Edisi 13 Januari 2017 | Internasional Bali Post

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Friday, January 13, 2017

Ben Affleck braces for ‘entertaining’ Trump presidency

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

Friday, January 13, 2017

LONDON — Ben Affleck is an optimist. The Hollywood star thinks the next four years will at least be interesting after watching President-elect Donald Trump’s first press conference.

“I didn’t get to watch the entire news conference although what I did see of it, I was quite entertained by. I think it will be an entertaining four years,” he said at the London premiere of his latest directorial effort “Live by Night” Wednesday.

Actor Chris Messina, who joined Affleck and co-star Sienna Miller on the red carpet, didn’t seem as upbeat as Affleck.

“I think we’re all a little scared and we’re going to take deep breaths. Meryl Streep said it best the other night at the Golden Globes. I don’t think anyone can be any more eloquent as her. Yeah, I was sad today. Obama said goodbye. We’re going to miss him,” Messina said.

Affleck was also somewhat miffed at Trump’s Twitter reaction to Streep’s Golden Globes speech.

The actress made the Republican a big topic of her speech without naming him directly and Trump fired back calling her “one of the most over-rated actresses in Hollywood.”

Affleck disagreed with the sentiment.

“If you think Meryl Streep is an

Joel Ryan/Invision/AP

Actors Ben Affleck and Sienna Miller pose for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film ‘Live By Night’ in London, Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2016. overrated actress, you’re probably the least qualified person to comment on acting. She’s, if nothing else the world’s greatest actor,” he said.

“Live by Night” is Affleck’s fourth feature as a director. He produced the film and also wrote the screenplay, based on a Dennis Lehane novel by the same name about

a group of gangsters in Prohibitionera Boston. Affleck took on the lead role of Joe Coughlin, the son of a police captain, who forges his way into the world of crime.

Affleck said there was one difficult aspect to directing himself: Steamy bedroom scenes didn’t quite work out as well as he’d hoped. (ap)

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Migrants wait in line to receive plates of free food during a snowfall outside a derelict customs warehouse in Belgrade, Serbia, January 11, 2017.

Migrants wait out Belgrade blizzard in freezing warehouse

REUTERS/Marko Djurica

BELGRADE - In a derelict warehouse behind Belgrade’s main coach station, up to 2,000 migrants are trying to survive the freezing Serbian winter in a crumbling building with broken windows, no heating, or warm water.

It is -11 Celsius and a bitterly cold blizzard is lashing them while they try to warm up by burning wood outside the grim warehouse they now call home.

Some of the migrants, who mainly come from Afghanistan, are wrapped in blankets given out by agencies, but most shiver in jackets inadequate for the sub-zero temperatures they endure day and night.

Inside the warehouse, the air is thick with smoke from several makeshift fires and groups of men

huddle together trying to thaw their hands by the orange flames.

The dark smoke renders the visibility to only a few feet, but the darkness is pierced by the sounds of people coughing, choked by the unhealthy air and the cold.

Desperate conditions in the heart of a European capital “If you look inside here there’s smog, no electricity, no warm water,” says resident Hayat Ali. The 40-year-old migrant says he left his home in Pakistan’s Swat Valley eight months ago.

“I just tried to clean my hands in the cold water outside but they are still dirty. I cannot clean my clothes. It’s been one month since I could have a shower.”

Most lie down in close quarters on filthy mattresses strewn across the icy, concrete floor. There are no toilets, nowhere to wash, and no privacy.

Some say it gets so cold at night that no matter how hungry and exhausted they are, they can’t sleep.

After they receive food from aid agencies once a day, migrants warm it up by the open fires they light by burning, wood, scraps, or any other material they can get their hands on.

The ground outside the ware-

house is frozen and slippery, and inside there is garbage on the floor.

The youngest migrant CNN encountered was 12 and alone, without gloves or a scarf to help shield him from the constant cold.

These terrible conditions are a stone’s throw from the bustling cafes, restaurants and busy office buildings of a European capital city.

Migrants use this icy thin plank to get from one hall to the back of the building where they have a minimum of privacy to go to the toilet.

Aleksandar Vulin, Serbia’s Minister for Labour, Employment, Veteran and Social Affairs, says the government has provided facilities

for all migrants in Serbia, and that those living outside official facilities are choosing to do so and are being irresponsible.

Ivan Miskovic, from Serbia’s Commissariat for Refugees and Migration, says migrants living in abandoned warehouses in Belgrade are there because they are refusing to enter the asylum system.

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.

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Friday, January 13, 2017

Bali News

International

Organic farming and climate change mitigation

ELECTRIC fan spinning fast exuded fresh air in the Secretariat of the Indonesian Forum for Environment (WALHI) Bali on Wednesday (Jan. 11). In the room measuring 3.5 x 3 meters have been present the Executive Director of WALHI Bali, Suriadi Darmoko and Program Division of WALHI Bali, Gilang Pratama. Both young men are usually often seen in various actions of rejecting the Benoa Bay reclamation plan. Probably, no people presume that they directly get involved in reviving the awareness of farmers to go back to organic farm.

“We do not want to use the term ‘organic’ because it has a stigma like something new or expensive.

Moreover, if farmers are given organic farming, they will be difficult to understand. Actually, in practice it has already been carried out by farmers,” said Gilang when opening the conversation.

According to Gilang, WALHI Bali has been assisting one of the farmer groups in Penebel, Tabanan, since 2013 especially the farmers of red rice. In fact, it is easier for them to remind about farming system they have done before switching to conventional agriculture. The term ‘organic’ is then changed into healthy or natural agriculture so that it is easily understood.

Suriadi or Moko chimed in that when talking about organic, farmers just imagine that they have to buy organic fertilizers so that it is the same as conventional farming.

In other words, farmers equally spend money on fertilizer. Moreover, organic fertilizer is also pro-

duced by the producers of chemical fertilizers. Actually, the concept of organic farming should reduce the production cost of farmers.

“When we talk about natural farming, we utilize everything that can be found around the farming area so the imagination will also be different. Well ... we can use manure, use cow urine and then use local seeds. Ultimately, they need fewer capitals,” he said.

“When planting local rice seedlings, in terms of the age, it is much longer but has no dependence on pesticides. On the contrary, when using hybrid seeds or genetically modified organism (GMO), they

have a dependency where all the processes will lead to factory. But, when using natural farming, factories are not working,” he said.

That is why, added Moko, natural farming has an impact in the context of pressing climate change.

Virtually there is no carbon footprint generated because the factories do not operate. “The artificial ones, before planted alone, have produced carbon,” Gilang added.

In terms of process, continued Gilang, wider community has

Farming is an important field especially is reducing the climate change

IBP/file

known if climate has changed. One of the solutions is reinforcing this nature through natural processes.

“This natural agriculture seeks to reduce soil pollution and water pollution. In long term, it will definitely improve environmental quality by degrees. In the long run, it will also strengthen our nature in the face of climate change,” he explained.

When interviewed separately, a lecturer of Agriculture and Climatology at the Udayana University, Dr. Ni Luh Kartini, mentioned that organic farming is a part of the climate change mitigation. Organic fertilizer composed of natural materials is said to be able to improve water affinity in the soil. Biodiversity is also well maintained because the concept of organic farming does not kill pests that may break the food chain.

“Similarly, it has something to do with the rules of how to grow well, how to sustain nature and how to keep the quality of soil so that it will remain good,” she said.

Kartini added that the government needs to force farmers in order that they go back to organic farm. “Here, there is no courage to change, whereas we are already on the threshold of destruction. People close their eyes and ears, including the experts do not want to come to encourage,” she complained. (rin)

High voltage transmission line gets problem at Segara Rupek PLN asked to optimize power plant capacity

SINGARAJA - Bali Crossing electricity transmission line development project in the forest area of West Bali National Park (TNBB) at Sumber Kelampok village, Gerokgak, has not been followed up so far. Nevertheless, the Buleleng House of Representatives still watches the development project designed to supply power from Java to Bali so as to replace the existing submarine cable networks.

Earlier this year, Commission II of the Buleleng House of Representatives coordinated with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) and the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK). The parliament suggested the PLN to optimize the generation capacity having been operating without establishing Bali Crossing power transmission line currently

hampered due to the rules on the sanctity radius of temple.

Chairman of Commission II, Putu Mangku Budiasa, when contacted on Wednesday (Jan. 11) said that Bali Crossing power transmission line construction project is targeted to realize the Bali energy independence. However, the electricity project using the high voltage tower of electricity transmission line (SUTET) as high as 376 meters is still problematic because the coordinate points of the high voltage towers are within the sanctity radius of temple. In accordance with the bhisama or stipulation of the Hindu Dharma Council of Indonesia (PHDI), sanctity radius of universal temple is set two kilometers from the border of temple compound wall.

However, pursuant to the initial planning of the project preparation, the coordinates of tower claimed to be higher than the Eiffel Tower is located 350 meters away from the Segara Rupek Temple.

In addition, the regional bylaw (Perda) on Bali provincial spatial plan (RTRWP) and regional bylaw on Buleleng district spatial plan (RTRWK) also stipulate that the development of energy networks is equipped with an environmental impact assessment.

In this case, the provincial and district government shall be involved despite the coordinates of the tower belonging to the high voltage electricity transmission line sits in the TNBB forest fully managed by the central government.

“So far, there is no continuation

of the project. Dissemination to the authorities at Sumber Kelampok village and customary village has not been performed. We do not keep silent. Pursuant to our authority, we reserve the right to oversee the project and coordinate with central government as one of our efforts to seek clarification about the project so that do not bring in problems later on,” he said.

According to this PDI-P politician from Selat village, Sukasada, since the tower of power transmission line construction project in the western Buleleng faces a problem, his commission offers an alternative to the PLN in order to be more focused on boosting the existing production plant. He exemplified that capacity of the existing Celukan Bawang coal-fired power plant

(PLTU) can be optimized.

For this matter, he suggested the use of eco-friendly fuels. In addition, PLN can start designing the utilization of Titab-Ularan reservoir that has been filled in with water to be managed as hydroelectric power plant (PLTA). With these efforts, he is confident the target of Bali to achieve energy independence can be realized compared to Bali Crossing power project that is apparently more focused on the short-term electricity solution.

“Based on the explanation, since the beginning this project is intended for short-term solution. In my opinion, it is better to optimize the existing ones and make new plants, so that they will be more convincing to pursue the target of Bali as energy independence,” he said. (kmb38)

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Activities

International

Friday, January 13, 2017

15

Celebration of World Hindi Day and Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Bali

The Consulate General of India, Bali, in collaboration with Brahma Kumaris Denpasar celebrated World Hindi Day on Monday, 9th January 2017. For the promotion of Hindi Language in Balinese Community, this programme was joined by participants from Balineseas well

as Indian community enjoyed the celebration of World Hindi Day. The Hindi DayCelebration was started with welcome address by Mr. Subrata Sarkar the Vice Consul followed by Prime Minister Message which was delivered by the Vice Consul. On the same day and the same occasion, the Consulate

WEEKLY EVENTS and FARMERS MARKETS EVERY SATURDAY Meditation class by Mangku Budi Dharma 14-16:30 Bona, Blahbatuh meet at Ubud Cocomarket at 13:00 Saturday Market Oldman’s Cafe Canggu, Batu Bolong Beach, pottery fresh produce, clothing Sand Beach Club and Restaurant, Sanur Every second Saturday Biasa Art Space, Jl. Raya Seminyak 24, Seminyak, Fresh produce, potted plants, meat pie, sshie, coffee and more.

Every Saturday 9AM-2PM OrganIc Farmer’s Market Pizza Bagus (Jl. Pengosekan), Ubud EVERY SUNDAY Soul to soul spirituall dialogue Anand Ashram, Ubud Jl Sri Wedari KM 3 Mantra chanting 6-6:30pm Navaraha Arati 6:30-6:45pm Meditation, Satsang and celebration 6:45-8:30pm www.ubudashram.org SUNDAY MARKETS 10AM 1PM Sunday Market at Batu Jimbar Jl. Danau Tablingan , Sanur 10AM-4PM The Sands Beach Club and Restaurant Sunday MArket Jl. Danau Tamblingan, No 27, Sanur 9:30AM-1PM Sunday Market @ Warung Sopa Jl. Sugriwas no36, Padang Tegal, Ubud 9AM-2PM Samadi Sunday Market Jalan. Padang Linjong 39, Canggu, 9AM-2PM Wednesday and Sunday Ubud Organik Market Jl. Raya Pengosekan across from Zens Hotel Tebesaya, Ubud 12PM-10PM Sunday Food Festival & Bazaar Byrdhouse Beach Club, Sanur 10AM-6PM, Mercure,last sunday of every month, jl. ,Mertasari, Sanur, fashion food and and kids activities The Coffee Spot, Jalan Peigenet 888X,Seminyak, last Sunday of every month, garage sale clothing, books, and hand-made jewellery

also celebrated Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD). The Pravasi Bharati-

ya Divas is celebrated every year on 9th January to mark the con-

tribution of the Overseas Indian community in the development of India.

The first PBD was held in New Delhi in 2003 and January 9 was chosen as the day to celebrate this occasion since it was on this day in 1915 that Mahatma Gandhi, the greatest Pravasi,returned to India from South Africa, led India’s freedom struggle and changed the lives of Indians forever. The celebration of PBD abroad gives the Indian nationals working abroad and People of Indian Origin to connect with their roots and have a sense of belonging to the mother country.

This programme of World Hindi Day was filled with interactive Hindi Class by Mrs. Preeti Sinha from Indian Culture Centre, Bali.

Furthermore, this programme also had a Hindi vocabulary quiz. The first prize of quiz was gone to Team of Sister Trisna and Sister Rita respectively the second and third prize won by Team of Brother Anom and Sister Ardani, and Team of Devi and Kezia.

Brother Anom, one of participants from Brahma Kumaris performed a patriotic song with title ‘Har Karam Apna Karenge Ai Watan Tere Liye’ which was listened by all participants. The programme which was smoothly delivered by ICC and Consulate General India staff members and volunteers was also enlivened by the song performance of Mr. Veer Sachdeva who sang a song with title ‘Lakdhi Ki Kathi’ which has meaning ‘playing with wooden horse’.

Moreover, other performance such as poem recital was also presented during the programme. Mr. Ayushman K. Suraj presented ‘Ganesh Vandana’. Mr. Alind K. Suraj presented his own poem about life with title ‘Maan Ki Awaaj’.

Meanwhile, Vice Consul presented a poem with title ‘Parichay’. At the end, the programme was closed with presentation of Indian tourism literature, Hindi learning kit, and certificate to all participants.

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Friday, January 13, 2017

Fashion

International

International

Tukad Mungga village, center for qualified bricks

Vivienne Westwood closes London men’s fashion week in eccentric style LONDON - Britain’s dame of fashion Vivienne Westwood wrapped up London Fashion Week Men’s on Monday with an eclectic collection showcasing edgy designs that included dresses for men.

Westwood, 75, who is known for her eccentric creations and environmental activism, presented both menswear and womenswear for her autumn/winter 2017/18 “Ecotricity” line, putting men in dresses and skirts and ties on women.

Models wore colourful knits made up of jumpers and trousers as well as long dresses and arm cuffs, at times slit on the sides.

Men’s suits were deconstructed or had wide, ankle length trousers and sometimes were worn with long cloaks.

Women’s jackets had asymmetric cuts or exaggerated shoulders.

Shirts had large collars and colourful prints and patterns, including skulls and faces, adorned most designs.

“She and he are having fun with unisex and swapping clothes,” shownotes for the collection read. “’Buy less, choose well, make it last’ limits the exploitation of the planet’s natural resources.”

Outfits were often layered and looks were accessorised with face paint, paper crowns, colourful socks, tights and boots.

Westwood, who previously showed menswear in Milan, was the biggest name at the four-day London event following the departure of brands like luxury label Burberry.

“London is my home. I regret leaving Milan because they’ve been so kind to me,” the designer said backstage.

“It’s just easier and more efficient for us to be here.”

