Edition Monday, April 16, 2018 | Internasional Bali Post

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

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

16 Pages Number 92 10th year

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Monday, April 16, 2018

Twitter explodes at Taylor Swift’s countrified Earth, Wind & Fire cover LOS ANGELES - That Taylor Swift — she always has a surprise up her fluttery sleeves. On April 12, she startled fans by nonchalantly posting on Instagram that she’d be dropping an unexpected cover single on Spotify, along with an alternate version of “Delicate.”

Swift tends to be selective with her recorded cover songs, so any one she decides upon would be an event. However, she went right for the top of the classics heap, opting to tackle one of the most recognizable soul-funk jams in history: Earth, Wind & Fire’s “September.”

That’s quite a thing to attempt, and attempt it she did, turning the 1978 dance-floor staple into a country-tinged, banjo-laced exercise, getting back to her Nashville roots.

The song, which features Maurice White’s famous “ba-dee-ya” chorus, is written flexibly enough to be catchy even in a completely different form. The lyrics are right up Swift’s alley — full of romance, souls singing, and cloudless days. And she even added a cute little personal twist, changing the line “Do you remember the 21st night of September?” to “28th night,” which hardcore Swifties quickly identified as the starting date of her relationship with boyfriend Joe Alwyn.

However, social media reacted strongly, and, well, Swift-ly, with considerable questioning of whether it was disrespectful

Jon Bon Jovi arrives at the red carpet before the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, Saturday, April 14, 2018, in Cleveland.

for the singer to mess around with a soul catalog treasure.

And, of course, there were those who simply thought the version was just plain bad. (net)

Bon Jovi reunites to enter Rock & Roll Hall of Fame IBP/net

CLEVELAND (AP) — Bon Jovi reunited with former members Richie Sambora and Alec John Such for a powerful performance on Saturday night as the band earned a spot in the prestigious Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Jon Bon Jovi, Sambora and Such were joined by current bandmates David Bryan, Tico Torres and Hugh McDonald at the Public Auditorium in Cleveland, where the Rock Hall is based.

They performed crowd favorites like “You Give Love a Bad Name” and “It’s My Life.”

Sambora left Bon Jovi in 2013 and Such in 1994. Each of the members spoke onstage, giving thanks for the honor and telling old stories about the New Jersey band. They all hugged as a group afterward. Jon Bon Jovi said he has been writing his Rock Hall speech for years.

“Some days I write the ‘Thank you’ speech, sometimes I write the ‘(Expletive) you’ speech,” he said. “In the end, it’s all about time. It took a lot of people to get us here tonight.”

They were inducted by Howard

Stern, who provided many laughs at the event. He even sang some of “Wanted Dead or Alive,” getting the audience to join in.

Stern joked about Rock Hall cofounder Jann Wenner, questioning why he was qualified to vote on who enters the prominent organization.

Stern said Wenner, who founded Rolling Stone magazine, doesn’t play any instruments “but he did start a great magazine ... and now it’s the size of a pamphlet.”

Stern also thanked Bon Jovi for its music, which he is a big fan of, and stressed how big of a deal it is that the band has sold more than 130 million albums.

The 33rd annual Rock Hall ceremony kicked off with a tribute to Tom Petty, who died in October at age 66. The Killers earned a loud applause from the audience when they started

performing “American Girl,” then transitioning to “Free Fallin’.”

“Pay some rock ‘n’ roll respect ... to the eternal Tom Petty,” frontman Brandon Flowers said, as photos of Petty were displayed in the background.

The Cars and four first-time nominees, including Nina Simone, Dire Straits, The Moody Blues and Sister Rosetta Tharpe, also are being inducted as the 2018 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class.

Brothers Mark and David Knopfler, of English rockers Dire Straits, won’t attend the event, according to bassist John Illsley.

“He just didn’t feel like coming, it’s as simple as that,” Illsley, in an interview with Billboard, said of Mark Knopfler. “It just didn’t appeal to him, and I appealed to him on several occasions.” (net)

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Monday, April 16, 2018

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

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

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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

DEMY SANJAYA / AFP

Indonesian police destroy thousands of bottles of illegal homemade alcohol during a public display in South Tangerang, outside Jakarta on April 13, 2018.

Thousands of booze bottles were destroyed by Indonesian police on Friday in a dramatic show as they crack down on bootleg alcohol blamed for killing about 100 people in recent weeks.

Indonesia steamrolls bootleg booze as death toll nears 100

Thousands of booze bottles were destroyed by Indonesian police on Friday in a dramatic show as they crack down on bootleg alcohol blamed for killing close to 100 people in recent weeks.

Authorities in Tangerang, on the outskirts of the capital Jakarta, drove a yellow steamroller over a carpet of some 6,000 bottles, while others raided vendors in a bid to stop the worst string of homebrew deaths in years.

The world’s most populous Muslim majority country banned the sale of alcohol in most convenience stores and small shops outside holiday hotspot Bali in 2015, although it is still widely available in supermarkets, bars and hotels.

High taxes make alcohol expensive, however, so low-paid workers often turn to cheap and sometimes deadly homemade booze instead.

As of Friday, authorities said at least 97 people have died nationwide since late March from drinking illegal spirits. Some 160 others are in hospital with many

still in critical condition. At least 17 people have been arrested or named as suspects for selling and distributing bootleg alcohol, police said.

“One of the suspects himself died in hospital because he also consumed bootleg alcohol,” local police spokesman Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko told AFP. Lab tests have turned up toxic levels of methanol -- a form of alcohol used in antifreeze and solvents -- in victims’ systems.

Some of the suspects confessed to mixing pure alcohol with CocaCola, energy drinks, cough syrup and even mosquito repellent. The string of deaths prompted Bandung, a major city east of Jakarta, and its surrounding area to declare a state of emergency Tuesday.

Bootleg booze is usually sold under the table by street vendors,

who sometimes make the toxic concoction themselves. But police said they believe there are big distributors behind the sale of toxic alcohol implicated in the recent deaths. Those found guilty of supplying beverages they knew to be dangerous could face a maximum life sentence, national police spokesman Setyo Wasisto said. In 2016, 36 people died in Central Java after drinking locally bought homebrew. (afp) News can also be heard in “Bali Image” at Global Radio FM 96.5 from 9.30 until 10.00 am. Listen to Global Radio FM at http:// globalfmbali.listen2myradio.com or live video streaming at http:// radioglobalfmbali.com and http:// ustream.tv/channel/global-fm-bali.

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Monday, April 16, 2018

Bali News

International

Environment NGOs spread banners rejecting reclamation in Benoa Bay

Political Division Coordinator of ForBALI who is known as Moko, said that the latest protest action was special as it coincided with the arrival of the Rainbow Warrior ship.. “Five years ago, this Greenpeace ship came to Bali and a month after that the issue regarding the reclamation of the bay emerged in public discourse.

Now, five years later, the Rainbow Warrior ship is here again. This stands as a reminder that we have managed to keep Benoa Bay safe from the threat of reclamation for five years”, he said.

The arrival of the Rainbow Warrior ship is also being considered as a moment to encourage ForBALI and to continue to fight against greed driven investments

that are so often backed by power. Greenpeace was therefor invited to join the effort to save Benoa Bay form the threat of reclamation. By joining hands with all components of civil society, he hopes that Benoa can be saved in 2018. “In order to prevent future environmental destruction and disasters, we have no choice but to stop the plan to reclaim Benoa Bay -in 2018 Benoa Bay must win”, affirmed Moko.

Executive Director of WALHI Bali, I Made Juli Untung Pratama, explained that the arrival of the Rainbow Warrior is also being taken as a moment to highlight the threat that Benoa Bay is facing. “Benoa Bay is one of the important sites that supports the global ecosystem, especially for birds crossing the continent. Therefor we are conveying this message to the international community so that they can join hands together and keep Benoa Bay from the threat of exploitation”, said Untung.

Greenpeace marine campaigner, Arifsyah Nasution, said that his organization will continue to stand in solidarity and support indigenous people’s movements and all components of civil society who firmly oppose the Benoa Bay reclamation plan. “Greenpeace is present today in Benoa Bay along with WALHI Bali and ForBALI to take part in a protest action while spreading out the banner with the message ‘Reject the Benoa Bay Reclamation”, said Nasution. (kmb)

SONNY TUMBELAKA / AFP

A Balinese priest conducts a prayer ceremony in front of Greenpeace’s Rainbow Warrior campaign ship during its visit to Benoa port in Denpasar on Indonesia’s resort island of Bali on April 13, 2018.

Activities

Monday, April 16, 2018

15

The Influencers in Today’s Bali Culture and Crafts

To win Benoa Bay,

The Forum for Opposition to the Reclamation of Benoa Bay (ForBALI), took action again in the water of Benoa Bay on Saturday (Apr. 14), by unfurling a 15x9 meter banner that read “Reject Reclamation of Benoa Bay:, along with two other 10 x1 meter banners with the words ‘Revoke Presidential Decree Number 51/2014.’ ForBALI received the support of WALHI Bali as well as Greenpeace’s Rainbow Warrior ship that has been anchored in Benoa Bay since Friday afternoon.

International

SONNY TUMBELAKA / AFP

Indonesia dancers perform a traditional dance during the opening of the Indonesia Africa Forum (IAF) 2018 in Nusa Dua, on Indonesia’s resort island of Bali on April 10, 2018.

Korean in top spot as Drone Racing World Cup takes off in Bali

South Korean drone pilot Choi Joon-weon topped the Drone Racing World Cup leaderboard Sunday as his aerial device zipped past the competition in the seasonopener on Indonesia’s tourist island Bali. Choi beat Indonesian Axel Mario who took second place while another Korean pilot Rhee Jun-whi came third.

It was the first of 24 events in the third annual World Cup, which sees participants race sporting drones that weigh under one kilogram (2.2 pounds) and have at least three power-driven propellers.

Choi fought off competition from 47 other pilots from nine countries in a series of races held at the Niti Mandala Renon Park in Denpasar, Bali’s capital, from Friday to Sunday. “I was quite nervous competing with international pilots.

This is my best achievement,” Mario said.

The opening leg of the World Cup, run by the Federation Aeronautique International (FAI), was the first international air sports event hosted by Indonesia, and there were few spectators. But or-

ganising committee chairman Asha Wadya Saelan was upbeat, saying Indonesia is ready to host more international air sports.

“Bali is a tourist magnet so the pilots can have a nice holiday here besides racing,” he said, adding that the youngest pilot competing in Bali was 10 years old while the oldest was 60.

Usually considered the preserve of hobbyists, drone racing is aiming to go mainstream and is “one of the fastest growing air sports in the world”, FAI President Frits Brink said in a statement.

There were 16 events in last year’s World Cup and nine in 2016.

A total of 435 pilots from 37 countries participated in 2017, which saw Switzerland’s Dario Neuenschwander crowned champion.

Shenzhen in China is due to stage the second event on May 1113 while Prilep in Macedonia will host the finals on October 13-14.

Germany, France, Slovakia, Portugal, South Korea, Brazil, Finland, Bulgaria and Spain are among the 19 countries due to host World Cup races this year. (afp)

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An inspirational talk show and performance to celebrate Indonesia’s potential held on Saturday, 14th of April, 2018. Committed to embrace the colorful arrays of philosophies within the local culture and craft, it is a huge honor for Amnaya Resort Kuta to invite talented artisans included Jean Couteau and Pintor Sirait.

Dr. Jean Couteau is a French artist, author and observer, has long lived in Indonesia. He is also a curator and former lecturer of the Indonesian Institute of Art (ISI) Denpasar and is often invited as a speaker in national and international cultural forums. Fluently speaks in English and Bahasa, he earned a master’s degree in Sociology from the Sorbonne University, France, while his doctorate degree was obtained from EHESS (Sorbonne branch) with a dissertation about the image iconography of Bali. He has written over 15 titles in English, French, Indonesian,including recent books published by @nowbalimag publisher on Myth, Magic and Mystery in Bali.

He is a columnist of Udar Rasa in KOMPAS every week.Pintor Sirait as Indonesian artist, will talk about metal sculpture and the influence in today’s Bali design. Born in 1962 to a German mother and a Sumatran Batak father, Pintor grew up in Bandung then moved to the United States for studying psychology and sculpture. He come back to Indonesia to express his passion through the creation of large-size installations and monumental sculptures of stainless steel.

His remarkable work included steel sculptures of Formula 1 race cars, executed life size as well as in the smaller sizes of 3.6 and 1.2 metres with bullet holes. Other works of this talented artist is a magnificent stainless steel sculpture of an aero-plane, is accented in gold-plated copper – representative of Indonesia’s rich mineral resources, completed with a windshield etched with Cirebon’s classic and dreamy batik motif, “Mega Mendung” which means ‘huge cloudy sky’.

Accompanied by special presentation of Cynthia Limanouw; a fashion stylist of classic Indonesian batik. All of the vibrant cushions used to enhance the décor at Sukun Restaurant are by Cynthia Limanouw. With a background in graphic design and fashion styling, she has channelled her love of art to create a line of bespoke textiles under the name of Java East. Her latest designs are a modern take on classic Indonesian batik motifs using playful combinations of colour. Cynthia is talking about “batik” and styling it in new today’s fashion design.

“We invited distinguished speakers, authors and artisans, to share knowledges and passions for Bali to inspire all of us. An inspirational talk show and performance to celebrate Indonesia’s potentials,” General Manager Amnaya Resort Kuta Jeffrey Wibisono said.

Amnaya also proudly presents Diany Asmina Sinung, a talented Indonesian painter who will exhibit her 12 paintings and Dalang Cilik, Putu Adhyaksa Narendra Krishna “Narend’, who ever performed on Little Big Shots Indonesia; a young talented puppeteer, perform traditional puppet show.

Amnaya Resort Kuta a-116 room Bali hotel in South Kuta, combine luxuriness with modern-ethnic interior design with the touch of nature.

As the first hotel brand in a series of 4-star boutique properties owned and operated by PT Tibi, Amnaya keeps the concept of a haven of relaxation in amidst the upbeat energy of Bali’s most colourful tourism district - a sense of calmness and oasis in the middle of South Kuta, Bali.

