I
Bali hotel occupancy rate up 0.87 percent in April
N
T
E
R
N
A
T
I
O
N
A
L
16 Pages Number 124 3st Year Price: Rp 3.000,-
e-mail: info_ibp@balipost.co.id online: http://www.internationalbalipost.com. http://epaper.internationalbalipost.com.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Bali Governor, Made Mangku Pastika, open the 23rd Congress of the Indonesian Newspaper Publishers (SPS) in Wiswasabha in Bali Governor Office on Tuesday, June 7, 2011
PAGE 8
IBP/Eka Adhiyasa
Tom Hanks launches new film at London premiere
Governor open the 23rd SPS Congress
SPS must uphold the freedom of press
PAGE 12
Denpasar (Bali Post) –
Bali’s Governor, Made Mangku Pastika, officially opened the 23rd Congress of the Newspaper Publishers Association (SPS) in Wiswasabha building in the Governor Office, on Tuesday, June 7, 2011.
WEATHER FORECAST CITY
TEMPERATURE OC
DENPASAR
23 - 32
JAKARTA
24 - 34
BANDUNG
20 - 28
YOGYAKARTA
23 - 32
SURABAYA
25 - 33
SUNNY
BRIGHT/CLOUDY
RAIN
HOTLINE For placing advertisment, please contact: Eka Wahyuni
0361-225764
The congress will be held until Thursday, June 9, 2011 in Aston Hotel Denpasar and attended by more than 200 members of SPS
throughout Indonesia. On the occasion, the Governor said that the congress themed “the future of digitalization and interdependency
of media” will become the awakening of the media in applying the value of Pancasila. There is also great hope that the SPS institution can become the place to uphold the freedom of press and developing the healthier press industry. Mangku Pastika said that press hold a strategic position in the society. As the partner of the government, press could
help in the effort to develop the country. “Indonesian press must be active and work hard to make a conducive condition which can create a mentally strong and healthy society. This is very important to face the globalization which reduces the local values,” the Governor said. Continued on page 6
Abrasion become a problem in Bali Antara
Denpasar – Bali Environment Association (Walhi) noted on the abrasion which happen on several beach in Bali that is not tourism destination. “The government is only focusing on handling the abrasion on the beaches which are visited by tourists while the one that is not, is being neglected,” said the Head of Bali Walhi, Wayan Suardana. During the discussion held by Walhi entitled the Irony of Paradise Island, he said that the government seemed to forget the beach which is not tourism site. “However, the government doesn’t real-
ize that the effect of the damage on the neglected beaches could lead to the same problem in the tourism site beaches,” Suardana said. He is giving example on the Candikusuma Beach, Cupel and Perancak which suffer 20 meters of abrasion each year. Based on the data in 2009, from 437 km of Bali’s coastline, 181 km of it already suffer from abrasion. Meanwhile, the Vice regent of Jembrana, Made Kembang Hartawan, said that it is very difficult to handle the abrasion. “We hope that the Indonesian Government also assists us in handling the problem,” he added. Continued on page 6
IBP/Doc
People walk in the beach. Many beaches in Bali Island facing serious abrasion and have to tackle immediately to minimize the consequences.
2
International
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Bali News Incapability of managing rubbish
A trigger of failure to achieve Adipura Denpasar (Bali Post)—
Failure of six regencies in Bali, namely Jembrana, Tabanan, Badung, Gianyar, Klungkung and Denpasar to achieve the Adipura trophy and certificate indicated if the majority of regional environmental management system in Bali was not good. From various criteria of Adhipura assessment, the failure of regencies in Bali to attain an outstanding achievement in the environmental field was estimated to have been triggered by incapability of managing rubbish. Level of participation and public awareness of Bali in waste management was also relatively low. Head of Bali Environment Agency (BLH), A.A. Gde Sastrawan, told Bali Post about the matter on Monday (Jun 6). According to Sastrawan, the waste problem posed the biggest obstacle for the regency/city government in Bali to achieve a clean and beautiful environment. It was said that poor waste management had been started from the household level as the main source of waste production. Many households did not comply with the schedule of rubbish disposal set by local government. Disobedience of community caused many piles of garbage strewn in the streets that did not get trans-
ported by rubbish truck provided by government. Ultimately, this condition led to the formation of illegal temporary landfill (TPS) and caused the city to look dirty and shabby. “Considering the existing condition, it can be concluded that most regencies/city in Bali failed to achieve Adhipura because of rubbish problem. In addition, the volume of end landfill (TPA) in Bali was averagely overloaded, too. As a result, this condition also caused the poor score in the assessment. Meanwhile, other parameters in the assessment,
namely air and water pollution factors, I think the condition of our air and water are still relatively good or below the required threshold,” he said. Alit Sastrawan added the cause of failure to achieve the Adhipura was also triggered by drainage system in the respective regency that averagely did not meet the requirements. Poor drainage was also caused by behavior of people who still liked littering. Sometimes, people disposed their rubbish into drains so that water channels were
jammed. When it rained, the floods could not be avoided. Additionally, the rubbish dumped into waterways also potentially reduced the quality of water in Bali. “So, this rubbish problem will spread everywhere and can be a trigger of water and air pollution through a process of decay which resulted in an unpleasant smell. Moreover, it can be a medium of various germs to grow,” he warned. Low Budget
When contacted separately, Deputy Head of Commission IV of Bali House, Ketut Kariyasa Adnyana, admitted to be not surprised if the majority of regency government/municipality in Bali failed to achieve the Adhipura. In terms of physical appearance, the condition of towns in Bali was still far from the clean category. Besides, the level of public awareness to manage the environment remained low.
Such a condition was also aggravated by the attention of local government that was extremely low to the efforts of environmental improvement. “Low attention of local government can be seen from the very low budget provision for the environmental remediation efforts,” he observed. This people’s representative of Buleleng pointed out that Bali government in fiscal year 2011 only allocated about IDR 13 billion for environmental improvement efforts. If compared to the total budget of Bali in 2011 reaching IDR 1.98 trillion, the budget allocated for the environment was only 0.6 percent. “The budget for environment is still very low. I am sure, the low awareness of environmental remediation efforts also occurs in the regency/city government across Bali. It is very easy to check it. Just count the number of rubbish truck owned by respective regency or city,” he said. (kmb13)
China vanquishes Indonesia in fishery processed products Denpasar (Bali Post)—
Indonesia is vanquished by China in processing the result of catch fisheries and aquaculture. Indonesia is only able to manage 11.9 million tons per year of the potential estimated to reach USD 100 billion. Meanwhile, China is able to manage its marine and fishery resources as many as 45 million tons per year. Chairman of the National Executive Board of the Association of Indonesian Fishermen (HNSI), Major General (Ret.) H. Yusuf Soliehien Martadiningrat admitted that Indonesia was an archipelagic country having extraordinary potential of fisheries and marine resources. However, Indonesia was unable to manage the potential maximally. “Indonesia has much better potential than China, although has not been able to vanquish China. For that purpose, to work on the tremen-
dous potential, government, fishermen and stakeholders have to work hard hand in hand. Most importantly, there should be a will,” said Yusuf in Denpasar on Monday (Jun 6). Explained, the catch fishery of Indonesia had the potential of 6.2 million tons per year, but only 5.2 million tons per year could be cultivated. Similarly, the potential of aquaculture was also quite large. However, in developing the fishery potential it had not been worked on by fishermen because they were faced with capital problem. “So far, the number of fishermen in Indonesia, both fishing cultivation and catch fishery, reaches 3 million people. Due to inadequate capital, some of them are unable to go to sea and to carry out their aquaculture activities,” he said. According to him, fishermen were in dire need of capital assis-
tance that of course did not incriminate them. Central government through the Ministry of Maritime and Fisheries Affairs had previously promised to provide convenience to fishermen, especially in Bali, to obtain non-collateral loan (KTA). Aside from capital problem, 72 percent of the existing fishermen did not attend school education. Mostly, they were graduated from primary school only. “At least, the nine-year compulsory education program of government can help them. The state alternatively can provide free education to fishermen. As consequence, they will be able to improve their skill and expectation to be the world’s largest fishery producer can be achieved,” he said. Separately, Division Head of Research and Development, Ministry of Maritime and Fishery Affairs, Dr.