Burberry will present its menswear collection alongside its womenswear line at London’s higher profile women’s fashion week next month. (rtr)

C O M M U N I T Y o f Tu k a d Mungga, Buleleng, does not only engage in the agricultural sector.

However, through generations they also engage in brick making. Amid the growing development of modern building materials, how is the business prospect of this craft?

Tukad Mungga village is located near the town of Singaraja. When entering the area adjacent to Pemaron village, the eyes are not only faced with fertile soil condition that makes it very suitable for development of various types of plants.

A number of communities that live around the village center are also seen busily arranging their bricks that have been recently dried. Other people are seen mixing materials and piling up coconut fibers.

A brick maker, I Nyoman Witana, told that the business has been carried out through generations. Many people engage in the business. After the emergence of various types of building walls, this manually produced brick remains to have a very promising prospect.

It can be seen from the businesses remaining to survive.

“Prospect of this business is still very promising. It is not inferior when compared to the other materials,” he said on Tuesday (Jan. 10).

Brick product by local markers, he said, does not only meet the demand in Buleleng district.

Moreover, it has also been distributed to all districts in Bali and some to Banyuwangi. The purchase is mostly used for the construction of villas. “The order is pretty much.

Sometimes we are overwhelmed to meet the demand. They come from various regions,” he said.

Such high demand is inseparable from the quality possessed.

In terms of durability, it has been very much considered. Likewise, it has fine structure. “The demand is a lot, well... it definitely happens due to consideration of quality,” said Witana.

Headman of Tukad Mungga, I Made Arka, revealed that brick craft has existed through generations. It does not only have an impact on the brick makers, but also on other community members.

“This business can create job opportunities. Some residents can take the opportunities as brick porters. Transport services by vehicle can run as well,” he said.

A total of 15 residents are involved in the brick productions of large enough quantities. It adapts to the number of demands. “Until now, this craft business is still very promising,” he said. (sos)

Bali News

Friday, January 13, 2017

3

IBP/kmb

Some divers have encountered this ancient fish in the waters of Pejukutan village, precisely on Atuh Beach attraction and neighborhood of Seribu Island.

Sunfish appears in forbidden zone

Atuh Beach starts to be thronged by divers

SEMARAPURA - Nusa Penida is renowned for the habitat of sunfish. This ancient fish has even been made into the icon of Nusa Penida Island since it becomes one of the tourist attractions. Moreover, the existence of the large, tailless and heavyweight fish with round flat shape and soaring fin upwards and downwards cannot be easily found at other locations. It can only be seen at particular time in July and September at two locations, namely the Blue Corner and Crystal Bay at Penida village.

IBP/file

In Tukad Mungga village a total of 15 residents are involved in the brick productions of large enough quantities.

However, since this week some divers have encountered this ancient fish in the waters of Pejukutan village, precisely on Atuh Beach attraction and neighborhood of Seribu Island or Mollenteng Hill that is also known as the Raja Lima. As a result, not a few divers started to throng the Atuh Beach just to see this ancient fish. The problem is that the area (Atuh) belongs to the core or forbidden zone because it is used for fish breeding. Thus, the beach and the

sea should be sterilized from all the activities of divers.

“This is very unfortunate. Since the appearance of sunfish occurs in the core zone, there should be no divers there,” said Chief of Nusa Penida Water Conservation Area (KKP), I Nyoman Kariawan, on Tuesday (Jan. 10).

He did not know technically how sunfish is now living on the Atuh Beach. Previously such uniquely shaped fish only appeared on the spot of Cristal Bay and only emerged in particular months.

“We do not know for sure why sunfish could be seen there (Atuh). Parasites on the body of this fish are usually eaten by small fish. Possibly there are a lot of small fish in the region, so the sunfish also come there,” he explained.

Then, what efforts have been made by the KKP Nusa Penida for this? Karyawan only said that his unit will coordinate with police, in this case the Marine Police of Klungkung, to take control any time. In the meantime, his unit can just call for divers and fishermen not to disturb the existence of sunfish. (119)

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Friday, January 13, 2017

Bali News

International

Balinese style concrete craft increasingly popular

Friday, January 13, 2017

International

Samsung chief questioned by prosecutors in S.Korea political scandal

BANGLI - Balinese style concrete craft in Bangli district is engaged by relatively small number of people. Although they are minimal, this concrete craft has promising prospect because a lot of people who build a home, shrine et cetera currently use Balinese style concrete.

A craftsman pursuing this business, I Nengah Jarna, when met at his residence at Gunaksa hamlet, Cempaga, on Wednesday (Jan. 11), told about the origin of his Balinese style concrete craft business. At first, he just wanted to make a try.

He was previously a laborer at concrete block making near his home.

Since his boss went bankrupt then, he was eventually unemployed.

Departing from such condition, he tried to pursue Balinese style concrete craft.

“At the beginning, our product did not use any carvings. Since it was still learning, our mould was still without carving. So, our products were plain,” said Jarna.

Over time, the business initiated in 1995 is increasingly advanced and growing rapidly. It can be seen from the arrival of many orders from various regions in Bali.

Moreover, due to many orders since 2002, he is overwhelmed to work on.

“At that time, I still worked on the orders alone for not having employee. Being unable to handle all the incoming orders, I finally decided to recruit employees to help the workmanship of the orders

so that they can be accomplished more quickly,” he said.

This husband to Wayan Ariani added that currently he has employed 18 employees to work on the orders coming from all districts in Bali. Most orders come from Bangli, Gianyar and Klungkung.

Only a few orders also come from Karangasem, Jembrana and Buleleng. “The types of his craft product include pillar, bale dangin pavilion, chamber shrine, piyasan pavilion et cetera. It is adjusted to the order.

We just make when receiving an order,” he said He admitted the public interest in Balinese style concrete craft is quite high lately. It happens because it can last longer than using wood. However, there are also people disliking such concrete craft and still prefer to use wood for the carvings.

“Concrete craft can last for hundreds of years, while wood product can only last for decades as it can turn damaged. Then, it depends on the community, if they are not happy with concrete product, they cannot be forced. It also has something to do with their financial capability,” he explained.

REUTERS/Olivia Harris/File Photo

IBP/Eka Parananda

The maker of Balinese style concrete. this concrete craft has promising prospect because a lot of people who build a home, shrine et cetera currently use Balinese style concrete.

When asked about the price, Jarna explained it varies depending on the type of product. A plain product is much cheaper than the product with carvings. Here, he determines the price per meter of product.

“The price is IDR 300,000 per meter. A pillar without carvings costs IDR 550,000, while

the carved pillar will cost IDR 1 million. The price of bale daje (northern pavilion) can reach IDR 250 million,” said Jarna.

Furthermore, in the future he would like to continue his craft business having been practiced for decades. He did not want the Balinese style woodcarving will go extinct. Moreover, recently the Ba-

linese style building is increasingly rarer because people in Bali tend to establish modern building.

“Do not let Balinese carvings even disappear. It should continuously be maintained. As Balinese residence, we should be able to maintain the Balinese carvings in order to still develop,” he concluded. (kmb41)

Strong winds, crossing Respond to hoax news, services temporarily closed Bali police establish taskforce NEGARA - Due to bad weather condition, the Ketapang-Gilimanuk crossing services were closed on Wednesday afternoon (Jan. 11). Strong winds blowing in the Strait of Bali required all the skippers to be vigilant and the harbor authority terminated its operation temporarily. In addition to wind, heavy rains also blocked the view among the ships.

The closure on Wednesday was the second time in a week.

As the information compiled, the closure started at 14:50 where at the time the wind blew up to 30 knots per hour. The area of Gilimanuk and surrounding waters were also flushed by rain. A few minutes later or approximately at 15:25, the crossing services were reopened after the wind blew normally in the range of 9 knots per hour.

Chief Executive of Gilimanuk Harbor, Boss Mascot, confirmed to reporters about the closure of the crossing services because of bad weather. At that time, the wind blew very tightly between 25 to 30 knots per hour. It had an impact on the limited visibility of the ships. Some skippers making coordination with the harbor authority conveyed that the limited visibility among the ships was less than 50 meters.

Harbor authority then decided to close the crossing services temporarily. Mascot also mentioned that such closure was the second time in a week. Lately, the weather condition in the Bali Strait was less favorable. So, all the skippers are expected to be vigilant. (kmb26)

DENPASAR - Proliferation of hoax (fake) news is taken seriously

by Chief of Bali Police, Dr. Petrus R. Golose. Currently, his institution is establishing two task forces to deal with transnational crime and hoax news. This was announced

by Spokesman of Bali Police, Henky Wijaya, after press conference at Rupatama Room of Bali Police, Denpasar, on Wednesday (Jan. 11).

“We will establish transnational crime and the cyber troop taskforce.

Police are still selecting hundreds of members and the qualifying members will be recruited as a member of the taskforce,” he said.

The task force, said Hengky, will handle transnational crime cases.

He explained that there are eight types of crime belonging to this category, such as drug trafficking and pedophilia cases.

“Two cases (narcotics and pedophilia—Ed) get priority handling because there are many reports,” said Hengky. In addition, to handle narcotics cases as instructed by Bali police chief, the priority will be given to disclosure of drug syndicates and money laundering.

He was confident that if the taskforce is capable of handling or uncovering money laundry cases, it will unfold new criminal offenses.

“When talking about transnational crime and money laundering, it will usually spread to other crimes. For example, what the money used for and where the money was sent to,” he said.

In the formation of cyber troop task force, Bali police will use the intelligence media management (IMM). The IMM can monitor the presence of hoax news or news that makes Balinese people uneasy.

Furthermore, the taskforce members consist of Bali Police Public Relations in cooperation with the criminal investigation unit of the National Police Headquarters. This taskforce will counter the hoax news spreading in the community.

“With the IMM, we can annul or convey the real news in the community. This matter or known as counter narrative gets the attention from Bali police chief. It is pity that people get such news, let alone they are confident that the news is considered correct,” he said.

According to him, until now Bali is free from the threat of hoax news.

If found any persons spreading hoax news, they will be subject to the Law of Electronic Information and Transaction (ITE). “No cases are found in Bali yet. Hoax news still occurs in national and international level,” he said. (kmb36)

13

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Najib Razak arrives for a news conference at a mosque outside Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, July 5, 2015.

Discontent in Malay heartland may spell trouble for PM Najib

SUNGKAI - The Malaysian plantation district of Sungkai has become an initial - and unlikely - battleground for an election that embattled Prime Minister Najib Razak is expected to call this year.

Sungkai is home to ethnic Malays who work for the national palm plantation operator, Federal Land Development Authority (Felda).

Known as “Felda settlers”, they have long been among the beneficiaries of government affirmative action programmes for Malays, who form the majority of the population.

The Felda settlers have been a rock solid vote bank for Najib’s ruling coalition, even as urban Malays have poured into the opposition camp in recent years, alienated by a series of political scandals.

Najib’s coalition lost the popular vote in the last general election in 2013, but still won a majority of seats in Malaysia’s gerrymandered constituencies.

Malaysia’s opposition is hoping the settlers could be the next to defect, which was why opposition

lawmaker Rafizi Ramli on Sunday night was in Sungkai, a former mining town that now mainly relies on palm oil and rubber planting.

The settlers have been angered

by Felda’s decision to purchase a 37 percent stake in Indonesian palm oil firm PT Eagle High Plantations for $505 million, more than a 100 percent premium based on its closing share price on Wednesday.

FELDA’S DEBTS Eagle High is owned by one of Indonesia’s richest men, Peter Sondakh, who has done a number of deals in Malaysia and is a longtime friend of Najib.

Najib’s office did not respond to requests for comment about the deal. Sondakh has not publicly commented about the deal in Jakarta.

Just six months ago, Najib’s United Malays National Organi-

sation (UMNO) party secured a sweeping victory in a by-election in a neighbouring constituency in northern Perak state.

But on Sunday night, more than 300 people gathered on the lawn of a Sungkai resident under a dank tropical night to hear opposition lawmaker Rafizi Ramli tell the cheering crowd: “We will change our prime minister and our government.”

“Felda’s debts are growing ... and the government will use the settlers money to pay it off,” said Rafizi, a 39-year-old lawmaker from People’s Justice Party (PKR).

“If we don’t stop this, the debt will be shouldered by our future generations.”

Felda has said the deal will not impact its existing commitments and programmes to improve the well-being of the settlers. Felda itself is planning a series of roadshows to convince settlers in its plantation areas of the deal’s benefits. (rtr)

SEOUL - Special South Korean prosecutors questioned the head of top conglomerate Samsung Group on suspicion of bribery on Thursday in an influence-peddling scandal that led to President Park Geun-hye’s impeachment.

Park remains in office but has been stripped of her powers while the Constitutional Court decides whether to uphold the December impeachment and make her the first democratically elected leader to be forced from office.

Park has denied wrongdoing.

“I am very sorry to the South Korean people for not showing a better side,” Samsung Group leader Jay Y. Lee told reporters as he arrived at the prosecution office in a black sedan, greeted by protesters holding signs calling for his arrest and accusing him of being the president’s accomplice.

Investigators would now decide whether to seek an arrest warrant against Lee, 48, special prosecution spokesman Lee Kyu-chul told reporters.

Parliament impeached Park over allegations she allowed a friend, Choi Soon-sil, to exert inappropriate influence over state affairs.

Choi is accused of colluding with Park to pressure big businesses, including the Samsung Group, to contribute to non-profit foundations backing the president’s initiatives.

Choi, in detention and on trial on charges of abuse of power and attempted fraud, has denied wrongdoing.

Prosecutors named Lee a suspect on Wednesday and are investigating

whether Samsung gave 30 billion won ($25.28 million) to a business and foundations backed by Choi in exchange for the national pension fund’s support for a 2015 merger of Samsung C&T Corp and Cheil Industries Inc. Lee in December denied accusations the conglomerate sought to curry favour with Park or Choi to secure the 2015 merger, a deal seen as critical for ensuring family control of the conglomerate as generational succession looms.

Wearing a dark suit, white shirt and dark red tie, Lee bowed after making brief remarks to reporters.

A Samsung Group spokeswoman declined to comment on the investigation.

Proving improper dealings between Park, or Choi, and Samsung would be key for the prosecutors’ case, analysts said, noting their goal was to prove Park or her surrogates took bribes from corporations in exchange for favours.

The special prosecution spokesman said investigators were also looking into whether Lee lied during a December parliamentary hearing about Samsung’s involvement in the scandal, as well as whether he could be charged with breach of trust or embezzlement.

Investigators questioned two senior Samsung Group executives this week as witnesses.

The special prosecution has not begun investigations into any other conglomerates. Dozens of South Korean corporate groups made contributions to the two foundations, but Samsung’s donations were the largest. (rtr)

REUTERS/Ahn Young-joon/Pool

Jay Y. Lee, center, vice chairman of Samsung Electronics, arrives to be questioned as a suspect in bribery case in the influence-peddling scandal that led to the president’s impeachment at the office of the independent counsel in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Jan. 12, 2017.

12

International

Friday, January 13, 2017

International

BUSINESS

Bali News

Friday, January 13, 2017

5

World food prices fall in 2016 for fifth straight year - UN FAO

ROME - World food prices fell for a fifth straight year in 2016 as losses in cereals, meat and dairy outweighed rises in sugar and vegetable oils, the United Nations food agency said on Thursday.

Prices remained stable in December from the month before, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) main food price index, which has edged up steadily after hitting a seven-year low in January.

The full year 2016 logged a 1.5 percent annual drop in the index, which measures monthly changes for a basket of cereals, oilseeds, dairy products, meat and sugar.

December’s reading of 171.8 points versus 171.9 points in November resulted from strong gains in vegetable oils and dairy largely offseting falls in sugar and meat, the FAO said.

Sugar prices rose by about a third across the year, despite an 8.6 percent dip in December that mainly stemmed from a weaker Brazilian real against the dollar and an expected jump in production in Brazil’s main sugarcane-growing region.

“Economic uncertainties, including movements in exchange rates, are likely to influence food markets even more ... this year,” FAO senior economist Abdolreza Abbassian said.