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Monday, April 16, 2018

Traveling

International

Bali News

International

Which of the Cyclades Islands in Greece should you visit?

IF you had a bird’s eye view the Greek-owned Cyclades, they would look like an intriguing mosaic of 20 tufts of verdant earth floating on the turquoise waters of the Aegean sea. It’s an incredible formation created by the geological changes that took place millions of years ago.

According to the Greek mythology, Poseidon, God of the sea, was so furious at the behaviour of the Cyclades nymphs that he turned them into islands.

However they were formed, The Cyclades — which means

the Sacred islands around Delos — their beauty and dazzling light can lend itself to a spot of spirituality.

They are at their best in May and still gorgeous throughout the summer months. By September though, life is slowing down and some businesses shut up shop.

Nevertheless, for most of the year the wild rugged volcanic scenery remains whitewashed with sugar cubed Cycladic architecture that looks superb against the dark or vegetal backdrop with the deep blue sea lapping at their shores.

1. Santorini

Some say the most beguiling and popular island of this Aegean archipelago is Santorini. Everyone will have seen that iconic image — you know, the one with the cliff-top blue-domed church standing out amid shimmering white architecture that looks dazzling against the blue skies and seas.

Cruise ships stop there, weddings take place there just for the scenic photography and holiday makers clamber over the ramparts of the 13th century castle in an almost cult-like fashion, to be sure of the best view of the sunset.

2. Mykonos

Bare hills, sandy beaches and a glitzy vibe makes up this 86 square kilometre island. There are barely 10,000 locals yet the island is set upon by tens of thousands of tourists looking to party. Nightclubs are two a penny, there are several pubs and shops stay open throughout the night.

This is a fun island and, naturally, its most famous beach, Paradise Beach, has its share of nightclubs, a campsite, and the odd restaurant. Nearby is Super Parade, a gay nudist beach which may not be to everyone’s taste. For a little peace and quiet, head to Agia Ana, though it may seem comparatively undeveloped.

3. Naxos

This is the largest of the Greek Islands in the Aegean Sea and when you arrive by boat you will be met with its most famous archaelogical site — the Portara, the doorway to the ancient temple of Apollo built in 522 BC. The island is home to the highest mountain in the Cyclades — Mount Zeus — is the source of much mythology. They say that this was the nuptial isle of the Dionysus, the God of wine. That’s why there is a sanctuary dedicated to him. It’s coastline is a doily of sensational beaches, some secluded. Mikri and Vila in the west are beloved by windsurfers. (net)

The Genta Nareswari gamelan troupe.

IBP/kmb

Genta Nareswari of Demulih inspires women to preserve the art of gamelan

BANGLI — Genta Nareswari is the name of the all-female gamelan troupe from Demulih village, Susut, who were the first to represent Bangli in the Bali Arts Festival (BAF). This all-woman’s gamelan troupe was founded in 1987 and continue to recruit younger members to this day. IN fact, the Genta Nareswari gamelan troupe that often perform as a form of devotional work (ngayah), in a number of temples have been a source of inspiration for women in other villages to form their own gamelan troupes.

Demulih village’s Genta Nareswari gamelan troupe, headed

by Luh Putu Ratna Sari Dewi and has 35 members, most of whom are local village housewives.

One troupe member named Ni Nyoman Armoni, explained that Genta Nareswari was established as a way fro the women of Demulih village to express their creativity and talent at a time when their were very few –of any, all-women gamelan troupes in Bangli.

With regular practice, Genta Nareswari managed to master many gamelan composition and ws then appointed by the government of Bangli to represent the district in the BAF’s gong kebyar competition. At that time, added Armoni, the female gogn kebyar performances did not take place at the Denpasar Art Center, but only in the groups’ respective districts. “Their performance as representatives of Bangli took place in Geria Hamlet” explained Armoni when interviewed on Sunday (Apr. 14).

Since that time, Genta Nareswari has continued composing gamelan pieces. Armoni, who also serves as Section Head of Art Development at the Bangli Tourism and Culture Agency said that so far Genta Nreswari has performed in the BAF four times, the last itme being in 2016. “Apart from the Bali Art Festical, we also perform for the District of Bangli art parades and do devotional work playing for temple celebrations”, she added.

Genta Nareswari has mastered dozens of gamelan compositions including dance pieces, lelambatan and gong kebyar and continue to hold regular practices to ensure that they are ready to perform.

Armoni also explained that it is not easy for Genta Nareswari to keep up with their proactive, partly because many of it’s members are quite busy with their domestic chores. “Due to the enthusiasm, conscienceless and discipline, our village gamelan troupe is able to survive and provide inspiration to women in other villages to establish similar all-female gamelan troupes”, she said adding that she hopes to see Genta Nareswari continue to develop and flourish and that more and more younger women will want to join. (kmb40)

Monday, April 16, 2018

3

Tigawasa village committed to preserving wovenbamboo crafts

SINGARAJA - Weaving bamboo slats is a skill that has been passed down from generation to generation in the village of Tigawasa Village, Banjar, Buleleng and continues to be practiced to this day. However the bamboo weavers of Tigawsa are facing some challenges now as their source of raw materials is becoming scarcer and the products that they produce are poorly marketed.

Products like sokasi (ritual baskets), have been created by the skilled hands of these villagers since time immemorial. They also produce typical Balinese woven bamboo walls, that are widely used as a building material for residential homes, hotels and villas. The villagers have done little to market these products. Although their sokasi baskets are favoured by export markets, it is most often middle men have access to this markets, so they buy the bamboo crafts from the villagers at a very low price and resell these wares to foreign markets.

Tigawasa’s village government has decided to step in and help with the management of this business.

Bamboo weaving groups are being gathered together by the local BUMdes (village-owend enterprise) to facilitate the marketing of their woven bamboo products and to replant the bamboo needed to make theses crafts.

Headman of Tigawasa, Made Suadarma Yasa, said on Saturday (Apr. 14) that one of the main reasons they are eager to develop the potential of this craft is that it has been passed down through the generations and is a legacy worth preserving. In order to ensure that this tradition does not disappear, families who make these products need to be able to earn a decent

living making sokasi and other crafts. These products are in fact in demand in Bali, other arts of Indonesia and other countries as well. “Since I began serving as headman of Tigawasa I have been determined to develop this local potential so that it can flourish and not disappear. These are very high quality products and there is already a demand for them. I am therefor confident that the BUMdes will be able to develop this potential with much success”, said Yasa.

The BUMdes, he explained will be involved in marketing and exporting these bamboo products which Yasa said will ensure that the local craftsmen earn a better income than they do by selling to middle-men from other regions. “Although these products are already being exported, it is being done by resellers from other regions so our craftsmen are not repeating optimal benefits. With the BUMdes playing an active role, our craftsmen will make more profits”, he said.

The lack of raw materials needed to make these woven bamboo products is another challenge that headman Yasa is ready to face. Local farmer’s groups are being encouraged to plant bamboo reed so that these woven-bamboo businesses are supported by the availability of the raw material that used to be abundant in their village. “I do not know the reason why people here stopped planting reed bamboo. But if we don’t do something about it, things will only get worse. We are therefor using non- productive land to plant reed bamboo”, he explained.

Headman Yasa added that there is a bright future for this craft, given that many young people are enthusiastic about pursuing this line of work. With young people actively involved, the traditional skill of weaving bamboo will be sustained. (mud)

IBP/mud

Weaving bamboo slats is a skill that has been passed down from generation to generation in the village of Tigawasa Village, Banjar, Buleleng.

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Monday, April 16, 2018

Bali News

International

Monday, April 16, 2018

International

Blind community gets Basic English language training

China plans Taiwan Strait live-fire exercises amid tensions.

DENPASAR — Teaching blind people a new language can be challenging as their special require teachers to be patient and use different methods than usual. University of Australia Alumni Agung Sudiani and colleague Nurul Naisn however say they have encountered few obstacles in teaching the blind to speak English. “We have not faced any significant obstacles as we are both trained in teaching and managing classes for people with eyesight disablities.

This training was very helpful for us to be able to teach Basic English to people with disabilities”, explained Sudiani on Thursday (Apr. 12).

A total of 12 blind people (6 women and 6 men) from the Denpasar Chapter of Pertuni (Indonesian Blind Union) were given free Basic English conversation training for two months as way to expand their job options and thus improve their living standards.

Disabilities can more aptly be called ‘difabitilites’ as people are all differently abled and many people who have certain challenges also have special skills.

Many of the non-seeing people of Pertuni Denpasar for example are professional masseurs, which is a great skill to have in Bali as many tourists seek our this service. These same people however have limited access to foreign language training which would be a real asset in their field of work and without which their job options are limited.

The language training being

IBP/kmb

Teaching blind people a new language can be challenging as their special require teachers to be patient and use different methods than usual. provided uses teaching technics that make relevant learning materials like brail and audio easily accessible to the blind learners so that they can continue to improve their skills after the course is done.

“I’ve noticed that all the blind students are really enthusiastic about learning. This is really encouraging as a teaching and makes us feel like what we are doing is meaningiful and valuable to them.

Their perseverance in learning inspires us to keep this program

going – hopefully, for many years to come”, said Sudiani who added that she has gained a lot of valuable experiences about the world of difabled people by teaching these clases. “All our hard work pays off when we witness their progress in English at the end of the program”, she said.

The delivery of lessons, the learning environment and the mobility orientation are all important factors to consider when teaching the blind, explained Sudiani.

“Rather tan vision, the sense of

touch and feeling become important in the learning process. It is important to use real objects, tactil eand kinetic (movement) learning methods are essential in explaining the concept and function of language”, she explained.

Chief of the Pertuni Denpasar, I Made Kandra, who is also blind, attended the two moth Basic English training and also works as a professional masseur. “I am very happy to be trained in Basic English

by Miss Agung as me and my fellow students can now speak better

Provincial govt assesses Mengwitani-Singaraja railway line DENPASAR - There has been much discussion about railway projects in Bali for some time.

However so far most of these discussion have centered around establish a rail line specifically for tourism. Since 2016, the government of Bali has been conducting a study related to the plan to build a railway from Mengwitani to Singaraja. “The governor has often mentioned a rail line going around Bali to accommodate tourists. The Mengwitani-Singaraja line however would be for regular passengers. The train would however pass through the panoramic

vistas of Bedugul which I think is a good thing”, said Head of the Bali Transportation Agency, IGA Sudarsana, when contacted on Thursday (Apr. 12) The feasibility study that has been going on since 2016, said Sudarsana has required a budget of IDR 300 million and has determined that the MegwitaniSingaraja line is feasible. This is not however a finale say as the central government is still looking at particlar aspects of the potential project include things like land contours.

“Seeing as the landscape esca-

lates from Denpasar, there needs to be a particular solution which has not been mentioned yet. My estimation is included in the Detailed Engineering Design (DED).

Once the second study being done by the central government (I don’t know what it is called) gives th ego ahead the, the DED can be made”, said Sudarsana.

Even if the project assessment is complete and is given the green light, added Sudarsana the decision of the new government will still be needed to go ahead with the plan. , Sudarsana continued, the decision whether or not the project will be

continued will depend on the new governor. “Whatever our plan is, if leaders like the governor, regents or others do not continue it’s okay because beudgeting, lobbuying the central government et cetera will still be needed”, he added.

Sudarsana emphasised that the Mengwitani-Singaraja railway line would certainly help ease traffic congestion. And although there are currently plans for ten different short-cut paths or new roads, with a growing population having a train line would still be needed. (kmb32)

English”, said Kandra.

Kendra went onto to say that he hopes that this training will be ongoing as there are still 80 members of Pertuni Denpasar that have yet to be trained in English skills.

Having them follow this course too would be a great to improve the quality of human resources who cannot see. Attention and support from the government and the public are needed in order for people with difabilities can access to adequate education for empowering themselves. (win)

Xi Jinping plans live-fire drills in Taiwan Strait

BEIJING - China is set to hold live-fire drills in the Taiwan Strait next week in a move certain to ratchet tensions with Taipei, after Chinese president Xi Jinping oversaw the biggest naval exercises in the country’s history.

The new drills, which are planned for Wednesday, come as tensions between Beijing and Taiwan simmer over increased American support for the government of the self-ruled island.

Tsai Ing-wen, Taiwan’s president, on Friday presided over her first military drills since she took office in 2016, but those exercises did not involve live fire.

Tensions between Beijing and

Taipei have escalated in recent weeks amid speculation of a visit to Taiwan by new US national security adviser John Bolton and Washington’s backing of Taiwan’s plans to build an indigenous submarine force.

Chinese media said a decision

by Donald Trump’s administration to give the go ahead for US defence contractors to help Taiwan build the submarine fleet has made war between Taiwan and China “more

IBP/kmb

probable”.

China’s drills next week will be the first in the Strait since just before the 2015 presidential election, which saw Mrs Tsai, the candidate for the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), sweep to power.

Beijing has viewed the Taiwanese president with suspicion and believes she is preparing to move Taiwan towards formal indepen-

dence - a move that would represent a red line for China.

China views Taiwan as a renegade province which will one day be reunited with the mainland - by force if necessary.

On Thursday President Xi presided over huge exercises in the South China Sea in an unmistakable show of force to Beijing’s regional rivals.

The drills involved 48 ships, among them China’s sole operating aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, along with 76 helicopters, fighter jets and bombers, and more than

IBP/net

10,000 personnel.

Chinese media said it was the largest of its kind.

“The mission of building a mighty people’s navy has never been more urgent than it is today,” Mr Xi, dressed in army fatigues, said in remarks on the helicopter deck of one of China’s most advanced destroyers.

“Strive to make the people’s navy a first-rate world navy.”

The nationalist Global Times newspaper warned in a commentary on Taiwan’s drills that the island’s leaders were making a gamble they couldn’t afford to lose. (net)

Tens Of Thousands In Hungary Protest Far-Right Leader Viktor Orbán

IBP/net

IGA Sudarsana

13

Tens of thousands of demonstrators marched through Hungary’s capital of Budapest on Saturday to protest Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s government.

