Edition Wednesday, April 10, 2019 | International Bali Post

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Wednesday, April 10, 2019

Just say ‘Shazam!’ and the movie fans start lining up

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Wednesday, April 10, 2019

LOS ANGELES - With estimated ticket sales of $53.4 million in its opening weekend, Warner Bros.’ “Shazam!” showed that North American movie fans can enjoy a lighter spin on the usual dark superhero tale, industry watcher Exhibitor Relations reported Sunday.

The family-friendly flick stars young Asher Angel as Billy Baston, an unhappy foster kid who is transformed into a muscular, wisecracking adult superhero (Zachary Levi) when anyone pronounces the secret word. Both the film’s reviews and audience responses have been strongly positive, according to Hollywood Reporter.

Its domestic take for the threeday weekend was not a bad return on the $80 million Warner and New Line spent to make it -- particularly considering

overseas ticket sales of $102 million so far.

Another new release, horror film “Pet Sematary” -- a remake of the 1989 film based on the Stephen King book -- had a solid $25 million in ticket sales, $4 million more than Paramount spent to produce it, Variety reported.

Jason Clarke, Amy Seimetz and John Lithgow star in the tale of a creepy burial ground deep in the Maine woods near a family’s new home.

In third spot was last weekend’s box office leader, Disney’s “Dumbo,” at $18.2 million, down

60 percent from its opening. The Tim Burton remake of the original 1941 film tells the story of a small elephant with huge ears and a powerful desire to be reunited with his mama.

Fourth place, at $13.8 million, went to Universal’s “Us” from writer/director Jordan Peele. It stars Lupita Nyong’o and Winston Duke as a couple frighteningly confronted by their own doubles.

And fifth was Disney’s “Captain Marvel,” taking in $12.7 million.

Oscar winner Brie Larson stars as a former fighter pilot with superpowers. (afp)

Paris Berelc

As ‘Game of Thrones’ ends, critics hail ‘Game of Trolls’ CANNES - “Game of Thrones” may be about to take a final bow, but fans of the television series need not despair -- Game of Trolls is coming.

A madcap new fantasy show call “Magnus” featuring the lumbering fairytale monsters is the talk of the Canneseries festival in the French Riviera resort, where the world’s top TV market MIPTV is also being held.

Funnier than anything in the Seven Kingdoms, it has been described as a hilarious fantasy mix of a Scandi noir cop show and Inspector Clouseau, with elements of Inspector Gadget and the deadpan surrealism of Finnish director Aki Kaurismaki thrown in for good measure.

It creator, actor Vidar Magnussen, the brains behind the “Mind Phallus” spoofs of the British series “Sherlock”,

told AFP that he has been “blown away” by the reaction to the series, already a huge hit in his homeland.

His “Sherlock” send-ups went viral in 2014 when one of the series’ stars Amanda Abbington shared them on social media.

They played on supposed homoerotic tensions between the famed fictional British detective played by Benedict Cumberbatch and his trusty sidekick Watson, played by her then husband Martin Freeman.

Norwegian state broadcaster NRK was so impressed it gave Magnussen “three and a half years to let my imagination run wild”.

- Wacky twist on Nordic noir The result is a take off of cult Nordic crime dramas like “The Bridge”, “Wallander” or “The Killing” with a wacky supernatural twist.

Even though its eponymous hero Magnus is the failed inventor and the worst detective in a small snow-bound Norwegian country town, Magnussen insisted that the show “doesn’t set out to bully or mock anyone”.

Yet the writer, who plays the bungling policeman himself, is not afraid to have fun with Scandinavian stereotypes.

“I feel that Nordic noir has done it’s time,” he said, even as he admitted that his show had borrowed some of their dark edge.

“The challenge was to do very silly comedy and yet ground in something quite real and hard that would have leave people wanting to know more,” he told AFP in Cannes, where the show had its international premiere.

“I needed the characters that were easily readable, so evil was evil and good was good and suicidal was suicidal,” he joked.

The troll element of show expands hugely “as Magnus becomes the bridge to a supernatural world, a kind of diplomat to the troll universe trying to sort things out with the humans.”

Magnussen said the “crazy world” he created “has never been seen before in Norway”, where the show has become the biggest TV phenomenon since the teen series “Scam”, a massive international hit which has spawned a global franchise. (afp)

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This picture taken on March 28, 2019 shows Basariah Panjaitan (L), deputy chairperson of the corruption eradication commission (KPK), seated alongside KPK officers along with boxes of Indonesian currency totalling over 560,000 USD, seized from a lawmaker’s office, during a press conference in Jakarta ahead of the country’s general elections.

Indonesia ‘money politics’ greases election machine

When Indonesian authorities arrested a politician with some 400,000 cash-filled envelopes, it was a stark reminder that a long-time election staple is alive and well in the corruption-riddled country -- vote buying.

Bowo Sidik Pangarso was detained last month for alleged embezzlement from a fertiliser firm, but officials also discovered the lawmaker had boxes stuffed with envelopes of low-denomination notes totalling about 8 billion rupiah ($565,000).

Graft-busters suspect the cash was earmarked for a so-called “Dawn Attack” -- a widespread ploy in the Southeast Asian archipelago where people receive cash early on voting day in a bid to sway their ballot choice.

Some 192 million Indonesians are set to vote next week across the world’s third-biggest democracy, electing officials from local legislators to president.

Indonesia is riddled with corruption at all levels of society and its parliament is widely viewed as one of its most graft-hit institutions -- even two decades after the fall of the Suharto dictatorship, among the most corrupt in history.

With a record 245,000 candidates in the running, the April 17 poll presents a huge challenge for the Corruption Eradication Commission which is already probing dozens of vote-buying cases.

“The (Pangarso) case proved that politics and corruption are still closely linked,” said Almas Syafrina, a researcher at Indonesia Corruption Watch. “It’s not enough just give money to 100 people. (Corrupt

candidates) need to give money to as many as they can, hoping that they’ll vote for them.”

- ‘Rewards for anything’ Sapta Firdaus, a 37-year-old legislator in Sumatra’s Bengkulu province, learned the reality of vote buying when he first ran for office in 2014. “So many people asked me for money,” he told AFP. “They said ‘how much are you willing to pay for our support?’”

But it wasn’t just strangers he met going door to door -- some of the politician’s own family demanded cash too.

“It’s become a habit in our society to ask for rewards for anything,” he said. As many as one in

three Indonesians were exposed to vote buying in the 2014 election, by some estimates.

Many candidates defend direct handouts as simply “turnout buying” to ensure already-loyal supporters go to the ballot box, according to 2017 research in the Journal of East Asian Studies.

But some admitted to employing freelance brokers to reach “core supporters” of rival candidates whose votes were “simply up for sale” in return for higher payments, it found.

These “market sensitive” candidates determined how much to pay based on their resources, constituency size and also what their rivals offered, the paper added.

Aspiring politicians who are not well known were particularly likely to buy votes, especially if running against celebrity candidates -- an-

other election fixture.

“You can either advertise yourself massively or you buy votes,” said Syafrina.

“That applies to incumbent legislative candidates too, particularly those who rarely came to their electoral district and interact with constituents.”

While penalties have gotten stiffer, many Indonesians don’t see election-time handouts, including food staples such as rice, cooking oil and sugar, as a problem.

Continued to page 6

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

2

Bali News

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

International

Development in Bali grows rapidly

Bali House: Regulation always left behind

DENPASAR - Chairman of the Bali House of Representatives, I Nyoman Adi Wiryatama, said the development in Bali lasts very fast. The existing regulations are always even inferior to progress in society, particularly concerning spatial planning stipulated in Regional Regulation No. 16/2009 concerning the Bali Provincial Regional Spatial Plan (RTRWP). That is why, the House agreed to evaluate the regulation after being proposed by the executive during the administration of Governor Made Mangku Pastika.

“If we don’t update this, we are worried to be left behind. Even though it is not perfect, at least there are rules or provision that will be followed by each district / municipality,” he said after chairing a Discussion Meeting on the Revision of the Regional Regulation on RTRWP Bali with the executives at the parliament building on Monday

(Apr. 8).

Wiryatama added that revision of the Regional Regulation on RTRWP Bali is mainly to clarify who will control the spatial plan.

Then, it is regarding the sanctions for those violating, including the rewards for those complying with.

Likewise, it also thinks about the inter-regional balance and sup-

presses negative impacts of development progress so that Bali remains to exist and goes sustainably.

“So the point is that we will make this regulation not to hamper our progress as well as avoiding from being powerless and useless. As ever before, there was a sanction of IDR 5 million for those violating. Who imposed the sanctions? No one did. Finally, it is then always violated because it is unclear,” he explained.

Moreover, Wiryatama continued the current Governor of Bali, Wayan Koster, has the desire to manage Bali in a single unit or one island. The development is carried out with the vision known as Nangun Sat Kerthi Loka Bali, meaning to develop and maintain

Bali’s nature and its contents. Do not let the RTRWP collide or be counterproductive to the governor’s vision and mission.

“Actually, our discussion to summarize the willingness of our colleagues in the district is enough.

However, there are obstacles because this Spatial Plan is closely related to national spatial plan.

Therefore, a number of points should be refined by the Environment Agency (KLHK—Ed),” explained this PDI-P politician from Tabanan.

According to Wiryatama, validation of the KLHK is very important so that the revision of the Regional Regulation on RTRWP Bali can be submitted to the Ministry of National Land Agency for

IBP/file

The rapid growth of Bali make ricefield decrease

approval. However, to get approval is even not easy because the revision of the Regional Regulation on RTRWP Bali will be discussed by cross ministries. Therefore, the discussion between the Special Committee with the district and municipal government should have been completed so that no counterproductive talks arise when taken to the Ministry of Agrarian and Spatial Plan. Actually, some things are still different in the district and municipality, such as concerning the height of building and the coastal borderline.

“At least, there are guidelines later on. For example, some proposed to increase the height of building in public places such as hospitals, government offices and schools, we give dispensation.

Meanwhile, the others also like Badung wish no dispensation for anything. We will summon them once again to find a solution,” he explained.

In terms of coastal borderline, continued Wiryatama, Badung wanted to keep 100 meters. But Denpasar wanted to be free or unregulated, Tabanan wanted 50 meters and Buleleng wanted 25 meters. All stakeholders in the region will be reassigned regarding the problem. After these are the issues intersecting with national spatial planning, one of which concerns the radius of sanctity “In my opinion, it is not relevant if the sanctity is governed by Environment Agency (KLHK— Ed), it has nothing to do. The sanctity must be governed by us, local people in Bali,” he explained. (kmb32)

To anticipate disasters

BMKG installs seismograph device in Nusa Penida

SEMARAPURA - The intensity of natural disasters in Bali shows an increasing trend. Anticipating the impact of the disaster, the National Weather Service (BMKG) of Sanglah Station, Denpasar, plans to install two seismograph devices, respectively in the region of Nusa Penida Islands and Bangli.

This was revealed by the National Weather Service of Sanglah Station in the meeting with Regent of Klungkung, Nyoman Suwirta, in his office on Monday (Apr. 8).

Installation of the seismograph device functions to record and de-

tect the earthquake vibration. Head of the National Weather Service of Sanglah Station, Ikhsan, said that Bali is an area prone to earthquakes. On that account, the government strengthened earthquake scanning equipment throughout Indonesia. “This year, 100 sensors (seismographs) will be installed throughout Indonesia,” he said.

Ikhsan asserted the installation of seismographs in Nusa Penida will be near the headman office of Batukandik and Klumpu headman. He hoped the location point has been determined

namely on the land owned by the government since it is related to security of the device. In addition to seismographs, the BMKG also added nine seismometers, spreading throughout Klungkung five locations in the Nusa Penida Islands and four in Klungkung mainland.

Installation of the seismograph device will be able to know the shallowness of sediment vibration produced due to the shifts in the terrestrial crust, after obtaining additional seismograph sensors in the Ina-TEWS Net-

work in the Bali region. Large or small vibrations depend on the damage on the earth caused by the size of the earthquake. In addition to sensors with reduced angular distances, analysis and dissemination of the earthquake information in the Klungkung region can be done more quickly and accurately.

Regent of Klungkung, I Nyoman Suwirta, fully supported the installation of the device. He gave emphasis that he is ready to help facilitate the availability of land needed by the BMKG. District

government will directly survey the government-owned land located adjacent to the points desired by the BMKG. Thus, the installation process of the device can be quickly realized.

“We will try to find the land. The land area is around 10 x10 meters with buildings and fences. If the land is owned by local village, we will make coordination with the local village,” said Regent Suwirta, accompanied by the Chief Executive of Klungkung Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD), Putu Widiada. (kmb31)

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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

Activities

International

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

15

THE WESTIN DESARU COAST RESORT OFFERS ENDLESS WELLNESS OPTIONS FOR GUESTS ESCAPING TO THE SOUTHERN TIP OF THE MALAYSIAN PENINSULA

Westin® Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott International Inc. announced the opening of The Westin Desaru Coast Resort, located on the southern tip of the Malaysian Peninsula. Owned

by Desaru Development Holdings One Sdn Bhd, the 275-room property is part of the new Desaru Coast development, a large-scale integrated holiday and event destination featuring an adventure waterpark, a conference center, as well as two championship-level golf courses.

Desaru is a resort destination that features long stretches of white sandy beaches with clear shallow waters on the edges of the South China Sea. The resort is approximately 82 kilometers away from Johor’s Senai International Airport, and just over 100 kilometers from Changi International Airport in Singapore. It is an easy one-hour drive from the state capital city of Johor Bahru via the new Senai-Desaru Expressway, and only one-and-a-half hour’s drive from Singapore.

“Westin’s signature wellness programs are thoughtfully designed to empower our guests to rise above the rigors of travel and we believe that The Westin Desaru Coast Resort has the right elements for guests to eat, sleep, move, feel, work and play well,” said Mike Fulkerson, Vice President, Brand and Marketing, Marriott International Asia Pacific. “We are proud to further establish Westin’s empowering commitment to wellness at this exciting new destination.”

The Westin Desaru Coast Resort was curated by award-winning design consultancy ZDR. The design of the beachfront property integrates elements and inspirations from the ocean, with the use of materials and patterns that evoke nature. Bright, airy sea-facing rooms are bathed in natural light and provide elevated vantage points, with sweeping panoramic views of the South China Sea. In every well-appointed guest room, thoughtful amenities such as the signature Heavenly® Bed and Sleep Well Lavender Balm will ensure a great night’s rest. For guests staying in Westin Club rooms and suites, the Westin Club Lounge offers an exclusive, ideal space for relaxation, along with facilities to

organize meetings.

Guests at the resort will enjoy a wholesome selection of dining options. Seasonal Tastes is the all-day dining outlet, with a buffet and an à la carte menu which showcases Asian and International cuisine. The Beach Bar is a casual hangout spot for cocktails, drinks and light snacks right on the beach, and Prego is the resort’s signature Italian restaurant, with its cozy intimate spaces for European fine dining.

MIX Lounge, the lobby lounge which highlights afternoon tea and petit gateaux, and last but not least, Splash, the pool bar to cater to guests relaxing and lounging by the pool.

Adjacent to the resort is the Desaru Coast Conference Centre, managed by The Westin Desaru Coast Resort. The venue has a total of 1,252 square meters of fully-equipped event space with the capacity to host almost 1,400 guests. The showpiece of the conference center is a dynamic grand ballroom, which can be divided into four smaller event and pre-function spaces. Whether indoors or outdoors by the beach, The Westin Desaru Coast Resort offers enlivening experiences for events and weddings.

The integrated resort is a wellness destination for relaxation and rejuvenation featuring Westin’s signature programming, the Heavenly Spa by Westin™.

The spa’s signature Heavenly Spa Massage treatment includes a Swedish massage and heated compress applied on the meridian points to release tension and break up muscle “knots” promoting a sense of relaxation and well-being. Whereas the hydrothermal pools in the spa with a combination of 38°C temperature and water jets provide unique benefits including cleansing and detoxification of skin, relieving tired and aching muscles, increasing circulation thus renewing the mind and body.

For guests to stay active on the road, WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio is open 24 hours.

To explore the destination while staying fit, the RunWESTIN™ program offers guided run led by the resort’s Run Concierge as well as Westin Gear Lending with New Balance®. In addition, the resort offers an outdoor pool and Wes-

tin Family Kids Club providing imaginative spaces for kids to play and for parents to relax, which makes the resort a perfect vacation destination for the entire family.