Cereal prices steadily declined during the year, ending 39 percent below their 2011 peak.

Vegetable oil prices reached their highest since July 2014 in December. Palm oil rose on low global inventory levels and tight supplies, while soy oil quotations were boosted by the prospect of rising use for biodiesel in North and South America. (rtr)

Residents of East Duda Hold Tug-of-War in Muddy Field

REUTERS/Paulo Whitaker

Consumers shop for food at a market in Sao Paulo, Brazil January 11, 2017.

German economy grows at fastest rate in 5 years

BERLIN - The German economy, the major driver of euro zone growth, expanded by 1.9 percent in 2016, the strongest rate in five years, a preliminary estimate from the Federal Statistics Office showed on Thursday, Europe’s largest economy is benefiting from rising private consumption and increased state spending on refugees, compensating for a weaker contribution from trade amid sluggish demand from major trading partners and emerging markets.

Economists polled by Reuters had expected growth in gross domestic product (GDP) of 1.8 percent for 2016 after an expansion rate of 1.7 percent in the previous year. The growth rate of 1.9 percent matched the highest forecast in the poll.

The Statistics Office said it estimated growth was around 0.5 percent for the fourth quarter.

“The German economy in 2016 once again defied an entire series of downside risks, thanks to strong domestic demand,” REUTERS/Michaela Rehle/File Photo said ING economist Carsten Brzeski, addA man walks past driver cabins in the truck production plant of German truck ing that Germany’s biggest risk now was and bus maker MAN AG in Munich, Germany, July 30, 2015. complacency.

“The economy urgently needs new impetus from new structural reforms and stronger public and private investment. It is very unlikely that it will get any of these before the elections,” he said.

Germany goes to the polls for a federal election in September.

A breakdown of the 2016 GDP figures showed private consumption rose by an adjusted 2.0 percent on the year, contributing 1.1 percentage points to the overall 2016 growth rate.

State spending jumped by 4.2 percent after a rise of 2.7 percent in 2015. The increased state spending added 0.8 percentage points to the overall growth rate.

Investment in machinery and equipment contributed 0.1 percentage points while construction added 0.3 points. As exports rose less strongly than imports, net foreign trade subtracted 0.1 percentage point from the overall growth rate.

Germany’s Ifo economic institute said last month the economy will rebound more strongly than previously expected in the fourth quarter and this growth momentum will carry through into 2017. (rtr)

Exciting activity like this will intrigue everyone. Residents of East Duda, Selat, Karangasem, held tug-of-war in the mud so that it became a very special attraction. Unsurprisingly, this traditional sport drew appreciation and extraordinary adrenaline. It is more challenging and needs prime energy and carefulness in thinking of beating their rivals. Obviously, the challenge is far more different from the tug-ofwar on grass.

The atmosphere became more interesting when the whole body of the players was covered in mud. Their hair, face to other parts of the body was filled with mud. For newcomers, it is really a very interesting attraction when taking action to drag the rope and avoid the sprinkle of mud.

The participants consisted of representatives from nine hamlets throughout East Duda village where each delegated one men’s team and one women’s team.

Each team has ten personnel. At that time, the contest was followed by the women’s team of Pesangkan Anyar hamlet against the women’s team of Batu Gede hamlet. Though the participants were women, the contest became more exciting than the tug-of-war on the grass. If they already got dragged, it would be difficult to hold because it was quite slippery and heavy.

Even though being flushed by heavy rains, it did not dampen the vivacity of the residents to play or to watch the contest. “The event is aimed at encouraging young people into farming. This tug-ofwar in the mud actually has become an annual event held every Christmas or

December 25,” said headman of East Duda, I Gede Pawana.

READ Shanti Toya Ashram, Retreat Center for Yoga and Wellbeing Such an event is also associated with the anniversary of East Duda village. It is intended for entertainment, inspiring and motivating young people so that they want to get involved in the paddy field activity as farmers. “Contest of the tug-of-war in the mud is held in one of the paddy fields at Subak Pesangkan.

Formerly, the field was converted into a snakefruit orchard. This activity is also to welcome the arrival of harvest season,” he explained.

Tug-of-war activity in the mud got appreciation from the Regent of Karangasem, IGA Mas Sumatri. According to her, the tug-of-war in the mud is not only able to increase togetherness, but also proves that village government is able to implement its work program and get appreciation from its residents.

“Actually this tug-of-war activity serves as a medium to build civilizations and closer friendship as the indicator if the work program of the village has run relatively well,” she said. (kmb)

Jaja Gina Misi Tape

Have you ever enjoyed jaja gina misi tape or gina cake served with fermented rice? Gina is the name of cake, a traditional Balinese cake.

On the celebration of Galungan, jaja gina misi tape always graces the offerings of the Hindu community to be presented to God. It is rarely found because it is just made on certain days or certain Hindu holidays. Having been presented to God, it can then be consumed.

Sometimes this cake is deliberately made as the main menu served to guests when making a visit to the home of the newlywed couple.

It has become a tradition, if there are people carrying out wedding ceremony before Galungan, the other communities will give offerings as congratulation. As the exchange of the gift presented is jaja gina misi tape.

This cake has a very sweet taste, but do not consume excessively because it can cause fever.

Children, teenager and parents used to consume this jaja gina misi tape. However, the fermented rice should not be let for too long because its wine will melt. When let for long time, it will not taste good. Typically, the fermented rice has a good taste after three days from the making.

Jaja gina is a dry cake denoting an ancestral heritage where not everyone can make. It is almost required every day to fill in the offerings and is also good to accompany morning coffee.

This can be preserved to be practically used when necessary. To preserve, it can be dried and put into a container without preservatives.

IBP/kmb

READ Buleleng Palace This cake is made of white sticky rice, while the fermented rice is made from rice, white sticky rice or black sticky rice in accordance with the taste. Wash the sticky rice and steam until cooked. Take out and cool down before being sprinkled with yeast. Then, wrap in clean banana leaf and allow for 2-3 days for fermentation process to run successfully. In the wrapping process, keep away from free air and scent of salt because it can disrupt the fermentation process. (kmb)

6

Friday, January 13, 2017

W

International

RLD

Trump accuses U.S. spy agencies of Nazi practices over ‘phony’ Russia dossier

NEW YORK - President-elect Donald Trump escalated a fight with U.S. spy agencies on Wednesday, just nine days before he takes over their command as president, and accused them of practices reminiscent of Nazi Germany.

The Republican said leaks from the intelligence community led to some U.S. media outlets reporting unsubstantiated claims that he was caught in a compromising position in Russia.

“I think it was disgraceful, disgraceful that the intelligence agencies allowed any information that turned out to be so false and fake out. I think it’s a disgrace, and I say that ... that’s something that Nazi Germany would have done and did do,” Trump told a news conference in New York.

Trump acknowledged for the first time that Russia likely hacked the Democratic National Committee and the emails of top Democrats during the 2016 presidential

election. “I think it was Russia,” he said, pointing out that other countries were also hacking the United States.

Trump’s comments about spy agencies such as the CIA are likely to intensify tensions between the intelligence community and the president-elect, who initially disparaged its conclusion that a Russian hacking campaign was aimed at boosting his candidacy against Democrat Hillary Clinton.

Trump, who takes office on Jan. 20, called a dossier that makes salacious claims about him in Russia “fake news” and “phony stuff.”

U.S. Director of National Intelligence James Clapper said he spoke with Trump on Wednesday evening

and told the president-elect he did not believe the media leaks came from the intelligence community.

“I expressed my profound dismay at the leaks that have been appearing in the press, and we both agreed that they are extremely corrosive and damaging to our national security,” Clapper said in a statement.

He defended including the dossier in the intelligence report Trump received on Friday, saying “part of our obligation is to ensure that policymakers are provided with the fullest possible picture of any matters that might affect national security.”

Clapper said he emphasized to Trump that the dossier was not produced by the U.S. intelligence community and intelligence officials have not judged whether the information is reliable. (rtr)

AP Photo/Evan Vucci

In this Jan. 11, 2017, photo, President-elect Donald Trump speaks during a news conference in the lobby of Trump Tower in New York.

Migrants...

From page 1

“They stay there for their own reasons, whether it’s waiting for smugglers, waiting for money transfers, or the apprehension to enter the asylum system,” he said.

Miskovic added that there is

space for everyone in camps during this cold snap, with or without the police registration papers which are usually needed to obtain a bed in reception centers.

“The Commissariat has appealed to all migrants who are out of the official system to come to any reception center and they will be ac-

commodated. It’s not the time, with this freezing weather, to follow procedure to the letter,” he said. Todor Gardos, an Amnesty International researcher who was in Belgrade last week, told CNN: “We met quite a lot of children -- from 11 and upwards, who are there on their own.

“People are complaining about

International

Friday, January 13, 2017

Transportation minister orders evaluation of flight SOP

REUTERS/Pierre Albouy

European Union Foreign Policy Chief Federica Mogherini arrives for the Conference on Cyprus at the European headquarters of the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, January 12, 2017.

Britain, Turkey, Greece meet to discuss Cyprus settlement GENEVA - Foreign ministers of Britain, Greece and Turkey were to meet in Geneva on Thursday in an attempt to thrash out a security deal for a post-settlement reunited Cyprus.

For the first time in decades, the three countries were to address a 1960 treaty which allows intervention in Cyprus, a pretext used by at least one of them to intervene in the island in the past.

Cyprus was split in a Turkish invasion in 1974 following a brief coup engineered by the military then ruling Greece. It has been divided since, with Turkish Cypriots in its north and Greek Cypriots in its south.

Nicos Anastasiades and Mustafa Akinci, the respective leaders of the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities, have been in Geneva for four days trying to reach a deal which would see the country united again under a two-state federation.

“I welcome the continued courage and commitment that has been shown by both sides,” British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said in a statement. “The talks in Geneva on the Cyprus settlement offer both

sides a unique opportunity to find a solution.”

London was willing to help in any way it could, he added.

Greek Cypriots, who represent Cyprus in the EU, want the guarantor system dismantled because of Turkey’s invasion in 1974. Turkish Cypriots, who were targeted by Greek Cypriot nationalists before the war, want Turkish guarantees maintained.

In a groundbreaking move on Wednesday, the sides submitted proposals on how to define the boundaries between the two sides.

Greek and Turkish Cypriots plan to submit maps to the United Nations detailing their proposals on territorial boundaries between constituent states in a two-zone federation.

Britain, the former colonial power in Cyprus, has offered to relinquish about 50 percent of territory it still retains on the island, known as sovereign base areas, to facilitate a deal.

One of its two bases in Cyprus, Akrotiri, is a Royal Air Force outpost which has been instrumental in attacking Islamic State targets in Iraq. (rtr)

cold, quite a lot of them don’t have the shoes and socks you need for this weather. The fires have a lot of negative consequences ... suffering from asthma and other smoke inhalation problems -- it’s a toxic environment.”

The bleakness of their surroundings is not lost on residents of

the warehouse who fled perilous situations back home, only to find themselves confronted by another in Serbia.

“We live in very bad conditions,” Hayat Ali, the Pakistani migrant, said. “In my country the Taliban is against us, here in Belgrade the weather is against us.” (rtr)

SEMARANG - Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi has instructed a thorough evaluation of the flight standard operation procedure (SOP) after several cases of pilots consuming drugs came to light.

“I saw that some people have ignored the regulation, and if they cannot do their job properly, we will sack them,” Budi informed the press here, Thursday.

The minister inspected the renovation project of the Ahmad Yani International Airport in Semarang.

In December last year, an Indonesian budget airline had fired a pilot suspected of attempting to fly an aircraft while he was drunk.

Earlier, in a separate case, three crew members comprising a pilot and two flight attendants were arrested for allegedly consuming crystal methamphetamine, known locally as shabu-shabu, at a hotel.

Budi said the case has shown that

Indonesias aviation sector is facing an alarming situation.

He reiterated that the industry will need stringent regulation and discipline. “However, it seems that some people have ignored the regulation,” he emphasized.

The ministry will take legal action against those who violate the regulation and endanger passengers in a bid to ensure aviation safety in Indonesia.

Earlier, on Wednesday, 44 aviation personnel, including pilots, co-pilots, stewardesses, and students of an aviation school, had underdone urine tests conducted by the Cilacap narcotics agency.

The agency found two foreign pilots, identified as BH and DE, who had tested positive for the intake of morphine, but they claimed to have not taken any drugs during the past week. They were transferred to East Jakarta for further investigation. (ant)

REUTERS/Edgar Su/File Photo

FILE PHOTO - A Tiger Airways plane is towed on the runway past Singapore Airlines and Tiger Airways planes sitting on the tarmac at Changi Airport in Singapore July 21, 2014.

11

Indonesia’s land transfer a breakthrough for indigenous rights - activist

BANGKOK - Indonesia’s decision to return customary lands to indigenous peoples is a breakthrough for their rights and a boost to campaigners pushing for a slowdown in deforestation in the Southeast Asian country, a leading rights activist said.

President Joko Widodo announced on Dec. 30 that Indonesia would return 13,000 hectares of customary lands to nine indigenous communities, and committed to giving back a total of 12.7 million hectares to local and indigenous groups.

Veteran indigenous rights campaigner Abdon Nababan, who attended the announcement at the presidential palace, said it was an encouraging sign for the traditional custodians of Indonesia’s forests.

“In our constitution, since (independence in) 1945, there has been strong recognition and respect for indigenous rights, but until the end of last year, there has been no real legal recognition,” said Nababan, secretary general of the Indigenous Peoples Alliance of the Archipelago (AMAN). “This is the first time,” he told the Thomson Reuters Foundation by telephone from Jakarta.

Indonesia has been a focus of global efforts to rein in greenhouse gas emissions caused by widespread deforestation of swampy, carbon-rich peatlands to make way for plantations for industries such as palm oil, pulp and paper.

The deforested, drained peatlands are highly flammable, and smouldering peatland fires have caused choking haze across Southeast Asia in recent years.

These forests are often in remote areas long inhabited by indigenous peoples, who may not have the documents proving their land ownership or the ability to counter land acquisition by the government and corporations. Most of the returned land is state forestland, Nababan said.

It includes a 5,000-hectare concession in North Sumatra province granted in 1992 to Indonesia-based pulp manufacturer Toba Pulp Lestari, company official Anwar Lawden said.

“With regards to the land claimed within our concession by several communities, we have been working with the Ministry of Forestry office for a long

term solution,” Lawden said in an emailed response to questions.

AMAN’s Nababan, who began working on indigenous rights two decades ago, said the returned lands comprise a fraction of the 8.23 million hectares that some 700 indigenous communities have asked the government to return. Government officials did not respond to requests for comment.

Granting customary lands would be the most cost effective solution to fighting climate change and securing sources of water and food, he added.

“If you recognise and protect indigenous peoples’ rights, it’s the cheapest way for the world to reduce emissions, to keep land productive, to produce food organically and also to keep hydrological systems working to provide water for people,” he said.

Last year, research group, the World Resources Institute, released a study showing deforestation rates on land formally owned by indigenous groups were about 2.5 times lower than on other territories because indigenous peoples were more likely to conserve the forest than other users. (rtr)

REUTERS/Muhammad Yamin/File Photo

FILE PHOTO - Freeport McMoRan Copper & Gold’s mine workers share a moment with security personnel as they walk at Grasberg mine area in Tembagapura, Indonesia Papua province, August 14, 2013.

Cirebon immigration deports four Chinese nationals

CIREBON - The Cirebon immigration office has deported four Chinese nationals for violating their stay permits in Indonesia.

“The four foreigners were deported to Beijing on Tuesday (Jan 10) at 10:45 p.m. WIB (Western Indonesian Standard Time) aboard Garuda Indonesia Airways flight number GA890 from the Soekarno Hatta In-

ternational Airport,” Raja Ulul Azmi, head of the Cirebon immigration offices supervision and enforcement section, stated here, Wednesday.

Although the Chinese citizens arrived on visit visas, they were in fact working in a Hebel factory in West Palimanan Village, Gempol Sub-district, Ciberon District.