BUDAPEST - Tens of thousands of demonstrators marched through Hungary’s capital of Budapest on Saturday to protest Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s government, as critics warn the country could slide further into illiberalism.

Orbán’s radical right, nationalist Fidesz party won a landslide victory in parliamentary elections last Sunday. With a two-thirds majority in the legislature, Fidesz now has the power to make changes to the country’s constitution.

The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe criticized the election for “intimidating and xenophobic rhetoric, media bias and opaque campaign financing.”

The campaign saw Orbán rail against migration and push the idea that unseen “foreign interests” were seeking to undermine the government. The prime minister also made Hungarian-American billionaire George Soros a focal point of the campaign, claiming that Soros was conspiring to bring hundreds of thousands of migrants into the country and putting up anti-Soros posters around the country.

Opponents fear that Fidesz’s parliamentary majority will allow Orbán to accelerate his attacks on democratic institutions and civil society, including pushing through so-called “Stop Soros” laws that would put harsh restrictions on

non-governmental organizations such as Amnesty International.

In the week since the election, a pro-government magazine owned by one of Orbán’s allies has published a list of 200 people it accused of being agents for Soros.

The roster included journalists, human rights workers and university professors.

A major opposition newspaper and an English language independent news site both announced they were shutting down just days after the vote. Orbán and his allies control most of the country’s media, and the closings only add to the prime minister’s grip on how Hungarians receive their information. (net)

12

International

Monday, April 16, 2018

BUSINESS Fears grow Zambia hiding debt like Mozambique

International lenders and markets are growing increasingly concerned about “hidden debt” in Zambia, a situation similar to the one that plunged neighbouring Mozambique into a deep financial crisis. For several weeks financiers have demanded answers about the level of the country’s true external borrowing -- but officials have rubbished any suggestion of concealed debts.

Zambia, the second largest copper producer in sub-Saharan Africa, insists that its debt pile stands at $8.7 billion -- but there have been suggestions it could be double that. The allegations have raised fears among Zambians and foreign investors for whom the memory of Mozambique’s hidden debt fiasco is still fresh in the mind.

In 2016, international donors froze fiscal support to Mozambique after it emerged that the country had taken $2 billion of “off-book” loans to finance maritime vessels and military equipment. That move plunged the impoverished country into serious economic and financial crisis.

Maputo has since suspended repayments to creditors and is seeking to renegotiate its debt mountain.

Japanese finance giant Nomura recently questioned the size of Zambia’s public debt, suggesting the government is concealing a substantial amount of short-term external debt.

In a note last week, the director of the political risk advisory firm EXX Africa also warned of “mounting evidence of undisclosed loans” and said that Zambia had miscalculated its total debt.

“Based on documentary evidence, we assess that external debt could be as high as $15.6 billion, while local debt seems almost incalculable given the opacity in lending to state-owned entities from local banks,” wrote Robert Besseling.

- ‘Hiding the figures’? But Zambian authorities have brushed aside the growing concerns over the actual size of its external public debt, which has been putting pressure on the value of government bonds. Former finance minister Felix Mutati last year told parliament that foreign debt stood at $17.2 billion -- but retracted the figure days later saying he had misstated it and insisted that the debt burden was just $7.2 billion.

But the damage had already been done.Chishimba Kambwili, a ruling party lawmaker and former minister

accused his own government of cooking the books. “They have been hiding the figures,” he told AFP, suggesting the debt could be as high as $23 billion.

“Let them not pretend that all is well. That is unacceptable.”

Former vice president and now opposition politician Nevers Mumba is also convinced there is an official cover-up.

“Our investigations revealed that the foreign debt was at $16.6 billion,” Mumba told AFP. “The numbers that they are giving are not correct and they have failed to disprove our figures.” But the government has doggedly stuck to the most recently published figures, vehemently denying that it has concealed any debt.

Finance Minister Margaret Mwanakatwe “has repeatedly said that our debt is at $8.7 billion and let people not speculate,” Treasury spokesman Chileshe Kandeta said.

“If someone has evidence that it is not $8.7 billion, let them supply the evidence.”

- ‘Undermining its macroeconomic stability’ Zambia had been expecting to secure a $1.3 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) this year, but the Washington-based lender is unhappy with the country’s borrowing plans. The IMF’s representative to Zambia, Boileau Loko, said officials “continue to compromise the country’s debt sustainability and risk undermining its macroeconomic stability”.

Allegations that the country has not openly disclosed its external debt burden have undermined investor confidence and driven up borrowing cots, according to London-based BMI Research.

“With the spectre of ‘hidden debt’ a continued concern for regional investors after the 2016 hidden debt crisis in Mozambique, and in the continued absence of a deal with the IMF, we believe borrowing costs are likely to remain elevated,” said BMI in a note on Friday. It added that the situation heightened the risk of Zambia needing to extend the repayment period for its loans.

After posting average annual growth rates of more than 10 percent in the 2000s, growth has slowed significantly in recent years due to falling copper prices. But Mwanakatwe, the finance minister, has forecast growth will accelerate to four percent in 2018 as copper prices begin to recover.

Afghan artisans pit their talents against Chinese imports

Cheap, Chinese-made nylon burkas are flooding Afghanistan’s north as consumers turn to affordable, mass-produced fabrics -- but in Kabul a small, determined fashion house is fighting to preserve the traditional textiles once integral to Afghan culture. Launched in 2006, “Zarif” -- “precious” in Persian -- commissions traditional cotton and silk from artisanal weavers, then employs more than two dozen people -mostly women -- to tailor and design the fabrics into handcrafted, embroidered clothing.

But with cheaper imports saturating the market, they are struggling to keep local traditional methods afloat, says founder Zolaykha Sherzad. Only decades ago, the textile industry was on par with Afghanistan’s legendary carpet trade, famed since the days of the old Silk Road.

During its heyday textiles were more than just fabrics, with their patterns, colours and embroidery illuminating the origins and tribal history of their makers.

“In the past, the fabrics were entirely embroidered, on the walls, the cushions... the wedding dresses,” says Sherzad. “But now, we are trying hard just to keep them as ornaments on jackets and coats, to maintain the know-how,” she adds, saying the decline in the craft has put large numbers of women out of work who once were able to make a living at home. With Zarif, she hopes to fill the gap while aiming to preserve Afghanistan’s textile traditions and designing contemporary takes on Afghan fashion staples.

- Fighting the market A visit to the bazaar in northern Mazar-i-Sharif shows the challenge she faces. There, bundles of striped and padded coats, or “chapans” -- popularised in the West by exPresident Hamid Karzai -- pile up in stacks at stalls. “Too bright,” she says, discarding the synthetic fabrics.

WAKIL KOHSAR / AFP

Young Afghan tailors sew curtains at a tailor shop in Kabul on April 9, 2018.

For many consumers, however, they have their appeal. The cheaper knock-offs are printed on nylon, rather than silk, closely replicating traditional designs but at a third of the price. “These cost 800 to 1,200 afghanis ($11 to $18), compared to 2,500 ($36) for a traditional chapan,” explains Abdullah, a merchant.

Now only the rich can afford the handmade silk chapans, often buying them as wedding gifts, while middle-class and working people opt for the synthetic designs.

Markets across Mazar also burst with the polyester burqas Afghan women are forced by tribal culture to don. But even the fabrics used for this ubiquitous garment come increasingly from abroad.

“China, India, Pakistan, everything comes from outside,” Hashem, a dyer and weaver for Zarif, tells AFP in the courtyard of his mud house on the outskirts of Mazar from where he manages the 10 women who weave for him at home. “In the old days I had 10 families working for me, today I have four,” he says while squeezing a skein of freshly dyed cotton.

“Before,” he continues, “80 percent of the raw material came from the local market, today 80 percent comes from abroad.”

Bali News

International

- Working women In founding Zarif, Sherzad -an architect by training -- wanted above all to promote female employment, banned under Taliban rule from 1996-2001 and still the norm in large swathes of the country. According to data provided by the World Bank, 19 percent of Afghan women were employed in 2017 -- which excludes the informal agricultural sector.

Despite the economic crisis that has raged since the withdrawal of more than 100,000 NATO troops in late 2014, Zarif still employs 26 employees in its courtyard workshop, located next to a mosque and its blaring call to prayers.

About 60 percent of the team is female, including the director Nasima along with the production manager Sara. Two embroiderers work full time while an additional 30 are called on at the discretion of the managers.

Since its creation, Zarif has trained more than 85 women -but most of them have given up their jobs after getting married at the request of husbands who are reluctant to accept the presence of other men near their spouses. “The brake on women’s employment continues to be their husbands” says Sherzad. (afp)

Monday, April 16, 2018

5

Galungan Day: Defeat Kalatiga, Strengthen Awareness

Galungan and Kuningan are feast days of the Hindus. Galungan falling every six months (210 days) or every Buda Kliwon Dungulan, Wednesday, while Kuningan falls every Saniscara Kliwon Kuningan, Saturday . In the Sundarigama palm-manuscript is mentioned that celebration of Galungan and Kuningan symbolizes the victory of dharma (truth) against adharma (untruth), the victory of Jayatiga against Kalatiga.

Dr. I Ketut Sumadi, said the celebration of Galungan has started from the previous week namely with Sugihan Jawa ritual and Sugihan Bali . While on Sunday is called penyekeban meaning the preparation of ritual paraphernalia. Raw materials are ripening so that they can be used to fill the ritual paraphernalia of Galungan.

On Sunday, the Kalatiga comes down to tempt human life, so here is really the victory against the temptation of life in the local wisdom of Bali is better known as Sad Ripu (six enemies). Sad Ripu is the six enemies in human beings affecting humans into self-forgetfulness. It consists of kama (lust, desire), lobha (greed), krodha (anger), moha (confusion), mada (drunk) and matsarya (envy, jealousy).

According to Dr. Sumadi, the coming down of temptations of life is a power, so that people need to be vigilant to see one’s self living with the environment. This is in accordance with the concept of microcosm (human body) and macrocosm (universe) that must be kept in balance.

While on Monday is the Penyajahan Galungan as the time to prepare everything in more details related to ritual paraphernalia.

On that account, it becomes a part of celebrating the victory of dharma against adharma.

On Penyajaan Galungan, human temptation level will be higher, so hopefully there is no temptation in preparing the ritual paraphernalia. The next day, on Tuesday is Penampahan Galungan where devotees start to purify themselves, so it is symbolized with slaughtering animal (pig or chicken). “In the context of philosophy, it is the time to do self-contemplation namely making selfawareness to be higher by stripping ourselves what we have ever done, the six things making us forgetful,” he explained.

At that time, humans dispose of the lust of animalistic temptation into a divine nature, making non-good into good. Therefore, on the penampahan, other than making Balinese food like lawar delicacy, people also prepare ritual paraphernalia in the afternoon. One of the banten or oblations made is prayascita, as a symbol of self-purification carried out around 18:00-19:00. The ceremony is followed by all family members, so that everything can already feel free from temptation.

In the afternoon of the penampahan day, devotees install penjor, meaning that humans can be aware of temptation at that time, so they start doing the seconds of independence.

Installing penjor is the symbol of human independence from worldly temptations to achieve prosperity of life. It is an expression of gratitude for the prosperity bestowed

by God. “As for banten, devotees prepare yellow-white food oblation symbolizing sanctity,” added Dr. Sumadi.

He said that banten prayascita symbolizes the expression of gratitude for the grace of God in the form of self-awareness, so that devotees can do a good job. It also results in

happiness not only for oneself, but also for others. Penjor is symbolizing mountain where the deities abide. “At that time, God grants prosperity to his devotees,” he added.

In the philosophy of Mount Agung, there are three dragons giving prosperity to their people. They are Basuki giving fertility, Ananta Boga providing endless feeding and Taksaka keeping the air circulation, so that human can survive as energized by the elements of fire, water and wind as the 3 elements causing human to live. On the penampahan, human can live quietly.

On Galungan, humans carry out rituals in accordance with their respective abilities.

Aside from saying prayers at home, they also say prayers at clan temple, village trinity temple and universal temple. “Devotees also say prayers in other places such as sanctified water source, paddy field, and grave by putting food oblation along with side dish, water, coffee and cigarette,” he said.

The offerings are addressed to dead parents who are still buried (before ritually cremated), so that people can feel relieved.

At night, they can practice yoga and wor-

ship God in all its manifestations whether as generator, operator and destroyer. Destroyer is important in order that something useless could be restored to its origin, can be recycled to be useful. On Thursday or Umanis Galungan devotees offer banten penganyar or small banten to plead for guidance of God that Galungan ritual has been already executed properly.

“On Umanis Galungan human beings are given better enlightenment, so that getting sweeter filled with mutual forgiving activities or mutually visit relatives and friends to strengthen social ties,” he explained.

On Sunday (Nov. 5) is the Pemacekan Agung, meaning that human beings should not be careless again after receiving enlightenment of God. On Monday (Nov. 6) is Somoribek Day, meaning that human beings really become strong until the next activity, according to the task and obligation. On Friday (Nov. 10) is the Penampahan Kuningan having the same process to boost awareness.

Human beings may no longer get tempted by Kalatiga. They must strengthen the soul to overcome temptations of life. (kmb)

Pumpkin Cake, an Exclusive Serving of Hotel

When processed into cake, pumpkin can produce a very delicious food. To Balinese people, pumpkin cake can be refreshment and even becomes a substitute to rice. This type of Balinese cake has been a friend of farmers working in paddy fields. Today, this pumpkin cake has been adopted as a dessert at hotel.

At hotel, the pumpkin is processed into a sticky and delicious

cake. Of course, it is also combined with other ingredients, so it is worth serving to guests. Other than combining the ingredient, the way of serving is very unique and interesting. Each portion of pumpkin cake is filled with fragrant pandan leaves, fruit and sugar with light color. It is served to tourists as dessert.

If this pumpkin is steamed and mixed with sticky rice, its name

will be changed into pumpkin cake.

Local communities often make this type of cake in various activities, including for the activities of mutual assistance when building a house, working in paddy field, ceremonial parties and other activities.

As a very simple dish, the pumpkin is first boiled and then mixed with white sticky rice to make it chewy. In the presen-

tation, it is filled with grated coconut added with salt, according to taste. This type of cake is presented directly, so it is hard to get it. In traditional markets, there are usually people selling these orange cakes.

