Edition Tuesday, May 14, 2019 | International Bali Post

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

16 Pages Number 95 11th year

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

Price: Rp 3.000,-

Tuesday, May 14, 2019 Tuesday, May 14, 2019

‘Avengers’ still tops in N.America but ‘Pikachu’ shows spark LOS ANGELES - “Avengers: Endgame” led the North American box office for a third week running, but the cuddly creatures of a new “Pokemon” movie gave the superheroes a run for its money, industry watchers said Sunday.

The mega-blockbuster from Marvel Studios, a Disney subsidiary, took in an estimated $63.1 million for the three-day weekend, industry tracker Exhibitor Relations reported.

That brought its domestic total to a whopping $723.5 million.

With a global tally now nearing $2.5 billion, “Avengers” appears to be on track to pass “Avatar” ($2.79 billion) as the all-time top grossing film.

Positive reviews have helped, as has an all-star cast including Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Bradley Cooper and Josh Brolin.

Warner Bros.’ “Pokemon: Detective Pikachu” took in a healthy $58 million for the weekend’s second spot.

Based on a Nintendo video game series and subsequent anime series, “Pikachu” tells the story of how the fuzzy animated title character (voiced by Ryan Reynolds) teams up with a young boy (a live-action role played by Justice Smith) to seek the boy’s missing father.

Third place went to another new film, “The Hustle” from United Artists, at $13.5 million.

The female-driven revamp of “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” starring Rebel Wilson and Anne Hathaway playing two women trying to scam an internet millionaire earned less than glowing reviews, but that may have been offset by its popular stars.

Sony’s psychological thriller “The Intruder” dropped two spots from last week to fourth place with a take of $6.6 million.

Michael Ealy and Meagan Good star as a young couple who buy a dream home in California’s Napa Valley, unaware that its previous owner (Dennis Quaid) plans to take it back -- at all costs.

And in fifth, also down two spots, was Lionsgate’s odd-couple romantic comedy “Long Shot,” at $6.1 million. Seth Rogen plays Fred Flarsky, an out-of-work journalist with a romantic interest in his former babysitter (Charlize Theron), now a candidate for the US presidency. (afp)

Federico PARRA / AFP

Venezuelan filmgoers watch the first screening in Venezuela of Marvel Studios’ “Avengers: Endgame” at a cinema in Caracas on early April 26, 2019.

VALERY HACHE / AFP

A man walks in front of the official poster of the 72nd Cannes Film Festival after it was set up on the facade of the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, southeastern France, on May 12, 2019.

Cannes rocks! Tsunami of pop stars make film festival splash

CANNES - Bono, Elton John, Iggy Pop, Tom Waits... The red carpet at Cannes is shaping up to look like a dream rock festival line-up. Not to mention Rihanna and a couple of the surviving members of Led Zeppelin, who may yet put in an appearance at the world’s biggest film festival, which starts Tuesday.

The opening movie alone, the tongue-in-cheek zombie flick “The Dead Don’t Die”, is chock full of A-lister musicians. As well as Waits and Iggy Pop -- who plays a rampaging member of the undead -- it also stars singer Selena Gomez and rapper and Wu-Tang Clan guru RZA. Its director Jim Jarmusch is a composer in his spare time and leads Bill Murray and Adam Driver are both musical, with the “Groundhog Day” actor touring North America as a singer with a chamber orchestra in 2017.

And that is all before the promise of Elton John bringing his grand piano to the Croisette to play at the premiere of his biopic, “Rocketman”.

With “Bohemian Rhapsody” taking more than $900 million at the box office, cinema bosses are wetting their lips over the amount a film about the sex and drug-fuelled life story of the writer of such standards as “I’m Still

Standing” will rake in.

- Sex, drugs and Elton John Unlike that the Freddie Mercury movie, which skirted around the singer’s complex personal life, the Elton John picture prides itself on its warts-and-all portrayal.

The singer -- who has been frank about his struggles with his sexuality, drugs and alcohol -- was himself deeply involved in the film, which his husband David Furnish produced.

“We didn’t want to compromise the fact we felt it had to be hard-hitting and truthful,” Furnish said.

“I think we would have got a lot more interest (from studios) at the higher-budget levels if we’d been willing to produce a more sanitised version of Elton’s life.

“That never appealed to Elton,” he added. “His life has had incredible moments of lightness but also moments of real darkness. We wanted to be very honest about those and not

gloss them over.”

More than a decade in the making, the film was written by Lee Hall of “Billy Elliot” fame with its star Jamie Bell playing Sir Elton’s friend and lyricist Bernie Taupin, who penned such classics as “Rocketman”, “Candle in the Wind” and “I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues” with John.

British actor Taron Egerton, who shaved his hair to mimic the singer’s receding 1970s hairline and painting a gap in his teeth, said he was freaked out when the man himself walked onto the set as he was performing “Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting”. “I don’t think I could have done it if he was around a lot,” he admitted.

But the now 72-year-old superstar was impressed, telling the Hollywood Reporter last week that “I didn’t think it was Taron. I thought it was me.” (afp)

You can find International Bali Post at: 1 Kuta Beach Club Jl. Bakung Sari Kuta 2 Wen Dys Kuta the Coffe Bear Jl. Pantai Kuta 3 Seminyak Paradiso Bali Hotel Jl. Camplung Tanduk 4 Ramayana Resort&Spa Jl. Bakung Sari Kuta 5 The Lokha Legian Resort&Spa Jl. Padma Legian Kuta 6 66 Corner Live Sport Emtertaiment Jl. Doble Six/Werkudara 23 7 Leghawa Grill Jl. D.Tamblingan No. 51 8 Retno Barr dan Restoran Jl. D.Tamblingan No.126 A Sanur 9 Elkomedor Jl. D.Tamblingan 140

10 Malaika Scret 11 Snack Shack 12 Warung Lokal 13 Cokro Cafee 14 T.J.Bar 15 J & N Kebab 16 Goanna Bar 17 Batu Jimbar 18 Ramayana Cafee

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

Jl. D.Poso No 68 Jl. D.Poso No. 50D Jl. D.Poso No. 39 Jl. D.Poso Sanur Jl. D.Poso Sanur Jl. D.Poso Sanur Jl. D.Poso Sanur Jl. D.Tamblingan Sanur Jl. D.Tamblingan

19 Smirnof Cafee Jl. D.Tamblingan Sanur 20 Legwa Hotel Jl. D.Tamblingan Sanur 21 Nu Laser Cafee Jl. D.Tamblingan Sanur 22 Ganesa Book Jl. D.Tamblingan Sanur 23 All For Daiving Jl. D.Tamblingan Sanur 24 Barocca Jl.Petitenget 17 DKerobokan 25 Lantern Jl.Petitenget 17E Kerobokan 26 Shearlock Jl.Petitenget 17C Kerobokan Klod 27 Cafe Degan Jl.Petitenget 9 Kerobokan Klod

28 Kopi Made Jl. Raya Puputan No. 106 Dps 29 Dimsum Manan Jl. Raya Niti Mandala Renon No 148 30 Furama Jl. Raya Niti Mandala No. 148 Renon 31 Warung Subah Renon Jl. Mohamad Yamin No.18 32 Ayam Betutu khas Gilimanuk Jl. Merdeka No.88 Renon 33 Bali Bakery Jl. Hayam Wuruk 184 Denpasar

Glyn KIRK / AFP

Manchester City’s Spanish manager Pep Guardiola is thrown into the air by his players as they celebrate after their 4-1 victory in the English Premier League football match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Manchester City at the American Express Community Stadium in Brighton, southern England on May 12, 2019.

Guardiola hailed as ‘obsessive’ genius behind Man City winning machine

Pep Guardiola was eulogised on Monday for his relentless hunger for success that propelled Manchester City to a second consecutive Premier League title after a titanic battle with Liverpool.

Guardiola claimed his eighth league title in 10 seasons as a coach in charge of Barcelona, Bayern Munich and City as the English champions followed up their record 100-point campaign last season with another stunning 98-point season thanks to a 4-1 victory at Brighton.

That meant Liverpool’s long wait for a first league title since 1990 continued despite the Reds posting the third-highest Premier League points tally ever with 97 after they beat Wolves 2-0 on Sunday.

“Pep’s party,” ran the headline

in the Guardian newspaper. “The only real world star in this set-up is the manager.

“They didn’t go for (Cristiano) Ronaldo or (Lionel) Messi but invested in fine young players, almost all of whom have been pushed to the outer levels of their talent.”

City became the first side in a decade to retain the title as Guardiola’s demands ensured there was no drop-off at the Etihad as has happened in the seasons that followed title wins under Roberto Mancini and Manuel Pellegrini.

“Manchester City could buy great players, good enough to take

them up the mountain, but they could never stay there. Because you cannot buy hunger, the sustaining daily hunger that drove the greatest teams of other eras,” said the Independent.

“Senior officials at City say that they have never seen as much focus and character from a City side in the modern era as what they have seen this season.

“This is the opposite of what we have come to expect from champion City sides. And it is a vindication of the daily intensity and demands of their obsessive manager.”

- Intoxicating race Liverpool, whose season could still end in glory if they win the Champions League next month, were also praised for the contribution they made to a thrilling race.

“Nothing underscores the brilliance of Pep Guardiola’s team more than the presence of Liverpool a short neck behind. Liverpool are, without doubt, one of the greatest teams the competition has ever seen,” said the Daily Mail.

“Encapsulating this campaign is a battle of superlatives. Liverpool were amazingly good. Incredibly, City were even better.”

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said this season is just the beginning of a journey for his side,

but in their three-decade wait to win the league, the Reds have finished second before and failed to build on it the following season.

“They’re entitled to wonder, given that they’ve pulled one of the most stupendous league campaigns in history and still fallen short, what more can be done?” added the Independent.

Continued to page 6 News can also be heard in “Bali Image” at Global Radio FM 96.5 from 9.30 until 10.00 am. Listen to Global Radio FM at http:// globalfmbali.listen2myradio.com or live video streaming at http:// radioglobalfmbali.com and http:// ustream.tv/channel/global-fm-bali.

2

Bali News

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

International

International

Alleged to cause by high price of airfare

Domestic tourist visits decline

According to Chairman of the Association of Marine Tourism Entrepreneurs (Gahawisri) of Badung Chapter, Nyoman Wana Putra, such condition has been going on for almost a month. Moreover, the decline in tourist visits reached 40

percent. He said that such drastic decline is likely to happen because of the price hike in airline ticket is very high. On that account, domestic tourists seem reluctant to vacation in Bali and choose other destination.

He hoped it can get the attention from the government. If this matter is not reviewed or evaluated by related parties, the visit will gradually become more deserted. “We hope this will become a concern of the relevant government because it has an impact on the visits of domestic tourists,” he said.

Other than domestic tourists, the presence of foreign

tourists is almost the same and has not been able to boost visits. “Foreign tourists are the same, while only Indian guests remaining stable while the others are still not many,” he affirmed.

He hoped the phenomenon of price hike of airline tickets and price competition will soon get the attention and be found a solution. Thus, the Bali tourism will return to be passionate.

“The ticket price is expensive, so that many people choose vacations to other destinations. This has an impact on us here,” he added. (kmb23)

Crowded visitors, Sebunibus residents fix road by self-financing

SEMARAPURA - Road access at Sakti village, Nusa Penida subdistrict, especially in Sebunibus hamlet, is lately quite crowded by tourists. The route becomes the only access of local and foreign tourists to the well-known tourist attraction on this island, namely Crystal Bay and Angel Billabong.

Lately, this road access was eroded by rainwater from upstream during heavy rains. To repair the damage, residents took the initiative to carry

out self-financing repair on Sunday (May 12).

A local resident, I Wayan Supiana, stated the self-financing repair is based on the initiative of local residents. Most donors are from the residents and are done independently to cover the side of the road so that water will not easily erode when it rains. Moreover, the traffic at this lane is very crowded, so that vehicles are then more flexible to pass through this road access and

gives a good impression in the eyes of tourists.

Local residents are so called to make repair because they mostly work in the tourism sector. As consequence, the road access along 1.5 km is reinforced so as not to cause more damages. A community leader, Pande Bagus Guna Sesana, emphasized that such effort is actually forced to do because potholes on the road side already look like ravines to erode

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

15

Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa welcomed Spiritual Leader, His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar during his visit in Bali

IBP/Yudi Karnaedi

KUTA - Recently, domestic tourist visits showed a decline. This condition is clearly visible in the marine tourist area of Tanjung Benoa on Sunday (May 12).

As seen in the field, marine tourism commonly being crowded with tourist visits was observed relatively quiet.

Activities

half of the road body. Such conditions are very dangerous. “Many guests and local residents have fallen, so this can result in bad tourism image if left unchecked like this,” he said.

Meanwhile, Headman of Sakti, I Ketut Partita, explained that the self-repaired road section actually belongs to the district.

As consequence, this village authority cannot allocate funds from the village budget (APBDes)

for the maintenance. “In early December, we have coordinated with the Public Works and People’s Housing Agency. As a result, it will be realized in early June. However, due to high enthusiasm of our residents to perform self-repair, based on permission of subdistrict Public Works the activity can be realized.

On that account, this year’s budget will be allocated to repair the Toyapakeh-Manteb road section,” he said. (kmb31)

 Founder : K.Nadha,  General Manager :Palgunadi Chief Editor: Gugiek Savindra  Editors:Agus Toni, Daniel Fajry, Mawa, Sueca, Denpasar: Dira Arsana, Giriana Saputra, Subrata, Sumatika, Asmara Putra.

Bangli: Swasrina, Buleleng: Mudiarta, Gianyar: Manik Astajaya, Karangasem: Eka Parananda, Klungkung: Bagiarta. Jakarta: Nikson, Hardianto, Ade Irawan. NTB: Agus Talino, Izzul Khairi, Raka Akriyani. Surabaya: Bambang Wilianto.  Office: Jalan Kepundung 67 A Denpasar 80232. Telephone (0361)225764, Facsimile: 227418, P.O.Box: 3010 Denpasar 80001. Bali Post Jakarta, Advertizing: Jl.Palmerah Barat 21F. Telp 021-5357602, Facsimile: 021-5357605 Jakarta Pusat. NTB: Jalam Bangau No. 15 Cakranegara Telp. (0370) 639543, Facsimile: (0370) 628257. Publisher: PT Bali Post

On his visit to Indonesia, the global peace leader and spiritual master, HH Sri Sri Ravi Shankar traveled to Bali on 21st of April 2019 to hold a 6 day immersive meditation program named ‘Unveiling Infinity’ for the public. In this master class, HH Sri Sri Ravi Shankar took participants to a deep meditative state with long-lasting positive effects for the body and mind.

During his visit, the spiritual leader resided at the Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa. Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa was one of the selected Hotel partners for the participants’ accommodation during this revered event.

Ravi Shankar, better known as HH Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, is a spiritual guide and founder of the Art of Living Foundation from India. The name “Sri Sri” is an honorary title which has the same meaning as Guruji or Gurudev (Professor). In 1982, he introduced a breathing technique called Sudarshan-Kriya which he discovered after meditating for 10 days on the banks of the Bhadra river in Shimoga. He believes that the flow of human emotions is in line with the rhythm and speed of breathing which, if arranged in such a way, can reduce or even release suffering in the soul.

After that, he began applying Sudarshan Kriya in every course at the Art of Living Foundation, an educational and humanitarian movement engaged in stress-management and service initiatives. The foundation operates globally in 152 countries and has 2 branch services in Indonesia, which located in Jakarta and Bali.

The Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa is the pioneer of luxury accommodation within the Nusa Dua area. This 5-star diamond resort, has been welcoming kings, queens, presidents and other dignitaries since its grand opening. Nestled within beautifully landscaped gardens, the resort, with its 382 guestrooms and suites, features all the elegance of a Balinese palace, while offering modern amenities. The Nusa Dua Spa is designed to highlight its rich Balinese tradition with a variety of indigenous treatments. Dining at Nusa Dua Hotel & Spa is an epicurean journey with a choice of five restaurants and four bars under the close watch of an award-winning culinary team. For more information, please visit www.nusaduahotel.com.

14

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

Science

International

Bali News

International

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

3

A belly full of wriggling worms makes wood beetles better recyclers

IBP/net

Flamingos feast on tiny shrimp in the saline lagoons of Chile’s Salar de Atacama. Lithium and copper mining operations compete with the protected birds for the region’s scant water resources.

The search for new geologic sources of lithium could power a clean future

THE future of lithium is electrifying. Cars and trucks powered by lithium batteries rather than fossil fuels are, to many people, the future of transportation. Rechargeable lithium batteries are also crucial for storing energy produced by solar and wind power, clean energy sources that are a beacon of hope for a world worried about the rapidly changing global climate.

Prospecting for new sources of lithium is booming, fueled by expectations that demand for lightweight, rechargeable lithium batteries — to power electric vehicles, cell phones, laptops and renewable energy storage facilities — is about to skyrocket.

Even before electric cars, lithium was a hot commodity, mined for decades for reasons that had nothing to do with batteries. Thanks to lithium’s physical properties, it is bizarrely useful, popping up in all sorts of products, from shockresistant glass to medications. In 2018, those products accounted for nearly half of the global lithium demand, according to analyses by the Frankfurt-based Deutsche Bank.