“They entered the country in

August 2016 using visit visas obtained through a sponsor,” he revealed.

The four Chinese have been identified as 53-year-old Zhang Hongmei, 54-year-old Liu Meihua, 53-year-old Sun Shuilai, and 35-year-old Sun Dongjie.

Meanwhile, the Indonesian Immigration Office in Sukabumi, West Java Province, has tem-

porarily detained three Chinese nationals found to be working illegally at a brick factory here.

The three workers, identified as 44-year-old Mingjie Chen, 41year-old Hui Lin, and 40-year-old Jingui Lin, were technicians in a low-tech brick manufacturing firm, Head of the Sukabumi Immigration Office Filianto Akbar had stated last week.

Following interrogation, it was revealed that the Chinese men had worked for six months at the brick factory without a valid work permit, while they only had a visit visa, Akbar confirmed.

“The three workers have been temporarily detained at the Sukabumi Immigration Office, while they await further procedures,” Akbar explained. (ant)

10

Destination

Friday, January 13, 2017

International

Friday, January 13, 2017

International

McGregor was offered $15m for crossover fight - Mayweather

LOS ANGELES - Floyd Mayweather said he has offered UFC champion Conor McGregor$15 million and a percentage of pay-per-view sales for a crossover boxing bout.

Buddha Statue at Kerta Village Gianyar GIANYAR - Buddha statue located at Marga Tengah, Kerta, Payangan, Gianyar, has become a tourist attraction. Local and surrounding communities often visit this statue to simply relax. Children, teenagers and old people often spend their spare time in the area of Buddha statue. Especially on school holidays, national holidays and feast holiday, this attraction is thronged by an ocean of visitors.

Location of the statue is indeed unique namely on a broad plateau. Being in the area of tangerine orchard and forest village, it offers cool atmosphere. Rows of green tangerine orchard look so beautiful to the eye. Natural sounds such as singing of birds, bee sucking nectar of flowers and cattle population in the middle of the moor will make visitors feel at peace. Butterflies, lizards, dragonflies and other animals seem chirpy.

Chief of Marga Tengah customary village, I Wayan Candri, said that the Buddha statue is actually a private property but no one knows its designation. The statue has existed since the 2000s, which may be planned for spiritual activities. However, lately the statue was neglected so it is overgrown by many weeds. “Villagers then take advantage of it as tourist attraction,” he said.

Though it has not been established as a tourist attraction, added Candri, the Buddha statue has been visited by many people

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especially on national holidays, school holidays and Hindu feast holidays such as Galungan, Kuningan and Ngembak Geni (Nyepi). Local community takes advantage of it a place to unwind. “Surrounding residents also frequently visit this place,” he said.

Buddha statue overlooks the east, like meditating at sunrise to look for enlightenment. Sitting position with the hands in meditation position is commonly called as the cosmic mudra. Both hands overlap.

Left hand is placed over the right hand, where the tip of the thumb touches each other to make an oval shape symbolizing reflection.

The Buddha statue is a symbol of Buddhism posing a spiritual expression. Other than as a means for the Buddhists to recall the services of Siddhartha Buddha Gautama as a leading teacher having showed off the way to spiritual freedom, spiritually the statue is considered to have a strong suggestion for the Buddhists. Therefore, many local people also meditate at this place.

The existence of the Buddha statue is certainly very supportive to Kerta village to become a tangerine agro-tourism. This statue will become an alternative tourist attraction, other than tangerine agro being initiated by the village. Moreover, Kerta village has already owned a flower garden having been a famous tourist attraction among foreign travelers. (IBP/net)

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Mayweather, who retired in September of 2015 after accumulating a perfect 49-0 record, told ESPN he would require a guaranteed $100 million to make the fight happen.

“I’m a businessman and it makes business sense,” the 39-year-old American said. “Bring him over to the boxing world, and I’ll show him what it’s like.”

Irishman McGregor, the reigning lightweight and former featherweight UFC champion, has been challenging Mayweather to a fight for months.

The biggest pay-per-view draw in mixed martial arts, McGregor is contracted to UFC and the organisation would have to approve any fight.

Mayweather, who won world titles in five weight divisions and took home earnings in excess of $800 million over his 19-year boxing career, said initial talks had taken place.

“We tried to make the Conor McGregor fight,” he added. “They know what my number is. My number is a guaranteed 100 million. That was my number.

“We are willing to give him 15 million and then we can talk about splitting the percentage, the back end, on the pay-per-view.” (rtr) In this Friday, Nov. 11, 2016, file photo, Conor McGregor stands on a scale during the weigh-in event for his fight against Eddie Alvarez in UFC 205 mixed martial arts at Madison Square Garden in New York.

AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File

Landslide forces cancellation Murray makes career commitment of Dakar ninth stage

BOLIVIA - A massive landslide caused by thunderstorms forced the cancellation of Wednesday’s ninth stage of the Dakar Rally in Argentina, organisers said.

They said the road to Tuesday’s overnight bivouac had been blocked 40km north of Jujuy. The landslide hit the village of Volcan and caused Alberto Rodrigo Gutierrez of Bolivia drives his Toyota with his copilot Joan Rubi. Picture taken January 10, 2017.

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considerable damage.

“As the road is cut off, most of the vehicles, competitors, assistance and logistics from the Dakar caravan were diverted on an alternative route through San Antonio de los Cobres, extending the distance ... by about 200 km,” the race organisers said in an overnight statement.

“They will not be able to reach the Salta bivouac in time to start the race.”

The competitors will instead spend Wednesday travelling to Chilecito for Thursday’s 10th stage.

France’s Sebastien Loeb leads the car category for Peugeot with British rider Sam Sunderland top of the motorcycle standings. (rtr)

to play at Queen’s

LONDON - Britain’s world number one Andy Murray has committed to compete in the Aegon Championships at The Queen’s Club for the rest of his career, officials said on Wednesday.

The Wimbledon warm-up tournament has proved to be Murray’s most successful hunting ground, as he has hoisted the super-sized silver cup a record five times.

Last year his Queen’s Club triumph sparked off a season to remember for the Scot, who won a second Wimbledon title and a second Olympic gold medal before finishing as world number one.

“I’ve always loved playing the event and I’m really happy to know that I will play at Queen’s for as long as my career lasts,” said the 29-year-old Murray.

“My first ATP World Tour match win came at Queen’s in 2005, so for it to become by far the most successful tournament of my career is a great feeling.

“Looking at the names that have won the tournament four times - some of the best players ever - winning it five times means a lot to me.”

The tournament is expanding its Centre Court capacity by 30 percent from June. More than 2,000 additional seats will be added to the current 6,942, taking capacity to more than 9,000.

“To know that Andy will play at The Queen’s Club for the rest of his career... is a huge boost in what is an exciting and important year for the Aegon Championships with our stadium capacity increasing by 30 percent,” Aegon Championships tournament director Stephen Farrow said. (rtr)

8

Friday, January 13, 2017

Friday, January 13, 2017

Sp rt

PSG coach looking for a striker to take pressure off Cavani

AP Photo/Rui Vieira

A general view of the outside of the main entrance to Old Trafford home of Manchester United ahead of the English League Cup, Semi Final First Leg, match between Manchester United and Hull City at Old Trafford in Manchester, England, Tuesday Jan. 10, 2017.

Momentum with Man United as Liverpool heads to Old Trafford

MANCHESTER — With Manchester United on its longest winning run in eight years, it’s tempting to conclude that a giant of English soccer is starting to resemble the force of old. Some perspective is needed, however, when assessing United’s nine straight victories in all competitions since Dec. 8.

Only one of its opponents in that one-month period could be classed as a major rival: Tottenham. And that 1-0 win came on Dec. 11, when Spurs weren’t showing the kind of form they are at present.

Otherwise, United has proved to be ruthless in sweeping aside teams who most likely won’t finish higher than mid-table in the Premier League or were plucky underdogs in cup competitions, like Reading in the FA Cup or Zorya Luhansk in the Europa League.

Bigger tests lie in wait for United and they start with the visit of Liverpool in the league on Sunday.

What is traditionally the biggest game on the English soccer calendar is a chance for United’s players to prove they really are a force to be reckoned with this year and that, maybe, they could still be title contenders.

Win at Old Trafford and United would close to within two points of Liverpool, which heads into the 21st round of games in second place. First-place Chelsea has a 10-point cushion over United with half the season gone, and plays champion Leicester away on Saturday.

It will be interesting to see how United manager Jose Mourinho approaches the game against Liverpool. He deployed defensive tactics to grind out a 0-0 draw at Anfield on Oct. 17, bringing the free-scoring Liverpool juggernaut to a halt. And he couldn’t hide

his satisfaction at neutralizing a team he sarcastically labeled as “the last wonder of the world.”

Three months on, United will be expected to be more attacking at Old Trafford, especially since that’s the way the team has played during its winning run, when goals have come much easier. Should striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic shrug off an illness to play, the 35-year-old Swedish striker will be looking to add to a record of 12 goals in his last 12 games.

There’s no doubt that Mourinho has United purring, with its attacking play quicker and sharper now that Paul Pogba and Henrikh Mkhitaryan are fixtures in the team and in more advanced roles. Suddenly, there is a heightened sense of expectation during games at Old Trafford.

It might also be a good time to play Liverpool, even if the Reds have won four of their last six league games — including against Manchester City and Everton — and drawn the other two to become Chelsea’s closest challenger.

Sadio Mane, one of Liverpool’s brightest attacking sparks this season, has just left for the African Cup of Nations, while Philippe Coutinho, another member of the lively forward line, has only recently returned from injury. There are doubts over whether two key members of Liverpool’s defensive set-up — holding midfielder Jordan Henderson and center back Joel Matip — will start after injuries, too.

A day after United beat Hull 2-0 in a League Cup semifinal first leg to move to its longest run of wins since January-February 2009, Liverpool was fortunate to escape with only a 1-0 loss at Southampton in the other semifinal first leg.

Momentum, suddenly, has swung United’s way ahead of the latest battle with its northwest neighbor. (ap)

PARIS — Paris Saint-Germain coach Unai Emery is looking to recruit a striker in the January transfer window to take some pressure off top scorer Edinson Cavani.

Cavani has scored 24 goals in all competitions this season, but the only other player scoring regularly is Brazilian winger Lucas, who has 10. Argentina winger Angel Di Maria has struggled to replicate his form from last season, and has only four in 22 games so far this season.

“We are looking at a player in attack to give Cavani a breather,” Emery said after PSG’s 2-0 win

against Metz in the League Cup quarterfinals on Wednesday. “The club is open to recruiting players who will improve our team and increase competition for places.”

Emery added that he would be happy if PSG could sign “one or two good players” during the window.

Germany winger Julian Draxler recently joined PSG from Wolfsburg and scored in a 7-0 win against Bastia in the French Cup last weekend. PSG has been linked in the British media with a move for Arsenal striker Alexis Sanchez. (ap)

West Ham’s Bilic says won’t sell Payet despite his desire to leave Manager Slaven Bilic has said that West Ham United will not sell Dimitri Payet despite the influential midfielder informing the Premier League club he does not wish to play for them anymore.

Payet, who is reportedly refusing to train with the squad, was made the club’s best-paid player when he signed a five-year contract in February, earning 125,000 pounds ($153,000) a week, according to British media reports.

“Let’s get serious. I have a situation with a player. It is Dimitri Payet. He wants to leave. We are not going to sell him,” Bilic told reporters on Thursday.

Payet made a strong start to his West Ham career last season as he scored nine Premier League goals and claimed 13 assists to propel the club to seventh place, their highest

FIFA risks quality of World Cup to bring more teams to party

LONDON — During a 17-year FIFA presidency packed with madcap ideas and policy on the hoof, not even Sepp Blatter ultimately tinkered with the World Cup format. Blatter inherited a 32-team World Cup when he entered power in 1998 and left — prematurely in disgrace — with that structure intact.

Gianni Infantino, though, has barely put his feet beneath the presidential desk before overhauling the biggest entity under his control: the money-spinning extravaganza that funds FIFA’s largesse and unites the world’s fans around television screens.

Before the first anniversary of his election win, Infantino’s ruling Council rubber-stamped his flagship manifesto pledge on Tuesday.

From 2026, 16 more teams will be invited to the World Cup party.

Is it unnecessary interference with a successful format? Or an important move to ensure FIFA’s main event grows at a pace with its swelling membership? That debate will continue long after the 2026 trophy is handed over, most

likely in a sweltering American stadium.

What’s certain is that a bigger World Cup will generate more cash — nearly $1 billion in additional revenue, according to FIFA estimates. And there will be additional places for under-represented continents like Africa, which only has five slots in Russia in 2018 while Europe will have 14 finalists despite being similar-sized confederations.

Despite those benefits, there are many who have criticized the expansion, particularly among the sport’s power nations. Their dismissive response risks giving the impression of an elite trying to muscle out the upstarts and protect their gilded status. Reigning world champion Germany has been at the forefront of the opposition.

Former Germany captain Michael Ballack tweeted: “Irresponsible decision by #FIFA !! It’s an attack on #Football !!” Quite why, Ballack didn’t find the space to explain.

Even before the FIFA Council decision, Germany coach Joachim Loew was complaining about top

players being “physically and mentally at their limits.”

“You have to be careful that you do not overdo things with too many games,” Loew said, seemingly unaware that the 48-team format adds no additional burden for players because teams can still only play a maximum of seven games.

German federation president Reinhard Grindel said: “My main worry is that the attractiveness of the matches will suffer.” The European Championship expanded from 16 to 24 finalists for the first time last year and produced several tedious and instantly forgettable games. The more limited teams have become adept at defensive tactics designed to frustrate more talented opposition and that can produce stultifying games. Watching a team soaking up pressure, hoping to pounce on the break, is not ideal when trying to attract and retain TV viewers.

And the new format ensures there will be fewer early eyecatching head-to-heads between leading sides. With the tournament

top-flight finish since 2002.

The France international, however, has struggled to rediscover his best league form this season, having scored just twice in 20 league games so far.

West Ham sit 13th in the table, seven points above the relegation zone.

“It started 10 days ago when the window started. I spoke to the club.

I spoke to the chairmen. It’s not a money issue. We gave him a new contract. I don’t think he will go this window but it will be hard to keep him happy,” Bilic added.

“This team, the staff, we gave him everything, we were always there for him. I feel let down. I feel angry. I expect from him to come back and to show commitment and determination to the team like the team has shown to him.” West Ham host 17th-placed Crystal Palace on Saturday. (rtr)

IBP/ap

Action Images via Reuters / John Sibley

West Ham United’s Dimitri Payet shakes the hand of West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic after he is substituted off

9

starting with 16 groups of three, the potential 16 European finalists will be separated. So there won’t be a repeat of games like the group stage of 2014 when Germany played Portugal and England met Italy.

Maybe a newcomer can inject some fresh excitement into the tournament in a way the traditional power nations cannot. In this decade, England has produced drab, uninspiring play despite a fresh crop of young players.

The English Football Association, which champions global development projects when bidding for tournaments, is skeptical of swelling the expanding the World Cup field. Little wonder perhaps when England’s most recent onfield embarrassment was inflicted at the European Championship by an Iceland side making its tournament debut. At Brazil 2014, Costa Rica finished ahead of England and Italy while advancing from the group stage for only the second time.

“The general level of football is increasing all over the world,”

Infantino said. “Increasing the size of teams that can participate in the World Cup will increase the investment in football development.”

This week’s World Cup vote was the culmination of 14 months of public discussion by Infantino.

The former UEFA general secretary used his first interview as a FIFA candidate in November 2015 to reveal to The Associated Press his vision of a 40-team World Cup. It turned out that a cleaner format would be achieved with 48 teams.

So the number of games leaps from 64 to 80 but the tournament is still completed in 32 days and within 12 stadiums. Why tinker at all with the World Cup? Because sport evolves.

It’s why the World Cup was created in the first place in 1930 — almost six decades after England and Scotland played the first official international game.