Pumpkin is also often used as ingredient of sumping cake, so that the name is also changed into pumpkin sumping. Eating pumpkin cake is believed to make stomach

cool and does not have bad impact in case of excessive consumption.

Nevertheless, not all people will dare to eat pumpkin cake or other cake made from pumpkin ingredient because some people are abstaining from consuming such a cake. There is a myth that until now is trusted by Balinese people where consuming such a cake can eliminate the power of magic belts for those who use it. (kmb)

6

Monday, April 16, 2018

W

RLD

Defiant Syrians say West hasn’t shaken their resolve IBP/net

Defiant Syrians say West hasn’t shaken their resolve.

DAMASCUS — Hundreds of Syrians poured into the streets of Damascus on Saturday, dancing and chanting in defiance of what they called the West’s “failure” to shake their nation’s resolve with airstrikes that jolted the capital only hours earlier.

The demonstrations in support of President Bashar Assad were carried live on state TV, which also reported that Syrian air defenses had intercepted most of the missiles fired by the United States, Britain and France to punish Syria’s purported use of chemical weapons.

The broadcaster also urged people not to believe media reports that exaggerated the results of the airstrikes.

“We are not scared of America’s missiles. We humiliated their mis-

siles,” said Mahmoud Ibrahim, who waved a Syrian flag as he hung out of his car window.

As car horns blared, the crowd moved toward nearby Damascus University where pro-government fighters danced and waved their automatic rifles over their heads.

Many denounced U.S. President Donald Trump and also waved flags of Syria’s allies, Iran and Russia, as they cheered Assad.

The display of national fervor later mixed with celebrations over

International

International

the news that the Syrian army declared the eastern suburbs of Damascus “fully liberated” after the last group of rebels left the town of Douma. Its recapture marks the biggest victory for Assad’s forces since the capture of the eastern half of the city of Aleppo in 2016.

The fall of Douma came after a punishing government offensive and a surrender deal struck with rebel groups. It also followed the purported use of chemical weapons there on April 7, which activists say killed over 40 people in the town and led to Saturday’s airstrikes by the West.

“Trump failed in his aggression,” said 51-year-old civil servant

Mohammed Hammad. “Trump’s failure came with the victory of our army in Douma, which marks the biggest victory for the Syrian Arab Army.”

The bombardment began at 4 a.m., with loud explosions thundering in Damascus and the sky turning orange as fires raged in the distance.

Associated Press reporters saw smoke rising above eastern Damascus and spotted fiery streaks of surface-to-air missiles. The call to morning prayers at dawn mixed with the whoosh of missiles.

Shortly after the one-hour attack ended, vehicles with loudspeakers blared nationalist songs.

“Good souls will not be humiliated,” Syria’s presidential account tweeted after the airstrikes began.

Later, a video showing Assad walking into his office carrying a briefcase was posted on the same account. “Good morning, steadfastness,” the caption read.

As the sun rose, hundreds had gathered in Damascus’ landmark Omayyad Square, celebrating what they said was the army’s success in foiling the U.S-led military action.

The widely broadcast celebrations and the hastily organized police deployment in Douma appeared to be the government’s response to the airstrikes. (net)

Russia condemns ‘treacherous and insane’ U.S. retaliation strikes in Syria

MOSCOW - Russia condemned the United States, the United Kingdom and France for their joint retaliation strikes in Syria less than a week after Russian President Vladimir Putin had denied responsibility for a deadly chemical attack on a town east of Damascus.

In a statement released early Saturday morning, Putin denounced the strikes as an “act of aggression” that would have a “destructive influence on the entire system of international relations.” The Kremlin also said it would call an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.

Russian officials on Twitter called the “treacherous and insane” strikes a “clear and present danger to world peace” and demanded accountability.

U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the coordinated airstrikes in response to last weekend’s chemical attack that reportedly killed about 70 people in the town of Douma in eastern Ghouta. Syrian forces reportedly took control of the formerly rebel-held town this week.

Friday’s joint airstrikes hit three targets associated with Syrian President Bashar Assad’s chemical weapon program, including a scientific research center in Damascus, chemical weapon storage facilities and a command post. In an address to the American people on Friday, Trump called out Russia and Iran for supporting Assad’s regime.

“To Iran and to Russia I ask, What kind of nation wants to be associated with the mass murder of innocent men, women and children? The nations of the world can be judged by the friends they keep,” Trump said.

“President Putin and his government promised the world that they would guarantee the elimination of Syria’s chemical weapons,” he added.

“Russia must decide if it will continue down this dark path or if it will join with civilized nations as a force of stability and peace.”

After the strikes were launched, the Russian Embassy in Washington issued a warning to the U.S. “Again, we are being threatened. We warned that

such actions will not be left without consequences,” Russian Ambassador Anatoly Antonov said in a statement.

“Insulting the president of Russia is unacceptable and inadmissible,” Antonov added. “The U.S. ? the possessor of the biggest arsenal of chemical weapons ? has no moral right to blame other countries.” Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova also accused the U.S. and its allies of attacking Syria at a time when there was a chance for peace.

“First the ‘Arab spring’ tested the Syrian people, then Islamic State, now smart American rockets. The capital of a sovereign government, trying for years to survive under terrorist aggression, has been attacked,” Zakharova wrote in a Facebook post.

“You have to be quite abnormal to attack Syria’s capital just at the moment when it had a chance for a peaceful future,” she added.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called the strikes “crimes” in a speech cited by Iranian

TV, according to Reuters.

“U.S., allies will not gain any achievements from crimes in Syria.

Attacking Syria is a crime. U.S. president, U.K. prime minister and the President of France are criminals,” he reportedly said.

Earlier this week, Trump called the

chemical attack in Douma “atrocious” and vowed that those responsible would “pay a price.”

“If it’s the Russians, if it’s Syria, if it’s Iran, if it’s all of them together, we’ll figure it out, and we’ll know the answers quite soon,” Trump said on Monday. (net)

Russian President Vladimir Putin

IBP/net

Monday, April 16, 2018

11

President Jokowi attends PPP anniversary event

SEMARANG - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) attended an event to mark the 45th anniversary of Muslimbased United Development Party (PPP) here on Saturday.

Jokowi arrived at the venue at 1:40 p.m. local time accompanied by PPP General Chairman Romahurmuzy and several other party officials, such as Lukman Hakim Saifuddin and Suharso Monoarfa.

The president came in traditional attire, wearing a black cap called peci, grey suit, and green sarong, and shook hands with the party cadres lining up along the path to welcome him.

The event was opened by a prayer and speech by Romahurmuzy, who noted that it was the fourth time that the president had attended a PPP event. “He was present four times in our events and been with us, thereby demonstrating the close relations between President Jokowi and PPP,” he remarked drawing an applause from the attendees.

On the occasion, Romahurmuzy called on all PPP cadres to preserve the integrity of the Unitary State of Republic of Indonesia by supporting various policies of the government of President Jokowi. He also highlighted the country`s economic condition that has continued to improve annually in the past three years under the government of President Jokowi.

In connection with the anniversary event, the party had held a national meeting of clerics on Apr 13-14 that was attended by 190 ulemas from various regions in the country. PPP is one of the political parties to have declared support to the reelection of President Jokowi. Indonesia plans to hold legislative and presidential elections next year. (ant)

Unesco designates Mount Rinjani as global geopark

MATARAM - The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has designated Mount Rinjani in the Indonesian island of Lombok as a world geopark, a spokesman stated. “Thank God, I have just received news at its meeting in Paris on Thursday (Apr 13) that the UNESCO executive board has designated Geopark Rinjani as a new member of the UNESCO Global Parks,” General Manager of Geopark Rinjani Chairul Mahsul stated when contacted by phone on Saturday.

Mahsul, who is also an assistant for economy and development of the secretariat of the West Nusa Tenggara provincial administration, expressed gratitude to all parties for their assistance in achieving the Global Geopark status. “I should like to thank all my Rinjani friends that have helped achieve the Global Geopark status,” he noted.

Mount Rinjani is located in the Mount Rinjani National Park that straddles the four districts of Lombok Utara, Lombok Barat, Lombok Tengah, and Lombok Timur in West Nusa Tenggara Province.

One of the charms of the national park is Lake Segara Anak, located 2,010 meters above sea level. Part of the lake is located in the 3,726-meter-high volcano. (ant)

Handout / AFP / SANA

A handout picture released by the official Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) on April 14, 2018, shows men waiving the Syrian flag as they drive a motorcycle in a street in the Eastern Ghouta town of Douma after Syrian government forces entered the last rebel bastion. The Syrian army has declared that all anti-regime forces have left Eastern Ghouta, after a blistering two month offensive on the rebel enclave on the outskirts of the capital.

Indonesia concerned over development in Syria Reporter: Yuni Arisandy 21 hours ago JAKARTA - Indonesia has expressed concern over the recent developments in Syria after the US and its allies fired more than 100 missiles to that country.

“Indonesia is very concerned about the latest developments in Syria. Last week, Indonesia had sent its strong condemnation over the use of chemical weapons in Syria,” the foreign ministry said in a statement received here on Saturday.

Indonesia has appealed to all the parties to exercise restraint and prevent escalation of tensions in Syria. Indonesia has also called on all parties to assure the security and safety of the civilians, especially women and children. The Indonesian

government has reiterated the importance of comprehensive settlement of conflicts in Syria through negotiations and peaceful ways.

US President Donald Trump had ordered attacks in Syria to target the users of chemical weapons, following a poisonous gas attack that left 60 people dead. He noted that the US, France, and British joint operations were aiming at targets and were ready to continue until Syria stops the use of chemical weapons.

He noted that he had ordered the US military to conduct assaults on the right targets that were linked to the chemical weapons capacity of the Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad. During his televised speech from the White House, some explosions were heard in Damascus. (ant)

10

Destination

Monday, April 16, 2018

International

Monday, April 16, 2018

International

Daniel Ricciardo won the Chinese GP after a spectacular charge in an epic race packed with controversy and overtakes galore.

Potato Head Beach Club

MANGUPURA - Potato Head Beach Club is one of the most happening chill-out venues in Seminyak, joining the array of worldclass hotspots that line this upscale, cosmopolitan coastal village. The venue is next door to the W Retreat, and its access from the main Jalan Petitenget road is similar to W’s, with a long and narrow lane that transports you to a world of drinks, dining and partying on a large lawn beachfront. From the end of the driveway, you’ll see the quirky architecture of the beach club, particularly its trademark towering feature comprising a patchwork of old and worn teakwood window shutters. Designed by ‘cinematic’

architect Andra Matin, the signature structures and main venue resembles a stadium or coliseum, and the thin curved path into the beach club even makes you feel like a gladiator entering battle.

And that’s where the excitement takes place. The beachfront bar and flat 500sqm lawn flanked by an infinity pool is all within the grounds of this delightful ‘amphitheatre’. This artistic approach to an exciting venue was set up by two passionate Indonesian art collectors. The colourful painted shutters of different sizes that form the facade’s patchwork were collected items from all over the archipelago.

At scheduled events, international

DJs and celebrities take the stage in front of an ocean backdrop, while lively crowds gather over the central lawn. Among those who have graced the agenda are Mark Ronson, Foster the People and Fat Boy Slim. Potato Head Beach Club is also the regular host for the Ultra Beach Bali EDM festival.

Occasional bar tables and setups are arranged around the infinity pool. There’s even a small pool for kids too, so it’s a great escape for weekending families. A few steps down from the pool, you hit the sandy coast. The main Potato Head bar and bistro serves pastas and grills together with a selection of cocktails. (net)

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SHANGHAI - Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo took a sensational victory in the Chinese Grand Prix as a chaotic final 20 laps threw the championship wide open.

Ricciardo drove beautifully to pass five cars after Red Bull chose to pit for fresh tyres in a safety-car period.

Team-mate Max Verstappen stopped at the same time - but threw away his chances with two errors caused by over-optimistic driving.

Lewis Hamilton finished a frustrated fifth, but was promoted back ahead of Verstappen, who was penalised for causing a collision with Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel.

The result means Vettel’s lead over Hamilton in the championship has been cut to nine points.

Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas, who finished second, is only five behind the Briton, and Ricciardo a further three behind the Finn.

Bottas appeared on course for an excellent victory over Vettel before the safety-car period, having jumped Ferrari during their pit stops.

There will be a post-mortem

at Ferrari as to how they let that happen, given Vettel was leading by more than three seconds before Bottas’ stop on lap 19 of 56. Vettel stopped a lap later.

But the safety car threw in a curve ball and Red Bull grabbed their chance.

It was introduced so marshals could clear debris from the hairpin after a collision between Toro Rosso’s Pierre Gasly and Brendon Harley.

At the time, Bottas was leading from Vettel, Verstappen, Hamilton, Ricciardo and the second Ferrari of Kimi Raikkonen, whose race

had been sacrificed to try in vain to help Vettel earlier in his fight with Bottas.

Mercedes and Ferrari chose to leave their cars on medium-compound tyres that by then were about 10 laps old, but Red Bull decided to switch to fresh softs and that gave them a decisive pace advantage.

Verstappen was at this stage favourite to win, as the lead Red Bull driver, but he tried a move around the outside of Hamilton at the fast Turn Seven from too far back on lap 39 and ran off the road, letting Ricciardo past.

The Australian, who had already

passed Raikkonen, then picked off Hamilton, Vettel and Bottas to clinch a stunning win.

The moves on Hamilton and Bottas were made in his trademark style - making a hugely committed dive down the inside from a long way back, but always in total control on the edge of adhesion.

Ricciardo does it repeatedly, but it is something no other driver is consistently able to match.

“Sometimes you just have to lick the stamp and send it,” Ricciardo said. “I don’t seem to win boring races. They are all pretty fun but that was unexpected.” (net)

Trainer Freddie Roach “hurt” after split from Manny Pacquiao

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LOS ANGELES - Manny Pacquiao and trainer Freddie Roach say their 16-year partnership has ended. Pacquiao disclosed his decision Friday in the final sentence of a news release detailing his plans for his upcoming fight against Lucas Matthysse.