Batteries for consumer electronics, such as cell phones or laptops, accounted for another 25 percent or so of the demand. Electric vehicles accounted for most of the rest.

That breakdown will soon be turned on its head: By 2025, as much as half of the demand for lithium will be from the electric

vehicle industry, some projections suggest. Global demand for the metal is expected to rise at least 300 percent in the next 10 to 15 years, in large part because sales of electric vehicles are expected to increase dramatically. Right now, there are about 2 million electric vehicles on the road worldwide; by 2030, that number is projected to grow to over 24 million, according to the industry research firm Bloomberg New Energy Finance. Electric vehicle giant Tesla has been on a worldwide quest for lithium, inking deals to obtain lithium supplies from mining operations in the United States, Mexico, Canada and Australia.

As a result, lithium prices in global markets have been on a roller coaster in the last few years, with a sharp spike in 2018 due to fears that there just might not be enough of the metal to go around. But those doomsday scenarios are probably a bit overwrought, says geologist Lisa Stillings of the U.S. Geological Survey in Reno, Nev. Lithium makes up about 0.002 percent of

Earth’s crust, but in geologic terms, it isn’t particularly rare, Stillings says. The key, she adds, is knowing where it is concentrated enough to mine economically.

To answer that question, researchers are studying how and where the forces of wind, water, heat and time combine to create rich deposits of the metal. Such places include the flat desert basins of the “lithium triangle” of Chile, Argentina and Bolivia; volcanic rocks called pegmatites in Australia, the United States and Canada; and lithium-bearing clays in the United States.

The hunt to find and extract this “white gold” is also spurring new basic geology, geochemistry and hydrology research. Stillings and other scientists are examining how clays and brines form, how lithium might move between the two deposits when both occur in the same basin and how lithium atoms tend to position themselves within the chemical structure of the clay.

(IBP/net)

Having hundreds of roundworms living inside your abdomen may seem like a bad thing.

But for horned passalus beetles, hosting wriggly nematode larvae may benefit them and the eastern U.S. forests they live in.

Beetles that harbor Chondronema passali larvae eat more rotting wood than beetles without the larvae, researchers report May 1 in Biology Letters. That increased decomposition could speed the cycling of forest nutrients, the authors suggest.

Earlier research found that about 70 to 90 percent of Odontotaenius disjunctus, commonly called bess beetles or patent leather beetles, are inhabited by hundreds if not thousands of nematodes, but appear to suffer few ill effects. The larvae feed off the beetles’ haemolymph, the insect version of blood, and in doing so suck up some of the beetles’ available energy, an effect that’s noticeable only when the beetles are under short-term stress.

That increased need for energy could be what drives infected beetles to chomp more wood, says Andy Davis, an ecologist at the University of Georgia in Athens. It’s also possible that beetles with larger appetites have more opportunities to become infected since they eat more wood, he says.

Davis and undergraduate student Cody Prouty captured 113 beetles from the woods near campus and isolated each one in a container with a chunk of wood.

“On a quiet day, you could go in the lab and hear them chewing,” Prouty says.

After three months, the team weighed how much wood each insect had eaten, digested, excreted and eaten again after letting bacteria and fungi break the

pulp down more. The researchers then dissected the beetles to identify which had nematodes.

Beetles with nematodes had processed an average of 0.77 grams of wood per day. That was about 15 percent more than uninfected beetles, which averaged 0.67 grams per day. Beetles with nematodes were also were slightly larger, on average, something that could contribute to their larger appetites.

Davis says he’d like to measure the eating habits of the beetles before and after acquiring nematode larvae, and find out the impact of having different amounts of larvae in the gut. But first scientists need to figure out how and when the nematodes get into the beetles in the first place.

This study is part of “a new wave of research coming out now that promotes the idea that parasites are important in the ecosystem,” Davis says. “There are so many ways they’re interconnected, and we’re just getting around to studying them.”

Data showing the connections between the beetles and the nematodes are good, evolutionary ecologist Sheena Cotter says in an e-mail. “This is actually a really interesting system.” But she says the relationship appears more mutualistic, in which both get some kind of benefit, rather than a harmful parasitic one.

Adult nematodes living in rotting logs could be helping the beetles by pre-digesting the wood, says Cotter, of the University of Lincoln in England.

And nematode larvae could be just hitching a ride to the next log. Although teeming with the larvae, “the beetles aren’t sick,” she says, “and in fact are probably harboring lots of nematodes for their own benefit.” (IBP/net)

IBP/net

Horned passalus beetles, found in the eastern United States, chew up more rotting wood if they harbor wormlike nematodes (inset) inside their abdomens.

Importance of theme in the pre-wedding photo concept

ONE of the busyness of the couple that takes much time before the wedding is to prepare an invitation card to be distributed to relatives, friends, work colleagues and acquaintances.

By and large, on the invitation card are displayed photos of the couple with intimate and romantic poses and a cheerful expression. In addition, the photos will also be on display at the wedding venue. Of course, to get such photos, a special photo session is needed or better known as pre-wedding photos.

For prospective couple, prewedding photos are an unforgettable historical record. Like the wedding, the couple certainly hopes that such moment will only happen once and does not repeat again in the lifetime.

To produce satisfying pre-wedding photos, especially for the couple, the theme to be outlined in the prewedding shooting concept must be

carefully prepared. The theme is then discussed with the photographer and the costumes to be worn and the venue of photo shooting must be determined in order to match the theme.

In Bali, the prospective couples generally choose outdoor shooting locations with the backdrop of Balinese-style buildings such as the Bali

Art Center, Bali Museum and other iconic buildings. For fashion choices, they generally wear luxury wedding gown exuding the impression of grandeur, glamour and aristocracy.

However, not all couples feel comfortable and fit with the concept of pre-wedding photos that look ‘wow’ but are already very common. There are also couples wishing to look simple without luxury wedding attires, but the pre-wedding photos are still unique and able to describe their personality. Therefore, the concept of pre-wedding photo must be carefully designed.

Describing personality

Actually, there is no limit to the theme in the concept of pre-

wedding photos and so the costumes to be worn where it must not wear particular customary attires. The couples legitimately raise a concept with the theme of a hobby they like best, even the profession they are currently engaged in. The theme being close to the daily life and personality of the couple will make it easier in the process of shooting because they ‘play a role’ as themselves. They will be more relaxed and look natural in pose, so the process of shooting will run smoothly.

Today, many photographers offer pre-wedding photo services.

However, not all of them are professionals. Before deciding

to use their services, the couple should browse the photographer’s portfolio. A professional prewedding photographer must have a portfolio denoting a representation of his best works. Based on the portfolio, we can find out the photographer’s ability to explore the angles of shooting, lighting, appropriate backgrounds to the issue of pre-wedding photo editing for a better finishing touch.

Choose a photographer having a good reputation, even though the price offered is relatively more expensive. Don’t be shy to discuss in details about the theme of the desired concept to the photographer in order to get the best results. (ian)

4

Bali News

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

International

Banyu Pinaruh, Klotok Beach thronged by residents

SEMARAPURA — After celebrating Saraswati feast day, thousands of Hindus immediately thronged the beach on Sunday (May 12). Rows of beaches such as the Pesinggahan, Goa Lawah, Kusamba, Karangdadi, Jumpai, Lepang, Negari, Klotok to Tegal Besar were thronged by thousands of people. However, majority of the people chose Klotok Beach to purify them spiritually in the Banyu Pinaruh ritual.

Residents choose Klotok Beach because it is known to have magical value as a place of worship for Hindus. In addition, there is also the Watu Klotok Temple with a long history in the journey of Hindus in Bali. “Klotok Beach is best for doing self-purification,” said a resident met at the location, Ketut Trisnawati from Tangkas hamlet, Semarapura City.

The ranks of Klungkung Police anticipated all possibilities to en-

sure the security of the people doing self-purification. Water police appeared to be alert on the beach from the morning led directly by Agus Widiono. When met on the sidelines of security on Klotok Beach, he claimed to deploy around 18 personnel of water police. Apprehension of police was proven because there was a resident, Dewa Made, 35, from Satra village, who suddenly had cramps while bathing

on the beach. Luckily, at that time he could be saved. Then, he was picked up by his family after having received treatment from the KRISS Medical Team 118 of Klungkung district government, water police, RAPI and village-commissioned police.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief of Klungkung Police, Ida Bagus Dedi Januartha, when met while leading the Banyu Pinaruh security said

the situation on Klotok Beach must remain vigilant. Based on previous records, during the Banyu Pinaruh celebration there were incidents of residents being dragged by waves for several times because they showered too far into the sea. Besides, when the weather conditions are not possible, there are still people being desperate to ‘challenge’ the waves to get dragged down even to death.

“We continuously monitor the activities of residents carrying out the Banyu Pinaruh celebration. Along with the personnel, we also appeal to the residents to remain alert to the wave situation,” said IB Dedi Januartha.

Security is not only carried out on Klotok Beach but also almost along the coast in Klungkung. Seeing people’s activities this year, according to him, there is an increase in community activities, especially those centered on the coast throughout Klungkung, including beaches on Nusa Penida.

“It has become a tradition for the people including Klungkung residents to take advantage of the day after the celebration of Saraswati feast day to welcome the Banyu Pinaruh Day by performing rituals of melukat or self-purification to the beach. So, it has become our obligation to provide security,” he said. (kmb31)

Residents choose Klotok Beach because it is known to have magical value as a place of worship for Hindus.

Admission ticket to Nusa Dua Waterblow starts to apply MANGUPURA — Admission ticket to the Waterblow area located on Peninsula Island, Nusa Dua, began to be applied as of May 1, 2019. Enforcement of this admission ticket is in accordance with the decision of the Regent of Badung No. 17/04 / HK / 2018.

This was implemented considering the Waterblow area has been designated as a Badung tourist destination (DTW). With the application of admission ticket, visitors are charged a tariff of IDR15,000 per person for domestic and IDR 25,000 per person for foreign tourists.

When confirmed on Sunday (May 12), the Operations Division Head of the ITDC Nusa Dua, Made Pariwijaya, justified the implementation of the admission

ticket having begun since May 1.

He added that after arranging the area, security of visitors coming to the Waterblow is guaranteed.

Those making a visit can enjoy the beauty of the bridge from 3 monitoring deck areas. They are even forbidden to go down to the reef for security reason. “The closest deck distance is 15 meters from the cliff. Visitors must not go down to the reef,” he said.

Besides, during extreme weather conditions, the area is also monitored by security and lifeguard. There are also restrictions on the area based on the situation and wave height information from the National Weather Service (BMKG). “For security reason, visitors are also supervised by security and life-

guard. As for each ticket held is covered with insurance, and BIMC Siloam Nusa Dua Hospital will be used as a reference in the event of an undesirable event occurred,” he explained.

With the application of admission ticket, he targeted a minimum number of visits of 500 people per day. According to him, this amount is almost the same as before the admission ticket was issued. Prior to the implementation of the admission ticket, the number of visits was approximately the same, within the range of 500-600 people per day.

“With a better security system and covered with insurance, we are confident the number of visits can continue to increase. For now, we are targeting as many as 500 people per day,” he said. (kmb23)

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

International

IBP/kmb

Admission ticket to the Waterblow area located on Peninsula Island, Nusa Dua, began to be applied as of May 1, 2019.

13

Philippines votes in polls expected to strengthen Duterte

MANILA - Filipinos headed to the polls on Monday in a vote that is expected to strengthen President Rodrigo Duterte’s grip on power, opening the way for him to deliver on pledges to restore the death penalty and rewrite the constitution.

More than 18,000 positions are at stake, including half of the seats in the upper house Senate, which has served as a bulwark against some of Duterte’s most controversial policies.

Duterte is known internationally for his foul-mouthed tirades and deadly drug war, but remains hugely popular among Filipinos fed up with the country’s general dysfunction and leaders who have failed to fix it.

He wants to bring back capital punishment for drug-related crimes as part of his narcotics crackdown, in which thousands of alleged pushers and users have already been killed by police.

His tough-on-crime platform -- which also includes lowering the age of criminal responsibility from 15 to 12 -- was key to his landslide election victory in 2016.

Crowds gathered at voting centres in the capital Manila even ahead of polls opening at 6:00 am (2200 GMT Sunday) in an election where some 61 million are registered to cast ballots.

“I voted for many of the candidates endorsed by President Duterte because his government is doing its job,” said Myrna Cruz, 51.

“I support their programmes, including the anti-drug campaign... but I wish the bloodshed would stop,” she added, echoing many Filipinos’ nuanced backing of the crackdown.

Voters across the country flooded social media with images of their ink-stained fingernails, which are daubed blue as a protection against voter fraud.

The opening of the polls saw isolated outbursts of violence, which is not unusual in the Philippines’ frequently bloody competition for elected posts.

At least 20 people were killed and 24 wounded in election-related violence in the run up to the vote, according to an official count.

The military said nine people were shot and wounded Monday during a confrontation at a polling station on the restive southern island of Jolo, which is home to insurgents and powerful local clans.

Several other small clashes were reported in the south, including one in which two men were wounded by gunfire in Maguindanao.

The violence is more frequent in lower level races and will not likely be a major feature in the election’s main contest for the Senate.

Winning a Senate majority, something that independent national surveys indicate is well within reach, would give Duterte legislative backing for his anti-crime proposals and his plan to rewrite the constitution.

Historically, the nation’s 24 senators -- who serve six-year terms -- have had a reputation for being more independent-minded than the lower house.

The opposition warns that could lead to the single-term limit for the presidency being lifted, allowing him to seek re-election despite his repeated statements that he would stand down at the end of his mandate.

It would also allow him to expand his internationally condemned antidrug crackdown by bringing back the death penalty, a pledge that the UN Human Rights Council said caused it “deep alarm”.

The Philippines outlawed capital punishment in 1987, reinstated it six years later and then abolished it again in 2006. (afp)

Noel CELIS / AFP

People wait for their turm to vote at a voting precinct in Culiat Elementary School in Manila on May 13, 2019.

LAKRUWAN WANNIARACHCHI / AFP

This photo illustration show a mobile browser unable to connect to Facebook, following the Sri Lankan government’s island-wide social network shutdown, in Colombo on May 13, 2019.

Sri Lanka blocks social media after anti-Muslim riots

SRI LANKA - Sri Lanka blocked Facebook, WhatsApp and other social media platforms on Monday after anti-Muslim riots hit several towns in the latest fallout from the Easter Sunday suicide attacks.

Christian groups attacked Muslim-owned shops in a sign of the continued religious tension in Sri Lanka since the April 21 attacks by jihadist suicide bombers on three hotels and three churches which left 258 dead.

A state of emergency has been in place since the bombings -- which the Islamic State group claims to have helped -- and security forces have been given sweeping powers to arrest and detain suspects for long periods.

Police said a mob targetted shops in the north-west town of Chilaw on Sunday in anger at a Facebook post by a shopkeeper. Security forces fired into the air to disperse the crowd, but the violence spread to nearby towns where Muslim businesses were also attacked.

A motorcycle gang attacked shops in nearby Kuliyapitiya and four members were arrested, officials said. However, dozens of people laid siege to the police station and forced their release.

Despite a night curfew, a mosque was vandalised, local residents said.

Police said the curfew in Chilaw and nearby areas was relaxed Monday, but the social media ban was brought in to head off new violence.

- Mosque attack “Don’t laugh more, 1 day u will cry,” was posted on Facebook by a Muslim shopkeeper, and local Christians took it to be a warning of an impending attack.

Mobs smashed the man’s shop and vandalised a nearby mosque prompting security forces to fire in the air to disperse the crowd. A curfew was imposed from Sunday afternoon until dawn Monday.

There have already been clashes between Christians and Muslims in Negombo, the town north of Colombo that was one of the targets for the suicide attackers.

The main body of Islamic clerics, the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU), said there was increased suspicion of Muslims after the Easter attacks carried out by local jihadists.

“We call upon the members of the Muslim communities to be more patient and guard your actions and avoid unnecessary postings or hosting on social media,” the ACJU said.

Internet service providers said they have been instructed by the telecommunications regulator to block access to Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram and other platforms.

The latest unrest came as Catho-

lic churches resumed Sunday masses for the first time since the bombings.

Worshippers were searched before being allowed into churches that were guarded by armed police and troops. There were no reports of disruption to services however.

-Schools reopen Dozens of people have been detained since the Easter Sunday attacks, and amid the heightened security, police have banned parking near schools and students are allowed in after checking for explosives.

Public schools completed their reopening from extended Easter holidays after the attacks, but attendance was low, according to education authorities.

Upper classes resumed last week while primary school pupils were asked to start Monday.

Private Catholic schools were to open on Tuesday, but many were planning to postpone the reopening until next week, parent groups said.

Muslims make up around 10 percent of Buddhist-majority Sri Lanka’s 21 million population and Christians about 7.6 percent. (afp)

12

International

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

Bali News

International

BUSINESS

In this July 5, 2018, file photo, a jockey truck passes a stack of 40-foot China Shipping containers at the Port of Savannah in Savannah, Ga. For months, the U.S. economy has shrugged off the tariffs slapped by America and China on tens of billions of dollars of each other s goods.