“We look forward to welcoming

guests of all ages to The Westin Desaru Coast Resort,” says Vikram S. Mujumdar, General Manager, The Westin Desaru Coast Resort. “Furthering the brand’s commitment to guests’ well-being,

our guests can expect the very best during their stay with us and we aim to exceed their expectations in every way,” added Mujumdar.

For more information, please visit www.westindesaru.com

14

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

Technology

International

World’s first 5G phone released in South Korea 5G, whose base version costs 1.39 million won ($1,200).

Interactive virtual-reality displays and robot demonstrations were on show to tout the capabilities of the latest iteration of mobile internet speed, and new users were excited about the possibilities, especially live streaming of sports games and university lectures.

“I watch a lot of videos often, movies and lectures,” said buyer Shim Ji-hye, 38. “I hope faster speeds will help me manage my time better.”

Another user said he was most excited about virtual reality content

-- which includes games and even “celebrity VR dating” apps according to the country’s mobile carriers.

With 5G, said researcher Lee Sang-yoon, VR content “can be enjoyed in real time with no delay...

I’ll be able to enjoy it in better resolution and speed”.

By Friday afternoon, 15,000 buyers had subscribed to the LG UPlus 5G service, and more than 10,000 to KT’s offer, the carriers said.

Figures were not immediately available from SK Telecom, the market leader. (afp)

Ed JONES / AFP

A Samsung Galaxy S10 5G phone is registered for a customer during a Korea Telecom launch event in Seoul on April 5, 2019. Samsung was launching its top-end S10 5G smartphone after South Korea this week won the global race to commercially launch the world’s first nationwide 5G networks.

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

3

Sanglah Hospital has 1,400 vote potentials

But no special polling booth prepared

SEOUL - Telecom giant Samsung Electronics on Friday released the Galaxy S10 5G, the world’s first available smartphone with built-in fifth-generation communications, as South Korea seeks to build a lead in the transformative technology.

On Wednesday the South became the first country to launch nationwide 5G services, with three superfast networks going live offering data speeds that allow users to download entire movies in less than a second.

Hours later US giant Verizon began commercial services in Chicago and Minneapolis, after rival AT&T made a 5G-based system available to selected users in parts of 12 cities in December.

South Korea’s three mobile carriers -- SK Telecom, KT and LG Uplus -- held launch events across Seoul for the Galaxy S10

Bali News

International

Handout / Big Cypress National Preserve / AFP

This handout photograph, obtained April 7, 2019 courtesy of the Big Cypress National Preserve, shows a team of hunters with the Big Cypress National Preserve in Ochopee, Florida holding a female python measuring over 17 feet in length and weighing 140 pounds with 73 developing eggs.

Team in Florida captures huge python using tracking devices

MIAMI - Researchers in Florida using a new approach to combating a destructive invasion by enormous pythons have captured one of the biggest ever, a 17-foot-long (5.2 meters) specimen large enough to eat a deer, they said.

The female snake is longer than a one-story building is high, and weighs 140 pounds (64 kilograms).

It is one of the biggest pythons ever caught in southern Florida, according to a post on the Facebook page of the Big Cypress National Preserve.

The researchers found the enormous reptile by using male pythons fitted with radio transmitters, allowing them to track the male and locate breeding females, according to the post.

“The team not only removes the invasive snakes, but collects data for research, develops new removal tools and learns how the pythons are using the preserve,” the park said.

The 17-footer was found to contain 73 developing eggs. The reptiles have no natural predators in Florida and multiply rapidly, posing “significant threats to native wildlife,” the researchers said.

The snakes can decimate native wildlife, killing small animals like rabbits, birds and opossums, and even eating creatures as large as alligators and adult deer.

The Burmese python is considered an invasive species since it first appeared in the area in the 1980s.

With anywhere from 30,000 to

300,000 pythons now in southern Florida, the US Interior Department banned their importation in 2012.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has sponsored hunting programs to target the reptiles.

But such efforts have failed to slow their spread, and the commission in 2017 held hearings around the state to seek creative ideas for containing the monstrous creatures.

Among the ideas to emerge: introducing snake-killing Australian terrier dogs, stringing barbed wire around trees to protect birds, or using drones fitted with infrared sensors to conduct aerial surveillance.

Another idea -- introducing mongooses, which are famed in Asia for their ability to kill cobras -- came from one Victoria Olson of Fort Lauderdale.

“They have been successful in Puerto Rico & The US Virgin Islands to eradicate snakes and yes, they can kill a python,” she said, according to the Sun-Sentinel newspaper of Fort Lauderdale.

Pythons are not known as being particularly brainy. Since some have choked to death on golf balls they thought were eggs, one man suggested setting out hundreds of fake eggs.

Asked about such ideas, a state wildlife spokeswoman noted diplomatically that public input is greatly valued.

But, she told the Sun-Sentinel, “we want to give each suggestion the time for evaluation it deserves.” (afp)

DENPASAR — Ahead of voting day on April 17, no polling booth is provided by Electoral Commission (KPU) at Sanglah Hospital. However, patients, their families and employees of Sanglah Hospital that vote will be visited by voting organizer group or KPPS officers at the closest location.

For this reason, the Sanglah Hospital provides a place in the waiting room of the polyclinic to place the ballot boxes and to do the casting. “Patients that cannot get up from bed will be visited to the inpatient room,” said Dewa Ketut Kresna, Spokesperson of Sanglah Hospital, on Monday (Apr. 8).

This voting can only be carried out by voters having got their A5 form in advance. “All voters having held their A5 form can vote at hospital,” he added. Since the arrangement of A5 form ended on April 10, he appealed to the public, especially those that will have treatment at Sanglah Hospital on that day, to immediately take care of it.

According to him, the voting is mostly used by patients and their families because during hospitalization they cannot leave the hospital area. Meanwhile, employees can go to polling booths by changing their shift with their colleagues.

Dewa Kresna added that Sanglah Hospital is a large hospital with 765 beds. Moreover, the bed occupation rates (BOR) or the occupancy rate of Sanglah Hospital reaches 90 percent. Coupled with caregivers of patients of around 1-2 people, there is a lot of potential votes that can be obtained at Sanglah Hospital. If calculated, there are 765 beds plus respectively 1 caregiver. Totally, there will be more than 1,400 voters having the potential to be lost if they are not managed properly.

For this reason, Sanglah Hospital in addition to having humanitarian missions also takes part in the success of the election by facilitating patients and their families to vote. (kmb42)

IBP/kmb

The sandals design starts from flat to wedges.

Endek sandals, new footwear icon of Bali

FOOTWEAR trend seems to have endless innovation. Every time there are always the latest models of footwear, both sandals and shoes. All needed is creativity and innovation of the entrepreneurs to make the latest designs of footwear.

Dewa Ketut Kresna

IBP/kmb

A sandal businessman, Bagas Widiantara, 21, from Petang, Badung, makes sandals from endek fabric. This young entrepreneur doesn’t run out of ideas to create a product. Amid the growing number of sandals design models, he incorporates Balinese characteristics in his sandals, by adding endek accents. The sandals design starts from flat to wedges. There are also models of slippers, hell, flatbed and some men’s motif sandals.

Endek is chosen as a characteristic of his footwear because he sees unused and wasted endek cloth after being cut into clothes.

“Moreover, the endek is the work of endek weavers will be a pity if they get wasted,” he said.

The results of endek cloth are transformed into slippers or base of sandals. Obviously, every base of the footwear will contain endek accent.

When commencing his business in 2017, he was in a state of anxiety.

At that time, he was still a student at a state university in Bali. He should think twice to pay tuition and what came to his mind was making sandals.

In terms of marketing, several ways he had done. In addition to marketing via online world, he also participated in various exhibitions.

At least from the exhibition, his Radjas Style’s brand became well known.

The online market cannot be underestimated because the online market contributes greatly to the current sales. Social media is also worked on to introduce his products. Not to forget, he also takes advantage of the well-known marketplace.

Coming with the tagline of loving local products, he has special reason. He himself likes domestic products, especially the products of his friends who have previously produced themselves. He told the idea of starting a business was also

inspired by his friends.

He is happy to see his friends remaining young and having already been able to make creative products and be able to survive in the city from the results of entrepreneurship. “My friends are also selling various products, such as VCO (virgin coconut oil), agricultural products, endek clothes, kebaya and accessories, so I like shopping for local products from them,” he recalled.

In other words, he was inspired by his friends to have mindset that local products must be promoted to prosper in their region. “Many young generations imported shoes and sandals. It is not due to the design or price, but because of their brand,” he said on Saturday (Apr. 6). Community consumption of branded products is equally crazy. Therefore, he wanted to build his own brand with local Balinese product icons. (kmb42)

4

Bali News

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

International

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

International

Bangkok mangosteen disrupts market of Bali mangosteen

Protesters warn of Chinese ‘invasion’ of Philippines

DENPASAR - The price of Bali mangosteen plummeted. At the farm level, the price reaches IDR 7,000 - IDR 9,000 per kg. Farmers’ BEP (break event point) is at IDR 12,000 per kg, while at the consumer level the price of mangosteen reaches IDR 10,000 per kg. This price is lower than usual because Bali mangosteen was usually sold for IDR 35,000 - IDR 40,000 per kg in China at the farm level.

Marketer at the STA (Agribusiness Sub Terminal), UD Sari Buah, at Padangan, Pupuan, Tabanan, I Made Sianta, stated the drop in the price of mangosteen happened due to the mangosteen of Bangkok is in harvesting season and entering Chinese market. As a result, the Bali mangosteen is unable to compete. For this reason, farmers and distributors sold mangosteen in the domestic market at very cheap prices.

“Responding to such condition, I am now taking alternative market to Tiara Dewata, Hardys and Moena Fresh. I will also go to Carrefour, so that farmers in Pupuan get a decent price,” he said Sunday (Apr. 7).

The price of mangosteen has

plummeted for a month. It is considered to be detrimental to farmers because they lose money. To get BEP at the farm level alone, the price should be IDR 12,000 per kg, but now the mangosteen is sold for IDR. 7,000 - IDR 8,000 per kg. “Without exports, the price of IDR 15,000 per kg has already made our farmers relieved, let alone with the existence of exports,” he concluded.

Bangkok mangosteen is now said to have harvest season, so the needs of Chinese mangosteen are supplied by Bangkok. Actually, mangosteen from Bali has long been exploring the Chinese market.

Formerly, Bali mangosteen had entered Chinese market through Malaysia. But now, it can be directly

Martin BUREAU / AFP

A farmer of the Sakaguchi Akoya pearl farm displays oysters with pearls on a table in Shima on October 12, 2018.

The price of Bali mangosteen plummeted. exported to China. (kmb42) He hoped that modern markets,

such as supermarkets, minimarkets, malls, et cetera can have absorbed

IBP/kmb

the maximum harvest yield of local farmers. (kmb42)

Stagnant export market

Farmers hope intermediaries to export red sandalwood rice

TABANAN - After being able to export red sandalwood rice to the United States, now the rice export market returns to get stalled because it had faced several obstacles.

The red sandalwood rice is trying to be offered to other export potential countries, but has not been able to compete against red rice from Thailand. In order the red sandalwood

rice can be re-exported, farmers hope there will be intermediaries or liaisons to export potential countries.

This was explained by farmer and exporter from Penebel, Wayan Sukaarta, on Sunday (Apr. 7). According to him, he had sent 10 tons of red sandalwood to the United States. However, the same amount

IBP/kmb

In order the red sandalwood rice can be re-exported, farmers hope there will be intermediaries or liaisons to export potential countries.

of the second shipments or exports were canceled due to complaints from the counterpart in the US that claimed if the red sandalwood rice is not durable and has lice. As a result, the second shipments were canceled and the export of red sandalwood rice is temporarily stopped.

“Actually, the problem at that time the red rice was wrapped normally without being vacuumed on the request of exporters. If wrapped normally and without being vacuumed, the red rice is indeed vulnerable to be attacked by fleas,” he said.

Sukaarta, who owns a rice milling business, claimed not to give up and will seek other export destinations such as the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain and Panama. However, his efforts have not produced results because the main staples of these countries are not rice, and the market share has been controlled

by Thailand.

When talking about quality and requirements, according to Sukaarta, the Tabanan red rice product is actually not inferior. Farmers are ready if they have to meet other requirements to enter the export market. At present, the most needed by farmers is an intermediary or liaison that can market red sandalwood rice to export destination

countries.

According to Sukaarta, the country currently becoming potential and big target market is Singapore. ‘”When it comes to quality and requirements, I am confident that farmers can fulfill them. Now, it is just the matter of intermediary,” he said.

Since the export market stagnated, according to Sukaarta, he can no longer buy farmers’ red rice because the distribution of stock for the second phase of exports as much as 10 tons is somewhat stagnant. Currently, he is looking for the potential market. Moreover, today the red sandalwood rice must also compete against other types of red rice such as C4 in the local market. “Today, this C4 red rice is much favored because the texture is the same as C4 of white rice and the price is also the same,” explained Sukaarta.

On the other hand, if red sandalwood rice is processed into other products such as tea, the market remains limited. Sales through the local government-owned enterprise (BUMDA), according to Sukaarta, also remain to have limited absorption.

Director of Dharma Santika Regional Government-Owned Enterprise (PDDS), Putu Sugi

Darmawan, said the current sales of red rice are still stagnant at 1 ton per month. However, with the permission of the Plant-Based Fresh Food (PSAT), he is confident there will be an increase in demand for red sandalwood rice.

The increase is influenced by the presence of Regent Regulation requiring modern stores to absorb the products of BUMDes and BUMDA. The presence of PSAT also caused modern stores to start asking for red sandalwood rice. “At this time, we have prepared 1,038 packages of 1 kilogram size to be distributed to 217 Alfamart branches,” explained Sugi. He added that other than red sandalwood rice, Alfamart also requested the same amount of milk sprout and black rice. First delivery of the rice will be held on Tuesday (Apr. 9). If the demand continues at the same amount, the sales of red sandalwood rice will increase to two tons per month.

PDDS Tabanan is also exploring cooperation with Lotte Mart which is currently in the administrative process at the head office. If there is no obstacle, Lotte Mart will start marketing special category rice (red sandalwood rice, milk sprout, fragrant and black rice) as the products of PDDS Tabanan as of next May. (kmb24)

13

Pearls of wisdom: Japan’s cultured farms still glisten

MANILA - Protesters descended on the Chinese embassy in Manila on Tuesday to oppose the Asian superpower’s growing sway in the Philippines and as tensions rise over Beijing’s presence in the disputed South China Sea. Filipino flag-waving marchers chanted “China out” and brandished a banner saying “Defend our sovereign rights”, referring to Beijing’s expansive claims to the resource-rich waterway.

“The government headed by President (Rodrigo) Duterte is not responding. What China is doing is almost an invasion,” marcher Alex Legaspi, a 53-year-old teacher, told AFP. While Duterte has largely set aside the once-heated territorial standoff over the sea, tensions have flared since hundreds of Chinese vessels appeared recently near the Manila-held Pag-asa (Thitu) island.

The Philippines called the boats’ presence “illegal” and Duterte threatened China with possible military action if it touches the island.

However, the president has repeatedly said war with China would be futile and he has no intention of getting into a conflict with the rising power he has courted for trade

and investment.

Duterte has been criticised at home as being too eager to grow ties with Beijing, and giving up too much leverage on the South China Sea issue.

Meanwhile, the United States has moved to boost its relationship with long-time ally and former colony the Philippines.

A small group of policemen monitored the protesters, who numbered around 1,000 according to journalists on the scene. The marchers dispersed peacefully after the demonstration.

Protesters also voiced simmering unease over the terms Chinese loans for infrastructure in the Philippines, including a massive dam-building project.

China is poised to loan some $210 million toward the construction of the Kaliwa Dam, a project that has been delayed for years and would fill gaps in the Philippines’ chronic need for infrastructure.

“We cannot allow... China to control Filipinos and the Philippines’ sovereignty,” Wilma Quierrez, 53, member of indigenous rights group told AFP. “The loan agreement signed by (Chinese President) Xi Jinping and President Duterte will send us into debt trap,” she added. (afp)

SHIMA - In Japan’s picturesque Ago Bay, a couple sits in a little hut picking out oysters from a net, cleaning them carefully one-by-one before replacing them gently back in the water.

Their hope: in several months, these oysters will produce a glistening white pearl from a cultured farming technique invented in Japan that is in decline as experts die out in the ageing country.

Cultured pearl farming was first commercialised in Ago Bay and spread throughout the world. There are still dozens of farms plying the trade there, which look from the sky like a series of rafts floating between the steep coast and a string of tiny islets.

