I N T E R N A T I O N A L
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Monday, July 8, 2019
Thrilling yarn: tapestry depicts ‘Game of Thrones’ saga
BELFAST - In a Belfast museum, seamstresses are at work depicting gory battles and warring kings in shimmering threads of red and gold -- an epic homage to the TV phenomenon “Game of Thrones”. The team of volunteers at the Ulster Museum are putting the final touches to a 90-metre (300-foot) tapestry depicting all eight seasons of the fantasy saga, which reached its dramatic conclusion in May. “Game of Thrones”, which first hit screens in 2011, was produced and chiefly filmed in studios in Belfast and in the Northern Irish countryside. The Northern Irish public have taken the series to their hearts. “A tapestry is, more than anything else, a great storytelling device,” explained Valerie Wilson, costume and textiles curator at National Museums Northern Ireland. “The length of the tapestry allows the story to unfold, so in many ways it’s the perfect medium for telling the story of the ‘Game of Thrones’ project.” Styled in the manner of the treasured Bayeux Tapestry -- which depicts the 11th-century Norman conquest of England -- the completed piece will be transported to France to hang near its predecessor
People gather around what conceptual artist Ales ‘Maxi’ Zupevc claims is the first ever monument of Melania Trump, set in the fields near the town of Sevnica, US First Lady’s hometown, during a small inauguration celebration on July 5, 2019.
in September. “This tapestry references the Bayeux Tapestry in that it has a series of repeated icons through it,” explained Wilson. The panels of the piece are woven by machine before the finishing touches are put on by hand. - Emerald green wildfire For two years, a team of 30 has been at work on and off stitching embellishments on the icons -- “blood red weddings”, “emerald green wildfire” and “cold-blue White Walkers” which prove pivotal in the blood-and-guts HBO drama. Such is the graphic nature of their handiwork, the museum display comes with a warning: “Due to the depiction of graphic scenes, viewing of the tapestry is not suitable for anyone under the age of 18.” The team has been working on stitching depicting the eighth and final series. Participants -- like actors in the show -- were also sworn to silence, forced to sign non-disclosure agreements to maintain the shroud of secrecy. “It was very crucial when the project launched that it had that new, fresh, almost surprise element,” Wilson told AFP. (afp)
Paul Faith / AFP
Embroidered scenes on the tapestry depicting the hit television series Game of Thrones are on show at the Ulster Museum in Belfast on July 5, 2019.
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Monday, July 8, 2019
Statue on Slovenia’s Melania tourist trail divides opinion
SEVNICA - After Melania cake, Melania honey, and even Melania slippers, the Slovenian hometown of the US first lady will now boast a statue of its most famous daughter -- albeit one that has faced decidedly mixed reviews. The life-size statue on the outskirts of Sevnica was inaugurated on Friday and is the brainchild of 39-year-old American conceptual artist Brad Downey, who says it’s the first monument anywhere dedicated to the wife of US President Donald Trump. The sculpture was carved into a tree using a chainsaw and depicts Melania in a blue dress raising her left hand in a waving gesture, emulating a pose she struck at her husband’s 2017 inauguration. Its somewhat naive style has led some critics on social media to brand it a “scarecrow”. “I can understand why people might think that this falls short as a description of her physical appearance,” Downey told AFP, but insisted that he found the end result “absolutely beautiful”.
Since Donald Trump took office in 2017, sleepy Sevnica has become a magnet for tourists and journalists searching for insights into the American first lady’s past. Entrepreneurial locals have been cashing in on the influx, offering a bewildering array of Melaniabranded food and merchandise as well as a tour of the area taking in the key sites of her early years. Downey came up with the statue as part of a project aimed at exploring the first lady’s Slovenian roots and commissioned local artisan Ales Zupevc -- also known as “Maxi” -- to actually carve the sculpture. Downey told AFP he was struck by the fact that Maxi was born in the same year and in the same hospital as Melania herself. He said conversations with Maxi
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had enabled him to see Melania’s ancestral region through local eyes. “You see this river that she would have seen as a child, you see the mountains,” he said. However, not everyone has been moved to wax lyrical about the artwork. Nika, a local 24-year-old architecture student, told AFP: “If the monument was meant to be a parody, then the artist has been succesful. “We in Sevnica can only laugh and, at the same time, hold our heads in our hands over their (the Trumps’) catastrophic reputation,” she added. Katarina, a 66-year-old resident of nearby Rozno, said that she thought the monument was a “good idea”. “Melania is a Slovenian hero, she made it to the top in the US,” she said. (afp)
AP Photo/Tatan Syuflana
In this March 18, 2019, photo, National Disaster Mitigation Agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho speaks during a press conference in Jakarta, Indonesia. Indonesia’s disaster agency spokesman Nugroho who was respected for informing Indonesians accurately and quickly about the country’s frequent natural calamities, has died on Sunday, July 7, 2019, in Guangzhou, China, where he had been undergoing medical treatment since June.
Indonesia’s famed disaster spokesman dies of cancer
Indonesia’s disaster agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho -- who shot to international fame for keeping up a 24/7 schedule while battling terminal cancer -- has died at the age of 49. Affectionately known as Pak Topo (Mr Topo), Nugroho was the face of government efforts to get word out on the latest developments in a string of natural disasters, including a quake-tsunami that killed thousands on Sulawesi island in 2018. He died early Sunday at a hospital in Guangzhou, China, where he was undergoing treatment for cancer which had spread to his bones and several vital organs, Indonesia’s disaster agency said.
“We all feel we have lost Pak Sutopo. (He was) the foremost and indomitable figure in delivering disaster information in Indonesia,” the agency said in a statement on Instagram. The disaster in the city of Palu highlighted Nugroho’s refusal to pass the torch as he dragged himself to daily press briefings, taking reporters’ calls and communicating on social media at a frantic pace even as the non-smoker got treatment for Stage IV lung cancer.
Pale and visibly thinner than in the past, Nugroho got the grim news in January 2018 that he was dying and might have as little as a year to live. Nugroho -- who is survived by his wife and two children -- held a PhD in natural resources and the environment, with an expertise in hydrology and cloud-seeding. He spent years as a researcher and dreamed of becoming a professor, rejecting offers to take up the government spokesman job three times until his then boss convinced him that his background would earn him the public’s trust. He took the position in 2010.
Widely recognised in Indonesia, Nugroho regularly updated his nearly 200,000 followers on Twitter and 70,000 followers on Instagram. He reportedly promised his wife to slow down his work schedule but still managed to get out a 200-word update on a deadly landslide back in February 2018 from his hospital bed, local media reported. Then in August of that year, he was sending out reports on a deadly quake disaster on Lombok island, next to Bali, minutes after finishing a chemotherapy session. Nugroho said he had more than 3,000 contacts in his mobile phone
while his social media feeds are filled with updates and dramatic images showing the aftermath of quakes, tsunamis, landslides and volcanic eruptions. He saw himself as a public servant to the end. “It’s not about how long your life is,” he said. “It’s about what you do in your lifetime.” (afp) News can also be heard in “Bali Image” at Global Radio FM 96.5 from 9.30 until 10.00 am. Listen to Global Radio FM at http:// globalfmbali.listen2myradio.com or live video streaming at http:// radioglobalfmbali.com and http:// ustream.tv/channel/global-fm-bali.
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Bali News
Monday, July 8, 2019
International
Activities
International
Aston Denpasar Hotel & Convention Center
Monday, July 8, 2019
15
Hosts the 5th National Pasraman Jamboree in Bali
Geopark development expected to sustainably build people’s economy MANGUPURA - Indonesia has been pioneering and developing Geopark since 2009. Until now, it has had four UNESCO Global Geopark areas and 15 national Geopark regions. For this reason, regulations are needed that can be used as guidelines for the central government, regional governments and other stakeholders in developing the Geopark. This is needed for the realization of preservation and utilization of geological heritage with the concept of sustainable development. According to Rudi Suhendar, Head of Geology Agency, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, there is Presidential Regulation No.9/2019 dated January 25, 2019 regarding the Development of Geopark that aims to conduct
development governance. He said it aims at realizing the preservation of geological, biodiversity and cultural diversity inheritance carried out jointly by central government, regional government and stakeholders through three pillars
namely conservation efforts, education and economic development for the community in a sustainable manner. “Hopefully, all the stakeholders in the development of Geopark throughout Indonesia can build the
economy of the community through sustainable development,” he hoped when met after the dissemination of Presidential Regulation Number 9/2019 on Friday (Jul. 5) in Kuta. He revealed that Presidential Regulation Number 9/2019 concerning the Development of the Geopark Terrestrial Park gives a mandate to several relevant ministries and institutions in accordance with their authority in the development. One of them is the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources
LIKE two sides of a coin, the angle and photography are two inseparable things. Angle also known as the viewpoint or angle of view is one of the important elements in the world of photography. Selection of the right angle can strengthen the impression or attraction of a photo. Conversely, selection of less optimal angle can make an object that is actually interesting look less attractive or diminish its beauty. In addition, the selection of angle
can also affect the emotions and psychology of the person enjoying the photo. One of the angles in photography frequently used by photographers is low angle technique or low viewing angle. To implement this technique, photographers must take pictures from low angles. Location of camera is below the object (point of interest) or position of the photographer is lower than the object of shooting. With this point of view,
the object will look to be bigger and higher than the original. This low angle technique is commonly used to photograph the architecture of a building so that it looks sturdy, majestic and towering. However, this technique can also actually be applied to all photography genres including shooting models to create an elegant impression. This viewpoint is also very appropriate for photographing animals because the photographed
animals will be more comfortable or not bothered. For photographers liking to photograph children, low angle technique can also be used as a mainstay because with a low viewing angle the position of photographer will be at the same level as the children. To get maximum results, a number of basic elements must be considered when shooting with a low angle technique. The position when shooting an object may not
having the mandate to carry out the determination of national geological and mining heritage. “The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources through geological agency has accelerated the preparation of Regulation of the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources on Guidelines for Determining Geological Heritage and Guidelines for National Geopark Stipulation in order to support the development of the Geopark,” he said. (kmb23)
be too far from it. As long as the lens is still sufficient to cover all the objects in the viewfinder or LCD, please stay in that position. If the distance is too far, the object of shooting will look small. So, adjust the position of the body in a squatting condition when shooting with the camera lens pointing towards the object and looking up slightly. Similarly, make sure that no part of the object or point of interest is cut off. (ian)
Shooting with low angle technique
Founder : K.Nadha, General Manager :Palgunadi Chief Editor: Gugiek Savindra Editors:Agus Toni, Daniel Fajry, Mawa, Sueca, Denpasar: Dira Arsana, Giriana Saputra, Subrata, Sumatika, Asmara Putra. Bangli: Swasrina, Buleleng: Mudiarta, Gianyar: Manik Astajaya, Karangasem: Eka Parananda, Klungkung: Bagiarta. Jakarta: Nikson, Hardianto, Ade Irawan. NTB: Agus Talino, Izzul Khairi, Raka Akriyani. Surabaya: Bambang Wilianto. Office: Jalan Kepundung 67 A Denpasar 80232. Telephone (0361)225764, Facsimile: 227418, P.O.Box: 3010 Denpasar 80001. Bali Post Jakarta, Advertizing: Jl.Palmerah Barat 21F. Telp 021-5357602, Facsimile: 021-5357605 Jakarta Pusat. NTB: Jalam Bangau No. 15 Cakranegara Telp. (0370) 639543, Facsimile: (0370) 628257. Publisher: PT Bali Post
Aston Denpasar Hotel & Convention Center host the 5th National Pasraman Jamboree in Bali on July 2nd – 7th, 2019. The event organized by General Directorate for Hindu Society Guidance of Ministry of Religious Affairs of The Republic of Indonesia. The event, held every three years, was officially opened by the Minister of Religious Affairs, Lukman Hakim Saefuddin on July 3rd, 2019 at the Grand Ballroom of Aston Denpasar Hotel & Convention Center. The opening ceremony was also attended by General Directorate for Hindu Society Guidance, Prof. I Ketut Widnya, M.A., M. Phil., Ph. D as well as echelons 1 and 2 in the Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia and Bali Provincial SKPD. The event themed “The 5th National Pasraman Jamboree As a Forum to Increase the Sensitivity and Solidarity for the Awareness of Young Hindu Generations in the Responsibility to Build the Nation’s Future” was attended by 1000 participants from 33 provinces in Indonesia with its activities contested including Tri Sandhya Mantra Competition, Worship Kramaning Contest, Asanas Yoga Contest, Hindu Poetry Contest, Hindu Story-telling Contest, Daily Prayer Recitation Contest, Outbound Contest, and Dharmawidya Competition (Quiz show). Furthermore, guidance and training for all participants were also conducted through a workshop. “The Pasraman Jamboree is expected to be a media in instilling the spirit of togetherness, caring, and loving the country and a spirit of service to the nation. Thus, Pasraman students will be able to appear in the forefront and be responsible to build a better future of Indonesia “said Lukman Hakim Saefuddin, Minister of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia in the opening speech at Aston Denpasar Hotel & Convention Center. “We are delighted to be chosen to host the 5th National Pasraman Jamboree organized by General Directorate for Hindu Society Guidance of Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia. Because our facilities such as the grand ballroom which accommodate up to 2000 delegates and 12 other meeting rooms with its capacity from 20-200 guests able to meet the needs during the event, plus our 258 guest rooms are occupied by the committee and participants. Therefore, our hotel is perfect as the venue whether national and international event. “Said Sony Bambang Suryo, General Manager of Aston Denpasar Hotel & Convention Center.
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Traveling
Monday, July 8, 2019
International
Bali News
International
An E-Bike Tour of Salzburg and its Lakes, Austria
THE beautiful Baroque city of Salzburg is forever associated with the epic film Sound of Music, but its history goes back long before the Von Trapp family. It’s the centre of the “Salzkammergut”, literally the land of salt, since the glistening white stuff has been mined here since 800BC. In the 19th century the healing properties of the saline waters led to the development of high end spa resorts, but these days the major draws are the stunning lakes and mountains. I’m all set to explore the region on a traditional cycle but looking at the map and examining the contours I decide that it’s far easier to hire an e-bike. Now I’ve only used these for the odd day’s outing so am slightly sceptical about how they would work over a week but my fears prove unfounded. The latest batteries easily manage over 100kms on one charge and I never run out of juice. Of course I carry the charger, just in case.
Day 1: Salzburg – Seeham 50km It’s a bright sunny day as I leave Salzburg following the River Salzach to the town of Oberndorf where the Christmas carol, Silent Night was composed in 1818. There’s a small chapel here, built on the sight of the original church and also a museum where you can listen to the carol in many different translations. I leave the river and continue through gently rolling hills, glad to have the assistance of electricity. Around lunchtime I spot my first lake, the small Grabensee, before plunging downhill to the much larger Obertrummersee. I have a quick dip here before settling for the night at Seeham, about half way along. Day 2: Seeham – Mondsee 50km I slightly backtrack to reach my third lake, the Mattsee, and stop to examine the huge gothic abbey church in the town of the same name. I follow the lake for a mile or so then climb steeply through the forest before emerging into open country where farmers are cutting the hay. I pass through a succession of tiny villages and soon on my left is the Irrsee, a long thin lake which I follow for its length. Another short climb and I drop down to the town on Mondsee at the head of the lake of the same
name. This is a sizeable town, with the twin towered church of St Michael dominating the market square. It was also the location for the wedding scene in the Sound of Music.
Day 3: Mondsee – Traunkirchen 80 km An early start today as a big distance to cover. The first 16km follows the banks of the Mondsee then reaches the adjoining Attersee. At 20km long, this is the largest of the Salzkammergut lakes and I cycle all of it, rewarded with good mountain views with the clouds touching the tops. I turn off at Kammer and climb gradually into the forest. Villages here are often not much more than a single farm and the nearby motorway has taken away all the traffic. Finally I arrive at the Traunsee, my third lake of the day, and cycle south to the attractive village of Traunkirchen. It’s perched on a promontory and across the lake is the Traunstein, the highest mountain in the area at 1,691m. Day 4: Traunkirchen – Bad Goisern 67 km A bit of cheating this morning as I only cycle for 20 minutes before boarding a train from Ebensee. Apparently the road ahead is full of traffic and fairly unpleasant, so my bike and I ride the rails for an hour to Bad Aussee. This is a spa town and the jumping off point for five lakes. My first is the Grundlsee, dominated by magnificent snowcapped peaks and the largest in Styria. At Gossl-Wienern, at the end of the lake, I take steep forest path then descend to the Toplitzee, a smaller patch of water. I then retrace my steps and cross to the Altausseer See, another small lake full of fish. It’s then back to Bad Aussee and a steep climb up to 560m before descending to Obertraun on the Hallstättersee. Surrounded by towering mountains this is the most impressive of all the Salzkammergut’s lakes with crowds of tourists to prove it. They gather in the UNESCO World Heritage, salt mine village of Hallstaat, half way up the lake, and although it’s undeniably pretty I can’t wait to get back to the peace and quiet. After I reach the top of the lake I’m soon in the market town of Bad Goisern. There are fewer
Day 6: Wolfgangsee Salzburg 50 km Some walking today to avoid a congested road. I leave my bike at St. Gilgen at the top of the lake and hike steeply uphill through forest and wildflowers for around an hour. They’ve transported my bike to top and then it’s a glorious downhill through pretty farmland with snow-capped mountains in the distance. I pass the Hintersee, my final small lake, before steeply climbing cross county then descending for the final stretch to Salzburg. I know I’m close when I see the castle looming out of the haze and in no time I’m back on the Salzach River where I started. This cycle tour is an excellent way to get to know the region and has the added benefit of two nights in Salzburg which gives you ample time to explore. I’m glad I chose the e-bike option as, although there are no major hills and I could manage it on a normal bike, in the heat of summer the electrical assistance really makes a difference. Of course you still have to pedal and some reports say you use as much energy as on a normal bike. I’m not sure about that but it certainly makes cycling more enjoyable. (net)
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Turkish Airline flies to Bali
Its character similar to European and Indian tourists
tourists here, but unfortunately an Austrian folk band starts playing just below my hotel window.
