the kingdom’s ties with fast-growing Asian economies and drum up investment to diversify the Saudi economy away from dependence on oil. The extravagance of his official trip, punctuated by holidays, comes after an austerity drive at home caused by low oil prices.

On the white sand beach in front of Bali’s St. Regis resort, one in a row of five-star hotels where the Saudis will stay, two metre (7-foot) high screens have been put up to shield guests from prying eyes. A wooden staircase has been built for the royals to access the water.

“There will definitely be marine security because there’s a section of beach where the (king) will be staying,” said Bali’s Udayana military chief Major General Kustanto Widiatmoko.

Widiatmoko said six ships would be deployed along with anti-terrorism police and snipers, adding he hoped security would not impinge on the Saudi group’s privacy.

CONTROVERSIAL VACATIONS

The king’s vacations have been controversial at times due to the disruption they caused. He cut short a 2015 French Riviera holiday after local outrage erupted when the public beach at Vallauris was shut and concrete poured on the sand for a temporary lift.

After kicking off his Asian tour in Malaysia on Feb. 26, King Salman will also visit Brunei, Japan, China, the Maldives and Jordan on his month-long swing through the region promoting the kingdom as an investment destination.

Asia’s top oil supplier plans to privatise state assets, cultivate non-oil private sectors and open its markets to foreign investors, after a plunge in oil prices slashed state revenues and opened a gaping budget deficit. A hallmark of the plan is to sell shares in state oil giant Saudi Aramco, which Saudi authorities have said could raise up to $100 billion, in what would be, by far, the world’s biggest listing.

The king’s three-day state visit in Jakarta this week focused on building cultural and religious ties and promoting education, as well as efforts to contain radical Islam in the world’s most populous Muslim country. Secular Indonesia has grown increasingly concerned about security, after several attacks over the past year blamed on supporters of Islamic State. Islamist militants bombed a nightclub in the Bali resort of Kuta in 2002, killed 202 people, most of them foreign tourists.

MIDDLE EAST TOURISM

Bali’s business community is hoping the king’s visit will encourage more Middle East tourists to visit the “Island of the gods”. “When they find out that the king and his entourage have come to Bali, they will realise that Bali is a world-class tourist destination, so automatically they will think about

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

coming to Bali as tourists too,” Ketut Ardana, chairman of the Bali branch of the Indonesian Travel Agents Association (ASITA) told Reuters.

Mila Artini, a representative for the Blue Bird taxi group at Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport, said the Saudis had booked the group’s entire fleet of limousines up until the end of the king’s visit on March 12.

An additional 200 Mercedes limousines had been brought in from Jakarta for the visit, said Arif, a Muslim taxi driver, who said the Saudis would be welcome in predominantly Hindu Bali. “The religion here is different, but that’s no problem because there are also a lot of Muslims here. There’s halal food in all areas,” he said.

Indonesia aims to more than double the number of Muslim tourists it received last year to 5 million by 2019, said the head of the Indonesian tourism ministry’s Halal Tourism Development and Acceleration team.

“Other than the large number of potential visitors from Muslim countries, their spending power is also larger,” said Riyanto Sofyan, noting Muslim tourists spend around $1,700 per visit, compared to $1,100 on average by other foreigners.

CAMEL RIDES

On the approach to Nusa Dua, a peninsula on the southern tip of Bali where the king is staying, police in fluorescent vests checked cars at an impromptu checkpoint. While not especially brought in for the Saudi visitors, the beach at Nusa Dua does have something to make the visitors feel right at home - camels. Minarto, who runs camel rides in front of the Hilton Bali Resort, said the Saudi group had requested 100 half-hour rides.

“We’re busy and they wanted too many. We only have a limited number of camels,” said Minarto, who looks after five camels brought in from Australia years ago. (rtr)

 Founder : K.Nadha,  General Manager :Palgunadi Chief Editor: Gugiek Savindra  Editors:Agus Toni, Daniel Fajry, Mawa, Sueca, Sugiartha, Yudi Winanto Denpasar: Dira Arsana, Giriana Saputra, Subrata, Sumatika, Asmara Putra. Bangli: Suasrina, Buleleng: Dewa kusuma, Gianyar: Manik Astajaya, Karangasem: Budana, Klungkung: Dewa Farendra. Jakarta: Nikson, Hardianto, Ade Irawan. NTB: Agus Talino, Izzul Khairi, Raka Akriyani. Surabaya: Bambang Wilianto.  Office: Jalan Kepundung 67 A Denpasar 80232. Telephone (0361)225764, Facsimile: 227418, P.O.Box: 3010 Denpasar 80001. Bali Post Jakarta, Advertizing: Jl.Palmerah Barat 21F. Telp 021-5357602, Facsimile: 021-5357605 Jakarta Pusat. NTB: Jalam Bangau No. 15 Cakranegara Telp. (0370) 639543, Facsimile: (0370) 628257. Publisher: PT Bali Post

Saturday Market Oldman’s Cafe Canggu, Batu Bolong Beach, pottery fresh produce, clothing Sand Beach Club and Restaurant, Sanur Every second Saturday Biasa Art Space, Jl. Raya Seminyak 24, Seminyak, Fresh produce, potted plants, meat pie, sshie, coffee and more.

Every Saturday 9AM-2PM OrganIc Farmer’s Market Pizza Bagus (Jl. Pengosekan), Ubud EVERY SUNDAY Soul to soul spirituall dialogue Anand Ashram, Ubud Jl Sri Wedari KM 3 Mantra chanting 6-6:30pm Navaraha Arati 6:30-6:45pm Meditation, Satsang and celebration 6:45-8:30pm www.ubudashram.org 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

sia with an entirely above-water accommodation experience – all five cabins stretch across two expansive decks. Each cabin boasts high ceilings, ocean views, ensuite bathrooms, a private terrace, and state of the art audio visual systems… A vast 1,280 square foot, unenclosed infinity roof deck provides ample sunbathing space by day and an al-fresco moonlit cinema by night. Rascal’s New York Hamptons meets tropical luxe style finishings exude laidback luxury; eclectic and chic, with brass hardware, rattan ceilings and cabins with their own individual charm thanks to local interior designers, iBalDesigns, and furniture by internationally

recognised Charles Orchard.

Rascal is the mastermind of an enigmatic lineup of Asia based, boundary-pushing pace setters – a passionate yet elusive team who share a desire to explore the hidden corners of Southeast Asia’s waters in uninhibited style. Having enlisted the services of the ‘coolkids’ in culinary and entertainment talent, whose names need no introduction, the Rascal hospitality experience is fast garnering one of the region’s most sought-after waiting lists. Nutritious, fresh menus

by Bali’s famous Watercress restaurant, cocktails and a bespoke house Rascal Rum crafted by the award-winning Proof & Company mixologists, and onboard activity

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provided by the world’s surfing, snorkeling and diving elite – each trip is tailored exclusively and depicts a concoction of each of the Rascals bold and collaborative imaginations.

Available from January for private charters only, Rascal offers her guests complete control to curate their bespoke itinerary—enabling them to design their dream voyage from start to finish. From off-radar island destinations to under surface marine-life immersions, on-deck degustation to rooftop midnight stargazing, everything is provided with casual, barefoot freedom and fun. No two charters are the same and each Rascal voyage dares to defeat her last.

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Technology

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

International

Self-driving bus with no back-up driver nears California street

SAN RAMON - A pair of $250,000 autonomous buses began driving around an empty San Francisco Bay Area parking lot on Monday, preparing to move onto a local public road in California’s first pilot program for a selfdriving vehicle without steering wheel or human operator.

California and other states are weighing the opportunities of becoming a hub of testing a technology that is seen as the future of transportation and the risks from giving up active control of a large, potentially dangerous vehicle.

In most tests of self-driving cars there is still a person seated at the steering wheel, ready to take over, although Alphabet Inc’s Waymo tested a car with no steering wheel or pedals in Austin, Texas, as early as 2015.

The bus project in San Ramon, at the Bishop Ranch office park complex, involves two 12-passenger shuttle buses from French private company EasyMile.

The project is backed by a combination of private companies and public transit and air quality authorities, with the intention of turning it into a permanent, expanded operation, said Habib Shamskhou, a program manager who strolled in front of a moving bus to show that the vehicle would notice him and react. It stopped.

In a test for reporters, one bus cruised a block-long circuit so consistently that it created a dirt track on the tarmac.

California legislators late last year passed a law to allow slow-speed testing of fully autonomous vehicles without steering wheels or pedals on public roads, with the Bishop Ranch test in mind.

The shuttle buses will test for a few months in the parking lots before operators apply for Department of Motor Vehicles approval under the new law.

The vehicles are expected to swing onto the local street late this year or early in 2018. (rtr)

Bali News

International

Great potential, minus promotion DENPASAR - The presence of travelers from South Korea to Bali is promising. East Asian market lies in the top ten or ten potential markets for tourism of the Island of the Gods. Central statistics agency (BPS) of Bali noted that the arrival of South Korean travelers to Bali is ranked sixth after the United States with tourist visit of 14,652 people from a total of 460,824 tourist visits in January 2017 or reaching 3.18 percent.

This figure shows that East Asian market has not been worked on, and even tends to decrease. A number of tourism players assess that the decline in South Korean market to Bali is triggered by the lack of promotion by tourism players and the government. As a result, this promising market has not been worked on maximally.

This condition was also recognized by Wayan Supatrayasa, General Manager of PT Garuda Indonesia for Seoul Branch Office, in Denpasar, on Saturday (Mar. 4).

Wayan Supatrayasa told Bali Post that South Korean market is very promising opportunities. In terms of the number of overseas travel, it is estimated to reach approximately 20 million of people.

“The problem is what percentage of the travelers coming to Indonesia, especially Bali? Based on the data I’ve got, the target of around 400,000 have not been achieved but even showed a decrease,” he said.

Therefore, he hoped the participation of Bali tourism players to improve the promotion to the country. Without collaboration between tourism stakeholders, the airlines and government support, the endeavor to encourage the growth of tourist visit from South Korea will be difficult to be achieved.

“We are in the airline company ready to support any promotional activity together. We have confidence to be able to improve the Korean market,” he explained.

Wayan Supatrayasa assessed that Bali is still lagging behind in terms of promotion to grab the South Korean tourism market. Evidently, all this time the Island of the Gods is only known as a pre-wedding and honeymoon destination. Actually, the island relying on tourism sector has a complete destination.

“We are still inferior to Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia. Actually, I think Bali is complete, where there is the mountain, sea and culture.

Korean people like new things, but in Korea, Bali is just known as honeymoon destination. We should change this,” he explained.

He argued that Bali does not only accommodate travelers who would like to celebrate honeymoon, but many kinds of destinations can be visited, like water sport, learning about Balinese arts and see commodities of plantation and others.

“Thailand and the Philippines managed to do promotion there (Korea—Ed). Hopefully, Bali can increase the promotion. As provider of transport services, we are ready at the forefront and we cannot move alone. So, let’s together improve their visit to Bali,” he said.

As is known, the length of stay of South Korean travelers in a destination reaches an average of five days. With the spending of IDR 11 million, they can buy a package tour for five days.

“We want to go hand in hand with tourism players in featuring the name of Bali through promotion, so that the number of Korean tourist visit will further improves,” he concluded. (par)

REUTERS/Stephen Lam

Eyeing future after problematic past, VW showcases ‘Sedric’

AP Photo/Jamie Keaten

Volkswagen CEO Matthias Mueller presents a Cedric Concept car during a Volkswagen event prior to the 87th Geneva Auto Show in Geneva, Switzerland, Monday, March 6, 2017.

Geneva Auto Show media day.

Sedric is fully electric, connected and autonomous, and picks up passengers at the touch of a button. The vehicle looks like a futuristic travel pod: No steering wheel, pedals or controls.

Volkswagen has a badly dented image following the revelation that nearly 600,000 diesel vehicles deliberately circumvented U.S. emissions tests, and court cases continue against it.

With VW’s family set to roll out 60 new vehicles this year, Mueller said Sedric was part of a study aiming to show “how a new, integrated mobility system of the future could function.”

The Wolfsburg-based company says it plans to launch more than 30 purely battery-powered vehicles by 2025, and “battery technology, autonomous driving and artificial intelligence will become new core competences” for VW. (ap)

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South Korean market not worked on maximally

An EasyMile EZ10 shared autonomous vehicle is seen during a deployment demonstration at Bishop Ranch in San Ramon, California March 6, 2017.

GENEVA — Looking well beyond its past problems, Volkswagen is projecting off into the future with its self-driving concept car featuring technologies that could someday work their way into the German automaker’s brands like Audi, Bentley or Porsche.

After a cheeky video riffing off Star Trek, Harry Potter and other popculture icons, CEO Matthias Mueller presented VW’s first self-driving car, known as Sedric, on M?onday for a

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Wayan Supatrayasa

IBP/kmb

IBP/kmb

The potential of sacred dance that was made very sacred by local communities can now be reconstructed with the involvement of ISI Denpasar.

Culture agency encourages regeneration of wayang wong dancers

AMLAPURA - Wayang wong sacred dance that is virtually endangered at Ban village, Kubu, can finally be reconstructed. Culture agency came down immediately at that time to explore the potential of the sacred and rare arts. However, the challenge ahead is to continue the regeneration. Karangasem culture agency is currently working to encourage local residents to maintain the regeneration.

Head of the Karangasem Culture Agency, Putu Arnawa, said on Sunday (Mar. 5) that the reconstruction process took place pretty well last year. As a result, the potential of sacred dance that was made very sacred by local communities can now be reconstructed with the involvement of ISI Denpasar. However, to preserve it, the regeneration process must be going on pretty well.

Previously, the potential of this sacred art was almost extinct due to the difficulty of doing regeneration of the dancers.

“After this regeneration process goes well, we have emphasized on customary villages there to aggressively disseminate the program to children,” said Arnawa.

He asserted that customary villages are already committed to performing the coaching. Local government will also continue to monitor the coaching after painstakingly reconstructing the sacred dance. Arnawa added that the other potential arts having got its fame in the past, but almost extinct because of the same problem, will be re-discovered. Currently, a team has been conducting a study in the field and making data collection, so that it can be preserved, either as the potential art, tourist attraction or the need of sacred ritual purposes at villages.

Reconstruction process had been carried out by involving around six dancers and gamelan music instructors. It started by checking various masks and other accessories. Conditions of the various types of masks

and other equipment are very alarming. Since the wayang wong has no longer been performed, a number of masks are found unkempt and almost destroyed.

Luckily, during the reconstruction process, these historical objects can still be repaired and saved.

At that time, the culture and tourism agency along with the ISI Denpasar began by discovering back the storyline and puppet characters commonly used as the basis of the wayang wong storyline there. Finally, it obtained some storylines such as the “Kumbakarna Seized” or the “Death of Kumbakarna.” Based on the storylines, the ISI Denpasar drafted the storyline, adjusted the characters and created the dance movement.

It is a part of our duty, both as discovery, preservation and development.

Local people are very excited to welcome the reconstruction process of the wayang wong. Since long time ago people have wanted the regeneration that could revive and resume the artistic heritage of the sacred dance tradition to support a variety of sacred rituals at local village. “At that time, our officers must be willing to wait for them till evening. Local people could only perform the exercise at night because they are busy at work from morning till evening,” he said.

In the past, wayang wong dance was often performed as a sacred dance to support various rituals at Ban village such as at Puseh Temple or other temples at local village. Regeneration is hard to do because most of local younger generations work in diaspora or outside the village. Especially in Karangasem, a number of villages in other subdistricts are still working to preserve the wayang wong. They include Wates village in Selat subdistrict, Selumbung village in Manggis subdistrict as well as Pempatan village in Rendang subdistrict. Their masks and other equipment are still stored and well maintained. Moreover, the wayang wong in Selat subdistrict has often represented Karangasem to the Bali Arts Festival. (kmb31)

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Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Bali News

International

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

International

Crystal meth smuggling foiled by officers at Gilimanuk

NEGARA - The increase of troops to tighten the examinations at the entrance of Bali at Post II Gilimanuk finally proved effective. The officers managed to thwart the smuggling of crystal meth weighing 45.3 grams (gross) or 44.4 grams (net) on Sunday morning (Mar. 5).