Endhay Kusnendar, stated his party would increase the economic value of fishery products as well as support the community sustainability. He hoped the meeting of AsiaPacific Economic Cooperation would generate a shared commitment in the better handling of marine and fisheries because each meet-
ing previously had their own commitment. The meeting would be attended by delegates from Asia Pacific countries, including Japan, Malaysia, China, Chile and the hosting country Indonesia. “The handling of marine affairs cannot be done alone, but must be shared and sustainable,” he added. (par)
C.05338-rmk
z Founder : K.Nadha, z General Manager :Palgunadi Chief Editor: Diah Dewi Juniarti z Editors: Gugiek Savindra,Alit Susrini, Alit Sumertha, Daniel Fajry, Mawa, Sri Hartini, Suana, Sueca, Sugiartha, Wirya, Yudi Winanto zDenpasar: Dira Arsana, Giriana Saputra, Subagiadnya, Subrata, Suentra, Sumatika, Asmara Putra. Bangli: Pujawan, Buleleng: Adnyana, Gianyar: Agung Dharmada, Karangasem: Budana, Klungkung: Bali Putra Ariawan. Jakarta: Nikson, Hardianto, Ade Irawan. NTB: Agus Talino, Syamsudin Karim, Izzul Khairi, Raka Akriyani. Surabaya: Bambang Wilianto. z Development: Alit Purnata, Mas Ruscitadewi. z 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: 0215357605 Jakarta Pusat. NTB: Jalam Bangau No. 15 Cakranegara Telp. (0370) 639543, Facsimile: (0370) 628257. Publisher: PT Bali Post
Bali News
International
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
3
Change strategies to boost exports Gianyar (Bali Post)—
Craftsmen, especially the bamboo craftsmen, have to change their marketing strategies in order to survive and increase the volume of exports. It was disclosed by practitioner and owner of bamboo handicraft business, Ida Bagus Made Arjawa, in the midst of training activities on Furniture Design and Product Diversification in the workshop held at Surya Jaya Bamboo, at Bona Village, Blahbatuh, Gianyar, on Monday (Jun 6). Amidst the free trade and the economic crisis engulfing the world, especially Europe, the craftsmen and producers of bamboo handicraft should be more creative and innovative in developing their craft products especially in furniture design. Currently, the trend of international market begins to shift to multifunctional product. For example, the most favored bamboo handicraft, especially by French market, was gazebo with additional drawers and cupboards at the top or bottom, so it could be functioned as seating, beds and storage. Within a year, the demand for multifunctional gazebo could reach 3,000 units. “At the moment, craftsmen should dare to come out of the existing fixed design by adding innovative styles that have never been thought of by others previously, but very interesting and sale-
able,” he explained. According to the Head of Gianyar Industry and Trade, I Wayan Suamba, bamboo handicraft was superior products of Gianyar Regency, especially in the export products. Within the past one month, the non-oil export product showed a slight decrease. Cumulatively, the volume of non-oil exports declined 18.70 percent. In response to that matter, craftsmen and manufacturers had to improve the quality both in terms of product design and materials so they could compete against the other exporting countries, chiefly the bamboo curtain country (China). Meanwhile, the Head of Bali Industry and Trade, Gede Darmaja, said that craftsmen did not need to worry about the loss of export markets because the bamboo handicraft products of Bali had a different aura and charisma. Therefore, they were much in demand. However, to make it more competitive, all craftsmen should be able to make something different, especially in terms of design. Furthermore, other than targeting the dominant export destinations like the United States, Japan, France, Australia and Spain, currently the handicraft exports began to target the Arabian and African region. Aside from starting to favor the handicraft products of Bali, the economic condition of the regions was getting better. (kmb16)
BBPOM: E-Coli found in food and beverage Denpasar (Bali Post)—
Though not spreading out widely in Bali, people were expected to process their food and beverages maximally (until completely cooked). Head of Bali Agency for Food and Drug Control (BBPOM), Corry Pandjaitan, when contacted by Bali Post last Monday explained that E-Coli bacteria was currently not only found in vegetables, but also spreading to various processed food, eggs and beverages. “E-coli bacteria are easily carried away by wind, flies and water that is not optimally or well cooked,” she said. She also added that food and beverage were very susceptible to the spread of disease. Therefore, the food handling should receive primary attention. E-Coli bacteria could be caused by feces of humans and animals. This dry dirt would be blown by wind in the form of dust and then would stick to raw food materials and water. Besides, the bacteria could be transmitted through flies perching on cooked food. These bacteria were not easily seen by naked eye. More hazardously, the bacteria could not be completely eradicated because they were easily carried out by wind or water. “These bacteria can be prevented by hygienic lifestyle. Food ingredients and water should be completely
cooked until done. And avoid eating soft-boiled eggs,” she advised. She added that supervision of food processing should be improved from now on. It could be executed by simple step, namely by cleansing finely the food ingredients before processed and then cooking them properly. Afterward, she suggested covering the cooked foods so there would be no dust exposure or infestation of flies. “BBPOM has routinely conducted counseling to the public about how to process and package a good and healthy food. Hopefully, the E-coli outbreak currently prevalent in Germany will not spread to Indonesia, especially Bali,” she expected. Nevertheless, she stayed to call for an early prevention. One of them was by making a habit of healthy living because food contaminated by bacteria was not visible to naked eye. Related to the disease caused by EColi bacteria, Corry said that it generally caused gastrointestinal disorders with abdominal pain, diarrhea and sometimes accompanied by vomiting. The disease was caused by foods contain a number of pathogenic bacteria or toxins released by bacteria. Such a disease could attack all people such as children and parents. (bit)
IBP/file
A dance perfomed on the opening ceremonoy of the 32nd BAF last year.
The 33rd Bali Arts Festival presents reconstruction art Denpasar (Bali Post)—
The 33rd Bali Arts Festival (BAF) will feature flagship programs—the art compositions retaining superior ideas and quality in terms of content and presentation. There are some excellent programs that will be expected to give something different from the previous BAFs, namely the art of reconstruction, revitalization and innovation. The arts of reconstruction presented pose the art that formerly existed, but no longer survives. Afterward, the art is rebuilt and then displayed in the BAF. Meanwhile, the art of revitalization is strengthening the existing arts to make them more sustainable. Last but not least, the art of innovation poses a new art composition constituting the development of previous arts. Head of Bali Cultural Services, Ketut Suastika, doubling as Chairman of the BAF Organizing Committee, said on Monday (Jun 6) that reconstruction to a number of arts would be presented to the public in this BAF. For example, human puppet from Sidan Hamlet, Petang, (Badung), Joged Gandrangan from Pengotan (Bangli), pelegongan (Denpasar), reconstruction of Baris Memedi from Puluk-Puluk Village, Penebel (Tabanan) and so forth. Meanwhile, the art of revitalization included the Legong from Saba, Gianyar. In the BAF bearing the theme Desa Kala Patra would also be displayed the art of innovation
like arja operetta by Mekara Duaja Art Studio from Singapadu, Gianyar, innovation mask by Dr. Catra and so forth. In addition, the 33rd BAF also attempted to display the uniqueness of typical arts from the regencies/ city. Some of them were Ketungan classical dance of Tabanan; gambuh of Karangasem; gandrung of Nusa Penida, Klungkung; Cupak dancedrama by SMP Dwijendra, Denpasar and Sedang Hamlet, Badung; Kendang Mebarung of Jembrana; Parwa drama-dance of Abiansemal, Badung; Kunik arja operetta of Nusa Penida, Klungkung; and so forth. Added Suastika, this BAF would be improved in terms of performance, type of art, service, comfort and safety. “We’re trying hard to make it better and quality. Indeed, in the previous years had been good. We want the condition can be maintained and further improved,” he said while adding the efforts to give more comfort to BAF visitors, while access to the Art Center was ex-
pected to be more spacious. To that end, the road to the Art Center from traffic light until the road to the campus of ISI Denpasar would be made sterile from parking and traders. On the opening of the 33rd BAF, the committee also invited a number of ministers such as Minister of Culture and Tourism, Ministry of Home Affairs, Minister of State Secretary, and a number of governors throughout Indonesia. The officials were also expected to join watching the cultural parade of BAF. In relation to the implementation of BAF parade, the committee established two stages where the officials and other guests would be watching the parade. The stages were located in front of Jaya Sabha Building with a capacity of 375 invitees from various components and in front of the Kedaton Hamlet Hall accommodating 325 invitees. Meanwhile, the Head of Bali Art Center, Mantara Gandi, said that the Art Center was ready with all the amenities. Now, it just needed to intensify the sanitation. (08)
4
News
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
International
Attack kills 120 Syrian forces; crackdown feared Associated Press Writer
BEIRUT – Armed men killed 120 Syrian security forces and torched government buildings in a northern region where troops have unleashed deadly assaults on protesters for days, Syria said. The government vowed to respond “decisively,” hinting at an even more brutal crackdown by a regime known for ruthlessly crushing dissent. If confirmed, the attack in the north would be a turning point in what so far has largely been a peaceful uprising threatening the 40-year rule of President Bashar Assad and his family. Opposition activists were skeptical of the official casualty toll, saying the authorities were setting the stage for a new onslaught. But even they acknowledged there was fighting, although it was not clear who was involved. Communications were cut to the area around Jisr al-Shughour on Monday and the details of the attack were impossible to verify, but there have been unconfirmed reports by activists and residents in the past of Syrians and even mutinous troops fighting back against security forces. Adnan Mahmoud, the chief government spokesman, acknowledged
that Syrian forces had lost control of some areas for “intermittent periods of time” and said residents had appealed to the army to do what was necessary to restore security. “We will deal strongly and decisively, and according to the law, and we will not be silent about any armed attack that targets the security of the state and its citizens,” said Interior Minister Ibrahim Shaar. The surprisingly high death toll among pro-regime troops would suggest some sort of major lashback against the crackdown against the uprising — though by whom was unknown because of the seal over the area. Regardless of who carried out Monday’s attack, it shows new cracks in a rule that has held out through weekly protests of thousands of people. Human rights activist Mustafa Osso said there were unconfirmed re-
AP Photo/Hussein Malla
Lebanese army soldier and others are seen at the scene of a destroyed gas station after an accidental explosion occurred at a fuel tank, in Beirut Lebanon, on Monday June 6, 2011. At least three people were killed and several were injured.
ports of a few soldiers who switched sides and were defending themselves against attacking security forces, but he said the reports suggest the mutiny is limited and “does not pose a threat to the unity of the army yet.”
Staff of Berlin’s Robert-Kochinstitute wear protective gear as they investigate an organic farm that had been identified as a possible source of the deadly outbreak of E.Coli in the village of Bienenbuettel some 300 km north west of Berlin on June 6, 2011. AFP PHOTO / ODD ANDERSEN
EU health chief criticizes Germany over E. coli Associated Press Writer
BRUSSELS – The European Union health chief on Tuesday warned Germany against premature — and inaccurate — conclusions on the source of contaminated food that have spread fear all over Europe and cost farmers in exports. EU Health Commissioner John Dalli told the EU parliament in Strasbourg that such public information must be scientifically sound and foolproof before it becomes public. Over the past days Germany first pointed a finger at Spanish cucumbers, then at local sprouts, before backtracking on both. EU farm ministers are convening in an emergency meeting in Luxembourg later
Tuesday amid demands from farmers that they be paid back for the losses caused by the E. coli outbreak in Europe that has killed 22 and sickened more than 2,330. Meanwhile Russia’s chief sanitary official told the Interfax news agency Tuesday there was progress toward the easing of his country’s ban on imports of fresh vegetables from EU nations. Gennady Onishchenko said that European officials had promised to pass on samples of the strain of E. coli, which would help Russia gather information for lifting the ban that was imposed on Thursday. He singled out Denmark’s cooperation and said exports from that country could be resumed soon if officials there send more information.