It’s also why the tournament hasn’t remained restricted to the 13 teams who contested the inaugural edition in 1930. (ap)

8

Friday, January 13, 2017

Friday, January 13, 2017

Sp rt

PSG coach looking for a striker to take pressure off Cavani

AP Photo/Rui Vieira

A general view of the outside of the main entrance to Old Trafford home of Manchester United ahead of the English League Cup, Semi Final First Leg, match between Manchester United and Hull City at Old Trafford in Manchester, England, Tuesday Jan. 10, 2017.

Momentum with Man United as Liverpool heads to Old Trafford

MANCHESTER — With Manchester United on its longest winning run in eight years, it’s tempting to conclude that a giant of English soccer is starting to resemble the force of old. Some perspective is needed, however, when assessing United’s nine straight victories in all competitions since Dec. 8.

Only one of its opponents in that one-month period could be classed as a major rival: Tottenham. And that 1-0 win came on Dec. 11, when Spurs weren’t showing the kind of form they are at present.

Otherwise, United has proved to be ruthless in sweeping aside teams who most likely won’t finish higher than mid-table in the Premier League or were plucky underdogs in cup competitions, like Reading in the FA Cup or Zorya Luhansk in the Europa League.

Bigger tests lie in wait for United and they start with the visit of Liverpool in the league on Sunday.

What is traditionally the biggest game on the English soccer calendar is a chance for United’s players to prove they really are a force to be reckoned with this year and that, maybe, they could still be title contenders.

Win at Old Trafford and United would close to within two points of Liverpool, which heads into the 21st round of games in second place. First-place Chelsea has a 10-point cushion over United with half the season gone, and plays champion Leicester away on Saturday.

It will be interesting to see how United manager Jose Mourinho approaches the game against Liverpool. He deployed defensive tactics to grind out a 0-0 draw at Anfield on Oct. 17, bringing the free-scoring Liverpool juggernaut to a halt. And he couldn’t hide

his satisfaction at neutralizing a team he sarcastically labeled as “the last wonder of the world.”

Three months on, United will be expected to be more attacking at Old Trafford, especially since that’s the way the team has played during its winning run, when goals have come much easier. Should striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic shrug off an illness to play, the 35-year-old Swedish striker will be looking to add to a record of 12 goals in his last 12 games.

There’s no doubt that Mourinho has United purring, with its attacking play quicker and sharper now that Paul Pogba and Henrikh Mkhitaryan are fixtures in the team and in more advanced roles. Suddenly, there is a heightened sense of expectation during games at Old Trafford.

It might also be a good time to play Liverpool, even if the Reds have won four of their last six league games — including against Manchester City and Everton — and drawn the other two to become Chelsea’s closest challenger.

Sadio Mane, one of Liverpool’s brightest attacking sparks this season, has just left for the African Cup of Nations, while Philippe Coutinho, another member of the lively forward line, has only recently returned from injury. There are doubts over whether two key members of Liverpool’s defensive set-up — holding midfielder Jordan Henderson and center back Joel Matip — will start after injuries, too.

A day after United beat Hull 2-0 in a League Cup semifinal first leg to move to its longest run of wins since January-February 2009, Liverpool was fortunate to escape with only a 1-0 loss at Southampton in the other semifinal first leg.

Momentum, suddenly, has swung United’s way ahead of the latest battle with its northwest neighbor. (ap)

PARIS — Paris Saint-Germain coach Unai Emery is looking to recruit a striker in the January transfer window to take some pressure off top scorer Edinson Cavani.

Cavani has scored 24 goals in all competitions this season, but the only other player scoring regularly is Brazilian winger Lucas, who has 10. Argentina winger Angel Di Maria has struggled to replicate his form from last season, and has only four in 22 games so far this season.

“We are looking at a player in attack to give Cavani a breather,” Emery said after PSG’s 2-0 win

against Metz in the League Cup quarterfinals on Wednesday. “The club is open to recruiting players who will improve our team and increase competition for places.”

Emery added that he would be happy if PSG could sign “one or two good players” during the window.

Germany winger Julian Draxler recently joined PSG from Wolfsburg and scored in a 7-0 win against Bastia in the French Cup last weekend. PSG has been linked in the British media with a move for Arsenal striker Alexis Sanchez. (ap)

West Ham’s Bilic says won’t sell Payet despite his desire to leave Manager Slaven Bilic has said that West Ham United will not sell Dimitri Payet despite the influential midfielder informing the Premier League club he does not wish to play for them anymore.

Payet, who is reportedly refusing to train with the squad, was made the club’s best-paid player when he signed a five-year contract in February, earning 125,000 pounds ($153,000) a week, according to British media reports.

“Let’s get serious. I have a situation with a player. It is Dimitri Payet. He wants to leave. We are not going to sell him,” Bilic told reporters on Thursday.

Payet made a strong start to his West Ham career last season as he scored nine Premier League goals and claimed 13 assists to propel the club to seventh place, their highest

FIFA risks quality of World Cup to bring more teams to party

LONDON — During a 17-year FIFA presidency packed with madcap ideas and policy on the hoof, not even Sepp Blatter ultimately tinkered with the World Cup format. Blatter inherited a 32-team World Cup when he entered power in 1998 and left — prematurely in disgrace — with that structure intact.

Gianni Infantino, though, has barely put his feet beneath the presidential desk before overhauling the biggest entity under his control: the money-spinning extravaganza that funds FIFA’s largesse and unites the world’s fans around television screens.

Before the first anniversary of his election win, Infantino’s ruling Council rubber-stamped his flagship manifesto pledge on Tuesday.

From 2026, 16 more teams will be invited to the World Cup party.

Is it unnecessary interference with a successful format? Or an important move to ensure FIFA’s main event grows at a pace with its swelling membership? That debate will continue long after the 2026 trophy is handed over, most

likely in a sweltering American stadium.

What’s certain is that a bigger World Cup will generate more cash — nearly $1 billion in additional revenue, according to FIFA estimates. And there will be additional places for under-represented continents like Africa, which only has five slots in Russia in 2018 while Europe will have 14 finalists despite being similar-sized confederations.

Despite those benefits, there are many who have criticized the expansion, particularly among the sport’s power nations. Their dismissive response risks giving the impression of an elite trying to muscle out the upstarts and protect their gilded status. Reigning world champion Germany has been at the forefront of the opposition.

Former Germany captain Michael Ballack tweeted: “Irresponsible decision by #FIFA !! It’s an attack on #Football !!” Quite why, Ballack didn’t find the space to explain.

Even before the FIFA Council decision, Germany coach Joachim Loew was complaining about top

players being “physically and mentally at their limits.”

“You have to be careful that you do not overdo things with too many games,” Loew said, seemingly unaware that the 48-team format adds no additional burden for players because teams can still only play a maximum of seven games.

German federation president Reinhard Grindel said: “My main worry is that the attractiveness of the matches will suffer.” The European Championship expanded from 16 to 24 finalists for the first time last year and produced several tedious and instantly forgettable games. The more limited teams have become adept at defensive tactics designed to frustrate more talented opposition and that can produce stultifying games. Watching a team soaking up pressure, hoping to pounce on the break, is not ideal when trying to attract and retain TV viewers.

And the new format ensures there will be fewer early eyecatching head-to-heads between leading sides. With the tournament

top-flight finish since 2002.

The France international, however, has struggled to rediscover his best league form this season, having scored just twice in 20 league games so far.

West Ham sit 13th in the table, seven points above the relegation zone.

“It started 10 days ago when the window started. I spoke to the club.

I spoke to the chairmen. It’s not a money issue. We gave him a new contract. I don’t think he will go this window but it will be hard to keep him happy,” Bilic added.

“This team, the staff, we gave him everything, we were always there for him. I feel let down. I feel angry. I expect from him to come back and to show commitment and determination to the team like the team has shown to him.” West Ham host 17th-placed Crystal Palace on Saturday. (rtr)

IBP/ap

Action Images via Reuters / John Sibley

West Ham United’s Dimitri Payet shakes the hand of West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic after he is substituted off

9

starting with 16 groups of three, the potential 16 European finalists will be separated. So there won’t be a repeat of games like the group stage of 2014 when Germany played Portugal and England met Italy.

Maybe a newcomer can inject some fresh excitement into the tournament in a way the traditional power nations cannot. In this decade, England has produced drab, uninspiring play despite a fresh crop of young players.

The English Football Association, which champions global development projects when bidding for tournaments, is skeptical of swelling the expanding the World Cup field. Little wonder perhaps when England’s most recent onfield embarrassment was inflicted at the European Championship by an Iceland side making its tournament debut. At Brazil 2014, Costa Rica finished ahead of England and Italy while advancing from the group stage for only the second time.

“The general level of football is increasing all over the world,”

Infantino said. “Increasing the size of teams that can participate in the World Cup will increase the investment in football development.”

This week’s World Cup vote was the culmination of 14 months of public discussion by Infantino.

The former UEFA general secretary used his first interview as a FIFA candidate in November 2015 to reveal to The Associated Press his vision of a 40-team World Cup. It turned out that a cleaner format would be achieved with 48 teams.

So the number of games leaps from 64 to 80 but the tournament is still completed in 32 days and within 12 stadiums. Why tinker at all with the World Cup? Because sport evolves.

It’s why the World Cup was created in the first place in 1930 — almost six decades after England and Scotland played the first official international game.

It’s also why the tournament hasn’t remained restricted to the 13 teams who contested the inaugural edition in 1930. (ap)

10

Destination

Friday, January 13, 2017

International

Friday, January 13, 2017

International

McGregor was offered $15m for crossover fight - Mayweather

LOS ANGELES - Floyd Mayweather said he has offered UFC champion Conor McGregor$15 million and a percentage of pay-per-view sales for a crossover boxing bout.

Buddha Statue at Kerta Village Gianyar GIANYAR - Buddha statue located at Marga Tengah, Kerta, Payangan, Gianyar, has become a tourist attraction. Local and surrounding communities often visit this statue to simply relax. Children, teenagers and old people often spend their spare time in the area of Buddha statue. Especially on school holidays, national holidays and feast holiday, this attraction is thronged by an ocean of visitors.

Location of the statue is indeed unique namely on a broad plateau. Being in the area of tangerine orchard and forest village, it offers cool atmosphere. Rows of green tangerine orchard look so beautiful to the eye. Natural sounds such as singing of birds, bee sucking nectar of flowers and cattle population in the middle of the moor will make visitors feel at peace. Butterflies, lizards, dragonflies and other animals seem chirpy.

Chief of Marga Tengah customary village, I Wayan Candri, said that the Buddha statue is actually a private property but no one knows its designation. The statue has existed since the 2000s, which may be planned for spiritual activities. However, lately the statue was neglected so it is overgrown by many weeds. “Villagers then take advantage of it as tourist attraction,” he said.

Though it has not been established as a tourist attraction, added Candri, the Buddha statue has been visited by many people

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especially on national holidays, school holidays and Hindu feast holidays such as Galungan, Kuningan and Ngembak Geni (Nyepi). Local community takes advantage of it a place to unwind. “Surrounding residents also frequently visit this place,” he said.

Buddha statue overlooks the east, like meditating at sunrise to look for enlightenment. Sitting position with the hands in meditation position is commonly called as the cosmic mudra. Both hands overlap.

Left hand is placed over the right hand, where the tip of the thumb touches each other to make an oval shape symbolizing reflection.

The Buddha statue is a symbol of Buddhism posing a spiritual expression. Other than as a means for the Buddhists to recall the services of Siddhartha Buddha Gautama as a leading teacher having showed off the way to spiritual freedom, spiritually the statue is considered to have a strong suggestion for the Buddhists. Therefore, many local people also meditate at this place.

The existence of the Buddha statue is certainly very supportive to Kerta village to become a tangerine agro-tourism. This statue will become an alternative tourist attraction, other than tangerine agro being initiated by the village. Moreover, Kerta village has already owned a flower garden having been a famous tourist attraction among foreign travelers. (IBP/net)

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Mayweather, who retired in September of 2015 after accumulating a perfect 49-0 record, told ESPN he would require a guaranteed $100 million to make the fight happen.

“I’m a businessman and it makes business sense,” the 39-year-old American said. “Bring him over to the boxing world, and I’ll show him what it’s like.”

Irishman McGregor, the reigning lightweight and former featherweight UFC champion, has been challenging Mayweather to a fight for months.

The biggest pay-per-view draw in mixed martial arts, McGregor is contracted to UFC and the organisation would have to approve any fight.

Mayweather, who won world titles in five weight divisions and took home earnings in excess of $800 million over his 19-year boxing career, said initial talks had taken place.

“We tried to make the Conor McGregor fight,” he added. “They know what my number is. My number is a guaranteed 100 million. That was my number.

“We are willing to give him 15 million and then we can talk about splitting the percentage, the back end, on the pay-per-view.” (rtr) In this Friday, Nov. 11, 2016, file photo, Conor McGregor stands on a scale during the weigh-in event for his fight against Eddie Alvarez in UFC 205 mixed martial arts at Madison Square Garden in New York.

AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File

Landslide forces cancellation Murray makes career commitment of Dakar ninth stage

BOLIVIA - A massive landslide caused by thunderstorms forced the cancellation of Wednesday’s ninth stage of the Dakar Rally in Argentina, organisers said.

They said the road to Tuesday’s overnight bivouac had been blocked 40km north of Jujuy. The landslide hit the village of Volcan and caused Alberto Rodrigo Gutierrez of Bolivia drives his Toyota with his copilot Joan Rubi. Picture taken January 10, 2017.

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considerable damage.

“As the road is cut off, most of the vehicles, competitors, assistance and logistics from the Dakar caravan were diverted on an alternative route through San Antonio de los Cobres, extending the distance ... by about 200 km,” the race organisers said in an overnight statement.

“They will not be able to reach the Salta bivouac in time to start the race.”

The competitors will instead spend Wednesday travelling to Chilecito for Thursday’s 10th stage.

France’s Sebastien Loeb leads the car category for Peugeot with British rider Sam Sunderland top of the motorcycle standings. (rtr)

to play at Queen’s

LONDON - Britain’s world number one Andy Murray has committed to compete in the Aegon Championships at The Queen’s Club for the rest of his career, officials said on Wednesday.

The Wimbledon warm-up tournament has proved to be Murray’s most successful hunting ground, as he has hoisted the super-sized silver cup a record five times.

Last year his Queen’s Club triumph sparked off a season to remember for the Scot, who won a second Wimbledon title and a second Olympic gold medal before finishing as world number one.

“I’ve always loved playing the event and I’m really happy to know that I will play at Queen’s for as long as my career lasts,” said the 29-year-old Murray.

“My first ATP World Tour match win came at Queen’s in 2005, so for it to become by far the most successful tournament of my career is a great feeling.

“Looking at the names that have won the tournament four times - some of the best players ever - winning it five times means a lot to me.”

The tournament is expanding its Centre Court capacity by 30 percent from June. More than 2,000 additional seats will be added to the current 6,942, taking capacity to more than 9,000.

“To know that Andy will play at The Queen’s Club for the rest of his career... is a huge boost in what is an exciting and important year for the Aegon Championships with our stadium capacity increasing by 30 percent,” Aegon Championships tournament director Stephen Farrow said. (rtr)

6

Friday, January 13, 2017

W

International

RLD

Trump accuses U.S. spy agencies of Nazi practices over ‘phony’ Russia dossier

NEW YORK - President-elect Donald Trump escalated a fight with U.S. spy agencies on Wednesday, just nine days before he takes over their command as president, and accused them of practices reminiscent of Nazi Germany.

The Republican said leaks from the intelligence community led to some U.S. media outlets reporting unsubstantiated claims that he was caught in a compromising position in Russia.

“I think it was disgraceful, disgraceful that the intelligence agencies allowed any information that turned out to be so false and fake out. I think it’s a disgrace, and I say that ... that’s something that Nazi Germany would have done and did do,” Trump told a news conference in New York.

Trump acknowledged for the first time that Russia likely hacked the Democratic National Committee and the emails of top Democrats during the 2016 presidential

election. “I think it was Russia,” he said, pointing out that other countries were also hacking the United States.