IBP/kmb

The Head of Jembrana Police AKBP Djoni Widodo is showing the meth which was smuggled in Gilimanuk Harbor.

Chinese traveler dies when snorkeling in Lembongan SEMARAPURA - The waters of Nusa Penida have claimed another casualty. This time, a traveler from China named Zhu Wen Chun, 64, died while snorkeling in the waters around the pontoon of Bounty Cruise at Lembongan village, Nusa Penida, on Monday (Mar. 6). It is unclear what caused his death. His body was found floating near the pontoon and still had snorkeling gear on it.

According to information compiled in the field, the victim (Zhu Wen Chun) departed from Benoa Harbor to Lembongan Island aboard The Bounty Cruise around 09:00. After arriving in the waters of Lembongan, the Bounty Cruise ship docked at its pontoon around 10:15. All the passengers were

then asked to unboard the ship to do activities on the pontoon. The victim was known to be snorkelling guided by Nico Togo Santosa around 10:45.

However, 15 minutes later, lifeguard (Balawista), I Kadek Pasek, from Kaja hamlet, Lembongan, saw the victim’s body floating face down motionless. I Kadek Pasek and fellow lifeguard I Komang Sudinaya,lifted the body onto the pontoon and proceeded to provide first aid including artificial respiration.

The victim however did not respiond to artificial respiration and water caem out iof his nose and mouth. Since there was no response, the victim’S body was then taken to Nusa Penida health

center II at Jungutbatu village to get help. Upon arrival at the health center, medical officer, Triana, performed a medical examination of the victim. After being examined, the victim was declared dead.

Chief of Nusa Penida Police, Ketut Suastika, confirmed that a traveler had died while snorkeling. He addded that police officers had gone down to the pontoon to identity and examine a number of witnesses. The cause of death however reamins unknown to Suastika as the health officer at the clinic had not ascertained the cause of death. “We do not know exactly why. The victim’s body has been sent to Sanglah Hospital” said the police chief. (119)

Chief of Jembrana Police, Djoni Widodo, accompanied by Chief of Gilimanuk Harbor Police, A.A. Gede Arka, said on Monday (Mar. 6) that during the execution of anti-drug operation it has got information about drug delivery sent through courier services carried by buses, travel and box truck through Gilimanuk ferry port.

Then, the inspection was made at 5:40 on Sunday (Mar. 5) against Bali Prima transport with license plate L 1767 C driven by Imam Mudhofir, 53, from Banyuwangi.

In the inspection was found a package of taped cardboard. When being examined, the cardboard was lifted up and it generated the sound of moving small object inside. Since it was suspicious, the members of Criminal Investigation Unit of Gilimanuk Harbor Police led by unit chief Komang Muliyadi conducted an investigation to the address written on the package, namely Jalan Laksamana Barat Agung Gang Kamboja Block A/2 Panji village, Sukasada. The tourist transport was then followed. Upon arriving at the address, the package was taken by Nyoman Dharma alias Koko.

After that, the suspect Koko was arrested and brought to Gilimanuk harbor police.

After arriving at Gilimanuk harbor police, the package was opened by Koko and witnessed by the witnesses Alit Hermawan, Imam Mudhofir and Mamang Widodo. In the cardboard was found rice weighing 2 kg kept in crackle bag. Then, in the rice package was found a package suspected of illicit drug, namely crystal meth.

The evidence secured included 45.3 grams (gross) or 44.4 grams (net) of crystal meth, a rice cardboard containing the address label, a plastic rice bag, two sheets of paper, remaining tape, two sheets of receipt for package recipient, a silver metallic Bali Prima tourist transport with license plate L 1767 C, vehicle registration of the Bali Prima tourist transport. Based on the urine test, the suspect was also declared positive.

Right now, the suspect has been detained by Gilimanuk harbor police and charged under Article 114 paragraph 2 in conjunction with Article 112 paragraph 2 of the Law of the RI No. 35 on narcotics. (120)

Bomb squad checks gift for King Salman DENPASAR - A woman 41 year old woman identified as DPE, tried to hand a gift to the King of Saudi Arabia, Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud at the St. Regis Hotel, South Kuta, on Monday (Mar. 6).

DPE was immediately secured and examined by police officers and the gift was immediately checked by the Bali police bomb squad.

Bali Police spokesman, Hengky Widjaja, confirmed these details, adding that at 12:30 the taskforce guarding the entrance of the St. Regis Hotel was surprised by the arrival of DPE. At that time, DPE arrived dressed all in white with black-white hand gloves, leather shoes, a pink and yellow seal and modified hijab. She was carrying a off-white tote bags and a box wrapped in white plastic.

“The package contained a laptop. Law Enforcement Taskforce II is examining the contents of the laptop brought by the woman”, he said.

Based on a physical examination and interview with the woman carrying the box, it was assesed that DPE suffers mental illness.

However, medical evidence is required to confirm this suspicion.

“The INAFIS team is taking her fingerprints and physical image and recording the physical characteristics of the women”, he said. (kmb36)

13

US starts deploying anti-missile system in S.Korea after defiant North’s latest test

REUTERS/Lai Seng Sin

A North Korea embassy car leaves the embassy in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia March 7, 2017.

N.Korea bars Malaysians from leaving as murder row boils

KUALA LUMPUR - North Korea barred Malaysians from leaving the country on Tuesday, sparking tit-for-tat action by Malaysia, as police investigating the murder of Kim Jong Nam in Kuala Lumpur sought to question up to three men hiding in the North Korean embassy.

Malaysia was outraged by the murder of the North Korean leader’s estranged half brother at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Feb. 13 by assassins using VX nerve agent, a chemical listed by the United Nations as a weapon of mass destruction.

Police have identified eight North Koreans wanted in connection with the murder, including a senior North Korean diplomat and a state airline employee - two of the three believed to be hiding in the embassy. The only people charged so far are a Vietnamese woman and an Indonesian woman.

As the row escalated on Tuesday, North Korea’s foreign ministry issued a temporary ban on Malaysians leaving in order to ensure the safety of its own diplomats and citizens in Malaysia.

“All Malaysian citizens in the DPRK will be temporarily prohibited from leaving the country until the incident that happened in Malaysia is properly solved,”

the state-run Korea Central News Agency said, quoting a foreign ministry official.

“In this period the diplomats and citizens of Malaysia may work and live normally under the same conditions and circumstances as before.”

HOSTAGE-TAKING Malaysia reacted swiftly, condemning Pyongyang’s action as hostage-taking and responded by barring all North Koreans from leaving the country.

“This abhorrent act, effectively holding our citizens hostage, is in total disregard of all international law and diplomatic norms,” Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said in a statement, adding that he has summoned an emergency meeting of the National Security Council.

Najib said he has also instructed the police “to prevent all North Korean citizens in Malaysia from leaving the country until we are as-

sured of the safety and security of all Malaysians in North Korea”.

Before the murder, North Korea could count Malaysia as one of its few friends outside of China.

But Malaysia has since stopped visa-free travel and on Monday it expelled North Korea’s ambassador for questioning the impartiality of the murder investigation.

There are 11 Malaysians in North Korea, according to a Malaysian foreign ministry official, including three embassy staff, six family members, and two others.

Hundreds of North Koreans are believed to be in Malaysia, most of them students and workers. The focus, however, was on its embassy staff.

“We are trying to physically identify all the embassy staff who are here,” deputy home minister Nur Jazlan Mohamed told reporters outside the North Korean embassy.

He said staff would not be allowed to leave the embassy “until we are satisfied of their numbers and where they are”.

By early afternoon, Malaysian police had removed the tape and police car blocking the North Korean embassy driveway in a sign of easing tensions. (rtr)

SEOUL - The United States started to deploy the first elements of its advanced anti-missile defence system in South Korea on Tuesday after North Korea’s test of four ballistic missiles, U.S. Pacific Command said, despite angry opposition from China.

The announcement came as North Korean state media said leader Kim Jong Un had personally supervised Monday’s missile launches by an army unit that is positioned to strike U.S. bases in Japan, stepping up threats against Washington as U.S. troops conduct joint military exercises with South Korea.

“Continued provocative actions

by North Korea, to include yesterday’s launch of multiple missiles, only confirm the prudence of our alliance decision last year to deploy THAAD to South Korea,” U.S. Pacific Commander Admiral Harry Harris said in a statement, referring to the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) anti-missile system.

The move by the U.S. military is likely to deepen the brewing conflict between South Korea and China, which says the THAAD deployment destroys the regional security balance.

The four ballistic missiles fired

by North Korea landed in the sea off Japan’s northwest, angering Seoul and Tokyo, days after Pyongyang promised retaliation over the military drills that it sees as preparation for war.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe discussed the launches by the nuclear-armed North during a phone call on Tuesday.

“Japan and the U.S. confirmed that the latest North Korean missile launches were clearly against U.N. resolutions and a clear provocation against the regional and international community,” Abe told reporters. “(North Korea’s) threat has entered a new phase.”

Trump also spoke to South Korea’s acting President Hwang Kyoahn to discuss the North’s missile launches, Hwang’s office said.

“MERCILESSLY RETALIATE” Reclusive North Korea, which has carried out a series of nuclear and missile tests in defiance of United Nations resolutions, issued a typically robust statement on state news agency KCNA after the missile launches.

“In the hearts of artillerymen ... there was burning desire to mercilessly retaliate against the warmongers going ahead with their joint war exercises,” KCNA said.

It said Kim ordered the Korean People’s Army’s Strategic Force “to keep highly alert as required by the grim situation in which an actual war may break out any time, and get fully ready to promptly move, take positions and strike so that it can open fire to annihilate the enemies”.

The missiles North Korea fired on Monday were unlikely to have been intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), South Korea said, which can reach the United States.

They flew on average 1,000 km (620 miles) and reached an altitude of 260 km (160 miles).

Some landed as close as 300 km (190 miles) from Japan’s northwest coast, Japan’s defence minister said earlier. (rtr)

USFK/Yonhap via REUTERS

A Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptor arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, in this handout picture provided by the United States Forces Korea (USFK) and released by Yonhap on March 7, 2017. Picture taken on March 6, 2017.

12

International

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Bali News

International

BUSINESS

Acceleration Team Boosts European, American and Australian MICE

Mexico cancels sugar export permits to the US in “absurd” dispute MEXICO CITY - Mexico has canceled existing sugar export permits to the United States to avoid penalties in a dispute over the pace of shipments, a document seen by Reuters said, partly blaming the issue on unfilled positions at the U.S. Department of Commerce.

It was not immediately clear what impact the cancellation would have on exports to the United States. The document, sent by Mexico’s sugar chamber to mills on Monday, said existing permits would be reissued in April. Mexico’s sugar mills are currently in full swing at the height of the harvest. The amount of sugar sent to the United States varies from season to season, with the document referring to a quota of 820,000 tonnes in 2016/2017.

Ties between the United States and Mexico have frayed under Donald Trump, who sees trade skewed to favor the southern neighbor and is seeking to renegotiate the North American Free Trade agreement.

The document made no suggestion that the present dispute was related to the wider politics, but described as “absurd” an interpretation by “low-level” Commerce Department officials of a clause in so-called suspension agreements, which have regulated the sugar trade between both countries since the end of 2014.

In the document, Chamber president Humberto Jasso says the interpretation relating to how much sugar Mexico can send in the six months up to March 31 means it would only be able to export 40 percent of the quota allocated by the United States in the period, causing a concentration in the second half of the season.

The Economy Ministry said it could not immediately comment.

Officials from Mexico’s sugar chamber could not be reached for comment. It was not immediately clear how many sugar export permits were canceled or what penalties Mexico had faced. The Mexican Economy Ministry decided to cancel the permits since it has no counterparts at the Commerce Department to resolve the issue, the document said.

“Because the Ministry cannot resolve the issue with the DOC, since officials in charge of making decisions have not been appointed, Economy Ministry attorneys in Washington insisted on sending a statement to the DOC acknowledging the problem and canceling existing exports, so that they can be re-issued as of April 1,” the document adds. Mill owners should consider legally challenging the decision, it said.

Trump has not filled staff positions in several departments, a situation Mexican officials say has made it hard to negotiate on trade issues.(rtr)

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

IBP/kmb

AP Photo/Michel Euler

From left, Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni, Spain’s Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy Brey, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and France’s President Francois Hollande arrive to make a joint statement at the Versailles castle, near Paris, France, Monday, March 6, 2017.

France, Germany, Spain, Italy call for a multi-speed Europe

PARIS — Leaders of France, Germany, Spain and Italy have called for a European Union which allows groups of member states to advance at their own pace, in a joint effort to cushion the impact of the Brexit. French president Francois Hollande hosted his counterparts on Monday evening in Versailles, near Paris, to prepare for a larger EU meeting later this week.

“Europe must be able to draw the consequences of the Brexit”, he said in a joint statement with the other leaders of the European Union’s major economies. Hollande has pointed to the creation of a European defense that would operate in coordination with NATO as a priority.

In an interview published Monday in six European newspapers, he warned against the risk of implosion of the European Union.

“We must have the courage to accept that some countries can move forward a little more quickly than others,” German Chancellor Angela Merkel said. She insisted other member states should be able to join the more advanced ones when they are ready.

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy and Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni joined their voices to call for steps toward further EU integration and to maintain Eu-

rope’s common project.

The leaders also called on the EU to form new policies to protect its borders, handle the refugee crisis and improve the fight against terrorism.

Britain is expected to launch negotiations by the end the month on the terms of its exit from the bloc.

Last week the European Union’s executive arm unveiled new ideas to keep the bloc unified.

The European Commission foresees five possible scenarios for Europe by 2025: to carry on as usual; function as a single market only; do less but be more efficient; allow groups of member states to advance at their own pace; or do far more together.(ap)

Fire War Tradition of Tuban Symbolizes Magical Power

Indeed Bali has inexhaustible traditions and cultures. As carried out by Tuban customary village, Kuta, they perform a ritual handed down from ancestors through generations known as siat geni or fire war. This tradition is undertaken by two groups of customary youth club from two hamlets namely the Tuban Geria and Pesalakan in Tuban. They attack each other by using embers of coconut fiber. This magical action is performed as part of the grandiose ceremony at local Dalem Temple.

Implementation of this fire war tradition involves hundreds of youths in mutual attack action by throwing embers. It is held once a year and poses an obligatory ritual in a grandiose ceremony. Before the ritual begins, the fire war is first commenced with presentation of offerings in the form of food or small-scale offerings, by circumnavigating points of the compass.

It is dedicated to bhuta kala coming from different directions that will attend the ritual.

Fire war ritual generally starts in the evening, where the youth club members from two hamlets has been assembled, namely the Tuban Geria and Pesalakan. Anyone can get involved in the devotional service or ngayah. However, it is not permitted to have revenge in

this fire war. Abstinence in the fire war is that people are not allowed to take firewood from cemetery area.

A fire war is performed by throwing fire of coconut fibers.

In this game, boys will mingle and the players throw each other or attack each other. Fire war is a sacred game or ritual. Community leaders are still closely supervising this ritual game. This game in particular does not have any standard rules. Sometimes the youths are playing in their own way namely by banging coconut fibers to the ones carried by other players so that sparks a fire like fireworks. This ritual symbolizes the psychical realm or thing of beyond human logic namely the bhuta kala that releases its power

in the form of Ludra’s fire to be presented as devotion to Bhatara Dalem.

READ Tanah Lot as Spiritual Tourist Attraction Besides, it also symbolizes supernatural forces believed to balance the environment, so that the great strength can be channeled into a positive force that is beneficial to natural balance of the physical and psychical realm.

Having performed the ritual in the fire war, all the players are given penglukatan (self-purification) and not allowed to keep any revenge.

After the game finishes, all the participants getting involved in the games are saying prayers together to deities abiding at Dalem Temple for safety. Logically, this game can be considered to provide entertainment and a sense of integrity for supporting devotees or pengempon. Vivacity and brotherhood of both hamlets are getting stronger.

This procession poses a system of belief that gives us an understanding to jointly maintain the balance of physical and psychical realms. (kmb)

Acceleration team of Meeting, Incentive, Conference and Exhibition (MICE), Ministry of Tourism, will boost MICE travelers in 2017 from Europe, America and Australia. “These countries tend to be interested in organizing MICE activities in Indonesia, especially Bali,” said Chairman of MICE Incentive Acceleration Team, Ida Bagus Surakusuma, on Wednesday (Feb. 8).