Roach says he didn’t officially learn about the split until Pacquiao’s announcement. Pacquiao frequently credited Roach for his evolution from a raw Filipino puncher into an eight-division world champion during countless hours of work in Roach’s Wild Card Gym in Hollywood.

Roach issued a bittersweet statement heralding the end of one of the most durable partnerships in a notoriously fickle sport. Roach had been in Pacquiao’s corner for 34 consecutive fights since his U.S. debut in 2001. ‘’Manny and I had a great run

for 15 years - longer than most marriages and certainly a rarity for boxing,’’ Roach said. ‘’I wouldn’t trade any of it. Inside the boxing ring and the political ring, I wish Manny nothing but the best. I would be lying if I didn’t say I wasn’t hurt that he didn’t contact me personally about his decision, but the great times we enjoyed together far outweigh that.’’

The 39-year-old Pacquiao (597-2, 38 KOs) is in the twilight of his career, with four losses in his last nine bouts and a noticeable decrease in the hand speed that made him an incredible fighter. He lost a decision to Floyd Mayweather in 2015, and he lost another to unheralded Australian Jeff Horn in his final bout with Roach in July 2017.

But Pacquiao, who is also a senator in the Philippines, is deter-

mined to extend his career. He will be trained by Restituto ‘’Buboy’’ Fernandez and Raides ‘’Nonoy’’ Neri for his fight against Matthysse (39-4, 36 KOs) for the WBA welterweight title in Kuala Lumpur on July 15.

Fernandez is Pacquiao’s longtime right-hand man and a fixture in the Wild Card during Pacquiao’s training sessions with Roach. Neri also is a longtime friend and occasional cook for Pacquiao, who typically kept a huge entourage of Filipino friends around him during his months in California.

Roach is widely considered one of the greatest trainers in recent boxing history. He took over Pacquiao’s development in 2001 after the young Filipino fighter showed up at the Wild Card and asked for guidance.

Pacquiao also is becoming a serious promoter with his bout

against Matthysse, the Argentine power puncher backed by Golden Boy Promotions. Top Rank, Pac-

quiao’s longtime promoter, will handle certain aspects of the promotion. (net)

IBP/net

In this May 2, 2015, file photo, trainer Freddie Roach, left, listens as Manny Pacquiao answers reporter questions during a news conference following Pacquiao’s welterweight title fight in Las Vegas.

8

Monday, April 16, 2018

Monday, April 16, 2018

City title win would be ‘one of the best’ says Guardiola

Pep Guardiola says winning the Premier League will be one of the greatest achievements of his glittering career after Manchester City moved to the brink of the title with a stylish 3-1 win over Tottenham on Saturday. Guardiola’s side extended their lead over second-placed Manchester United to 16 points thanks to goals from Gabriel Jesus, Ilkay Gundogan and Raheem Sterling at Wembley.

Christian Eriksen had reduced the deficit to 2-1 in the first half, but City will be crowned champions if United lose to bottom-of-the-table West Brom on Sunday.

If United draw the race would also effectively be over as City would be 15 points clear with a maximum of 15 available to Jose Mourinho’s team, who have a vastly inferior goal difference. A United victory would keep City’s champagne on ice for a few more days at least.

But a United defeat against B o u r nemouth in midweek or a City win over Swansea next Sunday would wrap up the sil-

verware. Guardiola has won titles with Barcelona and Bayern Munich, while also conquering the Champions League during his Camp Nou reign. But the Spaniard believes leading City to the title would rank among his finest moments.

“It’s more difficult (to win in England). Physicality, weather conditions, the amount of games. The Premier League is so, so tough,” Guardiola said.

“That’s why winning next week, hopefully we will, it will remain in our

hearts forever.

“It’s one of the best by far. Winning titles in every league is important, with Barcelona was special. “But the Premier League is one of the nicest and most impor-

tant.”

After sweeping through most of the season in regal fashion, City had crashed down to earth with a bump over the last 10 days. Their limp Champions League quarter-final exit against Liverpool came either side of their failure to clinch the title last weekend, when United came from two goals down to beat them.

But it quickly became clear that run of three successive defeats wasn’t weighing on City. Taking a shot at critics who slammed City’s recent blip, Guardiola said: “People said it was a big failure last week.

They don’t understand anything.

“The Champions League is seven knockout games. The league is nine months. It’s much more important what these players have done.

- City back on track -

Vincent Kompany’s long pass caught Tottenham defender Davinson Sanchez flat-footed and Jesus made him pay as he raced clear to fire past Lloris. City’s problems were suddenly a thing of the past and they went further ahead three minutes later.

When Sterling weaved his way towards the Tottenham area, Lloris raced off his line to make a crude

Depay helps Lyon maintain Champions League assault

lunge that sent the City winger flying.

While it was a clear foul, the contact appeared to be made just outside the area, yet, to Tottenham’s fury, Jonathan Moss awarded a penalty that Gundogan slotted home with ease. It was almost too easy for City and they slipped up in the 42nd minute.

Running onto Harry Kane’s defence-splitting pass, Eriksen’s shot hit City’s Aymeric Laporte and deflected back onto the Tottenham midfielder on its way past Ederson.

City regained conBen STANSALL / AFP trol after half-time and Manchester City’s should have been out of sight as Jesus scuffed English midfielder badly wide and Sterling R a h e e m S t e r l i n g fared no better with a ( R ) m i s s e s w i t h woeful close-range miss. this attempt under But they moved p r e s s u r e f r o m within touching distance Tottenham Hotof the title in the 72nd spur’s Colombian minute. Lloris palmed defender Davinson Jesus’s shot to Sterling Sanchez during the English Premier and the winger drilled League football match between Totinto the roof of the net to tenham Hotspur and Manchester City leave City fans singing at Wembley Stadium in London, on “we’re going to win the April 14, 2018. league”. (afp)

Ibrahimovic on target again as Galaxy douse Fire Kamil Krzaczynski / AFP

Zlatan Ibrahimovic of Los Angeles Galaxy looks to score against the Chicago Fire during the first half of a MLS soccer match on April 14, 2018 at the Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Illinois.

Z l ata n I b r a h i m o v i c scored on his first full appearance for the Los Angeles Galaxy on Saturday to secure a battling 1-0 win over the Chicago Fire in Major League Soccer.

Ibrahimovic took his MLS goals tally to three in three games after heading home a cross from former England and Chelsea star Ashley Cole on 45 minutes.

The former Manchester United and Sweden striker had made a

dramatic arrival in MLS earlier this month, scoring twice on his debut in a 3-2 win over Los Angeles FC. But Ibrahimovic had found the going harder last weekend as the Galaxy were well-beaten by Sporting Kansas City in a 2-0 loss. However, the MLS giants responded with a battling performance against Chicago at a rainswept Toyota Park on Saturday.

Ibrahimovic’s goal came on the stroke of half-time, when the forward glided into space in the area to meet Cole’s cross from

9

the left flank with a perfectly placed header that gave goalkeeper Richard Sanchez no chance.

Ibrahimovic was replaced 10 minutes from time as the contest grew increasingly niggly. Three Galaxy players -- Romain Alessandrini, Perry Kitchen and Cole -- were cautioned along with Fire players Brandon Vincent and Alan Gordon. The win lifts Galaxy into second place in the Western Conference standings with 10 points from six games. (afp)

Memphis Depay grabbed a goal and an assist as Lyon secured a fifth straight Ligue 1 win by beating Amiens 3-0 on Saturday to continue their push for a place in next season’s Champions League. Dutch international Depay, who had a hand in all five goals against Metz last weekend, set up Mariano Diaz for the opening goal against Amiens on 30 minutes.

The former

Manchester United player gathered a pass from Bertrand Traore and rolled the ball across to Mariano, who shifted back onto his right foot before finishing inside the near post for his 18th league goal of the season.

Depay nearly doubled the lead on the stroke of half-time when Amiens goalkeeper Regis Gurtner made a sharp save at his near post to keep out the forward’s header.

Substitute Stiven Mendoza came closest to an equaliser for

Amiens midway through the second half when his downward header was smothered on the line

by Anthony Lopes. Lyon captain Nabil Fekir returned after seven weeks out through injury for the final 15 minutes as the hosts eventually wrapped up the three points.

Gurtner and Prince-Desir Gouano combined to frustrate Traore and then Depay in a matter of seconds, but the latter gave Lyon room to breathe

when he volleyed in a cross from the Burkina Faso striker on 83 minutes.

Traore himself got on the scoresheet two minutes later, following up after Fekir’s effort was blocked to seal a victory that moved Lyon three points clear of fourth-placed Marseille.

“It’s been a while since I played. The key thing is the victory and that my knee is fine, I don’t feel any pain,” said Fekir, whose last appearance came on February 25. “There are a few matches left and we need to carry on like this until the end. The final sprint is underway, it will be difficult to catch up with Monaco (in second).”

- Heartbreak for Lille -

Lille suffered a costly late collapse in a 2-2 draw at home to Guingamp, with an own goal from Junior Alonso and a 93rdminute equaliser from Jimmy Briand keeping the 2011 champions in the bottom three. Nicolas Pepe and Luiz Araujo had struck

PHILIPPE DESMAZES / AFP

Lyon’s Dutch forward Memphis Depay reacts after missing a goal opportunity losing a goal during the French L1 football match between Olympique Lyonnais and Amiens Sporting Club, on April 14, 2018, at the Groupama stadium in Decines-Charpieu near Lyon, central-eastern France.

quick-fire goals just before the hour to leave Lille on the verge of a first win in 10 matches before Guingamp remarkably salvaged a point.

Mathieu Debuchy’s renaissance at Saint-Etienne gained further momentum as the ex-Arsenal outcast hit an 82nd-minute winner at Strasbourg, while Nolan Roux scored twice for bottom side Metz in a 2-1 victory at Rennes.

South Korea international Kwon Chang-Hoon notched his ninth goal of the campaign for Dijon in a 1-1 draw at Claudio Ranieri’s Nantes, who had led through a first-half effort by Prejuce Nakoulma.

Rudi Garcia’s Marseille, who advanced to the semi-finals of the Europa League on Thursday with a thrilling 5-3 aggregate defeat of RB Leipzig, are back in domestic action away to Troyes on Sunday. Paris Saint-Germain will reclaim the French title if they beat reigning champions Monaco at the Parc des Princes. (afp)

8

Monday, April 16, 2018

Monday, April 16, 2018

City title win would be ‘one of the best’ says Guardiola

Pep Guardiola says winning the Premier League will be one of the greatest achievements of his glittering career after Manchester City moved to the brink of the title with a stylish 3-1 win over Tottenham on Saturday. Guardiola’s side extended their lead over second-placed Manchester United to 16 points thanks to goals from Gabriel Jesus, Ilkay Gundogan and Raheem Sterling at Wembley.

Christian Eriksen had reduced the deficit to 2-1 in the first half, but City will be crowned champions if United lose to bottom-of-the-table West Brom on Sunday.

If United draw the race would also effectively be over as City would be 15 points clear with a maximum of 15 available to Jose Mourinho’s team, who have a vastly inferior goal difference. A United victory would keep City’s champagne on ice for a few more days at least.

But a United defeat against B o u r nemouth in midweek or a City win over Swansea next Sunday would wrap up the sil-

verware. Guardiola has won titles with Barcelona and Bayern Munich, while also conquering the Champions League during his Camp Nou reign. But the Spaniard believes leading City to the title would rank among his finest moments.

“It’s more difficult (to win in England). Physicality, weather conditions, the amount of games. The Premier League is so, so tough,” Guardiola said.

“That’s why winning next week, hopefully we will, it will remain in our

hearts forever.

“It’s one of the best by far. Winning titles in every league is important, with Barcelona was special. “But the Premier League is one of the nicest and most impor-

tant.”

After sweeping through most of the season in regal fashion, City had crashed down to earth with a bump over the last 10 days. Their limp Champions League quarter-final exit against Liverpool came either side of their failure to clinch the title last weekend, when United came from two goals down to beat them.

But it quickly became clear that run of three successive defeats wasn’t weighing on City. Taking a shot at critics who slammed City’s recent blip, Guardiola said: “People said it was a big failure last week.

They don’t understand anything.

“The Champions League is seven knockout games. The league is nine months. It’s much more important what these players have done.

- City back on track -

Vincent Kompany’s long pass caught Tottenham defender Davinson Sanchez flat-footed and Jesus made him pay as he raced clear to fire past Lloris. City’s problems were suddenly a thing of the past and they went further ahead three minutes later.

When Sterling weaved his way towards the Tottenham area, Lloris raced off his line to make a crude

Depay helps Lyon maintain Champions League assault

lunge that sent the City winger flying.

While it was a clear foul, the contact appeared to be made just outside the area, yet, to Tottenham’s fury, Jonathan Moss awarded a penalty that Gundogan slotted home with ease. It was almost too easy for City and they slipped up in the 42nd minute.

Running onto Harry Kane’s defence-splitting pass, Eriksen’s shot hit City’s Aymeric Laporte and deflected back onto the Tottenham midfielder on its way past Ederson.

City regained conBen STANSALL / AFP trol after half-time and Manchester City’s should have been out of sight as Jesus scuffed English midfielder badly wide and Sterling R a h e e m S t e r l i n g fared no better with a ( R ) m i s s e s w i t h woeful close-range miss. this attempt under But they moved p r e s s u r e f r o m within touching distance Tottenham Hotof the title in the 72nd spur’s Colombian minute. Lloris palmed defender Davinson Jesus’s shot to Sterling Sanchez during the English Premier and the winger drilled League football match between Totinto the roof of the net to tenham Hotspur and Manchester City leave City fans singing at Wembley Stadium in London, on “we’re going to win the April 14, 2018. league”. (afp)

Ibrahimovic on target again as Galaxy douse Fire Kamil Krzaczynski / AFP

Zlatan Ibrahimovic of Los Angeles Galaxy looks to score against the Chicago Fire during the first half of a MLS soccer match on April 14, 2018 at the Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Illinois.

Z l ata n I b r a h i m o v i c scored on his first full appearance for the Los Angeles Galaxy on Saturday to secure a battling 1-0 win over the Chicago Fire in Major League Soccer.