Trump’s comments about spy agencies such as the CIA are likely to intensify tensions between the intelligence community and the president-elect, who initially disparaged its conclusion that a Russian hacking campaign was aimed at boosting his candidacy against Democrat Hillary Clinton.

Trump, who takes office on Jan. 20, called a dossier that makes salacious claims about him in Russia “fake news” and “phony stuff.”

U.S. Director of National Intelligence James Clapper said he spoke with Trump on Wednesday evening

and told the president-elect he did not believe the media leaks came from the intelligence community.

“I expressed my profound dismay at the leaks that have been appearing in the press, and we both agreed that they are extremely corrosive and damaging to our national security,” Clapper said in a statement.

He defended including the dossier in the intelligence report Trump received on Friday, saying “part of our obligation is to ensure that policymakers are provided with the fullest possible picture of any matters that might affect national security.”

Clapper said he emphasized to Trump that the dossier was not produced by the U.S. intelligence community and intelligence officials have not judged whether the information is reliable. (rtr)

AP Photo/Evan Vucci

In this Jan. 11, 2017, photo, President-elect Donald Trump speaks during a news conference in the lobby of Trump Tower in New York.

Migrants...

From page 1

“They stay there for their own reasons, whether it’s waiting for smugglers, waiting for money transfers, or the apprehension to enter the asylum system,” he said.

Miskovic added that there is

space for everyone in camps during this cold snap, with or without the police registration papers which are usually needed to obtain a bed in reception centers.

“The Commissariat has appealed to all migrants who are out of the official system to come to any reception center and they will be ac-

commodated. It’s not the time, with this freezing weather, to follow procedure to the letter,” he said. Todor Gardos, an Amnesty International researcher who was in Belgrade last week, told CNN: “We met quite a lot of children -- from 11 and upwards, who are there on their own.

“People are complaining about

International

Friday, January 13, 2017

Transportation minister orders evaluation of flight SOP

REUTERS/Pierre Albouy

European Union Foreign Policy Chief Federica Mogherini arrives for the Conference on Cyprus at the European headquarters of the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, January 12, 2017.

Britain, Turkey, Greece meet to discuss Cyprus settlement GENEVA - Foreign ministers of Britain, Greece and Turkey were to meet in Geneva on Thursday in an attempt to thrash out a security deal for a post-settlement reunited Cyprus.

For the first time in decades, the three countries were to address a 1960 treaty which allows intervention in Cyprus, a pretext used by at least one of them to intervene in the island in the past.

Cyprus was split in a Turkish invasion in 1974 following a brief coup engineered by the military then ruling Greece. It has been divided since, with Turkish Cypriots in its north and Greek Cypriots in its south.

Nicos Anastasiades and Mustafa Akinci, the respective leaders of the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities, have been in Geneva for four days trying to reach a deal which would see the country united again under a two-state federation.

“I welcome the continued courage and commitment that has been shown by both sides,” British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said in a statement. “The talks in Geneva on the Cyprus settlement offer both

sides a unique opportunity to find a solution.”

London was willing to help in any way it could, he added.

Greek Cypriots, who represent Cyprus in the EU, want the guarantor system dismantled because of Turkey’s invasion in 1974. Turkish Cypriots, who were targeted by Greek Cypriot nationalists before the war, want Turkish guarantees maintained.

In a groundbreaking move on Wednesday, the sides submitted proposals on how to define the boundaries between the two sides.

Greek and Turkish Cypriots plan to submit maps to the United Nations detailing their proposals on territorial boundaries between constituent states in a two-zone federation.

Britain, the former colonial power in Cyprus, has offered to relinquish about 50 percent of territory it still retains on the island, known as sovereign base areas, to facilitate a deal.

One of its two bases in Cyprus, Akrotiri, is a Royal Air Force outpost which has been instrumental in attacking Islamic State targets in Iraq. (rtr)

cold, quite a lot of them don’t have the shoes and socks you need for this weather. The fires have a lot of negative consequences ... suffering from asthma and other smoke inhalation problems -- it’s a toxic environment.”

The bleakness of their surroundings is not lost on residents of

the warehouse who fled perilous situations back home, only to find themselves confronted by another in Serbia.

“We live in very bad conditions,” Hayat Ali, the Pakistani migrant, said. “In my country the Taliban is against us, here in Belgrade the weather is against us.” (rtr)

SEMARANG - Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi has instructed a thorough evaluation of the flight standard operation procedure (SOP) after several cases of pilots consuming drugs came to light.

“I saw that some people have ignored the regulation, and if they cannot do their job properly, we will sack them,” Budi informed the press here, Thursday.

The minister inspected the renovation project of the Ahmad Yani International Airport in Semarang.

In December last year, an Indonesian budget airline had fired a pilot suspected of attempting to fly an aircraft while he was drunk.

Earlier, in a separate case, three crew members comprising a pilot and two flight attendants were arrested for allegedly consuming crystal methamphetamine, known locally as shabu-shabu, at a hotel.

Budi said the case has shown that

Indonesias aviation sector is facing an alarming situation.

He reiterated that the industry will need stringent regulation and discipline. “However, it seems that some people have ignored the regulation,” he emphasized.

The ministry will take legal action against those who violate the regulation and endanger passengers in a bid to ensure aviation safety in Indonesia.

Earlier, on Wednesday, 44 aviation personnel, including pilots, co-pilots, stewardesses, and students of an aviation school, had underdone urine tests conducted by the Cilacap narcotics agency.

The agency found two foreign pilots, identified as BH and DE, who had tested positive for the intake of morphine, but they claimed to have not taken any drugs during the past week. They were transferred to East Jakarta for further investigation. (ant)

REUTERS/Edgar Su/File Photo

FILE PHOTO - A Tiger Airways plane is towed on the runway past Singapore Airlines and Tiger Airways planes sitting on the tarmac at Changi Airport in Singapore July 21, 2014.

11

Indonesia’s land transfer a breakthrough for indigenous rights - activist

BANGKOK - Indonesia’s decision to return customary lands to indigenous peoples is a breakthrough for their rights and a boost to campaigners pushing for a slowdown in deforestation in the Southeast Asian country, a leading rights activist said.

President Joko Widodo announced on Dec. 30 that Indonesia would return 13,000 hectares of customary lands to nine indigenous communities, and committed to giving back a total of 12.7 million hectares to local and indigenous groups.

Veteran indigenous rights campaigner Abdon Nababan, who attended the announcement at the presidential palace, said it was an encouraging sign for the traditional custodians of Indonesia’s forests.

“In our constitution, since (independence in) 1945, there has been strong recognition and respect for indigenous rights, but until the end of last year, there has been no real legal recognition,” said Nababan, secretary general of the Indigenous Peoples Alliance of the Archipelago (AMAN). “This is the first time,” he told the Thomson Reuters Foundation by telephone from Jakarta.

Indonesia has been a focus of global efforts to rein in greenhouse gas emissions caused by widespread deforestation of swampy, carbon-rich peatlands to make way for plantations for industries such as palm oil, pulp and paper.

The deforested, drained peatlands are highly flammable, and smouldering peatland fires have caused choking haze across Southeast Asia in recent years.

These forests are often in remote areas long inhabited by indigenous peoples, who may not have the documents proving their land ownership or the ability to counter land acquisition by the government and corporations. Most of the returned land is state forestland, Nababan said.

It includes a 5,000-hectare concession in North Sumatra province granted in 1992 to Indonesia-based pulp manufacturer Toba Pulp Lestari, company official Anwar Lawden said.

“With regards to the land claimed within our concession by several communities, we have been working with the Ministry of Forestry office for a long

term solution,” Lawden said in an emailed response to questions.

AMAN’s Nababan, who began working on indigenous rights two decades ago, said the returned lands comprise a fraction of the 8.23 million hectares that some 700 indigenous communities have asked the government to return. Government officials did not respond to requests for comment.

Granting customary lands would be the most cost effective solution to fighting climate change and securing sources of water and food, he added.

“If you recognise and protect indigenous peoples’ rights, it’s the cheapest way for the world to reduce emissions, to keep land productive, to produce food organically and also to keep hydrological systems working to provide water for people,” he said.

Last year, research group, the World Resources Institute, released a study showing deforestation rates on land formally owned by indigenous groups were about 2.5 times lower than on other territories because indigenous peoples were more likely to conserve the forest than other users. (rtr)

REUTERS/Muhammad Yamin/File Photo

FILE PHOTO - Freeport McMoRan Copper & Gold’s mine workers share a moment with security personnel as they walk at Grasberg mine area in Tembagapura, Indonesia Papua province, August 14, 2013.

Cirebon immigration deports four Chinese nationals

CIREBON - The Cirebon immigration office has deported four Chinese nationals for violating their stay permits in Indonesia.

“The four foreigners were deported to Beijing on Tuesday (Jan 10) at 10:45 p.m. WIB (Western Indonesian Standard Time) aboard Garuda Indonesia Airways flight number GA890 from the Soekarno Hatta In-

ternational Airport,” Raja Ulul Azmi, head of the Cirebon immigration offices supervision and enforcement section, stated here, Wednesday.

Although the Chinese citizens arrived on visit visas, they were in fact working in a Hebel factory in West Palimanan Village, Gempol Sub-district, Ciberon District.

“They entered the country in

August 2016 using visit visas obtained through a sponsor,” he revealed.

The four Chinese have been identified as 53-year-old Zhang Hongmei, 54-year-old Liu Meihua, 53-year-old Sun Shuilai, and 35-year-old Sun Dongjie.

Meanwhile, the Indonesian Immigration Office in Sukabumi, West Java Province, has tem-

porarily detained three Chinese nationals found to be working illegally at a brick factory here.

The three workers, identified as 44-year-old Mingjie Chen, 41year-old Hui Lin, and 40-year-old Jingui Lin, were technicians in a low-tech brick manufacturing firm, Head of the Sukabumi Immigration Office Filianto Akbar had stated last week.

Following interrogation, it was revealed that the Chinese men had worked for six months at the brick factory without a valid work permit, while they only had a visit visa, Akbar confirmed.

“The three workers have been temporarily detained at the Sukabumi Immigration Office, while they await further procedures,” Akbar explained. (ant)

12

International

Friday, January 13, 2017

International

BUSINESS

Bali News

Friday, January 13, 2017

5

World food prices fall in 2016 for fifth straight year - UN FAO

ROME - World food prices fell for a fifth straight year in 2016 as losses in cereals, meat and dairy outweighed rises in sugar and vegetable oils, the United Nations food agency said on Thursday.

Prices remained stable in December from the month before, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) main food price index, which has edged up steadily after hitting a seven-year low in January.

The full year 2016 logged a 1.5 percent annual drop in the index, which measures monthly changes for a basket of cereals, oilseeds, dairy products, meat and sugar.

December’s reading of 171.8 points versus 171.9 points in November resulted from strong gains in vegetable oils and dairy largely offseting falls in sugar and meat, the FAO said.

Sugar prices rose by about a third across the year, despite an 8.6 percent dip in December that mainly stemmed from a weaker Brazilian real against the dollar and an expected jump in production in Brazil’s main sugarcane-growing region.

“Economic uncertainties, including movements in exchange rates, are likely to influence food markets even more ... this year,” FAO senior economist Abdolreza Abbassian said.

Cereal prices steadily declined during the year, ending 39 percent below their 2011 peak.

Vegetable oil prices reached their highest since July 2014 in December. Palm oil rose on low global inventory levels and tight supplies, while soy oil quotations were boosted by the prospect of rising use for biodiesel in North and South America. (rtr)

Residents of East Duda Hold Tug-of-War in Muddy Field

REUTERS/Paulo Whitaker

Consumers shop for food at a market in Sao Paulo, Brazil January 11, 2017.

German economy grows at fastest rate in 5 years

BERLIN - The German economy, the major driver of euro zone growth, expanded by 1.9 percent in 2016, the strongest rate in five years, a preliminary estimate from the Federal Statistics Office showed on Thursday, Europe’s largest economy is benefiting from rising private consumption and increased state spending on refugees, compensating for a weaker contribution from trade amid sluggish demand from major trading partners and emerging markets.

Economists polled by Reuters had expected growth in gross domestic product (GDP) of 1.8 percent for 2016 after an expansion rate of 1.7 percent in the previous year. The growth rate of 1.9 percent matched the highest forecast in the poll.

The Statistics Office said it estimated growth was around 0.5 percent for the fourth quarter.

“The German economy in 2016 once again defied an entire series of downside risks, thanks to strong domestic demand,” REUTERS/Michaela Rehle/File Photo said ING economist Carsten Brzeski, addA man walks past driver cabins in the truck production plant of German truck ing that Germany’s biggest risk now was and bus maker MAN AG in Munich, Germany, July 30, 2015. complacency.

“The economy urgently needs new impetus from new structural reforms and stronger public and private investment. It is very unlikely that it will get any of these before the elections,” he said.

Germany goes to the polls for a federal election in September.

A breakdown of the 2016 GDP figures showed private consumption rose by an adjusted 2.0 percent on the year, contributing 1.1 percentage points to the overall 2016 growth rate.

State spending jumped by 4.2 percent after a rise of 2.7 percent in 2015. The increased state spending added 0.8 percentage points to the overall growth rate.

Investment in machinery and equipment contributed 0.1 percentage points while construction added 0.3 points. As exports rose less strongly than imports, net foreign trade subtracted 0.1 percentage point from the overall growth rate.

Germany’s Ifo economic institute said last month the economy will rebound more strongly than previously expected in the fourth quarter and this growth momentum will carry through into 2017. (rtr)

Exciting activity like this will intrigue everyone. Residents of East Duda, Selat, Karangasem, held tug-of-war in the mud so that it became a very special attraction. Unsurprisingly, this traditional sport drew appreciation and extraordinary adrenaline. It is more challenging and needs prime energy and carefulness in thinking of beating their rivals. Obviously, the challenge is far more different from the tug-ofwar on grass.

The atmosphere became more interesting when the whole body of the players was covered in mud. Their hair, face to other parts of the body was filled with mud. For newcomers, it is really a very interesting attraction when taking action to drag the rope and avoid the sprinkle of mud.

The participants consisted of representatives from nine hamlets throughout East Duda village where each delegated one men’s team and one women’s team.

Each team has ten personnel. At that time, the contest was followed by the women’s team of Pesangkan Anyar hamlet against the women’s team of Batu Gede hamlet. Though the participants were women, the contest became more exciting than the tug-of-war on the grass. If they already got dragged, it would be difficult to hold because it was quite slippery and heavy.

Even though being flushed by heavy rains, it did not dampen the vivacity of the residents to play or to watch the contest. “The event is aimed at encouraging young people into farming. This tug-ofwar in the mud actually has become an annual event held every Christmas or

December 25,” said headman of East Duda, I Gede Pawana.

READ Shanti Toya Ashram, Retreat Center for Yoga and Wellbeing Such an event is also associated with the anniversary of East Duda village. It is intended for entertainment, inspiring and motivating young people so that they want to get involved in the paddy field activity as farmers. “Contest of the tug-of-war in the mud is held in one of the paddy fields at Subak Pesangkan.

Formerly, the field was converted into a snakefruit orchard. This activity is also to welcome the arrival of harvest season,” he explained.

Tug-of-war activity in the mud got appreciation from the Regent of Karangasem, IGA Mas Sumatri. According to her, the tug-of-war in the mud is not only able to increase togetherness, but also proves that village government is able to implement its work program and get appreciation from its residents.

“Actually this tug-of-war activity serves as a medium to build civilizations and closer friendship as the indicator if the work program of the village has run relatively well,” she said. (kmb)

Jaja Gina Misi Tape

Have you ever enjoyed jaja gina misi tape or gina cake served with fermented rice? Gina is the name of cake, a traditional Balinese cake.

On the celebration of Galungan, jaja gina misi tape always graces the offerings of the Hindu community to be presented to God. It is rarely found because it is just made on certain days or certain Hindu holidays. Having been presented to God, it can then be consumed.

Sometimes this cake is deliberately made as the main menu served to guests when making a visit to the home of the newlywed couple.