In 1893, an Ago Bay local called Kokichi Mikimoto became worried the oyster pearls avidly sought in his waters were becoming extinct.

So he began introducing artificial foreign bodies into the oysters in a bid to replicate the natural process in which they secrete thousands of layers of nacre when a grain of sand or shell finds its way inside the pearl pocket.

After several setbacks -- including a bacterial virus that decimated his crop -- Mikimoto finally hit the jackpot: one day in July 1893 a semi-spherical pearl appeared,

clinging to the oyster.

A decade or so later, he had refined his method to produce a perfectly round specimen and immediately patented his technique -- the cultured pearl.

Success was not immediate -several viewed the cultured pearl as a vulgar replica of the “natural” variety -- but eventually Mikimoto built a global empire and Japan became the reference for the small pearls known as “Akoya.”

Around the same time, two other Japanese, Tatsuhei Mise and Tokichi Nishikawa, applied for a patent.

- Top five percent The Sakaguchi family has been crafting these valuable pearls between three and 10 millimetres in diametre for three generations. Kasuhiro, 73, and Misayo, 68, are now supported by daughter Ruriko.

“Our job is to look after the oysters as well as we can for three to four years,” explained the energetic 43-year-old Ruriko, sporting an apron and headscarf.

“From harvesting the young

oysters, introducing the graft, right up to extracting the pearl,” she added, as she dragged oysters from the net for inspection.

The whole delicate operation rests of the insertion of a nucleus -- a small round polished ball made out of shellfish -- and the “graft”, a piece of donor mantle tissue from another oyster.

Over a period of several months, the oyster reacts to the foreign bodies by secreting thousands of layers of nacre which form the pearl.

The pearls are harvested in December, when the water is around 15 degrees, said Ruriko. “Below this, the pearl will lack strength.

Above that, it will lack shine,” she explained.

It is a thankless task. Of the 100,000 oysters harvested annually, half die immediately after the operation.

The vast majority produce either mediocre pearls or nothing at all.

Only around five percent of the oysters harvested will result in pearls of sufficient quality to adorn the windows of chic jewellers far away in Tokyo. (afp)

Ted ALJIBE / AFP

An anti-China protester raises a placard with a portrait of Chinese President Xi Jinping during a protest in front of the Chinese consular office in the financial district of Manila on April 9, 2019.

12

International

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

BUSINESS

Bali News

International

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

5

Hobbit house at Pedawa village, Offer sensation like ‘Lord of the Rings’ film

Pedawa village in Banjar subdistrict, Buleleng, is not only well known as a coffee producing area or unique tradition owned. However, this village belonging to a Bali Aga or ancient village also has a tourist attraction in the form of Hobbit House. Although it was just opened a few months ago, tourist arrivals are quite crowded. Then, what uniqueness can this village offer to visitors?

Pigeons fly in front of Greek Presidential guards taking part in the changing of the guard ceremony, at the tomb of the unknown soldier in front of the Parliament, central Athens, on Wednesday, April 3, 2019.

Greece’s bailout lenders approve big debt relief payout

AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris

ATHENS - Greece’s bailout creditors on Friday backed a payout worth more than $1 billion as part of a debt-relief package that is contingent on the government enacting a series of reforms.

Mario Centeno, who heads the grouping of the eurozone’s 19 finance ministers, told reporters after a meeting in Bucharest, Romania, that the debt-relief measures were worth some 970 million euros ($1.1 billion) and came mostly from the profits of Greek government bonds held by eurozone central banks.

The payout, Centeno said, would

be subject to formal approval by the euro area’s bailout fund.

Greece is keen to qualify for debt relief after years of recession and three successive international bailouts left its national debt at around 180% of the country’s annual income. Even though its bailout program ended last August, Greece remains under tight super-

vision from creditors.

The Greek government has pushed through reforms including the speeding-up of privatization projects and easing pressure on Greek banks from loans-gone-bad.

Centeno said the payout “sends investors a positive signal of continued ownership of the reform agenda in Greece, and you can see this already going on in the markets today.”

Shares on the Athens Stock Exchange were up 1.2% in afternoon, with the advance led by a strong

performance by the country’s four main banks. The yield on Greece’s 10-year bond also dropped further to 3.5 percent, half the level that is widely considered unsustainable in financial markets.

The stocks rally was also helped by cautious backing by lenders for Athens’ bid to make an early repayment of its bailout loans to the International Monetary Fund, which carry a relatively interest rate.

Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras’ left-wing government in Greece is facing elections this year but

is trailing the conservatives in opinion polls and struggling to continue with cost-cutting reforms demanded by creditors.

Friday’s payout-approval hinged on details of a household insolvency law that eased protection of distressed mortgage holders from foreclosure.

Lenders are pressing Athens to take more aggressive action to reduce the huge volume of nonperforming and soured loans that reached nearly half the total last year. (ap)

Pinterest sets IPO to raise up to $1.5 billion

Pinterest said Monday it would raise up to $1.5 billion in its stock offering, setting a price range that trims the value of the online visual discovery startup.

San Francisco-based Pinterest’s price range of $15 to $17 a share would give it an estimated valuation of some $11 billion, below the

$12 billion in its most recent private funding round.

The pricing suggests caution about the big venture backed “unicorns,” or startups worth more than $1 billion, after a mixed response to the Wall Street debut of ride-hailing firm Lyft. Pinterest, a virtual bulletin board that connects people with

interests including food, fashion, travel and lifestyle, plans to trade under the symbol PINS on the New York Stock Exchange.

Pinterest has some 250 million worldwide users but its path to profitability remains uncertain.

Pinterest lost $63 million in 2018 on revenue of $755.9 mil-

lion. That compared with a loss of $130.0 million on $473 million in 2017 revenue, according to the filing with Securities and Exchange Commission.

Launched in 2010, Pinterest brings in money from its role in online shopping and from advertising. Pinterest attracts users who

create virtual bulletin boards with pictures showcasing interests in anything from food to sports, fashion or travel.

The research firm eMarketer expects Pinterest’s global ad revenues to hit $1 billion this year, making up just 0.3 percent of the total digital ad spend. (afp)

This tiny house has a unique design. The materials in use are not concrete, but coffee trunks, bamboo, tree roots, used tins and twigs of palm fruits. It can exude a natural impression, artistic nuance and classic look.

“All the materials are not used anymore, so that it creates an artistic value,” said the initiator, Ketut Sudi Harta, recently.

The making was inspired by the ‘Lord of the Rings’ film that tells about a small and short character called the Hobbit. Since his body is short, then the house constructed is very small as well. “I like to watch the film.

I think Hobbit is not a person with a shortage but with some advantages. Initially, it was just to cover my water reservoir and indeed there is nothing inside it,” he said.

After that, his work is gradually known to the public, especially the younger generation. People’s visit is accompanied by taking selfie to be uploaded on their social media. Since then, the first claimed home in Bali has become the target of both local and foreign tourist visit. Not only to take pictures, they also enjoy the cool nature offered by beautiful nature plus typical coffee of Pedawa along with the sugar palm and sengait snack. “Visitors that come here are quite surprised,” he said.

On early emergence, visitors coming into the house located in the middle of clove plan-

tation and durian orchard were not charged.

However, since the management involves local youth of the village, like in the parking arrangement, finally he charges at IDR 10,000 per person. “With this amount, visitors can take selfie freely so that indirectly

this attraction also empowers the surrounding residents,” said the man of three children.

Considering the village of Pedawa has the status as a tourism village, the house established on a land of 0.41 hectare is planned to be equipped with lodging accommodation,

food outlet by providing traditional food of Pedawa, and traditional to modern coffee roasting place. “We will develop gradually because it requires substantial capital. Most importantly, Pedawa can be known as a Bali Aga destination,” he concluded. (kmb)

Bedulu Develops Village Hall Tourism

Village Hall of Bedulu, Blahbatuh, Gianyar, usually used as activity center of local villagers is now taken advantage for tourist purposes. Tourists coming to the

village hall can see and learn various activities related to Balinese customs. This tourist attraction is operated in cooperation with one of the travel agencies in Bali to bring

in dozens of foreign tourists to the village hall.

This activity is attended by tourists from various countries in Europe and Asia. They see directly people’s activities related to Balinese culture and customs. They are starting from learning to prepare Balinese food (mebat), make offerings (mejejahitan), plait bamboo platform (klakat), and play gamelan music (megambel). In the evening, Balinese arts such as dances are staged while enjoying a prepared dinner (mebat) of local residents as well as tourists.

To introduce the village environment, tourists are also invited to have village tour by visiting people’s homes to see in person the life of rural communities. Moreover, there are some tourists choosing to stay at people’s homes in order

to be able to mingle with local community. “We have developed the concept of the village hall for community economic empowerment,” explained chief of Tengah customary village, I Ketut John, amid receiving tourists at local village hall on Monday (Oct. 8).

Besides, continued Ketut John, this activity is also to awaken the potential of Bedulu which had long been known as a tourism village.

“The activities usually carried out at the village hall by residents will become an extraordinary attraction to tourists,” said Ketut John, who is also a tourism player.

Ketut John is optimistic the concept of village hall tourism will draw the interest of tourists, especially at Bedulu as supported by some other tourist attractions such as the Yeh Pulu, Goa Gajah,

Samuan Tiga Temple and other historical and ancient heritages like sarcophagi remaining to be stored in one of the people’s home. Moreover, the pottery handicrafts formerly debuted in Bedulu are now being introduced and raised again.

“This should not just be looked at in terms of commercial aspect, but how the tourism of Bedulu village can revive with the concept of village hall,” added Ketut John.

Jessy, one of the visiting tourists, claimed to be happy to mingle with Bedulu residents while learning to cook Balinese cuisines, playing gamelan and making offering or canang. “Hospitality of the population makes us happy and all come to see and learn directly about the customs that do not exist in our country. This is what we want,” she said. (kmb)

6

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

W

RLD

Rahul Gandhi: destiny’s child or an ‘empty suit’?

NEW DELHI - Rahul Gandhi, vying to become the latest prime minister from India’s most famous dynasty, has worked hard to shed his image as an entitled footloose princeling and political lightweight.

But the great-grandson, grandson and son of three past premiers of the world’s biggest democracy still faces a tough task beating Prime Minister Narendra Modi in elections starting Thursday.

No relation to independence hero Mahatma Gandhi, Rahul was born in 1970 when his grandmother Indira Gandhi -- daughter of India’s first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru -- was premier.

In 1984 Indira was shot dead by her Sikh bodyguards and she was succeeded by her son Rajiv Gandhi, Rahul’s father. Rajiv was himself assassinated in 1991 by a Tamil suicide bomber when Rahul was 20.

Rahul was enrolled at Harvard but dropped out after a year, following his father’s death. He later graduated from Rollins College, Florida and in 1994 earned a master’s degree from Cambridge.

While in his 20s he lived in Lon-

don, where he worked at a management consultancy for a time.

His Italian-born mother Sonia Gandhi, widow of Rajiv, took charge of the Congress party in 1998 before handing over the reins to Rahul, her first-born, in 2017.

- ‘Empty suit’ -

Ten years earlier, in 2007, leaked US diplomatic cables said Rahul was viewed as an “empty suit” and “lightweight”, with little known about his political beliefs -- if he had any.

But by 2009, the US assessment was now that Gandhi sounded like a “practiced politician who knew how to get his message across and ... was comfortable with the nuts and bolts of party organization and vote counting”.

“He was precise and articulate and demonstrated a mastery that belied the image some have of Gandhi as a dilettante,” a leaked

International

cable by senior US diplomat Peter Burleigh said.

After Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) crushed Congress at the 2014 election, Gandhi set about reviving and rejuvenating the party, while keeping older hands on side.

A speech in the lower house last year drew widespread applause and forced political pundits to take notice. He ended it by giving an uncomfortable-looking Modi a surprise hug.

He has also, in contrast to the Hindu nationalist Modi, reached out to Muslim voters and stressed his secular credentials, and also to women, promising to bring legislation setting aside seats in parliament for them.

Last December, Congress secured victory in three key state elections, including in Modi’s northern Indian “cow belt” heartland, suddenly making Gandhi look like a serious contender. (afp)

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad (R) shakes hands with his Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Loong during a joint press conference in Putrajaya on April 9, 2019.

Singapore, Malaysia leaders seek to ease tensions

PUTRAJAYA - Singapore and Malaysia’s leaders vowed to cooperate to solve disputes Tuesday after tensions between the neighbours over airspace and maritime boundaries, which followed a change of government in Malaysia.

They have had fractious relations since Malaysia evicted Singapore from the Malaysian Federation in 1965, ending a brief and stormy union of the former British colonies.

Ties have gone up and down over the years but have been shaky since Malaysia’s Mahathir Mohamad -who has long had a prickly relationship with Singapore -- returned to the premiership with a shock election victory last year.

Tensions begin rising again a few months ago after Singapore accused Malaysia of sending government boats into its waters, and the city-state then proposed new landing procedures at an airport that Kuala Lumpur claimed would violate its airspace.

But in recent days the neighbours suspended overlapping maritime claims to allow for talks and the citystate halted the contentious landing procedures, ahead of a visit on Tues-

Indonesia...

From page 1

“People know that once elected, candidates won’t visit the area any more so they use this an opportunity to get some benefits,” Syafrina said.

- ‘In every neighbourhood’ -

PRAKASH SINGH / AFP

In this file photo taken on April 2, 2019 Indian National Congress party president Rahul Gandhi addresses supporters at an event to unveil the party’s election manifesto in New Delhi.

Jakarta has vowed to get tough on corruption, but the challenge is immense. Last month, a key political backer of president Joko Widodo was arrested in a corruption case, while dozens who served jail time for graft are still running for office this month.

Suharto’s son, Tommy, is running for a parliamentary seat despite a 2002 conviction for ordering the assassination of the Supreme Court judge who had found him guilty of corruption.

Graft fighters have notched up some victories, however, includ-

day to Malaysia by Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

After holding talks in the administrative capital Putrajaya, Lee and Mahathir -- 93 and in his second stint as premier -- hailed the moves to ease tensions.

“We agreed that the fundamental principle is to resolve issues of concern in a friendly and constructive manner,” Mahathir told a press conference in the city. Lee added: “As close neighbours, Singapore and Malaysia must expect issues to arise between us from time to time but provided we can address them in a constructive spirit, we can manage... the side effects.”

The leaders also announced talks on their maritime boundaries would begin in a month.

Ties were warm between the neighbours under the last Malaysian leader Najib Razak -- who lost power after being accused of plundering state coffers -- but have quickly started to fray since the return of Mahathir.

Some observers trace Mahathir’s long-running animosity towards Singapore back to his fractious relationship with the city-state’s founding leader Lee Kuan Yew. (afp) ing the 15-year jail term handed to ex-parliamentary speaker Setya Novanto last year for accepting millions of dollars in bribes and kickbacks.

At a recent political rally outside the capital Jakarta, attendees said vote buying was widespread.

“It’s happening in every neighbourhood,” said 33-year-old Gustia Ningsih.

“Some people will accept cash and change their mind, but others won’t switch their vote despite getting paid.” Cafe worker Titin Sumarni said she was “too scared” to consider taking a bribe. “I’ve already made up my mind who I’m voting for anyway,” she added.

Firdaus, running for re-election in Bengkulu, vowed to keep his campaign clean even as voters ask him how much their vote is worth.

“I just tell them that I’m relying on my policies and will prove it once elected,” he said. (afp)

International

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

INDONESIAN INDONESIAN

11

ELECTION 2019

Indonesia says arrests seven in ‘record’ human trafficking bust

Indonesian police said Tuesday they have arrested seven people linked to human trafficking cases that involved more than 1,200 victims who were smuggled to the Middle East and North Africa.

Between them, the alleged traffickers are suspected to have sent some 500 victims to work as domestic helpers in Morocco, 220 to Turkey, 300 more to Syria and another 200 to Saudi Arabia between 2018 and this year.

“This is the biggest case that the national police have uncovered,” Herry Nahak, head of the Indonesian national police’s criminal investigation unit, was quoted as saying by Indonesian media.

It was not immediately clear if there was any connection between the alleged perpetrators, or if any victims were men.

Some victims’ wages went unpaid and others were sexually abused, he said, adding that all had since been repatriated to Indonesia.

The suspects were arrested last month and will be charged with trafficking-related offences, Nahak said in the first public announcement about the bust.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of Indonesians from the poorest parts of the Southeast Asian archipelago travel abroad in search of better paying work, including earning a living as maids and labourers.