Trump’s tariff hike menaces strong economy

WASHINGTON — What trade war? For months, the U.S. economy has shrugged and chugged along as America and China slapped tariffs on tens of billions of dollars of each other’s goods in the fiercest trade fight since the 1930s.

Growth was steady. The unemployment rate dropped to 3.6%, a 50-year low. Stocks soared to record levels.

But President Donald Trump’s decision to hike import taxes on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports from 10% to 25% could upend all that.

“A game changer,” Steven Cochrane, chief Asia-Pacific economist at Moody’s Analytics, said of the tariffs slated to take effect at 12:01 a.m. Friday. He called the move a “worst-case scenario” that after one year will slash 1.8 percentage points from U.S. economic growth, which was a healthy 2.9% last year. (And it could get even worse. Trump has threatened to extend 25% tariffs to another $325 billion in Chinese imports, covering everything China ships to the United States.)

Other economists saw milder consequences.

“The new tariffs will drive up prices on a broad range of American goods, although the overall impact on (economic) growth and inflation is likely to be modest,” said Eswar Prasad, an economist at Cornell University. That’s because the United States, with a huge domestic market, is far less dependent on trade than most countries.

“A bigger concern is that the escalation of the trade war will dampen

business sentiment, which in turn would negatively affect investment and long-term growth,” Prasad said.

Whatever pain there is won’t be distributed evenly. Companies that depend on imports from China are especially vulnerable.

In Clearwater, Florida, the information technology company Source 1 Solutions is bracing to pay more for electronic components from China, and may have to take on more debt to cover the rising costs. “Every month we get hit with tariff money, we have to pay out,” said Robert Hessel, who owns Source 1 Solutions. “Tariffs aren’t good for the small businesses that are trying to do what we’re doing, importing equipment.”

Other tech companies are also likely to feel the squeeze.

These include Apple, which manufactures its flagship iPhone in China, as well as tiny startups just bringing new products to market and mid-size companies who’ve had to contend with absorbing the existing tariffs even as they compete with Chinese rivals. Tim Bajarin, president of consultancy Creative Strategies and a longtime Apple expert, said companies have two choices: Eat the cost of the tariffs and absorb a hit to profits — or raise their prices and risk scaring off customers.

“There are no other options,” he

said. “The companies are being used as a bargaining chip.”

Higher tariffs could mean “life or death” for smaller tech companies, said Bronwyn Flores, spokeswoman for the Consumer Technology Association, an industry group that runs the annual CES gadget show. She said she is hearing from these companies the most: “They just can’t afford to absorb these costs.” She said some are resorting to layoffs or delaying or cancelling new products.

The higher duties would cover thousands of Chinese imports — from refrigerators, air conditioners and washing machines to bamboo mats, microphones and cigarette paper.

Products on the tariff hit list include infrastructure equipment, components related to the new “5G” wireless networks, the semiconductors used in all sorts of electronic devices, internet infrastructure and wireless products, data center components that are the meat, bones, hearts and brains of many tech products.

Flores said some companies are already starting to change manufacturing operations, not renewing leases in China and moving to Malaysia, Mexico and elsewhere. This, of course, presents a whole new host of challenges, upending where they have manufactured for decades and having to hire and train people in a

new country.

It’s that kind of uncertainty that paralyzes business decision-making and drains economic output.

Peter Horwitz, who owns the paper and plastics supply company Tiger Packaging in Boca Raton, Florida, said he’s been trying to dodge the tariffs — or minimize their impact.

“Wherever we can, we’ve tried to offset the tariff duty either by going to other countries or working with suppliers to absorb the costs,” Horwitz said. Shifting manufacturing away from China is also costly — and a gamble. If Trump ever withdraws the tariffs, China would once again be the cheapest source of supply. “We’d all go back,” Horwitz said.

Retaliation from China is another worry. The official Xinhua news agency reported Wednesday that the Chinese government is threatening “to take necessary countermeasures” in response to a tariff hike. China responded to earlier U.S. tariffs by targeting $110 billion in American imports. Victims included American distillers and lobster fishermen, whose catch was put on China’s hit list. In drawing up a list of targets, Beijing focused specifically on soybeans and other farm products in a direct shot at Trump supporters in the U.S. Farm Belt. Hit by sanctions, U.S. soybean exports to China plunged 74% last year.

The trade war has pushed the price of soybeans and other farm products lower.

Randy Richards, a farmer in Hope, North Dakota, and member of a local bank board, said many farmers can’t pay for day-to-day operations so they’re borrowing more money, carrying a larger debt load and paying more interest. “How it affects me and how it affects my neighbors is everybody’s pushing the limit on what they can afford to borrow,” Richards said. “If prices don’t improve we’re going to see more auction sales.”

Bryan Klabunde, a corn and soybean farmer in northwestern Minnesota, said farmers are resilient but the uncertainty over the trade war “is catching up” with them. “I have friends who voted for President Trump and some of those farmers are very frustrated right now,” said Klabunde, vice president of the Minnesota Farmers Union. “The last week and what’s happening with China is putting more stress on them. It’s not only stressful on your financial budget but it’s stressful on your family.”

Economists have actually had to scramble to calculate the impact of rising tariffs. Their skill at analyzing trade wars had grown rusty. Until Trump took office, the global trend had been to ever more open trade, not more tariffs and protectionism.

Robert Kudrle, an international trade specialist at the University of Minnesota, said he’s had to explain tariffs to some audiences.

“Tariffs were kind of a thing of the past until a few years ago,” he said.

“Now they’re a big deal again.”(ap)

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

5

Philosophical Messages in Kertha Gosa Paintings

Kertha Gosa in Klungkung has been known as a heritage of the royal period. Until now it remains well maintained. The building features a classic atmosphere. There are a number of stories contained in the paintings mounted on the ceiling. What are they? The name of Kertha Gosa has been very famous not only in Balinese society, but also overseas. The historical heritage located in the south of Puputan Klungkung Monument becomes one of the tourist destinations in Klungkung.

When coming in, the classic atmosphere can be felt intensely. The Kertha Gosa building in the northeast corner still shows its taksu or divine vibration. Its foundation is made from hard sand stone. The poles of the building with a palm fiber roof covered with carvings give the impression of the past time. Gold leaf color of some painting has looked to fade but still looks beautiful. They are no less beautiful when compared to the carvings of today.

In the center of the building, there are carved table and chairs. According to the story, during the kingdom era it is believed to be the venue for

discussion on everything related to security situation, prosperity and justice of kingdom region in Bali.

Besides, this pavilion served as a venue of meeting for the subordinate kings throughout Bali held every full moon of the fourth month in Balinese calendar (October). Here the royal officials provided direction and decisions based on considerations of the circumstances and needs.

When observed further, the ceiling of this building is filled with paintings.

They have very distinctive colors.

Additionally, they look natural with a touch of color of the rocks. Aside from offering very classic nuance,

it contains meaningful philosophy.

All of them are displayed in plots.

Its beauty and uniqueness can draw the attention of many visiting tourists. They are quite curious about the meaning contained therein.

A tour guide, I Putu Gede Alex Sanjaya Putra, said the paintings have existed since the beginning of the building. One by one is explained based on the existing references. At the bottom plot, the story tells about Tantri Kandaka, the 1001-night stories whose essence is about all the deceit in society. The second and third plots carry about the Atma Presangsa, depicting the suffering of the souls in

Hell found by Bima Sena (second son of the Pandavas) on his way to find out the souls of his father and mother.

The fourth plot is about the eagle seeking amrita (holy water of life), taken from Adi Parwa, a story that illustrates how difficult it is to earn a living in the world. Meanwhile, the fifth plot tells about palelindon (forecast and meaning of earthquakes). The sixth and seventh plots tell about Bima Sena when meeting with divine and celestial deities and fighting to save the souls of his father and mother.

Meanwhile, the eighth plot tells about the heaven of the souls and the ninth plot about the god who serves as the keeper of the balance of the four points of the compass of the world.

“This painting becomes one of the tourist attractions,” explained Sanjaya Putra, not long ago.

Right in the middle of this building area is the Taman Gili. Local commu-

If you have more time, come and pray to the Jukut Paku Cliff Temple, a historical site having been designated as a cultural heritage. It is located at Jukut Paku hamlet, Singakerta, Ubud, Gianyar, or around 35 minutes’ drive from Denpasar city. Some people often choose it to be a place for yoga and meditation.

This historic site sits on a steep slope. The existence of this cliff temple is protected by the Bali Archaeological

Heritage Preservation Service as an ancient relic. From the village road, then follow the concrete road next to hamlet hall towards Wos River. Next, go down the stairs until you reach the location of the cliff temple.

Temple area offers very clean, beautiful and cool atmosphere. Understandably, this cultural heritage area is often used by tourists to do tracking (sightseeing) or spiritual tourism activities.

Around the Wos River, it grows large

and small local trees, thus adding to the calm atmosphere. In the sculpted cliff area of ??the temple called the Jukut Paku Cliff Temple. Its height is less than three meters, but the type of building of the temple is not monumental as is the temple found on Gunung Kawi.

Meanwhile, on the left and right side of the temple there is niche (like a cave), like the place of meditation.

To the right of the temple, there is a shower having clean and clear water,

while on the left is a place to put offerings. Wos River has slightly great stream and along the river pathway deliberately cleaned for visitors.

According to local residents, the Jukut Paku Temple is a place to worship ‘deities abiding at the Jukut Paku Cliff Temple’ to ask for salvation.

Jukut Paku Temple is still a place considered to have religious value for the local community. This temple also has a series of piodalan or temple

nity is more familiar with the name of Balai Kambang (literally means ‘the floating pavilion’) surrounded by a fish pond with water lilies. To get there, visitors should explore some steps that also show the old impression. This building has many poles.

The carving is similar to the ones in the Kertha Gosa. This also draws the attention of visitors as intrigued by the story of the paintings on the ceiling.

Near the brick-using foundation building, there is a small note explaining the meaning of the paintings. The first plot from below tells the story about the destiny of a person predetermined by the day of birth. The second plot depicts the story of Pan Berayut, a fairy tale about the couple having 18 children. As for the third to sixth plot tell about the story of Sutasoma, the work of renowned poet, Mpu Tantular during the reign of King Hayam Wuruk in Majapahit in 1365. (kmb)

festival falling on Anggara Kasih Medangsia, along with the piodalan at the Penataran Temple of Jukut Paku hamlet.

On the temple festival, people will put offerings in the form of suci, peras, daksina, soroan, pengambean, and sesantun. In addition to worshiping the deities, the construction of the Jukut Paku Temple is believed to be the place where ancestral spirits have merged with their goddess. (kmb)

Jukut Paku Cliff Temple, a Place to Practice Yoga and Meditation

6

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

W

RLD

Microscopic remains of Nazi victims to be buried in Berlin

BERLIN - More than seven decades after World War II ended, over 300 tiny pieces of human tissue from political prisoners executed by the Nazis will be buried Monday at a Berlin cemetery.

The samples -- each a hundredth of a millimetre thin and about a square centimetre in size -- were uncovered on microscopic glass plates by the descendants of the Third Reich anatomy professor Hermann Stieve.

Stieve dissected and researched the bodies of inmates killed at the Berlin Ploetzensee jail, including those of executed resistance fighters -- in part to examine the physical impact of fear experienced by women.

A ceremony will be held, with descendants of the victims expected to attend, before the remains are finally laid to rest at 1300 GMT at the Dorotheenstadt cemetery in central Berlin with a Catholic and a Protestant priest and a rabbi present.

A ceremony will be held, with descendants of the victims expected to attend, before the remains are finally laid to rest at 1300 GMT

at the Dorotheenstadt cemetery in central Berlin.

“With the burial of the microscopic specimens... we want to take a step toward giving the victims back their dignity,” said Karl Max Einhaeupl, the head of Berlin’s university hospital Charite.

He said the burial was part of a historical project by the hospital to confront its role in the medical profession’s difficult relationship with Nazism.

The burial site had been picked as there are many graves and memorials for the victims of Nazism there, said Johannes Tuchel, director of the German Resistance Memorial Centre, which is organising the special event with Charite.

Tuchel said the human tissue samples were among “the last remains of people who were victims of the Nazis’ unjust justice system...

They were denied a grave at that

time, and so today, a burial is a matter of course.”

- Noose and guillotine -

More than 2,800 people held at Berlin-Ploetzensee prison were put to the guillotine or hanged between 1933 and 1945, and most were then sent for dissection at the Berlin Institute of Anatomy.

Stieve was the institute’s director from 1935 to 1952 and carried out controversial research on the female reproductive system.

Most of the 300 specimens found in Stieve’s estate stemmed from women, adds a plaque to commemorate them, which does however not list the names of individual victims at the request of relatives.

Among those executed at Ploetzensee were 42 resistance fighters from the Berlin group Red Orchestra. Stieve is believed to have dissected at least 13 of 18 executed female Red Orchestra fighters.

He was never charged with a crime and continued his medical career after the war like many other scientists who collaborated with the Nazis.

Only the highest-ranking physicians under the Third Reich were prosecuted at Nuremberg in the socalled Doctors’ trial for grotesque human experimentation and mass murder under the “euthanasia” programme. (afp) Flowers and wreathes are placed at the Soviet War Memorial in Berlin’s Tiergarten district during an event to commemorate the 74th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany on May 9, 2019.

Guardiola...

From page 1

Klopp pointed to City’s financial power, backed by the club’s Abu Dhabi owners, as a principal reason why they will not be easy to overhaul.

However, unlike Manchester United, who ended the season as close to the relegation zone as they were to City, 32 points behind the champions in sixth, City

have invested their money wisely.

“More than half a billion pounds lavished on one of the most expensive and brilliant squads ever assembled. But we only have to look down the road at Manchester United to know that you can pour millions down the drain,” said The Times.

“The danger, when City have smashed so many records in two years of domestic domination -- 198 league points from a pos-

sible 228, 19 domestic cup ties won out of 20 -- is that it is regarded as easy, normal, expected.

Those figures suggest a relentless machine.

“It is in watching Guardiola on the sidelines that we see the stress, the agony, the pressure that has been relentless since setting out last August, requiring 18 wins out of 19 since Christmas to stay ahead of Jurgen Klopp’s brilliant Liverpool.” (afp)

International

International

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

11

In Greece, smoking is alive and kicking despite bans

ATHENS - When George Balafoutis returned home from New York two years ago, he was shocked to see what little impact nearly a decade of anti-smoking laws had made on stubbing out Greece’s favourite guilty pleasure.

It was then that Balafoutis, now 38, decided to build a website dedicated to informing non-smokers where they could enjoy a meal or coffee unmarred by other patrons’ cigarette smoke.

“After so many medical studies on (the harmful effects of) passive smoking, it’s unacceptable for smokers to keep on ignoring the health of pregnant women and children,” he told AFP. Balafoutis’ website, akapnos.gr, currently lists more than 400 smokefree establishments but he acknowledges that the movement has yet to gather steam.

“Restaurant and club owners are afraid of losing smoking customers, and politicians are afraid of losing votes,” fumed the cybersecurity architect who came back to work in Greece because he missed his homeland, family and friends.

And with Greece headed for local elections on May 26, officials are unlikely to press the point, he conceded.

In 2009, Greece banned smoking in indoor public places, instituted stiff fines and created a complaints hotline.

However, in practice, the law is still rarely enforced.

- ‘Should have the choice’ -

Nikos Louvros, an Athens bar owner and proponent of smokers’ rights, proudly provides ashtrays on the tables of his Booze Cooperativa venue, where customers can puff away at ease.

“It makes sense not to smoke in a hospital but when you’re having fun, you should have the choice of going somewhere where you can smoke,” he said.

Louvros even founded a smokers’

political party in the wake of the 2009 legal clampdown, so strongly did he feel about people’s right to smoke.

In Greece, 72 percent of licensed establishments are restaurants that allow smoking, the highest figure in the European Union, according to a 2017 Eurobarometer study.

Some 37 percent of Greeks smoke, compared to an EU average of 26 percent, it found.

- ‘I’ll quit when I choose’ -

Earlier this year, the issue sparked a row when European health commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis reacted with disdain to a 2016 photo of Greek junior health minister Pavlos Polakis smoking inside the ministry.

“It’s shameful! This guy knows nothing about health,” Greek daily Kathimerini quoted Andriukaitis as saying.

Polakis, a veteran surgeon, scornfully replied on Facebook: “I’ll quit when I choose to... ok “guy”???”.

Anti-smoking laws in Greece date back to the mid-19th century. An 1856 royal decree issued by the country’s first post-independence monarch, king Otto of Bavaria, forbade the use of pipes and cigarettes in public offices and shops.

The 2009 anti-smoking law carries a fine of 50-500 euros ($56-$560) for an individual, and 500-1,000 euros for the establishment where the infraction occurred.

“In the end, we will join the ranks of civilised nations... what are we, the idiots of Europe?” then health minister Dimitris Avramopoulos -- now EU migration commissioner -- said, at the time the law was tightened.