Day 5: Bad Goisern – Wolfgangsee 35 km It’s overcast as I follow the Traun River to arrive at Bad Ischl where Kaiser Franz Joseph was born and spent all his summers until 1914. During his reign it became the Hapsburg summer capital with grand buildings to match and of course a huge palace. It’s still Austria’s most famous spa town and, on a Sunday morning, people are promenading in their finery. I set off back into the country before arriving at Strobl at the foot of my penultimate lake, the fifteen kilometre long Wolfgangsee. I’m staying about half way up, and across the water is the town of St Wolfgang, nestling on the shores at the foot of the mountains. I can’t resist cycling to take a look but it’s full of tourists and my attempt to go further is blocked by a sign prohibiting cyclists. I content myself by taking a dip in the icy water near my hotel.
Monday, July 8, 2019
DENPASAR — Amidst the lack of budget for tourism promotion following the termination of overseas promotions this year, Bali got good news regarding the opening of direct flight of Turkish Airlines from Istanbul to Bali. On that account, this is an opportunity for Bali to grab non-traditional tourists. Turkish Airlines flights are not something sudden. Chairman of the Association of Indonesia Tours and Travel Agencies (ASITA) of Bali Chapter, Ketut Ardana, has confidence that direct flight from Istanbul to Bali through careful calculation and preparation. This flight is also at the initiative of Turkish Airlines itself. “When deciding to fly to a destination, an airline will have a very mature consideration. It’s impossible to do it inconsequentially,” said Ketut Ardana. According to him, Bali is chosen because it is already famous in the eyes of the world. In addition to bringing Turkish tourists to Bali, another consideration is that direct
Chairman of the Association of Indonesia Tours and Travel Agencies (ASITA) of Bali Chapter, Ketut Ardana
flights can also bring nearby tourists such as those from Europe and India. The neighboring countries of Turkey have the potential to take advantage of this direct flight. “Bali has been benefited greatly by the presence of direct flights from the country we did not expect previously,” he said. He didn’t expect Turkish Airlines to fly here. Turkey is also said to have potential tourist for Bali even though it does not occupy the top 10 tourists coming to Bali. However, the number of its tourist visits is said to be quite good. With this direct flight, it will encourage Turkish tourists to try to travel to Bali. The industry, hoteliers and other
components in Bali are expected to welcome the non-traditional tourists. Next October, the ASITA Bali plans to make a promotion to Turkey. “In October, we are going to make a familiarization trip here. In addition to doing B to B cooperation with the local companies, we also want to know their destinations because Turkey is one of the best-selling destinations sold in Indonesia,” he affirmed. Turkish tourists are Muslims having the same character as the European and Indian tourists. “We have no problem accepting Muslim guests because we are used to serving Muslim guests,” he said. He hoped there are also other direct flights to Bali. (kmb42)
Urban transportation lacks of passengers
Forced to switch to free student transportation
KLUNGKUNG district has a free student transportation program having been running in the second year. Initially, this program was in doubt. However, it is now longed for. It happened because the program benefits both the junior and high school students empowering urban public transportation because in the past few years it has lacked of passengers in harmony with the dormancy of passenger terminal in each region. Head of the Klungkung Transportation Agency, Nyoman Sucitra, recently said this year there are 95 fleets, an addition of 10 fleets from last year. The additional fleet serves the new route of Gelgel village, Kusamba village, Lebah village and Javanese kampong to MTs Hassanuddin Klungkung. “This year, our fleet amounts to 95 units with an operating budget for 2019 worth IDR 3.6 billion,” said Sucitra. Meanwhile, Regent of Klungkung, Nyoman Suwirta, stated the free student transportation program is actually one of the ways for local government to empower public transportation
having been abandoned by the community. Besides, it also gives a sense of security for students when going to school because junior high school students are certainly not allowed to ride a motorcycle. According to the regent, free student transportation services have been running well. All students can go to school together. A number of underage students are still driving motorbikes to school, but with the student transportation they are expected to take advantage of the services. “Later on, together with the traffic forum we will take action against the underage children riding motorbike to school,” said Suwirta. The students claimed to be happy with the transportation services. They reasoned that by riding such transportation students can go to school with friends and reduce the burden on parents to drive to school. A member of the Klungkung House of Representatives, Komang Suantara, encouraged that free student transportation can be applied to all sub-districts.
IBP/gik
Klungkung district has a free student transportation program having been running in the second year. By that way, the service can be enjoyed evenly by all junior high school students because so far the free student transportation only serves the Klungkung subdistrict. Sucitra added that for 2020, the free student transportation
service plan will be extended to Dawan and Banjarangkan subdistricts. The budget needed reaches IDR 3.5 billion in D aw an s u bd is tr ict and ID R 3.5 billion in Banjarangkan subdistrict. Meanwhile, for Nusa Penida subdistrict is be-
ing prepared for this academic year. “This program is certainly meant to generate rural and urban transportation services. So, even though the coverage is expanded, it emphasizes there is no need to increase the number of fleets,” he affirmed.
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Bali News
Monday, July 8, 2019
International
Monday, July 8, 2019
International
Batubulan terminal partitioned off
Malaria surges back in crisis-hit Venezuela
Some areas functioned for customary market
GIANYAR - The wall as high as 1.5 meters now separates the Batubulan Terminal area, Sukawati subdistrict, into two parts. The southern part of the area remains to be functioned as terminal, while the northern area is now functioned as market managed by the Delod Tukad customary village, Batubulan. As the information compiled, the terminal has been partitioned off with a barrier since April 18. With a budget of IDR 140 million, the wall has now separated the market activities from terminal activities. In the building of the old terminal or northern area, it has been installed the signboard saying Dewi Sri Market managed by the Delod Tukad customary village of Batubulan. Head of the Gianyar Transportation Agency, Wayan Suamba, said the problem of dividing the terminal area had been a joint decision. Though being divided into two areas, surely the terminal is still functioning. “We still operate the terminal,” he said when confirmed some time ago. He said the difference is that the terminal is currently no longer as it used to be when reaching its heyday. Today, the terminal belongs to category C providing intersubdistrict transportation services. Related to land ownership, it is not entirely owned by the government. “The area in the north of the wall
(market—Ed) belongs to customary village, while the southern area belongs district government and remains to be functioned as a terminal,” he explained. When asked about the Sarbagita bus stop which is now in the northern part of the market area, Suamba claimed that his agency already coordinated the matter. “Based on the result of coordination with the Provincial Transportation Agency, the Sarbagita bus stop is temporarily moved to the weighbridge. The Sarbagita remains to be functioned,” he explained. He added that the government is trying to make a terminal arrangement. Moreover, his agency will prepare the overall terminal revitalization. All this time, there are totally 75 transportation fleets at Batubulan Terminal operating from 06:00 to 16:00. “Currently, it is still serving inter-district buses such as Singaraja-Amlapura-Bangli and Klungkung,” he concluded. (kmb35)
ELVIS BARUKCIC / AFP
A migrant sits on the ground as prepares some food in a pan at the “Vucjak” migrants and refugees camp, in the outskirts of the city of Bihac, in Northern Bosnia, on July 2, 2019.
IBP/wan
The southern part of the area remains to be functioned as terminal, while the northern area is now functioned as market managed by the Delod Tukad customary village, Batubulan.
Hundreds of fishermen hunt for zebra fish in Lake Buyan SINGARAJA - Fish populations in Lake Buyan, Pancasari village, Sukasada, have recently begun to get disturbed by the attack of predatory zebra fish. This fish has small size. To control the preda-
tory attack, the Buleleng Fisheries Agency is intensely hunting for the zebra fish. This hunting is promoted through fishing competition of catching zebra fish in a series of the 6th Twin Lakes Festival (TLF)
2019 on Friday (Jul. 5). A total of 130 fishermen from several regions in Bali enlivened the competition. Within two hours, hundreds of the fishermen competed to catch more zebra fish.
IBP/kmb38
The hunting is promoted through fishing competition of catching zebra fish in a series of the 6th Twin Lakes Festival (TLF) 2019.
Head of the Buleleng Fisheries Agency, Ni Made Arnika, said the existence of zebra fish had appeared since the past few years. It is unknown how this predator is originally breeding. But lately, many fishermen accidentally caught the zebra fish. In the long run, fishermen in Lake Buyan also know that population of zebra fish grows rapidly and frequently preys on the eggs or fingerlings of other fish such as tilapia, carp, and other smaller freshwater fish. “We do not know the origin, and suddenly this predator appears in this lake. As information from local fishermen, the zebra fish preys on the eggs or fingerlings of smaller fish,” she said. According to Arnika, elimination of the predators through catching by fishermen has been done well. However, such movement needs to be improved, so that zebra fish populations can be reduced quickly. The effort to hunt for predator fish in Lake Buyan is done through fishing competition every implementation of the TLF. As in this year’s event, she invited
fishing hobbyists to participate in zebra fish hunting. Through the competition, at least the fishermen are interested in preserving the fish population from the attack of the zebra fish predator. “We promote the catch through fishing competition, so that after this event people’s awareness will increase. Thus, we can exterminate this zebra fish predator by degrees to save the population of fish in this lake,” she explained. Apart from hunting for zebra fish predators, Fisheries Agency also carries out routine fish restocking in public waters including Lake Buyan and Lake Tamblingan. This activity is meant to increase the population of freshwater fish that are endemic to breed in both lakes. Other than through regular programs, participation of the third parties also support the conservation of ecosystems in Lake Buyan and Lake Tamblingan. With such movements, Arnika is optimistic the preservation of freshwater fish populations can be maintained. (kmb38)
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Heatwave adds to the woes of migrants stranded Bosnia BIHAC - Stranded in Bosnia, thousands of migrants face yet one more hurdle on their journey towards the European Union: the scorching summer heat in the Balkans.
Under a leaden sky, Saleh Alhasan and his friends hurry to reach the shade of the woods after failing yet again to cross the border to Croatia, the last barrier on the long and tortuous road into the European Union. “I tried more than 15 times... It has been 10 months that I try to pass. And I do not want to give up. I just want to see my son” born in Sweden, says the 33-year old Syrian architect. “I only saw him in a photo.” His wife was among hundreds of thousands of migrants and refugees who took the so-called Balkans route in 2015, before the EU borders closed for them. On a dusty road, Saleh and his companions pass by red signs hanging on trees, warning that the field is mined: a legacy of the country’s brutal 1992-1995 war. They stop at a stream to refresh themselves, exhausted after walk-
ing in temperatures exceeding 35 Celsius degrees (95 Fahrenheit). The men no longer know where to rest. In Bihac and Velika Kladusa near the Croatian border, reception centres with a capacity for 3,500 run by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) are full. Saleh and his friends live in unhealthy squats. He wants to return to Sarajevo where, he says, “there are more options” for a fresh attempt to cross the border. - Tensions with locals The flow of newcomers slowed during winter but has now resumed and “a hundred migrants arrive daily in the canton” of Bihac, says regional police spokesman Ale Siljdedic. “But recently far fewer people succeed in crossing the border. Croatia has considerably reinforced its police presence,” he adds. According to Bosnia’s security
minister, more than 34,000 migrants from Asia and Africa have illegally entered the country since the beginning of 2018, 11,000 of them this year alone. Some 8,000 are currently in Bosnia, according to European Commission estimates. This has caused tensions both among migrants of different nationalities and with locals, who are also poor. Recently, hundreds of migrants occupied public spaces in the town of Bihac, which is home to some 65,000 people. With the help of the local Red Cross, the authorities in June set up a camp in Vucjak, an uninhabited zone a dozen kilometres from the border, to accomodate migrants who have not found a place in IOM centres. But according to the United Nations, the zone around this camp is also “very close” to minefields. (afp)
EL TUCUCO - The sweltering heat of the Venezuelan forest makes no difference to Jose Gregorio, who trembles with a cold chill. “I have pain everywhere, fever,” he stammers. Gregorio has the classic symptoms of malaria, a disease eradicated years ago among his Yukpa indigenous people, but it’s back with a vengeance all across crisisstruck Venezuela. “He had sore joints and then started vomiting, and it’s been four or five days since he’s eaten anything,” says his worried wife Marisol. Their four-month-old baby babbles beside his father on the bed. “The baby and I also had malaria,” says Marisol. “Before, that was not the case here, there was only chikungunya and dengue, malaria came back here last year.” She doesn’t bat an eyelid at the mention of either of the other mosquito-borne viruses, whose spread has been fueled by the collapse of Venezuela’s health system. “Here” is El Tucuco, a small village at the foot of the mountains that form the border with Colombia, a three-hour drive from Maracaibo in Venezuela’s western Zulia state. With 3,700 people, El Tucuco is the Yukpas’ “capital” and malaria is rapidly making its presence felt here as in the rest of Venezuela -- a country that could once boast of being the first to have eradicated the disease in 1961. - ‘Pandemic’ There are no official statistics on malaria’s reach into El Tucuco, nor on the number of deaths it causes. But from his consulting room at the Catholic Mission, Dr Carlos Polanco is seeing a developing crisis. “Out of 10 people who are tested for malaria in the village laboratory, four to five come out with a positive test. This is an alarming figure.” Brother Nelson Sandoval, a Capuchin friar who presides over the mission, adds: “Before enter-
ing the order, I already knew this community and I had never seen a case of malaria. Today we are in the middle of a pandemic.” El Tucuco is affected by Plasmodium vivax, the most geographically widespread malarial species. The more lethal Plasmodium falciparum strain is prevalent in the Amazonian regions of southeastern Venezuela. According to Sandoval and Polanco, the reason for malaria’s sudden virulence in El Tucuco is simple: once-regular fumigation missions by the Venezuelan government stopped. “And as the population of mosquitos increased, cases exploded,” said Polanco. Added to this is the malnutrition that weakens resistance to the disease, a new phenomenon since the economic crisis took hold at the end of 2015. “Before, it was possible to vary one’s diet, but with inflation the Yukpa cannot afford it,” instead making do with what they can grow, like cassava and plantain, according to Polanco. Rosa, 67, knows all about malnutrition. Lying on the floor of her house, she is battling malaria for the third time. “The doctor weighed me yesterday -- 37 kilograms. I was 83 kilos before.” A report published in British medical journal The Lancet in February warned of an epidemic of malaria and dengue fever as a result of the continuing crisis in Venezuela. Between 2016 and 2017 alone, the number of malaria cases in the nation jumped 70 per cent. “The situation is catastrophic,” said Dr Huniades Urbina, secretary of the national Academy of Medicine. In 2018, “there were 600,000 cases of malaria and we, the scientific organizations, estimate that in 2019 we could reach a million cases” -- one in every 30 people. But these figures are only estimates, “because the government conceals the statistics.” (afp)
YURI CORTEZ / AFP
A Yukpa indigenous girl rests in a hammock near her grandmother (out of frame) who lies with fever due to malaria, at their house in Los Angeles del Tukuko community, near Machiques, Zulia state, Venezuela, on June 11, 2019.
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International
Monday, July 8, 2019
Bali News
International
BUSINESS
Monday, July 8, 2019
5
US adds solid 224,000 jobs, making Fed rate cut less certain
WASHINGTON - U.S. employers sharply stepped up their hiring in June, adding a robust 224,000 jobs, an indication of the economy’s durability after more than a decade of expansion.