“The protesters have so far been peaceful and unarmed,” said Osso. A Syrian activist speaking on condition of anonymity said there were unconfirmed reports of infighting between security forces. “The situa-
tion is very foggy, it is unclear who is doing the shooting, but the situation is very serious and appears to be getting out of control,” he said on condition of anonymity. He said there were fears the army was preparing a major attack.
Iran sends submarines to Red Sea: report Reuters
TEHRAN – Iran has sent submarines to the Red Sea, the semi-official Fars news agency reported on Tuesday, citing an unidentified source, in a move that could anger Israel. “Iranian military submarines entered the Red Sea waters with the goal of collecting information and identifying other countries’ combat vessels,” Fars said. It did not specify the number or type of vessels involved but said they were sailing alongside warships of the Navy’s 14th fleet. State-run Press TV said in May the 14th fleet, comprised of two vessels, the Bandar Abbas warship and Shahid Naqdi destroyer, had been sent to combat piracy in the Gulf of
Aden. “The fleet entered the Gulf of Aden region in May and has now entered the Red Sea in the continuation of its mission,” Fars said. Two Iranian warships passed through the Suez Canal in February, the first such move since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, en route to Syria. Tehran said the mission was one of “peace and friendship” but Israel called it a “provocation.” Iran announced last August it had expanded its fleet of domestically built 120-tonne Ghadirclass submarines to 11 which it said would be used to patrol the Gulf and the Sea of Oman. It has deployed warships further afield, as far as the Red Sea, to combat Somali pirates but has not previously said it sent submarines to those waters.
AFP PHOTO/ATTA KENARE
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (L) meets with a delegation of Egyptian Muslim scholars and revolutionary activists at the presidential office in Tehran on June 1, 2011.
Activities The Private Spa Wellness Center Presents a collection by Yono
International
IBP
SEMINYAK - When it comes to style, perfect looks aren’t simply about wearing the right clothes. Inner beauty and serenity need to shine through, too: fashion and good grooming go
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
5
hand-in-hand. So The Private Spa Wellness Center is proud to host a fashion show and cocktail reception on Thursday, June 16, from 6 pm to 9 pm. This eclectic combination of body and spirit wellness, luxury clothing and deliciously healthy food will be held at The Private Spa Wellness Center in Seminyak. The show will feature an exquisite collection by designer Yono, with the secret of inner beauty and skincare showcased throughout the night. The event will serve healthy and organic canape and refreshments created with only the freshest, local ingredients. Guests can also get to know more about our unique wellness center, with a short demo about our holistic treatments including dancing silk and chakra balancing. Luxurious door prizes will be provided by world-renowned skin-care brand Pevonia Botanica. Pevonia and The Private Spa will also offer a collection of gift hampers specifically designed for Lebaran. Admission is Rp 250,000 per person, including a voucher for one-time 60-minute treatment (valued at Rp 500,000, which includes far infrared sauna or hamamm), canape and refreshments and entertainment. And for this night only, we offer the opportunity to purchase treatment vouchers at 50% off as well as 20% off on all Pevonia Botanica retail products.
Temple Ceremony Calendar Event for May 25 through July 8, 2011 25 May Buda Pon Tolu Catur Temple Buwana Sanding Tampaksiring 26 May Wraspati Wage Tolu Peninjoan Temple Besakih - Karangasem 1 Jun Buda Keliwon Gumbreg Pasek Gelgel Kukuh Marga Tabanan Pasek Gelgel Dukuh Selemadeg Tabanan Puseh Guwang Village Sukawati Merajan Pasek Ketewel Ketewel Merajan Pangeran Tangkas Kuro Agung Jeroan Sading Dalem Setra Batu Nunggul Swana Nusa Penida 8 Jun Buda Paing Wariga Merajan Pasek Gaduh Kayubihi Bangli 11 Jun Tumpek Uduh/Pengatag Puseh / Village Temple Batuan Sukawati Pasek Bendesa Kekeran Mengwi Manik Mas Besakih - Karangasem 15 Jun Buda Wage Warigadean Kepisah Sumerta Denpasar Pasek Gelgel Gerih Abiansemal Badung Puncaksari Penarukan Peninjoan Bangli Bangun Sakti Besakih - Karangasem Antegsari Kaba-Kaba Kediri Tabanan Pesimpangan Batur Pande Kaba-Kaba Kediri Tabanan 17 Jun Sukra Umanis Warigadean Odalan Ida Ratu di Penataran Agung Besakih - Karangasem Odalan Ida Ratu Puraus Merajan Salonding Besakih 19 Jun Redite Pon Julungwangi Panti Pasek Gelgel Gobleg Banjar - Singaraja 21 Jun Anggar Kasih Julungwangi Tirtaharum Tegalwangi Bangli Pasek Tohjiwa Wanasari Tabanan Pasek Tangguntiti Jakatebel Tabanan Pasek Bendesa Sangsit Sangsit Buleleng Dalem Waturenggong Taro Tegalalang
Ibu (Pura Kaja) Wanasari Selemadeg Tabanan Pasek Gelgel Tulikup - Gianyar Manik Bingin Sidemen - Karangasem 22 Jun Buda Umanis Julungwangi Penetaran Gana Bebalang Bangli Dalem Gede Banjar Pande Bangli Puncaksari Sangeh Abiansemal - Badung Dadia Agung Pasek Sanak Sapta Resi Gianyar Merajan Pasek Tohjiwa Tohjiwa Jakatebel Merajan Pasek Prateka Batusesa Mr. Jeroan Dauh Cemenggon Puseh Penegil Darma Kubutambahan Singaraja 30 Jun Wraspati Wage Sungsang Kawitan Tangkas Kori Agung Desa Tangkas Klungkung Siang Kangin Tampuagan Tembuku Bangli Odalan Ida Ratu Mas Penataran Agung Besakih Merajan Pasek Gelgel Petemon Odalan Ida Bhatara Bang Tulus Dewa Besakih - Karangasem 6 Jul Buda Keliwon Dunggulan Wakika Temple Kupang, NTT Agung Girinatha Temple Sumbawa Besar NTB Dukuh Sakti Temple Dukuh Kediri-Tabanan Atambuananta Temple Kutamba NTT Webananta Temple Kupang, NTT Giripati Mulawarman Temple Pontianak Mustika Dharma Temple Cijantung I Jakarta Timur Mustika Dharma Kompleks Kopassus Cijantung Jakarta Timur 7 Jul Wraspati Umanis Dunggulan Watukaru Temple Tabanan Lempuyang Luhur Temple Karangasem Kentel Gumi Temple Klungkung Pasek Gaduh Temple Umadesa Kediri Tabanan Pasek Kubayan Temple Wangaya Gede Penebel Tabanan Merajan Pasek Temple Tohjiwa Tiyingan - Klungkung Merajan Pasek Gaduh Temple Umadesa 8 Jul Sukra Paing Dunggulan Ulun Suwi Temple Jimbaran - Badung Luhur Temple Cemenggon, Sukawati - Gianyar Pasek Ubung Temple Ubung - Denpasar
Balinese Temple Ceremony EVERY Temple and Shrine has a special date for it annual Ceremony, or “ Odalan “, every 210 days according to Balinese calendar, including the smaller ancestral shrine which each family possesses. Because of this practically every few days a ceremony of festival of some kind takes place in some Village in Bali. There are also times when the entire island celebrated the same Holiday, such as at Galungan, Kuningan, Nyepi day, Saraswati day, Tumpek Landep day, Pagerwesi day, Tumpek Wayang day etc. The dedication or inauguration day of a Temple is considered its birth day and celebration always takes place on the same day if the wuku or 210 day calendar is used. When new moon is used then the celebration always happens on new moon or full moon. The day of course can differ the religious celebration of a temple lasts at least one full day with some temple celebrating for three days while the celebration of Besakih temple, the Mother Temple, is never less than 7 days and most of the time it lasts for 11 days, depending on the importance of the occasion. The celebration is very colorful. The shrine are dressed with pieces of cloths and sometimes with brocade, sailings, decorations of carved wood and sometimes painted with gold and Chinese coins, very beautifully arranged, are hung in the four corners of the shrine. In front of shrine are placed red, white or black umbrellas depending which Gods are worshipped in the shrines. In front of important shrine one sees, besides these umbrellas soars, tridents and other weapons, the “umbulumbul”, long flags, all these are prerogatives or attributes of Holiness. In front of the Temple gate put up “Penjor”, long bamboo poles, decorated beautifully ornaments of young coconut leaves, rice and other products of the land. Most beautiful to see are the girls in their colorful attire, carrying offerings, arrangements of all kinds fruits and colored cakes, to the Temple. Every visitor admires the grace with which the carry their load on their heads.
6
News
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
In this undated photo released by Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Saturday, May 28, 2011 and distributed by Korea News Service in Tokyo Wednesday, June 1, 2011, North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, center right, accompanied by his son Kim Jong Un, third right, inspect the construction site of the Huichon Power Station in Jokang Do, North Korea. AP Photo/Korean Central News Agency via Korea News Service
EU team in N. Korea to assess food shortages Agence France Presse
SEOUL – A group of European Union officials has arrived in North Korea for a two-week visit to assess the impoverished country’s food situation amid fears of imminent shortages, officials said Tuesday. The European Commission Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection (ECHO) group arrived in Pyongyang on Monday, a Seoul foreign ministry official told AFP on condition of anonymity. EU officials will travel across North Korea until June 17 to review its food conditions, she said, adding they would launch a technical probe “upon a plea for aid”. The EU delegation office in Seoul said it was aware of the trip but declined to comment. Seoul’s Dong-A Ilbo newspaper said the five-member group would visit hospitals and childcare centres while inter-
viewing ordinary people, government officials and foreign aid workers. Some of the delegates will travel outside the showpiece city of Pyongyang and will decide whether to offer aid two or three weeks after the trip, it said, citing a diplomatic source in Seoul. US officials made a similar trip between late May and early June. Robert King, the US special envoy for human rights in North Korea, said last week that Washington was still deciding whether to provide food. The North, where hundreds of thousands died in a famine in the
1990s, suffers chronic food shortages. This year Pyongyang pleaded with the US and other nations for food as international aid dwindled partly due to irritation over its nuclear programmes and tensions on the Korean peninsula. International relief groups have voiced fears that parts of North Korea may run out of food in mid-June. But some South Korean officials are sceptical about the need, saying North Korea wants to stockpile supplies for handouts to mark the 100th birth anniversary of its founder Kim Il-Sung.