Few people are reported to the police, however.

When the economic crisis hit Greece a year later, few could argue with business owners complaining that their livelihood depended on placating a paying majority of smoking patrons. (afp)

WAHYUDI / AFP

An armed plainclothes policeman (L) secures the around around Siak prison in Siak Sri Indrapura in Riau province on May 11, 2019 after rioting and a fire broke out at the detention centre leading to a prison break. Hundreds of inmates on May 11 escaped from the Indonesian jail on Sumatra island, police said, the latest breakout to hit the country’s creaking prison system.

Minister Laoly inspects Siak Prison ravaged by rioting, fire

SIAK - Law and Human Rights Minister Yasonna Laoly visited the Class IIB Penitentiary of Siak Sri Indrapura, Riau, Monday, to review the situation after it was ravaged by riots and fire on Saturday (May 11).

“We express regret over what transpired, though this is not the foremost time. The fundamental issue here is overcapacity, in this case, almost 500 percent,” Yasonna remarked after inspecting the rubble and buildings of the burnt down prison.

The minister called to promptly initiate steps to conduct repairs at the remand center while awaiting the new development process. The Siak district government has already

readied a five-hectare plot of land, though the development funding still lacks clarity.

The minister has called on the provincial and district governments to lend assistance to the development process for building prisons and the immigration process.

“If the governor has funds, it is not an issue,either it is from the district head. Here, there is a lot of oil. Funds are available but the issue of overcapacity is omnipresent.

Regional government funds also from Jakarta are available for the required results. This is synergy,” Laoly pointed out.

The minister also sought aid to fund the Narcotics Special Detention Center in Rumbai, Pekanbaru, assisted by the re-

gional government. If it can be utilized, it will help to lessen the excess capacity, which typically arises from the sudden increase in the number of drug prisoners.

Currently, over 500 prisoners have been moved to other detention centers from Siak Prison. The Siak remand center is in dire need of temporary renovation. This old structure houses prisoners whose legal standing has yet to be legally enforced (inkracht).

Of 648 people detained at the Siak detention center, some 80 are still not permanent, or inkracht, so they need to be in Siak. The rest have been shifted to Pekanbaru Prison, Bangkinang, Bengkalis, and Dumai. (ant)

10 Indonesian migrant workers still missing: SAR Angelos Tzortzinis / AFP

Bar owner Nikos Louvros, who heads Greece’s pro-smoking KOTES group, smokes in his bar in Athens on May 7, 2019.

According to the a 2017 Eurobarometer study, restaurants that allow smoking are 72 percent of licensed establishments in Greece, the highest in the EU.

TANJUNGPINANG - The National Search and Rescue Agency is continuing its efforts to find the 10 Indonesian migrant workers who went missing after their traditional wooden boat capsized in the Nongsa waters of Batam Island, Riau Islands Province, on Sunday evening.

Two police vessels have been

deployed to assist the search and rescue efforts but the joint-SAR team members are yet to find them, Head of the Tanjungpinang-based SAR office Mu’min said here on Wednesday.

The tradition wooden boat, locally known as “pompong”, was reported to depart from Sei Rengit in Johor, Malaysia, but on its way to the In-

donesian island of Batam, the back of the boat was hit by waves, thereby causing it to sink, he said.

“The ‘pompong’ may have sunk at coordinates 1° 9.373’ N 104 15.901’ E,” Mu’min said.

Malaysia is still a favorite destination among Indonesian migrant workers, with many of them working

in factories and plantations in the neighboring country.

To reach Malaysia, workers coming from the main island of Sumatra and isles in Riau Province frequently use boats as their main mode of transport.

In June 2014, a boat carrying 27 people, including 20 Indonesians, capsized off the coast of Sepang,

Selangor, Malaysia, and seven of them went missing.

The boat, which had the capacity to carry 10 people, capsized due to overloading. This incident came to light a day after a ship carrying 97 Indonesian illegal immigrants sank off the Air Hitam river, Selangor, Malaysia. (ant)

10

Destination

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

International

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

International

Indonesian teen defeats world surfing champ Medina in Bali

JAKARTA - An Indonesian teenager pulled off a stunning upset Monday by defeating two-time surfing world champion Gabriel Medina in Bali.

The USAT Liberty shipwreck

AMLAPURA - Bali’s most famous dive site. Built circa WWI this cargo ship was equipped with guns for WWII, torpedoed by the Japanese off Lombok; despite attempts to tow the ship to N Bali it was taking on too much water so was semi-beached at Tulamben.

Over the years anything reusable was removed. In 1963, with the earth tremors from the last eruption of Mount Agung, the wreck slid further down the slope where it still lies (as close to the beach as it can be and still be underwater!).

The Liberty lies approximately 30m offshore almost parallel to the beach on the sand slope and is suitable for all levels of qualification and experience. The wreck lies in depths from 9-30m; the shallowest part of the wreck, where it touches the sand slope, is at 5-10m. Depth along the middle of the wreck is 16-20m. The lower edge of the wreck, ie: furthest down the slope, is 20-28m (at high tide). The wreck is 120m long, it’s pretty broken up (ie: no penetration possible) but you can still see the guns, toilets,

boilers, anchor chain, etc. It is a lovely dive site, possibly the world’s easiest wreck dive.

You can also snorkel on the wreck – the highest point of the stern is about 4m below the surface.

Visibility is usually 18-25m, lower when it has been raining. There is rarely a current present, at most it will be mild. During the 3 days before the full moon, there are usually waves. The air temp is 2532degrees, the water 26-28degrees.

The wreck is very popular with photographers as it is totally en-

crusted in anemone, gorgonia and corals. The black sand provides an excellent colour contrast for the incredible variety of marinelife, which includes a huge school (literally 100s) of 10-12inch silver fish called Big-Eyed Trevally and over 400 other species of fish.

All the fish are very tame (partly as a result of some guides feeding them, a rather unenvironmentallysound practice!) from the Goatfish and Wrasse that nibble around your feet and fins during entry/exit to the Unicornfish and Surgeonfish which

make a (slightly alarming the first time you see them!) beeline for your mask as you swim down towards the Wreck. It is quite difficult to list what you will see because you’ll see just about everything in any IndoPacific Reef Guide book if you dive here. From the minute Anglerfish, neon nudibranches, Ghost Pipefish, shrimp/goby sets, through to the areas of Garden Eels and multi-coloured clouds of anthias and damsels and on to the schools of Sweetlips, Batfish, fusiliers, Butterflyfish, the variety is amazing. (IBP/net)

Granted a wildcard spot to compete in the World Surf League (WSL) event at Keramas beach on Bali’s east coast, 19-year-old Rio Waida quickly proved why he is considered Indonesia’s next big hope on the international stage.

Waida scored a low combined two-wave score of 9.60 out of 20, but that was still enough to edge out 2018 world champ Medina and Deivid Silva -- both from Brazil -- in clean head-high waves.

“I’m very happy I won in the first round, especially because I was competing against Gabby Medina, the world champion,” Waida said in a post-heat interview.

“The waves were small, but I know the break here so I could implement my strategy.

“I don’t care about other competitors -- I just thought about myself.”

On his best scoring ride, Waida -- who finished third in the WSL World Junior Championships last year -- completed a series of pow-

erful manoeuvres in the pocket of the wave that earned him a 5.67 out of 10 and cheers from fans on the beach.

The Balinese surfer followed that up with a 3.93, which was enough to see him advance to round three where he will compete against the winner of a round-two elimination heat.

Some five decades after surfing was first introduced to Bali by foreign visitors, Waida is from a new generation of Indonesian surfers that are stamping their mark on the international scene.

The Corona Bali Pro is the third stop on the 11-event men’s world tour and follows competitions on the Gold Coast and at Bells Beach in Australia.

John John Florence, a two-time world champ from Hawaii, currently has the tour ratings lead and advanced on the first day of the competition along with event favourites Italo Ferreira, Filipe Toledo and Jordy Smith. (afp)

SONNY TUMBELAKA / AFP

Brazil’s Gabriel Medina performs a manouvre on a wave one day before the start of the World Surf League men’s championship tour surfing event at Keramas in Gianyar on Indonesia’s resort island of Bali on May 12, 2019.

Raptors game seven hero Leonard bounces in winning buzzer beater

Place Your Add Here

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

LOS ANGELES - Kawhi Leonard bounced in the gamewinning shot at the buzzer as the Toronto Raptors advanced to the Eastern Conference finals with a 92-90 win over the visiting Philadelphia 76ers in a heart-stopping game seven on Sunday.

The winner-take-all contest was a microcosm of the wildly unpredictable series with each team taking turns making runs or being inept until the biggest twist of all as Leonard finished it off in showstopping style.

“I got a fortuitous bounce,” said Leonard of the first gameseven buzzer beater in NBA history. “I just shot it as hard as I could. I got some loft on it and it made the ball bounce soft and it ended up going in.”

The Raptors advance to the NBA final four where they will play the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks in game one of their series on Wednesday.

With the score tied 90-90 and the game appearing to be headed to overtime, Leonard took matters into his own hands by getting open for a fall-away jumper from the right corner.

His arching moon ball at the buzzer bounced twice on each side of the rim before dropping into the bucket to clinch the series.

Leonard’s winning shot came after Sixers Jimmy Butler tied the contest with four seconds left.

Leonard finished with a game high 41 points while Pascal Siakam tallied 11 points and 11 rebounds for the Raptors, who are hoping to reach their first NBA finals in franchise history.

Toronto has leaned heavily on Leonard all season, and on Sunday he delivered. Serge Ibaka had 17 points, Kyle Lowry chipped in 10 and Marc Gasol grabbed

11 rebounds.

Joel Embiid led the Sixers attack with 21 points and 11 rebounds and Tobias Harris had 15 points and 10 rebounds.

The Raptors were up 89-85 with 74 seconds to play on a steal

by Lowry, who set up Siakam for the layup.

Butler made one of two free throws, cutting the lead to three.

With 12 seconds to play, Joel Embiid made two free throws to trim the lead to one, 89-88.

Leonard had a chance to give Toronto a three-point lead but made just one of two free throws with 10 seconds remaining, and Butler tied the score 90-90 on a desperation driving layup.

“I was disappointed I missed that free throw,” Leonard said.

“So I really wanted to make that shot. I wanted to leave it all out on the floor just in case we lost so I would have been proud of myself.” (afp)

Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles the ball as Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers defends during Game Seven of the second round of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on May 12, 2019 in Toronto, Canada.

8

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

‘We will go again’: Klopp eyes Champions League glory after title pain

‘Your mum wants you home’: Chris Coleman on brink of sack in China

Jurgen Klopp has challenged Liverpool to use the pain of their failed Premier League title bid as fuel to finish a remarkable season with Champions League glory.

Liverpool fell one point short of winning their first league title since 1990 as Manchester City pipped Klopp’s side on the final day of the season.

Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Wolves was rendered irrelevant by City’s 4-1 victory at Brighton, leaving the Anfield faithful frustrated after it briefly appeared they might witness two football miracles in the space of a week.

Tuesday’s astonishing 4-0 win against Barcelona, which overturned a 3-0 first-leg deficit and sent Liverpool to their second successive Champions League final, was one of the greatest nights in the club’s history.

And when Sadio Mane put Liverpool ahead early on against Wolves and City fell behind to Glenn Murray’s goal, another unthinkable dream was about to become reality.

That tantalising moment lasted only a matter of seconds, however, as Sergio Aguero equalised for City, who went onto shatter Liverpool’s hopes with a ruthless goal-spree.

It was cruel on Liverpool, who secured 30 wins and 97 points, setting a standard that would have secured the title in any year but the last two, with Pep Guardiola’s sensational City amassing 100 points 12 months ago and 98 this term.

Yet Klopp insists his players won’t dwell on their agonising near-miss for long because they have a chance for redemption in the Champions League final against Tottenham in Madrid on June 1.

“We have qualified for the Champions League final. That is special. This team is one of the best that ever played for Liverpool, 100 percent,” Klopp said.

“If I would start telling you all the positive things about this team we would be here until an hour before the Champions League final. “This club is in the best moment for a long time and it will not end because another team has one more point.

“If we are ready to make the next step, we will. That is the plan from tomorrow.”

While Klopp is confident Liverpool can bring home the club’s sixth European Cup and first since 2005, even if they do triumph in Madrid the German doesn’t believe his team are at the peak of their powers yet.

“I am not worried that this is as good as it can be. This team is not the finished article,” he said.

“We had an unbelievable season. I can read all the numbers. It would be nice to get an award for the biggest development I can remember.

“We made a big step. But really think there is more to come. We will go again.”

- Unique challenge -

Paul ELLIS / AFP

Liverpool’s Egyptian midfielder Mohamed Salah holds the Premier League Golden Boot award for scoring the most league goals shared with Liverpool’s Senegalese striker Sadio Mane and Arsenal’s Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on May 12, 2019.

Reeling in City won’t be a piece of cake for Klopp and the 51-year-old conceded Guardiola’s group present a unique challenge. “As long as Manchester City are around with their financial power, no team will pass them easily,” Klopp said. “We need to be very close to perfection to win the Premier League as long as this is the case.”

As the sun-soaked Liverpool fans retreated to the pubs around the city, the mood remained upbeat.

Rather than drowning their sorrows, all the talk was of Madrid and the chance for another magical day in a season that featured so many highs.

“I never expected it to happen today. Realistically City had it in their hands.

We’ve got a great opportunity to win number six in Madrid, that’s all we care about now,” Reds fan Stephen Mulgrew told AFP. Dom Tyler, another diehard supporter, said he had started the day optimistic, but his focus was also on the Champions League.

“When Brighton scored I thought I was going to cry. I really thought we could do it. It didn’t happen but there’s nothing to be ashamed of. We’ve got a hell of a team and there’s still everything to play for,” he said.

Echoing that sentiment, Klopp expects Liverpool to put their title angst to good use -- once he’s had a few hours to lick his wounds. “If you really want something, you feel the disappointment as well. That is what we feel,” he said.

“We play in a league with other very good teams. We accept that, no problem.

We will go again but give me a few hours to get over it!” (afp)

9

Chris Coleman is battling to save himself from the sack after angry fans of struggling Hebei China Fortune demanded the former Wales manager be fired. The 48-year-old’s side have won only once in nine Chinese Super League (CSL) games this season and languish one place off bottom spot.

A Hebei team containing former Barcelona star Javier Mascherano lost 3-2 at home to mid-table Henan Jianye at the weekend and had a man sent off for the fourth time in all competitions this year.

Coleman, who took Sunderland down into England’s third tier in his previous job, is under intense pressure from Hebei fans who want him removed.

A section of disgruntled supporters held aloft a banner during Saturday’s defeat that said in English: “Hello Mr. Coleman, please go home! You’re fired!!!”

In Chinese it read: “Coleman, your mum wants you home for dinner.” Coleman was a defender for Crystal Palace, Swansea City, Blackburn Rovers and Fulham

during his playing days, and later became then-Premier League Fulham’s manager.

He was sacked after four years in the hot seat at Craven Cottage and then had a spell with Real Sociedad in Spain.

But he enjoyed his most successful time in charge of his native Wales, taking them to a shock semi-final place at Euro 2016.

Coleman succeeded West Ham United-bound Manuel Pellegrini at Hebei in June 2018, but has won only seven of his 28 games after making a decent start.

Last week, after a 2-0 defeat to Marouane Fellaini and Shandong Luneng, Hebei issued an open letter to fans apologising and saying that it has been “the toughest start (to a season) in the club’s history”. “We let you down and we can’t make any excuses for the recent performances,” said a statement. “We have to say to you: sorry.”

Hebei, who are above rockbottom Beijing Renhe only on goal difference in the CSL, travel to seventh-placed Tianjin Teda on Sunday. (afp)

Filippo MONTEFORTE / AFP

Juventus’ Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo (C) gestures next to AS Roma Greek defender Konstantinos Manolas (L) and AS Roma Italian midfielder Alessandro Florenzi (R) during the Italian Serie A football match between AS Roma and Juventus Turin at the Olympic stadium in Rome, on May 12, 2019.

Florenzi hits back at Ronaldo’s ‘you’re too small’ jibe as Roma beat

Roma captain Alessandro Florenzi hit back at a jibe by Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo about his height by going on to score the opener in a 2-0 win over the Serie A champions on Sunday.

The pair clashed on the hour mark in the Stadio Olimpico in a row after the Portuguese star played the ball while Edin Dzeko was down and needed treatment.

Ronaldo made a gesture with his hand with the former

Real Madrid star heard saying: “You’re too small to talk.” The Portuguese player than seemed to apologise and to hug Florenzi.

Dzeko set up Florenzi for the first goal after 79 minutes with the Bosnian then slotting in the second two minutes into injury time as Juventus fell to just their third defeat this season.

The win keeps Roma’s Champions League hopes alive with Claudio Ranieri’s side sixth, but just one point off Inter Milan

who are fourth, before they play Chievo on Monday.

The defeat came on the day that Juventus displayed their new strip which no longer features the club’s iconic black and white stripes in a breakaway from over a century of tradition.