The strength of the jobs report the government issued Friday could complicate a decision for the Federal Reserve late this month on whether to cut interest rates to help support the economy. Most investors have anticipated a rate cut in July and perhaps one or two additional Fed cuts later in the year. That scenario may be less likely now. Stocks sold off early Friday before paring their losses later. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed down a modest 43 points. But the yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury note climbed to 2.04% from just under 2% before the jobs report was released, reflecting a view that the Fed might now be less inclined to cut rates multiple times. June’s solid job growth followed a tepid gain of 72,000 jobs in May, a result that had fueled concerns about the economy’s health. But with June’s pace of hiring, employers have now added, on average, a solid 171,000 jobs for the past three months. Last month’s burst of hiring suggests that many employers have shrugged off concerns about weaker growth, President Donald Trump’s trade wars and the waning benefits from U.S. tax cuts. “Although there are drags on the economy in 2019, the expansion should continue through this year,” said Gus Faucher, chief economist at PNC Financial Services. “The doom and gloom was overblown.” The unemployment rate ticked up to 3.7% in June from 3.6% for the previous two months, reflecting an influx of people seeking jobs who were initially counted as unemployed. Average hourly wages rose 3.1% from a year ago. Trump responded to Friday’s jobs report by tweeting, “JOBS, JOBS, JOBS!” But the strong hiring gains have lessened the case, at least for now, for the Fed to slash rates as Trump has repeatedly and aggressively pressed the central bank to do. “If we had a Fed that would lower interest rates, we’d be like a rocket ship,” the president asserted to reporters in an appearance Friday. “But we’re paying a lot of interest, and it’s unnecessary. But we don’t have a Fed that knows what they’re doing.” Last year, Fed officials raised rates four times, in part to stave off the risk of high inflation and in part to try to ensure that they would have room to cut rates if the economy stumbled. On Friday, the Fed reiterated that it would act as necessary sustain the economic expansion, while noting that most Fed officials
Viral tweet shatters ethereal image of Bali’s ‘Gates of Heaven’
IBP/net
You might have come across it once or twice while scrolling through your Instagram timeline, a snap of Bali’s very own “Gates of Heaven” and its reflection on a stunningly clear body of water, making the photo hotspot looks exceptionally out of this world. AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee
In this Tuesday, June 4, 2019 photo, job applicants line up at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood during a job fair in Hollywood, Fla. On Friday, July 5, the U.S. government issues the June jobs report. have lowered their expectations for the course of rates. The Fed’s statement came in its semiannual report on monetary policy. In Friday’s jobs report for June, the hiring gains were broad. Construction companies added 21,000 workers after having increased their payrolls by only 5,000 in May. Manufacturers hired 17,000, up from just 3,000 in May. Health care and social assistance added 50,500 jobs. Hiring by transportation and warehousing companies increased 23,900. The government sector was a major source of hiring, adding 33,000 jobs in June. Nearly all those gains were at the local level. For Todd Leff, CEO of Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, the resilience of the U.S. job market has provided both an opportunity and a challenge. With more Americans earning steady paychecks, demand for massages and facials has increased, and the company plans to add 60 locations this year and roughly 1,800 jobs. But the low unemployment rate has also made it hard to find and retain workers. “We could hire 1,000 more employees
today — if they were available,” said Leff, whose company has about 430 locations and is based in Trevose, Pennsylvania. Investors have been turning their attention to the Fed, which has expressed concern about threats to the economy, especially the uncertainties from Trump’s trade wars, and about inflation remaining persistently below its 2% target level. A Fed rate cut, whenever it happens, would be its first in more than a decade. Joshua Shapiro, chief U.S. economist for the consultancy MFR, said the likelihood of a Fed rate cut late this month is now slightly lower, though he still estimates that the federal funds rate — what banks charge each other — will be sharply lower by the end of next year. Ryan Wang, U.S. economist at HSBC Bank, suggested that the solid jobs report might create a communications challenge for Fed Chairman Jerome Powell when he testifies Wednesday and Thursday to congressional committees. The financial markets still foresee a rate cut of 25 points this month, Wang said,
adding, “It will be important to see if Chair Powell lays out on a strong case for near-term monetary easing in his testimony next week.” The sluggish pace of hiring in May had signaled that employers might have grown more cautious because of global economic weakness and, perhaps, some difficulty in finding enough qualified workers at the wages that companies are willing to pay. The pace of the overall economy is widely thought to be slowing from annual growth that neared a healthy 3% last year. Consumer spending has solidified. Home sales are rebounding. But America’s manufacturing sector is weakening along with construction spending. Growth in the services sector, which includes such varied industries as restaurants, finance and recreation, slowed in June. Overall, though, employers have been adding jobs faster than new workers are flowing into the economy. That suggests that the unemployment rate will remain near its five-decade low and that the economy will keep growing, even if only modestly. (ap)
What most people who see those pics probably don’t know is that it’s located at Pura Lempuyang Luhur in Karangasem regency, and perhaps even fewer are aware that there’s actually no water around this stunning split gate location. Yes, you read that right, folks. As Polina Marinova pointed out on Twitter, the “water” at the Gates of Heaven is really just a piece of glass
placed under a camera. “Proof that Instagram influencers have ruined everything. My hopes & dreams were shattered when I found out the “water” at the Gates of Heaven is actually just a piece of glass under an iPhone,” Marinova tweeted. While it doesn’t necessarily make the temple in Lempuyang Hill any less gorgeous or stunning (I
mean, that amazing view of Mount Agung is truly something else from this perspective), this tidbit has undoubtedly shattered the image of Gates of Heaven that’s been so popularized on social media. A simple search of “Pura Lempuyang Luhur” location on Instagram reveals that most people who choose to share pics from their visit to the Gates of Heaven incorporate that reflection trick, making it look as if the gates were sitting right by a clear body of water. Now that the secret is “out there,” perhaps more people
should’ve asked how much sense it made for the gates to have been placed just so atop a body of water, but the effect is so magical we can understand why so many just bought into it. Another disappointed tourist, Bathabile Amirchand, replied to Marinova’s tweet and said she felt “so catfished” when she saw the Instagram hotspot with her own eyes. Another user, Ashwin Kumar, shared some of his “real” shots of Pura Lempuyang Luhur, joking that there had at least been a “tiny water puddle” during his visit.
Polina’s viral tweet is a good reminder that tourists shouldn’t be visiting places for the sole purpose of getting that all-important Instagram shot, since there are many other things worth focusing on. Pura Lempuyang Luhur is, after all, one of Bali’s oldest and most revered temples. It’s one of those gorgeous spots away from the tourist-filled south. The name itself refers to a collection of temples along the hiking path to the summit, with the main temple – known as Pura Penataran Lempuyang – located 1,175 meters above sea level. (ant)
Czech tourist dies during Bali holiday after her stomach ruptures Eliška Frank, a 33-year-old tourist from the Czech Republic, died yesterday evening at a hospital in Bali, days after her husband made a desperate pleas for blood donors to save her life. “I thought I wouldn’t have to write this message. Today, at approximately 9 pm, Eliska lost her fight and her heart stopped,” a friend of the couple, Miloš Kos?, posted on a Facebook group. He went on to thank those who helped by sharing information and
offering assistance, saying that “it brought great hope that everything will turn for the better.” “Unfortunately, the way Eliška went was faster than anyone expected,” Kos said. As reported by Yahoo News Australia, Eliska was rushed to a hospital in Kuta last Saturday after her stomach ruptured, which led to serious internal bleeding. Upon hearing the news, her husband, Martin Frank, immediately travelled to Bali from Prague, and
sought help online to find a blood match for his wife so she could undergo surgery. “Hello, I am trying to find anybody with A- or O- blood type to donate blood yo my wife. She is on Intensive Care Unit at BIMC Hospital Kuta and she needs blood,” Martin reportedly wrote in a Facebook group for expats on the island. It appears that his call for help was responded by dozens of people, and he announced on July 1 that
they received three units of blood, adding that Eliska managed to make it through the surgery. “I’m touched by how many great people are in Bali, in Australia and in our Czech Republic … I believe everything will be ok, she is a great warrior. Thank you very much for everything,” Martin wrote then. Eliška’s tragic death was confirmed by a spokeswoman of Czech Republic’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “We received information on the
death of a Czech citizen in Bali on Thursday from our embassy,” the spokeswoman, Zuzana Stichova, told Czech media outlet iDNES. Eliška was diagnosed with a pancreatic tumor in January. It is unclear if she received treatment for it, but a spokesman from the BIMC Hospital Kuta reportedly said that “it came back,” adding that Eliska had a very strong infection, was anemic, and that she was also suffering from sepsis when she arrived at the hospital. (afp)
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Monday, July 8, 2019
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International
International
RLD
Bolsonaro defends child labor in Brazil, sparking outcry
RIO DE JANEIRO - Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, no stranger to controversy, sparked a new brouhaha this week by repeatedly defending the practice of child labor.
IAN MCNIVEN / AFP
This undated handout photo received from Ian McNiven on July 7, 2019 shows the funnel start of a 350 meter long fish trapping system at Lake Condah, in the south-west of the Australian state of Victoria.
Australian Aboriginal site gains World Heritage recognition
SYDNEY - An Aboriginal settlement older than the pyramids that provides evidence that indigenous Australians developed sophisticated aquaculture thousands of years ago has been granted World Heritage status, the UN has announced. The Budj Bim Cultural Landscape in southeast Australia was created by the Gunditjmara nation some 6,600 years ago and includes remnants of elaborate stone channels and pools built to harvest eels from a lake and wetland swamp areas. The site also holds evidence of stone dwellings that counter the myth that Aboriginal peoples were simply nomadic hunter-gatherers with no established settlements or sophisticated means of food production. UNESCO’s World Heritage committee, in announcing the addition of Budj Bim to its global listing on Saturday, said the site showed the Gunditjmara had developed “one of the largest and oldest aquaculture networks in the world.” The system of stone channels, dams and pools were used to contain floodwaters and create basins to trap, store and harvest eels that provided the population with “an economic and social base for six millennia”, it said. Budj Bim, in Victoria state, is the first site in Australia to receive World Heritage status solely for its Aboriginal cultural importance.
Nineteen other World Heritage sites in the country include the Great Barrier Reef, Kakadu National Park, the Sydney Opera house and fossil sites in the states of Queensland and South Australia. The Gunditjmara people had lobbied for nearly 20 years for UN recognition of Budj Bim, and tribal elder Denise Lovett welcomed the listing as “a very special day for our community”. “This landscape, which we have cared for over thousands of years, is so important to Gunditjmara People,” she told national broadcaster SBS. “The decision also recognises Budj Bim’s significance to all of humanity. We are so proud to now be able to share our achievements and story with the world.” Archaeological evidence shows that Aboriginal peoples have lived in Australia for more than 60,000 years, making it one of the oldest continuous cultures in the world. But since the arrival of European colonists in the late 18th century, the indigenous population saw most of its land taken for farming or livestock grazing. Today, there are around 750,000 people of Aboriginal descent in Australia -- about three percent of the population -- but they have far higher poverty rates and lower life expectancy than non-indigenous Australians and make up about 28 percent of the prison population. (afp)
“I’ve been working since I was eight years old... and today I am what I am,” the far-right leader said during his weekly live forum on Facebook. “Look, when a child of eight or nine years old works somewhere, many people denounce it as ‘forced labor’ or ‘child labor,’” he said on Thursday. “But if that child smokes coca paste, nobody says anything.” “Work brings dignity to men and to women, no matter their age,” he added. He then repeated the remarks over the following days, saying at an official event on Friday that, “I worked from the age of eight planting corn, picking bananas... while studying at the same time. “And today I am what I am. This is not demagoguery, it is the truth.” On Saturday, he republished a 2017 AFP video showing Frank Giaccio, the 11-year-old owner of a lawn mowing business and admirer of US President Donald Trump, trimming the White House lawn. Bolsonaro added the words, “Work ennobles.”
- Not allowed His comments provoked strongly critical reactions. “He is the best example to incite a child not to work -- to keep him from growing up to become an adult like (Bolsonaro), with so much hatred and such incompetence,” said Marcelo Freixo, a socialist politician. Meanwhile Brazil’s media seized on a 2015 interview in which Bolsonaro’s brother contradicted the head of state. “My father had his bohemian style, but he never let one of his sons work, because he thought they had to study,” Renato Bolsonaro told Crescer magazine. Brazilian law prohibits children younger than 16 from working, except in the case of apprentices, who can begin work at 14. According to the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), some 2.5 million children and adolescents aged five to 17 work in Brazil. “The argument that working would not hurt, or that it would be a viable alternative is exactly what we are fighting every day while striving to make society
think differently,” Patricia Sanfelici, who oversees the fight against child labor for Brazil’s labor ministry, told news website UOL. On Friday, Bolsonaro’s minister for Human Rights, Family and Women, the former evangelical pastor Damares Alves, tried to put an end to the controversy. “Our generation worked from a very young age,” she said. “I worked from a very young age. But this does not mean that we are going to decriminalize (child labor). “Let us be clear that for children to work is a violation of their rights, something that cannot be allowed.” Bolsonaro is not known for being politically correct. In 2011, he told Playboy magazine he would rather see his own son “die in an accident” than come out as gay. He has also said poor people are too ignorant to understand family planning. And as a congressman in late 2014, he said that a colleague was not “worth raping; she is very ugly.” A judge ultimately ordered him to pay the woman $2,500. (afp)
EVARISTO SA / AFP
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro delivers a speech during the inauguration ceremony of Luiz Eduardo Ramos as Head of the Secretariat of Government of the Presidency at Planalto Palace in Brasilia, on July 04, 2019.
Constructive opposition needed to advance Indonesian nation: Uno Sandiaga Uno, a successful businessman and vice presidential candidate in the 2019 presidential election. (babel.antaranews.com/kasmono) Belitung, Bangka Belitung (ANTARA) - Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno has believed a constructive opposition is needed to help develop and advance the Indonesian nation. “I am aware that we could develop the nation from outside. And we become opposition but maintain the friendship,” he said here on Sunday after participating in Belitung Triathlon 2019 in Sijuk. He said the Jokowi-Ma’ruf Amin coalition is quite good. He, however, decided to remain outside the government, by becoming a strong opposition. “This is also an aspiration of the public who want to see a strong opposition to correct the government’s policies,” he said. Uno said he would halt his political activities and not return to his previous position as the deputy governor of Jakarta. “As for the Jakarta deputy governor position, I have decided to not return to it, as the post is for PKS ( the Justice Prosperous) Party,” he remarked. The General Elections Commission (KPU) announced the final results of the 2019 Presidential Election on May 22, 2019, at 1:28 a.m., declaring that the Jokowi-Maruf Amin pair had secured 85 million votes, or 55.5 percent of the national vote, as compared to contenders Prabowo Subianto-Sandiaga Uno who received 68 million votes, or 44.5 percent. The Jokowi-Amin pair declared victory, while the Prabowo-Sandiaga pair rejected the KPU’s official tabulation result and challenged it in the Constitutional Court (MK). MK’s nine judges announced their final ruling session on June 27, 2019, by totally rejecting the Prabowo-Sandiaga pair’s petition. Meanwhile, the Indonesian Justice Prosperity Coalition comprising Gerindra, PKS, PAN (the National Mandate Party), the Democrats Party (PD) and Berkarya Party that carried Prabowo Subianto and his running mate Sandiaga Uno in the 2019 Presidential Election, was declared defunct by Subianto, so their leadership could take the next political steps freely, Gerindra Party Secretary General Ahmad Muzani said. The struggle to save the Indonesian nation, however, is not over and has to be nurtured and fostered so that it continues to survive in the midst of society, according to Muzani. Gerindra and PKS most likely will continue to be opposition parties. Mardani Ali Sera, although it has not been officially announced, according to the deputy secretary general of PKS. “I personally believe that critical and constructive opposition is the most rational choice for the current condition,” Mardani Sera said. Prabowo Subianto will absorb the aspirations of his supporters and discuss it with Gerindras cadres before declaring the party’s stance, according to Andre Rosiade, Deputy Secretary General of Gerindra. The party has been in the opposition since the start, and it should remain there to make Indonesia’s democracy healthy and to apply the checks and balances for a proper democratic system, Muhammad Syafii, member of the Advisory Board of Gerindra, said. Therefore, the party will decline any offer to be a part of the government, including any ministerial position, he confirmed.(ant)
Monday, July 8, 2019
11
Indonesian court rejects appeal of woman who exposed cheating boss
An Indonesian woman who was handed a prison sentence for exposing her cheating boss, prompting a public outcry, has had her court appeal rejected. The supreme court on Thursday dismissed the challenge from Baiq Nuril Maknun, who was found guilty of breaking a controversial law against spreading indecent material, saying she failed to produce new evidence. The court’s decision leaves in place a 500 million rupiah ($34,000) fine and six-month jail term, which Maknun will now be ordered to serve. “Her judicial review was rejected because her crime has been legally and convincingly proven,” said court spokesman Abdullah, who like many Indonesians goes by one name. The case against Maknun goes back to 2012, when she recorded the principal of the school where she worked discussing graphic sexual details about an affair he was having with another colleague. Co-workers of the school administrator -- who herself had rebuffed the principal’s repeated advances -- later convinced her to release the recording in a bid to expose the man’s history of lecherous behaviour. Maknun was initially cleared of the charges by a local court on
the island of Lombok where the school was located but Indonesia’s top court reversed the decision, finding her guilty of violating the electronic information law. Lawyer Joko Jumadi said his client was disappointed with the latest ruling, her last course of appeal. “She refuses to stop fighting because if she does she’s afraid it will make other harassment victims too scared to speak up,” he told AFP. “We have followed all legal avenues and now we hope President Joko Widodo will do something about it,” Jumadi said. Widodo in November expressed his concern about Maknun’s case and said if the supreme court rejected her appeal she could request clemency. Her sentence was condemned by rights groups and supporters established an online crowd-funding appeal to pay for her legal costs last year. Indonesia’s corruption-riddled justice system has long been criticised for the quality of its rulings, while the electronic information law itself has come under fire for being too vague and open to misuse.(afp)
IBP/net
Baiq Nuril
Foreign minister expresses condolences over demise of Sutopo JAKARTA - Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi expressed condolences over the demise of the Head of the Data and Information Center of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) Sutopo Purwo Nugroho. “Sugeng kondur (so long goodbye), Pak Topo. Our prayers accompany you to meet the Creator (Almighty God),” the Foreign Minister wrote on her Instagram account @retno_marsudi, Sunday. Condolences were also conveyed by the minister to Sutopo’s wife, Retno Sutopo.