Jakarta estimates some 4.5 million Indonesians are working overseas, the majority of whom are women and without official documentation.

In 2015, the government introduced a moratorium on sending new domestic workers to some 21 Middle Eastern countries due to the poor treatment of its workers there.

The vulnerability of domestic helpers was highlighted again last year when an Indonesian woman trafficked to neighbouring Malaysia died from serious injuries inflicted by her employer, who was later charged with murder. (afp)

BAY ISMOYO / AFP

Suspects face the wall during a press conference by Indonesian officials in Jakarta, on April 9, 2019, about traffickingrelated offences. Indonesian police said they had arrested seven people linked to human trafficking cases involving more than 1,000 victims smuggled to the Middle East and North Africa.

Indonesia rejects appeal of woman jailed over mosque noise complaint Indonesia’s Supreme Court on Monday rejected an appeal by a woman sentenced to 18 months in jail under the country’s controversial blasphemy law for complaining about the volume of a mosque’s call to prayer.

Meiliana, 44, an ethnic Chinese Buddhist, was found guilty of insulting Islam for asking her neighbourhood mosque in Medan, on Sumatra island, to lower its sound system because it was too

loud and “hurt” her ears.

In a decision posted to its website Monday, the Supreme Court said that it had rejected her appeal, but did not elaborate further.

Indonesia, which has the world’s biggest Muslim population, is officially pluralist with six major religions recognised, including Hinduism, Christianity and Buddhism. Freedom of expression is supposed to be guaranteed by law.

But criticising religion -- particularly Islam, which is followed by nearly 90 percent of Indonesia’s 260 million citizens -- can land offenders in jail.

Meiliana’s comments more than two years ago triggered riots that saw angry Muslim mobs ransack Buddhist temples. Some ethnic Chinese in the area fled in fear.

The case fuelled fears that Indonesia’s moderate brand of Islam is coming under threat from increas-

ingly influential radicals.

Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Indonesia’s largest Muslim group, said the woman’s comments should not have been considered blasphemous. Rights groups have long campaigned against the nation’s blasphemy laws, which they say are frequently misused to target minorities.

Last year Jakarta’s former governor -- the city’s first Christian leader of Chinese descent -- was

sentenced to two years in jail for blasphemy.

There are hundreds of thousands of mosques across the Southeast Asian archipelago nation, with the five-times-a-day call to prayer heard everywhere in the biggest cities and smallest towns.

Vice President Jusuf Kalla made a plea in 2015 for places of worship to turn down the volume slightly to placate nearby residents. (afp)

10

Destination

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

Palasari village

JEMBRANA - Palasari, is a beautifully located village, near the West Bali National Park. In the village, Christians, Muslims and Hindu people live peacefully next to each other. Palasari is still quite unknown to tourists, but those who know the town will name the dam, the Maria Cave and the imposing Catholic Cathedral, built in the Dutch colonial times. The cozy village lies between the wooded hills and rice fields, which makes it ideal for hikers. The reservoir provides an opportunity for cooling down after a strenuous walk. Here you can enjoy swimming.

The lake is approximately 100 ha when it is completely filled with water.

The Palasari Dam (reservoir) is very beautiful due to its surroundings. You will find tropical rainforest on the mountains in the north, some large rice fields in the south.

A quiet blue river coming from the mountains feeds the lake. Villages like Palasari, Sari Perwata and Sari Sari are located in the west.

The surroundings provide peace and quiet.

The lake was built on behalf of President Suharto. The lake provides the surrounding area with water for the people who live in the villages and it provides the irrigation canals of rice fields with water. The beautiful surroundings of the Palasari Dam are used by locals and the few tourists for relaxation: cycling, jungle trekking, hiking, fishing, camping, canoeing to explore the tropical rainforest from the water. he Sacred Heart Cathedral with an area of approximately 3 hectares is located in the center of the village. This Cathedral is a central point of the village. All festivals are concentrated here. The cathedral is

International

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

International

Basic beginnings to global exposure: Formula One reaches 1000 races

SHANGHAI - From the first race at a converted World War II airbase in rural England to this weekend’s 1,000th grand prix at the $240 million international circuit in Shanghai, Formula One has come a long way since it all began in 1950.

approximately 3 hectares.

The stimulating power behind the construction of the Cathedral was Simon Buis. He introduced catholicism in this region. The Cathedral was completed in 1955 and was initiated in 1958. The Cathe-

dral has an interesting architecture that combines gothic style with a Balinesestyle.

A place other than the Cathedral to pray at short distance is 100 meters away from the Cathedral.

It’s the Cave of Maria. The cave is

relatively small, but attracts many people who pray for blessings.

Especially at Christmas there is a great crowd. The nearby Maria Cave and Via Dolorosa are popular pilgrimage sites for Catholics in Indonesia. (IBP/net)

Silverstone held the first race 69 years ago and the British Grand Prix has remained, with the Italian GP, the only ever-present races on the calendar. In 70 seasons, Formula One has visited 32 countries across five continents and a street circuit in Vietnam will be the newest addition next year.

Formula One’s organisation was bought for $8 billion in 2017 by US media giant Liberty Media and is now listed on Wall Street -- a long way from the early days when tyre and oil companies supplied their products for free in return for having their logos on drivers’ overalls.

- Evergreen Ferrari Italian Giuseppe Farina was victorious in May 1950 and went on to clinch the world championship four months later in his home country. A season now lasts more than twice as long.

Michael Schumacher holds the record of seven drivers’ world championships and there is a poignancy that his last race win came in Shanghai, in 2006.

Schumacher has not been seen in public since suffering life-threatening brain injuries in a skiing accident in 2013.

At the peak of his career, the German summed up the essence of the sport. “Every year we find something new, we go quicker, that’s Formula One,” he said.

One of Schumacher’s former Ferrari teammates, the Brazilian Rubens Barrichello, holds the record for most race starts but failed to win a world title in his 18-year career.

Defending champion Lewis Hamilton is closing in on Schumacher’s all-time mark after winning his fifth world title last year at the age of 34 to edge ahead of great rival Sebastian Vettel, who won four championships

Pascal PAVANI, Jean-Loup GAUTREAU / AFP

Brazilian Formula One driver Ayrton Senna speeds by in his McLaren Honda on July 28, 1990 during the second Pratice day of Hockenheim F1 Grand Prix. Senna grabbed the pole position after clocking the best time. with Red Bull before moving to Ferrari.

It was Argentine great Juan Manuel Fangio who dominated the opening decade with five world championships in seven seasons from 1951.

He was succeeded in the 1960s by multiple world champions Jack Brabham, Jim Clark, Graham Hill and Jackie Stewart.

The 1970s featured the rivalry between James Hunt and Niki Lauda and the 1980s saw the emergence of the great Alain Prost and legendary Brazilian Ayrton Senna before Schumacher began his dominance in the mid-1990s.

More than 20 drivers of the 772 who have started a Grand Prix have died behind the wheel, including Senna and Austrian Roland Ratzenburger on one dark weekend in 1994 at the San Marino Grand Prix.

Their deaths led to wide-ranging changes to improve safety which meant there were no further fatalities until Jules Bianchi died in 2015 from head injuries sustained at the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix -- a tragedy which led to the development of the distinctive “halo” cockpit head protection system.

Ferrari are the only manufacturer to have competed in every campaign and the Italian

outfit have won a record 16 titles since the constructors’ championship was first introduced in 1958 as the International Cup for Formula One Manufacturers.

The first winners were British team Vanwall and Europeans have dominated with a trio of British manufacturers Williams (9 titles), McLaren (8) and Lotus (7) claiming 24 constructors’ crowns between them.

Next on the all-time list come Germany’s Mercedes with five while Austria’s Red Bull enjoyed four golden years with Vettel leading them to a clean sweep from 2010 to 2013. (afp)

Jordan the G.O.A.T for today’s NBA stars: poll

Place Your Add Here

It is for Job Vacancy, Property, Selling or Buying Please contact Gugiek : 08123840500

IBP/net

According to the survey, 73% believe six-time NBA champion Jordan is the greatest player the sport has seen. James came in second with 11.9% of votes, ahead of Kobe Bryant with 10.6%.

LOS ANGELES - Michael Jordan and not LeBron James is the greatest player of all time, according to a survey of NBA players published by The Athletic on Monday. The sports news website polled 127 NBA players between March 16 and April 1 for its inaugural anonymous player survey, asking subjects a range of questions about the sport.

On the question of which player deserved to be recognised as the greatest in history, the verdict of the 122 players who answered the

question was unanimous.

According to the survey, 73% believe six-time NBA champion Jordan is the greatest player the sport has seen. James came in second with 11.9% of votes, ahead of Kobe Bryant with 10.6%.

The poll also revealed that James Harden is most players’ pick to win this season’s MVP honours.

Houston Rockets star Harden, the 2017-2018 MVP, was chosen by 44.3% of respondents, with Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo just behind with 38.9% of the votes.

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Paul George was third with 12.7%.

Antetokounmpo however was the clear favourite for players asked who they would attempt to build a new franchise around.

The towering Greek star was chosen by 36.4% of players asked who they would sign first if they were building a roster from scratch.

New Orleans Pelicans ace Anthony Davis was second with 10.4% of votes while Joel Embiid (8.8%) was third. (afp)

8

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

Solskjaer faces up to reality as Barcelona roll into town Ole Gunnar Solskjaer enjoyed a charmed life as interim Manchester United manager but Barcelona’s visit to Old Trafford on Wednesday will show him the scale of the task he faces as the new full-time boss.

Manchester United’s Norwegian manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer applauds the crowd after the final whistle during the English Premier League football match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester United at the Molineux stadium in Wolverhampton, central England on April 2, 2019.

The Norwegian was rewarded with a three-year deal after dramatically reviving United’s fortunes since taking caretaker charge in December, lifting them back into contention for a top-four place and transforming the mood at the club.

The highlight of his reign so far was a dramatic 3-1 away victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the last 16 in the Champions League, which enabled United to overturn a 2-0 first-leg defeat to reach the quarter-finals on away goals.

Solskjaer has given his creative players licence to attack, with Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford let off the leash to devastating effect.

But some of the gloss has come off in recent weeks, with three defeats in four matches badly denting United’s chances of qualifying for next season’s Champions League and dumping them out of the FA Cup. Solskjaer, who famously scored the winning goal for United against Bayern Munich in the 1999 Champions League final in Barcelona, was upbeat after drawing the Spanish league leaders in the quarter-finals last month, before he was confirmed as the new long-term boss.

“We want these games against the biggest clubs and the biggest teams. We had the final against them in 2009 and 2011 (both of which Barca won) and the semi-final in 2008 when Scholesy (Paul Scholes) scored,” Solskjaer said.

“It’s these games our fans and this club crave. We are looking forward to this one.”

Worryingly for Solskjaer, though, some of United’s familiar failings under Jose Mourinho have returned to haunt them in the weeks since the draw was made.

- Poor run They were unfortunate to lose at Arsenal but appeared short of inspiration in losing twice to Wolves in the FA Cup and Premier League, while even Solskjaer admitted they did not deserve their solitary win since he was given the permanent job as Watford enjoyed the better of the chances in a 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford.

Solskjaer had a free ride when he took over from Mourinho, with morale at a low ebb and the club 11 points off the top four.

Despite recent hiccups, he has had notable success in his short time at the club and ultimately has his sights set higher than finishing in the top four.

“You’ve got to aim high,” he told ESPN. “You cannot aim too low at this club. You’ve got to aim to win titles.

“When I came back here as the manager I thought a lot about what makes a winning team. What does it really take to win on the biggest stage? I’m not one to sit back, rest on my laurels.”

The 46-year-old will probably be forgiven if United fall short against a Lionel Messi-inspired Barcelona.

But if he fails to reverse the mini-slump and United suffer a heavy defeat to the Spanish champions there is a danger the season could peter out and momentum could be lost.

Questions will be asked as to whether United were too quick to put their trust in a likeable leader and whether Solskjaer has the profile needed to bring in the top-level recruits that United need, particularly in defence, to become serious Premier League and European challengers again.

But he will lead his team out at Old Trafford on Wednesday for their first Champions League quarter-final since 2014 with the same never-say-die attitude he had as a player.

“We’ve got a chance, it’s going to be a tough one. We’ve got a mountain to climb, but we’ve climbed a few mountains before,” said Solskjaer. (afp)

9

Drinkwater... charged with drink driving Out-of-favour Chelsea midfielder Danny Drinkwater has been charged with drink driving after his car was involved in a crash following a late night out.

The 29-year-old -- capped three times by England on the back of his pivotal role in Leicester’s fairytale 2016 title victory -- was arrested early Monday morning after what police termed a “one-vehicle incident” on his way back to his home near Manchester following a charity event.

Drinkwater -- who unlike former Leicester City team-mate N’golo Kante failed to impose himself at Chelsea after a £35million ($45.7million) transfer in 2017 -- was released on unconditional bail ahead of a hearing at Stockport Magistrates’ Court on May 13. “It was a nasty crash,” a source told The Sun newspaper.

Drinkwater, who has not played in a competitive match for Chelsea for over a year, was accompanied by a female lawyer in the car, according to the newspaper and both suffered minor injuries.

The unmarried father of one had been pictured exiting a fashionable London night club in the early hours of Friday morning with two women -- though he dutifully turned up for training later that day. (afp) Odd ANDERSEN / AFP

In this file photo taken on March 11, 2015 former Bayern Munich’s goalkeeper, TV pundit Oliver Kahn attends the UEFA Champions League second-leg round of 16 football match FC Bayern Munich vs Shakhtar Donetsk in Munich, southern Germany. Former Bayern Munich goalkeeper Oliver Kahn will succeed the current CEO of the Bavarian club Karl-Heinz Rummenigge in 2021.

Oliver Kahn: Fearsome Bayern legend tailor-made for CEO role

There was a time when Bayern Munich would have been unimaginable without Oliver Kahn, their snarling, self-confident goalkeeper.Those days may soon be here again, as Kahn, now 49 and long retired, prepares to return to Bayern as chief executive officer from 2021.

Bayern’s current CEO KarlHeinz Rummenigge confirmed on Sunday that he would not extend his contract beyond 2021, and that former club captain Kahn would replace him.

“The plan is that Olli Kahn will succeed me, and that I will ease him into the role,” said Rummenigge.

“It makes sense: Olli is clever and he knows the club.”

Long rumoured to be in line for a leadership role at Bayern, Kahn is tailor-made for the CEO role.

In 14 years at the club, Kahn won eight Bundesliga titles, six German Cups and two European finals, and developed a reputation as a testosterone-fuelled hothead hell-bent on success.

Between 1994 and 2008, he terrorised team mates and opponents alike, and became one of the most decorated players in the club’s history.

A career high came in the Cham-

pions League final against Valencia in 2001, when he saved penalties from Zlatko Zahovic, Amedeo Carboni and Mauricio Pellegrino to win the shootout for Bayern.

A year later, his brilliant performances led an unfancied Germany team to the World Cup final, only for his one error to cost Germany victory against Brazil.

- ‘Balls. We need balls.’ -

The man nicknamed “Titan” and “Vol-Kahn-o” was known as the human embodiment of his club: proud, unpopular and obsessed with winning. Bayern are a club who revel in their own unpopularity. Their motto, “Mia San Mia”, loosely translates as “We are who we are”.

As a player, Kahn delighted in the siege mentality. “The whole stadium will be against us, the whole of Germany will be against us: nothing is better than that,” he said ahead of Bayern’s game in Hamburg on the last day of the season in 2001.

On that day, Bayern snatched the title away from Schalke with the last kick of the game, and Kahn famously ripped out the corner flag in celebration.

He was well known for his onfield aggression. In an infamous performance against Borussia Dortmund in 1999, he notoriously bit the face of Dortmund striker Heiko Herrlich and directed a studs-first karate kick towards Stephane Chapuisat.

Team-mates were also not safe from Kahn’s wrath. He once punched Bayern midfielder Mark Van Bommel in the face while celebrating a goal, and after a defeat to Schalke in 2003, he lambasted his colleagues for their lack of spunk.

“Balls. We need balls. You know what I mean by that,” he told a TV reporter after the game.

Kahn has mellowed in retirement, and is now a respected TV pundit. He has also launched various business ventures, including his own line of goalkeeping equipment.