Naked Irish rower rescued off Australia Agence France Presse
SYDNEY – An Irishman attempting to row across the Indian Ocean naked was rescued Tuesday after he was hit by a large wave and banged his head. Keith Whelan, 30, was trying to become the youngest man, and first Irishman, to complete the 6,000 kilometre (3,720 mile) crossing, but came to grief in rough seas off Western Australia. He was picked up by a Japanese ship some 206 kilometres
northwest of Geraldton. “He was hit by a wave overnight and sustained a large cut to his head,” a spokeswoman at the Australian Maritime Safety Authority told AFP. “He made a satellite phone call to a contact in the United Kingdom who then contacted Australian authorities and we diverted a merchant ship to pick him up.” On his website, Whelan said he was attempting the epic voyage naked to raise money for Keep a Child Alive, a charity dedicated to helping children and
families affected by HIV/AIDS. “At first I thought this was complete madness but at the same time it appealed to me,” he said of why he was undertaking the trip. “I am a risk taker and risking your life to achieve a dream is the biggest risk you can take.” He initially departed Geraldton on May 7. But bad weather hampered his progress and forced him to spend time on the Abrohlos Islands, off the Western Australian coast. He left there for Mauritius on June 4.
NZ mourns death of Shrek the famously shaggy sheep Associated Press Writer
New Zealanders were mourning the loss of the country’s most famous sheep on Tuesday, a shaggy national icon named Shrek who was renowned for avoiding being shorn for years. Shrek captured the public’s imagination in 2004 after he evaded the annual shearing roundups for seven years by hiding in caves on his farm on the South Island. When finally found, he was clad in an astonishing 60 pounds (27 kilograms) of wool. In a country where sheep outnumber people by nearly 10 to one, Shrek’s story of stubbornness and guile appealed to many. After his capture, Shrek — a Merino breed of sheep prized for having some of the softest wool — was shorn on live TV in a broadcast that was picked up around the world and watched by millions. His story inspired three books. “He was quite an elderly statesman,” said owner John Perriam. “He taught us a lot.” Until becoming sick three weeks ago, Shrek toured the country, commanding $16,000 for appearances and getting the star treatment wherever he went. In one appearance, Shrek was shorn atop a large iceberg that was floating near the South
Island coast. Shrek was one of about 17,000 sheep on the the 27,000-acre (11,000-hectare) Bendigo farm in the small town of Tarras. Perriam believes Shrek was able to survive the winters and avoid detection by moving about a series of sheltered caves and by munching on small native shrubs. “It’s bizarre that we missed him seven years in a row,” Perriam said. “But from his point of view, it was the perfect environment.” After Shrek became a star, Perriam gave him his own barn and showroom. Shrek even had a personal caregiver look after him when he became sick, before the sheep was euthanized Monday at age 17. Perriam said that as well as laying claim to being New Zealand’s woolliest sheep, Shrek may also have been its oldest. Most sheep live for no more than six years before being slaughtered. Since Shrek’s death, tributes have been pouring in online, including on the Facebook page “R.I.P Shrek the Sheep.” One wrote “Swift Wings Old Boy ... There’s a yummy green paddock (pasture) waiting for you.” Perriam is planning a funeral service and will ask a friend to scatter Shrek’s ashes atop Mt. Cook, New Zealand’s tallest mountain.
FILE - In this April 28, 2004 file, Shrek the 9year-old merino wether is photographed before he has his fleece shorn at the Golden Gate Lodge in Cromwell, New Zealand. AP Photo/FOTOPRESS, Ross Land, File
Abrasion... From page 1 Bagus Sudibya, the coordinator of ASITA Bali and Nusa Tenggara, said that the tourism industry also donate to the problem. “The devel-
opment of villas and hotels on the coastline also could cause abrasion,” he added. For that reason, Sudibya urge the government to create certain rule to clear the beach from such development so the abrasion doesn’t getting worst.
SPS... From page 1 Meanwhile, Satria Naradha from the Indonesian Press Board said that the press independency after the reform era is getting better. The development of the printed media is getting better throughout Indoensia. “The rank of Indonesian press freedom is improving in south east Asia. This is because the commitment of the government to
support the press and also the effort of the press workers in Indonesia,” he added. Satria Naradha explained that the expectation of the people on the press must be responded quickly by the press. The future of Indonesian press must be the major attention of all elements including the government, the press itself and the society.
International
Indonesia Today
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
7
Death toll from Indonesia ship accident rises to 28 Agence France-Presse
JAKARTA – Rescuers on Tuesday plucked 10 more bodies from the waters after a passenger ship capsized off Indonesia’s Borneo Island, raising the death toll from the accident to 28, an official said. “Rescuers recovered 10 more bodies today so the number of people killed so far is 28. Some were trapped in the ship while others were found at sea,” local port authority
AFP PHOTO
Photo taken on June 6, 2011 shows rescuers searching the capsized ferry off Kota Baru in South Kalimantan province for at least 18 people missing after the passenger ship sank off Indonesia’s Borneo island, with another 18 people already confirmed dead, an official said.
official Hariyono told AFP. “Some reported to be missing earlier had also been found. Only one or two are still missing and rescuers are searching for them,” he added. The ship, which carrying four crew members and around 100 passengers, was hit by strong winds and high waves in the sea off South Kalimantan province on Monday, he said. “It was raining very heavily yesterday so weather might have caused the accident. We’re also investigating if (it was) over capacity,” Hariyono said. The Indonesian archipelago of more than 17,000 islands is heavily dependent on maritime services but the industry has a poor safety record and fatal accidents are common. Up to 335 people were killed when a heavily overloaded ferry sank off Sulawesi Island in January last year.
President presents Kalpataru, Adipura awards Antara
JAKARTA - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono conferred the Indonesian state‘s highest distinction for environment-related achievements, namely Kalpataru and Adipupra awards on a number of people from various walks of life. The awards, presented on the occasion of World Environment Day 2011 at the State Palace here on Tuesday, were given in four categories, namely Kalpataru for individuals and groups, and Adipura for metropolitan cities, big cities, medium cities, and small cities. The awards were also given to the head of the provincial-level re-
gions and districts/municipalities for the best composers of Regional Environmental Status 2012 (LHSD 2012). The Kalpataru awards for the environmental pioneer category were given to Sugiarto of Cowek village in the East Java district of Pasuruan, Maramis Asid of Nagari Sinurui in the West Sumatra district
of Pasaman Barat, and Lulut Sri Yuliani of Rungkut sub-district in Surabaya, East Java. For environmental devotee category, the Kalpataru awards were given to Soleman Nugroho of Desa Tematana village in Sumba Barat Daya district, East Nusa Tenggara; Surjadi SP of Bebalang village in Bangli district, Bali; and Sudarli ofi Desa Purwodadi village in Gunung Kidul district, Yogyakarta. The Kalpataru awards for environment rescuer category were presented to a group of fishermen at Serangan village in Denpasar Selatan sub-district, Bali; Nurul
RI tightens watch over European vegetable imports Antara
JAKARTA - Indonesia is tightening supervision of the import of vegetables from Europe to prevent the possible spread of disease caused by E-Coli bacteria which have been affecting parts of the European population since May. “We will also coordinate with the Agriculture Quarantine Agency to closely monitor imports of vegetables from Europe. Imports of vegetables from Europe would be put under close supervision,” the director general of standardization and consumer protection of the ministry of trade, Nus Nuzulia Ishak, said here on Monday. Trade minister Mari Elka
Pangestu will also coordinate with the Drug and Food Supervision Agency (BPOM) of the ministry of health to counsel consumers, he said. “We will also study the developments that occur in Europe and in this case we will also coordinate with the ministry of agriculture because vegetables are under supervision of the quarantine agency,” he said. Apart from that, he said, the government would increase counseling regarding the need for the people as consumers of vegetables including those from Europe to practice a clean and healthy life style. “We need to carry that campaign so that the case would not occur here,” he said. He said according to the trade
ministry data, in 2010 imports of vegetables from Europe reached US$4.3 million and from January to March 2011 they reached US$1.8 million. “Imports from Europe are mainly from Britain, the Netherlands, and France. Imports from Germany are the smallest,” he said. In the middle of May 2011 cases of illness caused by E.Coli bacteria were found in Germany and several countries in Europe and until June 2 17 out of 1,733 cases had led to deaths. Disease from E.Coli bacteria could usually be prevented with a clean and healthy lifestyle. The cases have also been found in Austria, France, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic and Norway.
Hakim Islamic Boarding School at Kediri village in Lombok Barat district, West Nusa Tenggara; and Pelopor Sehati Foundation in Padang Mutung village, Kampar district in Riau province. And for environment builder category the awards were presented to Aang Hamidi Suganda of Kuningan district in West Java, and Krido Suprayitno of Sleman district in Yogyakarta province. While Adipura awards for metropolitan cities category were given to the cities of Surabaya and Palembang. For big cities category, the
Adipura awards went to Yogyakarta city and Riau provincial city of Pekanbaru. Adipura awards for medium cities category were given to 32 cities among others the cities of Jepara in Central Java, Parepare in South Sulawesi, Kendari in Southeast Sulawesi, Gresik in East Java, and Probolinggo in East Java. Adipura for small cities category went to 42 cities, among others Pangkajene in South Sulawesi, Pangkalan Bun in Central Kalimantan, Pati in Central Java, Mojosari in East Java, and Kolaka in Southeast Sulawesi.