Innallillahi wa innallillahi rojiun ( We belong to Allah and to Allah we shall return), she said on her instagram account. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Pak (Mr) Topo coordinated a lot in handling disasters. Mr. Topo (Sutopo Purwo Nugroho) and I have been on one stage ... received the award “Special Award for Humanitarian Diplomacy Leader”, December 18, 2018. Allow me to quote one of Pak Topo’s wise message ... “Life is not determined by how long we live, but how useful we are to other people”. Goodbye Mr. Topo ... The dedicated
figure has overtaken us ...,” she said. Sutopo died on Sunday at 02:20 local time at Guangzhou St. Stamford Modern Cancer Hospital, while undergoing treatment related to lung cancer he suffered. The Indonesian Consulate General in Guangzhou has coordinated with all relevant parties in China, such as the head of the hospital, Customs, and the head of Garuda Indonesia (Indonesian flag carrier) representative office to ensure that Sutopo’s body can be returned home as soon as possible.(ant)
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Destination
Monday, July 8, 2019
International
Wanagiri Hidden Hill
SINGARAJA - Wanagiri Hill or more commonly referred to as Hidden Hill Wanagiri is located Jalan Munduk – Wanagiri, Wanagiri, Sukasada, Pancasari, Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali, while this place is just famous among foreign and domestic tourists, where these attractions offer very beautiful views of the hills, where from this place you can see the scenery buyan lake and tamblingan (twin lake view), and also in this place provide a small swing for those of you who want to swing and some sopt photos with a stunning natural landscape background. The origin of the word wana giri comes from the word, which is where the word Wana means forest and Giri which means hill, and the word wanagiri means hill of forest. in this place it is still natural, many shady trees and animals such as birds and sometimes there are apes in these hills. The growing tourism in Bali, by local residents, this place was transformed into a tourist attraction where from this place we can enjoy the beautiful
natural scenery and also in this place provided some facilities for taking pictures like swing, nest bird and others. As for the natural scenery that can be seen from this hill, namely the view of twin lake view and unspoiled tropical forest. Wanagiri Hidden Hills is one of the new tourist attractions in Bali that is still unknown to many people. Did you know that the beauty and beauty of scenery in Wanagiri Hidden Hills offers an exotic and truly extraordinary romanticism. For those of you who are selfie hobby, you can capture the moment by taking pictures with a beautiful hill background
The facilities available at Wanagiri Hill Swing for foto - Swing only use for photo, not actual doing the swing, get in to the swing vehicle that is above the peak height of Wanagiri Hidden Hills Bali with background of the hill and the beauty of Lake Buyan and Tamblingan which are surrounded by lush green forests and trees. is perfect sopt for tak-
Monday, July 8, 2019
International
Tour de Impossible? Pakistan hosts ‘world’s toughest cycle race’
KHUNJERAB - Finishing nearly 5,000 metres above sea level after hundreds of kilometres winding past blackened glaciers and snow-capped peaks: a new Pakistani race presents a world-class challenge for cyclists -- climbing towards the “Roof of the World”.
ing picture Bird Nest - one of the most Instagramable photo spots that is
a favorite of visitors is the Bird Nest atau Sangkar Burung that you must try while in Wanagiri
Hidden Hills, enjoy taking pictures in a bird cage with background twin lake view. (net)
The Tour de Khunjerab -- its name a homage to its more famous French counterpart, which began on Saturday -- is still many years away from being another Big Loop, but with a solid claim to being the highest cycling race in the world, it has a lot to offer a certain type of athlete. In the last week of June, some 88 cyclists, including two teams from Afghanistan and Sri Lanka as well as solo participants from Spain and Switzerland, took part in its second edition. Less than half completed it within the allotted time. The four stages -- three ranging from 68 to 94 kilometres (42 to 58 miles) plus a shorter time trial -- are much shorter than many other cycling events. But there is one fundamental difference: the Pakistani Tour starts at 1,500 metres above sea level, and never stops climbing. The final day of this year’s event sums up the challenge. Starting at 2,800 metres -- higher than the Iseran Pass, the summit of the Tour de France -- it ends at 4,700 metres, just over 100 metres short of Mont Blanc, Europe’s highest mountain. The Khunjerab Tour must become “an attraction... for the most daring and adventurous cyclists in the world”, said Usman Ahmed, the top official for the northern Gilgit region, home to some of the planet’s tallest peaks and where the race was held.
AAMIR QURESHI / AFP
In this picture taken on June 30, 2019, Pakistani and international cyclists take part in the Tour de Khunjerab, one of the world’s highest altitude cycling competitions, near the Pakistan-China Khunjerab border. The cyclists’ tyres swallow up the asphalt of the Karakoram Highway, one of the highest paved roads in the world. Named after the Karakoram mountain range -- just one of the ranges in Gilgit -- the road passes through an extraordinary landscape. Soaring, jagged peaks contrast with vertiginous ravines, glaciers driving a chill wind, and tumbling aquamarine rivers. Landslides
are common. Guardrails are a flimsy suggestion of protection from steep falls of hundreds of feet. “There is no place in the world that offers all these things,” said Ahmed. “No doubt it is the toughest cycle race in the world. We are aiming to make it our trademark,” said Haroon General, president of the Pakistan Cycling Federation. “The most difficult part of the race is the
final stage where cyclists face shortage of oxygen and there is risk of heart issues... At such an altitude a person falls down (faints) after running for 200 metres, but our cyclists travelled for almost 59 kilometres,” he said. Five ambulances were on standby in case of emergencies in the final stage, he said, adding: “A majority of the cyclists made it but the support staff needed ambulances.” (afp)
Lakers officially bring Davis into the fold
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Ethan Miller/Getty Images/AFP
Anthony Davis (L) and LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers arrive at a game between the Lakers and the LA Clippers during the 2019 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 6, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Lakers made it official on Saturday, announcing they have signed forward Anthony Davis, who they hope will form a dynamic one-two punch with superstar LeBron James. “Anthony Davis is arguably the most dominant all-around young player in today’s NBA,” said Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka. “Anthony represents everything we stand for, with his unwavering commitment to excellence as both a person and athlete. “This is a historic moment for the Lakers franchise, and we couldn’t be more proud to have him.” The Davis signing took place on the first day NBA teams were allowed to officially sign free agents to contracts that were already negotiated over the past week.
The Lakers reiterated in their statement that they have acquired Davis in a trade from the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, Brandon Ingram, the draft rights to De’Andre Hunter, two first-round picks, and cash. As part of the trade, the Lakers also sent Isaac Bonga, Jemerrio Jones, Moritz Wagner and a second-round draft pick to the Washington Wizards, who in return, sent cash consideration to the Pelicans. Davis is a six-time NBA allstar who has averaged more than 23 points per game through seven seasons with New Orleans, who drafted him with the first overall pick in 2012. Davis also played alongside James in the USA’s 2012 Olympics gold-medal-winning roster. The Lakers announced several
other signings on Saturday, including deals with Quinn Cook, DeMarcus Cousins, and Danny Green. A four-time all-star, Cousins has played in 565 career games for Sacramento, New Orleans, and Golden State, averaging 21.2 points and 10.9 rebounds. The Lakers did not release any details about the deals but the US media reported that Cousins’ deal is for one year and worth $3.5 million. The Miami Heat were also believed to be interested in Cousins but Davis, a former teammate of Cousins with the Pelicans, helped convince him to go to Los Angeles. Green started 80 games for the NBA champion Toronto Raptors last season, averaging 10.3 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game. Cook was a member of the 2018 Golden State championship team. (afp)
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Monday, July 8, 2019
Monday, July 8, 2019
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FIFA looks to expand Fallout runs deep as Salah, Women’s World Cup Egypt flop at Cup of Nations from 24 to 32 teams
EVARISTO SA / AFP
Paraguayan referee Mario Diaz de Vivar shows the red card to Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Chile’s Gary Medel as they have a physical encounter during the Copa America football tournament third-place match at the Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on July 6, 2019.
Copa América: Messi sent off as Argentina takes 3rd place
SÃO PAULO — For a match that didn’t mean much, there was a lot going on as Argentina defeated Chile 2-1 to finish third in the Copa América on Saturday. It ended with Lionel Messi being sent off and boycotting the medal ceremony to protest the refereeing. “We shouldn’t take part in this corruption,” an unusually outspoken Messi said. “There was lack of respect toward us during this Copa América. We could have done better, but they didn’t let us make it to the final. Corruption and the referees are not letting the fans enjoy football. This is ruining football.” Messi had already complained about the refereeing after Argentina’s loss to Brazil in the semifinals, hinting the result was expected because the hosts were allegedly in charge of South
American soccer. He said he expected Brazil to win Sunday’s final against Peru, claiming it was already set up for the hosts’ victory. When asked if he didn’t fear being suspended for his comments, Messi said “the truth needed to be told.” CONMEBOL, South America’s soccer confederation, later released a statement condemning the “unacceptable” and “baseless accusations” that discredited the Copa América’s integrity. “In football, sometimes you lose and sometimes you win,” the statement said. “One of the fundamental pillars of fair play is to accept the results and the ref-
ereeing decisions with respect.” Messi was sent off after getting involved in an altercation in a tense third-place game between the rivals from the last two finals of the South American competition. Veteran Chile midfielder Gary Medel also was red carded after the first-half shoving match with Messi at the Arena Corinthians. Sergio Agüero and Paulo Dybala scored early for Argentina, and Arturo Vidal put Chile on the board with a second-half penalty kick. Chile had beaten Argentina in the final in 2015 and 2016, both times in penalty shootouts. It was a heated match from the start in São Paulo, with many hard fouls from both sides and alterca-
tions involving several players. None was bigger than the one sparked by the Messi-Medel confrontation that led to the red card for both players in the 37th minute. It started when Medel wasn’t happy that Messi came in from behind to try to gain possession. The Chilean turned around to confront the Argentine star, who didn’t back down. They started to bump into each other with their chests and shoulders and Paraguayan referee Mario Diaz de Vivar came in to immediately send both players off. “A yellow card should have been enough for both players,” Messi said. Messi had also received a straight red card in his national team debut with Argentina in a
friendly against Hungary in 2005. Argentina opened the scoring after Messi quickly took a free kick with a long through ball to Agüero, who went past goalkeeper Gabriel Arias before finding the net in the 12th minute. There was some complaint that the ball was rolling when Messi took the free kick that caught the Chilean defense by surprise. Dybala added to the lead with a shot from inside the area in the 22nd, and Vidal gave Chile hope of a recovery by converting a penalty awarded by video review in the 59th. Argentina is enduring a 26year title drought with the senior team. Messi’s only title with Argentina was with the under-23 squad at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.(ap)
LYON - FIFA will seek to expand the Women’s World Cup from 24 to 32 teams and double the prize money while maintaining a significant financial gulf with funding for the men’s tournament. FIFA President Gianni Infantino will need quick approval from ruling bodies to enlarge the Women’s World Cup, with bidding already underway for the 2023 edition. The process would have to be reopened if countries will have to find the stadiums to accommodate more teams and additional games. “We will need to act more quickly if we want to have 32 teams already in 2023,” Infantino said Friday. “We will discuss it as a matter of urgency and see if we can already decide to increase for 2023 in which case we should reopen the bidding process and allow everyone to have a chance to organize or maybe co-host for some of those who have been bidding already for a 24-team World Cup.” The 37-member FIFA Council had been due to vote on the 2023 Women’s World Cup host in March 2020, with nine countries expressing interesting in bidding. The nine, including recent men’s World Cup hosts Brazil and South Africa, must submit formal bid plans by Oct. 4. The other contenders are Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Colombia, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea, which could bid with North Korea. “Nothing is impossible and based on the success of this World Cup of course we have to believe bigger and to do what we should have done already probably some time ago,” Infantino said ahead of Sunday’s final between the United States and the Netherlands. “But now we have the evidence to do it for women’s football.” Infantino previously prioritized enlarging the men’s World Cup, with a jump from 32 to 48 teams when the United States co-hosts with Canada and Mexico in 2026. A bid to fast-track expansion for the 2022 tournament in Qatar collapsed in May due to logistical and political barriers. That event will see teams splitting prize money of $440 million and $209 million will be made available to clubs releasing players. But women’s teams earn significantly less for competing at the women’s showpiece. Even doubling the prize money, team preparation funding and cash for clubs releasing players — as Infantino disclosed Friday — will only lift the figure to $100 million. Infantino has, however, pledged to introduce two new women’s competitions: a Club World Cup and league for nations between World Cups. “We can develop national team football only if we develop club football as well all over the world, not only in a few countries,” Infantino said. “So we need a club World Cup which can be played every year to expose clubs from all over the world and to make men’s clubs, but also women’s clubs, invest even more in women’s football.” Infantino said FIFA would double investment in women’s soccer to $1 billion but later clarified that much of the funding would be reserved for soccer federations to request for specific projects that would require approval from the governing body. FIFA’s cash reserves at the end of 2018 stood at $2.74 billion. “We don’t need all that money in Swiss banks,” Infantino said.(ap)
AP Photo/Francois Mori
Netherlands players celebrates at the end of the Women’s World Cup semifinal soccer match between the Netherlands and Sweden, at the Stade de Lyon outside Lyon, France, Wednesday, July 3, 2019.
After his tale of redemption with Liverpool this season, Mohamed Salah was instead left in disbelief once more as Egypt crashed out of their own Africa Cup of Nations, an exit that triggered an immediate clearout within the country’s football association. While Salah helped lead his club to a sixth European Cup triumph in June, a year on from an injury forcing him out of the final, he was powerless to stop the Pharaohs suffering humiliation on the international stage for the second time in 12 months. The forward arrived here full of promise -- his mood and fitness in sharp contrast to this time last June when his shoulder was injured as he was wrestled to the ground by Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos in the 3-1 loss in the 2018 Champions League final in Kiev. He scored twice in four matches in Cairo, both goals struck with unerring precision, but rarely looked at his peak surrounded by an Egyptian supporting cast far more limited than he is accustomed to at club level. But Salah also, uncharacteristically, made headlines off the pitch after offering a degree of support for disgraced team-mate Amr Warda, who was banished from the squad over sexual harassment allegations only to later be recalled -- with Salah at the forefront of appeals for his reinstatement. One of the most popular Twitter hashtags in the wake of Salah and others defending the midfielder was “National team of sexual harassers”. Salah faced a backlash from many users after saying Warda deserved a “second chance” and that “shunning is not the answer”. Many of Salah’s fans noted his hypocritical line of argument. He has made a point of speaking up for women in the Muslim world, and in an April interview with Time magazine he vehemently defended their rights in the region. Shouldering the weight of expectation of nearly 100 million Egyptians, hoping for a fourth title in five editions as hosts, Salah found himself a capable ally in Mahmoud ‘Trezeguet’ Hassan, the team’s standout performer in the group stage. But he too wilted as the pressure intensified once the tournament moved into the knockout phase, spurning Egypt’s best chance in a bitter defeat that provoked widespread dismay throughout the football-mad nation. - ‘No tactics or strategy’ “I’m really sad. Nobody expected
Khaled DESOUKI / AFP
Egypt’s forward Mohamed Salah reacts during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) Round of 16 football match between Egypt and South Africa at the Cairo International Stadium in the Egyptian Capital on July 6, 2019. we would go out at this stage. We thought for sure our team would reach the final,” said Mohamed Alaa, a 17-year-old fan from Cairo. Amr Kamel, 23, said he was “disgusted” by the team’s abject failure. “We expected better than that, that we would win, especially given the competition is being played in our country. We are really disgusted.” The sense of shame prompted Egyptian FA president Hani Abou Rida to sack coach Javier Aguirre and announce his own resignation out of “moral obligation” just hours after the defeat, paving the way for a vast shake-up within the organisation. Aguirre came in for criticism for his management of the side during the Cup of Nations, with Egypt legend Wael Gomaa accusing the Mexican of having “no tactics or
strategy”. Following Saturday’s defeat, Aguirre said he alone took the blame for the host nation’s disastrous campaign, with his departure coming after less than a year in the job. Abou Rida also called on board members to quit after “disappointing Egypt’s supporters” and bringing an end to his three-year reign marked by controversy, including a 2018 World Cup fiasco that saw the Pharaohs fail to get out of the group stage after losing all of their matches. The location of the team’s training base in Grozny, the capital of Muslim-majority Chechnya, spurred widespread criticism -especially from human rights groups -- over concerns of abuses by Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov, supported by Russia’s President Vladimir Putin.(afp)
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Monday, July 8, 2019
Monday, July 8, 2019
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FIFA looks to expand Fallout runs deep as Salah, Women’s World Cup Egypt flop at Cup of Nations from 24 to 32 teams
EVARISTO SA / AFP
Paraguayan referee Mario Diaz de Vivar shows the red card to Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Chile’s Gary Medel as they have a physical encounter during the Copa America football tournament third-place match at the Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on July 6, 2019.