Ronaldo’s hopes of finishing the season as the Serie A top scorer are slim as his 21 goals are five behind Sampdoria’s Fabio Quagliarella’s 26 with two games left. (afp)

IBP/net

8

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

‘We will go again’: Klopp eyes Champions League glory after title pain

‘Your mum wants you home’: Chris Coleman on brink of sack in China

Jurgen Klopp has challenged Liverpool to use the pain of their failed Premier League title bid as fuel to finish a remarkable season with Champions League glory.

Liverpool fell one point short of winning their first league title since 1990 as Manchester City pipped Klopp’s side on the final day of the season.

Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Wolves was rendered irrelevant by City’s 4-1 victory at Brighton, leaving the Anfield faithful frustrated after it briefly appeared they might witness two football miracles in the space of a week.

Tuesday’s astonishing 4-0 win against Barcelona, which overturned a 3-0 first-leg deficit and sent Liverpool to their second successive Champions League final, was one of the greatest nights in the club’s history.

And when Sadio Mane put Liverpool ahead early on against Wolves and City fell behind to Glenn Murray’s goal, another unthinkable dream was about to become reality.

That tantalising moment lasted only a matter of seconds, however, as Sergio Aguero equalised for City, who went onto shatter Liverpool’s hopes with a ruthless goal-spree.

It was cruel on Liverpool, who secured 30 wins and 97 points, setting a standard that would have secured the title in any year but the last two, with Pep Guardiola’s sensational City amassing 100 points 12 months ago and 98 this term.

Yet Klopp insists his players won’t dwell on their agonising near-miss for long because they have a chance for redemption in the Champions League final against Tottenham in Madrid on June 1.

“We have qualified for the Champions League final. That is special. This team is one of the best that ever played for Liverpool, 100 percent,” Klopp said.

“If I would start telling you all the positive things about this team we would be here until an hour before the Champions League final. “This club is in the best moment for a long time and it will not end because another team has one more point.

“If we are ready to make the next step, we will. That is the plan from tomorrow.”

While Klopp is confident Liverpool can bring home the club’s sixth European Cup and first since 2005, even if they do triumph in Madrid the German doesn’t believe his team are at the peak of their powers yet.

“I am not worried that this is as good as it can be. This team is not the finished article,” he said.

“We had an unbelievable season. I can read all the numbers. It would be nice to get an award for the biggest development I can remember.

“We made a big step. But really think there is more to come. We will go again.”

- Unique challenge -

Paul ELLIS / AFP

Liverpool’s Egyptian midfielder Mohamed Salah holds the Premier League Golden Boot award for scoring the most league goals shared with Liverpool’s Senegalese striker Sadio Mane and Arsenal’s Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on May 12, 2019.

Reeling in City won’t be a piece of cake for Klopp and the 51-year-old conceded Guardiola’s group present a unique challenge. “As long as Manchester City are around with their financial power, no team will pass them easily,” Klopp said. “We need to be very close to perfection to win the Premier League as long as this is the case.”

As the sun-soaked Liverpool fans retreated to the pubs around the city, the mood remained upbeat.

Rather than drowning their sorrows, all the talk was of Madrid and the chance for another magical day in a season that featured so many highs.

“I never expected it to happen today. Realistically City had it in their hands.

We’ve got a great opportunity to win number six in Madrid, that’s all we care about now,” Reds fan Stephen Mulgrew told AFP. Dom Tyler, another diehard supporter, said he had started the day optimistic, but his focus was also on the Champions League.

“When Brighton scored I thought I was going to cry. I really thought we could do it. It didn’t happen but there’s nothing to be ashamed of. We’ve got a hell of a team and there’s still everything to play for,” he said.

Echoing that sentiment, Klopp expects Liverpool to put their title angst to good use -- once he’s had a few hours to lick his wounds. “If you really want something, you feel the disappointment as well. That is what we feel,” he said.

“We play in a league with other very good teams. We accept that, no problem.

We will go again but give me a few hours to get over it!” (afp)

9

Chris Coleman is battling to save himself from the sack after angry fans of struggling Hebei China Fortune demanded the former Wales manager be fired. The 48-year-old’s side have won only once in nine Chinese Super League (CSL) games this season and languish one place off bottom spot.

A Hebei team containing former Barcelona star Javier Mascherano lost 3-2 at home to mid-table Henan Jianye at the weekend and had a man sent off for the fourth time in all competitions this year.

Coleman, who took Sunderland down into England’s third tier in his previous job, is under intense pressure from Hebei fans who want him removed.

A section of disgruntled supporters held aloft a banner during Saturday’s defeat that said in English: “Hello Mr. Coleman, please go home! You’re fired!!!”

In Chinese it read: “Coleman, your mum wants you home for dinner.” Coleman was a defender for Crystal Palace, Swansea City, Blackburn Rovers and Fulham

during his playing days, and later became then-Premier League Fulham’s manager.

He was sacked after four years in the hot seat at Craven Cottage and then had a spell with Real Sociedad in Spain.

But he enjoyed his most successful time in charge of his native Wales, taking them to a shock semi-final place at Euro 2016.

Coleman succeeded West Ham United-bound Manuel Pellegrini at Hebei in June 2018, but has won only seven of his 28 games after making a decent start.

Last week, after a 2-0 defeat to Marouane Fellaini and Shandong Luneng, Hebei issued an open letter to fans apologising and saying that it has been “the toughest start (to a season) in the club’s history”. “We let you down and we can’t make any excuses for the recent performances,” said a statement. “We have to say to you: sorry.”

Hebei, who are above rockbottom Beijing Renhe only on goal difference in the CSL, travel to seventh-placed Tianjin Teda on Sunday. (afp)

Filippo MONTEFORTE / AFP

Juventus’ Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo (C) gestures next to AS Roma Greek defender Konstantinos Manolas (L) and AS Roma Italian midfielder Alessandro Florenzi (R) during the Italian Serie A football match between AS Roma and Juventus Turin at the Olympic stadium in Rome, on May 12, 2019.

Florenzi hits back at Ronaldo’s ‘you’re too small’ jibe as Roma beat

Roma captain Alessandro Florenzi hit back at a jibe by Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo about his height by going on to score the opener in a 2-0 win over the Serie A champions on Sunday.

The pair clashed on the hour mark in the Stadio Olimpico in a row after the Portuguese star played the ball while Edin Dzeko was down and needed treatment.

Ronaldo made a gesture with his hand with the former

Real Madrid star heard saying: “You’re too small to talk.” The Portuguese player than seemed to apologise and to hug Florenzi.

Dzeko set up Florenzi for the first goal after 79 minutes with the Bosnian then slotting in the second two minutes into injury time as Juventus fell to just their third defeat this season.

The win keeps Roma’s Champions League hopes alive with Claudio Ranieri’s side sixth, but just one point off Inter Milan

who are fourth, before they play Chievo on Monday.

The defeat came on the day that Juventus displayed their new strip which no longer features the club’s iconic black and white stripes in a breakaway from over a century of tradition.

Ronaldo’s hopes of finishing the season as the Serie A top scorer are slim as his 21 goals are five behind Sampdoria’s Fabio Quagliarella’s 26 with two games left. (afp)

IBP/net

10

Destination

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

International

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

International

Indonesian teen defeats world surfing champ Medina in Bali

JAKARTA - An Indonesian teenager pulled off a stunning upset Monday by defeating two-time surfing world champion Gabriel Medina in Bali.

The USAT Liberty shipwreck

AMLAPURA - Bali’s most famous dive site. Built circa WWI this cargo ship was equipped with guns for WWII, torpedoed by the Japanese off Lombok; despite attempts to tow the ship to N Bali it was taking on too much water so was semi-beached at Tulamben.

Over the years anything reusable was removed. In 1963, with the earth tremors from the last eruption of Mount Agung, the wreck slid further down the slope where it still lies (as close to the beach as it can be and still be underwater!).

The Liberty lies approximately 30m offshore almost parallel to the beach on the sand slope and is suitable for all levels of qualification and experience. The wreck lies in depths from 9-30m; the shallowest part of the wreck, where it touches the sand slope, is at 5-10m. Depth along the middle of the wreck is 16-20m. The lower edge of the wreck, ie: furthest down the slope, is 20-28m (at high tide). The wreck is 120m long, it’s pretty broken up (ie: no penetration possible) but you can still see the guns, toilets,

boilers, anchor chain, etc. It is a lovely dive site, possibly the world’s easiest wreck dive.

You can also snorkel on the wreck – the highest point of the stern is about 4m below the surface.

Visibility is usually 18-25m, lower when it has been raining. There is rarely a current present, at most it will be mild. During the 3 days before the full moon, there are usually waves. The air temp is 2532degrees, the water 26-28degrees.

The wreck is very popular with photographers as it is totally en-

crusted in anemone, gorgonia and corals. The black sand provides an excellent colour contrast for the incredible variety of marinelife, which includes a huge school (literally 100s) of 10-12inch silver fish called Big-Eyed Trevally and over 400 other species of fish.

All the fish are very tame (partly as a result of some guides feeding them, a rather unenvironmentallysound practice!) from the Goatfish and Wrasse that nibble around your feet and fins during entry/exit to the Unicornfish and Surgeonfish which

make a (slightly alarming the first time you see them!) beeline for your mask as you swim down towards the Wreck. It is quite difficult to list what you will see because you’ll see just about everything in any IndoPacific Reef Guide book if you dive here. From the minute Anglerfish, neon nudibranches, Ghost Pipefish, shrimp/goby sets, through to the areas of Garden Eels and multi-coloured clouds of anthias and damsels and on to the schools of Sweetlips, Batfish, fusiliers, Butterflyfish, the variety is amazing. (IBP/net)

Granted a wildcard spot to compete in the World Surf League (WSL) event at Keramas beach on Bali’s east coast, 19-year-old Rio Waida quickly proved why he is considered Indonesia’s next big hope on the international stage.

Waida scored a low combined two-wave score of 9.60 out of 20, but that was still enough to edge out 2018 world champ Medina and Deivid Silva -- both from Brazil -- in clean head-high waves.

“I’m very happy I won in the first round, especially because I was competing against Gabby Medina, the world champion,” Waida said in a post-heat interview.

“The waves were small, but I know the break here so I could implement my strategy.

“I don’t care about other competitors -- I just thought about myself.”

On his best scoring ride, Waida -- who finished third in the WSL World Junior Championships last year -- completed a series of pow-

erful manoeuvres in the pocket of the wave that earned him a 5.67 out of 10 and cheers from fans on the beach.

The Balinese surfer followed that up with a 3.93, which was enough to see him advance to round three where he will compete against the winner of a round-two elimination heat.

Some five decades after surfing was first introduced to Bali by foreign visitors, Waida is from a new generation of Indonesian surfers that are stamping their mark on the international scene.

The Corona Bali Pro is the third stop on the 11-event men’s world tour and follows competitions on the Gold Coast and at Bells Beach in Australia.

John John Florence, a two-time world champ from Hawaii, currently has the tour ratings lead and advanced on the first day of the competition along with event favourites Italo Ferreira, Filipe Toledo and Jordy Smith. (afp)

SONNY TUMBELAKA / AFP

Brazil’s Gabriel Medina performs a manouvre on a wave one day before the start of the World Surf League men’s championship tour surfing event at Keramas in Gianyar on Indonesia’s resort island of Bali on May 12, 2019.

Raptors game seven hero Leonard bounces in winning buzzer beater

Place Your Add Here

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

LOS ANGELES - Kawhi Leonard bounced in the gamewinning shot at the buzzer as the Toronto Raptors advanced to the Eastern Conference finals with a 92-90 win over the visiting Philadelphia 76ers in a heart-stopping game seven on Sunday.

The winner-take-all contest was a microcosm of the wildly unpredictable series with each team taking turns making runs or being inept until the biggest twist of all as Leonard finished it off in showstopping style.

“I got a fortuitous bounce,” said Leonard of the first gameseven buzzer beater in NBA history. “I just shot it as hard as I could. I got some loft on it and it made the ball bounce soft and it ended up going in.”

The Raptors advance to the NBA final four where they will play the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks in game one of their series on Wednesday.

With the score tied 90-90 and the game appearing to be headed to overtime, Leonard took matters into his own hands by getting open for a fall-away jumper from the right corner.

His arching moon ball at the buzzer bounced twice on each side of the rim before dropping into the bucket to clinch the series.

Leonard’s winning shot came after Sixers Jimmy Butler tied the contest with four seconds left.

Leonard finished with a game high 41 points while Pascal Siakam tallied 11 points and 11 rebounds for the Raptors, who are hoping to reach their first NBA finals in franchise history.

Toronto has leaned heavily on Leonard all season, and on Sunday he delivered. Serge Ibaka had 17 points, Kyle Lowry chipped in 10 and Marc Gasol grabbed

11 rebounds.

Joel Embiid led the Sixers attack with 21 points and 11 rebounds and Tobias Harris had 15 points and 10 rebounds.

The Raptors were up 89-85 with 74 seconds to play on a steal

by Lowry, who set up Siakam for the layup.

Butler made one of two free throws, cutting the lead to three.

With 12 seconds to play, Joel Embiid made two free throws to trim the lead to one, 89-88.

Leonard had a chance to give Toronto a three-point lead but made just one of two free throws with 10 seconds remaining, and Butler tied the score 90-90 on a desperation driving layup.

“I was disappointed I missed that free throw,” Leonard said.

“So I really wanted to make that shot. I wanted to leave it all out on the floor just in case we lost so I would have been proud of myself.” (afp)

Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles the ball as Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers defends during Game Seven of the second round of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on May 12, 2019 in Toronto, Canada.

6

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

W

RLD

Microscopic remains of Nazi victims to be buried in Berlin

BERLIN - More than seven decades after World War II ended, over 300 tiny pieces of human tissue from political prisoners executed by the Nazis will be buried Monday at a Berlin cemetery.

The samples -- each a hundredth of a millimetre thin and about a square centimetre in size -- were uncovered on microscopic glass plates by the descendants of the Third Reich anatomy professor Hermann Stieve.

Stieve dissected and researched the bodies of inmates killed at the Berlin Ploetzensee jail, including those of executed resistance fighters -- in part to examine the physical impact of fear experienced by women.

A ceremony will be held, with descendants of the victims expected to attend, before the remains are finally laid to rest at 1300 GMT at the Dorotheenstadt cemetery in central Berlin with a Catholic and a Protestant priest and a rabbi present.

A ceremony will be held, with descendants of the victims expected to attend, before the remains are finally laid to rest at 1300 GMT

at the Dorotheenstadt cemetery in central Berlin.

“With the burial of the microscopic specimens... we want to take a step toward giving the victims back their dignity,” said Karl Max Einhaeupl, the head of Berlin’s university hospital Charite.

He said the burial was part of a historical project by the hospital to confront its role in the medical profession’s difficult relationship with Nazism.

The burial site had been picked as there are many graves and memorials for the victims of Nazism there, said Johannes Tuchel, director of the German Resistance Memorial Centre, which is organising the special event with Charite.

Tuchel said the human tissue samples were among “the last remains of people who were victims of the Nazis’ unjust justice system...

They were denied a grave at that

time, and so today, a burial is a matter of course.”

- Noose and guillotine -

More than 2,800 people held at Berlin-Ploetzensee prison were put to the guillotine or hanged between 1933 and 1945, and most were then sent for dissection at the Berlin Institute of Anatomy.

Stieve was the institute’s director from 1935 to 1952 and carried out controversial research on the female reproductive system.

Most of the 300 specimens found in Stieve’s estate stemmed from women, adds a plaque to commemorate them, which does however not list the names of individual victims at the request of relatives.

Among those executed at Ploetzensee were 42 resistance fighters from the Berlin group Red Orchestra. Stieve is believed to have dissected at least 13 of 18 executed female Red Orchestra fighters.

He was never charged with a crime and continued his medical career after the war like many other scientists who collaborated with the Nazis.

Only the highest-ranking physicians under the Third Reich were prosecuted at Nuremberg in the socalled Doctors’ trial for grotesque human experimentation and mass murder under the “euthanasia” programme. (afp) Flowers and wreathes are placed at the Soviet War Memorial in Berlin’s Tiergarten district during an event to commemorate the 74th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany on May 9, 2019.

Guardiola...

From page 1

Klopp pointed to City’s financial power, backed by the club’s Abu Dhabi owners, as a principal reason why they will not be easy to overhaul.

However, unlike Manchester United, who ended the season as close to the relegation zone as they were to City, 32 points behind the champions in sixth, City

have invested their money wisely.

“More than half a billion pounds lavished on one of the most expensive and brilliant squads ever assembled. But we only have to look down the road at Manchester United to know that you can pour millions down the drain,” said The Times.

“The danger, when City have smashed so many records in two years of domestic domination -- 198 league points from a pos-

sible 228, 19 domestic cup ties won out of 20 -- is that it is regarded as easy, normal, expected.

Those figures suggest a relentless machine.