For Rummenigge, this mix of business know-how, familiarity with Bayern and furious competitive spirit make Kahn a perfect candidate to take over as CEO. “He knows the club well, and he has now got a separate education in finance and business,” said the current Bayern boss. “I am convinced that he is a good successor.” (afp)

8

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

Solskjaer faces up to reality as Barcelona roll into town Ole Gunnar Solskjaer enjoyed a charmed life as interim Manchester United manager but Barcelona’s visit to Old Trafford on Wednesday will show him the scale of the task he faces as the new full-time boss.

Manchester United’s Norwegian manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer applauds the crowd after the final whistle during the English Premier League football match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester United at the Molineux stadium in Wolverhampton, central England on April 2, 2019.

The Norwegian was rewarded with a three-year deal after dramatically reviving United’s fortunes since taking caretaker charge in December, lifting them back into contention for a top-four place and transforming the mood at the club.

The highlight of his reign so far was a dramatic 3-1 away victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the last 16 in the Champions League, which enabled United to overturn a 2-0 first-leg defeat to reach the quarter-finals on away goals.

Solskjaer has given his creative players licence to attack, with Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford let off the leash to devastating effect.

But some of the gloss has come off in recent weeks, with three defeats in four matches badly denting United’s chances of qualifying for next season’s Champions League and dumping them out of the FA Cup. Solskjaer, who famously scored the winning goal for United against Bayern Munich in the 1999 Champions League final in Barcelona, was upbeat after drawing the Spanish league leaders in the quarter-finals last month, before he was confirmed as the new long-term boss.

“We want these games against the biggest clubs and the biggest teams. We had the final against them in 2009 and 2011 (both of which Barca won) and the semi-final in 2008 when Scholesy (Paul Scholes) scored,” Solskjaer said.

“It’s these games our fans and this club crave. We are looking forward to this one.”

Worryingly for Solskjaer, though, some of United’s familiar failings under Jose Mourinho have returned to haunt them in the weeks since the draw was made.

- Poor run They were unfortunate to lose at Arsenal but appeared short of inspiration in losing twice to Wolves in the FA Cup and Premier League, while even Solskjaer admitted they did not deserve their solitary win since he was given the permanent job as Watford enjoyed the better of the chances in a 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford.

Solskjaer had a free ride when he took over from Mourinho, with morale at a low ebb and the club 11 points off the top four.

Despite recent hiccups, he has had notable success in his short time at the club and ultimately has his sights set higher than finishing in the top four.

“You’ve got to aim high,” he told ESPN. “You cannot aim too low at this club. You’ve got to aim to win titles.

“When I came back here as the manager I thought a lot about what makes a winning team. What does it really take to win on the biggest stage? I’m not one to sit back, rest on my laurels.”

The 46-year-old will probably be forgiven if United fall short against a Lionel Messi-inspired Barcelona.

But if he fails to reverse the mini-slump and United suffer a heavy defeat to the Spanish champions there is a danger the season could peter out and momentum could be lost.

Questions will be asked as to whether United were too quick to put their trust in a likeable leader and whether Solskjaer has the profile needed to bring in the top-level recruits that United need, particularly in defence, to become serious Premier League and European challengers again.

But he will lead his team out at Old Trafford on Wednesday for their first Champions League quarter-final since 2014 with the same never-say-die attitude he had as a player.

“We’ve got a chance, it’s going to be a tough one. We’ve got a mountain to climb, but we’ve climbed a few mountains before,” said Solskjaer. (afp)

9

Drinkwater... charged with drink driving Out-of-favour Chelsea midfielder Danny Drinkwater has been charged with drink driving after his car was involved in a crash following a late night out.

The 29-year-old -- capped three times by England on the back of his pivotal role in Leicester’s fairytale 2016 title victory -- was arrested early Monday morning after what police termed a “one-vehicle incident” on his way back to his home near Manchester following a charity event.

Drinkwater -- who unlike former Leicester City team-mate N’golo Kante failed to impose himself at Chelsea after a £35million ($45.7million) transfer in 2017 -- was released on unconditional bail ahead of a hearing at Stockport Magistrates’ Court on May 13. “It was a nasty crash,” a source told The Sun newspaper.

Drinkwater, who has not played in a competitive match for Chelsea for over a year, was accompanied by a female lawyer in the car, according to the newspaper and both suffered minor injuries.

The unmarried father of one had been pictured exiting a fashionable London night club in the early hours of Friday morning with two women -- though he dutifully turned up for training later that day. (afp) Odd ANDERSEN / AFP

In this file photo taken on March 11, 2015 former Bayern Munich’s goalkeeper, TV pundit Oliver Kahn attends the UEFA Champions League second-leg round of 16 football match FC Bayern Munich vs Shakhtar Donetsk in Munich, southern Germany. Former Bayern Munich goalkeeper Oliver Kahn will succeed the current CEO of the Bavarian club Karl-Heinz Rummenigge in 2021.

Oliver Kahn: Fearsome Bayern legend tailor-made for CEO role

There was a time when Bayern Munich would have been unimaginable without Oliver Kahn, their snarling, self-confident goalkeeper.Those days may soon be here again, as Kahn, now 49 and long retired, prepares to return to Bayern as chief executive officer from 2021.

Bayern’s current CEO KarlHeinz Rummenigge confirmed on Sunday that he would not extend his contract beyond 2021, and that former club captain Kahn would replace him.

“The plan is that Olli Kahn will succeed me, and that I will ease him into the role,” said Rummenigge.

“It makes sense: Olli is clever and he knows the club.”

Long rumoured to be in line for a leadership role at Bayern, Kahn is tailor-made for the CEO role.

In 14 years at the club, Kahn won eight Bundesliga titles, six German Cups and two European finals, and developed a reputation as a testosterone-fuelled hothead hell-bent on success.

Between 1994 and 2008, he terrorised team mates and opponents alike, and became one of the most decorated players in the club’s history.

A career high came in the Cham-

pions League final against Valencia in 2001, when he saved penalties from Zlatko Zahovic, Amedeo Carboni and Mauricio Pellegrino to win the shootout for Bayern.

A year later, his brilliant performances led an unfancied Germany team to the World Cup final, only for his one error to cost Germany victory against Brazil.

- ‘Balls. We need balls.’ -

The man nicknamed “Titan” and “Vol-Kahn-o” was known as the human embodiment of his club: proud, unpopular and obsessed with winning. Bayern are a club who revel in their own unpopularity. Their motto, “Mia San Mia”, loosely translates as “We are who we are”.

As a player, Kahn delighted in the siege mentality. “The whole stadium will be against us, the whole of Germany will be against us: nothing is better than that,” he said ahead of Bayern’s game in Hamburg on the last day of the season in 2001.

On that day, Bayern snatched the title away from Schalke with the last kick of the game, and Kahn famously ripped out the corner flag in celebration.

He was well known for his onfield aggression. In an infamous performance against Borussia Dortmund in 1999, he notoriously bit the face of Dortmund striker Heiko Herrlich and directed a studs-first karate kick towards Stephane Chapuisat.

Team-mates were also not safe from Kahn’s wrath. He once punched Bayern midfielder Mark Van Bommel in the face while celebrating a goal, and after a defeat to Schalke in 2003, he lambasted his colleagues for their lack of spunk.

“Balls. We need balls. You know what I mean by that,” he told a TV reporter after the game.

Kahn has mellowed in retirement, and is now a respected TV pundit. He has also launched various business ventures, including his own line of goalkeeping equipment.

For Rummenigge, this mix of business know-how, familiarity with Bayern and furious competitive spirit make Kahn a perfect candidate to take over as CEO. “He knows the club well, and he has now got a separate education in finance and business,” said the current Bayern boss. “I am convinced that he is a good successor.” (afp)

10

Destination

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

Palasari village

JEMBRANA - Palasari, is a beautifully located village, near the West Bali National Park. In the village, Christians, Muslims and Hindu people live peacefully next to each other. Palasari is still quite unknown to tourists, but those who know the town will name the dam, the Maria Cave and the imposing Catholic Cathedral, built in the Dutch colonial times. The cozy village lies between the wooded hills and rice fields, which makes it ideal for hikers. The reservoir provides an opportunity for cooling down after a strenuous walk. Here you can enjoy swimming.

The lake is approximately 100 ha when it is completely filled with water.

The Palasari Dam (reservoir) is very beautiful due to its surroundings. You will find tropical rainforest on the mountains in the north, some large rice fields in the south.

A quiet blue river coming from the mountains feeds the lake. Villages like Palasari, Sari Perwata and Sari Sari are located in the west.

The surroundings provide peace and quiet.

The lake was built on behalf of President Suharto. The lake provides the surrounding area with water for the people who live in the villages and it provides the irrigation canals of rice fields with water. The beautiful surroundings of the Palasari Dam are used by locals and the few tourists for relaxation: cycling, jungle trekking, hiking, fishing, camping, canoeing to explore the tropical rainforest from the water. he Sacred Heart Cathedral with an area of approximately 3 hectares is located in the center of the village. This Cathedral is a central point of the village. All festivals are concentrated here. The cathedral is

International

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

International

Basic beginnings to global exposure: Formula One reaches 1000 races

SHANGHAI - From the first race at a converted World War II airbase in rural England to this weekend’s 1,000th grand prix at the $240 million international circuit in Shanghai, Formula One has come a long way since it all began in 1950.

approximately 3 hectares.

The stimulating power behind the construction of the Cathedral was Simon Buis. He introduced catholicism in this region. The Cathedral was completed in 1955 and was initiated in 1958. The Cathe-

dral has an interesting architecture that combines gothic style with a Balinesestyle.

A place other than the Cathedral to pray at short distance is 100 meters away from the Cathedral.

It’s the Cave of Maria. The cave is

relatively small, but attracts many people who pray for blessings.

Especially at Christmas there is a great crowd. The nearby Maria Cave and Via Dolorosa are popular pilgrimage sites for Catholics in Indonesia. (IBP/net)

Silverstone held the first race 69 years ago and the British Grand Prix has remained, with the Italian GP, the only ever-present races on the calendar. In 70 seasons, Formula One has visited 32 countries across five continents and a street circuit in Vietnam will be the newest addition next year.

Formula One’s organisation was bought for $8 billion in 2017 by US media giant Liberty Media and is now listed on Wall Street -- a long way from the early days when tyre and oil companies supplied their products for free in return for having their logos on drivers’ overalls.

- Evergreen Ferrari Italian Giuseppe Farina was victorious in May 1950 and went on to clinch the world championship four months later in his home country. A season now lasts more than twice as long.

Michael Schumacher holds the record of seven drivers’ world championships and there is a poignancy that his last race win came in Shanghai, in 2006.

Schumacher has not been seen in public since suffering life-threatening brain injuries in a skiing accident in 2013.

At the peak of his career, the German summed up the essence of the sport. “Every year we find something new, we go quicker, that’s Formula One,” he said.

One of Schumacher’s former Ferrari teammates, the Brazilian Rubens Barrichello, holds the record for most race starts but failed to win a world title in his 18-year career.

Defending champion Lewis Hamilton is closing in on Schumacher’s all-time mark after winning his fifth world title last year at the age of 34 to edge ahead of great rival Sebastian Vettel, who won four championships

Pascal PAVANI, Jean-Loup GAUTREAU / AFP

Brazilian Formula One driver Ayrton Senna speeds by in his McLaren Honda on July 28, 1990 during the second Pratice day of Hockenheim F1 Grand Prix. Senna grabbed the pole position after clocking the best time. with Red Bull before moving to Ferrari.

It was Argentine great Juan Manuel Fangio who dominated the opening decade with five world championships in seven seasons from 1951.

He was succeeded in the 1960s by multiple world champions Jack Brabham, Jim Clark, Graham Hill and Jackie Stewart.

The 1970s featured the rivalry between James Hunt and Niki Lauda and the 1980s saw the emergence of the great Alain Prost and legendary Brazilian Ayrton Senna before Schumacher began his dominance in the mid-1990s.

More than 20 drivers of the 772 who have started a Grand Prix have died behind the wheel, including Senna and Austrian Roland Ratzenburger on one dark weekend in 1994 at the San Marino Grand Prix.

Their deaths led to wide-ranging changes to improve safety which meant there were no further fatalities until Jules Bianchi died in 2015 from head injuries sustained at the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix -- a tragedy which led to the development of the distinctive “halo” cockpit head protection system.

Ferrari are the only manufacturer to have competed in every campaign and the Italian

outfit have won a record 16 titles since the constructors’ championship was first introduced in 1958 as the International Cup for Formula One Manufacturers.

The first winners were British team Vanwall and Europeans have dominated with a trio of British manufacturers Williams (9 titles), McLaren (8) and Lotus (7) claiming 24 constructors’ crowns between them.

Next on the all-time list come Germany’s Mercedes with five while Austria’s Red Bull enjoyed four golden years with Vettel leading them to a clean sweep from 2010 to 2013. (afp)

Jordan the G.O.A.T for today’s NBA stars: poll

Place Your Add Here

It is for Job Vacancy, Property, Selling or Buying Please contact Gugiek : 08123840500

IBP/net

According to the survey, 73% believe six-time NBA champion Jordan is the greatest player the sport has seen. James came in second with 11.9% of votes, ahead of Kobe Bryant with 10.6%.

LOS ANGELES - Michael Jordan and not LeBron James is the greatest player of all time, according to a survey of NBA players published by The Athletic on Monday. The sports news website polled 127 NBA players between March 16 and April 1 for its inaugural anonymous player survey, asking subjects a range of questions about the sport.

On the question of which player deserved to be recognised as the greatest in history, the verdict of the 122 players who answered the

question was unanimous.

According to the survey, 73% believe six-time NBA champion Jordan is the greatest player the sport has seen. James came in second with 11.9% of votes, ahead of Kobe Bryant with 10.6%.

The poll also revealed that James Harden is most players’ pick to win this season’s MVP honours.

Houston Rockets star Harden, the 2017-2018 MVP, was chosen by 44.3% of respondents, with Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo just behind with 38.9% of the votes.

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Paul George was third with 12.7%.

Antetokounmpo however was the clear favourite for players asked who they would attempt to build a new franchise around.

The towering Greek star was chosen by 36.4% of players asked who they would sign first if they were building a roster from scratch.

New Orleans Pelicans ace Anthony Davis was second with 10.4% of votes while Joel Embiid (8.8%) was third. (afp)

6

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

W

RLD

Rahul Gandhi: destiny’s child or an ‘empty suit’?

NEW DELHI - Rahul Gandhi, vying to become the latest prime minister from India’s most famous dynasty, has worked hard to shed his image as an entitled footloose princeling and political lightweight.

But the great-grandson, grandson and son of three past premiers of the world’s biggest democracy still faces a tough task beating Prime Minister Narendra Modi in elections starting Thursday.

No relation to independence hero Mahatma Gandhi, Rahul was born in 1970 when his grandmother Indira Gandhi -- daughter of India’s first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru -- was premier.

In 1984 Indira was shot dead by her Sikh bodyguards and she was succeeded by her son Rajiv Gandhi, Rahul’s father. Rajiv was himself assassinated in 1991 by a Tamil suicide bomber when Rahul was 20.

Rahul was enrolled at Harvard but dropped out after a year, following his father’s death. He later graduated from Rollins College, Florida and in 1994 earned a master’s degree from Cambridge.

While in his 20s he lived in Lon-

don, where he worked at a management consultancy for a time.

His Italian-born mother Sonia Gandhi, widow of Rajiv, took charge of the Congress party in 1998 before handing over the reins to Rahul, her first-born, in 2017.

- ‘Empty suit’ -

Ten years earlier, in 2007, leaked US diplomatic cables said Rahul was viewed as an “empty suit” and “lightweight”, with little known about his political beliefs -- if he had any.

But by 2009, the US assessment was now that Gandhi sounded like a “practiced politician who knew how to get his message across and ... was comfortable with the nuts and bolts of party organization and vote counting”.

“He was precise and articulate and demonstrated a mastery that belied the image some have of Gandhi as a dilettante,” a leaked

International

cable by senior US diplomat Peter Burleigh said.

After Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) crushed Congress at the 2014 election, Gandhi set about reviving and rejuvenating the party, while keeping older hands on side.

A speech in the lower house last year drew widespread applause and forced political pundits to take notice. He ended it by giving an uncomfortable-looking Modi a surprise hug.

He has also, in contrast to the Hindu nationalist Modi, reached out to Muslim voters and stressed his secular credentials, and also to women, promising to bring legislation setting aside seats in parliament for them.

Last December, Congress secured victory in three key state elections, including in Modi’s northern Indian “cow belt” heartland, suddenly making Gandhi look like a serious contender. (afp)

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad (R) shakes hands with his Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Loong during a joint press conference in Putrajaya on April 9, 2019.