Ibrahimovic took his MLS goals tally to three in three games after heading home a cross from former England and Chelsea star Ashley Cole on 45 minutes.

The former Manchester United and Sweden striker had made a

dramatic arrival in MLS earlier this month, scoring twice on his debut in a 3-2 win over Los Angeles FC. But Ibrahimovic had found the going harder last weekend as the Galaxy were well-beaten by Sporting Kansas City in a 2-0 loss. However, the MLS giants responded with a battling performance against Chicago at a rainswept Toyota Park on Saturday.

Ibrahimovic’s goal came on the stroke of half-time, when the forward glided into space in the area to meet Cole’s cross from

9

the left flank with a perfectly placed header that gave goalkeeper Richard Sanchez no chance.

Ibrahimovic was replaced 10 minutes from time as the contest grew increasingly niggly. Three Galaxy players -- Romain Alessandrini, Perry Kitchen and Cole -- were cautioned along with Fire players Brandon Vincent and Alan Gordon. The win lifts Galaxy into second place in the Western Conference standings with 10 points from six games. (afp)

Memphis Depay grabbed a goal and an assist as Lyon secured a fifth straight Ligue 1 win by beating Amiens 3-0 on Saturday to continue their push for a place in next season’s Champions League. Dutch international Depay, who had a hand in all five goals against Metz last weekend, set up Mariano Diaz for the opening goal against Amiens on 30 minutes.

The former

Manchester United player gathered a pass from Bertrand Traore and rolled the ball across to Mariano, who shifted back onto his right foot before finishing inside the near post for his 18th league goal of the season.

Depay nearly doubled the lead on the stroke of half-time when Amiens goalkeeper Regis Gurtner made a sharp save at his near post to keep out the forward’s header.

Substitute Stiven Mendoza came closest to an equaliser for

Amiens midway through the second half when his downward header was smothered on the line

by Anthony Lopes. Lyon captain Nabil Fekir returned after seven weeks out through injury for the final 15 minutes as the hosts eventually wrapped up the three points.

Gurtner and Prince-Desir Gouano combined to frustrate Traore and then Depay in a matter of seconds, but the latter gave Lyon room to breathe

when he volleyed in a cross from the Burkina Faso striker on 83 minutes.

Traore himself got on the scoresheet two minutes later, following up after Fekir’s effort was blocked to seal a victory that moved Lyon three points clear of fourth-placed Marseille.

“It’s been a while since I played. The key thing is the victory and that my knee is fine, I don’t feel any pain,” said Fekir, whose last appearance came on February 25. “There are a few matches left and we need to carry on like this until the end. The final sprint is underway, it will be difficult to catch up with Monaco (in second).”

- Heartbreak for Lille -

Lille suffered a costly late collapse in a 2-2 draw at home to Guingamp, with an own goal from Junior Alonso and a 93rdminute equaliser from Jimmy Briand keeping the 2011 champions in the bottom three. Nicolas Pepe and Luiz Araujo had struck

PHILIPPE DESMAZES / AFP

Lyon’s Dutch forward Memphis Depay reacts after missing a goal opportunity losing a goal during the French L1 football match between Olympique Lyonnais and Amiens Sporting Club, on April 14, 2018, at the Groupama stadium in Decines-Charpieu near Lyon, central-eastern France.

quick-fire goals just before the hour to leave Lille on the verge of a first win in 10 matches before Guingamp remarkably salvaged a point.

Mathieu Debuchy’s renaissance at Saint-Etienne gained further momentum as the ex-Arsenal outcast hit an 82nd-minute winner at Strasbourg, while Nolan Roux scored twice for bottom side Metz in a 2-1 victory at Rennes.

South Korea international Kwon Chang-Hoon notched his ninth goal of the campaign for Dijon in a 1-1 draw at Claudio Ranieri’s Nantes, who had led through a first-half effort by Prejuce Nakoulma.

Rudi Garcia’s Marseille, who advanced to the semi-finals of the Europa League on Thursday with a thrilling 5-3 aggregate defeat of RB Leipzig, are back in domestic action away to Troyes on Sunday. Paris Saint-Germain will reclaim the French title if they beat reigning champions Monaco at the Parc des Princes. (afp)

10

Destination

Monday, April 16, 2018

International

Monday, April 16, 2018

International

Daniel Ricciardo won the Chinese GP after a spectacular charge in an epic race packed with controversy and overtakes galore.

Potato Head Beach Club

MANGUPURA - Potato Head Beach Club is one of the most happening chill-out venues in Seminyak, joining the array of worldclass hotspots that line this upscale, cosmopolitan coastal village. The venue is next door to the W Retreat, and its access from the main Jalan Petitenget road is similar to W’s, with a long and narrow lane that transports you to a world of drinks, dining and partying on a large lawn beachfront. From the end of the driveway, you’ll see the quirky architecture of the beach club, particularly its trademark towering feature comprising a patchwork of old and worn teakwood window shutters. Designed by ‘cinematic’

architect Andra Matin, the signature structures and main venue resembles a stadium or coliseum, and the thin curved path into the beach club even makes you feel like a gladiator entering battle.

And that’s where the excitement takes place. The beachfront bar and flat 500sqm lawn flanked by an infinity pool is all within the grounds of this delightful ‘amphitheatre’. This artistic approach to an exciting venue was set up by two passionate Indonesian art collectors. The colourful painted shutters of different sizes that form the facade’s patchwork were collected items from all over the archipelago.

At scheduled events, international

DJs and celebrities take the stage in front of an ocean backdrop, while lively crowds gather over the central lawn. Among those who have graced the agenda are Mark Ronson, Foster the People and Fat Boy Slim. Potato Head Beach Club is also the regular host for the Ultra Beach Bali EDM festival.

Occasional bar tables and setups are arranged around the infinity pool. There’s even a small pool for kids too, so it’s a great escape for weekending families. A few steps down from the pool, you hit the sandy coast. The main Potato Head bar and bistro serves pastas and grills together with a selection of cocktails. (net)

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SHANGHAI - Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo took a sensational victory in the Chinese Grand Prix as a chaotic final 20 laps threw the championship wide open.

Ricciardo drove beautifully to pass five cars after Red Bull chose to pit for fresh tyres in a safety-car period.

Team-mate Max Verstappen stopped at the same time - but threw away his chances with two errors caused by over-optimistic driving.

Lewis Hamilton finished a frustrated fifth, but was promoted back ahead of Verstappen, who was penalised for causing a collision with Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel.

The result means Vettel’s lead over Hamilton in the championship has been cut to nine points.

Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas, who finished second, is only five behind the Briton, and Ricciardo a further three behind the Finn.

Bottas appeared on course for an excellent victory over Vettel before the safety-car period, having jumped Ferrari during their pit stops.

There will be a post-mortem

at Ferrari as to how they let that happen, given Vettel was leading by more than three seconds before Bottas’ stop on lap 19 of 56. Vettel stopped a lap later.

But the safety car threw in a curve ball and Red Bull grabbed their chance.

It was introduced so marshals could clear debris from the hairpin after a collision between Toro Rosso’s Pierre Gasly and Brendon Harley.

At the time, Bottas was leading from Vettel, Verstappen, Hamilton, Ricciardo and the second Ferrari of Kimi Raikkonen, whose race

had been sacrificed to try in vain to help Vettel earlier in his fight with Bottas.

Mercedes and Ferrari chose to leave their cars on medium-compound tyres that by then were about 10 laps old, but Red Bull decided to switch to fresh softs and that gave them a decisive pace advantage.

Verstappen was at this stage favourite to win, as the lead Red Bull driver, but he tried a move around the outside of Hamilton at the fast Turn Seven from too far back on lap 39 and ran off the road, letting Ricciardo past.

The Australian, who had already

passed Raikkonen, then picked off Hamilton, Vettel and Bottas to clinch a stunning win.

The moves on Hamilton and Bottas were made in his trademark style - making a hugely committed dive down the inside from a long way back, but always in total control on the edge of adhesion.

Ricciardo does it repeatedly, but it is something no other driver is consistently able to match.

“Sometimes you just have to lick the stamp and send it,” Ricciardo said. “I don’t seem to win boring races. They are all pretty fun but that was unexpected.” (net)

Trainer Freddie Roach “hurt” after split from Manny Pacquiao

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Daniel Ricciardo wins Chinese GP after series of overtakes

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LOS ANGELES - Manny Pacquiao and trainer Freddie Roach say their 16-year partnership has ended. Pacquiao disclosed his decision Friday in the final sentence of a news release detailing his plans for his upcoming fight against Lucas Matthysse.

Roach says he didn’t officially learn about the split until Pacquiao’s announcement. Pacquiao frequently credited Roach for his evolution from a raw Filipino puncher into an eight-division world champion during countless hours of work in Roach’s Wild Card Gym in Hollywood.

Roach issued a bittersweet statement heralding the end of one of the most durable partnerships in a notoriously fickle sport. Roach had been in Pacquiao’s corner for 34 consecutive fights since his U.S. debut in 2001. ‘’Manny and I had a great run

for 15 years - longer than most marriages and certainly a rarity for boxing,’’ Roach said. ‘’I wouldn’t trade any of it. Inside the boxing ring and the political ring, I wish Manny nothing but the best. I would be lying if I didn’t say I wasn’t hurt that he didn’t contact me personally about his decision, but the great times we enjoyed together far outweigh that.’’

The 39-year-old Pacquiao (597-2, 38 KOs) is in the twilight of his career, with four losses in his last nine bouts and a noticeable decrease in the hand speed that made him an incredible fighter. He lost a decision to Floyd Mayweather in 2015, and he lost another to unheralded Australian Jeff Horn in his final bout with Roach in July 2017.

But Pacquiao, who is also a senator in the Philippines, is deter-

mined to extend his career. He will be trained by Restituto ‘’Buboy’’ Fernandez and Raides ‘’Nonoy’’ Neri for his fight against Matthysse (39-4, 36 KOs) for the WBA welterweight title in Kuala Lumpur on July 15.

Fernandez is Pacquiao’s longtime right-hand man and a fixture in the Wild Card during Pacquiao’s training sessions with Roach. Neri also is a longtime friend and occasional cook for Pacquiao, who typically kept a huge entourage of Filipino friends around him during his months in California.

Roach is widely considered one of the greatest trainers in recent boxing history. He took over Pacquiao’s development in 2001 after the young Filipino fighter showed up at the Wild Card and asked for guidance.

Pacquiao also is becoming a serious promoter with his bout

against Matthysse, the Argentine power puncher backed by Golden Boy Promotions. Top Rank, Pac-

quiao’s longtime promoter, will handle certain aspects of the promotion. (net)

IBP/net

In this May 2, 2015, file photo, trainer Freddie Roach, left, listens as Manny Pacquiao answers reporter questions during a news conference following Pacquiao’s welterweight title fight in Las Vegas.

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Monday, April 16, 2018

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RLD

Defiant Syrians say West hasn’t shaken their resolve IBP/net

Defiant Syrians say West hasn’t shaken their resolve.

DAMASCUS — Hundreds of Syrians poured into the streets of Damascus on Saturday, dancing and chanting in defiance of what they called the West’s “failure” to shake their nation’s resolve with airstrikes that jolted the capital only hours earlier.

The demonstrations in support of President Bashar Assad were carried live on state TV, which also reported that Syrian air defenses had intercepted most of the missiles fired by the United States, Britain and France to punish Syria’s purported use of chemical weapons.

The broadcaster also urged people not to believe media reports that exaggerated the results of the airstrikes.

“We are not scared of America’s missiles. We humiliated their mis-

siles,” said Mahmoud Ibrahim, who waved a Syrian flag as he hung out of his car window.

As car horns blared, the crowd moved toward nearby Damascus University where pro-government fighters danced and waved their automatic rifles over their heads.

Many denounced U.S. President Donald Trump and also waved flags of Syria’s allies, Iran and Russia, as they cheered Assad.

The display of national fervor later mixed with celebrations over

International

International

the news that the Syrian army declared the eastern suburbs of Damascus “fully liberated” after the last group of rebels left the town of Douma. Its recapture marks the biggest victory for Assad’s forces since the capture of the eastern half of the city of Aleppo in 2016.

The fall of Douma came after a punishing government offensive and a surrender deal struck with rebel groups. It also followed the purported use of chemical weapons there on April 7, which activists say killed over 40 people in the town and led to Saturday’s airstrikes by the West.

“Trump failed in his aggression,” said 51-year-old civil servant

Mohammed Hammad. “Trump’s failure came with the victory of our army in Douma, which marks the biggest victory for the Syrian Arab Army.”

The bombardment began at 4 a.m., with loud explosions thundering in Damascus and the sky turning orange as fires raged in the distance.

Associated Press reporters saw smoke rising above eastern Damascus and spotted fiery streaks of surface-to-air missiles. The call to morning prayers at dawn mixed with the whoosh of missiles.

Shortly after the one-hour attack ended, vehicles with loudspeakers blared nationalist songs.

“Good souls will not be humiliated,” Syria’s presidential account tweeted after the airstrikes began.

Later, a video showing Assad walking into his office carrying a briefcase was posted on the same account. “Good morning, steadfastness,” the caption read.

As the sun rose, hundreds had gathered in Damascus’ landmark Omayyad Square, celebrating what they said was the army’s success in foiling the U.S-led military action.

The widely broadcast celebrations and the hastily organized police deployment in Douma appeared to be the government’s response to the airstrikes. (net)

Russia condemns ‘treacherous and insane’ U.S. retaliation strikes in Syria

MOSCOW - Russia condemned the United States, the United Kingdom and France for their joint retaliation strikes in Syria less than a week after Russian President Vladimir Putin had denied responsibility for a deadly chemical attack on a town east of Damascus.

In a statement released early Saturday morning, Putin denounced the strikes as an “act of aggression” that would have a “destructive influence on the entire system of international relations.” The Kremlin also said it would call an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.

Russian officials on Twitter called the “treacherous and insane” strikes a “clear and present danger to world peace” and demanded accountability.