“It is in watching Guardiola on the sidelines that we see the stress, the agony, the pressure that has been relentless since setting out last August, requiring 18 wins out of 19 since Christmas to stay ahead of Jurgen Klopp’s brilliant Liverpool.” (afp)

International

International

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

11

In Greece, smoking is alive and kicking despite bans

ATHENS - When George Balafoutis returned home from New York two years ago, he was shocked to see what little impact nearly a decade of anti-smoking laws had made on stubbing out Greece’s favourite guilty pleasure.

It was then that Balafoutis, now 38, decided to build a website dedicated to informing non-smokers where they could enjoy a meal or coffee unmarred by other patrons’ cigarette smoke.

“After so many medical studies on (the harmful effects of) passive smoking, it’s unacceptable for smokers to keep on ignoring the health of pregnant women and children,” he told AFP. Balafoutis’ website, akapnos.gr, currently lists more than 400 smokefree establishments but he acknowledges that the movement has yet to gather steam.

“Restaurant and club owners are afraid of losing smoking customers, and politicians are afraid of losing votes,” fumed the cybersecurity architect who came back to work in Greece because he missed his homeland, family and friends.

And with Greece headed for local elections on May 26, officials are unlikely to press the point, he conceded.

In 2009, Greece banned smoking in indoor public places, instituted stiff fines and created a complaints hotline.

However, in practice, the law is still rarely enforced.

- ‘Should have the choice’ -

Nikos Louvros, an Athens bar owner and proponent of smokers’ rights, proudly provides ashtrays on the tables of his Booze Cooperativa venue, where customers can puff away at ease.

“It makes sense not to smoke in a hospital but when you’re having fun, you should have the choice of going somewhere where you can smoke,” he said.

Louvros even founded a smokers’

political party in the wake of the 2009 legal clampdown, so strongly did he feel about people’s right to smoke.

In Greece, 72 percent of licensed establishments are restaurants that allow smoking, the highest figure in the European Union, according to a 2017 Eurobarometer study.

Some 37 percent of Greeks smoke, compared to an EU average of 26 percent, it found.

- ‘I’ll quit when I choose’ -

Earlier this year, the issue sparked a row when European health commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis reacted with disdain to a 2016 photo of Greek junior health minister Pavlos Polakis smoking inside the ministry.

“It’s shameful! This guy knows nothing about health,” Greek daily Kathimerini quoted Andriukaitis as saying.

Polakis, a veteran surgeon, scornfully replied on Facebook: “I’ll quit when I choose to... ok “guy”???”.

Anti-smoking laws in Greece date back to the mid-19th century. An 1856 royal decree issued by the country’s first post-independence monarch, king Otto of Bavaria, forbade the use of pipes and cigarettes in public offices and shops.

The 2009 anti-smoking law carries a fine of 50-500 euros ($56-$560) for an individual, and 500-1,000 euros for the establishment where the infraction occurred.

“In the end, we will join the ranks of civilised nations... what are we, the idiots of Europe?” then health minister Dimitris Avramopoulos -- now EU migration commissioner -- said, at the time the law was tightened.

Few people are reported to the police, however.

When the economic crisis hit Greece a year later, few could argue with business owners complaining that their livelihood depended on placating a paying majority of smoking patrons. (afp)

WAHYUDI / AFP

An armed plainclothes policeman (L) secures the around around Siak prison in Siak Sri Indrapura in Riau province on May 11, 2019 after rioting and a fire broke out at the detention centre leading to a prison break. Hundreds of inmates on May 11 escaped from the Indonesian jail on Sumatra island, police said, the latest breakout to hit the country’s creaking prison system.

Minister Laoly inspects Siak Prison ravaged by rioting, fire

SIAK - Law and Human Rights Minister Yasonna Laoly visited the Class IIB Penitentiary of Siak Sri Indrapura, Riau, Monday, to review the situation after it was ravaged by riots and fire on Saturday (May 11).

“We express regret over what transpired, though this is not the foremost time. The fundamental issue here is overcapacity, in this case, almost 500 percent,” Yasonna remarked after inspecting the rubble and buildings of the burnt down prison.

The minister called to promptly initiate steps to conduct repairs at the remand center while awaiting the new development process. The Siak district government has already

readied a five-hectare plot of land, though the development funding still lacks clarity.

The minister has called on the provincial and district governments to lend assistance to the development process for building prisons and the immigration process.

“If the governor has funds, it is not an issue,either it is from the district head. Here, there is a lot of oil. Funds are available but the issue of overcapacity is omnipresent.

Regional government funds also from Jakarta are available for the required results. This is synergy,” Laoly pointed out.

The minister also sought aid to fund the Narcotics Special Detention Center in Rumbai, Pekanbaru, assisted by the re-

gional government. If it can be utilized, it will help to lessen the excess capacity, which typically arises from the sudden increase in the number of drug prisoners.

Currently, over 500 prisoners have been moved to other detention centers from Siak Prison. The Siak remand center is in dire need of temporary renovation. This old structure houses prisoners whose legal standing has yet to be legally enforced (inkracht).

Of 648 people detained at the Siak detention center, some 80 are still not permanent, or inkracht, so they need to be in Siak. The rest have been shifted to Pekanbaru Prison, Bangkinang, Bengkalis, and Dumai. (ant)

10 Indonesian migrant workers still missing: SAR Angelos Tzortzinis / AFP

Bar owner Nikos Louvros, who heads Greece’s pro-smoking KOTES group, smokes in his bar in Athens on May 7, 2019.

According to the a 2017 Eurobarometer study, restaurants that allow smoking are 72 percent of licensed establishments in Greece, the highest in the EU.

TANJUNGPINANG - The National Search and Rescue Agency is continuing its efforts to find the 10 Indonesian migrant workers who went missing after their traditional wooden boat capsized in the Nongsa waters of Batam Island, Riau Islands Province, on Sunday evening.

Two police vessels have been

deployed to assist the search and rescue efforts but the joint-SAR team members are yet to find them, Head of the Tanjungpinang-based SAR office Mu’min said here on Wednesday.

The tradition wooden boat, locally known as “pompong”, was reported to depart from Sei Rengit in Johor, Malaysia, but on its way to the In-

donesian island of Batam, the back of the boat was hit by waves, thereby causing it to sink, he said.

“The ‘pompong’ may have sunk at coordinates 1° 9.373’ N 104 15.901’ E,” Mu’min said.

Malaysia is still a favorite destination among Indonesian migrant workers, with many of them working

in factories and plantations in the neighboring country.

To reach Malaysia, workers coming from the main island of Sumatra and isles in Riau Province frequently use boats as their main mode of transport.

In June 2014, a boat carrying 27 people, including 20 Indonesians, capsized off the coast of Sepang,

Selangor, Malaysia, and seven of them went missing.

The boat, which had the capacity to carry 10 people, capsized due to overloading. This incident came to light a day after a ship carrying 97 Indonesian illegal immigrants sank off the Air Hitam river, Selangor, Malaysia. (ant)

12

International

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

Bali News

International

BUSINESS

In this July 5, 2018, file photo, a jockey truck passes a stack of 40-foot China Shipping containers at the Port of Savannah in Savannah, Ga. For months, the U.S. economy has shrugged off the tariffs slapped by America and China on tens of billions of dollars of each other s goods.

Trump’s tariff hike menaces strong economy

WASHINGTON — What trade war? For months, the U.S. economy has shrugged and chugged along as America and China slapped tariffs on tens of billions of dollars of each other’s goods in the fiercest trade fight since the 1930s.

Growth was steady. The unemployment rate dropped to 3.6%, a 50-year low. Stocks soared to record levels.

But President Donald Trump’s decision to hike import taxes on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports from 10% to 25% could upend all that.

“A game changer,” Steven Cochrane, chief Asia-Pacific economist at Moody’s Analytics, said of the tariffs slated to take effect at 12:01 a.m. Friday. He called the move a “worst-case scenario” that after one year will slash 1.8 percentage points from U.S. economic growth, which was a healthy 2.9% last year. (And it could get even worse. Trump has threatened to extend 25% tariffs to another $325 billion in Chinese imports, covering everything China ships to the United States.)

Other economists saw milder consequences.

“The new tariffs will drive up prices on a broad range of American goods, although the overall impact on (economic) growth and inflation is likely to be modest,” said Eswar Prasad, an economist at Cornell University. That’s because the United States, with a huge domestic market, is far less dependent on trade than most countries.

“A bigger concern is that the escalation of the trade war will dampen

business sentiment, which in turn would negatively affect investment and long-term growth,” Prasad said.

Whatever pain there is won’t be distributed evenly. Companies that depend on imports from China are especially vulnerable.

In Clearwater, Florida, the information technology company Source 1 Solutions is bracing to pay more for electronic components from China, and may have to take on more debt to cover the rising costs. “Every month we get hit with tariff money, we have to pay out,” said Robert Hessel, who owns Source 1 Solutions. “Tariffs aren’t good for the small businesses that are trying to do what we’re doing, importing equipment.”

Other tech companies are also likely to feel the squeeze.

These include Apple, which manufactures its flagship iPhone in China, as well as tiny startups just bringing new products to market and mid-size companies who’ve had to contend with absorbing the existing tariffs even as they compete with Chinese rivals. Tim Bajarin, president of consultancy Creative Strategies and a longtime Apple expert, said companies have two choices: Eat the cost of the tariffs and absorb a hit to profits — or raise their prices and risk scaring off customers.

“There are no other options,” he

said. “The companies are being used as a bargaining chip.”

Higher tariffs could mean “life or death” for smaller tech companies, said Bronwyn Flores, spokeswoman for the Consumer Technology Association, an industry group that runs the annual CES gadget show. She said she is hearing from these companies the most: “They just can’t afford to absorb these costs.” She said some are resorting to layoffs or delaying or cancelling new products.

The higher duties would cover thousands of Chinese imports — from refrigerators, air conditioners and washing machines to bamboo mats, microphones and cigarette paper.

Products on the tariff hit list include infrastructure equipment, components related to the new “5G” wireless networks, the semiconductors used in all sorts of electronic devices, internet infrastructure and wireless products, data center components that are the meat, bones, hearts and brains of many tech products.

Flores said some companies are already starting to change manufacturing operations, not renewing leases in China and moving to Malaysia, Mexico and elsewhere. This, of course, presents a whole new host of challenges, upending where they have manufactured for decades and having to hire and train people in a

new country.

It’s that kind of uncertainty that paralyzes business decision-making and drains economic output.

Peter Horwitz, who owns the paper and plastics supply company Tiger Packaging in Boca Raton, Florida, said he’s been trying to dodge the tariffs — or minimize their impact.

“Wherever we can, we’ve tried to offset the tariff duty either by going to other countries or working with suppliers to absorb the costs,” Horwitz said. Shifting manufacturing away from China is also costly — and a gamble. If Trump ever withdraws the tariffs, China would once again be the cheapest source of supply. “We’d all go back,” Horwitz said.

Retaliation from China is another worry. The official Xinhua news agency reported Wednesday that the Chinese government is threatening “to take necessary countermeasures” in response to a tariff hike. China responded to earlier U.S. tariffs by targeting $110 billion in American imports. Victims included American distillers and lobster fishermen, whose catch was put on China’s hit list. In drawing up a list of targets, Beijing focused specifically on soybeans and other farm products in a direct shot at Trump supporters in the U.S. Farm Belt. Hit by sanctions, U.S. soybean exports to China plunged 74% last year.

The trade war has pushed the price of soybeans and other farm products lower.

Randy Richards, a farmer in Hope, North Dakota, and member of a local bank board, said many farmers can’t pay for day-to-day operations so they’re borrowing more money, carrying a larger debt load and paying more interest. “How it affects me and how it affects my neighbors is everybody’s pushing the limit on what they can afford to borrow,” Richards said. “If prices don’t improve we’re going to see more auction sales.”

Bryan Klabunde, a corn and soybean farmer in northwestern Minnesota, said farmers are resilient but the uncertainty over the trade war “is catching up” with them. “I have friends who voted for President Trump and some of those farmers are very frustrated right now,” said Klabunde, vice president of the Minnesota Farmers Union. “The last week and what’s happening with China is putting more stress on them. It’s not only stressful on your financial budget but it’s stressful on your family.”

Economists have actually had to scramble to calculate the impact of rising tariffs. Their skill at analyzing trade wars had grown rusty. Until Trump took office, the global trend had been to ever more open trade, not more tariffs and protectionism.

Robert Kudrle, an international trade specialist at the University of Minnesota, said he’s had to explain tariffs to some audiences.

“Tariffs were kind of a thing of the past until a few years ago,” he said.

“Now they’re a big deal again.”(ap)

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

5

Philosophical Messages in Kertha Gosa Paintings

Kertha Gosa in Klungkung has been known as a heritage of the royal period. Until now it remains well maintained. The building features a classic atmosphere. There are a number of stories contained in the paintings mounted on the ceiling. What are they? The name of Kertha Gosa has been very famous not only in Balinese society, but also overseas. The historical heritage located in the south of Puputan Klungkung Monument becomes one of the tourist destinations in Klungkung.

When coming in, the classic atmosphere can be felt intensely. The Kertha Gosa building in the northeast corner still shows its taksu or divine vibration. Its foundation is made from hard sand stone. The poles of the building with a palm fiber roof covered with carvings give the impression of the past time. Gold leaf color of some painting has looked to fade but still looks beautiful. They are no less beautiful when compared to the carvings of today.

In the center of the building, there are carved table and chairs. According to the story, during the kingdom era it is believed to be the venue for

discussion on everything related to security situation, prosperity and justice of kingdom region in Bali.

Besides, this pavilion served as a venue of meeting for the subordinate kings throughout Bali held every full moon of the fourth month in Balinese calendar (October). Here the royal officials provided direction and decisions based on considerations of the circumstances and needs.

When observed further, the ceiling of this building is filled with paintings.

They have very distinctive colors.

Additionally, they look natural with a touch of color of the rocks. Aside from offering very classic nuance,

it contains meaningful philosophy.

All of them are displayed in plots.

Its beauty and uniqueness can draw the attention of many visiting tourists. They are quite curious about the meaning contained therein.

A tour guide, I Putu Gede Alex Sanjaya Putra, said the paintings have existed since the beginning of the building. One by one is explained based on the existing references. At the bottom plot, the story tells about Tantri Kandaka, the 1001-night stories whose essence is about all the deceit in society. The second and third plots carry about the Atma Presangsa, depicting the suffering of the souls in

Hell found by Bima Sena (second son of the Pandavas) on his way to find out the souls of his father and mother.

The fourth plot is about the eagle seeking amrita (holy water of life), taken from Adi Parwa, a story that illustrates how difficult it is to earn a living in the world. Meanwhile, the fifth plot tells about palelindon (forecast and meaning of earthquakes). The sixth and seventh plots tell about Bima Sena when meeting with divine and celestial deities and fighting to save the souls of his father and mother.

Meanwhile, the eighth plot tells about the heaven of the souls and the ninth plot about the god who serves as the keeper of the balance of the four points of the compass of the world.

“This painting becomes one of the tourist attractions,” explained Sanjaya Putra, not long ago.

Right in the middle of this building area is the Taman Gili. Local commu-

If you have more time, come and pray to the Jukut Paku Cliff Temple, a historical site having been designated as a cultural heritage. It is located at Jukut Paku hamlet, Singakerta, Ubud, Gianyar, or around 35 minutes’ drive from Denpasar city. Some people often choose it to be a place for yoga and meditation.

This historic site sits on a steep slope. The existence of this cliff temple is protected by the Bali Archaeological

Heritage Preservation Service as an ancient relic. From the village road, then follow the concrete road next to hamlet hall towards Wos River. Next, go down the stairs until you reach the location of the cliff temple.

Temple area offers very clean, beautiful and cool atmosphere. Understandably, this cultural heritage area is often used by tourists to do tracking (sightseeing) or spiritual tourism activities.

Around the Wos River, it grows large

and small local trees, thus adding to the calm atmosphere. In the sculpted cliff area of ??the temple called the Jukut Paku Cliff Temple. Its height is less than three meters, but the type of building of the temple is not monumental as is the temple found on Gunung Kawi.

Meanwhile, on the left and right side of the temple there is niche (like a cave), like the place of meditation.

To the right of the temple, there is a shower having clean and clear water,

while on the left is a place to put offerings. Wos River has slightly great stream and along the river pathway deliberately cleaned for visitors.

According to local residents, the Jukut Paku Temple is a place to worship ‘deities abiding at the Jukut Paku Cliff Temple’ to ask for salvation.

Jukut Paku Temple is still a place considered to have religious value for the local community. This temple also has a series of piodalan or temple

nity is more familiar with the name of Balai Kambang (literally means ‘the floating pavilion’) surrounded by a fish pond with water lilies. To get there, visitors should explore some steps that also show the old impression. This building has many poles.

The carving is similar to the ones in the Kertha Gosa. This also draws the attention of visitors as intrigued by the story of the paintings on the ceiling.

Near the brick-using foundation building, there is a small note explaining the meaning of the paintings. The first plot from below tells the story about the destiny of a person predetermined by the day of birth. The second plot depicts the story of Pan Berayut, a fairy tale about the couple having 18 children. As for the third to sixth plot tell about the story of Sutasoma, the work of renowned poet, Mpu Tantular during the reign of King Hayam Wuruk in Majapahit in 1365. (kmb)

festival falling on Anggara Kasih Medangsia, along with the piodalan at the Penataran Temple of Jukut Paku hamlet.