Singapore, Malaysia leaders seek to ease tensions

PUTRAJAYA - Singapore and Malaysia’s leaders vowed to cooperate to solve disputes Tuesday after tensions between the neighbours over airspace and maritime boundaries, which followed a change of government in Malaysia.

They have had fractious relations since Malaysia evicted Singapore from the Malaysian Federation in 1965, ending a brief and stormy union of the former British colonies.

Ties have gone up and down over the years but have been shaky since Malaysia’s Mahathir Mohamad -who has long had a prickly relationship with Singapore -- returned to the premiership with a shock election victory last year.

Tensions begin rising again a few months ago after Singapore accused Malaysia of sending government boats into its waters, and the city-state then proposed new landing procedures at an airport that Kuala Lumpur claimed would violate its airspace.

But in recent days the neighbours suspended overlapping maritime claims to allow for talks and the citystate halted the contentious landing procedures, ahead of a visit on Tues-

Indonesia...

From page 1

“People know that once elected, candidates won’t visit the area any more so they use this an opportunity to get some benefits,” Syafrina said.

- ‘In every neighbourhood’ -

PRAKASH SINGH / AFP

In this file photo taken on April 2, 2019 Indian National Congress party president Rahul Gandhi addresses supporters at an event to unveil the party’s election manifesto in New Delhi.

Jakarta has vowed to get tough on corruption, but the challenge is immense. Last month, a key political backer of president Joko Widodo was arrested in a corruption case, while dozens who served jail time for graft are still running for office this month.

Suharto’s son, Tommy, is running for a parliamentary seat despite a 2002 conviction for ordering the assassination of the Supreme Court judge who had found him guilty of corruption.

Graft fighters have notched up some victories, however, includ-

day to Malaysia by Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

After holding talks in the administrative capital Putrajaya, Lee and Mahathir -- 93 and in his second stint as premier -- hailed the moves to ease tensions.

“We agreed that the fundamental principle is to resolve issues of concern in a friendly and constructive manner,” Mahathir told a press conference in the city. Lee added: “As close neighbours, Singapore and Malaysia must expect issues to arise between us from time to time but provided we can address them in a constructive spirit, we can manage... the side effects.”

The leaders also announced talks on their maritime boundaries would begin in a month.

Ties were warm between the neighbours under the last Malaysian leader Najib Razak -- who lost power after being accused of plundering state coffers -- but have quickly started to fray since the return of Mahathir.

Some observers trace Mahathir’s long-running animosity towards Singapore back to his fractious relationship with the city-state’s founding leader Lee Kuan Yew. (afp) ing the 15-year jail term handed to ex-parliamentary speaker Setya Novanto last year for accepting millions of dollars in bribes and kickbacks.

At a recent political rally outside the capital Jakarta, attendees said vote buying was widespread.

“It’s happening in every neighbourhood,” said 33-year-old Gustia Ningsih.

“Some people will accept cash and change their mind, but others won’t switch their vote despite getting paid.” Cafe worker Titin Sumarni said she was “too scared” to consider taking a bribe. “I’ve already made up my mind who I’m voting for anyway,” she added.

Firdaus, running for re-election in Bengkulu, vowed to keep his campaign clean even as voters ask him how much their vote is worth.

“I just tell them that I’m relying on my policies and will prove it once elected,” he said. (afp)

International

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

INDONESIAN INDONESIAN

11

ELECTION 2019

Indonesia says arrests seven in ‘record’ human trafficking bust

Indonesian police said Tuesday they have arrested seven people linked to human trafficking cases that involved more than 1,200 victims who were smuggled to the Middle East and North Africa.

Between them, the alleged traffickers are suspected to have sent some 500 victims to work as domestic helpers in Morocco, 220 to Turkey, 300 more to Syria and another 200 to Saudi Arabia between 2018 and this year.

“This is the biggest case that the national police have uncovered,” Herry Nahak, head of the Indonesian national police’s criminal investigation unit, was quoted as saying by Indonesian media.

It was not immediately clear if there was any connection between the alleged perpetrators, or if any victims were men.

Some victims’ wages went unpaid and others were sexually abused, he said, adding that all had since been repatriated to Indonesia.

The suspects were arrested last month and will be charged with trafficking-related offences, Nahak said in the first public announcement about the bust.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of Indonesians from the poorest parts of the Southeast Asian archipelago travel abroad in search of better paying work, including earning a living as maids and labourers.

Jakarta estimates some 4.5 million Indonesians are working overseas, the majority of whom are women and without official documentation.

In 2015, the government introduced a moratorium on sending new domestic workers to some 21 Middle Eastern countries due to the poor treatment of its workers there.

The vulnerability of domestic helpers was highlighted again last year when an Indonesian woman trafficked to neighbouring Malaysia died from serious injuries inflicted by her employer, who was later charged with murder. (afp)

BAY ISMOYO / AFP

Suspects face the wall during a press conference by Indonesian officials in Jakarta, on April 9, 2019, about traffickingrelated offences. Indonesian police said they had arrested seven people linked to human trafficking cases involving more than 1,000 victims smuggled to the Middle East and North Africa.

Indonesia rejects appeal of woman jailed over mosque noise complaint Indonesia’s Supreme Court on Monday rejected an appeal by a woman sentenced to 18 months in jail under the country’s controversial blasphemy law for complaining about the volume of a mosque’s call to prayer.

Meiliana, 44, an ethnic Chinese Buddhist, was found guilty of insulting Islam for asking her neighbourhood mosque in Medan, on Sumatra island, to lower its sound system because it was too

loud and “hurt” her ears.

In a decision posted to its website Monday, the Supreme Court said that it had rejected her appeal, but did not elaborate further.

Indonesia, which has the world’s biggest Muslim population, is officially pluralist with six major religions recognised, including Hinduism, Christianity and Buddhism. Freedom of expression is supposed to be guaranteed by law.

But criticising religion -- particularly Islam, which is followed by nearly 90 percent of Indonesia’s 260 million citizens -- can land offenders in jail.

Meiliana’s comments more than two years ago triggered riots that saw angry Muslim mobs ransack Buddhist temples. Some ethnic Chinese in the area fled in fear.

The case fuelled fears that Indonesia’s moderate brand of Islam is coming under threat from increas-

ingly influential radicals.

Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Indonesia’s largest Muslim group, said the woman’s comments should not have been considered blasphemous. Rights groups have long campaigned against the nation’s blasphemy laws, which they say are frequently misused to target minorities.

Last year Jakarta’s former governor -- the city’s first Christian leader of Chinese descent -- was

sentenced to two years in jail for blasphemy.

There are hundreds of thousands of mosques across the Southeast Asian archipelago nation, with the five-times-a-day call to prayer heard everywhere in the biggest cities and smallest towns.

Vice President Jusuf Kalla made a plea in 2015 for places of worship to turn down the volume slightly to placate nearby residents. (afp)

12

International

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

BUSINESS

Bali News

International

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

5

Hobbit house at Pedawa village, Offer sensation like ‘Lord of the Rings’ film

Pedawa village in Banjar subdistrict, Buleleng, is not only well known as a coffee producing area or unique tradition owned. However, this village belonging to a Bali Aga or ancient village also has a tourist attraction in the form of Hobbit House. Although it was just opened a few months ago, tourist arrivals are quite crowded. Then, what uniqueness can this village offer to visitors?

Pigeons fly in front of Greek Presidential guards taking part in the changing of the guard ceremony, at the tomb of the unknown soldier in front of the Parliament, central Athens, on Wednesday, April 3, 2019.

Greece’s bailout lenders approve big debt relief payout

AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris

ATHENS - Greece’s bailout creditors on Friday backed a payout worth more than $1 billion as part of a debt-relief package that is contingent on the government enacting a series of reforms.

Mario Centeno, who heads the grouping of the eurozone’s 19 finance ministers, told reporters after a meeting in Bucharest, Romania, that the debt-relief measures were worth some 970 million euros ($1.1 billion) and came mostly from the profits of Greek government bonds held by eurozone central banks.

The payout, Centeno said, would

be subject to formal approval by the euro area’s bailout fund.

Greece is keen to qualify for debt relief after years of recession and three successive international bailouts left its national debt at around 180% of the country’s annual income. Even though its bailout program ended last August, Greece remains under tight super-

vision from creditors.

The Greek government has pushed through reforms including the speeding-up of privatization projects and easing pressure on Greek banks from loans-gone-bad.

Centeno said the payout “sends investors a positive signal of continued ownership of the reform agenda in Greece, and you can see this already going on in the markets today.”

Shares on the Athens Stock Exchange were up 1.2% in afternoon, with the advance led by a strong

performance by the country’s four main banks. The yield on Greece’s 10-year bond also dropped further to 3.5 percent, half the level that is widely considered unsustainable in financial markets.

The stocks rally was also helped by cautious backing by lenders for Athens’ bid to make an early repayment of its bailout loans to the International Monetary Fund, which carry a relatively interest rate.

Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras’ left-wing government in Greece is facing elections this year but

is trailing the conservatives in opinion polls and struggling to continue with cost-cutting reforms demanded by creditors.

Friday’s payout-approval hinged on details of a household insolvency law that eased protection of distressed mortgage holders from foreclosure.

Lenders are pressing Athens to take more aggressive action to reduce the huge volume of nonperforming and soured loans that reached nearly half the total last year. (ap)

Pinterest sets IPO to raise up to $1.5 billion

Pinterest said Monday it would raise up to $1.5 billion in its stock offering, setting a price range that trims the value of the online visual discovery startup.

San Francisco-based Pinterest’s price range of $15 to $17 a share would give it an estimated valuation of some $11 billion, below the

$12 billion in its most recent private funding round.

The pricing suggests caution about the big venture backed “unicorns,” or startups worth more than $1 billion, after a mixed response to the Wall Street debut of ride-hailing firm Lyft. Pinterest, a virtual bulletin board that connects people with

interests including food, fashion, travel and lifestyle, plans to trade under the symbol PINS on the New York Stock Exchange.

Pinterest has some 250 million worldwide users but its path to profitability remains uncertain.

Pinterest lost $63 million in 2018 on revenue of $755.9 mil-

lion. That compared with a loss of $130.0 million on $473 million in 2017 revenue, according to the filing with Securities and Exchange Commission.

Launched in 2010, Pinterest brings in money from its role in online shopping and from advertising. Pinterest attracts users who

create virtual bulletin boards with pictures showcasing interests in anything from food to sports, fashion or travel.

The research firm eMarketer expects Pinterest’s global ad revenues to hit $1 billion this year, making up just 0.3 percent of the total digital ad spend. (afp)

This tiny house has a unique design. The materials in use are not concrete, but coffee trunks, bamboo, tree roots, used tins and twigs of palm fruits. It can exude a natural impression, artistic nuance and classic look.

“All the materials are not used anymore, so that it creates an artistic value,” said the initiator, Ketut Sudi Harta, recently.

The making was inspired by the ‘Lord of the Rings’ film that tells about a small and short character called the Hobbit. Since his body is short, then the house constructed is very small as well. “I like to watch the film.

I think Hobbit is not a person with a shortage but with some advantages. Initially, it was just to cover my water reservoir and indeed there is nothing inside it,” he said.

After that, his work is gradually known to the public, especially the younger generation. People’s visit is accompanied by taking selfie to be uploaded on their social media. Since then, the first claimed home in Bali has become the target of both local and foreign tourist visit. Not only to take pictures, they also enjoy the cool nature offered by beautiful nature plus typical coffee of Pedawa along with the sugar palm and sengait snack. “Visitors that come here are quite surprised,” he said.

On early emergence, visitors coming into the house located in the middle of clove plan-

tation and durian orchard were not charged.

However, since the management involves local youth of the village, like in the parking arrangement, finally he charges at IDR 10,000 per person. “With this amount, visitors can take selfie freely so that indirectly

this attraction also empowers the surrounding residents,” said the man of three children.

Considering the village of Pedawa has the status as a tourism village, the house established on a land of 0.41 hectare is planned to be equipped with lodging accommodation,

food outlet by providing traditional food of Pedawa, and traditional to modern coffee roasting place. “We will develop gradually because it requires substantial capital. Most importantly, Pedawa can be known as a Bali Aga destination,” he concluded. (kmb)

Bedulu Develops Village Hall Tourism

Village Hall of Bedulu, Blahbatuh, Gianyar, usually used as activity center of local villagers is now taken advantage for tourist purposes. Tourists coming to the

village hall can see and learn various activities related to Balinese customs. This tourist attraction is operated in cooperation with one of the travel agencies in Bali to bring

in dozens of foreign tourists to the village hall.

This activity is attended by tourists from various countries in Europe and Asia. They see directly people’s activities related to Balinese culture and customs. They are starting from learning to prepare Balinese food (mebat), make offerings (mejejahitan), plait bamboo platform (klakat), and play gamelan music (megambel). In the evening, Balinese arts such as dances are staged while enjoying a prepared dinner (mebat) of local residents as well as tourists.

To introduce the village environment, tourists are also invited to have village tour by visiting people’s homes to see in person the life of rural communities. Moreover, there are some tourists choosing to stay at people’s homes in order

to be able to mingle with local community. “We have developed the concept of the village hall for community economic empowerment,” explained chief of Tengah customary village, I Ketut John, amid receiving tourists at local village hall on Monday (Oct. 8).

Besides, continued Ketut John, this activity is also to awaken the potential of Bedulu which had long been known as a tourism village.

“The activities usually carried out at the village hall by residents will become an extraordinary attraction to tourists,” said Ketut John, who is also a tourism player.

Ketut John is optimistic the concept of village hall tourism will draw the interest of tourists, especially at Bedulu as supported by some other tourist attractions such as the Yeh Pulu, Goa Gajah,

Samuan Tiga Temple and other historical and ancient heritages like sarcophagi remaining to be stored in one of the people’s home. Moreover, the pottery handicrafts formerly debuted in Bedulu are now being introduced and raised again.

“This should not just be looked at in terms of commercial aspect, but how the tourism of Bedulu village can revive with the concept of village hall,” added Ketut John.

Jessy, one of the visiting tourists, claimed to be happy to mingle with Bedulu residents while learning to cook Balinese cuisines, playing gamelan and making offering or canang. “Hospitality of the population makes us happy and all come to see and learn directly about the customs that do not exist in our country. This is what we want,” she said. (kmb)

4

Bali News

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

International

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

International

Bangkok mangosteen disrupts market of Bali mangosteen

Protesters warn of Chinese ‘invasion’ of Philippines

DENPASAR - The price of Bali mangosteen plummeted. At the farm level, the price reaches IDR 7,000 - IDR 9,000 per kg. Farmers’ BEP (break event point) is at IDR 12,000 per kg, while at the consumer level the price of mangosteen reaches IDR 10,000 per kg. This price is lower than usual because Bali mangosteen was usually sold for IDR 35,000 - IDR 40,000 per kg in China at the farm level.

Marketer at the STA (Agribusiness Sub Terminal), UD Sari Buah, at Padangan, Pupuan, Tabanan, I Made Sianta, stated the drop in the price of mangosteen happened due to the mangosteen of Bangkok is in harvesting season and entering Chinese market. As a result, the Bali mangosteen is unable to compete. For this reason, farmers and distributors sold mangosteen in the domestic market at very cheap prices.

“Responding to such condition, I am now taking alternative market to Tiara Dewata, Hardys and Moena Fresh. I will also go to Carrefour, so that farmers in Pupuan get a decent price,” he said Sunday (Apr. 7).

The price of mangosteen has

plummeted for a month. It is considered to be detrimental to farmers because they lose money. To get BEP at the farm level alone, the price should be IDR 12,000 per kg, but now the mangosteen is sold for IDR. 7,000 - IDR 8,000 per kg. “Without exports, the price of IDR 15,000 per kg has already made our farmers relieved, let alone with the existence of exports,” he concluded.

Bangkok mangosteen is now said to have harvest season, so the needs of Chinese mangosteen are supplied by Bangkok. Actually, mangosteen from Bali has long been exploring the Chinese market.

Formerly, Bali mangosteen had entered Chinese market through Malaysia. But now, it can be directly

Martin BUREAU / AFP

A farmer of the Sakaguchi Akoya pearl farm displays oysters with pearls on a table in Shima on October 12, 2018.

The price of Bali mangosteen plummeted. exported to China. (kmb42) He hoped that modern markets,

such as supermarkets, minimarkets, malls, et cetera can have absorbed

IBP/kmb

the maximum harvest yield of local farmers. (kmb42)

Stagnant export market

Farmers hope intermediaries to export red sandalwood rice

TABANAN - After being able to export red sandalwood rice to the United States, now the rice export market returns to get stalled because it had faced several obstacles.