Government discussing proposal for tax on coconut exports Antara
JAKARTA - The government is discussing a proposal for the imposition of tax on coconut exports, an official said. “It (the proposal) is being discussed. It seems that (coconut exports) would be subject to tax,” Director General of Foreign Trade at the Trade Ministry Deddy Saleh said following a working meeting with the House of Representatives Commission VI here on Monday. The measure was necessary now that importers bought Indonesian coconut at higher price than domestic price. “The export tax is likely to be the best instrument like what we have applied to cocoa and crude palm oil
exports. We will use it for industries which need protection,” he said. However, he did not elaborate on the mechanism of imposing tax on coconut exports and the types of coconut to be subject to export tax. “Let`s wait and see. Now we are discussing (export tax on) coconut and will probably discuss (export tax on) copra too,” he said. Neither did he mention the current production and export of coconut. “So far coconut exports have not been regulated so we don`t know the volume of coconut exports,” he said. Domestic coconut processing industries earlier asked the government to impose tax on coconut exports to ensure a stable supply of raw materials.
8
International
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Bali Today Bali hotel occupancy rate up 0.87 percent in April Antara
DENPASAR - Star-rated hotels in Bali saw average room occupancy rate in April increase 0.87 percent to 64.03 percent from 63.16 percent in March. “The increase in room occupancy rate was closely related to the rising number of domestic and foreign tourist arrivals in the resort island,” Head of the Bali Provincial Statistics Office I Gede Suarsa said here on Sunday. A total of 224,704 foreign tourists visited Bali in April, a 21.52 percent increase compared with April last year, he said. Overall, the number of tourist arrivals in the four months through April reached 848,899, up 13.37 percent from 748,754 in the same period last year, he said. Gede Suarsa said star-rated hotels in the provincial capital Denpasar recorded the highest room occupancy rate of 66.48 percent in April, followed by Badung district
65.08 percent, Gianyar district 57.90 percent, Karangasem district 48.40 percent, Buleleng district 48.36 percent and Tabanan district 41.85 percent. No star-rated hotels are found in the three districts of Jembrana, Bangli, and Klungkung. Meanwhile, the room occupancy rate of non-star hotels in Bali averaged 34.69 percent in April, down from 38.37 percent a month earlier.
Tourists sunbathing on Kuta Beach. Star-rated hotels in Bali saw average room occupancy rate in April increase 0.87 percent to 64.03 percent from 63.16 percent in March.
IBP/Doc
Household Waste Can Produce Gas Energy Antara
DENPASAR - Household waste if managed and handled professionally will produce gas energy to meet the needs of the homes, Hira Jamtani, an environmental activist said. In a discussion themed Towards Green Energy, he said he had practiced at his own home and found that household waste material pro-
FOTO ANTARA/Prasetyo Utomo
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (right) handing over the Kalpataru Award Environmentalist Category to Surjadi (left) from Bangli, Bali during the ceremony of World Environment Day, Tuesday, June 7, 2011.
Household waste if managed and handled professionally will produce gas energy to meet the needs of the homes, Hira Jamtani, an environmental activist said.
IBP/Doc
cessed by fermentation can produce gas energy. “With using the energy I can cook in my kitchen every day up to 80 minutes,” he said. In the meantime, agricultural expert of Udayana University and environmental activist Dr Luh Kartini said household waste material if managed well will have an economic value, and if neglected will pose a threat to life in general.
International
Wednesday, June 8 2011
Balinese Culture Nyepi, Part of Global Environment Priorities At first, people knows about the meaning and values behind brata penyepian (Nyepi fasting) as a part of Hindu’s teaching and one Balinese unique tradition. In its development there’s a want to make that tradition as part of tourist attraction. Now, people want it more than that wants it as a part to be applied and seen as something important in the global environment. Before this there were some psychology problems appearing as in Nyepi. Supports did not come from those who did not involve in these priorities yet it came at last after the positive appreciation spread having its approach added or changed and so global priorities got in it. These global priorities were part of the ongoing three aspects that in introducing and socializing the meaning of Nyepi with new approaches will let others see the use of having it in preserving the environment. Nyepi was introduced to the nation and international not for Bali’s tourism priorities but for wider importance, global itself, for ongoing development. Nyepi from global perspective can still be assessed such as environmental pollution. In this context the Head of Indonesia Delegation for Climate Change Summit Conference year 2007 in Nusa Dua, Emil Salim, revealed that Nyepi has a great contribution in decreasing CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) emission not only in Bali and not only a day and night
but its positive affect spreads and for that it is not weird if other conference attendees were amazed with the film about Nyepi in Bali. They were amazed remembering this conference was about the reflection of the world’s complaint against global warming as the earth’s surface temperature kept going up with carbon dioxide and other gasses or green house gasses kept covering earth, keeping heat. This approach should be developed and has a wider appreciation that brata penyepian is not only in order to appreciate certain religion and for Bali’s tourism, but it’s for everyone, a universal priority and for the future. Bali is rich with universal characteristic spirits and so to introduce it so doesn’t need a religious approach such as spirit in agriculture is the subak (irrigation) system, tumpek kandang ceremony for environment preservation which is all part of traditional spirit which amazed others as it has universal meaning. Other than that would be Nyepi itself, kawitan (ancestors), banjar, desa pakraman (traditional villages), sekaa (groups) and more. Those spirits were not only dig and united to make the dreamed Bali, Bali Dwipajaya, but also to actualize in finding balance points in developing variety in purpose those spirits keep protected and became an inspiration source in the new variation. For example Bali traditional spirit taught to build a building not just for owner’s need
but also for the environment. Yet its height parameter is not “not allowed to be higher than a coconut tree” but it’s “not more than 15 meters”. These spirits couldn’t be applied if facing globalization grabbing the world. Agriculture sector with its subak system seems no longer seen its role when the international world hit by food crisis. In other hand, the affect of higher commodity agriculture price in international market not felt by the local farmers. Also when soya beans price and others are being played by overseas traders, the local entrepreneurs couldn’t fight back. This is showing that all this time we haven’t fully actualize these spirits that is developing beneath the people and so the balance point in variety hasn’t been found. Moreover those universal meaningful spirits starts to go. The analogue with Nyepi is the Tri Hita Karana (three human harmonic connection with God, human and environment). Tri Hita Karana has universal values in the concept and implementation not separating races, generations and religions. For that in the process to approach and socialize it to national and international, Tri Hita Karana not only should be a philosophy that comes from certain religion but also to be understood as a concept with universal values. So in explaining Tri Hita Karana academically based on ratio and general logic, as started all this time it needs to be sharpen and developed further. (IBP/Doc)
Coconut Sweet Potato Cake (Getuk Lindri) Ingredients * 2 lbs. cassava * 200 gram granulated sugar * ½ tsp. vanila * 1 cup steamed freshgrated coconut, mixed with 1 tsp. salt * 100 cc water * food color
Directions Put in sugar and vanila in a large stockpot with water and bring it to a boil. Steam cassava until soft. Peel cassava. Mash cassava while still hot and pour the water mixture and food color (what ever color you like) and blend well. Use the equipment as shown on the left hand side to mold the mixture. Then put them onto a serving platter, and sprinkle with grated coconut. Serve at room temperature, or refrigerate for an hour and serve chilled. (http://asiarecipe.com)
Crisp Sweet Striped Cookies (Kuping Gajah) Ingredients * 500 gram wheat flour * 150 gram granulated sugar * ½ tsp. salt * ½ tsp. vanilla * 2 eggs, lightly beaten * 1 Tbs. cooking oil * 100 cc water * ½ Tbs. cocoa powder * 800 cc oil for frying
Directions Thoroughly mix sugar, salt and vanilla. Add the beaten eggs and stir well. Add oil, stir once more, and then divide in half. Divide the flour in half as well. Take 1 Tbs of flour from one part and add it to the other. Mix the flour with each half of the sugar and egg mixture. Add cocoa powder to the smaller mix. Add 50 cc of water to each half. Knead until smooth and not sticky to the touch. There will be two types of dough, white and brown. Separately, roll both pieces of dough out on a plastic covered cutting board until they are about 1 mm thick. Place the two together, then roll up. Wrap with plastic and place in the refrigerator for approximately an hour or until the dough hardens. With a sharp knife, cut the dough vertically into flat cylinders about 2 mm thick. Flatten once more with a rolling pin. Fry in hot oil until crisp. Remove, drain. (http://asiarecipe.com) C.045 ibp
9
10
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Destinations
International
Suluban beach SULUBAN Beach is one of the places of interest belonging to Badung regency. It is known for its beautiful beach along with amazing wave; best for surfing. The natural beauty of the southern tip of Bali’s highland with its hollowing waves and peaceful surroundings has attracted more and more visitors to enjoy its serenity and peacefulness. The water is also clear. Located a few kilometers north of the ancient temple of Uluwatu, the beach is facing the vast Indian Ocean. From the parking area one must descend down stairs and pass through long narrow gap of cliff before reaching the large waves make it one of the best places for surfing in all of Bali, as surfing lovers throughout the world have already discovered. This beach is located not so far to the north of Uluwatu, adjacent to the surf beach Bingin and Labuhan Sait.
International Bali Post Classifieds Contact us
Suluban derived from the Balinese language “Mesulub” which means “to run or pass under something.” Suluban Beach named, because visitors who want to go there must go through a rock cave on the beach before finally reaching abroad, white sand with the waves roaring fun for surfers. Coastal sea water is very clear and the waves are high enough, so that is the best known beach among surfers. In the afternoon, we could see a beautiful sunset views. Some tourism facilities such as restaurants, bars, surf equipment rental and repair shop is available. This beach is not too crowded like Kuta or Dreamland. It is so very romantic to spend time with your partner or a walk with the family. On the rocks there is a gazebo that allows us to take photos with perfect and is the best place to look around.