On the temple festival, people will put offerings in the form of suci, peras, daksina, soroan, pengambean, and sesantun. In addition to worshiping the deities, the construction of the Jukut Paku Temple is believed to be the place where ancestral spirits have merged with their goddess. (kmb)

Jukut Paku Cliff Temple, a Place to Practice Yoga and Meditation

4

Bali News

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

International

Banyu Pinaruh, Klotok Beach thronged by residents

SEMARAPURA — After celebrating Saraswati feast day, thousands of Hindus immediately thronged the beach on Sunday (May 12). Rows of beaches such as the Pesinggahan, Goa Lawah, Kusamba, Karangdadi, Jumpai, Lepang, Negari, Klotok to Tegal Besar were thronged by thousands of people. However, majority of the people chose Klotok Beach to purify them spiritually in the Banyu Pinaruh ritual.

Residents choose Klotok Beach because it is known to have magical value as a place of worship for Hindus. In addition, there is also the Watu Klotok Temple with a long history in the journey of Hindus in Bali. “Klotok Beach is best for doing self-purification,” said a resident met at the location, Ketut Trisnawati from Tangkas hamlet, Semarapura City.

The ranks of Klungkung Police anticipated all possibilities to en-

sure the security of the people doing self-purification. Water police appeared to be alert on the beach from the morning led directly by Agus Widiono. When met on the sidelines of security on Klotok Beach, he claimed to deploy around 18 personnel of water police. Apprehension of police was proven because there was a resident, Dewa Made, 35, from Satra village, who suddenly had cramps while bathing

on the beach. Luckily, at that time he could be saved. Then, he was picked up by his family after having received treatment from the KRISS Medical Team 118 of Klungkung district government, water police, RAPI and village-commissioned police.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief of Klungkung Police, Ida Bagus Dedi Januartha, when met while leading the Banyu Pinaruh security said

the situation on Klotok Beach must remain vigilant. Based on previous records, during the Banyu Pinaruh celebration there were incidents of residents being dragged by waves for several times because they showered too far into the sea. Besides, when the weather conditions are not possible, there are still people being desperate to ‘challenge’ the waves to get dragged down even to death.

“We continuously monitor the activities of residents carrying out the Banyu Pinaruh celebration. Along with the personnel, we also appeal to the residents to remain alert to the wave situation,” said IB Dedi Januartha.

Security is not only carried out on Klotok Beach but also almost along the coast in Klungkung. Seeing people’s activities this year, according to him, there is an increase in community activities, especially those centered on the coast throughout Klungkung, including beaches on Nusa Penida.

“It has become a tradition for the people including Klungkung residents to take advantage of the day after the celebration of Saraswati feast day to welcome the Banyu Pinaruh Day by performing rituals of melukat or self-purification to the beach. So, it has become our obligation to provide security,” he said. (kmb31)

Residents choose Klotok Beach because it is known to have magical value as a place of worship for Hindus.

Admission ticket to Nusa Dua Waterblow starts to apply MANGUPURA — Admission ticket to the Waterblow area located on Peninsula Island, Nusa Dua, began to be applied as of May 1, 2019. Enforcement of this admission ticket is in accordance with the decision of the Regent of Badung No. 17/04 / HK / 2018.

This was implemented considering the Waterblow area has been designated as a Badung tourist destination (DTW). With the application of admission ticket, visitors are charged a tariff of IDR15,000 per person for domestic and IDR 25,000 per person for foreign tourists.

When confirmed on Sunday (May 12), the Operations Division Head of the ITDC Nusa Dua, Made Pariwijaya, justified the implementation of the admission

ticket having begun since May 1.

He added that after arranging the area, security of visitors coming to the Waterblow is guaranteed.

Those making a visit can enjoy the beauty of the bridge from 3 monitoring deck areas. They are even forbidden to go down to the reef for security reason. “The closest deck distance is 15 meters from the cliff. Visitors must not go down to the reef,” he said.

Besides, during extreme weather conditions, the area is also monitored by security and lifeguard. There are also restrictions on the area based on the situation and wave height information from the National Weather Service (BMKG). “For security reason, visitors are also supervised by security and life-

guard. As for each ticket held is covered with insurance, and BIMC Siloam Nusa Dua Hospital will be used as a reference in the event of an undesirable event occurred,” he explained.

With the application of admission ticket, he targeted a minimum number of visits of 500 people per day. According to him, this amount is almost the same as before the admission ticket was issued. Prior to the implementation of the admission ticket, the number of visits was approximately the same, within the range of 500-600 people per day.

“With a better security system and covered with insurance, we are confident the number of visits can continue to increase. For now, we are targeting as many as 500 people per day,” he said. (kmb23)

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

International

IBP/kmb

Admission ticket to the Waterblow area located on Peninsula Island, Nusa Dua, began to be applied as of May 1, 2019.

13

Philippines votes in polls expected to strengthen Duterte

MANILA - Filipinos headed to the polls on Monday in a vote that is expected to strengthen President Rodrigo Duterte’s grip on power, opening the way for him to deliver on pledges to restore the death penalty and rewrite the constitution.

More than 18,000 positions are at stake, including half of the seats in the upper house Senate, which has served as a bulwark against some of Duterte’s most controversial policies.

Duterte is known internationally for his foul-mouthed tirades and deadly drug war, but remains hugely popular among Filipinos fed up with the country’s general dysfunction and leaders who have failed to fix it.

He wants to bring back capital punishment for drug-related crimes as part of his narcotics crackdown, in which thousands of alleged pushers and users have already been killed by police.

His tough-on-crime platform -- which also includes lowering the age of criminal responsibility from 15 to 12 -- was key to his landslide election victory in 2016.

Crowds gathered at voting centres in the capital Manila even ahead of polls opening at 6:00 am (2200 GMT Sunday) in an election where some 61 million are registered to cast ballots.

“I voted for many of the candidates endorsed by President Duterte because his government is doing its job,” said Myrna Cruz, 51.

“I support their programmes, including the anti-drug campaign... but I wish the bloodshed would stop,” she added, echoing many Filipinos’ nuanced backing of the crackdown.

Voters across the country flooded social media with images of their ink-stained fingernails, which are daubed blue as a protection against voter fraud.

The opening of the polls saw isolated outbursts of violence, which is not unusual in the Philippines’ frequently bloody competition for elected posts.

At least 20 people were killed and 24 wounded in election-related violence in the run up to the vote, according to an official count.

The military said nine people were shot and wounded Monday during a confrontation at a polling station on the restive southern island of Jolo, which is home to insurgents and powerful local clans.

Several other small clashes were reported in the south, including one in which two men were wounded by gunfire in Maguindanao.

The violence is more frequent in lower level races and will not likely be a major feature in the election’s main contest for the Senate.

Winning a Senate majority, something that independent national surveys indicate is well within reach, would give Duterte legislative backing for his anti-crime proposals and his plan to rewrite the constitution.

Historically, the nation’s 24 senators -- who serve six-year terms -- have had a reputation for being more independent-minded than the lower house.

The opposition warns that could lead to the single-term limit for the presidency being lifted, allowing him to seek re-election despite his repeated statements that he would stand down at the end of his mandate.

It would also allow him to expand his internationally condemned antidrug crackdown by bringing back the death penalty, a pledge that the UN Human Rights Council said caused it “deep alarm”.

The Philippines outlawed capital punishment in 1987, reinstated it six years later and then abolished it again in 2006. (afp)

Noel CELIS / AFP

People wait for their turm to vote at a voting precinct in Culiat Elementary School in Manila on May 13, 2019.

LAKRUWAN WANNIARACHCHI / AFP

This photo illustration show a mobile browser unable to connect to Facebook, following the Sri Lankan government’s island-wide social network shutdown, in Colombo on May 13, 2019.

Sri Lanka blocks social media after anti-Muslim riots

SRI LANKA - Sri Lanka blocked Facebook, WhatsApp and other social media platforms on Monday after anti-Muslim riots hit several towns in the latest fallout from the Easter Sunday suicide attacks.

Christian groups attacked Muslim-owned shops in a sign of the continued religious tension in Sri Lanka since the April 21 attacks by jihadist suicide bombers on three hotels and three churches which left 258 dead.

A state of emergency has been in place since the bombings -- which the Islamic State group claims to have helped -- and security forces have been given sweeping powers to arrest and detain suspects for long periods.

Police said a mob targetted shops in the north-west town of Chilaw on Sunday in anger at a Facebook post by a shopkeeper. Security forces fired into the air to disperse the crowd, but the violence spread to nearby towns where Muslim businesses were also attacked.

A motorcycle gang attacked shops in nearby Kuliyapitiya and four members were arrested, officials said. However, dozens of people laid siege to the police station and forced their release.

Despite a night curfew, a mosque was vandalised, local residents said.

Police said the curfew in Chilaw and nearby areas was relaxed Monday, but the social media ban was brought in to head off new violence.

- Mosque attack “Don’t laugh more, 1 day u will cry,” was posted on Facebook by a Muslim shopkeeper, and local Christians took it to be a warning of an impending attack.

Mobs smashed the man’s shop and vandalised a nearby mosque prompting security forces to fire in the air to disperse the crowd. A curfew was imposed from Sunday afternoon until dawn Monday.

There have already been clashes between Christians and Muslims in Negombo, the town north of Colombo that was one of the targets for the suicide attackers.

The main body of Islamic clerics, the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU), said there was increased suspicion of Muslims after the Easter attacks carried out by local jihadists.

“We call upon the members of the Muslim communities to be more patient and guard your actions and avoid unnecessary postings or hosting on social media,” the ACJU said.

Internet service providers said they have been instructed by the telecommunications regulator to block access to Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram and other platforms.

The latest unrest came as Catho-

lic churches resumed Sunday masses for the first time since the bombings.

Worshippers were searched before being allowed into churches that were guarded by armed police and troops. There were no reports of disruption to services however.

-Schools reopen Dozens of people have been detained since the Easter Sunday attacks, and amid the heightened security, police have banned parking near schools and students are allowed in after checking for explosives.

Public schools completed their reopening from extended Easter holidays after the attacks, but attendance was low, according to education authorities.

Upper classes resumed last week while primary school pupils were asked to start Monday.

Private Catholic schools were to open on Tuesday, but many were planning to postpone the reopening until next week, parent groups said.

Muslims make up around 10 percent of Buddhist-majority Sri Lanka’s 21 million population and Christians about 7.6 percent. (afp)

14

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

Science

International

Bali News

International

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

3

A belly full of wriggling worms makes wood beetles better recyclers

IBP/net

Flamingos feast on tiny shrimp in the saline lagoons of Chile’s Salar de Atacama. Lithium and copper mining operations compete with the protected birds for the region’s scant water resources.

The search for new geologic sources of lithium could power a clean future

THE future of lithium is electrifying. Cars and trucks powered by lithium batteries rather than fossil fuels are, to many people, the future of transportation. Rechargeable lithium batteries are also crucial for storing energy produced by solar and wind power, clean energy sources that are a beacon of hope for a world worried about the rapidly changing global climate.

Prospecting for new sources of lithium is booming, fueled by expectations that demand for lightweight, rechargeable lithium batteries — to power electric vehicles, cell phones, laptops and renewable energy storage facilities — is about to skyrocket.

Even before electric cars, lithium was a hot commodity, mined for decades for reasons that had nothing to do with batteries. Thanks to lithium’s physical properties, it is bizarrely useful, popping up in all sorts of products, from shockresistant glass to medications. In 2018, those products accounted for nearly half of the global lithium demand, according to analyses by the Frankfurt-based Deutsche Bank.

Batteries for consumer electronics, such as cell phones or laptops, accounted for another 25 percent or so of the demand. Electric vehicles accounted for most of the rest.

That breakdown will soon be turned on its head: By 2025, as much as half of the demand for lithium will be from the electric

vehicle industry, some projections suggest. Global demand for the metal is expected to rise at least 300 percent in the next 10 to 15 years, in large part because sales of electric vehicles are expected to increase dramatically. Right now, there are about 2 million electric vehicles on the road worldwide; by 2030, that number is projected to grow to over 24 million, according to the industry research firm Bloomberg New Energy Finance. Electric vehicle giant Tesla has been on a worldwide quest for lithium, inking deals to obtain lithium supplies from mining operations in the United States, Mexico, Canada and Australia.

As a result, lithium prices in global markets have been on a roller coaster in the last few years, with a sharp spike in 2018 due to fears that there just might not be enough of the metal to go around. But those doomsday scenarios are probably a bit overwrought, says geologist Lisa Stillings of the U.S. Geological Survey in Reno, Nev. Lithium makes up about 0.002 percent of

Earth’s crust, but in geologic terms, it isn’t particularly rare, Stillings says. The key, she adds, is knowing where it is concentrated enough to mine economically.

To answer that question, researchers are studying how and where the forces of wind, water, heat and time combine to create rich deposits of the metal. Such places include the flat desert basins of the “lithium triangle” of Chile, Argentina and Bolivia; volcanic rocks called pegmatites in Australia, the United States and Canada; and lithium-bearing clays in the United States.

The hunt to find and extract this “white gold” is also spurring new basic geology, geochemistry and hydrology research. Stillings and other scientists are examining how clays and brines form, how lithium might move between the two deposits when both occur in the same basin and how lithium atoms tend to position themselves within the chemical structure of the clay.

(IBP/net)

Having hundreds of roundworms living inside your abdomen may seem like a bad thing.

But for horned passalus beetles, hosting wriggly nematode larvae may benefit them and the eastern U.S. forests they live in.

Beetles that harbor Chondronema passali larvae eat more rotting wood than beetles without the larvae, researchers report May 1 in Biology Letters. That increased decomposition could speed the cycling of forest nutrients, the authors suggest.

Earlier research found that about 70 to 90 percent of Odontotaenius disjunctus, commonly called bess beetles or patent leather beetles, are inhabited by hundreds if not thousands of nematodes, but appear to suffer few ill effects. The larvae feed off the beetles’ haemolymph, the insect version of blood, and in doing so suck up some of the beetles’ available energy, an effect that’s noticeable only when the beetles are under short-term stress.

That increased need for energy could be what drives infected beetles to chomp more wood, says Andy Davis, an ecologist at the University of Georgia in Athens. It’s also possible that beetles with larger appetites have more opportunities to become infected since they eat more wood, he says.

Davis and undergraduate student Cody Prouty captured 113 beetles from the woods near campus and isolated each one in a container with a chunk of wood.

“On a quiet day, you could go in the lab and hear them chewing,” Prouty says.

After three months, the team weighed how much wood each insect had eaten, digested, excreted and eaten again after letting bacteria and fungi break the

pulp down more. The researchers then dissected the beetles to identify which had nematodes.

Beetles with nematodes had processed an average of 0.77 grams of wood per day. That was about 15 percent more than uninfected beetles, which averaged 0.67 grams per day. Beetles with nematodes were also were slightly larger, on average, something that could contribute to their larger appetites.

Davis says he’d like to measure the eating habits of the beetles before and after acquiring nematode larvae, and find out the impact of having different amounts of larvae in the gut. But first scientists need to figure out how and when the nematodes get into the beetles in the first place.

This study is part of “a new wave of research coming out now that promotes the idea that parasites are important in the ecosystem,” Davis says. “There are so many ways they’re interconnected, and we’re just getting around to studying them.”

Data showing the connections between the beetles and the nematodes are good, evolutionary ecologist Sheena Cotter says in an e-mail. “This is actually a really interesting system.” But she says the relationship appears more mutualistic, in which both get some kind of benefit, rather than a harmful parasitic one.

Adult nematodes living in rotting logs could be helping the beetles by pre-digesting the wood, says Cotter, of the University of Lincoln in England.

And nematode larvae could be just hitching a ride to the next log. Although teeming with the larvae, “the beetles aren’t sick,” she says, “and in fact are probably harboring lots of nematodes for their own benefit.” (IBP/net)

IBP/net

Horned passalus beetles, found in the eastern United States, chew up more rotting wood if they harbor wormlike nematodes (inset) inside their abdomens.

Importance of theme in the pre-wedding photo concept

ONE of the busyness of the couple that takes much time before the wedding is to prepare an invitation card to be distributed to relatives, friends, work colleagues and acquaintances.

By and large, on the invitation card are displayed photos of the couple with intimate and romantic poses and a cheerful expression. In addition, the photos will also be on display at the wedding venue. Of course, to get such photos, a special photo session is needed or better known as pre-wedding photos.

For prospective couple, prewedding photos are an unforgettable historical record. Like the wedding, the couple certainly hopes that such moment will only happen once and does not repeat again in the lifetime.

To produce satisfying pre-wedding photos, especially for the couple, the theme to be outlined in the prewedding shooting concept must be

carefully prepared. The theme is then discussed with the photographer and the costumes to be worn and the venue of photo shooting must be determined in order to match the theme.

In Bali, the prospective couples generally choose outdoor shooting locations with the backdrop of Balinese-style buildings such as the Bali

Art Center, Bali Museum and other iconic buildings. For fashion choices, they generally wear luxury wedding gown exuding the impression of grandeur, glamour and aristocracy.