Copa América: Messi sent off as Argentina takes 3rd place
SÃO PAULO — For a match that didn’t mean much, there was a lot going on as Argentina defeated Chile 2-1 to finish third in the Copa América on Saturday. It ended with Lionel Messi being sent off and boycotting the medal ceremony to protest the refereeing. “We shouldn’t take part in this corruption,” an unusually outspoken Messi said. “There was lack of respect toward us during this Copa América. We could have done better, but they didn’t let us make it to the final. Corruption and the referees are not letting the fans enjoy football. This is ruining football.” Messi had already complained about the refereeing after Argentina’s loss to Brazil in the semifinals, hinting the result was expected because the hosts were allegedly in charge of South
American soccer. He said he expected Brazil to win Sunday’s final against Peru, claiming it was already set up for the hosts’ victory. When asked if he didn’t fear being suspended for his comments, Messi said “the truth needed to be told.” CONMEBOL, South America’s soccer confederation, later released a statement condemning the “unacceptable” and “baseless accusations” that discredited the Copa América’s integrity. “In football, sometimes you lose and sometimes you win,” the statement said. “One of the fundamental pillars of fair play is to accept the results and the ref-
ereeing decisions with respect.” Messi was sent off after getting involved in an altercation in a tense third-place game between the rivals from the last two finals of the South American competition. Veteran Chile midfielder Gary Medel also was red carded after the first-half shoving match with Messi at the Arena Corinthians. Sergio Agüero and Paulo Dybala scored early for Argentina, and Arturo Vidal put Chile on the board with a second-half penalty kick. Chile had beaten Argentina in the final in 2015 and 2016, both times in penalty shootouts. It was a heated match from the start in São Paulo, with many hard fouls from both sides and alterca-
tions involving several players. None was bigger than the one sparked by the Messi-Medel confrontation that led to the red card for both players in the 37th minute. It started when Medel wasn’t happy that Messi came in from behind to try to gain possession. The Chilean turned around to confront the Argentine star, who didn’t back down. They started to bump into each other with their chests and shoulders and Paraguayan referee Mario Diaz de Vivar came in to immediately send both players off. “A yellow card should have been enough for both players,” Messi said. Messi had also received a straight red card in his national team debut with Argentina in a
friendly against Hungary in 2005. Argentina opened the scoring after Messi quickly took a free kick with a long through ball to Agüero, who went past goalkeeper Gabriel Arias before finding the net in the 12th minute. There was some complaint that the ball was rolling when Messi took the free kick that caught the Chilean defense by surprise. Dybala added to the lead with a shot from inside the area in the 22nd, and Vidal gave Chile hope of a recovery by converting a penalty awarded by video review in the 59th. Argentina is enduring a 26year title drought with the senior team. Messi’s only title with Argentina was with the under-23 squad at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.(ap)
LYON - FIFA will seek to expand the Women’s World Cup from 24 to 32 teams and double the prize money while maintaining a significant financial gulf with funding for the men’s tournament. FIFA President Gianni Infantino will need quick approval from ruling bodies to enlarge the Women’s World Cup, with bidding already underway for the 2023 edition. The process would have to be reopened if countries will have to find the stadiums to accommodate more teams and additional games. “We will need to act more quickly if we want to have 32 teams already in 2023,” Infantino said Friday. “We will discuss it as a matter of urgency and see if we can already decide to increase for 2023 in which case we should reopen the bidding process and allow everyone to have a chance to organize or maybe co-host for some of those who have been bidding already for a 24-team World Cup.” The 37-member FIFA Council had been due to vote on the 2023 Women’s World Cup host in March 2020, with nine countries expressing interesting in bidding. The nine, including recent men’s World Cup hosts Brazil and South Africa, must submit formal bid plans by Oct. 4. The other contenders are Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Colombia, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea, which could bid with North Korea. “Nothing is impossible and based on the success of this World Cup of course we have to believe bigger and to do what we should have done already probably some time ago,” Infantino said ahead of Sunday’s final between the United States and the Netherlands. “But now we have the evidence to do it for women’s football.” Infantino previously prioritized enlarging the men’s World Cup, with a jump from 32 to 48 teams when the United States co-hosts with Canada and Mexico in 2026. A bid to fast-track expansion for the 2022 tournament in Qatar collapsed in May due to logistical and political barriers. That event will see teams splitting prize money of $440 million and $209 million will be made available to clubs releasing players. But women’s teams earn significantly less for competing at the women’s showpiece. Even doubling the prize money, team preparation funding and cash for clubs releasing players — as Infantino disclosed Friday — will only lift the figure to $100 million. Infantino has, however, pledged to introduce two new women’s competitions: a Club World Cup and league for nations between World Cups. “We can develop national team football only if we develop club football as well all over the world, not only in a few countries,” Infantino said. “So we need a club World Cup which can be played every year to expose clubs from all over the world and to make men’s clubs, but also women’s clubs, invest even more in women’s football.” Infantino said FIFA would double investment in women’s soccer to $1 billion but later clarified that much of the funding would be reserved for soccer federations to request for specific projects that would require approval from the governing body. FIFA’s cash reserves at the end of 2018 stood at $2.74 billion. “We don’t need all that money in Swiss banks,” Infantino said.(ap)
AP Photo/Francois Mori
Netherlands players celebrates at the end of the Women’s World Cup semifinal soccer match between the Netherlands and Sweden, at the Stade de Lyon outside Lyon, France, Wednesday, July 3, 2019.
After his tale of redemption with Liverpool this season, Mohamed Salah was instead left in disbelief once more as Egypt crashed out of their own Africa Cup of Nations, an exit that triggered an immediate clearout within the country’s football association. While Salah helped lead his club to a sixth European Cup triumph in June, a year on from an injury forcing him out of the final, he was powerless to stop the Pharaohs suffering humiliation on the international stage for the second time in 12 months. The forward arrived here full of promise -- his mood and fitness in sharp contrast to this time last June when his shoulder was injured as he was wrestled to the ground by Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos in the 3-1 loss in the 2018 Champions League final in Kiev. He scored twice in four matches in Cairo, both goals struck with unerring precision, but rarely looked at his peak surrounded by an Egyptian supporting cast far more limited than he is accustomed to at club level. But Salah also, uncharacteristically, made headlines off the pitch after offering a degree of support for disgraced team-mate Amr Warda, who was banished from the squad over sexual harassment allegations only to later be recalled -- with Salah at the forefront of appeals for his reinstatement. One of the most popular Twitter hashtags in the wake of Salah and others defending the midfielder was “National team of sexual harassers”. Salah faced a backlash from many users after saying Warda deserved a “second chance” and that “shunning is not the answer”. Many of Salah’s fans noted his hypocritical line of argument. He has made a point of speaking up for women in the Muslim world, and in an April interview with Time magazine he vehemently defended their rights in the region. Shouldering the weight of expectation of nearly 100 million Egyptians, hoping for a fourth title in five editions as hosts, Salah found himself a capable ally in Mahmoud ‘Trezeguet’ Hassan, the team’s standout performer in the group stage. But he too wilted as the pressure intensified once the tournament moved into the knockout phase, spurning Egypt’s best chance in a bitter defeat that provoked widespread dismay throughout the football-mad nation. - ‘No tactics or strategy’ “I’m really sad. Nobody expected
Khaled DESOUKI / AFP
Egypt’s forward Mohamed Salah reacts during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) Round of 16 football match between Egypt and South Africa at the Cairo International Stadium in the Egyptian Capital on July 6, 2019. we would go out at this stage. We thought for sure our team would reach the final,” said Mohamed Alaa, a 17-year-old fan from Cairo. Amr Kamel, 23, said he was “disgusted” by the team’s abject failure. “We expected better than that, that we would win, especially given the competition is being played in our country. We are really disgusted.” The sense of shame prompted Egyptian FA president Hani Abou Rida to sack coach Javier Aguirre and announce his own resignation out of “moral obligation” just hours after the defeat, paving the way for a vast shake-up within the organisation. Aguirre came in for criticism for his management of the side during the Cup of Nations, with Egypt legend Wael Gomaa accusing the Mexican of having “no tactics or
strategy”. Following Saturday’s defeat, Aguirre said he alone took the blame for the host nation’s disastrous campaign, with his departure coming after less than a year in the job. Abou Rida also called on board members to quit after “disappointing Egypt’s supporters” and bringing an end to his three-year reign marked by controversy, including a 2018 World Cup fiasco that saw the Pharaohs fail to get out of the group stage after losing all of their matches. The location of the team’s training base in Grozny, the capital of Muslim-majority Chechnya, spurred widespread criticism -especially from human rights groups -- over concerns of abuses by Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov, supported by Russia’s President Vladimir Putin.(afp)
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Destination
Monday, July 8, 2019
International
Wanagiri Hidden Hill
SINGARAJA - Wanagiri Hill or more commonly referred to as Hidden Hill Wanagiri is located Jalan Munduk – Wanagiri, Wanagiri, Sukasada, Pancasari, Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali, while this place is just famous among foreign and domestic tourists, where these attractions offer very beautiful views of the hills, where from this place you can see the scenery buyan lake and tamblingan (twin lake view), and also in this place provide a small swing for those of you who want to swing and some sopt photos with a stunning natural landscape background. The origin of the word wana giri comes from the word, which is where the word Wana means forest and Giri which means hill, and the word wanagiri means hill of forest. in this place it is still natural, many shady trees and animals such as birds and sometimes there are apes in these hills. The growing tourism in Bali, by local residents, this place was transformed into a tourist attraction where from this place we can enjoy the beautiful
natural scenery and also in this place provided some facilities for taking pictures like swing, nest bird and others. As for the natural scenery that can be seen from this hill, namely the view of twin lake view and unspoiled tropical forest. Wanagiri Hidden Hills is one of the new tourist attractions in Bali that is still unknown to many people. Did you know that the beauty and beauty of scenery in Wanagiri Hidden Hills offers an exotic and truly extraordinary romanticism. For those of you who are selfie hobby, you can capture the moment by taking pictures with a beautiful hill background
The facilities available at Wanagiri Hill Swing for foto - Swing only use for photo, not actual doing the swing, get in to the swing vehicle that is above the peak height of Wanagiri Hidden Hills Bali with background of the hill and the beauty of Lake Buyan and Tamblingan which are surrounded by lush green forests and trees. is perfect sopt for tak-
Monday, July 8, 2019
International
Tour de Impossible? Pakistan hosts ‘world’s toughest cycle race’
KHUNJERAB - Finishing nearly 5,000 metres above sea level after hundreds of kilometres winding past blackened glaciers and snow-capped peaks: a new Pakistani race presents a world-class challenge for cyclists -- climbing towards the “Roof of the World”.
ing picture Bird Nest - one of the most Instagramable photo spots that is
a favorite of visitors is the Bird Nest atau Sangkar Burung that you must try while in Wanagiri
Hidden Hills, enjoy taking pictures in a bird cage with background twin lake view. (net)
The Tour de Khunjerab -- its name a homage to its more famous French counterpart, which began on Saturday -- is still many years away from being another Big Loop, but with a solid claim to being the highest cycling race in the world, it has a lot to offer a certain type of athlete. In the last week of June, some 88 cyclists, including two teams from Afghanistan and Sri Lanka as well as solo participants from Spain and Switzerland, took part in its second edition. Less than half completed it within the allotted time. The four stages -- three ranging from 68 to 94 kilometres (42 to 58 miles) plus a shorter time trial -- are much shorter than many other cycling events. But there is one fundamental difference: the Pakistani Tour starts at 1,500 metres above sea level, and never stops climbing. The final day of this year’s event sums up the challenge. Starting at 2,800 metres -- higher than the Iseran Pass, the summit of the Tour de France -- it ends at 4,700 metres, just over 100 metres short of Mont Blanc, Europe’s highest mountain. The Khunjerab Tour must become “an attraction... for the most daring and adventurous cyclists in the world”, said Usman Ahmed, the top official for the northern Gilgit region, home to some of the planet’s tallest peaks and where the race was held.
AAMIR QURESHI / AFP
In this picture taken on June 30, 2019, Pakistani and international cyclists take part in the Tour de Khunjerab, one of the world’s highest altitude cycling competitions, near the Pakistan-China Khunjerab border. The cyclists’ tyres swallow up the asphalt of the Karakoram Highway, one of the highest paved roads in the world. Named after the Karakoram mountain range -- just one of the ranges in Gilgit -- the road passes through an extraordinary landscape. Soaring, jagged peaks contrast with vertiginous ravines, glaciers driving a chill wind, and tumbling aquamarine rivers. Landslides
are common. Guardrails are a flimsy suggestion of protection from steep falls of hundreds of feet. “There is no place in the world that offers all these things,” said Ahmed. “No doubt it is the toughest cycle race in the world. We are aiming to make it our trademark,” said Haroon General, president of the Pakistan Cycling Federation. “The most difficult part of the race is the
final stage where cyclists face shortage of oxygen and there is risk of heart issues... At such an altitude a person falls down (faints) after running for 200 metres, but our cyclists travelled for almost 59 kilometres,” he said. Five ambulances were on standby in case of emergencies in the final stage, he said, adding: “A majority of the cyclists made it but the support staff needed ambulances.” (afp)
Lakers officially bring Davis into the fold
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Ethan Miller/Getty Images/AFP
Anthony Davis (L) and LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers arrive at a game between the Lakers and the LA Clippers during the 2019 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 6, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Lakers made it official on Saturday, announcing they have signed forward Anthony Davis, who they hope will form a dynamic one-two punch with superstar LeBron James. “Anthony Davis is arguably the most dominant all-around young player in today’s NBA,” said Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka. “Anthony represents everything we stand for, with his unwavering commitment to excellence as both a person and athlete. “This is a historic moment for the Lakers franchise, and we couldn’t be more proud to have him.” The Davis signing took place on the first day NBA teams were allowed to officially sign free agents to contracts that were already negotiated over the past week.
The Lakers reiterated in their statement that they have acquired Davis in a trade from the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, Brandon Ingram, the draft rights to De’Andre Hunter, two first-round picks, and cash. As part of the trade, the Lakers also sent Isaac Bonga, Jemerrio Jones, Moritz Wagner and a second-round draft pick to the Washington Wizards, who in return, sent cash consideration to the Pelicans. Davis is a six-time NBA allstar who has averaged more than 23 points per game through seven seasons with New Orleans, who drafted him with the first overall pick in 2012. Davis also played alongside James in the USA’s 2012 Olympics gold-medal-winning roster. The Lakers announced several
other signings on Saturday, including deals with Quinn Cook, DeMarcus Cousins, and Danny Green. A four-time all-star, Cousins has played in 565 career games for Sacramento, New Orleans, and Golden State, averaging 21.2 points and 10.9 rebounds. The Lakers did not release any details about the deals but the US media reported that Cousins’ deal is for one year and worth $3.5 million. The Miami Heat were also believed to be interested in Cousins but Davis, a former teammate of Cousins with the Pelicans, helped convince him to go to Los Angeles. Green started 80 games for the NBA champion Toronto Raptors last season, averaging 10.3 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game. Cook was a member of the 2018 Golden State championship team. (afp)
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Monday, July 8, 2019
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International
International
RLD
Bolsonaro defends child labor in Brazil, sparking outcry
RIO DE JANEIRO - Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, no stranger to controversy, sparked a new brouhaha this week by repeatedly defending the practice of child labor.
IAN MCNIVEN / AFP
This undated handout photo received from Ian McNiven on July 7, 2019 shows the funnel start of a 350 meter long fish trapping system at Lake Condah, in the south-west of the Australian state of Victoria.
Australian Aboriginal site gains World Heritage recognition
SYDNEY - An Aboriginal settlement older than the pyramids that provides evidence that indigenous Australians developed sophisticated aquaculture thousands of years ago has been granted World Heritage status, the UN has announced. The Budj Bim Cultural Landscape in southeast Australia was created by the Gunditjmara nation some 6,600 years ago and includes remnants of elaborate stone channels and pools built to harvest eels from a lake and wetland swamp areas. The site also holds evidence of stone dwellings that counter the myth that Aboriginal peoples were simply nomadic hunter-gatherers with no established settlements or sophisticated means of food production. UNESCO’s World Heritage committee, in announcing the addition of Budj Bim to its global listing on Saturday, said the site showed the Gunditjmara had developed “one of the largest and oldest aquaculture networks in the world.” The system of stone channels, dams and pools were used to contain floodwaters and create basins to trap, store and harvest eels that provided the population with “an economic and social base for six millennia”, it said. Budj Bim, in Victoria state, is the first site in Australia to receive World Heritage status solely for its Aboriginal cultural importance.