U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the coordinated airstrikes in response to last weekend’s chemical attack that reportedly killed about 70 people in the town of Douma in eastern Ghouta. Syrian forces reportedly took control of the formerly rebel-held town this week.

Friday’s joint airstrikes hit three targets associated with Syrian President Bashar Assad’s chemical weapon program, including a scientific research center in Damascus, chemical weapon storage facilities and a command post. In an address to the American people on Friday, Trump called out Russia and Iran for supporting Assad’s regime.

“To Iran and to Russia I ask, What kind of nation wants to be associated with the mass murder of innocent men, women and children? The nations of the world can be judged by the friends they keep,” Trump said.

“President Putin and his government promised the world that they would guarantee the elimination of Syria’s chemical weapons,” he added.

“Russia must decide if it will continue down this dark path or if it will join with civilized nations as a force of stability and peace.”

After the strikes were launched, the Russian Embassy in Washington issued a warning to the U.S. “Again, we are being threatened. We warned that

such actions will not be left without consequences,” Russian Ambassador Anatoly Antonov said in a statement.

“Insulting the president of Russia is unacceptable and inadmissible,” Antonov added. “The U.S. ? the possessor of the biggest arsenal of chemical weapons ? has no moral right to blame other countries.” Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova also accused the U.S. and its allies of attacking Syria at a time when there was a chance for peace.

“First the ‘Arab spring’ tested the Syrian people, then Islamic State, now smart American rockets. The capital of a sovereign government, trying for years to survive under terrorist aggression, has been attacked,” Zakharova wrote in a Facebook post.

“You have to be quite abnormal to attack Syria’s capital just at the moment when it had a chance for a peaceful future,” she added.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called the strikes “crimes” in a speech cited by Iranian

TV, according to Reuters.

“U.S., allies will not gain any achievements from crimes in Syria.

Attacking Syria is a crime. U.S. president, U.K. prime minister and the President of France are criminals,” he reportedly said.

Earlier this week, Trump called the

chemical attack in Douma “atrocious” and vowed that those responsible would “pay a price.”

“If it’s the Russians, if it’s Syria, if it’s Iran, if it’s all of them together, we’ll figure it out, and we’ll know the answers quite soon,” Trump said on Monday. (net)

Russian President Vladimir Putin

IBP/net

Monday, April 16, 2018

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President Jokowi attends PPP anniversary event

SEMARANG - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) attended an event to mark the 45th anniversary of Muslimbased United Development Party (PPP) here on Saturday.

Jokowi arrived at the venue at 1:40 p.m. local time accompanied by PPP General Chairman Romahurmuzy and several other party officials, such as Lukman Hakim Saifuddin and Suharso Monoarfa.

The president came in traditional attire, wearing a black cap called peci, grey suit, and green sarong, and shook hands with the party cadres lining up along the path to welcome him.

The event was opened by a prayer and speech by Romahurmuzy, who noted that it was the fourth time that the president had attended a PPP event. “He was present four times in our events and been with us, thereby demonstrating the close relations between President Jokowi and PPP,” he remarked drawing an applause from the attendees.

On the occasion, Romahurmuzy called on all PPP cadres to preserve the integrity of the Unitary State of Republic of Indonesia by supporting various policies of the government of President Jokowi. He also highlighted the country`s economic condition that has continued to improve annually in the past three years under the government of President Jokowi.

In connection with the anniversary event, the party had held a national meeting of clerics on Apr 13-14 that was attended by 190 ulemas from various regions in the country. PPP is one of the political parties to have declared support to the reelection of President Jokowi. Indonesia plans to hold legislative and presidential elections next year. (ant)

Unesco designates Mount Rinjani as global geopark

MATARAM - The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has designated Mount Rinjani in the Indonesian island of Lombok as a world geopark, a spokesman stated. “Thank God, I have just received news at its meeting in Paris on Thursday (Apr 13) that the UNESCO executive board has designated Geopark Rinjani as a new member of the UNESCO Global Parks,” General Manager of Geopark Rinjani Chairul Mahsul stated when contacted by phone on Saturday.

Mahsul, who is also an assistant for economy and development of the secretariat of the West Nusa Tenggara provincial administration, expressed gratitude to all parties for their assistance in achieving the Global Geopark status. “I should like to thank all my Rinjani friends that have helped achieve the Global Geopark status,” he noted.

Mount Rinjani is located in the Mount Rinjani National Park that straddles the four districts of Lombok Utara, Lombok Barat, Lombok Tengah, and Lombok Timur in West Nusa Tenggara Province.

One of the charms of the national park is Lake Segara Anak, located 2,010 meters above sea level. Part of the lake is located in the 3,726-meter-high volcano. (ant)

Handout / AFP / SANA

A handout picture released by the official Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) on April 14, 2018, shows men waiving the Syrian flag as they drive a motorcycle in a street in the Eastern Ghouta town of Douma after Syrian government forces entered the last rebel bastion. The Syrian army has declared that all anti-regime forces have left Eastern Ghouta, after a blistering two month offensive on the rebel enclave on the outskirts of the capital.

Indonesia concerned over development in Syria Reporter: Yuni Arisandy 21 hours ago JAKARTA - Indonesia has expressed concern over the recent developments in Syria after the US and its allies fired more than 100 missiles to that country.

“Indonesia is very concerned about the latest developments in Syria. Last week, Indonesia had sent its strong condemnation over the use of chemical weapons in Syria,” the foreign ministry said in a statement received here on Saturday.

Indonesia has appealed to all the parties to exercise restraint and prevent escalation of tensions in Syria. Indonesia has also called on all parties to assure the security and safety of the civilians, especially women and children. The Indonesian

government has reiterated the importance of comprehensive settlement of conflicts in Syria through negotiations and peaceful ways.

US President Donald Trump had ordered attacks in Syria to target the users of chemical weapons, following a poisonous gas attack that left 60 people dead. He noted that the US, France, and British joint operations were aiming at targets and were ready to continue until Syria stops the use of chemical weapons.

He noted that he had ordered the US military to conduct assaults on the right targets that were linked to the chemical weapons capacity of the Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad. During his televised speech from the White House, some explosions were heard in Damascus. (ant)

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International

Monday, April 16, 2018

BUSINESS Fears grow Zambia hiding debt like Mozambique

International lenders and markets are growing increasingly concerned about “hidden debt” in Zambia, a situation similar to the one that plunged neighbouring Mozambique into a deep financial crisis. For several weeks financiers have demanded answers about the level of the country’s true external borrowing -- but officials have rubbished any suggestion of concealed debts.

Zambia, the second largest copper producer in sub-Saharan Africa, insists that its debt pile stands at $8.7 billion -- but there have been suggestions it could be double that. The allegations have raised fears among Zambians and foreign investors for whom the memory of Mozambique’s hidden debt fiasco is still fresh in the mind.

In 2016, international donors froze fiscal support to Mozambique after it emerged that the country had taken $2 billion of “off-book” loans to finance maritime vessels and military equipment. That move plunged the impoverished country into serious economic and financial crisis.

Maputo has since suspended repayments to creditors and is seeking to renegotiate its debt mountain.

Japanese finance giant Nomura recently questioned the size of Zambia’s public debt, suggesting the government is concealing a substantial amount of short-term external debt.

In a note last week, the director of the political risk advisory firm EXX Africa also warned of “mounting evidence of undisclosed loans” and said that Zambia had miscalculated its total debt.

“Based on documentary evidence, we assess that external debt could be as high as $15.6 billion, while local debt seems almost incalculable given the opacity in lending to state-owned entities from local banks,” wrote Robert Besseling.

- ‘Hiding the figures’? But Zambian authorities have brushed aside the growing concerns over the actual size of its external public debt, which has been putting pressure on the value of government bonds. Former finance minister Felix Mutati last year told parliament that foreign debt stood at $17.2 billion -- but retracted the figure days later saying he had misstated it and insisted that the debt burden was just $7.2 billion.

But the damage had already been done.Chishimba Kambwili, a ruling party lawmaker and former minister

accused his own government of cooking the books. “They have been hiding the figures,” he told AFP, suggesting the debt could be as high as $23 billion.

“Let them not pretend that all is well. That is unacceptable.”

Former vice president and now opposition politician Nevers Mumba is also convinced there is an official cover-up.

“Our investigations revealed that the foreign debt was at $16.6 billion,” Mumba told AFP. “The numbers that they are giving are not correct and they have failed to disprove our figures.” But the government has doggedly stuck to the most recently published figures, vehemently denying that it has concealed any debt.

Finance Minister Margaret Mwanakatwe “has repeatedly said that our debt is at $8.7 billion and let people not speculate,” Treasury spokesman Chileshe Kandeta said.

“If someone has evidence that it is not $8.7 billion, let them supply the evidence.”

- ‘Undermining its macroeconomic stability’ Zambia had been expecting to secure a $1.3 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) this year, but the Washington-based lender is unhappy with the country’s borrowing plans. The IMF’s representative to Zambia, Boileau Loko, said officials “continue to compromise the country’s debt sustainability and risk undermining its macroeconomic stability”.

Allegations that the country has not openly disclosed its external debt burden have undermined investor confidence and driven up borrowing cots, according to London-based BMI Research.

“With the spectre of ‘hidden debt’ a continued concern for regional investors after the 2016 hidden debt crisis in Mozambique, and in the continued absence of a deal with the IMF, we believe borrowing costs are likely to remain elevated,” said BMI in a note on Friday. It added that the situation heightened the risk of Zambia needing to extend the repayment period for its loans.

After posting average annual growth rates of more than 10 percent in the 2000s, growth has slowed significantly in recent years due to falling copper prices. But Mwanakatwe, the finance minister, has forecast growth will accelerate to four percent in 2018 as copper prices begin to recover.

Afghan artisans pit their talents against Chinese imports

Cheap, Chinese-made nylon burkas are flooding Afghanistan’s north as consumers turn to affordable, mass-produced fabrics -- but in Kabul a small, determined fashion house is fighting to preserve the traditional textiles once integral to Afghan culture. Launched in 2006, “Zarif” -- “precious” in Persian -- commissions traditional cotton and silk from artisanal weavers, then employs more than two dozen people -mostly women -- to tailor and design the fabrics into handcrafted, embroidered clothing.

But with cheaper imports saturating the market, they are struggling to keep local traditional methods afloat, says founder Zolaykha Sherzad. Only decades ago, the textile industry was on par with Afghanistan’s legendary carpet trade, famed since the days of the old Silk Road.

During its heyday textiles were more than just fabrics, with their patterns, colours and embroidery illuminating the origins and tribal history of their makers.

“In the past, the fabrics were entirely embroidered, on the walls, the cushions... the wedding dresses,” says Sherzad. “But now, we are trying hard just to keep them as ornaments on jackets and coats, to maintain the know-how,” she adds, saying the decline in the craft has put large numbers of women out of work who once were able to make a living at home. With Zarif, she hopes to fill the gap while aiming to preserve Afghanistan’s textile traditions and designing contemporary takes on Afghan fashion staples.

- Fighting the market A visit to the bazaar in northern Mazar-i-Sharif shows the challenge she faces. There, bundles of striped and padded coats, or “chapans” -- popularised in the West by exPresident Hamid Karzai -- pile up in stacks at stalls. “Too bright,” she says, discarding the synthetic fabrics.

WAKIL KOHSAR / AFP

Young Afghan tailors sew curtains at a tailor shop in Kabul on April 9, 2018.

For many consumers, however, they have their appeal. The cheaper knock-offs are printed on nylon, rather than silk, closely replicating traditional designs but at a third of the price. “These cost 800 to 1,200 afghanis ($11 to $18), compared to 2,500 ($36) for a traditional chapan,” explains Abdullah, a merchant.

Now only the rich can afford the handmade silk chapans, often buying them as wedding gifts, while middle-class and working people opt for the synthetic designs.

Markets across Mazar also burst with the polyester burqas Afghan women are forced by tribal culture to don. But even the fabrics used for this ubiquitous garment come increasingly from abroad.

“China, India, Pakistan, everything comes from outside,” Hashem, a dyer and weaver for Zarif, tells AFP in the courtyard of his mud house on the outskirts of Mazar from where he manages the 10 women who weave for him at home. “In the old days I had 10 families working for me, today I have four,” he says while squeezing a skein of freshly dyed cotton.

“Before,” he continues, “80 percent of the raw material came from the local market, today 80 percent comes from abroad.”

Bali News

International

- Working women In founding Zarif, Sherzad -an architect by training -- wanted above all to promote female employment, banned under Taliban rule from 1996-2001 and still the norm in large swathes of the country. According to data provided by the World Bank, 19 percent of Afghan women were employed in 2017 -- which excludes the informal agricultural sector.

Despite the economic crisis that has raged since the withdrawal of more than 100,000 NATO troops in late 2014, Zarif still employs 26 employees in its courtyard workshop, located next to a mosque and its blaring call to prayers.

About 60 percent of the team is female, including the director Nasima along with the production manager Sara. Two embroiderers work full time while an additional 30 are called on at the discretion of the managers.

Since its creation, Zarif has trained more than 85 women -but most of them have given up their jobs after getting married at the request of husbands who are reluctant to accept the presence of other men near their spouses. “The brake on women’s employment continues to be their husbands” says Sherzad. (afp)

Monday, April 16, 2018

5

Galungan Day: Defeat Kalatiga, Strengthen Awareness

Galungan and Kuningan are feast days of the Hindus. Galungan falling every six months (210 days) or every Buda Kliwon Dungulan, Wednesday, while Kuningan falls every Saniscara Kliwon Kuningan, Saturday . In the Sundarigama palm-manuscript is mentioned that celebration of Galungan and Kuningan symbolizes the victory of dharma (truth) against adharma (untruth), the victory of Jayatiga against Kalatiga.

Dr. I Ketut Sumadi, said the celebration of Galungan has started from the previous week namely with Sugihan Jawa ritual and Sugihan Bali . While on Sunday is called penyekeban meaning the preparation of ritual paraphernalia. Raw materials are ripening so that they can be used to fill the ritual paraphernalia of Galungan.