It has become a tradition, if there are people carrying out wedding ceremony before Galungan, the other communities will give offerings as congratulation. As the exchange of the gift presented is jaja gina misi tape.

This cake has a very sweet taste, but do not consume excessively because it can cause fever.

Children, teenager and parents used to consume this jaja gina misi tape. However, the fermented rice should not be let for too long because its wine will melt. When let for long time, it will not taste good. Typically, the fermented rice has a good taste after three days from the making.

Jaja gina is a dry cake denoting an ancestral heritage where not everyone can make. It is almost required every day to fill in the offerings and is also good to accompany morning coffee.

This can be preserved to be practically used when necessary. To preserve, it can be dried and put into a container without preservatives.

IBP/kmb

READ Buleleng Palace This cake is made of white sticky rice, while the fermented rice is made from rice, white sticky rice or black sticky rice in accordance with the taste. Wash the sticky rice and steam until cooked. Take out and cool down before being sprinkled with yeast. Then, wrap in clean banana leaf and allow for 2-3 days for fermentation process to run successfully. In the wrapping process, keep away from free air and scent of salt because it can disrupt the fermentation process. (kmb)

4

Friday, January 13, 2017

Bali News

International

Balinese style concrete craft increasingly popular

Friday, January 13, 2017

International

Samsung chief questioned by prosecutors in S.Korea political scandal

BANGLI - Balinese style concrete craft in Bangli district is engaged by relatively small number of people. Although they are minimal, this concrete craft has promising prospect because a lot of people who build a home, shrine et cetera currently use Balinese style concrete.

A craftsman pursuing this business, I Nengah Jarna, when met at his residence at Gunaksa hamlet, Cempaga, on Wednesday (Jan. 11), told about the origin of his Balinese style concrete craft business. At first, he just wanted to make a try.

He was previously a laborer at concrete block making near his home.

Since his boss went bankrupt then, he was eventually unemployed.

Departing from such condition, he tried to pursue Balinese style concrete craft.

“At the beginning, our product did not use any carvings. Since it was still learning, our mould was still without carving. So, our products were plain,” said Jarna.

Over time, the business initiated in 1995 is increasingly advanced and growing rapidly. It can be seen from the arrival of many orders from various regions in Bali.

Moreover, due to many orders since 2002, he is overwhelmed to work on.

“At that time, I still worked on the orders alone for not having employee. Being unable to handle all the incoming orders, I finally decided to recruit employees to help the workmanship of the orders

so that they can be accomplished more quickly,” he said.

This husband to Wayan Ariani added that currently he has employed 18 employees to work on the orders coming from all districts in Bali. Most orders come from Bangli, Gianyar and Klungkung.

Only a few orders also come from Karangasem, Jembrana and Buleleng. “The types of his craft product include pillar, bale dangin pavilion, chamber shrine, piyasan pavilion et cetera. It is adjusted to the order.

We just make when receiving an order,” he said He admitted the public interest in Balinese style concrete craft is quite high lately. It happens because it can last longer than using wood. However, there are also people disliking such concrete craft and still prefer to use wood for the carvings.

“Concrete craft can last for hundreds of years, while wood product can only last for decades as it can turn damaged. Then, it depends on the community, if they are not happy with concrete product, they cannot be forced. It also has something to do with their financial capability,” he explained.

REUTERS/Olivia Harris/File Photo

IBP/Eka Parananda

The maker of Balinese style concrete. this concrete craft has promising prospect because a lot of people who build a home, shrine et cetera currently use Balinese style concrete.

When asked about the price, Jarna explained it varies depending on the type of product. A plain product is much cheaper than the product with carvings. Here, he determines the price per meter of product.

“The price is IDR 300,000 per meter. A pillar without carvings costs IDR 550,000, while

the carved pillar will cost IDR 1 million. The price of bale daje (northern pavilion) can reach IDR 250 million,” said Jarna.

Furthermore, in the future he would like to continue his craft business having been practiced for decades. He did not want the Balinese style woodcarving will go extinct. Moreover, recently the Ba-

linese style building is increasingly rarer because people in Bali tend to establish modern building.

“Do not let Balinese carvings even disappear. It should continuously be maintained. As Balinese residence, we should be able to maintain the Balinese carvings in order to still develop,” he concluded. (kmb41)

Strong winds, crossing Respond to hoax news, services temporarily closed Bali police establish taskforce NEGARA - Due to bad weather condition, the Ketapang-Gilimanuk crossing services were closed on Wednesday afternoon (Jan. 11). Strong winds blowing in the Strait of Bali required all the skippers to be vigilant and the harbor authority terminated its operation temporarily. In addition to wind, heavy rains also blocked the view among the ships.

The closure on Wednesday was the second time in a week.

As the information compiled, the closure started at 14:50 where at the time the wind blew up to 30 knots per hour. The area of Gilimanuk and surrounding waters were also flushed by rain. A few minutes later or approximately at 15:25, the crossing services were reopened after the wind blew normally in the range of 9 knots per hour.

Chief Executive of Gilimanuk Harbor, Boss Mascot, confirmed to reporters about the closure of the crossing services because of bad weather. At that time, the wind blew very tightly between 25 to 30 knots per hour. It had an impact on the limited visibility of the ships. Some skippers making coordination with the harbor authority conveyed that the limited visibility among the ships was less than 50 meters.

Harbor authority then decided to close the crossing services temporarily. Mascot also mentioned that such closure was the second time in a week. Lately, the weather condition in the Bali Strait was less favorable. So, all the skippers are expected to be vigilant. (kmb26)

DENPASAR - Proliferation of hoax (fake) news is taken seriously

by Chief of Bali Police, Dr. Petrus R. Golose. Currently, his institution is establishing two task forces to deal with transnational crime and hoax news. This was announced

by Spokesman of Bali Police, Henky Wijaya, after press conference at Rupatama Room of Bali Police, Denpasar, on Wednesday (Jan. 11).

“We will establish transnational crime and the cyber troop taskforce.

Police are still selecting hundreds of members and the qualifying members will be recruited as a member of the taskforce,” he said.

The task force, said Hengky, will handle transnational crime cases.

He explained that there are eight types of crime belonging to this category, such as drug trafficking and pedophilia cases.

“Two cases (narcotics and pedophilia—Ed) get priority handling because there are many reports,” said Hengky. In addition, to handle narcotics cases as instructed by Bali police chief, the priority will be given to disclosure of drug syndicates and money laundering.

He was confident that if the taskforce is capable of handling or uncovering money laundry cases, it will unfold new criminal offenses.

“When talking about transnational crime and money laundering, it will usually spread to other crimes. For example, what the money used for and where the money was sent to,” he said.

In the formation of cyber troop task force, Bali police will use the intelligence media management (IMM). The IMM can monitor the presence of hoax news or news that makes Balinese people uneasy.

Furthermore, the taskforce members consist of Bali Police Public Relations in cooperation with the criminal investigation unit of the National Police Headquarters. This taskforce will counter the hoax news spreading in the community.

“With the IMM, we can annul or convey the real news in the community. This matter or known as counter narrative gets the attention from Bali police chief. It is pity that people get such news, let alone they are confident that the news is considered correct,” he said.

According to him, until now Bali is free from the threat of hoax news.

If found any persons spreading hoax news, they will be subject to the Law of Electronic Information and Transaction (ITE). “No cases are found in Bali yet. Hoax news still occurs in national and international level,” he said. (kmb36)

13

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Najib Razak arrives for a news conference at a mosque outside Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, July 5, 2015.

Discontent in Malay heartland may spell trouble for PM Najib

SUNGKAI - The Malaysian plantation district of Sungkai has become an initial - and unlikely - battleground for an election that embattled Prime Minister Najib Razak is expected to call this year.

Sungkai is home to ethnic Malays who work for the national palm plantation operator, Federal Land Development Authority (Felda).

Known as “Felda settlers”, they have long been among the beneficiaries of government affirmative action programmes for Malays, who form the majority of the population.

The Felda settlers have been a rock solid vote bank for Najib’s ruling coalition, even as urban Malays have poured into the opposition camp in recent years, alienated by a series of political scandals.

Najib’s coalition lost the popular vote in the last general election in 2013, but still won a majority of seats in Malaysia’s gerrymandered constituencies.

Malaysia’s opposition is hoping the settlers could be the next to defect, which was why opposition

lawmaker Rafizi Ramli on Sunday night was in Sungkai, a former mining town that now mainly relies on palm oil and rubber planting.

The settlers have been angered

by Felda’s decision to purchase a 37 percent stake in Indonesian palm oil firm PT Eagle High Plantations for $505 million, more than a 100 percent premium based on its closing share price on Wednesday.

FELDA’S DEBTS Eagle High is owned by one of Indonesia’s richest men, Peter Sondakh, who has done a number of deals in Malaysia and is a longtime friend of Najib.

Najib’s office did not respond to requests for comment about the deal. Sondakh has not publicly commented about the deal in Jakarta.

Just six months ago, Najib’s United Malays National Organi-

sation (UMNO) party secured a sweeping victory in a by-election in a neighbouring constituency in northern Perak state.

But on Sunday night, more than 300 people gathered on the lawn of a Sungkai resident under a dank tropical night to hear opposition lawmaker Rafizi Ramli tell the cheering crowd: “We will change our prime minister and our government.”

“Felda’s debts are growing ... and the government will use the settlers money to pay it off,” said Rafizi, a 39-year-old lawmaker from People’s Justice Party (PKR).

“If we don’t stop this, the debt will be shouldered by our future generations.”

Felda has said the deal will not impact its existing commitments and programmes to improve the well-being of the settlers. Felda itself is planning a series of roadshows to convince settlers in its plantation areas of the deal’s benefits. (rtr)

SEOUL - Special South Korean prosecutors questioned the head of top conglomerate Samsung Group on suspicion of bribery on Thursday in an influence-peddling scandal that led to President Park Geun-hye’s impeachment.

Park remains in office but has been stripped of her powers while the Constitutional Court decides whether to uphold the December impeachment and make her the first democratically elected leader to be forced from office.

Park has denied wrongdoing.

“I am very sorry to the South Korean people for not showing a better side,” Samsung Group leader Jay Y. Lee told reporters as he arrived at the prosecution office in a black sedan, greeted by protesters holding signs calling for his arrest and accusing him of being the president’s accomplice.

Investigators would now decide whether to seek an arrest warrant against Lee, 48, special prosecution spokesman Lee Kyu-chul told reporters.

Parliament impeached Park over allegations she allowed a friend, Choi Soon-sil, to exert inappropriate influence over state affairs.

Choi is accused of colluding with Park to pressure big businesses, including the Samsung Group, to contribute to non-profit foundations backing the president’s initiatives.

Choi, in detention and on trial on charges of abuse of power and attempted fraud, has denied wrongdoing.

Prosecutors named Lee a suspect on Wednesday and are investigating

whether Samsung gave 30 billion won ($25.28 million) to a business and foundations backed by Choi in exchange for the national pension fund’s support for a 2015 merger of Samsung C&T Corp and Cheil Industries Inc. Lee in December denied accusations the conglomerate sought to curry favour with Park or Choi to secure the 2015 merger, a deal seen as critical for ensuring family control of the conglomerate as generational succession looms.

Wearing a dark suit, white shirt and dark red tie, Lee bowed after making brief remarks to reporters.

A Samsung Group spokeswoman declined to comment on the investigation.

Proving improper dealings between Park, or Choi, and Samsung would be key for the prosecutors’ case, analysts said, noting their goal was to prove Park or her surrogates took bribes from corporations in exchange for favours.

The special prosecution spokesman said investigators were also looking into whether Lee lied during a December parliamentary hearing about Samsung’s involvement in the scandal, as well as whether he could be charged with breach of trust or embezzlement.

Investigators questioned two senior Samsung Group executives this week as witnesses.

The special prosecution has not begun investigations into any other conglomerates. Dozens of South Korean corporate groups made contributions to the two foundations, but Samsung’s donations were the largest. (rtr)

REUTERS/Ahn Young-joon/Pool

Jay Y. Lee, center, vice chairman of Samsung Electronics, arrives to be questioned as a suspect in bribery case in the influence-peddling scandal that led to the president’s impeachment at the office of the independent counsel in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Jan. 12, 2017.

14

Friday, January 13, 2017

Fashion

International

International

Tukad Mungga village, center for qualified bricks

Vivienne Westwood closes London men’s fashion week in eccentric style LONDON - Britain’s dame of fashion Vivienne Westwood wrapped up London Fashion Week Men’s on Monday with an eclectic collection showcasing edgy designs that included dresses for men.

Westwood, 75, who is known for her eccentric creations and environmental activism, presented both menswear and womenswear for her autumn/winter 2017/18 “Ecotricity” line, putting men in dresses and skirts and ties on women.

Models wore colourful knits made up of jumpers and trousers as well as long dresses and arm cuffs, at times slit on the sides.

Men’s suits were deconstructed or had wide, ankle length trousers and sometimes were worn with long cloaks.

Women’s jackets had asymmetric cuts or exaggerated shoulders.

Shirts had large collars and colourful prints and patterns, including skulls and faces, adorned most designs.

“She and he are having fun with unisex and swapping clothes,” shownotes for the collection read. “’Buy less, choose well, make it last’ limits the exploitation of the planet’s natural resources.”

Outfits were often layered and looks were accessorised with face paint, paper crowns, colourful socks, tights and boots.

Westwood, who previously showed menswear in Milan, was the biggest name at the four-day London event following the departure of brands like luxury label Burberry.

“London is my home. I regret leaving Milan because they’ve been so kind to me,” the designer said backstage.

“It’s just easier and more efficient for us to be here.”

Burberry will present its menswear collection alongside its womenswear line at London’s higher profile women’s fashion week next month. (rtr)

C O M M U N I T Y o f Tu k a d Mungga, Buleleng, does not only engage in the agricultural sector.

However, through generations they also engage in brick making. Amid the growing development of modern building materials, how is the business prospect of this craft?

Tukad Mungga village is located near the town of Singaraja. When entering the area adjacent to Pemaron village, the eyes are not only faced with fertile soil condition that makes it very suitable for development of various types of plants.

A number of communities that live around the village center are also seen busily arranging their bricks that have been recently dried. Other people are seen mixing materials and piling up coconut fibers.

A brick maker, I Nyoman Witana, told that the business has been carried out through generations. Many people engage in the business. After the emergence of various types of building walls, this manually produced brick remains to have a very promising prospect.

It can be seen from the businesses remaining to survive.

“Prospect of this business is still very promising. It is not inferior when compared to the other materials,” he said on Tuesday (Jan. 10).

Brick product by local markers, he said, does not only meet the demand in Buleleng district.

Moreover, it has also been distributed to all districts in Bali and some to Banyuwangi. The purchase is mostly used for the construction of villas. “The order is pretty much.

Sometimes we are overwhelmed to meet the demand. They come from various regions,” he said.

Such high demand is inseparable from the quality possessed.

In terms of durability, it has been very much considered. Likewise, it has fine structure. “The demand is a lot, well... it definitely happens due to consideration of quality,” said Witana.

Headman of Tukad Mungga, I Made Arka, revealed that brick craft has existed through generations. It does not only have an impact on the brick makers, but also on other community members.

“This business can create job opportunities. Some residents can take the opportunities as brick porters. Transport services by vehicle can run as well,” he said.

A total of 15 residents are involved in the brick productions of large enough quantities. It adapts to the number of demands. “Until now, this craft business is still very promising,” he said. (sos)

Bali News

Friday, January 13, 2017

3

IBP/kmb

Some divers have encountered this ancient fish in the waters of Pejukutan village, precisely on Atuh Beach attraction and neighborhood of Seribu Island.

Sunfish appears in forbidden zone

Atuh Beach starts to be thronged by divers

SEMARAPURA - Nusa Penida is renowned for the habitat of sunfish. This ancient fish has even been made into the icon of Nusa Penida Island since it becomes one of the tourist attractions. Moreover, the existence of the large, tailless and heavyweight fish with round flat shape and soaring fin upwards and downwards cannot be easily found at other locations. It can only be seen at particular time in July and September at two locations, namely the Blue Corner and Crystal Bay at Penida village.