Nineteen other World Heritage sites in the country include the Great Barrier Reef, Kakadu National Park, the Sydney Opera house and fossil sites in the states of Queensland and South Australia. The Gunditjmara people had lobbied for nearly 20 years for UN recognition of Budj Bim, and tribal elder Denise Lovett welcomed the listing as “a very special day for our community”. “This landscape, which we have cared for over thousands of years, is so important to Gunditjmara People,” she told national broadcaster SBS. “The decision also recognises Budj Bim’s significance to all of humanity. We are so proud to now be able to share our achievements and story with the world.” Archaeological evidence shows that Aboriginal peoples have lived in Australia for more than 60,000 years, making it one of the oldest continuous cultures in the world. But since the arrival of European colonists in the late 18th century, the indigenous population saw most of its land taken for farming or livestock grazing. Today, there are around 750,000 people of Aboriginal descent in Australia -- about three percent of the population -- but they have far higher poverty rates and lower life expectancy than non-indigenous Australians and make up about 28 percent of the prison population. (afp)
“I’ve been working since I was eight years old... and today I am what I am,” the far-right leader said during his weekly live forum on Facebook. “Look, when a child of eight or nine years old works somewhere, many people denounce it as ‘forced labor’ or ‘child labor,’” he said on Thursday. “But if that child smokes coca paste, nobody says anything.” “Work brings dignity to men and to women, no matter their age,” he added. He then repeated the remarks over the following days, saying at an official event on Friday that, “I worked from the age of eight planting corn, picking bananas... while studying at the same time. “And today I am what I am. This is not demagoguery, it is the truth.” On Saturday, he republished a 2017 AFP video showing Frank Giaccio, the 11-year-old owner of a lawn mowing business and admirer of US President Donald Trump, trimming the White House lawn. Bolsonaro added the words, “Work ennobles.”
- Not allowed His comments provoked strongly critical reactions. “He is the best example to incite a child not to work -- to keep him from growing up to become an adult like (Bolsonaro), with so much hatred and such incompetence,” said Marcelo Freixo, a socialist politician. Meanwhile Brazil’s media seized on a 2015 interview in which Bolsonaro’s brother contradicted the head of state. “My father had his bohemian style, but he never let one of his sons work, because he thought they had to study,” Renato Bolsonaro told Crescer magazine. Brazilian law prohibits children younger than 16 from working, except in the case of apprentices, who can begin work at 14. According to the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), some 2.5 million children and adolescents aged five to 17 work in Brazil. “The argument that working would not hurt, or that it would be a viable alternative is exactly what we are fighting every day while striving to make society
think differently,” Patricia Sanfelici, who oversees the fight against child labor for Brazil’s labor ministry, told news website UOL. On Friday, Bolsonaro’s minister for Human Rights, Family and Women, the former evangelical pastor Damares Alves, tried to put an end to the controversy. “Our generation worked from a very young age,” she said. “I worked from a very young age. But this does not mean that we are going to decriminalize (child labor). “Let us be clear that for children to work is a violation of their rights, something that cannot be allowed.” Bolsonaro is not known for being politically correct. In 2011, he told Playboy magazine he would rather see his own son “die in an accident” than come out as gay. He has also said poor people are too ignorant to understand family planning. And as a congressman in late 2014, he said that a colleague was not “worth raping; she is very ugly.” A judge ultimately ordered him to pay the woman $2,500. (afp)
EVARISTO SA / AFP
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro delivers a speech during the inauguration ceremony of Luiz Eduardo Ramos as Head of the Secretariat of Government of the Presidency at Planalto Palace in Brasilia, on July 04, 2019.
Constructive opposition needed to advance Indonesian nation: Uno Sandiaga Uno, a successful businessman and vice presidential candidate in the 2019 presidential election. (babel.antaranews.com/kasmono) Belitung, Bangka Belitung (ANTARA) - Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno has believed a constructive opposition is needed to help develop and advance the Indonesian nation. “I am aware that we could develop the nation from outside. And we become opposition but maintain the friendship,” he said here on Sunday after participating in Belitung Triathlon 2019 in Sijuk. He said the Jokowi-Ma’ruf Amin coalition is quite good. He, however, decided to remain outside the government, by becoming a strong opposition. “This is also an aspiration of the public who want to see a strong opposition to correct the government’s policies,” he said. Uno said he would halt his political activities and not return to his previous position as the deputy governor of Jakarta. “As for the Jakarta deputy governor position, I have decided to not return to it, as the post is for PKS ( the Justice Prosperous) Party,” he remarked. The General Elections Commission (KPU) announced the final results of the 2019 Presidential Election on May 22, 2019, at 1:28 a.m., declaring that the Jokowi-Maruf Amin pair had secured 85 million votes, or 55.5 percent of the national vote, as compared to contenders Prabowo Subianto-Sandiaga Uno who received 68 million votes, or 44.5 percent. The Jokowi-Amin pair declared victory, while the Prabowo-Sandiaga pair rejected the KPU’s official tabulation result and challenged it in the Constitutional Court (MK). MK’s nine judges announced their final ruling session on June 27, 2019, by totally rejecting the Prabowo-Sandiaga pair’s petition. Meanwhile, the Indonesian Justice Prosperity Coalition comprising Gerindra, PKS, PAN (the National Mandate Party), the Democrats Party (PD) and Berkarya Party that carried Prabowo Subianto and his running mate Sandiaga Uno in the 2019 Presidential Election, was declared defunct by Subianto, so their leadership could take the next political steps freely, Gerindra Party Secretary General Ahmad Muzani said. The struggle to save the Indonesian nation, however, is not over and has to be nurtured and fostered so that it continues to survive in the midst of society, according to Muzani. Gerindra and PKS most likely will continue to be opposition parties. Mardani Ali Sera, although it has not been officially announced, according to the deputy secretary general of PKS. “I personally believe that critical and constructive opposition is the most rational choice for the current condition,” Mardani Sera said. Prabowo Subianto will absorb the aspirations of his supporters and discuss it with Gerindras cadres before declaring the party’s stance, according to Andre Rosiade, Deputy Secretary General of Gerindra. The party has been in the opposition since the start, and it should remain there to make Indonesia’s democracy healthy and to apply the checks and balances for a proper democratic system, Muhammad Syafii, member of the Advisory Board of Gerindra, said. Therefore, the party will decline any offer to be a part of the government, including any ministerial position, he confirmed.(ant)
Monday, July 8, 2019
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Indonesian court rejects appeal of woman who exposed cheating boss
An Indonesian woman who was handed a prison sentence for exposing her cheating boss, prompting a public outcry, has had her court appeal rejected. The supreme court on Thursday dismissed the challenge from Baiq Nuril Maknun, who was found guilty of breaking a controversial law against spreading indecent material, saying she failed to produce new evidence. The court’s decision leaves in place a 500 million rupiah ($34,000) fine and six-month jail term, which Maknun will now be ordered to serve. “Her judicial review was rejected because her crime has been legally and convincingly proven,” said court spokesman Abdullah, who like many Indonesians goes by one name. The case against Maknun goes back to 2012, when she recorded the principal of the school where she worked discussing graphic sexual details about an affair he was having with another colleague. Co-workers of the school administrator -- who herself had rebuffed the principal’s repeated advances -- later convinced her to release the recording in a bid to expose the man’s history of lecherous behaviour. Maknun was initially cleared of the charges by a local court on
the island of Lombok where the school was located but Indonesia’s top court reversed the decision, finding her guilty of violating the electronic information law. Lawyer Joko Jumadi said his client was disappointed with the latest ruling, her last course of appeal. “She refuses to stop fighting because if she does she’s afraid it will make other harassment victims too scared to speak up,” he told AFP. “We have followed all legal avenues and now we hope President Joko Widodo will do something about it,” Jumadi said. Widodo in November expressed his concern about Maknun’s case and said if the supreme court rejected her appeal she could request clemency. Her sentence was condemned by rights groups and supporters established an online crowd-funding appeal to pay for her legal costs last year. Indonesia’s corruption-riddled justice system has long been criticised for the quality of its rulings, while the electronic information law itself has come under fire for being too vague and open to misuse.(afp)
IBP/net
Baiq Nuril
Foreign minister expresses condolences over demise of Sutopo JAKARTA - Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi expressed condolences over the demise of the Head of the Data and Information Center of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) Sutopo Purwo Nugroho. “Sugeng kondur (so long goodbye), Pak Topo. Our prayers accompany you to meet the Creator (Almighty God),” the Foreign Minister wrote on her Instagram account @retno_marsudi, Sunday. Condolences were also conveyed by the minister to Sutopo’s wife, Retno Sutopo.
Innallillahi wa innallillahi rojiun ( We belong to Allah and to Allah we shall return), she said on her instagram account. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Pak (Mr) Topo coordinated a lot in handling disasters. Mr. Topo (Sutopo Purwo Nugroho) and I have been on one stage ... received the award “Special Award for Humanitarian Diplomacy Leader”, December 18, 2018. Allow me to quote one of Pak Topo’s wise message ... “Life is not determined by how long we live, but how useful we are to other people”. Goodbye Mr. Topo ... The dedicated
figure has overtaken us ...,” she said. Sutopo died on Sunday at 02:20 local time at Guangzhou St. Stamford Modern Cancer Hospital, while undergoing treatment related to lung cancer he suffered. The Indonesian Consulate General in Guangzhou has coordinated with all relevant parties in China, such as the head of the hospital, Customs, and the head of Garuda Indonesia (Indonesian flag carrier) representative office to ensure that Sutopo’s body can be returned home as soon as possible.(ant)
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International
Monday, July 8, 2019
Bali News
International
BUSINESS
Monday, July 8, 2019
5
US adds solid 224,000 jobs, making Fed rate cut less certain
WASHINGTON - U.S. employers sharply stepped up their hiring in June, adding a robust 224,000 jobs, an indication of the economy’s durability after more than a decade of expansion.
The strength of the jobs report the government issued Friday could complicate a decision for the Federal Reserve late this month on whether to cut interest rates to help support the economy. Most investors have anticipated a rate cut in July and perhaps one or two additional Fed cuts later in the year. That scenario may be less likely now. Stocks sold off early Friday before paring their losses later. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed down a modest 43 points. But the yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury note climbed to 2.04% from just under 2% before the jobs report was released, reflecting a view that the Fed might now be less inclined to cut rates multiple times. June’s solid job growth followed a tepid gain of 72,000 jobs in May, a result that had fueled concerns about the economy’s health. But with June’s pace of hiring, employers have now added, on average, a solid 171,000 jobs for the past three months. Last month’s burst of hiring suggests that many employers have shrugged off concerns about weaker growth, President Donald Trump’s trade wars and the waning benefits from U.S. tax cuts. “Although there are drags on the economy in 2019, the expansion should continue through this year,” said Gus Faucher, chief economist at PNC Financial Services. “The doom and gloom was overblown.” The unemployment rate ticked up to 3.7% in June from 3.6% for the previous two months, reflecting an influx of people seeking jobs who were initially counted as unemployed. Average hourly wages rose 3.1% from a year ago. Trump responded to Friday’s jobs report by tweeting, “JOBS, JOBS, JOBS!” But the strong hiring gains have lessened the case, at least for now, for the Fed to slash rates as Trump has repeatedly and aggressively pressed the central bank to do. “If we had a Fed that would lower interest rates, we’d be like a rocket ship,” the president asserted to reporters in an appearance Friday. “But we’re paying a lot of interest, and it’s unnecessary. But we don’t have a Fed that knows what they’re doing.” Last year, Fed officials raised rates four times, in part to stave off the risk of high inflation and in part to try to ensure that they would have room to cut rates if the economy stumbled. On Friday, the Fed reiterated that it would act as necessary sustain the economic expansion, while noting that most Fed officials
Viral tweet shatters ethereal image of Bali’s ‘Gates of Heaven’
IBP/net
You might have come across it once or twice while scrolling through your Instagram timeline, a snap of Bali’s very own “Gates of Heaven” and its reflection on a stunningly clear body of water, making the photo hotspot looks exceptionally out of this world. AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee
In this Tuesday, June 4, 2019 photo, job applicants line up at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood during a job fair in Hollywood, Fla. On Friday, July 5, the U.S. government issues the June jobs report. have lowered their expectations for the course of rates. The Fed’s statement came in its semiannual report on monetary policy. In Friday’s jobs report for June, the hiring gains were broad. Construction companies added 21,000 workers after having increased their payrolls by only 5,000 in May. Manufacturers hired 17,000, up from just 3,000 in May. Health care and social assistance added 50,500 jobs. Hiring by transportation and warehousing companies increased 23,900. The government sector was a major source of hiring, adding 33,000 jobs in June. Nearly all those gains were at the local level. For Todd Leff, CEO of Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, the resilience of the U.S. job market has provided both an opportunity and a challenge. With more Americans earning steady paychecks, demand for massages and facials has increased, and the company plans to add 60 locations this year and roughly 1,800 jobs. But the low unemployment rate has also made it hard to find and retain workers. “We could hire 1,000 more employees
today — if they were available,” said Leff, whose company has about 430 locations and is based in Trevose, Pennsylvania. Investors have been turning their attention to the Fed, which has expressed concern about threats to the economy, especially the uncertainties from Trump’s trade wars, and about inflation remaining persistently below its 2% target level. A Fed rate cut, whenever it happens, would be its first in more than a decade. Joshua Shapiro, chief U.S. economist for the consultancy MFR, said the likelihood of a Fed rate cut late this month is now slightly lower, though he still estimates that the federal funds rate — what banks charge each other — will be sharply lower by the end of next year. Ryan Wang, U.S. economist at HSBC Bank, suggested that the solid jobs report might create a communications challenge for Fed Chairman Jerome Powell when he testifies Wednesday and Thursday to congressional committees. The financial markets still foresee a rate cut of 25 points this month, Wang said,
adding, “It will be important to see if Chair Powell lays out on a strong case for near-term monetary easing in his testimony next week.” The sluggish pace of hiring in May had signaled that employers might have grown more cautious because of global economic weakness and, perhaps, some difficulty in finding enough qualified workers at the wages that companies are willing to pay. The pace of the overall economy is widely thought to be slowing from annual growth that neared a healthy 3% last year. Consumer spending has solidified. Home sales are rebounding. But America’s manufacturing sector is weakening along with construction spending. Growth in the services sector, which includes such varied industries as restaurants, finance and recreation, slowed in June. Overall, though, employers have been adding jobs faster than new workers are flowing into the economy. That suggests that the unemployment rate will remain near its five-decade low and that the economy will keep growing, even if only modestly. (ap)
What most people who see those pics probably don’t know is that it’s located at Pura Lempuyang Luhur in Karangasem regency, and perhaps even fewer are aware that there’s actually no water around this stunning split gate location. Yes, you read that right, folks. As Polina Marinova pointed out on Twitter, the “water” at the Gates of Heaven is really just a piece of glass
placed under a camera. “Proof that Instagram influencers have ruined everything. My hopes & dreams were shattered when I found out the “water” at the Gates of Heaven is actually just a piece of glass under an iPhone,” Marinova tweeted. While it doesn’t necessarily make the temple in Lempuyang Hill any less gorgeous or stunning (I
mean, that amazing view of Mount Agung is truly something else from this perspective), this tidbit has undoubtedly shattered the image of Gates of Heaven that’s been so popularized on social media. A simple search of “Pura Lempuyang Luhur” location on Instagram reveals that most people who choose to share pics from their visit to the Gates of Heaven incorporate that reflection trick, making it look as if the gates were sitting right by a clear body of water. Now that the secret is “out there,” perhaps more people
should’ve asked how much sense it made for the gates to have been placed just so atop a body of water, but the effect is so magical we can understand why so many just bought into it. Another disappointed tourist, Bathabile Amirchand, replied to Marinova’s tweet and said she felt “so catfished” when she saw the Instagram hotspot with her own eyes. Another user, Ashwin Kumar, shared some of his “real” shots of Pura Lempuyang Luhur, joking that there had at least been a “tiny water puddle” during his visit.