This man familiarly addressed as Lolec said that when working on the MICE market, a number of destinations in Indonesia should prepare their MICE products supported with flight accessibility. This year, central government will prioritize five destinations including Medan, Jakarta, Bali, Makassar and Manado to prepare their MICE products. “Actually there are totally 16 destinations, but only five to be prioritized first within 1-2 years to come,” he said.

After preparing the accessibility and infrastructure, the MICE potential at the destinations is then summarized and packaged into promotional material. Regarding the promotion, each local government should work with central government to coordinate the sales of tourism products in international promotional events such as the ITB Berlin, ITB Asia as well as the ATF and others.

An important thing in the promotion is using the facilities such as social media or digital media (online promotion) to introduce the tourism product. It is very necessary because the current competition is very tight. It has been done by Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand in promoting their respective MICE products. “We should also come to the market by providing an explanation to raise awareness, so that MICE tourism in Indonesia can be widely known,” he added.

READ Putu Ayu Widayanthi In 2016, more MICE activities were organized by domestic and Asia-Pacific companies. As for 2017, the potential international MICE market includes Europe, America and Australia. However, each market has its own characteristics. For example, the Australian market comes to Bali to organize MICE activities in June, July, August, September and October, while American and European market depends on the conditions in each country.

Central government plays an important role in disseminating the image of security of destinations in Indonesia becoming the target of the MICE activities in 2017 will be right on target. “America has a strong incentive market coming to Bali, while Australian incentive and association are for meeting or conference. Besides, the AsiaPacific market for corporate conference and meeting is also great,” he said. (kmb)

Ida Bagus Surakusuma

IBP/kmb

5

6

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

W

RLD

McCain calls on Trump to back up wire-tapping claim

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator John McCain on Monday called for President Donald Trump to release any evidence supporting his claim the Obama administration wiretapped him while probing Russia’s influence in the 2016 election.

“I think the president of the United States, if he has any information that would indicate that his predecessor wiretapped Trump Tower, then he should come forward with that information. The American people deserve it,” McCain, a Republican from Arizona, told Reuters.

Jason Chaffetz, a Republican lawmaker who heads the U.S. House of Representatives Oversight and Government Reform Committee, told CBS in an interview on Monday that he had “not seen anything directly that would support what the president has said.”

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who heads the Senate Judiciary subcommittee looking into allegations Russia meddled in the election, said the panel would be asking both Federal Bureau of Investigation Director James Comey and the Justice Department whether he had told the law enforcement agency this weekend to reject Trump’s wire-tapping claim.

The White House said on Monday that Trump still has confidence in Comey despite his assertiveness in challenging Trump’s claim that the administration of former President Barack Obama had wiretapped him.

Asked whether Trump still had confidence in Comey, White House Spokesman Sean Spicer said, “There’s nothing that I have been told by him that would lead me to believe that anything is different than what it was prior.”

He was “almost 100 percent certain” Trump had not

spoken to Comey since the Republican president made the allegation on Twitter on Saturday. “I’m not aware that that occurred,” Spicer told reporters.

But, when asked during an early-morning interview on Monday with ABC’s “Good Morning America” whether Trump accepted Comey’s assertion, White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said, “I don’t think he does.”

The FBI declined to comment on Comey’s communications.

Trump has given no evidence for his claim that Trump Tower was wiretapped. The allegation is the latest twist in a controversy over ties between Trump associates and Russia that has dogged the early days of his presidency.

The wiretapping allegation hit U.S. stocks on Monday. Some investors worried that the affair could distract Trump from his economic agenda of introducing tax cuts and simplifying regulations that has powered a record-setting rally on Wall Street since the election.

The lack of detail on Trump’s proposals, his isolationist stance and setbacks in filling his Cabinet have made investors question whether the post-election rally has run its course.

Democrats accused Trump of making the wiretapping claim to try to distract from controversy about possible links to Russia. His administration is facing FBI and congressional investigations into contacts between members of his campaign team and Russian officials.

The White House has asked the Republican-controlled Congress to examine, as part of an ongoing congressional probe into Russia’s influence on the election, whether the Obama administration abused its investigative authority. (rtr)

International

Venezuela calls Peruvian leader ‘coward’ and ‘dog’ CARACAS - Venezuela’s leftist government on Monday called Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski a “coward” and a “dog” servile to the United States, leading Peru to respond by sending a protest note and calling in its ambassador for consultations.

Kuczynski, a 78-year-old former Wall Street investment banker who won election last year, has been one of the most vocal critics in the region of Venezuela’s ruling “Chavismo” movement named for late socialist leader Hugo Chavez.

He particularly irked President Nicolas Maduro’s government with a recent speech in the United States where he said Latin America was in general like a well-behaved dog on the carpet except for Venezuela which was “a big problem.”

Maduro called for an apology over the weekend, and his feisty Foreign Minister Delcy Rodriguez followed up on Monday with a blistering attack at an event in honor of Chavez.

“He goes round, poor thing, with my respect because he is an elderly man, (like) a good dog who wags its tail at the empire and asks for an intervention in Venezuela. He’s alone, going round like a crazy man, with no one paying attention,” she said.

Rodriguez also accused the Peruvian leader of insulting Chavez’s memory during a recent summit in Colombia.

“I also rose and told him, ‘look, mister, you are a coward, and I repeat it here, Mr. Kuczynski, you are a coward who dared to tarnish the memory of our commander Hugo Chavez.”

Peru’s foreign ministry said in a statement it was calling back its envoy in Caracas in response.

France...

From page 1

REUTERS/James Lawler Duggan

U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) takes his seat before hearing testimony to the Senate Select Intelligence Committee on the nomination of former U.S. Senator Dan Coats (R-IN) to be Director of National Intelligence in Washington, U.S., February 28, 2017.

This is a remarkable moment for France and a potentially very destabilising one for Europe. For the first time in the history of the Fifth Republic, it’s likely that both of the main parties, the Socialists and the Republicans who have dominated politics here for decades, will be knocked out in the first round.

Mr Macron’s grassroots ‘En Marche!’ and Ms Le Pen’s once unelectable ‘Front National’ are the frontrunners. Mr Fillon was once the favourite for President. But his scandal keeps the race wide open.

If Ms Le Pen wins, profound change for Europe follows. She is protectionist, anti-EU and supported by Russia.

She also offers hopeful change for a growing proportion of the electorate who wouldn’t consider

REUTERS/Mariana Bazo/File Photo

Peru’s President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski visits the home for elderly “Hermanitas de Los Desamparados” to celebrate Christmas in Lima, Peru, December 19, 2016.

“Such expressions are unacceptable between two states that maintain diplomatic relations,” the statement said.

Peruvian Foreign Minister Ricardo Luna said Kuczynski had employed “an idiomatic and metaphorical expression used in academic circles” meant to describe Latin America’s lack of conflicts rather than “demonize” the region.

With recent moves to the right in Brazil and Argentina as well, Venezuela’s government has lost support in Latin America, although it retains strong links with fellow leftist-led nations Bolivia, Cuba, Ecuador and Nicaragua. (rtr) themselves traditionally ‘far-right’ but who are fed up with the mainstream. She’s worth the risk. Sound familiar? Plenty of Trump voters thought the same.

My prediction? I don’t think she’ll win. However, I do think the liberal-leaning urban ‘elite’ underestimate how many French people believe she has sanitised the party and that ‘Le Pen’ is no longer synonymous with racism or xenophobia. Perhaps a critical number are willing to give her a shot.

Mr Juppe said on Monday ‘France is ill’. The economy is flatlining and has been for a decade. Unemployment is at 10.5% (compared with Germany - 4.7%, UK - 5.4%). Youth unemployment is at a staggering 24%. The jitters of terror linger - France is still in a ‘state of emergency’. In that context, never say never Marine Le Pen. (afp)

International

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Two airports in Indonesia receive ACI awards

JAKARTA - The Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali and Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport in South Sulawesi have received prestigious awards from the Airport Council International (ACI).

“Ngurah Rai won the title of The Worlds Third-Best Airport 2016 among airports serving 1525 million passengers per year and Sultan Hasanuddin was adjudged The Most Improved Airport in the Asia-Pacific 2016,” secretary of the airport management company PT Angkasa Pura-I Israwadi remarked in a press statement received by ANTARA here on Monday.

The assessment was based on the results of the Airport Service Quality (ASQ) survey, released on March 6, 2017. The ASQ is the only global benchmark program that measures the degree of satisfaction of passengers at airports, conducted

by ACI, an organization of the worlds leading airports, based in Montreal, Canada.

Since its creation in 2006, the ASQ Survey has become the worlds leading airport passenger satisfaction benchmark, with over 320 airports participating across 80 countries.

Its scientific methodology, strict quality control procedures, and commitment to impartiality have won industry recognition and established the ASQ Survey as the global standard for measuring passenger satisfaction.

ASQ is the only global airport survey based on measuring passenger satisfaction taken while they are at the airport.

Annually, some 600 thousand passengers are interviewed prior to boarding their flights and urged to rate their satisfaction with the airports services. (ant)

Ngurah Rai International Airport

IBP/net

11

President Jokowi welcomes IORA state leaders at gala dinner

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo welcomed a number state leaders attending the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Summit 2017 at a gala dinner, which was held at the Jakarta Convention Center here on Monday.

“Ladies and gentlemen, this Indian Ocean Rim has a great history with cultural diversity. Indonesia is the largest country of maritime economic zone in the eastern part with about 17 thousand islands,” the president said in his welcoming address during the dinner event.

On the occasion, Jokowi wore a black suit, and accompanied by the First Lady Iriana Joko Widodo, who wore a long red blouse.

During the event, the head of state invited the audience to enjoy the dance and music that was served at banquets.

The president expressed a hope that the heads of state and delegates kindly join the summit and provide productive results in the maritime field.

“Please dont forget to enjoy world-class shopping in Jakarta, its culinary, as well as golf courses and their hospitality. I hope you will visit Indonesia more often,” Jokowi pointed out.

Earlier, the IORA ministerial meeting had agreed several outcomes, to be brought to the meeting of heads of state and government at the IORA summit to be held on Tuesday.

The IORAs ministers meeting was co-chaired by a troika consisting of three foreign affairs ministers of Indonesia, South Africa, and Australia.

“Today, we had a very productive meeting with a number of outcomes,” Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi, the Chair of the ministers meeting, said here on Monday.

The first outcome adopted by the IORAs Council of Ministers Meeting was an agreement to implement modalities for the first IORA Leaders Summit to be

held tomorrow.

Secondly, the ministers also endorsed a strategic and visionary IORA Document, called the Jakarta Concord, which will be submitted to the leaders of IORA member states at the summit for their agreement.

“The Jakarta Concord provides a clear direction that will enhance and strengthen the IORA cooperation,” Marsudi stated.

The Jakarta Concord will strengthen the six IORA priorities, namely maritime safety and security, trade and investment facilitation, fisheries management, disaster risk management, academic science and technology, and tourism and cultural exchange. It also endorses three new important issues for future cooperation of IORA members.

The three new important issues include blue economy, womens empowerment, and the promotion of democracy. (ant)

Presidential Press Bureau

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) at Business Summit of IORA in Jakarta Convention Center, Jakarta, Monday (March 6, 2017).

Government set to finish electrification of Papua in 2018

JAKARTA - Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Ignasius Jonan said the government is set to finish electrification program in Papua and West Papua in 2018 using solar power plants to dismiss darkness at night in the villages in the countrys easternmost provinces.

“This is the target of the government . This year or next year at the latest , there would be electric

lamps. Electric lamps are more important. Next we would build electric networks,” the minister said in a media discussion here on Sunday.

The discussion was attended by Public Works and Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuliono, Communications and Informatics Minister Rudiantara and Communications Minister Budi Karya.

Jonan said most of 2,500 vil-

lages still without electricity in the country are in the two regions.

Around 136,000-140,000 households of 260,000 households still engulfed by darkness every night in the country are in Papua and West Papua, he said.

He said the program is that every household not yet having electrification would be provided with a solar panel with four lamps and battery chargers for cellular

phones.

The lamps consists of three categories - ones that could last for 6 hours, 12 hours and 60 hours.

Jonan said in Papua, the government would build 9 units of power plant with renewable energy with a capacity of 365 Megawatts until 2019.

The minister also said his office would back up the policy to create a single price of premium gasoline all

over the country including Papua and West Papua.

He said currently there is no more gasoline sold at Rp60,000 per liter, adding the highest price is Rp12,000 per liter as against the normal price of Rp6,500 per liter in other parts of the nation.

Transport cost to the interior areas of Papua pushed up the price of goods not yet produced in that region. (ant)

10

Destination

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

International

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

International

Bali Bird Park & Reptile Park

Tyson Fury

Former world champion Fury says will fight again in May

IBP/net

GIANYAR - Bali Bird Park & Reptile Park is a unique and educational attraction fit for the whole family. Two hectares of fine tropical gardens offer an interesting leisurely walk amidst the rich compilation of nearly a thousand exotic birds from the Indonesian archipelago and around the world.

The Bali Bird Park is located in the village of Batubulan, Gianyar Regency, is a fun and attractive playground for bird lovers and a convenient stopover for those on day tours and en route to the central regions such as Ubud as well as the gold and silversmith’s villages of Celuk and Mas. Hundreds of different bird species can be found throughout the park grounds in the magnificent aviaries and individual enclosures.

Several of the bird varieties jointly dwell and roam free on the open tree perches and in the interweaving ponds throughout the park grounds.

In addition to the main attraction,

the adjoining Reptile Park offers an extensive assortment of reptile and amphibian specimens among the horticultural gardens. On display is the giant Komodo dragon with other specimens including pythons, lizards, geckos, toads, frogs, turtles, tortoises and crocodiles.

The Bali Bird Park appeals to families who have the opportunity to get close, touch, feed and view open displays of several tame species, as well as admire rare and exotic collections in their enclosures. Each individual enclosure and aviary is complemented with an information panel that lists the common and scientific names of the specimen, their origin and species as well descriptions that help visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the live and active specimens in view. The Free Flight Bird Show lets visitors marvel at the range of antics and abilities of birds of prey and other winged creatures in the collection. Magnificent eagles,

owls, and macaws soar through the skies, dive down at dummy prey, and snatch food from their handlers to the amazement of the audience.

An interactive feeding time feature enables visitors to actively participate in the daily feeding schedules at the park. The keepers recreate the bird’s natural feeding environment – greater birds of paradise feed around you and amazing flycatchers perform aerobatics as you feed them. A ‘4D Avian Theatre’ experience is a new and exciting feature for families at the bird park, showing the animation feature ‘Rilly’s Sky Adventure’. The film tells of a group of migrating ducks and the heart-warming but perilous quest of young Rilly the duck as he embarks with his family on his first migration south for the winter.

Marketing Manager for Marine Tourism Ph:728088 / Email:putu@bali-activities.com

Need Reservation English OTA Background Salary 3-4 Million shane@homeabroad.asia ,4740154

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team of ornithologists is to breed endangered species in captivity in order to preserve their species including the indigenous Bali Starling (leucopsar rothschildi) often referred to by locals as ‘Jalak Bali’.

Bali Bird Park features a special ‘Hatchling Area’ to show visitors several specimens in their early stages since hatching, their juvenile stages, and in their mature phases.

The park’s successful breeding programs include rare parrots and the team houses and breeds over 40 protected species in the park.

You would be tempted to think that the birds in the trees and on the artificial perches could just easily fly away - but they simply don’t.

And there are no nets visible in the open sky above the park grounds.

Majestic peacocks roam in and around the open lawns, colourful toucans and parrots welcome you to play with them from branches – all ready for different poses and photo opportunities.

Snacks and tidbits Inside both the Bird and Reptile Park are various food and snack, drink and ice cream kiosks, as well as a photo shop that creates digital photo prints on T-shirts. A gift shop sells souvenirs and merchandise, unique traditional Balinese textiles, and various curios and tidbits. The Bali Bird Park implements its effective ‘bio security system’ which is a preventive action set up for the bird collection, staff members and visitors to the park. It has proven effective since its inception in 1995. Disinfectant footbaths are situated at every access to the park, and visitors’ arms and body are first sprayed with safe solutions by staff upon entering and leaving the park grounds. Admissions are USD 23.5 for adults and USD 11.75 for children 2–12 years of age. Children under 2 years of age enter free of charge. Prices are subject to tax and service charge. Bookings are not necessary. (IBP/net)

LONDON - Britain’s former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has said he will make a comeback against an unnamed opponent in May, even though he is under a provisional suspension from the sport.