However, not all couples feel comfortable and fit with the concept of pre-wedding photos that look ‘wow’ but are already very common. There are also couples wishing to look simple without luxury wedding attires, but the pre-wedding photos are still unique and able to describe their personality. Therefore, the concept of pre-wedding photo must be carefully designed.

Describing personality

Actually, there is no limit to the theme in the concept of pre-

wedding photos and so the costumes to be worn where it must not wear particular customary attires. The couples legitimately raise a concept with the theme of a hobby they like best, even the profession they are currently engaged in. The theme being close to the daily life and personality of the couple will make it easier in the process of shooting because they ‘play a role’ as themselves. They will be more relaxed and look natural in pose, so the process of shooting will run smoothly.

Today, many photographers offer pre-wedding photo services.

However, not all of them are professionals. Before deciding

to use their services, the couple should browse the photographer’s portfolio. A professional prewedding photographer must have a portfolio denoting a representation of his best works. Based on the portfolio, we can find out the photographer’s ability to explore the angles of shooting, lighting, appropriate backgrounds to the issue of pre-wedding photo editing for a better finishing touch.

Choose a photographer having a good reputation, even though the price offered is relatively more expensive. Don’t be shy to discuss in details about the theme of the desired concept to the photographer in order to get the best results. (ian)

2

Bali News

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

International

International

Alleged to cause by high price of airfare

Domestic tourist visits decline

According to Chairman of the Association of Marine Tourism Entrepreneurs (Gahawisri) of Badung Chapter, Nyoman Wana Putra, such condition has been going on for almost a month. Moreover, the decline in tourist visits reached 40

percent. He said that such drastic decline is likely to happen because of the price hike in airline ticket is very high. On that account, domestic tourists seem reluctant to vacation in Bali and choose other destination.

He hoped it can get the attention from the government. If this matter is not reviewed or evaluated by related parties, the visit will gradually become more deserted. “We hope this will become a concern of the relevant government because it has an impact on the visits of domestic tourists,” he said.

Other than domestic tourists, the presence of foreign

tourists is almost the same and has not been able to boost visits. “Foreign tourists are the same, while only Indian guests remaining stable while the others are still not many,” he affirmed.

He hoped the phenomenon of price hike of airline tickets and price competition will soon get the attention and be found a solution. Thus, the Bali tourism will return to be passionate.

“The ticket price is expensive, so that many people choose vacations to other destinations. This has an impact on us here,” he added. (kmb23)

Crowded visitors, Sebunibus residents fix road by self-financing

SEMARAPURA - Road access at Sakti village, Nusa Penida subdistrict, especially in Sebunibus hamlet, is lately quite crowded by tourists. The route becomes the only access of local and foreign tourists to the well-known tourist attraction on this island, namely Crystal Bay and Angel Billabong.

Lately, this road access was eroded by rainwater from upstream during heavy rains. To repair the damage, residents took the initiative to carry

out self-financing repair on Sunday (May 12).

A local resident, I Wayan Supiana, stated the self-financing repair is based on the initiative of local residents. Most donors are from the residents and are done independently to cover the side of the road so that water will not easily erode when it rains. Moreover, the traffic at this lane is very crowded, so that vehicles are then more flexible to pass through this road access and

gives a good impression in the eyes of tourists.

Local residents are so called to make repair because they mostly work in the tourism sector. As consequence, the road access along 1.5 km is reinforced so as not to cause more damages. A community leader, Pande Bagus Guna Sesana, emphasized that such effort is actually forced to do because potholes on the road side already look like ravines to erode

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

15

Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa welcomed Spiritual Leader, His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar during his visit in Bali

IBP/Yudi Karnaedi

KUTA - Recently, domestic tourist visits showed a decline. This condition is clearly visible in the marine tourist area of Tanjung Benoa on Sunday (May 12).

As seen in the field, marine tourism commonly being crowded with tourist visits was observed relatively quiet.

Activities

half of the road body. Such conditions are very dangerous. “Many guests and local residents have fallen, so this can result in bad tourism image if left unchecked like this,” he said.

Meanwhile, Headman of Sakti, I Ketut Partita, explained that the self-repaired road section actually belongs to the district.

As consequence, this village authority cannot allocate funds from the village budget (APBDes)

for the maintenance. “In early December, we have coordinated with the Public Works and People’s Housing Agency. As a result, it will be realized in early June. However, due to high enthusiasm of our residents to perform self-repair, based on permission of subdistrict Public Works the activity can be realized.

On that account, this year’s budget will be allocated to repair the Toyapakeh-Manteb road section,” he said. (kmb31)

 Founder : K.Nadha,  General Manager :Palgunadi Chief Editor: Gugiek Savindra  Editors:Agus Toni, Daniel Fajry, Mawa, Sueca, Denpasar: Dira Arsana, Giriana Saputra, Subrata, Sumatika, Asmara Putra.

Bangli: Swasrina, Buleleng: Mudiarta, Gianyar: Manik Astajaya, Karangasem: Eka Parananda, Klungkung: Bagiarta. Jakarta: Nikson, Hardianto, Ade Irawan. NTB: Agus Talino, Izzul Khairi, Raka Akriyani. Surabaya: Bambang Wilianto.  Office: Jalan Kepundung 67 A Denpasar 80232. Telephone (0361)225764, Facsimile: 227418, P.O.Box: 3010 Denpasar 80001. Bali Post Jakarta, Advertizing: Jl.Palmerah Barat 21F. Telp 021-5357602, Facsimile: 021-5357605 Jakarta Pusat. NTB: Jalam Bangau No. 15 Cakranegara Telp. (0370) 639543, Facsimile: (0370) 628257. Publisher: PT Bali Post

On his visit to Indonesia, the global peace leader and spiritual master, HH Sri Sri Ravi Shankar traveled to Bali on 21st of April 2019 to hold a 6 day immersive meditation program named ‘Unveiling Infinity’ for the public. In this master class, HH Sri Sri Ravi Shankar took participants to a deep meditative state with long-lasting positive effects for the body and mind.

During his visit, the spiritual leader resided at the Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa. Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa was one of the selected Hotel partners for the participants’ accommodation during this revered event.

Ravi Shankar, better known as HH Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, is a spiritual guide and founder of the Art of Living Foundation from India. The name “Sri Sri” is an honorary title which has the same meaning as Guruji or Gurudev (Professor). In 1982, he introduced a breathing technique called Sudarshan-Kriya which he discovered after meditating for 10 days on the banks of the Bhadra river in Shimoga. He believes that the flow of human emotions is in line with the rhythm and speed of breathing which, if arranged in such a way, can reduce or even release suffering in the soul.

After that, he began applying Sudarshan Kriya in every course at the Art of Living Foundation, an educational and humanitarian movement engaged in stress-management and service initiatives. The foundation operates globally in 152 countries and has 2 branch services in Indonesia, which located in Jakarta and Bali.

The Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa is the pioneer of luxury accommodation within the Nusa Dua area. This 5-star diamond resort, has been welcoming kings, queens, presidents and other dignitaries since its grand opening. Nestled within beautifully landscaped gardens, the resort, with its 382 guestrooms and suites, features all the elegance of a Balinese palace, while offering modern amenities. The Nusa Dua Spa is designed to highlight its rich Balinese tradition with a variety of indigenous treatments. Dining at Nusa Dua Hotel & Spa is an epicurean journey with a choice of five restaurants and four bars under the close watch of an award-winning culinary team. For more information, please visit www.nusaduahotel.com.

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

16 Pages Number 95 11th year

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

Price: Rp 3.000,-

Tuesday, May 14, 2019 Tuesday, May 14, 2019

‘Avengers’ still tops in N.America but ‘Pikachu’ shows spark LOS ANGELES - “Avengers: Endgame” led the North American box office for a third week running, but the cuddly creatures of a new “Pokemon” movie gave the superheroes a run for its money, industry watchers said Sunday.

The mega-blockbuster from Marvel Studios, a Disney subsidiary, took in an estimated $63.1 million for the three-day weekend, industry tracker Exhibitor Relations reported.

That brought its domestic total to a whopping $723.5 million.

With a global tally now nearing $2.5 billion, “Avengers” appears to be on track to pass “Avatar” ($2.79 billion) as the all-time top grossing film.

Positive reviews have helped, as has an all-star cast including Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Bradley Cooper and Josh Brolin.

Warner Bros.’ “Pokemon: Detective Pikachu” took in a healthy $58 million for the weekend’s second spot.

Based on a Nintendo video game series and subsequent anime series, “Pikachu” tells the story of how the fuzzy animated title character (voiced by Ryan Reynolds) teams up with a young boy (a live-action role played by Justice Smith) to seek the boy’s missing father.

Third place went to another new film, “The Hustle” from United Artists, at $13.5 million.

The female-driven revamp of “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” starring Rebel Wilson and Anne Hathaway playing two women trying to scam an internet millionaire earned less than glowing reviews, but that may have been offset by its popular stars.

Sony’s psychological thriller “The Intruder” dropped two spots from last week to fourth place with a take of $6.6 million.

Michael Ealy and Meagan Good star as a young couple who buy a dream home in California’s Napa Valley, unaware that its previous owner (Dennis Quaid) plans to take it back -- at all costs.

And in fifth, also down two spots, was Lionsgate’s odd-couple romantic comedy “Long Shot,” at $6.1 million. Seth Rogen plays Fred Flarsky, an out-of-work journalist with a romantic interest in his former babysitter (Charlize Theron), now a candidate for the US presidency. (afp)

Federico PARRA / AFP

Venezuelan filmgoers watch the first screening in Venezuela of Marvel Studios’ “Avengers: Endgame” at a cinema in Caracas on early April 26, 2019.

VALERY HACHE / AFP

A man walks in front of the official poster of the 72nd Cannes Film Festival after it was set up on the facade of the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, southeastern France, on May 12, 2019.

Cannes rocks! Tsunami of pop stars make film festival splash

CANNES - Bono, Elton John, Iggy Pop, Tom Waits... The red carpet at Cannes is shaping up to look like a dream rock festival line-up. Not to mention Rihanna and a couple of the surviving members of Led Zeppelin, who may yet put in an appearance at the world’s biggest film festival, which starts Tuesday.

The opening movie alone, the tongue-in-cheek zombie flick “The Dead Don’t Die”, is chock full of A-lister musicians. As well as Waits and Iggy Pop -- who plays a rampaging member of the undead -- it also stars singer Selena Gomez and rapper and Wu-Tang Clan guru RZA. Its director Jim Jarmusch is a composer in his spare time and leads Bill Murray and Adam Driver are both musical, with the “Groundhog Day” actor touring North America as a singer with a chamber orchestra in 2017.

And that is all before the promise of Elton John bringing his grand piano to the Croisette to play at the premiere of his biopic, “Rocketman”.

With “Bohemian Rhapsody” taking more than $900 million at the box office, cinema bosses are wetting their lips over the amount a film about the sex and drug-fuelled life story of the writer of such standards as “I’m Still

Standing” will rake in.

- Sex, drugs and Elton John Unlike that the Freddie Mercury movie, which skirted around the singer’s complex personal life, the Elton John picture prides itself on its warts-and-all portrayal.

The singer -- who has been frank about his struggles with his sexuality, drugs and alcohol -- was himself deeply involved in the film, which his husband David Furnish produced.

“We didn’t want to compromise the fact we felt it had to be hard-hitting and truthful,” Furnish said.

“I think we would have got a lot more interest (from studios) at the higher-budget levels if we’d been willing to produce a more sanitised version of Elton’s life.

“That never appealed to Elton,” he added. “His life has had incredible moments of lightness but also moments of real darkness. We wanted to be very honest about those and not

gloss them over.”

More than a decade in the making, the film was written by Lee Hall of “Billy Elliot” fame with its star Jamie Bell playing Sir Elton’s friend and lyricist Bernie Taupin, who penned such classics as “Rocketman”, “Candle in the Wind” and “I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues” with John.

British actor Taron Egerton, who shaved his hair to mimic the singer’s receding 1970s hairline and painting a gap in his teeth, said he was freaked out when the man himself walked onto the set as he was performing “Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting”. “I don’t think I could have done it if he was around a lot,” he admitted.

But the now 72-year-old superstar was impressed, telling the Hollywood Reporter last week that “I didn’t think it was Taron. I thought it was me.” (afp)

You can find International Bali Post at: 1 Kuta Beach Club Jl. Bakung Sari Kuta 2 Wen Dys Kuta the Coffe Bear Jl. Pantai Kuta 3 Seminyak Paradiso Bali Hotel Jl. Camplung Tanduk 4 Ramayana Resort&Spa Jl. Bakung Sari Kuta 5 The Lokha Legian Resort&Spa Jl. Padma Legian Kuta 6 66 Corner Live Sport Emtertaiment Jl. Doble Six/Werkudara 23 7 Leghawa Grill Jl. D.Tamblingan No. 51 8 Retno Barr dan Restoran Jl. D.Tamblingan No.126 A Sanur 9 Elkomedor Jl. D.Tamblingan 140

10 Malaika Scret 11 Snack Shack 12 Warung Lokal 13 Cokro Cafee 14 T.J.Bar 15 J & N Kebab 16 Goanna Bar 17 Batu Jimbar 18 Ramayana Cafee

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

Jl. D.Poso No 68 Jl. D.Poso No. 50D Jl. D.Poso No. 39 Jl. D.Poso Sanur Jl. D.Poso Sanur Jl. D.Poso Sanur Jl. D.Poso Sanur Jl. D.Tamblingan Sanur Jl. D.Tamblingan

19 Smirnof Cafee Jl. D.Tamblingan Sanur 20 Legwa Hotel Jl. D.Tamblingan Sanur 21 Nu Laser Cafee Jl. D.Tamblingan Sanur 22 Ganesa Book Jl. D.Tamblingan Sanur 23 All For Daiving Jl. D.Tamblingan Sanur 24 Barocca Jl.Petitenget 17 DKerobokan 25 Lantern Jl.Petitenget 17E Kerobokan 26 Shearlock Jl.Petitenget 17C Kerobokan Klod 27 Cafe Degan Jl.Petitenget 9 Kerobokan Klod

28 Kopi Made Jl. Raya Puputan No. 106 Dps 29 Dimsum Manan Jl. Raya Niti Mandala Renon No 148 30 Furama Jl. Raya Niti Mandala No. 148 Renon 31 Warung Subah Renon Jl. Mohamad Yamin No.18 32 Ayam Betutu khas Gilimanuk Jl. Merdeka No.88 Renon 33 Bali Bakery Jl. Hayam Wuruk 184 Denpasar

Glyn KIRK / AFP

Manchester City’s Spanish manager Pep Guardiola is thrown into the air by his players as they celebrate after their 4-1 victory in the English Premier League football match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Manchester City at the American Express Community Stadium in Brighton, southern England on May 12, 2019.

Guardiola hailed as ‘obsessive’ genius behind Man City winning machine

Pep Guardiola was eulogised on Monday for his relentless hunger for success that propelled Manchester City to a second consecutive Premier League title after a titanic battle with Liverpool.

Guardiola claimed his eighth league title in 10 seasons as a coach in charge of Barcelona, Bayern Munich and City as the English champions followed up their record 100-point campaign last season with another stunning 98-point season thanks to a 4-1 victory at Brighton.

That meant Liverpool’s long wait for a first league title since 1990 continued despite the Reds posting the third-highest Premier League points tally ever with 97 after they beat Wolves 2-0 on Sunday.

“Pep’s party,” ran the headline

in the Guardian newspaper. “The only real world star in this set-up is the manager.

“They didn’t go for (Cristiano) Ronaldo or (Lionel) Messi but invested in fine young players, almost all of whom have been pushed to the outer levels of their talent.”

City became the first side in a decade to retain the title as Guardiola’s demands ensured there was no drop-off at the Etihad as has happened in the seasons that followed title wins under Roberto Mancini and Manuel Pellegrini.

“Manchester City could buy great players, good enough to take

them up the mountain, but they could never stay there. Because you cannot buy hunger, the sustaining daily hunger that drove the greatest teams of other eras,” said the Independent.

“Senior officials at City say that they have never seen as much focus and character from a City side in the modern era as what they have seen this season.

“This is the opposite of what we have come to expect from champion City sides. And it is a vindication of the daily intensity and demands of their obsessive manager.”

- Intoxicating race Liverpool, whose season could still end in glory if they win the Champions League next month, were also praised for the contribution they made to a thrilling race.

“Nothing underscores the brilliance of Pep Guardiola’s team more than the presence of Liverpool a short neck behind. Liverpool are, without doubt, one of the greatest teams the competition has ever seen,” said the Daily Mail.

“Encapsulating this campaign is a battle of superlatives. Liverpool were amazingly good. Incredibly, City were even better.”

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said this season is just the beginning of a journey for his side,

but in their three-decade wait to win the league, the Reds have finished second before and failed to build on it the following season.

“They’re entitled to wonder, given that they’ve pulled one of the most stupendous league campaigns in history and still fallen short, what more can be done?” added the Independent.

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.