Polina’s viral tweet is a good reminder that tourists shouldn’t be visiting places for the sole purpose of getting that all-important Instagram shot, since there are many other things worth focusing on. Pura Lempuyang Luhur is, after all, one of Bali’s oldest and most revered temples. It’s one of those gorgeous spots away from the tourist-filled south. The name itself refers to a collection of temples along the hiking path to the summit, with the main temple – known as Pura Penataran Lempuyang – located 1,175 meters above sea level. (ant)
Czech tourist dies during Bali holiday after her stomach ruptures Eliška Frank, a 33-year-old tourist from the Czech Republic, died yesterday evening at a hospital in Bali, days after her husband made a desperate pleas for blood donors to save her life. “I thought I wouldn’t have to write this message. Today, at approximately 9 pm, Eliska lost her fight and her heart stopped,” a friend of the couple, Miloš Kos?, posted on a Facebook group. He went on to thank those who helped by sharing information and
offering assistance, saying that “it brought great hope that everything will turn for the better.” “Unfortunately, the way Eliška went was faster than anyone expected,” Kos said. As reported by Yahoo News Australia, Eliska was rushed to a hospital in Kuta last Saturday after her stomach ruptured, which led to serious internal bleeding. Upon hearing the news, her husband, Martin Frank, immediately travelled to Bali from Prague, and
sought help online to find a blood match for his wife so she could undergo surgery. “Hello, I am trying to find anybody with A- or O- blood type to donate blood yo my wife. She is on Intensive Care Unit at BIMC Hospital Kuta and she needs blood,” Martin reportedly wrote in a Facebook group for expats on the island. It appears that his call for help was responded by dozens of people, and he announced on July 1 that
they received three units of blood, adding that Eliska managed to make it through the surgery. “I’m touched by how many great people are in Bali, in Australia and in our Czech Republic … I believe everything will be ok, she is a great warrior. Thank you very much for everything,” Martin wrote then. Eliška’s tragic death was confirmed by a spokeswoman of Czech Republic’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “We received information on the
death of a Czech citizen in Bali on Thursday from our embassy,” the spokeswoman, Zuzana Stichova, told Czech media outlet iDNES. Eliška was diagnosed with a pancreatic tumor in January. It is unclear if she received treatment for it, but a spokesman from the BIMC Hospital Kuta reportedly said that “it came back,” adding that Eliska had a very strong infection, was anemic, and that she was also suffering from sepsis when she arrived at the hospital. (afp)
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Bali News
Monday, July 8, 2019
International
Monday, July 8, 2019
International
Batubulan terminal partitioned off
Malaria surges back in crisis-hit Venezuela
Some areas functioned for customary market
GIANYAR - The wall as high as 1.5 meters now separates the Batubulan Terminal area, Sukawati subdistrict, into two parts. The southern part of the area remains to be functioned as terminal, while the northern area is now functioned as market managed by the Delod Tukad customary village, Batubulan. As the information compiled, the terminal has been partitioned off with a barrier since April 18. With a budget of IDR 140 million, the wall has now separated the market activities from terminal activities. In the building of the old terminal or northern area, it has been installed the signboard saying Dewi Sri Market managed by the Delod Tukad customary village of Batubulan. Head of the Gianyar Transportation Agency, Wayan Suamba, said the problem of dividing the terminal area had been a joint decision. Though being divided into two areas, surely the terminal is still functioning. “We still operate the terminal,” he said when confirmed some time ago. He said the difference is that the terminal is currently no longer as it used to be when reaching its heyday. Today, the terminal belongs to category C providing intersubdistrict transportation services. Related to land ownership, it is not entirely owned by the government. “The area in the north of the wall
(market—Ed) belongs to customary village, while the southern area belongs district government and remains to be functioned as a terminal,” he explained. When asked about the Sarbagita bus stop which is now in the northern part of the market area, Suamba claimed that his agency already coordinated the matter. “Based on the result of coordination with the Provincial Transportation Agency, the Sarbagita bus stop is temporarily moved to the weighbridge. The Sarbagita remains to be functioned,” he explained. He added that the government is trying to make a terminal arrangement. Moreover, his agency will prepare the overall terminal revitalization. All this time, there are totally 75 transportation fleets at Batubulan Terminal operating from 06:00 to 16:00. “Currently, it is still serving inter-district buses such as Singaraja-Amlapura-Bangli and Klungkung,” he concluded. (kmb35)
ELVIS BARUKCIC / AFP
A migrant sits on the ground as prepares some food in a pan at the “Vucjak” migrants and refugees camp, in the outskirts of the city of Bihac, in Northern Bosnia, on July 2, 2019.
IBP/wan
The southern part of the area remains to be functioned as terminal, while the northern area is now functioned as market managed by the Delod Tukad customary village, Batubulan.
Hundreds of fishermen hunt for zebra fish in Lake Buyan SINGARAJA - Fish populations in Lake Buyan, Pancasari village, Sukasada, have recently begun to get disturbed by the attack of predatory zebra fish. This fish has small size. To control the preda-
tory attack, the Buleleng Fisheries Agency is intensely hunting for the zebra fish. This hunting is promoted through fishing competition of catching zebra fish in a series of the 6th Twin Lakes Festival (TLF)
2019 on Friday (Jul. 5). A total of 130 fishermen from several regions in Bali enlivened the competition. Within two hours, hundreds of the fishermen competed to catch more zebra fish.
IBP/kmb38
The hunting is promoted through fishing competition of catching zebra fish in a series of the 6th Twin Lakes Festival (TLF) 2019.
Head of the Buleleng Fisheries Agency, Ni Made Arnika, said the existence of zebra fish had appeared since the past few years. It is unknown how this predator is originally breeding. But lately, many fishermen accidentally caught the zebra fish. In the long run, fishermen in Lake Buyan also know that population of zebra fish grows rapidly and frequently preys on the eggs or fingerlings of other fish such as tilapia, carp, and other smaller freshwater fish. “We do not know the origin, and suddenly this predator appears in this lake. As information from local fishermen, the zebra fish preys on the eggs or fingerlings of smaller fish,” she said. According to Arnika, elimination of the predators through catching by fishermen has been done well. However, such movement needs to be improved, so that zebra fish populations can be reduced quickly. The effort to hunt for predator fish in Lake Buyan is done through fishing competition every implementation of the TLF. As in this year’s event, she invited
fishing hobbyists to participate in zebra fish hunting. Through the competition, at least the fishermen are interested in preserving the fish population from the attack of the zebra fish predator. “We promote the catch through fishing competition, so that after this event people’s awareness will increase. Thus, we can exterminate this zebra fish predator by degrees to save the population of fish in this lake,” she explained. Apart from hunting for zebra fish predators, Fisheries Agency also carries out routine fish restocking in public waters including Lake Buyan and Lake Tamblingan. This activity is meant to increase the population of freshwater fish that are endemic to breed in both lakes. Other than through regular programs, participation of the third parties also support the conservation of ecosystems in Lake Buyan and Lake Tamblingan. With such movements, Arnika is optimistic the preservation of freshwater fish populations can be maintained. (kmb38)
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Heatwave adds to the woes of migrants stranded Bosnia BIHAC - Stranded in Bosnia, thousands of migrants face yet one more hurdle on their journey towards the European Union: the scorching summer heat in the Balkans.
Under a leaden sky, Saleh Alhasan and his friends hurry to reach the shade of the woods after failing yet again to cross the border to Croatia, the last barrier on the long and tortuous road into the European Union. “I tried more than 15 times... It has been 10 months that I try to pass. And I do not want to give up. I just want to see my son” born in Sweden, says the 33-year old Syrian architect. “I only saw him in a photo.” His wife was among hundreds of thousands of migrants and refugees who took the so-called Balkans route in 2015, before the EU borders closed for them. On a dusty road, Saleh and his companions pass by red signs hanging on trees, warning that the field is mined: a legacy of the country’s brutal 1992-1995 war. They stop at a stream to refresh themselves, exhausted after walk-
ing in temperatures exceeding 35 Celsius degrees (95 Fahrenheit). The men no longer know where to rest. In Bihac and Velika Kladusa near the Croatian border, reception centres with a capacity for 3,500 run by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) are full. Saleh and his friends live in unhealthy squats. He wants to return to Sarajevo where, he says, “there are more options” for a fresh attempt to cross the border. - Tensions with locals The flow of newcomers slowed during winter but has now resumed and “a hundred migrants arrive daily in the canton” of Bihac, says regional police spokesman Ale Siljdedic. “But recently far fewer people succeed in crossing the border. Croatia has considerably reinforced its police presence,” he adds. According to Bosnia’s security
minister, more than 34,000 migrants from Asia and Africa have illegally entered the country since the beginning of 2018, 11,000 of them this year alone. Some 8,000 are currently in Bosnia, according to European Commission estimates. This has caused tensions both among migrants of different nationalities and with locals, who are also poor. Recently, hundreds of migrants occupied public spaces in the town of Bihac, which is home to some 65,000 people. With the help of the local Red Cross, the authorities in June set up a camp in Vucjak, an uninhabited zone a dozen kilometres from the border, to accomodate migrants who have not found a place in IOM centres. But according to the United Nations, the zone around this camp is also “very close” to minefields. (afp)
EL TUCUCO - The sweltering heat of the Venezuelan forest makes no difference to Jose Gregorio, who trembles with a cold chill. “I have pain everywhere, fever,” he stammers. Gregorio has the classic symptoms of malaria, a disease eradicated years ago among his Yukpa indigenous people, but it’s back with a vengeance all across crisisstruck Venezuela. “He had sore joints and then started vomiting, and it’s been four or five days since he’s eaten anything,” says his worried wife Marisol. Their four-month-old baby babbles beside his father on the bed. “The baby and I also had malaria,” says Marisol. “Before, that was not the case here, there was only chikungunya and dengue, malaria came back here last year.” She doesn’t bat an eyelid at the mention of either of the other mosquito-borne viruses, whose spread has been fueled by the collapse of Venezuela’s health system. “Here” is El Tucuco, a small village at the foot of the mountains that form the border with Colombia, a three-hour drive from Maracaibo in Venezuela’s western Zulia state. With 3,700 people, El Tucuco is the Yukpas’ “capital” and malaria is rapidly making its presence felt here as in the rest of Venezuela -- a country that could once boast of being the first to have eradicated the disease in 1961. - ‘Pandemic’ There are no official statistics on malaria’s reach into El Tucuco, nor on the number of deaths it causes. But from his consulting room at the Catholic Mission, Dr Carlos Polanco is seeing a developing crisis. “Out of 10 people who are tested for malaria in the village laboratory, four to five come out with a positive test. This is an alarming figure.” Brother Nelson Sandoval, a Capuchin friar who presides over the mission, adds: “Before enter-
ing the order, I already knew this community and I had never seen a case of malaria. Today we are in the middle of a pandemic.” El Tucuco is affected by Plasmodium vivax, the most geographically widespread malarial species. The more lethal Plasmodium falciparum strain is prevalent in the Amazonian regions of southeastern Venezuela. According to Sandoval and Polanco, the reason for malaria’s sudden virulence in El Tucuco is simple: once-regular fumigation missions by the Venezuelan government stopped. “And as the population of mosquitos increased, cases exploded,” said Polanco. Added to this is the malnutrition that weakens resistance to the disease, a new phenomenon since the economic crisis took hold at the end of 2015. “Before, it was possible to vary one’s diet, but with inflation the Yukpa cannot afford it,” instead making do with what they can grow, like cassava and plantain, according to Polanco. Rosa, 67, knows all about malnutrition. Lying on the floor of her house, she is battling malaria for the third time. “The doctor weighed me yesterday -- 37 kilograms. I was 83 kilos before.” A report published in British medical journal The Lancet in February warned of an epidemic of malaria and dengue fever as a result of the continuing crisis in Venezuela. Between 2016 and 2017 alone, the number of malaria cases in the nation jumped 70 per cent. “The situation is catastrophic,” said Dr Huniades Urbina, secretary of the national Academy of Medicine. In 2018, “there were 600,000 cases of malaria and we, the scientific organizations, estimate that in 2019 we could reach a million cases” -- one in every 30 people. But these figures are only estimates, “because the government conceals the statistics.” (afp)
YURI CORTEZ / AFP
A Yukpa indigenous girl rests in a hammock near her grandmother (out of frame) who lies with fever due to malaria, at their house in Los Angeles del Tukuko community, near Machiques, Zulia state, Venezuela, on June 11, 2019.
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Traveling
Monday, July 8, 2019
International
Bali News
International
An E-Bike Tour of Salzburg and its Lakes, Austria
THE beautiful Baroque city of Salzburg is forever associated with the epic film Sound of Music, but its history goes back long before the Von Trapp family. It’s the centre of the “Salzkammergut”, literally the land of salt, since the glistening white stuff has been mined here since 800BC. In the 19th century the healing properties of the saline waters led to the development of high end spa resorts, but these days the major draws are the stunning lakes and mountains. I’m all set to explore the region on a traditional cycle but looking at the map and examining the contours I decide that it’s far easier to hire an e-bike. Now I’ve only used these for the odd day’s outing so am slightly sceptical about how they would work over a week but my fears prove unfounded. The latest batteries easily manage over 100kms on one charge and I never run out of juice. Of course I carry the charger, just in case.
Day 1: Salzburg – Seeham 50km It’s a bright sunny day as I leave Salzburg following the River Salzach to the town of Oberndorf where the Christmas carol, Silent Night was composed in 1818. There’s a small chapel here, built on the sight of the original church and also a museum where you can listen to the carol in many different translations. I leave the river and continue through gently rolling hills, glad to have the assistance of electricity. Around lunchtime I spot my first lake, the small Grabensee, before plunging downhill to the much larger Obertrummersee. I have a quick dip here before settling for the night at Seeham, about half way along. Day 2: Seeham – Mondsee 50km I slightly backtrack to reach my third lake, the Mattsee, and stop to examine the huge gothic abbey church in the town of the same name. I follow the lake for a mile or so then climb steeply through the forest before emerging into open country where farmers are cutting the hay. I pass through a succession of tiny villages and soon on my left is the Irrsee, a long thin lake which I follow for its length. Another short climb and I drop down to the town on Mondsee at the head of the lake of the same
name. This is a sizeable town, with the twin towered church of St Michael dominating the market square. It was also the location for the wedding scene in the Sound of Music.
Day 3: Mondsee – Traunkirchen 80 km An early start today as a big distance to cover. The first 16km follows the banks of the Mondsee then reaches the adjoining Attersee. At 20km long, this is the largest of the Salzkammergut lakes and I cycle all of it, rewarded with good mountain views with the clouds touching the tops. I turn off at Kammer and climb gradually into the forest. Villages here are often not much more than a single farm and the nearby motorway has taken away all the traffic. Finally I arrive at the Traunsee, my third lake of the day, and cycle south to the attractive village of Traunkirchen. It’s perched on a promontory and across the lake is the Traunstein, the highest mountain in the area at 1,691m. Day 4: Traunkirchen – Bad Goisern 67 km A bit of cheating this morning as I only cycle for 20 minutes before boarding a train from Ebensee. Apparently the road ahead is full of traffic and fairly unpleasant, so my bike and I ride the rails for an hour to Bad Aussee. This is a spa town and the jumping off point for five lakes. My first is the Grundlsee, dominated by magnificent snowcapped peaks and the largest in Styria. At Gossl-Wienern, at the end of the lake, I take steep forest path then descend to the Toplitzee, a smaller patch of water. I then retrace my steps and cross to the Altausseer See, another small lake full of fish. It’s then back to Bad Aussee and a steep climb up to 560m before descending to Obertraun on the Hallstättersee. Surrounded by towering mountains this is the most impressive of all the Salzkammergut’s lakes with crowds of tourists to prove it. They gather in the UNESCO World Heritage, salt mine village of Hallstaat, half way up the lake, and although it’s undeniably pretty I can’t wait to get back to the peace and quiet. After I reach the top of the lake I’m soon in the market town of Bad Goisern. There are fewer
Day 6: Wolfgangsee Salzburg 50 km Some walking today to avoid a congested road. I leave my bike at St. Gilgen at the top of the lake and hike steeply uphill through forest and wildflowers for around an hour. They’ve transported my bike to top and then it’s a glorious downhill through pretty farmland with snow-capped mountains in the distance. I pass the Hintersee, my final small lake, before steeply climbing cross county then descending for the final stretch to Salzburg. I know I’m close when I see the castle looming out of the haze and in no time I’m back on the Salzach River where I started. This cycle tour is an excellent way to get to know the region and has the added benefit of two nights in Salzburg which gives you ample time to explore. I’m glad I chose the e-bike option as, although there are no major hills and I could manage it on a normal bike, in the heat of summer the electrical assistance really makes a difference. Of course you still have to pedal and some reports say you use as much energy as on a normal bike. I’m not sure about that but it certainly makes cycling more enjoyable. (net)
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Turkish Airline flies to Bali
Its character similar to European and Indian tourists
tourists here, but unfortunately an Austrian folk band starts playing just below my hotel window.
Day 5: Bad Goisern – Wolfgangsee 35 km It’s overcast as I follow the Traun River to arrive at Bad Ischl where Kaiser Franz Joseph was born and spent all his summers until 1914. During his reign it became the Hapsburg summer capital with grand buildings to match and of course a huge palace. It’s still Austria’s most famous spa town and, on a Sunday morning, people are promenading in their finery. I set off back into the country before arriving at Strobl at the foot of my penultimate lake, the fifteen kilometre long Wolfgangsee. I’m staying about half way up, and across the water is the town of St Wolfgang, nestling on the shores at the foot of the mountains. I can’t resist cycling to take a look but it’s full of tourists and my attempt to go further is blocked by a sign prohibiting cyclists. I content myself by taking a dip in the icy water near my hotel.