“Breaking news. Return of the MAC. May 13th, working on an opponent, more news to follow,” he

tweeted on Monday.

The 28-year-old has not fought since beating Ukrainian Wladimir Klitschko to become world champion in November 2015, subsequently pulling out of a rematch twice.

He vacated his WBO and WBA belts last year, revealing he was seeking medical help, after telling Rolling Stone magazine that he had taken cocaine to help his depression.

Fury’s licence was “suspended

CLEVELAND - Australian center Andrew Bogut suffered a fractured left tibia just 58 seconds into his Cleveland Cavaliers debut on Monday, with the team reporting that he could be out for the rest of the season.

The 32-year-old, a former champion with the Golden State Warriors, signed as a free agent with Cleveland for the remainder of the campaign last week and joined the team before Monday’s game after resolving visa issues.

However, with 11:38 left in the second quarter, Bogut ran out to the perimeter to guard Miami’s Okaro White and the pair made contact, with the Australian landing badly on his left ankle and hobbling before falling to the court.

His new team mates helped carry him to the locker room and the Cavaliers later said X-rays revealed a fracture that could end his season.

“It’s very deflating,” Cleveland forward LeBron James told reporters after the Cavaliers’ 106-98 defeat.

“As soon as the collision happened, I heard a break. When I went over to him and he said it, I already knew, I heard it crack,” he added.

When he was carried off, it was like the air had been sucked out of the building and the Cavs seemed to be distracted by the incident after talking with Bogut in the locker room at halftime before he was sent to the hospital.

“How would you think his spirit’s like? He played 58 seconds,” James added. “And to have an injury like that to take you out for the rest of the season, possibly, and you really, there’s not much you can say.” (rtr)

pending further investigation” by the British Boxing Board of Control.

He was also charged with a rule violation by UK Anti-Doping after a urine sample from February 2015 showed traces of the banned stimulant nandrolone. He has denied any wrongdoing.

A provisional UKAD suspension was lifted on appeal but Fury faces an anti-doping tribunal, though no date has been set. (rtr)

Porte’s hopes all but gone in Paris-Nice

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Bogut breaks leg on Cavs debut, season likely over

Richie Porte

IBP/net

PARIS - Australian Richie Porte’s hopes of winning the ParisNice for a third time all but vanished on a weather-ravaged second stage on Monday as he lost 14 minutes on the leaders.

Just as on Sunday’s opening stage, Porte (BMC) found himself on the wrong side of the splits in a peloton buffeted by gusting winds over the relatively flat 192.5km ride to Amilly.

Italy’s Sonny Colbrelli (Bahrain-Merida) took the stage victory, just ahead of Germany’s John Degenkolb, in a reduced bunch sprint.

Arnaud Demare (FDJ) finished in third place to retain the yellow jersey.

“It’s the greatest victory of my career,” Colbrelli said.

“It’s incredible. I managed a perfect sprint and to beat riders like Degenkolb or even (Marcel) Kittel just shows that.”

With six stages remaining, Porte is now in 35th place, 15 minutes behind Demare.

“It’s not my kind of racing but I don’t want to make excuses as to why I dropped,” Porte said.

“I think we can learn more from a day like that than we do winning. It was a tough day for everyone, the whole peloton. No one is more disappointed than me, but I think I can repay my team mates later in the week with the time trial and other stages by going for the win there.” After the wind and rain of Monday, the peloton makes its way towards Chalon-sur-Saone on Tuesday. (rtr)

AP Photo/Tony Dejak

Cleveland Cavaliers’ Andrew Bogut (6) is helped up

by Cleveland Cavaliers’ Richard Jefferson (24) in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Miami Heat, Monday, March 6, 2017, in Cleveland.

Initial X-rays and evaluation of Bogut revealed a fractured left tibia. The Heat won 106-98.

8

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Sp rt New system could give Barcelona a chance against PSG AP Photo/Manu Fernandez

FC Barcelona’s coach Luis Enrique gestures during a press conference at the Sports Center FC Barcelona Joan Gamper in Sant Joan Despi, Spain, Friday, March 3, 2017.

Enrique will leave the Spanish champions at the end of this season. The coach made the surprise announcement following the team’s 6-1 win over Sporting Gijon in the Spanish league on Wednesday March 1, 2017.

MADRID — It was a subtle change by Luis Enrique that helped turn things around for Barcelona.

The outgoing coach switched the team’s setup from the traditional 4-3-3 scheme to a 3-4-3 not long after a demoralizing 4-0 first-leg loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.

Barcelona is now back on track and giving fans reason to believe it can be the first team to overcome a four-goal deficit in the Champions League when it hosts PSG in the second leg on Wednesday at the Camp Nou. “We found what we wanted with this variation,” said Luis Enrique, who could be coaching his last Champions League match with Barcelona. “We will have our chances against PSG.” Luis Enrique, who announced last week that he will not be back with the club next season, was largely blamed for the team’s loss in Paris. Barcelona was outsmarted and outplayed from the start, but if the Spanish club finds a way to advance to the quarterfinals, he will certainly be forgiven.

The new system, with an additional man in the midfield, reinvigorated the squad and improved the offense, a sector which will be crucial for the team on Wednesday. Barcelona needs at least four goals to avoid being eliminated in the last 16 for the first time in nearly a decade.

The five-time European champions scored 13 goals in the three matches since Luis Enrique made the switch to three defenders, four midfielders and three forwards. “We changed to a 3-4-3 in a diamond formation so we could have more ball possession and more control the game,” Luis Enrique said.

When Barcelona loses the ball, the team reverts to four men in the back, with one of the midfielders dropping

South Africa’s Jordaan out of FIFA Council election

CAIRO — The Confederation of African Football says South African soccer head Danny Jordaan has been withdrawn from the election for a place on the FIFACouncil.

CAF says Jordaan, the president of the South African Football Association, was one of three candidates withdrawn from the March 16 elec-

tions by their association.

Z a m b i a ’s K a l u s h a B w a lya had already announced he wouldn’t stand, while CAF said that Jordaan and South Sudan’s Chabur Goc Alei also withdrew and were not among the candidates approved by the FIFA governance committee following

eligibility checks.

Incumbent Issa Hayatou and rival Ahmad of Madagascar were both approved to stand for the CAF presidency.

The information was contained in a memo sent Tuesday by CAF to member federations and obtained

by The Associated Press. (ap)

into the back line. The downside is that sometimes the defense is not able to recompose quickly enough and opponents can take advantage of the outnumbered defenders.

“You can change tactical schemes for several reasons,” Luis Enrique said.

“The advantage of the 3-4-3 is that it gives us more space, more control in the midfield, it puts the defenders in a more fixed position.”

Luis Enrique introduced the new system in the 2-1 win against Atletico Madrid at the Vicente Calderon Stadium, after the team struggled in Paris and in a lackluster home win against Leganes in the Spanish league. Gerard Pique, Samuel Umtiti and Jeremy Mathieu formed the back line, with Sergi Roberto dropping back when possession was lost.

It was a similar formation in the 6-1 rout of Sporting Gijon and the 5-0 win over Celta Vigo, results that would be enough for the Catalan club on Wednesday against PSG. “These are situations that we have been practicing,” Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta said. “During the season we can switch between them whenever the coach thinks it’s necessary.”

Since Luis Enrique took over in the 2014-15 season, Barcelona outscored opponents by four goals or more in 27 of the 79 matches it played at the Camp Nou, meaning it earned the result it needs on Wednesday once in nearly every three matches.

It also won by four goals in all three home matches in this season’s group stage of the Champions League — 7-0 against Celtic and 4-0 against both Manchester City and Borussia Moenchengladbach. Last season, it routed AS Roma 6-1 in the competition’s group stage.

The last time Barcelona was eliminated in the last 16 was in 2006-07. The team has won three titles since then. (ap)

Wenger focuses on ‘bigger picture’ for Arsenal future

ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger, whose contract expires at the end of the season, will make a decision about his future based on the “bigger picture” and not a recent slump in form.

Having lost to Watford, Chelsea and Liverpool in recent weeks, the North London club are effectively out of the Premier League title race, while they are unlikely to overturn a 5-1 deficit to Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Tuesday.

“You do not make this kind of decision focusing on one result or two bad results,” the 67-year-old told British media. “You have to take a bigger picture and see if you can you take this club to the next level, take yourself to the next level. Are you ready to pay the price for that?

“But as well this decision is not

necessarily linked with two weeks out of 20 years you know so that’s basically... I don’t feel I box myself in a corner.”

Wenger, who has been in the job since 1996, reiterated his stance that he needed to see how his fifth-placed side finished the current season before making up his mind.

“I haven’t come to a decision yet.

I’ll wait a bit and see how the season finishes here,” he added.

“I’ve been here for 20 years and think I’ve built the club up. It’s important for me that we’re always successful and that’s why I’ve given myself a bit of time.”

Following their midweek European clash against Bayern, ARSENAL will shift focus to FA Cup quarterfinal against fifth-tier Lincoln City on Saturday. (rtr)

IBP/rtr Action Images via Reuters / John Sibley

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger during training

REUTERS/Thilo Schmuelgen

9

Borussia Dortmund players react after their match v VFL Wolfsburg in front of the empty southern stands due to a onematch ban for Dortmund fans.

Reus-less Dortmund still brimming with confidence for Benfica

BERLIN - Borussia Dortmund are counting on their attacking form, despite the absence of injured Marco Reus, to reverse a 1-0 firstleg deficit when they host Benfica for their Champions League round of 16 second leg on Wednesday.

The Germans have scored 12 goals in their last three league games alone and look to be hitting top form at the right time.

“We are brimming with confidence, the atmosphere within the team is great,” Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel said after his team crushed Bayer Leverkusen 6-2 in the Bundesliga on Saturday. “We are focused, we take it step by step, and that is a great development for the team and a really good phase for us at the moment.”

Dortmund also scored a recordbreaking 21 goals in the Champions League group phase, but it could not keep up the streak in Lisbon last month, when they squandered a bagful of chances and a penalty to lose 1-0. Bundesliga leading scorer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who missed most of those chances and saw his spot kick saved, has since rediscovered his scoring form, netting twice against Leverkusen.

“We have been creating chances and huge scoring opportunities for weeks now,” Tuchel said. However, he will lack versatile attacking midfielder Reus, who suffered a thigh muscle injury on Saturday and was ruled out for a month.

“Marco has been extremely consistent for the past weeks ... and it is a big blow for us that he is not playing on Wednesday,” Tuchel said.

Mario Goetze will also be missing,

with the Germany midfielder sidelined since late last month with a metabolic disorder.

Tuchel has enough firepower left and can also count on his in-form youngsters, including teenagers Christian Pulisic and Ousmane Dembele, both of whom were on target on Saturday. The Portuguese are equally deadly up front and poised to reach the last eight for the third time in six season.

Benfica are also in form, having won their last seven matches

in all competitions. Striker Kostas Mitroglou, who scored the winner in the first leg, has grabbed 18 goals in his last 17 appearances. They are top of the league, a point ahead of rivals Porto, and through to the Portuguese Cup final.

“We are not worried about others,” said Benfica coach Rui Vitoria. “Our focus is on us and what we have to do. Every game at this stage is a final for us. The pressure on Benfica is normal and it has to be this way.” (rtr)

8

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Sp rt New system could give Barcelona a chance against PSG AP Photo/Manu Fernandez

FC Barcelona’s coach Luis Enrique gestures during a press conference at the Sports Center FC Barcelona Joan Gamper in Sant Joan Despi, Spain, Friday, March 3, 2017.

Enrique will leave the Spanish champions at the end of this season. The coach made the surprise announcement following the team’s 6-1 win over Sporting Gijon in the Spanish league on Wednesday March 1, 2017.

MADRID — It was a subtle change by Luis Enrique that helped turn things around for Barcelona.

The outgoing coach switched the team’s setup from the traditional 4-3-3 scheme to a 3-4-3 not long after a demoralizing 4-0 first-leg loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.

Barcelona is now back on track and giving fans reason to believe it can be the first team to overcome a four-goal deficit in the Champions League when it hosts PSG in the second leg on Wednesday at the Camp Nou. “We found what we wanted with this variation,” said Luis Enrique, who could be coaching his last Champions League match with Barcelona. “We will have our chances against PSG.” Luis Enrique, who announced last week that he will not be back with the club next season, was largely blamed for the team’s loss in Paris. Barcelona was outsmarted and outplayed from the start, but if the Spanish club finds a way to advance to the quarterfinals, he will certainly be forgiven.

The new system, with an additional man in the midfield, reinvigorated the squad and improved the offense, a sector which will be crucial for the team on Wednesday. Barcelona needs at least four goals to avoid being eliminated in the last 16 for the first time in nearly a decade.

The five-time European champions scored 13 goals in the three matches since Luis Enrique made the switch to three defenders, four midfielders and three forwards. “We changed to a 3-4-3 in a diamond formation so we could have more ball possession and more control the game,” Luis Enrique said.

When Barcelona loses the ball, the team reverts to four men in the back, with one of the midfielders dropping

South Africa’s Jordaan out of FIFA Council election

CAIRO — The Confederation of African Football says South African soccer head Danny Jordaan has been withdrawn from the election for a place on the FIFACouncil.

CAF says Jordaan, the president of the South African Football Association, was one of three candidates withdrawn from the March 16 elec-

tions by their association.

Z a m b i a ’s K a l u s h a B w a lya had already announced he wouldn’t stand, while CAF said that Jordaan and South Sudan’s Chabur Goc Alei also withdrew and were not among the candidates approved by the FIFA governance committee following

eligibility checks.

Incumbent Issa Hayatou and rival Ahmad of Madagascar were both approved to stand for the CAF presidency.

The information was contained in a memo sent Tuesday by CAF to member federations and obtained

by The Associated Press. (ap)

into the back line. The downside is that sometimes the defense is not able to recompose quickly enough and opponents can take advantage of the outnumbered defenders.

“You can change tactical schemes for several reasons,” Luis Enrique said.

“The advantage of the 3-4-3 is that it gives us more space, more control in the midfield, it puts the defenders in a more fixed position.”

Luis Enrique introduced the new system in the 2-1 win against Atletico Madrid at the Vicente Calderon Stadium, after the team struggled in Paris and in a lackluster home win against Leganes in the Spanish league. Gerard Pique, Samuel Umtiti and Jeremy Mathieu formed the back line, with Sergi Roberto dropping back when possession was lost.

It was a similar formation in the 6-1 rout of Sporting Gijon and the 5-0 win over Celta Vigo, results that would be enough for the Catalan club on Wednesday against PSG. “These are situations that we have been practicing,” Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta said. “During the season we can switch between them whenever the coach thinks it’s necessary.”

Since Luis Enrique took over in the 2014-15 season, Barcelona outscored opponents by four goals or more in 27 of the 79 matches it played at the Camp Nou, meaning it earned the result it needs on Wednesday once in nearly every three matches.

It also won by four goals in all three home matches in this season’s group stage of the Champions League — 7-0 against Celtic and 4-0 against both Manchester City and Borussia Moenchengladbach. Last season, it routed AS Roma 6-1 in the competition’s group stage.

The last time Barcelona was eliminated in the last 16 was in 2006-07. The team has won three titles since then. (ap)

Wenger focuses on ‘bigger picture’ for Arsenal future

ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger, whose contract expires at the end of the season, will make a decision about his future based on the “bigger picture” and not a recent slump in form.

Having lost to Watford, Chelsea and Liverpool in recent weeks, the North London club are effectively out of the Premier League title race, while they are unlikely to overturn a 5-1 deficit to Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Tuesday.

“You do not make this kind of decision focusing on one result or two bad results,” the 67-year-old told British media. “You have to take a bigger picture and see if you can you take this club to the next level, take yourself to the next level. Are you ready to pay the price for that?

“But as well this decision is not

necessarily linked with two weeks out of 20 years you know so that’s basically... I don’t feel I box myself in a corner.”