... gets maximum benefits with minimum charge Denpasar : +62 361 22-5764 Jakarta : +62 21 535-6271
Jl. Kepundung 67 A, e-mail: info_ibp@balipost.co.id Jl. Palmerah Barat 21 F
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
11
BUSINESS ECB expected to signal July rate increase Reuters
FRANKFURT – The European Central Bank is likely to signal a July interest rate rise on Thursday while continuing to provide banks with unlimited amounts of cash to help weaker lenders hit by the euro zone debt crisis. The ECB is expected to use higher staff inflation forecasts, to be published during Thursday’s postpolicy meeting news conference, as justification for higher interest rates to come — probably starting with a rise to 1.50 percent next month. But it will be careful not to withdraw support to the economy and the banking system so fast as to stall the recovery or endanger banks’ ability to cope with limited liquidity, which would add further pressure to short-term market rates. The ECB raised its main refinancing rate to 1.25 percent from 1.0 percent in April, its first tightening in two years. ECB President Jean-Claude Trichet is likely to say the ECB will exercise “strong vigilance” over price pressures, deploying a phrase that in the past signaled a rate rise was only a month away. He used
that code in March to flag April’s rate rise. “There will be no actual rate hike (in June), but the ECB will likely flag a July 25 basis point rate hike, while keeping full allotment on all its operations,” Barclays Capital rate strategist Laurent Fransolet said in a note to investors. “Net, the ECB is likely to send a relatively hawkish message — after all, growth in the euro area has been amongst the most resilient.” With inflation pressures holding up, the ECB will want to show it is determined to stop higher energy costs seeping into other prices. In recent months, euro zone inflation has risen well above the ECB’s target of just below 2 percent on the back of higher energy and food prices. It slowed marginally to 2.7 percent last month, but is seen remaining above 2 percent
for some while. Recent data also shows evidence of second-round effects — where supply-related cost increases begin to have an impact on wage demands and other prices. Producer prices in the common currency bloc rose more than expected in April, data showed on Monday. “The further spike up in euro zone producer prices in April reinforces belief that they will signal an interest rate hike,” IHS Global Insight economist Howard Archer said. ECB staff projections are likely to be lifted, both for inflation and economic growth. In the last set of forecasts, published in March, the ECB forecast inflation of around 2.3 percent this year and 1.7 percent next. Those projections now seem outdated.
“We expect them to feature significant upward revisions to the 2011 GDP and inflation projections,” RBS analyst Silvio Peruzzo said, forecasting a new midpoint figure of 2.7 percent in 2011 and 1.9 in 2012. The central bank is likely to also increase its euro zone growth forecast for this year after a positive surprise in the first quarter, when the annual rate hit 2.5 percent, while it is seen keeping next year’s estimate around 1.8 percent. The ECB is also due to announce its third-quarter liquidity plans. While policymakers have said money markets have improved, the sovereign debt crisis — focused again on Greece — and fears it might spill over to the banking system will keep the ECB from reintroducing liquidity auctions. Banks in bailed out euro zone members have been shut out of credit markets and data from the Bank for International Settlements showed German banks held $22.7 billion of Greek government debt at the end of December, down by over $3 billion
in the fourth quarter but well above the $15 billion held by French banks. The ECB started handing out unlimited cash in all liquidity operations in October 2008, after the collapse of investment bank Lehman Brothers intensified financial market turmoil. Since then, it has scrapped the ultra-long six- and 12-month liquidity operations and moved back to auctions in three-month tenders last year. However, it returned to full allotment for those operations quickly after the Greek crisis intensified. Even though the ECB has said the problem of banks being dependent on central bank funds is for governments to solve, it will be careful not to remove their lifeline without other measures in place. Executive Board member Lorenzo Bini Smaghi said last week the central bank might not be ready to announce its plans this week, suggesting the bank may make a last minute decision at its July 7 meeting. The ECB has committed to keeping tenders on an unlimited basis until at least July 12.
IMF urges EU faces ‘tough decisions’ on Greece Associated Press Writer
ATHENS – European countries must decide how to plug potential funding gaps for Greece next year before the International Monetary Fund can release the next batch of loans, an envoy from the Fund said Tuesday, as the struggling country’s prime minister convened party deputies to discuss further austerity measures. Senior representative Bob Traa said EU leaders had “hard nuts to crack” at an EU summit in late June — agreeing on additional rescue support if needed — before the IMF would release its part of a euro12 billion July installment, which is due as part of last year’s Euro 110 billion bailout package. The initial rescue loan agreement had predicted Greece would be able to borrow in the markets for part of its funding needs next year, but high interest rates mean that is highly unlikely. As a result, it’s expected that Greece will need extra help beyond the current package of rescue loans. “What needs to be decided is how to fill in the various parts of the financing side ... I believe there is a summit in Europe by the heads of state on June 20, where some hard nuts need to be cracked and they
Bob Traa, the IMF’s senior resident representative for Greece speaks during a banking conference in Athens entitled ‘the future of banking in Greece’’, on June 7, 2011. European leaders must take tough decisions on Greece at a June summit before the IMF will disburse its share of a vital rescue loan, Traa said today. AFP PHOTO / LOUISA GOULIAMAKI
need to make some decisions,” Traa said during a banking conference in Athens. “And then we will actually be ready to go to our board and disburse in early July, but we know that time is of the essence.” Last week, debt monitors from the EU and IMF said Greece should receive the euro12 billion installment in early July — as long as additional austerity and privatization measures are deemed sufficient. A final decision is to be taken by the IMF board
and the eurogroup in meetings later this month. The government has been struggling to meet the terms of the EU and IMF bailout package despite an austerity package adopted last year. It has found itself forced to announce new cutbacks and tax hikes, including Euro 6.4 billion worth of remedial austerity measures for this year, and a midterm program to run from 2012-2015, two years beyond the current government’s mandate. It is
also pushing through a euro50 billion privatization program. Prime Minister George Papandreou was meeting with his Socialist party’s economic affairs deputies to discuss the issue, a day after holding a near 10-hour informal Cabinet meeting, as he seeks to quell internal party discontent. The new austerity plans are to be discussed by the Cabinet again on Wednesday before the ministers submit the plans to Parliament for a vote.
Papandreou suggested late Monday he could hold a referendum on the measures, which have been immensely unpopular even with deputies of his own party. The government also appears rattled by continued anti-austerity rallies in Greek cities, which climaxed with tens of thousands of protesters thronging the main square outside Parliament in central Athens on Sunday. Traa, the IMF envoy, urged the government to quickly make up for a slowdown in structural reforms in 2011, but also criticized contradicting statements being made from European leaders and talk of a mild restructuring of Greece’s massive national debt. “There is no such thing as being a little bit pregnant,” he said. The government and several European officials have insisted a restructuring of debt — which could involve paying back less than the full amount Greece owes, or at a later date — is not on the cards, but the rumors have persisted. “If you want to do a debt restructuring that will really make a difference, it needs to be very large,” he said. “And if you need a very large debt restructuring that creates untold problems not just for Greece but also for the euro area.”
12
Entertainment
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
International
Gaga gives heartfelt thanks at fashion award event Associated Press Writer
NEW YORK – It seems the fashion crowd, especially when fully decked out for Monday night’s Council of Fashion Designers of America awards, can be pretty intimidating: CNN anchor Anderson Cooper said so, actress Naomi Watts said so, and even Lady Gaga said so. On stage to accept her award as the year’s top style icon, a softspoken, maybe even teary-eyed Gaga said she was nervous. “All of you made me feel like a star before I was,” she told the audience at Lincoln Center that boasted bold-faced names such as Marc Jacobs, Anna Wintour, Diane von Furstenberg, Donna Karan and Michael Kors. She talked about how important fashion was in her life as a pathway to self-discovery, artistry and confidence. As a teenager, she’d save her money to buy vintage Thierry Mugler from a neighborhood thrift shop, checking in with the salesman regularly to make sure her favorite pieces hadn’t sold while she was raising the cash. She planned her outfits for Friday night parties as if she was going to the Oscars, she said. “As much as this award means to me personally ... I just want you to know how much this means to young Americans,” Gaga said. But the music star and style risk-taker, wearing a corset get-up by Mugler, a label now helmed by her friend Nicola Formichetti, got her swagger back as she recalled getting the text message from Wintour that she was picked for the prize. She said she thought the message was from a friend named Anna and replied with a bleepworthy response. The text back from the Vogue editor-in-chief
said, “How lovely.” That led to laughter — and so did Cooper’s montage of his early days as a preteen model. Cooper, a longtime friend of CFDA president von Furstenberg, said he decided to show his photos to prove his fashion cred since he was acting as master of ceremonies. (He also is the son of late designer jeans magnate Gloria Vanderbilt and worked as a fit model for both Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren, who made his tuxedo.) “There was no way you’d be critical,” he joked, “or that’s what Diane said, anyway.” Watts, dressed in a metallic Tshirt-style gown by Francisco Costa for Calvin Klein, presented the top womenswear honor to Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler. But she seemed to find the awkward walk across a long stage intimidating in her high heels. “That was easy,” she said as she reached the podium. “Fun doing it in a room full of supermodels.”
AP Photo/Joel Ryan
U.S actor Tom Hanks picks up Tyler Sercombe, 5 months old, as he arrives for the World Premiere of Larry Crowne at Westfield in west London, Monday, June 6, 2011.
Tom Hanks launches new film at London premiere Associated Press Writer
LONDON – Hollywood actor Tom Hanks is in London for the world premiere of his new movie “Larry Crowne.”
AP Photo/Peter Kramer
Singer Lady Gaga attends the 2011 CFDA Fashion Awards at Alice Tully Hall on Monday, June 6, 2011, in New York.
The Academy Award-winning actor — in London Monday for the world premiere of his new movie “Larry Crowne” — says the film is about not giving up to cynicism. Hanks directed, co-wrote and also stars as the protagonist in the movie, which is about a middle-
aged man who reinvents himself by going back to college after he loses his job. “I think this film is about a battle against cynicism we all have,” said Hanks, 54, on the red carpet. “Larry is not in a hopeful space ... It’s easy to surrender to the cynicism, and a lot of people have to face
it, but Larry proves that the forward motion of him going back to school gives him the faith that something is going to happen. That is not only an upbeat message, but a very wise one,” he said. Julia Roberts plays his romantic interest — a jaded teacher at a local college. Hanks was joined at a movie theater in a London shopping mall Monday evening by fans and celebrities including fellow actor David Hasselhoff and The Rolling Stones’ guitarist Ronnie Wood.