The red sandalwood rice is trying to be offered to other export potential countries, but has not been able to compete against red rice from Thailand. In order the red sandalwood

rice can be re-exported, farmers hope there will be intermediaries or liaisons to export potential countries.

This was explained by farmer and exporter from Penebel, Wayan Sukaarta, on Sunday (Apr. 7). According to him, he had sent 10 tons of red sandalwood to the United States. However, the same amount

IBP/kmb

In order the red sandalwood rice can be re-exported, farmers hope there will be intermediaries or liaisons to export potential countries.

of the second shipments or exports were canceled due to complaints from the counterpart in the US that claimed if the red sandalwood rice is not durable and has lice. As a result, the second shipments were canceled and the export of red sandalwood rice is temporarily stopped.

“Actually, the problem at that time the red rice was wrapped normally without being vacuumed on the request of exporters. If wrapped normally and without being vacuumed, the red rice is indeed vulnerable to be attacked by fleas,” he said.

Sukaarta, who owns a rice milling business, claimed not to give up and will seek other export destinations such as the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain and Panama. However, his efforts have not produced results because the main staples of these countries are not rice, and the market share has been controlled

by Thailand.

When talking about quality and requirements, according to Sukaarta, the Tabanan red rice product is actually not inferior. Farmers are ready if they have to meet other requirements to enter the export market. At present, the most needed by farmers is an intermediary or liaison that can market red sandalwood rice to export destination

countries.

According to Sukaarta, the country currently becoming potential and big target market is Singapore. ‘”When it comes to quality and requirements, I am confident that farmers can fulfill them. Now, it is just the matter of intermediary,” he said.

Since the export market stagnated, according to Sukaarta, he can no longer buy farmers’ red rice because the distribution of stock for the second phase of exports as much as 10 tons is somewhat stagnant. Currently, he is looking for the potential market. Moreover, today the red sandalwood rice must also compete against other types of red rice such as C4 in the local market. “Today, this C4 red rice is much favored because the texture is the same as C4 of white rice and the price is also the same,” explained Sukaarta.

On the other hand, if red sandalwood rice is processed into other products such as tea, the market remains limited. Sales through the local government-owned enterprise (BUMDA), according to Sukaarta, also remain to have limited absorption.

Director of Dharma Santika Regional Government-Owned Enterprise (PDDS), Putu Sugi

Darmawan, said the current sales of red rice are still stagnant at 1 ton per month. However, with the permission of the Plant-Based Fresh Food (PSAT), he is confident there will be an increase in demand for red sandalwood rice.

The increase is influenced by the presence of Regent Regulation requiring modern stores to absorb the products of BUMDes and BUMDA. The presence of PSAT also caused modern stores to start asking for red sandalwood rice. “At this time, we have prepared 1,038 packages of 1 kilogram size to be distributed to 217 Alfamart branches,” explained Sugi. He added that other than red sandalwood rice, Alfamart also requested the same amount of milk sprout and black rice. First delivery of the rice will be held on Tuesday (Apr. 9). If the demand continues at the same amount, the sales of red sandalwood rice will increase to two tons per month.

PDDS Tabanan is also exploring cooperation with Lotte Mart which is currently in the administrative process at the head office. If there is no obstacle, Lotte Mart will start marketing special category rice (red sandalwood rice, milk sprout, fragrant and black rice) as the products of PDDS Tabanan as of next May. (kmb24)

13

Pearls of wisdom: Japan’s cultured farms still glisten

MANILA - Protesters descended on the Chinese embassy in Manila on Tuesday to oppose the Asian superpower’s growing sway in the Philippines and as tensions rise over Beijing’s presence in the disputed South China Sea. Filipino flag-waving marchers chanted “China out” and brandished a banner saying “Defend our sovereign rights”, referring to Beijing’s expansive claims to the resource-rich waterway.

“The government headed by President (Rodrigo) Duterte is not responding. What China is doing is almost an invasion,” marcher Alex Legaspi, a 53-year-old teacher, told AFP. While Duterte has largely set aside the once-heated territorial standoff over the sea, tensions have flared since hundreds of Chinese vessels appeared recently near the Manila-held Pag-asa (Thitu) island.

The Philippines called the boats’ presence “illegal” and Duterte threatened China with possible military action if it touches the island.

However, the president has repeatedly said war with China would be futile and he has no intention of getting into a conflict with the rising power he has courted for trade

and investment.

Duterte has been criticised at home as being too eager to grow ties with Beijing, and giving up too much leverage on the South China Sea issue.

Meanwhile, the United States has moved to boost its relationship with long-time ally and former colony the Philippines.

A small group of policemen monitored the protesters, who numbered around 1,000 according to journalists on the scene. The marchers dispersed peacefully after the demonstration.

Protesters also voiced simmering unease over the terms Chinese loans for infrastructure in the Philippines, including a massive dam-building project.

China is poised to loan some $210 million toward the construction of the Kaliwa Dam, a project that has been delayed for years and would fill gaps in the Philippines’ chronic need for infrastructure.

“We cannot allow... China to control Filipinos and the Philippines’ sovereignty,” Wilma Quierrez, 53, member of indigenous rights group told AFP. “The loan agreement signed by (Chinese President) Xi Jinping and President Duterte will send us into debt trap,” she added. (afp)

SHIMA - In Japan’s picturesque Ago Bay, a couple sits in a little hut picking out oysters from a net, cleaning them carefully one-by-one before replacing them gently back in the water.

Their hope: in several months, these oysters will produce a glistening white pearl from a cultured farming technique invented in Japan that is in decline as experts die out in the ageing country.

Cultured pearl farming was first commercialised in Ago Bay and spread throughout the world. There are still dozens of farms plying the trade there, which look from the sky like a series of rafts floating between the steep coast and a string of tiny islets.

In 1893, an Ago Bay local called Kokichi Mikimoto became worried the oyster pearls avidly sought in his waters were becoming extinct.

So he began introducing artificial foreign bodies into the oysters in a bid to replicate the natural process in which they secrete thousands of layers of nacre when a grain of sand or shell finds its way inside the pearl pocket.

After several setbacks -- including a bacterial virus that decimated his crop -- Mikimoto finally hit the jackpot: one day in July 1893 a semi-spherical pearl appeared,

clinging to the oyster.

A decade or so later, he had refined his method to produce a perfectly round specimen and immediately patented his technique -- the cultured pearl.

Success was not immediate -several viewed the cultured pearl as a vulgar replica of the “natural” variety -- but eventually Mikimoto built a global empire and Japan became the reference for the small pearls known as “Akoya.”

Around the same time, two other Japanese, Tatsuhei Mise and Tokichi Nishikawa, applied for a patent.

- Top five percent The Sakaguchi family has been crafting these valuable pearls between three and 10 millimetres in diametre for three generations. Kasuhiro, 73, and Misayo, 68, are now supported by daughter Ruriko.

“Our job is to look after the oysters as well as we can for three to four years,” explained the energetic 43-year-old Ruriko, sporting an apron and headscarf.

“From harvesting the young

oysters, introducing the graft, right up to extracting the pearl,” she added, as she dragged oysters from the net for inspection.

The whole delicate operation rests of the insertion of a nucleus -- a small round polished ball made out of shellfish -- and the “graft”, a piece of donor mantle tissue from another oyster.

Over a period of several months, the oyster reacts to the foreign bodies by secreting thousands of layers of nacre which form the pearl.

The pearls are harvested in December, when the water is around 15 degrees, said Ruriko. “Below this, the pearl will lack strength.

Above that, it will lack shine,” she explained.

It is a thankless task. Of the 100,000 oysters harvested annually, half die immediately after the operation.

The vast majority produce either mediocre pearls or nothing at all.

Only around five percent of the oysters harvested will result in pearls of sufficient quality to adorn the windows of chic jewellers far away in Tokyo. (afp)

Ted ALJIBE / AFP

An anti-China protester raises a placard with a portrait of Chinese President Xi Jinping during a protest in front of the Chinese consular office in the financial district of Manila on April 9, 2019.

14

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

Technology

International

World’s first 5G phone released in South Korea 5G, whose base version costs 1.39 million won ($1,200).

Interactive virtual-reality displays and robot demonstrations were on show to tout the capabilities of the latest iteration of mobile internet speed, and new users were excited about the possibilities, especially live streaming of sports games and university lectures.

“I watch a lot of videos often, movies and lectures,” said buyer Shim Ji-hye, 38. “I hope faster speeds will help me manage my time better.”

Another user said he was most excited about virtual reality content

-- which includes games and even “celebrity VR dating” apps according to the country’s mobile carriers.

With 5G, said researcher Lee Sang-yoon, VR content “can be enjoyed in real time with no delay...

I’ll be able to enjoy it in better resolution and speed”.

By Friday afternoon, 15,000 buyers had subscribed to the LG UPlus 5G service, and more than 10,000 to KT’s offer, the carriers said.

Figures were not immediately available from SK Telecom, the market leader. (afp)

Ed JONES / AFP

A Samsung Galaxy S10 5G phone is registered for a customer during a Korea Telecom launch event in Seoul on April 5, 2019. Samsung was launching its top-end S10 5G smartphone after South Korea this week won the global race to commercially launch the world’s first nationwide 5G networks.

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

3

Sanglah Hospital has 1,400 vote potentials

But no special polling booth prepared

SEOUL - Telecom giant Samsung Electronics on Friday released the Galaxy S10 5G, the world’s first available smartphone with built-in fifth-generation communications, as South Korea seeks to build a lead in the transformative technology.

On Wednesday the South became the first country to launch nationwide 5G services, with three superfast networks going live offering data speeds that allow users to download entire movies in less than a second.

Hours later US giant Verizon began commercial services in Chicago and Minneapolis, after rival AT&T made a 5G-based system available to selected users in parts of 12 cities in December.

South Korea’s three mobile carriers -- SK Telecom, KT and LG Uplus -- held launch events across Seoul for the Galaxy S10

Bali News

International

Handout / Big Cypress National Preserve / AFP

This handout photograph, obtained April 7, 2019 courtesy of the Big Cypress National Preserve, shows a team of hunters with the Big Cypress National Preserve in Ochopee, Florida holding a female python measuring over 17 feet in length and weighing 140 pounds with 73 developing eggs.

Team in Florida captures huge python using tracking devices

MIAMI - Researchers in Florida using a new approach to combating a destructive invasion by enormous pythons have captured one of the biggest ever, a 17-foot-long (5.2 meters) specimen large enough to eat a deer, they said.

The female snake is longer than a one-story building is high, and weighs 140 pounds (64 kilograms).

It is one of the biggest pythons ever caught in southern Florida, according to a post on the Facebook page of the Big Cypress National Preserve.

The researchers found the enormous reptile by using male pythons fitted with radio transmitters, allowing them to track the male and locate breeding females, according to the post.

“The team not only removes the invasive snakes, but collects data for research, develops new removal tools and learns how the pythons are using the preserve,” the park said.

The 17-footer was found to contain 73 developing eggs. The reptiles have no natural predators in Florida and multiply rapidly, posing “significant threats to native wildlife,” the researchers said.

The snakes can decimate native wildlife, killing small animals like rabbits, birds and opossums, and even eating creatures as large as alligators and adult deer.

The Burmese python is considered an invasive species since it first appeared in the area in the 1980s.

With anywhere from 30,000 to

300,000 pythons now in southern Florida, the US Interior Department banned their importation in 2012.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has sponsored hunting programs to target the reptiles.

But such efforts have failed to slow their spread, and the commission in 2017 held hearings around the state to seek creative ideas for containing the monstrous creatures.

Among the ideas to emerge: introducing snake-killing Australian terrier dogs, stringing barbed wire around trees to protect birds, or using drones fitted with infrared sensors to conduct aerial surveillance.

Another idea -- introducing mongooses, which are famed in Asia for their ability to kill cobras -- came from one Victoria Olson of Fort Lauderdale.

“They have been successful in Puerto Rico & The US Virgin Islands to eradicate snakes and yes, they can kill a python,” she said, according to the Sun-Sentinel newspaper of Fort Lauderdale.

Pythons are not known as being particularly brainy. Since some have choked to death on golf balls they thought were eggs, one man suggested setting out hundreds of fake eggs.

Asked about such ideas, a state wildlife spokeswoman noted diplomatically that public input is greatly valued.

But, she told the Sun-Sentinel, “we want to give each suggestion the time for evaluation it deserves.” (afp)

DENPASAR — Ahead of voting day on April 17, no polling booth is provided by Electoral Commission (KPU) at Sanglah Hospital. However, patients, their families and employees of Sanglah Hospital that vote will be visited by voting organizer group or KPPS officers at the closest location.

For this reason, the Sanglah Hospital provides a place in the waiting room of the polyclinic to place the ballot boxes and to do the casting. “Patients that cannot get up from bed will be visited to the inpatient room,” said Dewa Ketut Kresna, Spokesperson of Sanglah Hospital, on Monday (Apr. 8).

This voting can only be carried out by voters having got their A5 form in advance. “All voters having held their A5 form can vote at hospital,” he added. Since the arrangement of A5 form ended on April 10, he appealed to the public, especially those that will have treatment at Sanglah Hospital on that day, to immediately take care of it.

According to him, the voting is mostly used by patients and their families because during hospitalization they cannot leave the hospital area. Meanwhile, employees can go to polling booths by changing their shift with their colleagues.

Dewa Kresna added that Sanglah Hospital is a large hospital with 765 beds. Moreover, the bed occupation rates (BOR) or the occupancy rate of Sanglah Hospital reaches 90 percent. Coupled with caregivers of patients of around 1-2 people, there is a lot of potential votes that can be obtained at Sanglah Hospital. If calculated, there are 765 beds plus respectively 1 caregiver. Totally, there will be more than 1,400 voters having the potential to be lost if they are not managed properly.

For this reason, Sanglah Hospital in addition to having humanitarian missions also takes part in the success of the election by facilitating patients and their families to vote. (kmb42)

IBP/kmb

The sandals design starts from flat to wedges.

Endek sandals, new footwear icon of Bali

FOOTWEAR trend seems to have endless innovation. Every time there are always the latest models of footwear, both sandals and shoes. All needed is creativity and innovation of the entrepreneurs to make the latest designs of footwear.

Dewa Ketut Kresna

IBP/kmb

A sandal businessman, Bagas Widiantara, 21, from Petang, Badung, makes sandals from endek fabric. This young entrepreneur doesn’t run out of ideas to create a product. Amid the growing number of sandals design models, he incorporates Balinese characteristics in his sandals, by adding endek accents. The sandals design starts from flat to wedges. There are also models of slippers, hell, flatbed and some men’s motif sandals.

Endek is chosen as a characteristic of his footwear because he sees unused and wasted endek cloth after being cut into clothes.

“Moreover, the endek is the work of endek weavers will be a pity if they get wasted,” he said.

The results of endek cloth are transformed into slippers or base of sandals. Obviously, every base of the footwear will contain endek accent.

When commencing his business in 2017, he was in a state of anxiety.

At that time, he was still a student at a state university in Bali. He should think twice to pay tuition and what came to his mind was making sandals.

In terms of marketing, several ways he had done. In addition to marketing via online world, he also participated in various exhibitions.

At least from the exhibition, his Radjas Style’s brand became well known.

The online market cannot be underestimated because the online market contributes greatly to the current sales. Social media is also worked on to introduce his products. Not to forget, he also takes advantage of the well-known marketplace.

Coming with the tagline of loving local products, he has special reason. He himself likes domestic products, especially the products of his friends who have previously produced themselves. He told the idea of starting a business was also

inspired by his friends.

He is happy to see his friends remaining young and having already been able to make creative products and be able to survive in the city from the results of entrepreneurship. “My friends are also selling various products, such as VCO (virgin coconut oil), agricultural products, endek clothes, kebaya and accessories, so I like shopping for local products from them,” he recalled.

In other words, he was inspired by his friends to have mindset that local products must be promoted to prosper in their region. “Many young generations imported shoes and sandals. It is not due to the design or price, but because of their brand,” he said on Saturday (Apr. 6). Community consumption of branded products is equally crazy. Therefore, he wanted to build his own brand with local Balinese product icons. (kmb42)

2

Bali News

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

International

Development in Bali grows rapidly

Bali House: Regulation always left behind

DENPASAR - Chairman of the Bali House of Representatives, I Nyoman Adi Wiryatama, said the development in Bali lasts very fast. The existing regulations are always even inferior to progress in society, particularly concerning spatial planning stipulated in Regional Regulation No. 16/2009 concerning the Bali Provincial Regional Spatial Plan (RTRWP). That is why, the House agreed to evaluate the regulation after being proposed by the executive during the administration of Governor Made Mangku Pastika.