Wenger, who has been in the job since 1996, reiterated his stance that he needed to see how his fifth-placed side finished the current season before making up his mind.

“I haven’t come to a decision yet.

I’ll wait a bit and see how the season finishes here,” he added.

“I’ve been here for 20 years and think I’ve built the club up. It’s important for me that we’re always successful and that’s why I’ve given myself a bit of time.”

Following their midweek European clash against Bayern, ARSENAL will shift focus to FA Cup quarterfinal against fifth-tier Lincoln City on Saturday. (rtr)

IBP/rtr Action Images via Reuters / John Sibley

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger during training

REUTERS/Thilo Schmuelgen

9

Borussia Dortmund players react after their match v VFL Wolfsburg in front of the empty southern stands due to a onematch ban for Dortmund fans.

Reus-less Dortmund still brimming with confidence for Benfica

BERLIN - Borussia Dortmund are counting on their attacking form, despite the absence of injured Marco Reus, to reverse a 1-0 firstleg deficit when they host Benfica for their Champions League round of 16 second leg on Wednesday.

The Germans have scored 12 goals in their last three league games alone and look to be hitting top form at the right time.

“We are brimming with confidence, the atmosphere within the team is great,” Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel said after his team crushed Bayer Leverkusen 6-2 in the Bundesliga on Saturday. “We are focused, we take it step by step, and that is a great development for the team and a really good phase for us at the moment.”

Dortmund also scored a recordbreaking 21 goals in the Champions League group phase, but it could not keep up the streak in Lisbon last month, when they squandered a bagful of chances and a penalty to lose 1-0. Bundesliga leading scorer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who missed most of those chances and saw his spot kick saved, has since rediscovered his scoring form, netting twice against Leverkusen.

“We have been creating chances and huge scoring opportunities for weeks now,” Tuchel said. However, he will lack versatile attacking midfielder Reus, who suffered a thigh muscle injury on Saturday and was ruled out for a month.

“Marco has been extremely consistent for the past weeks ... and it is a big blow for us that he is not playing on Wednesday,” Tuchel said.

Mario Goetze will also be missing,

with the Germany midfielder sidelined since late last month with a metabolic disorder.

Tuchel has enough firepower left and can also count on his in-form youngsters, including teenagers Christian Pulisic and Ousmane Dembele, both of whom were on target on Saturday. The Portuguese are equally deadly up front and poised to reach the last eight for the third time in six season.

Benfica are also in form, having won their last seven matches

in all competitions. Striker Kostas Mitroglou, who scored the winner in the first leg, has grabbed 18 goals in his last 17 appearances. They are top of the league, a point ahead of rivals Porto, and through to the Portuguese Cup final.

“We are not worried about others,” said Benfica coach Rui Vitoria. “Our focus is on us and what we have to do. Every game at this stage is a final for us. The pressure on Benfica is normal and it has to be this way.” (rtr)

10

Destination

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

International

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

International

Bali Bird Park & Reptile Park

Tyson Fury

Former world champion Fury says will fight again in May

IBP/net

GIANYAR - Bali Bird Park & Reptile Park is a unique and educational attraction fit for the whole family. Two hectares of fine tropical gardens offer an interesting leisurely walk amidst the rich compilation of nearly a thousand exotic birds from the Indonesian archipelago and around the world.

The Bali Bird Park is located in the village of Batubulan, Gianyar Regency, is a fun and attractive playground for bird lovers and a convenient stopover for those on day tours and en route to the central regions such as Ubud as well as the gold and silversmith’s villages of Celuk and Mas. Hundreds of different bird species can be found throughout the park grounds in the magnificent aviaries and individual enclosures.

Several of the bird varieties jointly dwell and roam free on the open tree perches and in the interweaving ponds throughout the park grounds.

In addition to the main attraction,

the adjoining Reptile Park offers an extensive assortment of reptile and amphibian specimens among the horticultural gardens. On display is the giant Komodo dragon with other specimens including pythons, lizards, geckos, toads, frogs, turtles, tortoises and crocodiles.

The Bali Bird Park appeals to families who have the opportunity to get close, touch, feed and view open displays of several tame species, as well as admire rare and exotic collections in their enclosures. Each individual enclosure and aviary is complemented with an information panel that lists the common and scientific names of the specimen, their origin and species as well descriptions that help visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the live and active specimens in view. The Free Flight Bird Show lets visitors marvel at the range of antics and abilities of birds of prey and other winged creatures in the collection. Magnificent eagles,

owls, and macaws soar through the skies, dive down at dummy prey, and snatch food from their handlers to the amazement of the audience.

An interactive feeding time feature enables visitors to actively participate in the daily feeding schedules at the park. The keepers recreate the bird’s natural feeding environment – greater birds of paradise feed around you and amazing flycatchers perform aerobatics as you feed them. A ‘4D Avian Theatre’ experience is a new and exciting feature for families at the bird park, showing the animation feature ‘Rilly’s Sky Adventure’. The film tells of a group of migrating ducks and the heart-warming but perilous quest of young Rilly the duck as he embarks with his family on his first migration south for the winter.

Marketing Manager for Marine Tourism Ph:728088 / Email:putu@bali-activities.com

Need Reservation English OTA Background Salary 3-4 Million shane@homeabroad.asia ,4740154

Need Reception English Computer Salary 2.5-2.8 Milln shane@homeabroad.asia ,4740154

‘Urg! Childhood teacher,fluent Eng,Ubud.E:balihrd13@gmail.com

BTTP Jobs:Cruise Ship Europa Asia Need All Position,Final Interview April 2017,Ozaka Kansai Japan Need Sales Person For Duty Free At The Airport Walking Interview Contact,0361 8461758 E:info@bttpservice.com

B.BP.001.03.17.0000687

B.BP.004.03.17.0000397

Looking Housekeeper, Nanny Sanur,English 082146581588

B.BP.001.03.17.0000633

B.BP.004.03.17.0000396

B.BP.004.03.17.0000077

Need Reception English Computer Salary 2.5-2.8 Milln shane@homeabroad.asia ,4740154

B.BP.004.03.17.0000397

Good to Know One of the missions carried out by the park management and

B.BP.001.03.17.0000621

Looking for SPG & Driver Speak English.

CP:08123762851

B.BP.001.03.17.0000486

team of ornithologists is to breed endangered species in captivity in order to preserve their species including the indigenous Bali Starling (leucopsar rothschildi) often referred to by locals as ‘Jalak Bali’.

Bali Bird Park features a special ‘Hatchling Area’ to show visitors several specimens in their early stages since hatching, their juvenile stages, and in their mature phases.

The park’s successful breeding programs include rare parrots and the team houses and breeds over 40 protected species in the park.

You would be tempted to think that the birds in the trees and on the artificial perches could just easily fly away - but they simply don’t.

And there are no nets visible in the open sky above the park grounds.

Majestic peacocks roam in and around the open lawns, colourful toucans and parrots welcome you to play with them from branches – all ready for different poses and photo opportunities.

Snacks and tidbits Inside both the Bird and Reptile Park are various food and snack, drink and ice cream kiosks, as well as a photo shop that creates digital photo prints on T-shirts. A gift shop sells souvenirs and merchandise, unique traditional Balinese textiles, and various curios and tidbits. The Bali Bird Park implements its effective ‘bio security system’ which is a preventive action set up for the bird collection, staff members and visitors to the park. It has proven effective since its inception in 1995. Disinfectant footbaths are situated at every access to the park, and visitors’ arms and body are first sprayed with safe solutions by staff upon entering and leaving the park grounds. Admissions are USD 23.5 for adults and USD 11.75 for children 2–12 years of age. Children under 2 years of age enter free of charge. Prices are subject to tax and service charge. Bookings are not necessary. (IBP/net)

LONDON - Britain’s former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has said he will make a comeback against an unnamed opponent in May, even though he is under a provisional suspension from the sport.

“Breaking news. Return of the MAC. May 13th, working on an opponent, more news to follow,” he

tweeted on Monday.

The 28-year-old has not fought since beating Ukrainian Wladimir Klitschko to become world champion in November 2015, subsequently pulling out of a rematch twice.

He vacated his WBO and WBA belts last year, revealing he was seeking medical help, after telling Rolling Stone magazine that he had taken cocaine to help his depression.

Fury’s licence was “suspended

CLEVELAND - Australian center Andrew Bogut suffered a fractured left tibia just 58 seconds into his Cleveland Cavaliers debut on Monday, with the team reporting that he could be out for the rest of the season.

The 32-year-old, a former champion with the Golden State Warriors, signed as a free agent with Cleveland for the remainder of the campaign last week and joined the team before Monday’s game after resolving visa issues.

However, with 11:38 left in the second quarter, Bogut ran out to the perimeter to guard Miami’s Okaro White and the pair made contact, with the Australian landing badly on his left ankle and hobbling before falling to the court.

His new team mates helped carry him to the locker room and the Cavaliers later said X-rays revealed a fracture that could end his season.

“It’s very deflating,” Cleveland forward LeBron James told reporters after the Cavaliers’ 106-98 defeat.

“As soon as the collision happened, I heard a break. When I went over to him and he said it, I already knew, I heard it crack,” he added.

When he was carried off, it was like the air had been sucked out of the building and the Cavs seemed to be distracted by the incident after talking with Bogut in the locker room at halftime before he was sent to the hospital.

“How would you think his spirit’s like? He played 58 seconds,” James added. “And to have an injury like that to take you out for the rest of the season, possibly, and you really, there’s not much you can say.” (rtr)

pending further investigation” by the British Boxing Board of Control.

He was also charged with a rule violation by UK Anti-Doping after a urine sample from February 2015 showed traces of the banned stimulant nandrolone. He has denied any wrongdoing.

A provisional UKAD suspension was lifted on appeal but Fury faces an anti-doping tribunal, though no date has been set. (rtr)

Porte’s hopes all but gone in Paris-Nice

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Bogut breaks leg on Cavs debut, season likely over

Richie Porte

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PARIS - Australian Richie Porte’s hopes of winning the ParisNice for a third time all but vanished on a weather-ravaged second stage on Monday as he lost 14 minutes on the leaders.

Just as on Sunday’s opening stage, Porte (BMC) found himself on the wrong side of the splits in a peloton buffeted by gusting winds over the relatively flat 192.5km ride to Amilly.

Italy’s Sonny Colbrelli (Bahrain-Merida) took the stage victory, just ahead of Germany’s John Degenkolb, in a reduced bunch sprint.

Arnaud Demare (FDJ) finished in third place to retain the yellow jersey.

“It’s the greatest victory of my career,” Colbrelli said.

“It’s incredible. I managed a perfect sprint and to beat riders like Degenkolb or even (Marcel) Kittel just shows that.”

With six stages remaining, Porte is now in 35th place, 15 minutes behind Demare.

“It’s not my kind of racing but I don’t want to make excuses as to why I dropped,” Porte said.

“I think we can learn more from a day like that than we do winning. It was a tough day for everyone, the whole peloton. No one is more disappointed than me, but I think I can repay my team mates later in the week with the time trial and other stages by going for the win there.” After the wind and rain of Monday, the peloton makes its way towards Chalon-sur-Saone on Tuesday. (rtr)

AP Photo/Tony Dejak

Cleveland Cavaliers’ Andrew Bogut (6) is helped up

by Cleveland Cavaliers’ Richard Jefferson (24) in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Miami Heat, Monday, March 6, 2017, in Cleveland.

Initial X-rays and evaluation of Bogut revealed a fractured left tibia. The Heat won 106-98.

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Wednesday, March 8, 2017

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RLD

McCain calls on Trump to back up wire-tapping claim

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator John McCain on Monday called for President Donald Trump to release any evidence supporting his claim the Obama administration wiretapped him while probing Russia’s influence in the 2016 election.

“I think the president of the United States, if he has any information that would indicate that his predecessor wiretapped Trump Tower, then he should come forward with that information. The American people deserve it,” McCain, a Republican from Arizona, told Reuters.

Jason Chaffetz, a Republican lawmaker who heads the U.S. House of Representatives Oversight and Government Reform Committee, told CBS in an interview on Monday that he had “not seen anything directly that would support what the president has said.”

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who heads the Senate Judiciary subcommittee looking into allegations Russia meddled in the election, said the panel would be asking both Federal Bureau of Investigation Director James Comey and the Justice Department whether he had told the law enforcement agency this weekend to reject Trump’s wire-tapping claim.

The White House said on Monday that Trump still has confidence in Comey despite his assertiveness in challenging Trump’s claim that the administration of former President Barack Obama had wiretapped him.

Asked whether Trump still had confidence in Comey, White House Spokesman Sean Spicer said, “There’s nothing that I have been told by him that would lead me to believe that anything is different than what it was prior.”

He was “almost 100 percent certain” Trump had not

spoken to Comey since the Republican president made the allegation on Twitter on Saturday. “I’m not aware that that occurred,” Spicer told reporters.

But, when asked during an early-morning interview on Monday with ABC’s “Good Morning America” whether Trump accepted Comey’s assertion, White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said, “I don’t think he does.”

The FBI declined to comment on Comey’s communications.

Trump has given no evidence for his claim that Trump Tower was wiretapped. The allegation is the latest twist in a controversy over ties between Trump associates and Russia that has dogged the early days of his presidency.

The wiretapping allegation hit U.S. stocks on Monday. Some investors worried that the affair could distract Trump from his economic agenda of introducing tax cuts and simplifying regulations that has powered a record-setting rally on Wall Street since the election.

The lack of detail on Trump’s proposals, his isolationist stance and setbacks in filling his Cabinet have made investors question whether the post-election rally has run its course.

Democrats accused Trump of making the wiretapping claim to try to distract from controversy about possible links to Russia. His administration is facing FBI and congressional investigations into contacts between members of his campaign team and Russian officials.

The White House has asked the Republican-controlled Congress to examine, as part of an ongoing congressional probe into Russia’s influence on the election, whether the Obama administration abused its investigative authority. (rtr)

International

Venezuela calls Peruvian leader ‘coward’ and ‘dog’ CARACAS - Venezuela’s leftist government on Monday called Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski a “coward” and a “dog” servile to the United States, leading Peru to respond by sending a protest note and calling in its ambassador for consultations.

Kuczynski, a 78-year-old former Wall Street investment banker who won election last year, has been one of the most vocal critics in the region of Venezuela’s ruling “Chavismo” movement named for late socialist leader Hugo Chavez.

He particularly irked President Nicolas Maduro’s government with a recent speech in the United States where he said Latin America was in general like a well-behaved dog on the carpet except for Venezuela which was “a big problem.”

Maduro called for an apology over the weekend, and his feisty Foreign Minister Delcy Rodriguez followed up on Monday with a blistering attack at an event in honor of Chavez.

“He goes round, poor thing, with my respect because he is an elderly man, (like) a good dog who wags its tail at the empire and asks for an intervention in Venezuela. He’s alone, going round like a crazy man, with no one paying attention,” she said.

Rodriguez also accused the Peruvian leader of insulting Chavez’s memory during a recent summit in Colombia.

“I also rose and told him, ‘look, mister, you are a coward, and I repeat it here, Mr. Kuczynski, you are a coward who dared to tarnish the memory of our commander Hugo Chavez.”

Peru’s foreign ministry said in a statement it was calling back its envoy in Caracas in response.

France...

From page 1

REUTERS/James Lawler Duggan

U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) takes his seat before hearing testimony to the Senate Select Intelligence Committee on the nomination of former U.S. Senator Dan Coats (R-IN) to be Director of National Intelligence in Washington, U.S., February 28, 2017.

This is a remarkable moment for France and a potentially very destabilising one for Europe. For the first time in the history of the Fifth Republic, it’s likely that both of the main parties, the Socialists and the Republicans who have dominated politics here for decades, will be knocked out in the first round.

Mr Macron’s grassroots ‘En Marche!’ and Ms Le Pen’s once unelectable ‘Front National’ are the frontrunners. Mr Fillon was once the favourite for President. But his scandal keeps the race wide open.

If Ms Le Pen wins, profound change for Europe follows. She is protectionist, anti-EU and supported by Russia.

She also offers hopeful change for a growing proportion of the electorate who wouldn’t consider

REUTERS/Mariana Bazo/File Photo

Peru’s President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski visits the home for elderly “Hermanitas de Los Desamparados” to celebrate Christmas in Lima, Peru, December 19, 2016.