Michael Jackson ‘Thriller’ jacket to be auctioned Agence France Presse
LOS ANGELES – The iconic black and red jacket worn by Michael Jackson in his “Thriller” video is to go under the hammer at a two-day Music Icons Exhibition in Beverly Hills. The jacket is among 600 items that will go on sale at Julien’s Auction Gallery, including memorabilia from musicians such as The Beatles, Madonna and Lady Gaga, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and Justin Bieber on June 25 and 26. Jackson’s Thriller jacket became the prototype for future costumes
for the pop musician. The calf leather jacket includes an inscription by Jackson on the inside lining. Estimated at a value of $200,000 to $400,000, a portion of the proceeds will go to The Shambala Preserve, which is home to Jackson’s two Bengal tigers, “Thriller” and “Sabu.” Jackson’s personal doctor, Conrad Murray has been charged with manslaughter after the pop icon died suddenly on June 25, 2009. Prosecutors allege that Murray “abandoned his patient” after administering the powerful sedative
propofol to help Jackson sleep. Murray has denied the accusations and said that on the day of the 50-year-old singer’s death, he administered only a small amount of the drug. His trial has been postponed until September.
Videographers photograph a replica of Michael Jackson’s Thriller outfit and other costumes on display at the world premiere of the Michael Jackson?s ?This is it? at the Noika Theatre at LA Live in 2009.
AFP/File/Robyn Beck
Science
International
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
13
Singapore to overtake Vegas this year: US gaming head Agence France Presse
MACAU – Singapore is set to overtake Las Vegas as the world’s second-largest gambling hub this year, a US gaming industry head said Tuesday, as Asia cements its place as a major betting market. Singapore has emerged as Asia’s hottest new gambling destination with a revamped cityscape and billions of dollars pouring into the economy, after the opening of two resort casinos in 2010. The strong growth came after Macau — the world’s biggest gaming hub — leapfrogged Las Vegas in gaming revenue and continues to post record-breaking growth, thanks to burgeoning numbers of wealthy Asians. The two resort casinos in Singapore posted $5.1 billion in gaming revenues in 2010, a figure forecast to rise to $6.4 billion this year, according to Frank Fahrenkopf, president of the American Gaming Association. A report citing research by the Royal Bank of Scotland has suggested Las Vegas will take $6.2 billion this year. “Now more than a year old, the two integrated resorts in Singapore have exceeded all expectations and turned the nation into Asia’s second global gaming superpower,” said Fahrenkopf. “The country’s gaming market will
likely overtake Las Vegas as the world’s second-largest gaming centre as early as this year,” he told a news conference on the sidelines of the Global Gaming Expo Asia, which opened Tuesday in Macau. The first Singapore casino opened in Malaysian-controlled Resorts World Sentosa on February 14, 2010, with USbased Las Vegas Sands following two months later as the world economy was still clawing itself out of recession. The two casinos have largely been credited with turning around Singapore’s tourism sector, helping the country welcome a record 11.6 million visitors last year. Asia’s strong growth in the gaming industry stands in sharp contrast to US venues such as the Las Vegas Strip, previously a byword for gambling but which is now suffering the effects of the global downturn. The Sahara, an iconic Las Vegas hotel that once hosted names like Elvis Presley, Jerry Lewis, Frank Sinatra and the Beatles, closed its doors last month, even as many Asian casinos are planning expansions.
AFP/Roslan Rahman
A view of the Marina Bay Sands hotels in Singapore with its Skypark, part of a $5.5bn development by US gaming giant Las Vegas Sands. Singapore is set to overtake Las Vegas as the world’s second-largest gambling hub this year, a US gaming industry head says.
Sony polishes image with PlayStation Vita, 3D games Agence France Presse
LOS ANGELES – Sony introduced its new-generation “PlayStation Vita” gaming handset and blockbuster 3D console titles as it sought to shake off the stigma of cyberattacks on its system. The Japanese entertainment giant turned the Los Angeles sports arena into a music and videogame megahub starring exciting new game play
and hardware on the eve of the Tuesday opening of a premier Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). “This is not the first time I’ve come onto the stage at E3 with an elephant in the room,” Sony Computer Entertainment of America chief executive Jack Tretton told the 6,000 people packed into the arena. He apologized to people who use the PlayStation Network (PSN) to connect to games, films, and music
AFP/File/Valerie Macon
Sony presents the new games for PlayStation 3 at the Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles.
online through PlayStation 3 (PS3) videogame consoles. PSN was shut down after hackers broke in and looted user data. Sony brought the system back online gradually the week before E3 after hardening its defenses. Tretton thanked PS3 fans for their loyalty, saying the level of online traffic at PSN was already more than 90 percent of what it was before the disruption and that console sales jumped last week. Sony executives got apologies out of the way quickly and focused on a lineup of videogames packed with vivid 3D titles such as the next installment of the beloved “Drake’s Fortune: Uncharted” franchise to be released in November. “Our commitment to 3D is unwavering,” Tretton said, noting that Sony would soon boast more than 100 titles in the format including a collector edition of “God of War” titles. In a bid to make 3D more ubiquitous, Sony will release a 24-inch (61centimeter) display for the format bundled with special glasses, an HDMI cable, and a copy of the coming “Resistance 3” videogame at a package price of $500. The components will also be sold separately.
Some tennis stars say gluten-free is best for them Reuters
PARIS – Novak Djokovic says his unbeaten run is due to his special, gluten-free diet and now Sabine Lisicki hopes she too will benefit in the long run after discovering she is intolerant to gluten, a protein in cereal grains. German Lisicki was on the verge of upsetting third seed Vera Zvonareva in the second round of the French Open on Wednesday but, with the finishing line in sight, she crumbled on court and had to be carried off on a stretcher sobbing. On Thursday, the 21-year-old explained why her health had suddenly deteriorated. “I am sad that my body let me down. Doctors recently discovered that I am intolerant to gluten — meaning I can’t eat e.g. pasta, one of my biggest energy sources,” Lisicki, who was seen munching on a couple of bananas on Wednesday, said on her website (www.sabinelisicki.com). “My body needs to adjust to the big change and needs some time. It is good that we found out and it will only make life better in the long run.” Gluten is found in wheat, barley and rye, and in products that con-
tain these grains or their derivatives. Pasta and bread were once staple food items for top athletes as they were the most important sources of energy. Athletes on gluten-free diets need to find substitutes for their old standbys. Serbian Djokovic, who is on a 39match winning streak in 2011, changed his diet nine months ago after his nutritionist carried out tests and established he was intolerant to gluten. Like Djokovic, Lisicki’s body cannot cope with many carbohydrate products and she will need to find substitute food items so that she can find the energy to last the distance in three-set matches. The new diet has definitely paid off for Djokovic. “I have lost some weight but it’s only helped me because my movement is much sharper now and I feel great physically,” Djokovic, who has beaten Rafa Nadal in four finals this year, said recently. The gluten-free diet is necessary for people who have celiac disease. It has been gaining in popularity among the general public, but doctors warn that people who eliminate gluten from their diet can also lose out on important nutrients.
14
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Sport
International
Guatemala hold off Honduras to claim 0-0 draw Reuters
LOS ANGELES, - Guatemala held off Honduras to grab a 0-0 draw in their Gold Cup Group B opener despite finishing the game with nine men. Defenders Gustavo Cabrera, in the 61 minute, and Henry Medina, in the 78th, were sent off but still Guatemala managed to deny their Central American rivals all three points during a spirited and physical match that went against the early Gold Cup trend of one-sided contests. Goalkeeper Ricardo Jerez, who needed treatment on multiple occasions in the second half, kept his Guatemala defense organised but had to withstand some heavy Honduras pressure in the final minutes to secure the point. “This tie feels like a win,” Jerez told reporters after he was
named man-of-the-match. Honduras, who captured the Gold Cup in 1981 and were considered dark horses to break up the recent monopoly of Mexico and the United States, had some good chances to net the winning goal with attacker Carlo Costly looking dangerous. But Honduras, who competed at last year’s World Cup in South Africa, could not make the scoring connection much to the frustration of head coach Luis Fernando Suarez. “The way we played, we definitely didn’t deserve to win,” Suarez told reporters. “The play-
ers who were supposed to create did not create the space.” Earlier in Group B, Jamaica, who Guatemala face in Miami on Friday, thrashed Grenada 4-0 to top the standings. The Jamaicans opened the scoring in the 21st minute on a goal by Luton Shelton and stretched the lead to 2-0 at halftime when Ryan Johnson found the net in the 39th minute. Demar Phillips added another for Jamaica in the 79th minute and Omar Daley completed the scoring in the 84th minute, giving the “Reggae Boyz” their most lopsided victory in Gold Cup history.
Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images/AFP
Goalkeeper Ricardo Jerez (1) of Guatemala collides with Henry Thomas (6) of Honduras during CONCACAF Gold Cup qualifying match at The Home Depot Center on June 6, 2011 in Carson, California.
Jol named new Fulham manager Agence France Presse
LONDON – Experienced Dutchman Martin Jol was named the new manager of Premier League side Fulham on Tuesday,
replacing Mark Hughes who resigned last week after one season in charge. The 55-year-old former Tottenham boss has agreed an initial two-year contract with the option of a further
12 months. Jol, who was sacked by Spurs in 2007, was linked with the Fulham role last year but Dutch club Ajax refused to release him from his post as head coach. He
has been out of work since quitting Ajax last December and said he was excited at returning to England. “I am very happy to join Fulham football club, a wonderful traditional club,” he told Fulham’s website. “It is a club with good, solid foundations and a great fan base. “I am looking forward to being part of the Fulham family and thank the chairman for the trust he’s shown in me.”