“If we don’t update this, we are worried to be left behind. Even though it is not perfect, at least there are rules or provision that will be followed by each district / municipality,” he said after chairing a Discussion Meeting on the Revision of the Regional Regulation on RTRWP Bali with the executives at the parliament building on Monday

(Apr. 8).

Wiryatama added that revision of the Regional Regulation on RTRWP Bali is mainly to clarify who will control the spatial plan.

Then, it is regarding the sanctions for those violating, including the rewards for those complying with.

Likewise, it also thinks about the inter-regional balance and sup-

presses negative impacts of development progress so that Bali remains to exist and goes sustainably.

“So the point is that we will make this regulation not to hamper our progress as well as avoiding from being powerless and useless. As ever before, there was a sanction of IDR 5 million for those violating. Who imposed the sanctions? No one did. Finally, it is then always violated because it is unclear,” he explained.

Moreover, Wiryatama continued the current Governor of Bali, Wayan Koster, has the desire to manage Bali in a single unit or one island. The development is carried out with the vision known as Nangun Sat Kerthi Loka Bali, meaning to develop and maintain

Bali’s nature and its contents. Do not let the RTRWP collide or be counterproductive to the governor’s vision and mission.

“Actually, our discussion to summarize the willingness of our colleagues in the district is enough.

However, there are obstacles because this Spatial Plan is closely related to national spatial plan.

Therefore, a number of points should be refined by the Environment Agency (KLHK—Ed),” explained this PDI-P politician from Tabanan.

According to Wiryatama, validation of the KLHK is very important so that the revision of the Regional Regulation on RTRWP Bali can be submitted to the Ministry of National Land Agency for

IBP/file

The rapid growth of Bali make ricefield decrease

approval. However, to get approval is even not easy because the revision of the Regional Regulation on RTRWP Bali will be discussed by cross ministries. Therefore, the discussion between the Special Committee with the district and municipal government should have been completed so that no counterproductive talks arise when taken to the Ministry of Agrarian and Spatial Plan. Actually, some things are still different in the district and municipality, such as concerning the height of building and the coastal borderline.

“At least, there are guidelines later on. For example, some proposed to increase the height of building in public places such as hospitals, government offices and schools, we give dispensation.

Meanwhile, the others also like Badung wish no dispensation for anything. We will summon them once again to find a solution,” he explained.

In terms of coastal borderline, continued Wiryatama, Badung wanted to keep 100 meters. But Denpasar wanted to be free or unregulated, Tabanan wanted 50 meters and Buleleng wanted 25 meters. All stakeholders in the region will be reassigned regarding the problem. After these are the issues intersecting with national spatial planning, one of which concerns the radius of sanctity “In my opinion, it is not relevant if the sanctity is governed by Environment Agency (KLHK— Ed), it has nothing to do. The sanctity must be governed by us, local people in Bali,” he explained. (kmb32)

To anticipate disasters

BMKG installs seismograph device in Nusa Penida

SEMARAPURA - The intensity of natural disasters in Bali shows an increasing trend. Anticipating the impact of the disaster, the National Weather Service (BMKG) of Sanglah Station, Denpasar, plans to install two seismograph devices, respectively in the region of Nusa Penida Islands and Bangli.

This was revealed by the National Weather Service of Sanglah Station in the meeting with Regent of Klungkung, Nyoman Suwirta, in his office on Monday (Apr. 8).

Installation of the seismograph device functions to record and de-

tect the earthquake vibration. Head of the National Weather Service of Sanglah Station, Ikhsan, said that Bali is an area prone to earthquakes. On that account, the government strengthened earthquake scanning equipment throughout Indonesia. “This year, 100 sensors (seismographs) will be installed throughout Indonesia,” he said.

Ikhsan asserted the installation of seismographs in Nusa Penida will be near the headman office of Batukandik and Klumpu headman. He hoped the location point has been determined

namely on the land owned by the government since it is related to security of the device. In addition to seismographs, the BMKG also added nine seismometers, spreading throughout Klungkung five locations in the Nusa Penida Islands and four in Klungkung mainland.

Installation of the seismograph device will be able to know the shallowness of sediment vibration produced due to the shifts in the terrestrial crust, after obtaining additional seismograph sensors in the Ina-TEWS Net-

work in the Bali region. Large or small vibrations depend on the damage on the earth caused by the size of the earthquake. In addition to sensors with reduced angular distances, analysis and dissemination of the earthquake information in the Klungkung region can be done more quickly and accurately.

Regent of Klungkung, I Nyoman Suwirta, fully supported the installation of the device. He gave emphasis that he is ready to help facilitate the availability of land needed by the BMKG. District

government will directly survey the government-owned land located adjacent to the points desired by the BMKG. Thus, the installation process of the device can be quickly realized.

“We will try to find the land. The land area is around 10 x10 meters with buildings and fences. If the land is owned by local village, we will make coordination with the local village,” said Regent Suwirta, accompanied by the Chief Executive of Klungkung Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD), Putu Widiada. (kmb31)

 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

Activities

International

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

15

THE WESTIN DESARU COAST RESORT OFFERS ENDLESS WELLNESS OPTIONS FOR GUESTS ESCAPING TO THE SOUTHERN TIP OF THE MALAYSIAN PENINSULA

Westin® Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott International Inc. announced the opening of The Westin Desaru Coast Resort, located on the southern tip of the Malaysian Peninsula. Owned

by Desaru Development Holdings One Sdn Bhd, the 275-room property is part of the new Desaru Coast development, a large-scale integrated holiday and event destination featuring an adventure waterpark, a conference center, as well as two championship-level golf courses.

Desaru is a resort destination that features long stretches of white sandy beaches with clear shallow waters on the edges of the South China Sea. The resort is approximately 82 kilometers away from Johor’s Senai International Airport, and just over 100 kilometers from Changi International Airport in Singapore. It is an easy one-hour drive from the state capital city of Johor Bahru via the new Senai-Desaru Expressway, and only one-and-a-half hour’s drive from Singapore.

“Westin’s signature wellness programs are thoughtfully designed to empower our guests to rise above the rigors of travel and we believe that The Westin Desaru Coast Resort has the right elements for guests to eat, sleep, move, feel, work and play well,” said Mike Fulkerson, Vice President, Brand and Marketing, Marriott International Asia Pacific. “We are proud to further establish Westin’s empowering commitment to wellness at this exciting new destination.”

The Westin Desaru Coast Resort was curated by award-winning design consultancy ZDR. The design of the beachfront property integrates elements and inspirations from the ocean, with the use of materials and patterns that evoke nature. Bright, airy sea-facing rooms are bathed in natural light and provide elevated vantage points, with sweeping panoramic views of the South China Sea. In every well-appointed guest room, thoughtful amenities such as the signature Heavenly® Bed and Sleep Well Lavender Balm will ensure a great night’s rest. For guests staying in Westin Club rooms and suites, the Westin Club Lounge offers an exclusive, ideal space for relaxation, along with facilities to

organize meetings.

Guests at the resort will enjoy a wholesome selection of dining options. Seasonal Tastes is the all-day dining outlet, with a buffet and an à la carte menu which showcases Asian and International cuisine. The Beach Bar is a casual hangout spot for cocktails, drinks and light snacks right on the beach, and Prego is the resort’s signature Italian restaurant, with its cozy intimate spaces for European fine dining.

MIX Lounge, the lobby lounge which highlights afternoon tea and petit gateaux, and last but not least, Splash, the pool bar to cater to guests relaxing and lounging by the pool.

Adjacent to the resort is the Desaru Coast Conference Centre, managed by The Westin Desaru Coast Resort. The venue has a total of 1,252 square meters of fully-equipped event space with the capacity to host almost 1,400 guests. The showpiece of the conference center is a dynamic grand ballroom, which can be divided into four smaller event and pre-function spaces. Whether indoors or outdoors by the beach, The Westin Desaru Coast Resort offers enlivening experiences for events and weddings.

The integrated resort is a wellness destination for relaxation and rejuvenation featuring Westin’s signature programming, the Heavenly Spa by Westin™.

The spa’s signature Heavenly Spa Massage treatment includes a Swedish massage and heated compress applied on the meridian points to release tension and break up muscle “knots” promoting a sense of relaxation and well-being. Whereas the hydrothermal pools in the spa with a combination of 38°C temperature and water jets provide unique benefits including cleansing and detoxification of skin, relieving tired and aching muscles, increasing circulation thus renewing the mind and body.

For guests to stay active on the road, WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio is open 24 hours.

To explore the destination while staying fit, the RunWESTIN™ program offers guided run led by the resort’s Run Concierge as well as Westin Gear Lending with New Balance®. In addition, the resort offers an outdoor pool and Wes-

tin Family Kids Club providing imaginative spaces for kids to play and for parents to relax, which makes the resort a perfect vacation destination for the entire family.

“We look forward to welcoming

guests of all ages to The Westin Desaru Coast Resort,” says Vikram S. Mujumdar, General Manager, The Westin Desaru Coast Resort. “Furthering the brand’s commitment to guests’ well-being,

our guests can expect the very best during their stay with us and we aim to exceed their expectations in every way,” added Mujumdar.

For more information, please visit www.westindesaru.com

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

16 Pages Number 73 11th year

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

Price: Rp 3.000,-

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

Just say ‘Shazam!’ and the movie fans start lining up

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

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

LOS ANGELES - With estimated ticket sales of $53.4 million in its opening weekend, Warner Bros.’ “Shazam!” showed that North American movie fans can enjoy a lighter spin on the usual dark superhero tale, industry watcher Exhibitor Relations reported Sunday.

The family-friendly flick stars young Asher Angel as Billy Baston, an unhappy foster kid who is transformed into a muscular, wisecracking adult superhero (Zachary Levi) when anyone pronounces the secret word. Both the film’s reviews and audience responses have been strongly positive, according to Hollywood Reporter.

Its domestic take for the threeday weekend was not a bad return on the $80 million Warner and New Line spent to make it -- particularly considering

overseas ticket sales of $102 million so far.

Another new release, horror film “Pet Sematary” -- a remake of the 1989 film based on the Stephen King book -- had a solid $25 million in ticket sales, $4 million more than Paramount spent to produce it, Variety reported.

Jason Clarke, Amy Seimetz and John Lithgow star in the tale of a creepy burial ground deep in the Maine woods near a family’s new home.

In third spot was last weekend’s box office leader, Disney’s “Dumbo,” at $18.2 million, down

60 percent from its opening. The Tim Burton remake of the original 1941 film tells the story of a small elephant with huge ears and a powerful desire to be reunited with his mama.

Fourth place, at $13.8 million, went to Universal’s “Us” from writer/director Jordan Peele. It stars Lupita Nyong’o and Winston Duke as a couple frighteningly confronted by their own doubles.

And fifth was Disney’s “Captain Marvel,” taking in $12.7 million.

Oscar winner Brie Larson stars as a former fighter pilot with superpowers. (afp)

Paris Berelc

As ‘Game of Thrones’ ends, critics hail ‘Game of Trolls’ CANNES - “Game of Thrones” may be about to take a final bow, but fans of the television series need not despair -- Game of Trolls is coming.

A madcap new fantasy show call “Magnus” featuring the lumbering fairytale monsters is the talk of the Canneseries festival in the French Riviera resort, where the world’s top TV market MIPTV is also being held.

Funnier than anything in the Seven Kingdoms, it has been described as a hilarious fantasy mix of a Scandi noir cop show and Inspector Clouseau, with elements of Inspector Gadget and the deadpan surrealism of Finnish director Aki Kaurismaki thrown in for good measure.

It creator, actor Vidar Magnussen, the brains behind the “Mind Phallus” spoofs of the British series “Sherlock”,

told AFP that he has been “blown away” by the reaction to the series, already a huge hit in his homeland.

His “Sherlock” send-ups went viral in 2014 when one of the series’ stars Amanda Abbington shared them on social media.

They played on supposed homoerotic tensions between the famed fictional British detective played by Benedict Cumberbatch and his trusty sidekick Watson, played by her then husband Martin Freeman.

Norwegian state broadcaster NRK was so impressed it gave Magnussen “three and a half years to let my imagination run wild”.

- Wacky twist on Nordic noir The result is a take off of cult Nordic crime dramas like “The Bridge”, “Wallander” or “The Killing” with a wacky supernatural twist.

Even though its eponymous hero Magnus is the failed inventor and the worst detective in a small snow-bound Norwegian country town, Magnussen insisted that the show “doesn’t set out to bully or mock anyone”.

Yet the writer, who plays the bungling policeman himself, is not afraid to have fun with Scandinavian stereotypes.

“I feel that Nordic noir has done it’s time,” he said, even as he admitted that his show had borrowed some of their dark edge.

“The challenge was to do very silly comedy and yet ground in something quite real and hard that would have leave people wanting to know more,” he told AFP in Cannes, where the show had its international premiere.

“I needed the characters that were easily readable, so evil was evil and good was good and suicidal was suicidal,” he joked.

The troll element of show expands hugely “as Magnus becomes the bridge to a supernatural world, a kind of diplomat to the troll universe trying to sort things out with the humans.”

Magnussen said the “crazy world” he created “has never been seen before in Norway”, where the show has become the biggest TV phenomenon since the teen series “Scam”, a massive international hit which has spawned a global franchise. (afp)

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This picture taken on March 28, 2019 shows Basariah Panjaitan (L), deputy chairperson of the corruption eradication commission (KPK), seated alongside KPK officers along with boxes of Indonesian currency totalling over 560,000 USD, seized from a lawmaker’s office, during a press conference in Jakarta ahead of the country’s general elections.

Indonesia ‘money politics’ greases election machine

When Indonesian authorities arrested a politician with some 400,000 cash-filled envelopes, it was a stark reminder that a long-time election staple is alive and well in the corruption-riddled country -- vote buying.

Bowo Sidik Pangarso was detained last month for alleged embezzlement from a fertiliser firm, but officials also discovered the lawmaker had boxes stuffed with envelopes of low-denomination notes totalling about 8 billion rupiah ($565,000).

Graft-busters suspect the cash was earmarked for a so-called “Dawn Attack” -- a widespread ploy in the Southeast Asian archipelago where people receive cash early on voting day in a bid to sway their ballot choice.

Some 192 million Indonesians are set to vote next week across the world’s third-biggest democracy, electing officials from local legislators to president.

Indonesia is riddled with corruption at all levels of society and its parliament is widely viewed as one of its most graft-hit institutions -- even two decades after the fall of the Suharto dictatorship, among the most corrupt in history.

With a record 245,000 candidates in the running, the April 17 poll presents a huge challenge for the Corruption Eradication Commission which is already probing dozens of vote-buying cases.

“The (Pangarso) case proved that politics and corruption are still closely linked,” said Almas Syafrina, a researcher at Indonesia Corruption Watch. “It’s not enough just give money to 100 people. (Corrupt

candidates) need to give money to as many as they can, hoping that they’ll vote for them.”

- ‘Rewards for anything’ Sapta Firdaus, a 37-year-old legislator in Sumatra’s Bengkulu province, learned the reality of vote buying when he first ran for office in 2014. “So many people asked me for money,” he told AFP. “They said ‘how much are you willing to pay for our support?’”

But it wasn’t just strangers he met going door to door -- some of the politician’s own family demanded cash too.

“It’s become a habit in our society to ask for rewards for anything,” he said. As many as one in

three Indonesians were exposed to vote buying in the 2014 election, by some estimates.

Many candidates defend direct handouts as simply “turnout buying” to ensure already-loyal supporters go to the ballot box, according to 2017 research in the Journal of East Asian Studies.

But some admitted to employing freelance brokers to reach “core supporters” of rival candidates whose votes were “simply up for sale” in return for higher payments, it found.

These “market sensitive” candidates determined how much to pay based on their resources, constituency size and also what their rivals offered, the paper added.

Aspiring politicians who are not well known were particularly likely to buy votes, especially if running against celebrity candidates -- an-

other election fixture.

“You can either advertise yourself massively or you buy votes,” said Syafrina.

“That applies to incumbent legislative candidates too, particularly those who rarely came to their electoral district and interact with constituents.”

While penalties have gotten stiffer, many Indonesians don’t see election-time handouts, including food staples such as rice, cooking oil and sugar, as a problem.

Continued to page 6

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