IBP/file

In Tukad Mungga village a total of 15 residents are involved in the brick productions of large enough quantities.

However, since this week some divers have encountered this ancient fish in the waters of Pejukutan village, precisely on Atuh Beach attraction and neighborhood of Seribu Island or Mollenteng Hill that is also known as the Raja Lima. As a result, not a few divers started to throng the Atuh Beach just to see this ancient fish. The problem is that the area (Atuh) belongs to the core or forbidden zone because it is used for fish breeding. Thus, the beach and the

sea should be sterilized from all the activities of divers.

“This is very unfortunate. Since the appearance of sunfish occurs in the core zone, there should be no divers there,” said Chief of Nusa Penida Water Conservation Area (KKP), I Nyoman Kariawan, on Tuesday (Jan. 10).

He did not know technically how sunfish is now living on the Atuh Beach. Previously such uniquely shaped fish only appeared on the spot of Cristal Bay and only emerged in particular months.

“We do not know for sure why sunfish could be seen there (Atuh). Parasites on the body of this fish are usually eaten by small fish. Possibly there are a lot of small fish in the region, so the sunfish also come there,” he explained.

Then, what efforts have been made by the KKP Nusa Penida for this? Karyawan only said that his unit will coordinate with police, in this case the Marine Police of Klungkung, to take control any time. In the meantime, his unit can just call for divers and fishermen not to disturb the existence of sunfish. (119)

2

Friday, January 13, 2017

Bali News

International

Organic farming and climate change mitigation

ELECTRIC fan spinning fast exuded fresh air in the Secretariat of the Indonesian Forum for Environment (WALHI) Bali on Wednesday (Jan. 11). In the room measuring 3.5 x 3 meters have been present the Executive Director of WALHI Bali, Suriadi Darmoko and Program Division of WALHI Bali, Gilang Pratama. Both young men are usually often seen in various actions of rejecting the Benoa Bay reclamation plan. Probably, no people presume that they directly get involved in reviving the awareness of farmers to go back to organic farm.

“We do not want to use the term ‘organic’ because it has a stigma like something new or expensive.

Moreover, if farmers are given organic farming, they will be difficult to understand. Actually, in practice it has already been carried out by farmers,” said Gilang when opening the conversation.

According to Gilang, WALHI Bali has been assisting one of the farmer groups in Penebel, Tabanan, since 2013 especially the farmers of red rice. In fact, it is easier for them to remind about farming system they have done before switching to conventional agriculture. The term ‘organic’ is then changed into healthy or natural agriculture so that it is easily understood.

Suriadi or Moko chimed in that when talking about organic, farmers just imagine that they have to buy organic fertilizers so that it is the same as conventional farming.

In other words, farmers equally spend money on fertilizer. Moreover, organic fertilizer is also pro-

duced by the producers of chemical fertilizers. Actually, the concept of organic farming should reduce the production cost of farmers.

“When we talk about natural farming, we utilize everything that can be found around the farming area so the imagination will also be different. Well ... we can use manure, use cow urine and then use local seeds. Ultimately, they need fewer capitals,” he said.

“When planting local rice seedlings, in terms of the age, it is much longer but has no dependence on pesticides. On the contrary, when using hybrid seeds or genetically modified organism (GMO), they

have a dependency where all the processes will lead to factory. But, when using natural farming, factories are not working,” he said.

That is why, added Moko, natural farming has an impact in the context of pressing climate change.

Virtually there is no carbon footprint generated because the factories do not operate. “The artificial ones, before planted alone, have produced carbon,” Gilang added.

In terms of process, continued Gilang, wider community has

Farming is an important field especially is reducing the climate change

IBP/file

known if climate has changed. One of the solutions is reinforcing this nature through natural processes.

“This natural agriculture seeks to reduce soil pollution and water pollution. In long term, it will definitely improve environmental quality by degrees. In the long run, it will also strengthen our nature in the face of climate change,” he explained.

When interviewed separately, a lecturer of Agriculture and Climatology at the Udayana University, Dr. Ni Luh Kartini, mentioned that organic farming is a part of the climate change mitigation. Organic fertilizer composed of natural materials is said to be able to improve water affinity in the soil. Biodiversity is also well maintained because the concept of organic farming does not kill pests that may break the food chain.

“Similarly, it has something to do with the rules of how to grow well, how to sustain nature and how to keep the quality of soil so that it will remain good,” she said.

Kartini added that the government needs to force farmers in order that they go back to organic farm. “Here, there is no courage to change, whereas we are already on the threshold of destruction. People close their eyes and ears, including the experts do not want to come to encourage,” she complained. (rin)

High voltage transmission line gets problem at Segara Rupek PLN asked to optimize power plant capacity

SINGARAJA - Bali Crossing electricity transmission line development project in the forest area of West Bali National Park (TNBB) at Sumber Kelampok village, Gerokgak, has not been followed up so far. Nevertheless, the Buleleng House of Representatives still watches the development project designed to supply power from Java to Bali so as to replace the existing submarine cable networks.

Earlier this year, Commission II of the Buleleng House of Representatives coordinated with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) and the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK). The parliament suggested the PLN to optimize the generation capacity having been operating without establishing Bali Crossing power transmission line currently

hampered due to the rules on the sanctity radius of temple.

Chairman of Commission II, Putu Mangku Budiasa, when contacted on Wednesday (Jan. 11) said that Bali Crossing power transmission line construction project is targeted to realize the Bali energy independence. However, the electricity project using the high voltage tower of electricity transmission line (SUTET) as high as 376 meters is still problematic because the coordinate points of the high voltage towers are within the sanctity radius of temple. In accordance with the bhisama or stipulation of the Hindu Dharma Council of Indonesia (PHDI), sanctity radius of universal temple is set two kilometers from the border of temple compound wall.

However, pursuant to the initial planning of the project preparation, the coordinates of tower claimed to be higher than the Eiffel Tower is located 350 meters away from the Segara Rupek Temple.

In addition, the regional bylaw (Perda) on Bali provincial spatial plan (RTRWP) and regional bylaw on Buleleng district spatial plan (RTRWK) also stipulate that the development of energy networks is equipped with an environmental impact assessment.

In this case, the provincial and district government shall be involved despite the coordinates of the tower belonging to the high voltage electricity transmission line sits in the TNBB forest fully managed by the central government.

“So far, there is no continuation

of the project. Dissemination to the authorities at Sumber Kelampok village and customary village has not been performed. We do not keep silent. Pursuant to our authority, we reserve the right to oversee the project and coordinate with central government as one of our efforts to seek clarification about the project so that do not bring in problems later on,” he said.

According to this PDI-P politician from Selat village, Sukasada, since the tower of power transmission line construction project in the western Buleleng faces a problem, his commission offers an alternative to the PLN in order to be more focused on boosting the existing production plant. He exemplified that capacity of the existing Celukan Bawang coal-fired power plant

(PLTU) can be optimized.

For this matter, he suggested the use of eco-friendly fuels. In addition, PLN can start designing the utilization of Titab-Ularan reservoir that has been filled in with water to be managed as hydroelectric power plant (PLTA). With these efforts, he is confident the target of Bali to achieve energy independence can be realized compared to Bali Crossing power project that is apparently more focused on the short-term electricity solution.

“Based on the explanation, since the beginning this project is intended for short-term solution. In my opinion, it is better to optimize the existing ones and make new plants, so that they will be more convincing to pursue the target of Bali as energy independence,” he said. (kmb38)

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Activities

International

Friday, January 13, 2017

15

Celebration of World Hindi Day and Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Bali

The Consulate General of India, Bali, in collaboration with Brahma Kumaris Denpasar celebrated World Hindi Day on Monday, 9th January 2017. For the promotion of Hindi Language in Balinese Community, this programme was joined by participants from Balineseas well

as Indian community enjoyed the celebration of World Hindi Day. The Hindi DayCelebration was started with welcome address by Mr. Subrata Sarkar the Vice Consul followed by Prime Minister Message which was delivered by the Vice Consul. On the same day and the same occasion, the Consulate

WEEKLY EVENTS and FARMERS MARKETS EVERY SATURDAY Meditation class by Mangku Budi Dharma 14-16:30 Bona, Blahbatuh meet at Ubud Cocomarket at 13:00 Saturday Market Oldman’s Cafe Canggu, Batu Bolong Beach, pottery fresh produce, clothing Sand Beach Club and Restaurant, Sanur Every second Saturday Biasa Art Space, Jl. Raya Seminyak 24, Seminyak, Fresh produce, potted plants, meat pie, sshie, coffee and more.

Every Saturday 9AM-2PM OrganIc Farmer’s Market Pizza Bagus (Jl. Pengosekan), Ubud EVERY SUNDAY Soul to soul spirituall dialogue Anand Ashram, Ubud Jl Sri Wedari KM 3 Mantra chanting 6-6:30pm Navaraha Arati 6:30-6:45pm Meditation, Satsang and celebration 6:45-8:30pm www.ubudashram.org SUNDAY MARKETS 10AM 1PM Sunday Market at Batu Jimbar Jl. Danau Tablingan , Sanur 10AM-4PM The Sands Beach Club and Restaurant Sunday MArket Jl. Danau Tamblingan, No 27, Sanur 9:30AM-1PM Sunday Market @ Warung Sopa Jl. Sugriwas no36, Padang Tegal, Ubud 9AM-2PM Samadi Sunday Market Jalan. Padang Linjong 39, Canggu, 9AM-2PM Wednesday and Sunday Ubud Organik Market Jl. Raya Pengosekan across from Zens Hotel Tebesaya, Ubud 12PM-10PM Sunday Food Festival & Bazaar Byrdhouse Beach Club, Sanur 10AM-6PM, Mercure,last sunday of every month, jl. ,Mertasari, Sanur, fashion food and and kids activities The Coffee Spot, Jalan Peigenet 888X,Seminyak, last Sunday of every month, garage sale clothing, books, and hand-made jewellery

also celebrated Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD). The Pravasi Bharati-

ya Divas is celebrated every year on 9th January to mark the con-

tribution of the Overseas Indian community in the development of India.

The first PBD was held in New Delhi in 2003 and January 9 was chosen as the day to celebrate this occasion since it was on this day in 1915 that Mahatma Gandhi, the greatest Pravasi,returned to India from South Africa, led India’s freedom struggle and changed the lives of Indians forever. The celebration of PBD abroad gives the Indian nationals working abroad and People of Indian Origin to connect with their roots and have a sense of belonging to the mother country.

This programme of World Hindi Day was filled with interactive Hindi Class by Mrs. Preeti Sinha from Indian Culture Centre, Bali.

Furthermore, this programme also had a Hindi vocabulary quiz. The first prize of quiz was gone to Team of Sister Trisna and Sister Rita respectively the second and third prize won by Team of Brother Anom and Sister Ardani, and Team of Devi and Kezia.

Brother Anom, one of participants from Brahma Kumaris performed a patriotic song with title ‘Har Karam Apna Karenge Ai Watan Tere Liye’ which was listened by all participants. The programme which was smoothly delivered by ICC and Consulate General India staff members and volunteers was also enlivened by the song performance of Mr. Veer Sachdeva who sang a song with title ‘Lakdhi Ki Kathi’ which has meaning ‘playing with wooden horse’.

Moreover, other performance such as poem recital was also presented during the programme. Mr. Ayushman K. Suraj presented ‘Ganesh Vandana’. Mr. Alind K. Suraj presented his own poem about life with title ‘Maan Ki Awaaj’.

Meanwhile, Vice Consul presented a poem with title ‘Parichay’. At the end, the programme was closed with presentation of Indian tourism literature, Hindi learning kit, and certificate to all participants.

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16 Pages Number 13 9th year

Price: Rp 3.000,-

Friday, January 13, 2017

Ben Affleck braces for ‘entertaining’ Trump presidency

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

Friday, January 13, 2017

LONDON — Ben Affleck is an optimist. The Hollywood star thinks the next four years will at least be interesting after watching President-elect Donald Trump’s first press conference.

“I didn’t get to watch the entire news conference although what I did see of it, I was quite entertained by. I think it will be an entertaining four years,” he said at the London premiere of his latest directorial effort “Live by Night” Wednesday.

Actor Chris Messina, who joined Affleck and co-star Sienna Miller on the red carpet, didn’t seem as upbeat as Affleck.

“I think we’re all a little scared and we’re going to take deep breaths. Meryl Streep said it best the other night at the Golden Globes. I don’t think anyone can be any more eloquent as her. Yeah, I was sad today. Obama said goodbye. We’re going to miss him,” Messina said.

Affleck was also somewhat miffed at Trump’s Twitter reaction to Streep’s Golden Globes speech.

The actress made the Republican a big topic of her speech without naming him directly and Trump fired back calling her “one of the most over-rated actresses in Hollywood.”

Affleck disagreed with the sentiment.

“If you think Meryl Streep is an

Joel Ryan/Invision/AP

Actors Ben Affleck and Sienna Miller pose for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film ‘Live By Night’ in London, Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2016. overrated actress, you’re probably the least qualified person to comment on acting. She’s, if nothing else the world’s greatest actor,” he said.

“Live by Night” is Affleck’s fourth feature as a director. He produced the film and also wrote the screenplay, based on a Dennis Lehane novel by the same name about

a group of gangsters in Prohibitionera Boston. Affleck took on the lead role of Joe Coughlin, the son of a police captain, who forges his way into the world of crime.

Affleck said there was one difficult aspect to directing himself: Steamy bedroom scenes didn’t quite work out as well as he’d hoped. (ap)

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Migrants wait in line to receive plates of free food during a snowfall outside a derelict customs warehouse in Belgrade, Serbia, January 11, 2017.

Migrants wait out Belgrade blizzard in freezing warehouse

REUTERS/Marko Djurica

BELGRADE - In a derelict warehouse behind Belgrade’s main coach station, up to 2,000 migrants are trying to survive the freezing Serbian winter in a crumbling building with broken windows, no heating, or warm water.

It is -11 Celsius and a bitterly cold blizzard is lashing them while they try to warm up by burning wood outside the grim warehouse they now call home.

Some of the migrants, who mainly come from Afghanistan, are wrapped in blankets given out by agencies, but most shiver in jackets inadequate for the sub-zero temperatures they endure day and night.

Inside the warehouse, the air is thick with smoke from several makeshift fires and groups of men

huddle together trying to thaw their hands by the orange flames.

The dark smoke renders the visibility to only a few feet, but the darkness is pierced by the sounds of people coughing, choked by the unhealthy air and the cold.

Desperate conditions in the heart of a European capital “If you look inside here there’s smog, no electricity, no warm water,” says resident Hayat Ali. The 40-year-old migrant says he left his home in Pakistan’s Swat Valley eight months ago.

“I just tried to clean my hands in the cold water outside but they are still dirty. I cannot clean my clothes. It’s been one month since I could have a shower.”

Most lie down in close quarters on filthy mattresses strewn across the icy, concrete floor. There are no toilets, nowhere to wash, and no privacy.

Some say it gets so cold at night that no matter how hungry and exhausted they are, they can’t sleep.

After they receive food from aid agencies once a day, migrants warm it up by the open fires they light by burning, wood, scraps, or any other material they can get their hands on.

The ground outside the ware-

house is frozen and slippery, and inside there is garbage on the floor.

The youngest migrant CNN encountered was 12 and alone, without gloves or a scarf to help shield him from the constant cold.

These terrible conditions are a stone’s throw from the bustling cafes, restaurants and busy office buildings of a European capital city.

Migrants use this icy thin plank to get from one hall to the back of the building where they have a minimum of privacy to go to the toilet.

Aleksandar Vulin, Serbia’s Minister for Labour, Employment, Veteran and Social Affairs, says the government has provided facilities

for all migrants in Serbia, and that those living outside official facilities are choosing to do so and are being irresponsible.

Ivan Miskovic, from Serbia’s Commissariat for Refugees and Migration, says migrants living in abandoned warehouses in Belgrade are there because they are refusing to enter the asylum system.

Continued to page 6

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