Fulham are owned by Mohammed Al Fayed, the multimillionaire former owner of the Harrods department store. Hughes guided Fulham to an eighth-place finish in the just-completed season before quitting. Although the Welshman immediately brushed off speculation linking him with the vacancy at Premier League rivals Aston Villa, it is believed he is now in contention for the job.in Auxerre, central France.
Real eyes Benfica’s Coentrao: report Agence France Presse
AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani, File
FILE - This is a Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2010. file photo of the then Ajax Amsterdam’s coach Martin Jol, as he smiles during a press conference
MADRID – Benfica left-back Fabio Coentrao could be on his way to Spanish giants Real Madrid, according to a Spanish sports daily, which said the two clubs will meet this week to seal the deal. Big-spenders Real are ready to pay 25 million euros while the Lisbon club wants 30 million, the cost of buying out his contract, the daily Marca said Tuesday. The 23-year-old, who starred for Portugal at the World Cup in South Africa, is “one of the pri-
orities” of Real coach Jose Mourinho for next season, the paper said. Mourinho, who is also Portuguese, is keen to rebuild the squad after the club finished second to Barcelona in the Spanish league for the third successive season. Another sports daily, AS, published an interview with Coentrao in which he said his dream is to play for Mourinho, “the best coach in the world.” Coentrao, who can also play in midfield, last September extended his contract with Benfica by one year until the summer of 2016.
Sport
International
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
15
LeBron says winning will take care of his legacy Reuters
DALLAS – LeBron James bristled Monday at the idea his offensive prowess in the NBA Finals has been a disappointment and that his unwillingness to take charge down the stretch could ultimately affect his legacy. The Miami Heat forward has averaged a modest 20.3 points and has been largely absent on offense in the fourth quarter but his team holds a 2-1 lead over the Dallas Mavericks. James says all he wants to do is win. “Anybody that knows me throughout the years, all I care about is the W,” he said. “I’m not just a scoring guy. I’ve got a lot of points in my career. “I have had some team mates who have given me great confidence and ability to go out there and score a lot of points. But I’ve done other things. “I don’t have to score points to be effective.” James, seeking his first NBA title, said he has no problem letting his team mates shoulder the scoring burden in the
fourth quarter if they have the open shots. The two-time MVP and former scoring champion said he did not have to sink the winning shot to help the Heat beat the Mavericks 88-86 on Sunday in Dallas. Chris Bosh provided the winning margin on a 16-foot jump shot with 39.6 seconds left and the Heat held on to restore their home-court advantage in the best-of-seven series. “Not only did Chris Bosh make the game winning shot, but (Dwyane) Wade had a hockey assist,” said James. “I got the assist to CB and Udonis Haslem set the screen on (Dallas’s Dirk Nowitzki) to get him a wide open shot. “That’s what it’s about. This
is a team game.” James, who had only two of his 17 points in the final quarter, snapped at a reporter who suggested he was failing to live up to his lofty status by not taking control with the clock winding down.
LeBron James (R) of the Miami Heat shoots against Shawn Marion (L) of the Dallas Mavericks during Game 3 of the NBA Finals at the AmericanAirlines Center in Dallas on June 5, 2011. The Heat defeated the Mavericks 88-86. AFP PHOTO/Mark RALSTON
Serena Williams to return after nearly a year Associated Press Writer
LONDON – Serena Williams is returning to the tour after nearly a year off because of various health issues. Williams will begin her comeback at a grass-court tournament in Eastbourne, England next week. She then will defend her title at Wimbledon, which begins June 20. Williams has not played an official match since winning her 13th Grand Slam title at the All England Club last July. A few days after that victory, Williams cut her foot on
glass at a restaurant. She wound up having two operations because of that and later was treated for a blood clot in her lung. “I am so excited to be healthy enough to compete again,” Williams said in a statement released by her agent. “These past 12 months have been extremely tough and character building. I have so much to be grateful for. I’m thankful to my family, friends, and fans for all of their support. Serena’s back!” Shortly after winning her fourth Wimbledon singles championship last summer, Williams hurt her foot
Ronald Martinez/Getty Images/AFP
Serena Williams watches the Miami Heat play against the Dallas Mavericks in Game One of the 2011 NBA Finals at American Airlines Arena on May 31, 2011 in Miami, Florida.
while in Germany. She played in an exhibition match in Belgium against Kim Clijsters days later. But when she returned to the United States she had the first of two operations for her injury. The second surgery was in October, and she said she spent 10 weeks in a cast and 10 weeks in a walking boot. The 29-year-old American was diagnosed in February with blood clots in her lung. After that, she said she needed treatment for a hematoma — a gathering of blood under the skin — on her stomach. She returned to practice in April, an event she announced via Twitter, posting a picture of herself on court in a pink bodysuit. Williams’ older sister Venus, a seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, also is returning to action after an extended injury absence. Venus Williams has been sidelined since injuring her hip during the Australian Open in January, but her agent said last month she was on track to play at Eastbourne and Wimbledon. When healthy, the Williams sisters have dominated women’s tennis for much of the past decade. In addition to their 20 total major singles titles, both have spent time at No. 1 in the WTA rankings. At Wimbledon, the sisters have combined to win nine of the past 11 championships. In that span, the sisters played each other in four of the finals at the All England Club.
ESPN makes pitch to IOC for Olympic rights Associated Press Writer
LAUSANNE, Switzerland – ESPN made a pitch for U.S. Olympic television rights on Tuesday, citing the “unrivaled” assets of parent company Disney, its appeal to young viewers and plans for live coverage of all events. ESPN president George Bodenheimer and Disney CEO Robert Iger headed a nine-person delegation that made a closeddoor presentation to IOC officials on the second day of a high-stakes bidding process worth billions of dollars. ESPN is competing against incumbent NBC and Fox. Fox made its presentation on Monday, while NBC followed ESPN on Tuesday with the largest bid delegation of 17 people. NBC’s contingent included CEO Steve Burke, Brian Roberts, the chief executive of parent company Comcast, and Bob Costas, the longtime host of NBC’s Olympic coverage. The ESPN meeting lasted about 1 hour, 20 minutes — 40 minutes less than the allotted twohour slot.
“We’re very happy with our presentation,” Bodenheimer said. “I believe the assets of the Walt Disney Co. are unequaled. We’re going to make our formal bids later this afternoon and keep our fingers crossed.” The networks will submit sealed bids Tuesday afternoon. International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge could announce a winner by the end of the day or order a new round of bids. The IOC wants a deal in place before its general assembly starting July 4 in Durban, South Africa. At stake are exclusive broadcast rights to at least two Olympics — the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi, Russia, and 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The networks can also bid on a four-games package including the 2018 and 2020 Games, whose sites have not yet been selected. It’s the first U.S. rights auction since 2003, when NBC secured the 2010 and 2012 Olympics in a deal worth $2.2 billion.
I N T E R N A T I O N A L
16
Sport
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Ecclestone wants Bahrain GP rethink Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone is calling for a rethink over the calendar reshuffle after the backlash that has been caused by the reinstatement of the Bahrain Grand Prix. Amid a wave of criticism about the decision to reinstate Bahrain, plus concerns voiced by teams and drivers about safety in the Gulf state if the event goes ahead, Ecclestone has now called for changes. With the Formula One Teams’ Association (FOTA) expected to make clear its stance towards the Bahrain situation later today, Ecclestone is now suggesting that India be reinstated to its original October 30 date. That would allow Bahrain to be given a date in December, which could much easier be ditched if the political situation in the country does not leave it safe for the race to go ahead. Ecclestone told The Times: “The way things are at the moment, we have no idea what is going to happen. Better that we move Bahrain
to the end of the season and, if things are safe and well, then that is fine, we can go. If they are not, then we don’t go and there are no problems.” Although FIA president Jean Todt justified the decision to reinstate the grand prix on the back of a report issued after a fact-finding mission by representative Carlos Gracia, the viability of that has been called into question. Campaign group Avaaz suggested that human rights groups consulted by the FIA had close links
to the government, and Ecclestone himself now has doubts that the situation in Bahrain is as good as the report suggested. “We listened to that report from the FIA and that was saying there were no problems at all in Bahrain. But that is not what I am hearing and I think we can see that we need to be careful.” Although F1 teams have kept quiet in public so far, it is understood that there is widespread dissatisfaction at several aspects of the Bahrain decision - including the questions about safety and the fact that calendar is now scheduled to run until shortly before Christmas.
Bernie Ecclestone, president and CEO of Formula One Management, left, talks to Antonio Perez, father of BMW Sauber driver Sergio Perez of Mexico who crashed yesterday during the qualifying session, prior to the start of the Monaco Formula One Grand Prix, at the Monaco racetrack, in Monaco, Sunday, May 29, 2011. At right is seen Flaviana Flosi, Brazilian partner of Bernie Ecclestone.
Pedrosa to miss Silverstone as well DANI Pedrosa will miss this weekend’s British Grand Prix as he continues to recover from the fractured shoulder he sustained in France. A statement from Pedrosa’s Honda team said that a smaller than usual plate and screws had been used to repair the break in the hope of avoiding the complications that occurred with the damage to the other side of the Spaniard’s collarbone last autumn, but this technique meant a longer recovery time. “After dedicating some time entirely to recover, I have decided not to take part in the British Grand Prix this week,” said Pedrosa. “I’ve done everything I could to be fit in time for Silverstone, but the conditions are not right to return to compete with guarantees.” Pedrosa said he did not want to come back until he was fit enough to be properly competitive. “I need to feel 100 per cent fit before I get on the bike again and to be sure I can fight for the victory, I don’t want to go out there just to do laps,” he said. “I’ve raced many times with pain and the experience tells me I’m still not ready to be competi-
tive. “I’ve decided not to take further risks and will instead continue my recovery process so I may return in the best possible way. It’s time for me to be logical and not only follow what my heart says, or my desire to return. “I want to return as soon as pos-
sible, but I want to do it when I have ability to fight to win. It’s not the time yet.” Pedrosa sustained the injury when he collided with Marco Simoncelli as they battled for second at Le Mans in May. He had already sat out last weekend’s Catalunya GP.
AP Photo/Luca Bruno