“Such expressions are unacceptable between two states that maintain diplomatic relations,” the statement said.

Peruvian Foreign Minister Ricardo Luna said Kuczynski had employed “an idiomatic and metaphorical expression used in academic circles” meant to describe Latin America’s lack of conflicts rather than “demonize” the region.

With recent moves to the right in Brazil and Argentina as well, Venezuela’s government has lost support in Latin America, although it retains strong links with fellow leftist-led nations Bolivia, Cuba, Ecuador and Nicaragua. (rtr) themselves traditionally ‘far-right’ but who are fed up with the mainstream. She’s worth the risk. Sound familiar? Plenty of Trump voters thought the same.

My prediction? I don’t think she’ll win. However, I do think the liberal-leaning urban ‘elite’ underestimate how many French people believe she has sanitised the party and that ‘Le Pen’ is no longer synonymous with racism or xenophobia. Perhaps a critical number are willing to give her a shot.

Mr Juppe said on Monday ‘France is ill’. The economy is flatlining and has been for a decade. Unemployment is at 10.5% (compared with Germany - 4.7%, UK - 5.4%). Youth unemployment is at a staggering 24%. The jitters of terror linger - France is still in a ‘state of emergency’. In that context, never say never Marine Le Pen. (afp)

International

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Two airports in Indonesia receive ACI awards

JAKARTA - The Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali and Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport in South Sulawesi have received prestigious awards from the Airport Council International (ACI).

“Ngurah Rai won the title of The Worlds Third-Best Airport 2016 among airports serving 1525 million passengers per year and Sultan Hasanuddin was adjudged The Most Improved Airport in the Asia-Pacific 2016,” secretary of the airport management company PT Angkasa Pura-I Israwadi remarked in a press statement received by ANTARA here on Monday.

The assessment was based on the results of the Airport Service Quality (ASQ) survey, released on March 6, 2017. The ASQ is the only global benchmark program that measures the degree of satisfaction of passengers at airports, conducted

by ACI, an organization of the worlds leading airports, based in Montreal, Canada.

Since its creation in 2006, the ASQ Survey has become the worlds leading airport passenger satisfaction benchmark, with over 320 airports participating across 80 countries.

Its scientific methodology, strict quality control procedures, and commitment to impartiality have won industry recognition and established the ASQ Survey as the global standard for measuring passenger satisfaction.

ASQ is the only global airport survey based on measuring passenger satisfaction taken while they are at the airport.

Annually, some 600 thousand passengers are interviewed prior to boarding their flights and urged to rate their satisfaction with the airports services. (ant)

Ngurah Rai International Airport

IBP/net

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President Jokowi welcomes IORA state leaders at gala dinner

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo welcomed a number state leaders attending the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Summit 2017 at a gala dinner, which was held at the Jakarta Convention Center here on Monday.

“Ladies and gentlemen, this Indian Ocean Rim has a great history with cultural diversity. Indonesia is the largest country of maritime economic zone in the eastern part with about 17 thousand islands,” the president said in his welcoming address during the dinner event.

On the occasion, Jokowi wore a black suit, and accompanied by the First Lady Iriana Joko Widodo, who wore a long red blouse.

During the event, the head of state invited the audience to enjoy the dance and music that was served at banquets.

The president expressed a hope that the heads of state and delegates kindly join the summit and provide productive results in the maritime field.

“Please dont forget to enjoy world-class shopping in Jakarta, its culinary, as well as golf courses and their hospitality. I hope you will visit Indonesia more often,” Jokowi pointed out.

Earlier, the IORA ministerial meeting had agreed several outcomes, to be brought to the meeting of heads of state and government at the IORA summit to be held on Tuesday.

The IORAs ministers meeting was co-chaired by a troika consisting of three foreign affairs ministers of Indonesia, South Africa, and Australia.

“Today, we had a very productive meeting with a number of outcomes,” Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi, the Chair of the ministers meeting, said here on Monday.

The first outcome adopted by the IORAs Council of Ministers Meeting was an agreement to implement modalities for the first IORA Leaders Summit to be

held tomorrow.

Secondly, the ministers also endorsed a strategic and visionary IORA Document, called the Jakarta Concord, which will be submitted to the leaders of IORA member states at the summit for their agreement.

“The Jakarta Concord provides a clear direction that will enhance and strengthen the IORA cooperation,” Marsudi stated.

The Jakarta Concord will strengthen the six IORA priorities, namely maritime safety and security, trade and investment facilitation, fisheries management, disaster risk management, academic science and technology, and tourism and cultural exchange. It also endorses three new important issues for future cooperation of IORA members.

The three new important issues include blue economy, womens empowerment, and the promotion of democracy. (ant)

Presidential Press Bureau

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) at Business Summit of IORA in Jakarta Convention Center, Jakarta, Monday (March 6, 2017).

Government set to finish electrification of Papua in 2018

JAKARTA - Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Ignasius Jonan said the government is set to finish electrification program in Papua and West Papua in 2018 using solar power plants to dismiss darkness at night in the villages in the countrys easternmost provinces.

“This is the target of the government . This year or next year at the latest , there would be electric

lamps. Electric lamps are more important. Next we would build electric networks,” the minister said in a media discussion here on Sunday.

The discussion was attended by Public Works and Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuliono, Communications and Informatics Minister Rudiantara and Communications Minister Budi Karya.

Jonan said most of 2,500 vil-

lages still without electricity in the country are in the two regions.

Around 136,000-140,000 households of 260,000 households still engulfed by darkness every night in the country are in Papua and West Papua, he said.

He said the program is that every household not yet having electrification would be provided with a solar panel with four lamps and battery chargers for cellular

phones.

The lamps consists of three categories - ones that could last for 6 hours, 12 hours and 60 hours.

Jonan said in Papua, the government would build 9 units of power plant with renewable energy with a capacity of 365 Megawatts until 2019.

The minister also said his office would back up the policy to create a single price of premium gasoline all

over the country including Papua and West Papua.

He said currently there is no more gasoline sold at Rp60,000 per liter, adding the highest price is Rp12,000 per liter as against the normal price of Rp6,500 per liter in other parts of the nation.

Transport cost to the interior areas of Papua pushed up the price of goods not yet produced in that region. (ant)

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International

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Bali News

International

BUSINESS

Acceleration Team Boosts European, American and Australian MICE

Mexico cancels sugar export permits to the US in “absurd” dispute MEXICO CITY - Mexico has canceled existing sugar export permits to the United States to avoid penalties in a dispute over the pace of shipments, a document seen by Reuters said, partly blaming the issue on unfilled positions at the U.S. Department of Commerce.

It was not immediately clear what impact the cancellation would have on exports to the United States. The document, sent by Mexico’s sugar chamber to mills on Monday, said existing permits would be reissued in April. Mexico’s sugar mills are currently in full swing at the height of the harvest. The amount of sugar sent to the United States varies from season to season, with the document referring to a quota of 820,000 tonnes in 2016/2017.

Ties between the United States and Mexico have frayed under Donald Trump, who sees trade skewed to favor the southern neighbor and is seeking to renegotiate the North American Free Trade agreement.

The document made no suggestion that the present dispute was related to the wider politics, but described as “absurd” an interpretation by “low-level” Commerce Department officials of a clause in so-called suspension agreements, which have regulated the sugar trade between both countries since the end of 2014.

In the document, Chamber president Humberto Jasso says the interpretation relating to how much sugar Mexico can send in the six months up to March 31 means it would only be able to export 40 percent of the quota allocated by the United States in the period, causing a concentration in the second half of the season.

The Economy Ministry said it could not immediately comment.

Officials from Mexico’s sugar chamber could not be reached for comment. It was not immediately clear how many sugar export permits were canceled or what penalties Mexico had faced. The Mexican Economy Ministry decided to cancel the permits since it has no counterparts at the Commerce Department to resolve the issue, the document said.

“Because the Ministry cannot resolve the issue with the DOC, since officials in charge of making decisions have not been appointed, Economy Ministry attorneys in Washington insisted on sending a statement to the DOC acknowledging the problem and canceling existing exports, so that they can be re-issued as of April 1,” the document adds. Mill owners should consider legally challenging the decision, it said.

Trump has not filled staff positions in several departments, a situation Mexican officials say has made it hard to negotiate on trade issues.(rtr)

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

IBP/kmb

AP Photo/Michel Euler

From left, Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni, Spain’s Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy Brey, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and France’s President Francois Hollande arrive to make a joint statement at the Versailles castle, near Paris, France, Monday, March 6, 2017.

France, Germany, Spain, Italy call for a multi-speed Europe

PARIS — Leaders of France, Germany, Spain and Italy have called for a European Union which allows groups of member states to advance at their own pace, in a joint effort to cushion the impact of the Brexit. French president Francois Hollande hosted his counterparts on Monday evening in Versailles, near Paris, to prepare for a larger EU meeting later this week.

“Europe must be able to draw the consequences of the Brexit”, he said in a joint statement with the other leaders of the European Union’s major economies. Hollande has pointed to the creation of a European defense that would operate in coordination with NATO as a priority.

In an interview published Monday in six European newspapers, he warned against the risk of implosion of the European Union.

“We must have the courage to accept that some countries can move forward a little more quickly than others,” German Chancellor Angela Merkel said. She insisted other member states should be able to join the more advanced ones when they are ready.

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy and Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni joined their voices to call for steps toward further EU integration and to maintain Eu-

rope’s common project.

The leaders also called on the EU to form new policies to protect its borders, handle the refugee crisis and improve the fight against terrorism.

Britain is expected to launch negotiations by the end the month on the terms of its exit from the bloc.

Last week the European Union’s executive arm unveiled new ideas to keep the bloc unified.

The European Commission foresees five possible scenarios for Europe by 2025: to carry on as usual; function as a single market only; do less but be more efficient; allow groups of member states to advance at their own pace; or do far more together.(ap)

Fire War Tradition of Tuban Symbolizes Magical Power

Indeed Bali has inexhaustible traditions and cultures. As carried out by Tuban customary village, Kuta, they perform a ritual handed down from ancestors through generations known as siat geni or fire war. This tradition is undertaken by two groups of customary youth club from two hamlets namely the Tuban Geria and Pesalakan in Tuban. They attack each other by using embers of coconut fiber. This magical action is performed as part of the grandiose ceremony at local Dalem Temple.

Implementation of this fire war tradition involves hundreds of youths in mutual attack action by throwing embers. It is held once a year and poses an obligatory ritual in a grandiose ceremony. Before the ritual begins, the fire war is first commenced with presentation of offerings in the form of food or small-scale offerings, by circumnavigating points of the compass.

It is dedicated to bhuta kala coming from different directions that will attend the ritual.

Fire war ritual generally starts in the evening, where the youth club members from two hamlets has been assembled, namely the Tuban Geria and Pesalakan. Anyone can get involved in the devotional service or ngayah. However, it is not permitted to have revenge in

this fire war. Abstinence in the fire war is that people are not allowed to take firewood from cemetery area.

A fire war is performed by throwing fire of coconut fibers.

In this game, boys will mingle and the players throw each other or attack each other. Fire war is a sacred game or ritual. Community leaders are still closely supervising this ritual game. This game in particular does not have any standard rules. Sometimes the youths are playing in their own way namely by banging coconut fibers to the ones carried by other players so that sparks a fire like fireworks. This ritual symbolizes the psychical realm or thing of beyond human logic namely the bhuta kala that releases its power

in the form of Ludra’s fire to be presented as devotion to Bhatara Dalem.

READ Tanah Lot as Spiritual Tourist Attraction Besides, it also symbolizes supernatural forces believed to balance the environment, so that the great strength can be channeled into a positive force that is beneficial to natural balance of the physical and psychical realm.

Having performed the ritual in the fire war, all the players are given penglukatan (self-purification) and not allowed to keep any revenge.

After the game finishes, all the participants getting involved in the games are saying prayers together to deities abiding at Dalem Temple for safety. Logically, this game can be considered to provide entertainment and a sense of integrity for supporting devotees or pengempon. Vivacity and brotherhood of both hamlets are getting stronger.

This procession poses a system of belief that gives us an understanding to jointly maintain the balance of physical and psychical realms. (kmb)

Acceleration team of Meeting, Incentive, Conference and Exhibition (MICE), Ministry of Tourism, will boost MICE travelers in 2017 from Europe, America and Australia. “These countries tend to be interested in organizing MICE activities in Indonesia, especially Bali,” said Chairman of MICE Incentive Acceleration Team, Ida Bagus Surakusuma, on Wednesday (Feb. 8).

This man familiarly addressed as Lolec said that when working on the MICE market, a number of destinations in Indonesia should prepare their MICE products supported with flight accessibility. This year, central government will prioritize five destinations including Medan, Jakarta, Bali, Makassar and Manado to prepare their MICE products. “Actually there are totally 16 destinations, but only five to be prioritized first within 1-2 years to come,” he said.

After preparing the accessibility and infrastructure, the MICE potential at the destinations is then summarized and packaged into promotional material. Regarding the promotion, each local government should work with central government to coordinate the sales of tourism products in international promotional events such as the ITB Berlin, ITB Asia as well as the ATF and others.

An important thing in the promotion is using the facilities such as social media or digital media (online promotion) to introduce the tourism product. It is very necessary because the current competition is very tight. It has been done by Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand in promoting their respective MICE products. “We should also come to the market by providing an explanation to raise awareness, so that MICE tourism in Indonesia can be widely known,” he added.

READ Putu Ayu Widayanthi In 2016, more MICE activities were organized by domestic and Asia-Pacific companies. As for 2017, the potential international MICE market includes Europe, America and Australia. However, each market has its own characteristics. For example, the Australian market comes to Bali to organize MICE activities in June, July, August, September and October, while American and European market depends on the conditions in each country.

Central government plays an important role in disseminating the image of security of destinations in Indonesia becoming the target of the MICE activities in 2017 will be right on target. “America has a strong incentive market coming to Bali, while Australian incentive and association are for meeting or conference. Besides, the AsiaPacific market for corporate conference and meeting is also great,” he said. (kmb)

Ida Bagus Surakusuma

IBP/kmb

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Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Bali News

International

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

International

Crystal meth smuggling foiled by officers at Gilimanuk

NEGARA - The increase of troops to tighten the examinations at the entrance of Bali at Post II Gilimanuk finally proved effective. The officers managed to thwart the smuggling of crystal meth weighing 45.3 grams (gross) or 44.4 grams (net) on Sunday morning (Mar. 5).

IBP/kmb

The Head of Jembrana Police AKBP Djoni Widodo is showing the meth which was smuggled in Gilimanuk Harbor.

Chinese traveler dies when snorkeling in Lembongan SEMARAPURA - The waters of Nusa Penida have claimed another casualty. This time, a traveler from China named Zhu Wen Chun, 64, died while snorkeling in the waters around the pontoon of Bounty Cruise at Lembongan village, Nusa Penida, on Monday (Mar. 6). It is unclear what caused his death. His body was found floating near the pontoon and still had snorkeling gear on it.

According to information compiled in the field, the victim (Zhu Wen Chun) departed from Benoa Harbor to Lembongan Island aboard The Bounty Cruise around 09:00. After arriving in the waters of Lembongan, the Bounty Cruise ship docked at its pontoon around 10:15. All the passengers were

then asked to unboard the ship to do activities on the pontoon. The victim was known to be snorkelling guided by Nico Togo Santosa around 10:45.

However, 15 minutes later, lifeguard (Balawista), I Kadek Pasek, from Kaja hamlet, Lembongan, saw the victim’s body floating face down motionless. I Kadek Pasek and fellow lifeguard I Komang Sudinaya,lifted the body onto the pontoon and proceeded to provide first aid including artificial respiration.

The victim however did not respiond to artificial respiration and water caem out iof his nose and mouth. Since there was no response, the victim’S body was then taken to Nusa Penida health

center II at Jungutbatu village to get help. Upon arrival at the health center, medical officer, Triana, performed a medical examination of the victim. After being examined, the victim was declared dead.