Monday, July 8, 2019
DENPASAR — Amidst the lack of budget for tourism promotion following the termination of overseas promotions this year, Bali got good news regarding the opening of direct flight of Turkish Airlines from Istanbul to Bali. On that account, this is an opportunity for Bali to grab non-traditional tourists. Turkish Airlines flights are not something sudden. Chairman of the Association of Indonesia Tours and Travel Agencies (ASITA) of Bali Chapter, Ketut Ardana, has confidence that direct flight from Istanbul to Bali through careful calculation and preparation. This flight is also at the initiative of Turkish Airlines itself. “When deciding to fly to a destination, an airline will have a very mature consideration. It’s impossible to do it inconsequentially,” said Ketut Ardana. According to him, Bali is chosen because it is already famous in the eyes of the world. In addition to bringing Turkish tourists to Bali, another consideration is that direct
Chairman of the Association of Indonesia Tours and Travel Agencies (ASITA) of Bali Chapter, Ketut Ardana
flights can also bring nearby tourists such as those from Europe and India. The neighboring countries of Turkey have the potential to take advantage of this direct flight. “Bali has been benefited greatly by the presence of direct flights from the country we did not expect previously,” he said. He didn’t expect Turkish Airlines to fly here. Turkey is also said to have potential tourist for Bali even though it does not occupy the top 10 tourists coming to Bali. However, the number of its tourist visits is said to be quite good. With this direct flight, it will encourage Turkish tourists to try to travel to Bali. The industry, hoteliers and other
components in Bali are expected to welcome the non-traditional tourists. Next October, the ASITA Bali plans to make a promotion to Turkey. “In October, we are going to make a familiarization trip here. In addition to doing B to B cooperation with the local companies, we also want to know their destinations because Turkey is one of the best-selling destinations sold in Indonesia,” he affirmed. Turkish tourists are Muslims having the same character as the European and Indian tourists. “We have no problem accepting Muslim guests because we are used to serving Muslim guests,” he said. He hoped there are also other direct flights to Bali. (kmb42)
Urban transportation lacks of passengers
Forced to switch to free student transportation
KLUNGKUNG district has a free student transportation program having been running in the second year. Initially, this program was in doubt. However, it is now longed for. It happened because the program benefits both the junior and high school students empowering urban public transportation because in the past few years it has lacked of passengers in harmony with the dormancy of passenger terminal in each region. Head of the Klungkung Transportation Agency, Nyoman Sucitra, recently said this year there are 95 fleets, an addition of 10 fleets from last year. The additional fleet serves the new route of Gelgel village, Kusamba village, Lebah village and Javanese kampong to MTs Hassanuddin Klungkung. “This year, our fleet amounts to 95 units with an operating budget for 2019 worth IDR 3.6 billion,” said Sucitra. Meanwhile, Regent of Klungkung, Nyoman Suwirta, stated the free student transportation program is actually one of the ways for local government to empower public transportation
having been abandoned by the community. Besides, it also gives a sense of security for students when going to school because junior high school students are certainly not allowed to ride a motorcycle. According to the regent, free student transportation services have been running well. All students can go to school together. A number of underage students are still driving motorbikes to school, but with the student transportation they are expected to take advantage of the services. “Later on, together with the traffic forum we will take action against the underage children riding motorbike to school,” said Suwirta. The students claimed to be happy with the transportation services. They reasoned that by riding such transportation students can go to school with friends and reduce the burden on parents to drive to school. A member of the Klungkung House of Representatives, Komang Suantara, encouraged that free student transportation can be applied to all sub-districts.
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Klungkung district has a free student transportation program having been running in the second year. By that way, the service can be enjoyed evenly by all junior high school students because so far the free student transportation only serves the Klungkung subdistrict. Sucitra added that for 2020, the free student transportation
service plan will be extended to Dawan and Banjarangkan subdistricts. The budget needed reaches IDR 3.5 billion in D aw an s u bd is tr ict and ID R 3.5 billion in Banjarangkan subdistrict. Meanwhile, for Nusa Penida subdistrict is be-
ing prepared for this academic year. “This program is certainly meant to generate rural and urban transportation services. So, even though the coverage is expanded, it emphasizes there is no need to increase the number of fleets,” he affirmed.
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Bali News
Monday, July 8, 2019
International
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Aston Denpasar Hotel & Convention Center
Monday, July 8, 2019
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Hosts the 5th National Pasraman Jamboree in Bali
Geopark development expected to sustainably build people’s economy MANGUPURA - Indonesia has been pioneering and developing Geopark since 2009. Until now, it has had four UNESCO Global Geopark areas and 15 national Geopark regions. For this reason, regulations are needed that can be used as guidelines for the central government, regional governments and other stakeholders in developing the Geopark. This is needed for the realization of preservation and utilization of geological heritage with the concept of sustainable development. According to Rudi Suhendar, Head of Geology Agency, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, there is Presidential Regulation No.9/2019 dated January 25, 2019 regarding the Development of Geopark that aims to conduct
development governance. He said it aims at realizing the preservation of geological, biodiversity and cultural diversity inheritance carried out jointly by central government, regional government and stakeholders through three pillars
namely conservation efforts, education and economic development for the community in a sustainable manner. “Hopefully, all the stakeholders in the development of Geopark throughout Indonesia can build the
economy of the community through sustainable development,” he hoped when met after the dissemination of Presidential Regulation Number 9/2019 on Friday (Jul. 5) in Kuta. He revealed that Presidential Regulation Number 9/2019 concerning the Development of the Geopark Terrestrial Park gives a mandate to several relevant ministries and institutions in accordance with their authority in the development. One of them is the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources
LIKE two sides of a coin, the angle and photography are two inseparable things. Angle also known as the viewpoint or angle of view is one of the important elements in the world of photography. Selection of the right angle can strengthen the impression or attraction of a photo. Conversely, selection of less optimal angle can make an object that is actually interesting look less attractive or diminish its beauty. In addition, the selection of angle
can also affect the emotions and psychology of the person enjoying the photo. One of the angles in photography frequently used by photographers is low angle technique or low viewing angle. To implement this technique, photographers must take pictures from low angles. Location of camera is below the object (point of interest) or position of the photographer is lower than the object of shooting. With this point of view,
the object will look to be bigger and higher than the original. This low angle technique is commonly used to photograph the architecture of a building so that it looks sturdy, majestic and towering. However, this technique can also actually be applied to all photography genres including shooting models to create an elegant impression. This viewpoint is also very appropriate for photographing animals because the photographed
animals will be more comfortable or not bothered. For photographers liking to photograph children, low angle technique can also be used as a mainstay because with a low viewing angle the position of photographer will be at the same level as the children. To get maximum results, a number of basic elements must be considered when shooting with a low angle technique. The position when shooting an object may not
having the mandate to carry out the determination of national geological and mining heritage. “The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources through geological agency has accelerated the preparation of Regulation of the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources on Guidelines for Determining Geological Heritage and Guidelines for National Geopark Stipulation in order to support the development of the Geopark,” he said. (kmb23)
be too far from it. As long as the lens is still sufficient to cover all the objects in the viewfinder or LCD, please stay in that position. If the distance is too far, the object of shooting will look small. So, adjust the position of the body in a squatting condition when shooting with the camera lens pointing towards the object and looking up slightly. Similarly, make sure that no part of the object or point of interest is cut off. (ian)
Shooting with low angle technique
Founder : K.Nadha, General Manager :Palgunadi Chief Editor: Gugiek Savindra Editors:Agus Toni, Daniel Fajry, Mawa, Sueca, Denpasar: Dira Arsana, Giriana Saputra, Subrata, Sumatika, Asmara Putra. Bangli: Swasrina, Buleleng: Mudiarta, Gianyar: Manik Astajaya, Karangasem: Eka Parananda, Klungkung: Bagiarta. Jakarta: Nikson, Hardianto, Ade Irawan. NTB: Agus Talino, Izzul Khairi, Raka Akriyani. Surabaya: Bambang Wilianto. Office: Jalan Kepundung 67 A Denpasar 80232. Telephone (0361)225764, Facsimile: 227418, P.O.Box: 3010 Denpasar 80001. Bali Post Jakarta, Advertizing: Jl.Palmerah Barat 21F. Telp 021-5357602, Facsimile: 021-5357605 Jakarta Pusat. NTB: Jalam Bangau No. 15 Cakranegara Telp. (0370) 639543, Facsimile: (0370) 628257. Publisher: PT Bali Post
Aston Denpasar Hotel & Convention Center host the 5th National Pasraman Jamboree in Bali on July 2nd – 7th, 2019. The event organized by General Directorate for Hindu Society Guidance of Ministry of Religious Affairs of The Republic of Indonesia. The event, held every three years, was officially opened by the Minister of Religious Affairs, Lukman Hakim Saefuddin on July 3rd, 2019 at the Grand Ballroom of Aston Denpasar Hotel & Convention Center. The opening ceremony was also attended by General Directorate for Hindu Society Guidance, Prof. I Ketut Widnya, M.A., M. Phil., Ph. D as well as echelons 1 and 2 in the Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia and Bali Provincial SKPD. The event themed “The 5th National Pasraman Jamboree As a Forum to Increase the Sensitivity and Solidarity for the Awareness of Young Hindu Generations in the Responsibility to Build the Nation’s Future” was attended by 1000 participants from 33 provinces in Indonesia with its activities contested including Tri Sandhya Mantra Competition, Worship Kramaning Contest, Asanas Yoga Contest, Hindu Poetry Contest, Hindu Story-telling Contest, Daily Prayer Recitation Contest, Outbound Contest, and Dharmawidya Competition (Quiz show). Furthermore, guidance and training for all participants were also conducted through a workshop. “The Pasraman Jamboree is expected to be a media in instilling the spirit of togetherness, caring, and loving the country and a spirit of service to the nation. Thus, Pasraman students will be able to appear in the forefront and be responsible to build a better future of Indonesia “said Lukman Hakim Saefuddin, Minister of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia in the opening speech at Aston Denpasar Hotel & Convention Center. “We are delighted to be chosen to host the 5th National Pasraman Jamboree organized by General Directorate for Hindu Society Guidance of Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia. Because our facilities such as the grand ballroom which accommodate up to 2000 delegates and 12 other meeting rooms with its capacity from 20-200 guests able to meet the needs during the event, plus our 258 guest rooms are occupied by the committee and participants. Therefore, our hotel is perfect as the venue whether national and international event. “Said Sony Bambang Suryo, General Manager of Aston Denpasar Hotel & Convention Center.
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Monday, July 8, 2019
Thrilling yarn: tapestry depicts ‘Game of Thrones’ saga
BELFAST - In a Belfast museum, seamstresses are at work depicting gory battles and warring kings in shimmering threads of red and gold -- an epic homage to the TV phenomenon “Game of Thrones”. The team of volunteers at the Ulster Museum are putting the final touches to a 90-metre (300-foot) tapestry depicting all eight seasons of the fantasy saga, which reached its dramatic conclusion in May. “Game of Thrones”, which first hit screens in 2011, was produced and chiefly filmed in studios in Belfast and in the Northern Irish countryside. The Northern Irish public have taken the series to their hearts. “A tapestry is, more than anything else, a great storytelling device,” explained Valerie Wilson, costume and textiles curator at National Museums Northern Ireland. “The length of the tapestry allows the story to unfold, so in many ways it’s the perfect medium for telling the story of the ‘Game of Thrones’ project.” Styled in the manner of the treasured Bayeux Tapestry -- which depicts the 11th-century Norman conquest of England -- the completed piece will be transported to France to hang near its predecessor
People gather around what conceptual artist Ales ‘Maxi’ Zupevc claims is the first ever monument of Melania Trump, set in the fields near the town of Sevnica, US First Lady’s hometown, during a small inauguration celebration on July 5, 2019.
in September. “This tapestry references the Bayeux Tapestry in that it has a series of repeated icons through it,” explained Wilson. The panels of the piece are woven by machine before the finishing touches are put on by hand. - Emerald green wildfire For two years, a team of 30 has been at work on and off stitching embellishments on the icons -- “blood red weddings”, “emerald green wildfire” and “cold-blue White Walkers” which prove pivotal in the blood-and-guts HBO drama. Such is the graphic nature of their handiwork, the museum display comes with a warning: “Due to the depiction of graphic scenes, viewing of the tapestry is not suitable for anyone under the age of 18.” The team has been working on stitching depicting the eighth and final series. Participants -- like actors in the show -- were also sworn to silence, forced to sign non-disclosure agreements to maintain the shroud of secrecy. “It was very crucial when the project launched that it had that new, fresh, almost surprise element,” Wilson told AFP. (afp)
Paul Faith / AFP
Embroidered scenes on the tapestry depicting the hit television series Game of Thrones are on show at the Ulster Museum in Belfast on July 5, 2019.
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Monday, July 8, 2019
Statue on Slovenia’s Melania tourist trail divides opinion
SEVNICA - After Melania cake, Melania honey, and even Melania slippers, the Slovenian hometown of the US first lady will now boast a statue of its most famous daughter -- albeit one that has faced decidedly mixed reviews. The life-size statue on the outskirts of Sevnica was inaugurated on Friday and is the brainchild of 39-year-old American conceptual artist Brad Downey, who says it’s the first monument anywhere dedicated to the wife of US President Donald Trump. The sculpture was carved into a tree using a chainsaw and depicts Melania in a blue dress raising her left hand in a waving gesture, emulating a pose she struck at her husband’s 2017 inauguration. Its somewhat naive style has led some critics on social media to brand it a “scarecrow”. “I can understand why people might think that this falls short as a description of her physical appearance,” Downey told AFP, but insisted that he found the end result “absolutely beautiful”.
Since Donald Trump took office in 2017, sleepy Sevnica has become a magnet for tourists and journalists searching for insights into the American first lady’s past. Entrepreneurial locals have been cashing in on the influx, offering a bewildering array of Melaniabranded food and merchandise as well as a tour of the area taking in the key sites of her early years. Downey came up with the statue as part of a project aimed at exploring the first lady’s Slovenian roots and commissioned local artisan Ales Zupevc -- also known as “Maxi” -- to actually carve the sculpture. Downey told AFP he was struck by the fact that Maxi was born in the same year and in the same hospital as Melania herself. He said conversations with Maxi
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had enabled him to see Melania’s ancestral region through local eyes. “You see this river that she would have seen as a child, you see the mountains,” he said. However, not everyone has been moved to wax lyrical about the artwork. Nika, a local 24-year-old architecture student, told AFP: “If the monument was meant to be a parody, then the artist has been succesful. “We in Sevnica can only laugh and, at the same time, hold our heads in our hands over their (the Trumps’) catastrophic reputation,” she added. Katarina, a 66-year-old resident of nearby Rozno, said that she thought the monument was a “good idea”. “Melania is a Slovenian hero, she made it to the top in the US,” she said. (afp)
AP Photo/Tatan Syuflana
In this March 18, 2019, photo, National Disaster Mitigation Agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho speaks during a press conference in Jakarta, Indonesia. Indonesia’s disaster agency spokesman Nugroho who was respected for informing Indonesians accurately and quickly about the country’s frequent natural calamities, has died on Sunday, July 7, 2019, in Guangzhou, China, where he had been undergoing medical treatment since June.
Indonesia’s famed disaster spokesman dies of cancer
Indonesia’s disaster agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho -- who shot to international fame for keeping up a 24/7 schedule while battling terminal cancer -- has died at the age of 49. Affectionately known as Pak Topo (Mr Topo), Nugroho was the face of government efforts to get word out on the latest developments in a string of natural disasters, including a quake-tsunami that killed thousands on Sulawesi island in 2018. He died early Sunday at a hospital in Guangzhou, China, where he was undergoing treatment for cancer which had spread to his bones and several vital organs, Indonesia’s disaster agency said.
“We all feel we have lost Pak Sutopo. (He was) the foremost and indomitable figure in delivering disaster information in Indonesia,” the agency said in a statement on Instagram. The disaster in the city of Palu highlighted Nugroho’s refusal to pass the torch as he dragged himself to daily press briefings, taking reporters’ calls and communicating on social media at a frantic pace even as the non-smoker got treatment for Stage IV lung cancer.
Pale and visibly thinner than in the past, Nugroho got the grim news in January 2018 that he was dying and might have as little as a year to live. Nugroho -- who is survived by his wife and two children -- held a PhD in natural resources and the environment, with an expertise in hydrology and cloud-seeding. He spent years as a researcher and dreamed of becoming a professor, rejecting offers to take up the government spokesman job three times until his then boss convinced him that his background would earn him the public’s trust. He took the position in 2010.
Widely recognised in Indonesia, Nugroho regularly updated his nearly 200,000 followers on Twitter and 70,000 followers on Instagram. He reportedly promised his wife to slow down his work schedule but still managed to get out a 200-word update on a deadly landslide back in February 2018 from his hospital bed, local media reported. Then in August of that year, he was sending out reports on a deadly quake disaster on Lombok island, next to Bali, minutes after finishing a chemotherapy session. Nugroho said he had more than 3,000 contacts in his mobile phone
while his social media feeds are filled with updates and dramatic images showing the aftermath of quakes, tsunamis, landslides and volcanic eruptions. He saw himself as a public servant to the end. “It’s not about how long your life is,” he said. “It’s about what you do in your lifetime.” (afp) News can also be heard in “Bali Image” at Global Radio FM 96.5 from 9.30 until 10.00 am. Listen to Global Radio FM at http:// globalfmbali.listen2myradio.com or live video streaming at http:// radioglobalfmbali.com and http:// ustream.tv/channel/global-fm-bali.