Chief of Nusa Penida Police, Ketut Suastika, confirmed that a traveler had died while snorkeling. He addded that police officers had gone down to the pontoon to identity and examine a number of witnesses. The cause of death however reamins unknown to Suastika as the health officer at the clinic had not ascertained the cause of death. “We do not know exactly why. The victim’s body has been sent to Sanglah Hospital” said the police chief. (119)

Chief of Jembrana Police, Djoni Widodo, accompanied by Chief of Gilimanuk Harbor Police, A.A. Gede Arka, said on Monday (Mar. 6) that during the execution of anti-drug operation it has got information about drug delivery sent through courier services carried by buses, travel and box truck through Gilimanuk ferry port.

Then, the inspection was made at 5:40 on Sunday (Mar. 5) against Bali Prima transport with license plate L 1767 C driven by Imam Mudhofir, 53, from Banyuwangi.

In the inspection was found a package of taped cardboard. When being examined, the cardboard was lifted up and it generated the sound of moving small object inside. Since it was suspicious, the members of Criminal Investigation Unit of Gilimanuk Harbor Police led by unit chief Komang Muliyadi conducted an investigation to the address written on the package, namely Jalan Laksamana Barat Agung Gang Kamboja Block A/2 Panji village, Sukasada. The tourist transport was then followed. Upon arriving at the address, the package was taken by Nyoman Dharma alias Koko.

After that, the suspect Koko was arrested and brought to Gilimanuk harbor police.

After arriving at Gilimanuk harbor police, the package was opened by Koko and witnessed by the witnesses Alit Hermawan, Imam Mudhofir and Mamang Widodo. In the cardboard was found rice weighing 2 kg kept in crackle bag. Then, in the rice package was found a package suspected of illicit drug, namely crystal meth.

The evidence secured included 45.3 grams (gross) or 44.4 grams (net) of crystal meth, a rice cardboard containing the address label, a plastic rice bag, two sheets of paper, remaining tape, two sheets of receipt for package recipient, a silver metallic Bali Prima tourist transport with license plate L 1767 C, vehicle registration of the Bali Prima tourist transport. Based on the urine test, the suspect was also declared positive.

Right now, the suspect has been detained by Gilimanuk harbor police and charged under Article 114 paragraph 2 in conjunction with Article 112 paragraph 2 of the Law of the RI No. 35 on narcotics. (120)

Bomb squad checks gift for King Salman DENPASAR - A woman 41 year old woman identified as DPE, tried to hand a gift to the King of Saudi Arabia, Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud at the St. Regis Hotel, South Kuta, on Monday (Mar. 6).

DPE was immediately secured and examined by police officers and the gift was immediately checked by the Bali police bomb squad.

Bali Police spokesman, Hengky Widjaja, confirmed these details, adding that at 12:30 the taskforce guarding the entrance of the St. Regis Hotel was surprised by the arrival of DPE. At that time, DPE arrived dressed all in white with black-white hand gloves, leather shoes, a pink and yellow seal and modified hijab. She was carrying a off-white tote bags and a box wrapped in white plastic.

“The package contained a laptop. Law Enforcement Taskforce II is examining the contents of the laptop brought by the woman”, he said.

Based on a physical examination and interview with the woman carrying the box, it was assesed that DPE suffers mental illness.

However, medical evidence is required to confirm this suspicion.

“The INAFIS team is taking her fingerprints and physical image and recording the physical characteristics of the women”, he said. (kmb36)

13

US starts deploying anti-missile system in S.Korea after defiant North’s latest test

REUTERS/Lai Seng Sin

A North Korea embassy car leaves the embassy in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia March 7, 2017.

N.Korea bars Malaysians from leaving as murder row boils

KUALA LUMPUR - North Korea barred Malaysians from leaving the country on Tuesday, sparking tit-for-tat action by Malaysia, as police investigating the murder of Kim Jong Nam in Kuala Lumpur sought to question up to three men hiding in the North Korean embassy.

Malaysia was outraged by the murder of the North Korean leader’s estranged half brother at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Feb. 13 by assassins using VX nerve agent, a chemical listed by the United Nations as a weapon of mass destruction.

Police have identified eight North Koreans wanted in connection with the murder, including a senior North Korean diplomat and a state airline employee - two of the three believed to be hiding in the embassy. The only people charged so far are a Vietnamese woman and an Indonesian woman.

As the row escalated on Tuesday, North Korea’s foreign ministry issued a temporary ban on Malaysians leaving in order to ensure the safety of its own diplomats and citizens in Malaysia.

“All Malaysian citizens in the DPRK will be temporarily prohibited from leaving the country until the incident that happened in Malaysia is properly solved,”

the state-run Korea Central News Agency said, quoting a foreign ministry official.

“In this period the diplomats and citizens of Malaysia may work and live normally under the same conditions and circumstances as before.”

HOSTAGE-TAKING Malaysia reacted swiftly, condemning Pyongyang’s action as hostage-taking and responded by barring all North Koreans from leaving the country.

“This abhorrent act, effectively holding our citizens hostage, is in total disregard of all international law and diplomatic norms,” Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said in a statement, adding that he has summoned an emergency meeting of the National Security Council.

Najib said he has also instructed the police “to prevent all North Korean citizens in Malaysia from leaving the country until we are as-

sured of the safety and security of all Malaysians in North Korea”.

Before the murder, North Korea could count Malaysia as one of its few friends outside of China.

But Malaysia has since stopped visa-free travel and on Monday it expelled North Korea’s ambassador for questioning the impartiality of the murder investigation.

There are 11 Malaysians in North Korea, according to a Malaysian foreign ministry official, including three embassy staff, six family members, and two others.

Hundreds of North Koreans are believed to be in Malaysia, most of them students and workers. The focus, however, was on its embassy staff.

“We are trying to physically identify all the embassy staff who are here,” deputy home minister Nur Jazlan Mohamed told reporters outside the North Korean embassy.

He said staff would not be allowed to leave the embassy “until we are satisfied of their numbers and where they are”.

By early afternoon, Malaysian police had removed the tape and police car blocking the North Korean embassy driveway in a sign of easing tensions. (rtr)

SEOUL - The United States started to deploy the first elements of its advanced anti-missile defence system in South Korea on Tuesday after North Korea’s test of four ballistic missiles, U.S. Pacific Command said, despite angry opposition from China.

The announcement came as North Korean state media said leader Kim Jong Un had personally supervised Monday’s missile launches by an army unit that is positioned to strike U.S. bases in Japan, stepping up threats against Washington as U.S. troops conduct joint military exercises with South Korea.

“Continued provocative actions

by North Korea, to include yesterday’s launch of multiple missiles, only confirm the prudence of our alliance decision last year to deploy THAAD to South Korea,” U.S. Pacific Commander Admiral Harry Harris said in a statement, referring to the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) anti-missile system.

The move by the U.S. military is likely to deepen the brewing conflict between South Korea and China, which says the THAAD deployment destroys the regional security balance.

The four ballistic missiles fired

by North Korea landed in the sea off Japan’s northwest, angering Seoul and Tokyo, days after Pyongyang promised retaliation over the military drills that it sees as preparation for war.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe discussed the launches by the nuclear-armed North during a phone call on Tuesday.

“Japan and the U.S. confirmed that the latest North Korean missile launches were clearly against U.N. resolutions and a clear provocation against the regional and international community,” Abe told reporters. “(North Korea’s) threat has entered a new phase.”

Trump also spoke to South Korea’s acting President Hwang Kyoahn to discuss the North’s missile launches, Hwang’s office said.

“MERCILESSLY RETALIATE” Reclusive North Korea, which has carried out a series of nuclear and missile tests in defiance of United Nations resolutions, issued a typically robust statement on state news agency KCNA after the missile launches.

“In the hearts of artillerymen ... there was burning desire to mercilessly retaliate against the warmongers going ahead with their joint war exercises,” KCNA said.

It said Kim ordered the Korean People’s Army’s Strategic Force “to keep highly alert as required by the grim situation in which an actual war may break out any time, and get fully ready to promptly move, take positions and strike so that it can open fire to annihilate the enemies”.

The missiles North Korea fired on Monday were unlikely to have been intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), South Korea said, which can reach the United States.

They flew on average 1,000 km (620 miles) and reached an altitude of 260 km (160 miles).

Some landed as close as 300 km (190 miles) from Japan’s northwest coast, Japan’s defence minister said earlier. (rtr)

USFK/Yonhap via REUTERS

A Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptor arrives at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, in this handout picture provided by the United States Forces Korea (USFK) and released by Yonhap on March 7, 2017. Picture taken on March 6, 2017.

14

Technology

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

International

Self-driving bus with no back-up driver nears California street

SAN RAMON - A pair of $250,000 autonomous buses began driving around an empty San Francisco Bay Area parking lot on Monday, preparing to move onto a local public road in California’s first pilot program for a selfdriving vehicle without steering wheel or human operator.

California and other states are weighing the opportunities of becoming a hub of testing a technology that is seen as the future of transportation and the risks from giving up active control of a large, potentially dangerous vehicle.

In most tests of self-driving cars there is still a person seated at the steering wheel, ready to take over, although Alphabet Inc’s Waymo tested a car with no steering wheel or pedals in Austin, Texas, as early as 2015.

The bus project in San Ramon, at the Bishop Ranch office park complex, involves two 12-passenger shuttle buses from French private company EasyMile.

The project is backed by a combination of private companies and public transit and air quality authorities, with the intention of turning it into a permanent, expanded operation, said Habib Shamskhou, a program manager who strolled in front of a moving bus to show that the vehicle would notice him and react. It stopped.

In a test for reporters, one bus cruised a block-long circuit so consistently that it created a dirt track on the tarmac.

California legislators late last year passed a law to allow slow-speed testing of fully autonomous vehicles without steering wheels or pedals on public roads, with the Bishop Ranch test in mind.

The shuttle buses will test for a few months in the parking lots before operators apply for Department of Motor Vehicles approval under the new law.

The vehicles are expected to swing onto the local street late this year or early in 2018. (rtr)

Bali News

International

Great potential, minus promotion DENPASAR - The presence of travelers from South Korea to Bali is promising. East Asian market lies in the top ten or ten potential markets for tourism of the Island of the Gods. Central statistics agency (BPS) of Bali noted that the arrival of South Korean travelers to Bali is ranked sixth after the United States with tourist visit of 14,652 people from a total of 460,824 tourist visits in January 2017 or reaching 3.18 percent.

This figure shows that East Asian market has not been worked on, and even tends to decrease. A number of tourism players assess that the decline in South Korean market to Bali is triggered by the lack of promotion by tourism players and the government. As a result, this promising market has not been worked on maximally.

This condition was also recognized by Wayan Supatrayasa, General Manager of PT Garuda Indonesia for Seoul Branch Office, in Denpasar, on Saturday (Mar. 4).

Wayan Supatrayasa told Bali Post that South Korean market is very promising opportunities. In terms of the number of overseas travel, it is estimated to reach approximately 20 million of people.

“The problem is what percentage of the travelers coming to Indonesia, especially Bali? Based on the data I’ve got, the target of around 400,000 have not been achieved but even showed a decrease,” he said.

Therefore, he hoped the participation of Bali tourism players to improve the promotion to the country. Without collaboration between tourism stakeholders, the airlines and government support, the endeavor to encourage the growth of tourist visit from South Korea will be difficult to be achieved.

“We are in the airline company ready to support any promotional activity together. We have confidence to be able to improve the Korean market,” he explained.

Wayan Supatrayasa assessed that Bali is still lagging behind in terms of promotion to grab the South Korean tourism market. Evidently, all this time the Island of the Gods is only known as a pre-wedding and honeymoon destination. Actually, the island relying on tourism sector has a complete destination.

“We are still inferior to Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia. Actually, I think Bali is complete, where there is the mountain, sea and culture.

Korean people like new things, but in Korea, Bali is just known as honeymoon destination. We should change this,” he explained.

He argued that Bali does not only accommodate travelers who would like to celebrate honeymoon, but many kinds of destinations can be visited, like water sport, learning about Balinese arts and see commodities of plantation and others.

“Thailand and the Philippines managed to do promotion there (Korea—Ed). Hopefully, Bali can increase the promotion. As provider of transport services, we are ready at the forefront and we cannot move alone. So, let’s together improve their visit to Bali,” he said.

As is known, the length of stay of South Korean travelers in a destination reaches an average of five days. With the spending of IDR 11 million, they can buy a package tour for five days.

“We want to go hand in hand with tourism players in featuring the name of Bali through promotion, so that the number of Korean tourist visit will further improves,” he concluded. (par)

REUTERS/Stephen Lam

Eyeing future after problematic past, VW showcases ‘Sedric’

AP Photo/Jamie Keaten

Volkswagen CEO Matthias Mueller presents a Cedric Concept car during a Volkswagen event prior to the 87th Geneva Auto Show in Geneva, Switzerland, Monday, March 6, 2017.

Geneva Auto Show media day.

Sedric is fully electric, connected and autonomous, and picks up passengers at the touch of a button. The vehicle looks like a futuristic travel pod: No steering wheel, pedals or controls.

Volkswagen has a badly dented image following the revelation that nearly 600,000 diesel vehicles deliberately circumvented U.S. emissions tests, and court cases continue against it.

With VW’s family set to roll out 60 new vehicles this year, Mueller said Sedric was part of a study aiming to show “how a new, integrated mobility system of the future could function.”

The Wolfsburg-based company says it plans to launch more than 30 purely battery-powered vehicles by 2025, and “battery technology, autonomous driving and artificial intelligence will become new core competences” for VW. (ap)

3

South Korean market not worked on maximally

An EasyMile EZ10 shared autonomous vehicle is seen during a deployment demonstration at Bishop Ranch in San Ramon, California March 6, 2017.

GENEVA — Looking well beyond its past problems, Volkswagen is projecting off into the future with its self-driving concept car featuring technologies that could someday work their way into the German automaker’s brands like Audi, Bentley or Porsche.

After a cheeky video riffing off Star Trek, Harry Potter and other popculture icons, CEO Matthias Mueller presented VW’s first self-driving car, known as Sedric, on M?onday for a

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Wayan Supatrayasa

IBP/kmb

IBP/kmb

The potential of sacred dance that was made very sacred by local communities can now be reconstructed with the involvement of ISI Denpasar.

Culture agency encourages regeneration of wayang wong dancers

AMLAPURA - Wayang wong sacred dance that is virtually endangered at Ban village, Kubu, can finally be reconstructed. Culture agency came down immediately at that time to explore the potential of the sacred and rare arts. However, the challenge ahead is to continue the regeneration. Karangasem culture agency is currently working to encourage local residents to maintain the regeneration.

Head of the Karangasem Culture Agency, Putu Arnawa, said on Sunday (Mar. 5) that the reconstruction process took place pretty well last year. As a result, the potential of sacred dance that was made very sacred by local communities can now be reconstructed with the involvement of ISI Denpasar. However, to preserve it, the regeneration process must be going on pretty well.

Previously, the potential of this sacred art was almost extinct due to the difficulty of doing regeneration of the dancers.

“After this regeneration process goes well, we have emphasized on customary villages there to aggressively disseminate the program to children,” said Arnawa.

He asserted that customary villages are already committed to performing the coaching. Local government will also continue to monitor the coaching after painstakingly reconstructing the sacred dance. Arnawa added that the other potential arts having got its fame in the past, but almost extinct because of the same problem, will be re-discovered. Currently, a team has been conducting a study in the field and making data collection, so that it can be preserved, either as the potential art, tourist attraction or the need of sacred ritual purposes at villages.

Reconstruction process had been carried out by involving around six dancers and gamelan music instructors. It started by checking various masks and other accessories. Conditions of the various types of masks

and other equipment are very alarming. Since the wayang wong has no longer been performed, a number of masks are found unkempt and almost destroyed.

Luckily, during the reconstruction process, these historical objects can still be repaired and saved.

At that time, the culture and tourism agency along with the ISI Denpasar began by discovering back the storyline and puppet characters commonly used as the basis of the wayang wong storyline there. Finally, it obtained some storylines such as the “Kumbakarna Seized” or the “Death of Kumbakarna.” Based on the storylines, the ISI Denpasar drafted the storyline, adjusted the characters and created the dance movement.

It is a part of our duty, both as discovery, preservation and development.

Local people are very excited to welcome the reconstruction process of the wayang wong. Since long time ago people have wanted the regeneration that could revive and resume the artistic heritage of the sacred dance tradition to support a variety of sacred rituals at local village. “At that time, our officers must be willing to wait for them till evening. Local people could only perform the exercise at night because they are busy at work from morning till evening,” he said.

In the past, wayang wong dance was often performed as a sacred dance to support various rituals at Ban village such as at Puseh Temple or other temples at local village. Regeneration is hard to do because most of local younger generations work in diaspora or outside the village. Especially in Karangasem, a number of villages in other subdistricts are still working to preserve the wayang wong. They include Wates village in Selat subdistrict, Selumbung village in Manggis subdistrict as well as Pempatan village in Rendang subdistrict. Their masks and other equipment are still stored and well maintained. Moreover, the wayang wong in Selat subdistrict has often represented Karangasem to the Bali Arts Festival. (kmb31)

2

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Bali News

International

Activities

International

Rascal: Indonesia’s First Phinisi Superyacht

Rascal, both by name and nature, vows to live up to her moniker as she gears up to take guests on an experiential journey around Indonesia’s stunning archipelago.

Built on Indonesian sand using local ironwood and teak for an indigenous structure, a skilled design team exercised century old tech-

nique to handcraft the 103ft vessel.

A true combination of East meets West, Rascal showcases the latest in Western boating technology— the result: a cutting-edge contemporary superyacht that possesses the soul and secrets of a traditional Indonesian Phinisi sailing boat.

The only superyacht in Indone-

WEEKLY EVENTS and FARMERS MARKETS EVERY SATURDAY Meditation class by Mangku Budi Dharma 14-16:30 Bona, Blahbatuh meet at Ubud Cocomarket at 13:00 REUTERS/Nyimas Laula

A man offering camel rides waits on a beach in the luxury resort area of Nusa Dua ahead of Saudi Arabia’s King Salman’s visit on the island of Bali, Indonesia March 2, 2017. Picture taken March 2, 2017.

Saudi king’s Bali beach holiday turns into military exercise

NUSA DUA - A Bali beach holiday for Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and his considerable entourage has turned into a military exercise for host Indonesia.

The octogenarian monarch and his entourage of 1,500, including 25 princes and 10 ministers, flies on Saturday to Indonesia’s Bali island aboard nine passenger jets for a private vacation. They will be guarded by at least 2,500 police and military personnel, as well as naval vessels parked offshore.

The king’s Boeing 747-jet will be met at the airport by his usual gold coloured escalator. Flown in ahead of the visit were two plane loads of cargo, including plates, carpets and two bullet-proof Mercedes, said customs official Budi Harjanto.

King Salman’s tour of Asia aims to build the kingdom’s ties with fast-growing Asian economies and drum up investment to diversify the Saudi economy away from dependence on oil. The extravagance of his official trip, punctuated by holidays, comes after an austerity drive at home caused by low oil prices.

On the white sand beach in front of Bali’s St. Regis resort, one in a row of five-star hotels where the Saudis will stay, two metre (7-foot) high screens have been put up to shield guests from prying eyes. A wooden staircase has been built for the royals to access the water.

“There will definitely be marine security because there’s a section of beach where the (king) will be staying,” said Bali’s Udayana military chief Major General Kustanto Widiatmoko.

Widiatmoko said six ships would be deployed along with anti-terrorism police and snipers, adding he hoped security would not impinge on the Saudi group’s privacy.

CONTROVERSIAL VACATIONS

The king’s vacations have been controversial at times due to the disruption they caused. He cut short a 2015 French Riviera holiday after local outrage erupted when the public beach at Vallauris was shut and concrete poured on the sand for a temporary lift.

After kicking off his Asian tour in Malaysia on Feb. 26, King Salman will also visit Brunei, Japan, China, the Maldives and Jordan on his month-long swing through the region promoting the kingdom as an investment destination.

Asia’s top oil supplier plans to privatise state assets, cultivate non-oil private sectors and open its markets to foreign investors, after a plunge in oil prices slashed state revenues and opened a gaping budget deficit. A hallmark of the plan is to sell shares in state oil giant Saudi Aramco, which Saudi authorities have said could raise up to $100 billion, in what would be, by far, the world’s biggest listing.

The king’s three-day state visit in Jakarta this week focused on building cultural and religious ties and promoting education, as well as efforts to contain radical Islam in the world’s most populous Muslim country. Secular Indonesia has grown increasingly concerned about security, after several attacks over the past year blamed on supporters of Islamic State. Islamist militants bombed a nightclub in the Bali resort of Kuta in 2002, killed 202 people, most of them foreign tourists.

MIDDLE EAST TOURISM

Bali’s business community is hoping the king’s visit will encourage more Middle East tourists to visit the “Island of the gods”. “When they find out that the king and his entourage have come to Bali, they will realise that Bali is a world-class tourist destination, so automatically they will think about

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

coming to Bali as tourists too,” Ketut Ardana, chairman of the Bali branch of the Indonesian Travel Agents Association (ASITA) told Reuters.

Mila Artini, a representative for the Blue Bird taxi group at Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport, said the Saudis had booked the group’s entire fleet of limousines up until the end of the king’s visit on March 12.

An additional 200 Mercedes limousines had been brought in from Jakarta for the visit, said Arif, a Muslim taxi driver, who said the Saudis would be welcome in predominantly Hindu Bali. “The religion here is different, but that’s no problem because there are also a lot of Muslims here. There’s halal food in all areas,” he said.

Indonesia aims to more than double the number of Muslim tourists it received last year to 5 million by 2019, said the head of the Indonesian tourism ministry’s Halal Tourism Development and Acceleration team.

“Other than the large number of potential visitors from Muslim countries, their spending power is also larger,” said Riyanto Sofyan, noting Muslim tourists spend around $1,700 per visit, compared to $1,100 on average by other foreigners.

CAMEL RIDES

On the approach to Nusa Dua, a peninsula on the southern tip of Bali where the king is staying, police in fluorescent vests checked cars at an impromptu checkpoint. While not especially brought in for the Saudi visitors, the beach at Nusa Dua does have something to make the visitors feel right at home - camels. Minarto, who runs camel rides in front of the Hilton Bali Resort, said the Saudi group had requested 100 half-hour rides.

“We’re busy and they wanted too many. We only have a limited number of camels,” said Minarto, who looks after five camels brought in from Australia years ago. (rtr)

 Founder : K.Nadha,  General Manager :Palgunadi Chief Editor: Gugiek Savindra  Editors:Agus Toni, Daniel Fajry, Mawa, Sueca, Sugiartha, Yudi Winanto Denpasar: Dira Arsana, Giriana Saputra, Subrata, Sumatika, Asmara Putra. Bangli: Suasrina, Buleleng: Dewa kusuma, Gianyar: Manik Astajaya, Karangasem: Budana, Klungkung: Dewa Farendra. Jakarta: Nikson, Hardianto, Ade Irawan. NTB: Agus Talino, Izzul Khairi, Raka Akriyani. Surabaya: Bambang Wilianto.  Office: Jalan Kepundung 67 A Denpasar 80232. Telephone (0361)225764, Facsimile: 227418, P.O.Box: 3010 Denpasar 80001. Bali Post Jakarta, Advertizing: Jl.Palmerah Barat 21F. Telp 021-5357602, Facsimile: 021-5357605 Jakarta Pusat. NTB: Jalam Bangau No. 15 Cakranegara Telp. (0370) 639543, Facsimile: (0370) 628257. Publisher: PT Bali Post

Saturday Market Oldman’s Cafe Canggu, Batu Bolong Beach, pottery fresh produce, clothing Sand Beach Club and Restaurant, Sanur Every second Saturday Biasa Art Space, Jl. Raya Seminyak 24, Seminyak, Fresh produce, potted plants, meat pie, sshie, coffee and more.

Every Saturday 9AM-2PM OrganIc Farmer’s Market Pizza Bagus (Jl. Pengosekan), Ubud EVERY SUNDAY Soul to soul spirituall dialogue Anand Ashram, Ubud Jl Sri Wedari KM 3 Mantra chanting 6-6:30pm Navaraha Arati 6:30-6:45pm Meditation, Satsang and celebration 6:45-8:30pm www.ubudashram.org 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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recognised Charles Orchard.

Rascal is the mastermind of an enigmatic lineup of Asia based, boundary-pushing pace setters – a passionate yet elusive team who share a desire to explore the hidden corners of Southeast Asia’s waters in uninhibited style. Having enlisted the services of the ‘coolkids’ in culinary and entertainment talent, whose names need no introduction, the Rascal hospitality experience is fast garnering one of the region’s most sought-after waiting lists. Nutritious, fresh menus

by Bali’s famous Watercress restaurant, cocktails and a bespoke house Rascal Rum crafted by the award-winning Proof & Company mixologists, and onboard activity

15

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Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Rapper Future makes Billboard chart history with ‘HNDRXX’ LOS ANGELES - Atlanta rapper Future became the first artist to score two consecutive charttopping albums in as many weeks on the U.S. Billboard 200 album chart, as his latest release debuted at No. 1 on Monday, a week after his last chart-topping album.

Future’s “HNDRXX” (pronounced “Hendrix”) sold 121,000 units across album and song sales and streaming activity since its Feb. 24 release, according to figures from Nielsen SoundScan.

It follows the rapper’s self-titled album, released Feb. 17, which topped the Billboard 200 chart last week and dropped to No. 2 this week with another 64,000 units sold.

Billboard magazine described “HNDRXX” as exploring “the softer, vulnerable side” of the rapper compared with his “Future”

album.

The publication also said the rapper was the first artist not only to achieve two back-to-back No. 1 albums but also to succeed himself at the top of the chart.

The Billboard 200 album chart tallies units from album sales, song sales (10 songs equal one album) and streaming activity (1,500 streams equal one album).

Other new entries on the top 10 of the Billboard 200 album chart this week include country band Little Big Town, debuting at No. 4 with “Breaker,” and country singer Aaron Watson at No. 10 with “Vaquero.”

On the Digital Songs chart, which measures online singles sales, British singer Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You” held onto the top spot with another 141,000 copies sold. (rtr)

British designer Stella McCartney appears at the end of her Fall/ Winter 2017-2018 women’s ready-towear collection show during the Paris Fashion Week, in Paris, France March 6, 2017.

Stella McCartney brings dance to Paris Opera for fashion week

REUTERS/Benoit Tessier

PARIS - Stella McCartney livened up the catwalk at Paris chief Anna Wintour and Charlotte Fashion Week on Monday with dancing models wearing her Casiraghi, the daughter of Princess signature over-sized clothes in trademark neutral shades with Caroline of Hanover were also there.

A long-time vegetarian who does splashes of unusual colours.

The British fashion designer, known for her sharp tailoring and for mixing luxury and sporty looks, unveiled her autumn/winter 20172018 women’s collection which mixed in burgundy, bottle green, sky blue, white and silver.

Her models gave the penultimate day of the show a relaxed but effortlessly elegant vibe in trenchcoats and jackets, ultra-wide, high-waisted trousers, all-in-one jumpsuits and overalls, and turtleneck mini-dresses with super-sized sleeves.

The show, at the Paris Opera, was inspired by “faith. love. energy.” McCartney’s Twitter feed said, with dancing to “Faith” by the late singer George Michael in the finale.

It was watched by a star-studded crowd including Mexican-U.S. actress Salma Hayek and her French businessman husband FrancoisHenri Pinault, chief executive of the Kering group, which has a 50 percent stake in Stella McCartney.

Canadian-American actress Pamela Anderson, Vogue’s editor-in-

not use leather or fur, McCartney’s fabrics included fake leather and suede, velvet, chequered tweed, denim, pleated organza, loose cotton, chiffon with horse prints or lace-like embroidered details.

Models wore over-sized handheld or strap-over bags, wide belts, casual sporty pumps juxtaposed by elegant but flat fronted and wideheeled, steel toe capped shoes.

Stella McCartney is one of the most active fashion brands on Instagram, with 3.7 million followers and her show was live-streamed on social media. (rtr)

You can find International Bali Post at:

Epic Records via AP

This image released by Epic Records shows “Hndrxx,” a new release by Future.

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

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

1 Kuta Beach Club Jl. Bakung Sari Kuta 2 Wen Dys Kuta the Coffe Bear Jl. Pantai Kuta 3 Seminyak Paradiso Bali Hotel Jl. Camplung Tanduk 4 Ramayana Resort&Spa Jl. Bakung Sari Kuta 5 The Lokha Legian Resort&Spa Jl. Padma Legian Kuta 6 66 Corner Live Sport Emtertaiment Jl. Doble Six/Werkudara 23 7 Leghawa Grill Jl. D.Tamblingan No. 51 8 Retno Barr dan Restoran Jl. D.Tamblingan No.126 A Sanur 9 Elkomedor Jl. D.Tamblingan 140 10 Malaika Scret Jl. D.Poso No 68 11 Snack Shack Jl. D.Poso No. 50D 12 Warung Lokal Jl. D.Poso No. 39 13 Cokro Cafee Jl. D.Poso Sanur 14 T.J.Bar Jl. D.Poso Sanur 15 J & N Kebab Jl. D.Poso Sanur 16 Goanna Bar Jl. D.Poso Sanur 17 Batu Jimbar Jl. D.Tamblingan Sanur

18 Ramayana Cafee Jl. D.Tamblingan 19 Smirnof Cafee Jl. D.Tamblingan Sanur 20 Legwa Hotel Jl. D.Tamblingan Sanur 21 Nu Laser Cafee Jl. D.Tamblingan Sanur 22 Ganesa Book Jl. D.Tamblingan Sanur 23 All For Daiving Jl. D.Tamblingan Sanur 24 Barocca Jl.Petitenget 17 DKerobokan 25 Lantern Jl.Petitenget 17E Kerobokan 26 Shearlock Jl.Petitenget 17C Kerobokan Klod 27 Cafe Degan Jl.Petitenget 9 Kerobokan Klod 28 Kopi Made Jl. Raya Puputan No. 106 Dps 29 Dimsum Manan Jl. Raya Niti Mandala Renon No 148 30 Furama Jl. Raya Niti Mandala No. 148 Renon 31 Warung Subah Renon Jl. Mohamad Yamin No.18 32 Ayam Betutu khas Gilimanuk Jl. Merdeka No.88 Renon 33 Bali Bakery Jl. Hayam Wuruk 184 Denpasar

AP Photo/David Vincent, file

FILE - In this Sunday, Feb. 26, 2017 file photo, French Far-right leader presidential candidate Marine Le Pen gestures at the start of a conference in Nantes, western France. The European Parliament voted Thursday, March 2 to lift French far-right leader Marine Le Pen’s immunity from prosecution for tweeting gruesome images of violence, a crime carrying a maximum sentence of three years in prison.

France faces remarkable moment as Le Pen and Macron may be in run-off

PARIS - The French centre-right is in self-destruct mode. “I’m not capable of doing what’s Back in December, it all looked so different. In a US-style ‘pri- necessary, rallying people around mary’, Republican Party voters surprised everyone by choosing a unifying project,” he said.

Steadily, Mr Fillon’s poll ratings the so-called ‘third man’ as their candidate for President.

Francois Fillon was picked instead of Alain Juppe and Nicholas Sarkozy. Mr Juppe had been the favourite and if not him then Mr Sarkozy.

But both of them carry significant baggage. Mr Juppe is a convicted fraudster and Mr Sarkozy is under investigation for misuse of funds.

So they chose Mr Fillon, scandalfree and, with policies further to the right of Mr Juppe or Mr Sarkozy, he seemed to be the best foil for Marine Le Pen on the far-right.

Then came ‘Penelope-Gate’ - the allegation that Mr Fillon paid his wife Penelope and his children for

parliamentary jobs they allegedly didn’t do.

For over a month, he has fought the allegations with an ever more remarkable defiance. Several times, the expectation has been that he would stand aside under the pressure.

A weekend rally in central Paris was seen as a make-or-break moment - senior party insiders watched the crowd size and the fluctuating polls. Should they ditch their man and replace him so close to the election?

And if so then with whom? Mr Juppe has made quite clear ‘once and for all’ that he will not stand.

have slipped and his staff have quit. He is currently not expected to make it into the second round of the election. The beneficiaries are centrist Emmanuel Macron and far-right leader Marine Le Pen who are most likely to fight out the run-off.

Continued to page 6

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