On Sunday, the Kalatiga comes down to tempt human life, so here is really the victory against the temptation of life in the local wisdom of Bali is better known as Sad Ripu (six enemies). Sad Ripu is the six enemies in human beings affecting humans into self-forgetfulness. It consists of kama (lust, desire), lobha (greed), krodha (anger), moha (confusion), mada (drunk) and matsarya (envy, jealousy).

According to Dr. Sumadi, the coming down of temptations of life is a power, so that people need to be vigilant to see one’s self living with the environment. This is in accordance with the concept of microcosm (human body) and macrocosm (universe) that must be kept in balance.

While on Monday is the Penyajahan Galungan as the time to prepare everything in more details related to ritual paraphernalia.

On that account, it becomes a part of celebrating the victory of dharma against adharma.

On Penyajaan Galungan, human temptation level will be higher, so hopefully there is no temptation in preparing the ritual paraphernalia. The next day, on Tuesday is Penampahan Galungan where devotees start to purify themselves, so it is symbolized with slaughtering animal (pig or chicken). “In the context of philosophy, it is the time to do self-contemplation namely making selfawareness to be higher by stripping ourselves what we have ever done, the six things making us forgetful,” he explained.

At that time, humans dispose of the lust of animalistic temptation into a divine nature, making non-good into good. Therefore, on the penampahan, other than making Balinese food like lawar delicacy, people also prepare ritual paraphernalia in the afternoon. One of the banten or oblations made is prayascita, as a symbol of self-purification carried out around 18:00-19:00. The ceremony is followed by all family members, so that everything can already feel free from temptation.

In the afternoon of the penampahan day, devotees install penjor, meaning that humans can be aware of temptation at that time, so they start doing the seconds of independence.

Installing penjor is the symbol of human independence from worldly temptations to achieve prosperity of life. It is an expression of gratitude for the prosperity bestowed

by God. “As for banten, devotees prepare yellow-white food oblation symbolizing sanctity,” added Dr. Sumadi.

He said that banten prayascita symbolizes the expression of gratitude for the grace of God in the form of self-awareness, so that devotees can do a good job. It also results in

happiness not only for oneself, but also for others. Penjor is symbolizing mountain where the deities abide. “At that time, God grants prosperity to his devotees,” he added.

In the philosophy of Mount Agung, there are three dragons giving prosperity to their people. They are Basuki giving fertility, Ananta Boga providing endless feeding and Taksaka keeping the air circulation, so that human can survive as energized by the elements of fire, water and wind as the 3 elements causing human to live. On the penampahan, human can live quietly.

On Galungan, humans carry out rituals in accordance with their respective abilities.

Aside from saying prayers at home, they also say prayers at clan temple, village trinity temple and universal temple. “Devotees also say prayers in other places such as sanctified water source, paddy field, and grave by putting food oblation along with side dish, water, coffee and cigarette,” he said.

The offerings are addressed to dead parents who are still buried (before ritually cremated), so that people can feel relieved.

At night, they can practice yoga and wor-

ship God in all its manifestations whether as generator, operator and destroyer. Destroyer is important in order that something useless could be restored to its origin, can be recycled to be useful. On Thursday or Umanis Galungan devotees offer banten penganyar or small banten to plead for guidance of God that Galungan ritual has been already executed properly.

“On Umanis Galungan human beings are given better enlightenment, so that getting sweeter filled with mutual forgiving activities or mutually visit relatives and friends to strengthen social ties,” he explained.

On Sunday (Nov. 5) is the Pemacekan Agung, meaning that human beings should not be careless again after receiving enlightenment of God. On Monday (Nov. 6) is Somoribek Day, meaning that human beings really become strong until the next activity, according to the task and obligation. On Friday (Nov. 10) is the Penampahan Kuningan having the same process to boost awareness.

Human beings may no longer get tempted by Kalatiga. They must strengthen the soul to overcome temptations of life. (kmb)

Pumpkin Cake, an Exclusive Serving of Hotel

When processed into cake, pumpkin can produce a very delicious food. To Balinese people, pumpkin cake can be refreshment and even becomes a substitute to rice. This type of Balinese cake has been a friend of farmers working in paddy fields. Today, this pumpkin cake has been adopted as a dessert at hotel.

At hotel, the pumpkin is processed into a sticky and delicious

cake. Of course, it is also combined with other ingredients, so it is worth serving to guests. Other than combining the ingredient, the way of serving is very unique and interesting. Each portion of pumpkin cake is filled with fragrant pandan leaves, fruit and sugar with light color. It is served to tourists as dessert.

If this pumpkin is steamed and mixed with sticky rice, its name

will be changed into pumpkin cake.

Local communities often make this type of cake in various activities, including for the activities of mutual assistance when building a house, working in paddy field, ceremonial parties and other activities.

As a very simple dish, the pumpkin is first boiled and then mixed with white sticky rice to make it chewy. In the presen-

tation, it is filled with grated coconut added with salt, according to taste. This type of cake is presented directly, so it is hard to get it. In traditional markets, there are usually people selling these orange cakes.

Pumpkin is also often used as ingredient of sumping cake, so that the name is also changed into pumpkin sumping. Eating pumpkin cake is believed to make stomach

cool and does not have bad impact in case of excessive consumption.

Nevertheless, not all people will dare to eat pumpkin cake or other cake made from pumpkin ingredient because some people are abstaining from consuming such a cake. There is a myth that until now is trusted by Balinese people where consuming such a cake can eliminate the power of magic belts for those who use it. (kmb)

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Monday, April 16, 2018

Bali News

International

Monday, April 16, 2018

International

Blind community gets Basic English language training

China plans Taiwan Strait live-fire exercises amid tensions.

DENPASAR — Teaching blind people a new language can be challenging as their special require teachers to be patient and use different methods than usual. University of Australia Alumni Agung Sudiani and colleague Nurul Naisn however say they have encountered few obstacles in teaching the blind to speak English. “We have not faced any significant obstacles as we are both trained in teaching and managing classes for people with eyesight disablities.

This training was very helpful for us to be able to teach Basic English to people with disabilities”, explained Sudiani on Thursday (Apr. 12).

A total of 12 blind people (6 women and 6 men) from the Denpasar Chapter of Pertuni (Indonesian Blind Union) were given free Basic English conversation training for two months as way to expand their job options and thus improve their living standards.

Disabilities can more aptly be called ‘difabitilites’ as people are all differently abled and many people who have certain challenges also have special skills.

Many of the non-seeing people of Pertuni Denpasar for example are professional masseurs, which is a great skill to have in Bali as many tourists seek our this service. These same people however have limited access to foreign language training which would be a real asset in their field of work and without which their job options are limited.

The language training being

IBP/kmb

Teaching blind people a new language can be challenging as their special require teachers to be patient and use different methods than usual. provided uses teaching technics that make relevant learning materials like brail and audio easily accessible to the blind learners so that they can continue to improve their skills after the course is done.

“I’ve noticed that all the blind students are really enthusiastic about learning. This is really encouraging as a teaching and makes us feel like what we are doing is meaningiful and valuable to them.

Their perseverance in learning inspires us to keep this program

going – hopefully, for many years to come”, said Sudiani who added that she has gained a lot of valuable experiences about the world of difabled people by teaching these clases. “All our hard work pays off when we witness their progress in English at the end of the program”, she said.

The delivery of lessons, the learning environment and the mobility orientation are all important factors to consider when teaching the blind, explained Sudiani.

“Rather tan vision, the sense of

touch and feeling become important in the learning process. It is important to use real objects, tactil eand kinetic (movement) learning methods are essential in explaining the concept and function of language”, she explained.

Chief of the Pertuni Denpasar, I Made Kandra, who is also blind, attended the two moth Basic English training and also works as a professional masseur. “I am very happy to be trained in Basic English

by Miss Agung as me and my fellow students can now speak better

Provincial govt assesses Mengwitani-Singaraja railway line DENPASAR - There has been much discussion about railway projects in Bali for some time.

However so far most of these discussion have centered around establish a rail line specifically for tourism. Since 2016, the government of Bali has been conducting a study related to the plan to build a railway from Mengwitani to Singaraja. “The governor has often mentioned a rail line going around Bali to accommodate tourists. The Mengwitani-Singaraja line however would be for regular passengers. The train would however pass through the panoramic

vistas of Bedugul which I think is a good thing”, said Head of the Bali Transportation Agency, IGA Sudarsana, when contacted on Thursday (Apr. 12) The feasibility study that has been going on since 2016, said Sudarsana has required a budget of IDR 300 million and has determined that the MegwitaniSingaraja line is feasible. This is not however a finale say as the central government is still looking at particlar aspects of the potential project include things like land contours.

“Seeing as the landscape esca-

lates from Denpasar, there needs to be a particular solution which has not been mentioned yet. My estimation is included in the Detailed Engineering Design (DED).

Once the second study being done by the central government (I don’t know what it is called) gives th ego ahead the, the DED can be made”, said Sudarsana.

Even if the project assessment is complete and is given the green light, added Sudarsana the decision of the new government will still be needed to go ahead with the plan. , Sudarsana continued, the decision whether or not the project will be

continued will depend on the new governor. “Whatever our plan is, if leaders like the governor, regents or others do not continue it’s okay because beudgeting, lobbuying the central government et cetera will still be needed”, he added.

Sudarsana emphasised that the Mengwitani-Singaraja railway line would certainly help ease traffic congestion. And although there are currently plans for ten different short-cut paths or new roads, with a growing population having a train line would still be needed. (kmb32)

English”, said Kandra.

Kendra went onto to say that he hopes that this training will be ongoing as there are still 80 members of Pertuni Denpasar that have yet to be trained in English skills.

Having them follow this course too would be a great to improve the quality of human resources who cannot see. Attention and support from the government and the public are needed in order for people with difabilities can access to adequate education for empowering themselves. (win)

Xi Jinping plans live-fire drills in Taiwan Strait

BEIJING - China is set to hold live-fire drills in the Taiwan Strait next week in a move certain to ratchet tensions with Taipei, after Chinese president Xi Jinping oversaw the biggest naval exercises in the country’s history.

The new drills, which are planned for Wednesday, come as tensions between Beijing and Taiwan simmer over increased American support for the government of the self-ruled island.

Tsai Ing-wen, Taiwan’s president, on Friday presided over her first military drills since she took office in 2016, but those exercises did not involve live fire.

Tensions between Beijing and

Taipei have escalated in recent weeks amid speculation of a visit to Taiwan by new US national security adviser John Bolton and Washington’s backing of Taiwan’s plans to build an indigenous submarine force.

Chinese media said a decision

by Donald Trump’s administration to give the go ahead for US defence contractors to help Taiwan build the submarine fleet has made war between Taiwan and China “more

IBP/kmb

probable”.

China’s drills next week will be the first in the Strait since just before the 2015 presidential election, which saw Mrs Tsai, the candidate for the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), sweep to power.

Beijing has viewed the Taiwanese president with suspicion and believes she is preparing to move Taiwan towards formal indepen-

dence - a move that would represent a red line for China.

China views Taiwan as a renegade province which will one day be reunited with the mainland - by force if necessary.

On Thursday President Xi presided over huge exercises in the South China Sea in an unmistakable show of force to Beijing’s regional rivals.

The drills involved 48 ships, among them China’s sole operating aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, along with 76 helicopters, fighter jets and bombers, and more than

IBP/net

10,000 personnel.

Chinese media said it was the largest of its kind.

“The mission of building a mighty people’s navy has never been more urgent than it is today,” Mr Xi, dressed in army fatigues, said in remarks on the helicopter deck of one of China’s most advanced destroyers.

“Strive to make the people’s navy a first-rate world navy.”

The nationalist Global Times newspaper warned in a commentary on Taiwan’s drills that the island’s leaders were making a gamble they couldn’t afford to lose. (net)

Tens Of Thousands In Hungary Protest Far-Right Leader Viktor Orbán

IBP/net

IGA Sudarsana

13

Tens of thousands of demonstrators marched through Hungary’s capital of Budapest on Saturday to protest Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s government.

BUDAPEST - Tens of thousands of demonstrators marched through Hungary’s capital of Budapest on Saturday to protest Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s government, as critics warn the country could slide further into illiberalism.

Orbán’s radical right, nationalist Fidesz party won a landslide victory in parliamentary elections last Sunday. With a two-thirds majority in the legislature, Fidesz now has the power to make changes to the country’s constitution.

The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe criticized the election for “intimidating and xenophobic rhetoric, media bias and opaque campaign financing.”

The campaign saw Orbán rail against migration and push the idea that unseen “foreign interests” were seeking to undermine the government. The prime minister also made Hungarian-American billionaire George Soros a focal point of the campaign, claiming that Soros was conspiring to bring hundreds of thousands of migrants into the country and putting up anti-Soros posters around the country.

Opponents fear that Fidesz’s parliamentary majority will allow Orbán to accelerate his attacks on democratic institutions and civil society, including pushing through so-called “Stop Soros” laws that would put harsh restrictions on

non-governmental organizations such as Amnesty International.

In the week since the election, a pro-government magazine owned by one of Orbán’s allies has published a list of 200 people it accused of being agents for Soros.

The roster included journalists, human rights workers and university professors.

A major opposition newspaper and an English language independent news site both announced they were shutting down just days after the vote. Orbán and his allies control most of the country’s media, and the closings only add to the prime minister’s grip on how Hungarians receive their information. (net)

14

Monday, April 16, 2018

Traveling

International

Bali News

International

Which of the Cyclades Islands in Greece should you visit?

IF you had a bird’s eye view the Greek-owned Cyclades, they would look like an intriguing mosaic of 20 tufts of verdant earth floating on the turquoise waters of the Aegean sea. It’s an incredible formation created by the geological changes that took place millions of years ago.

According to the Greek mythology, Poseidon, God of the sea, was so furious at the behaviour of the Cyclades nymphs that he turned them into islands.

However they were formed, The Cyclades — which means

the Sacred islands around Delos — their beauty and dazzling light can lend itself to a spot of spirituality.

They are at their best in May and still gorgeous throughout the summer months. By September though, life is slowing down and some businesses shut up shop.

Nevertheless, for most of the year the wild rugged volcanic scenery remains whitewashed with sugar cubed Cycladic architecture that looks superb against the dark or vegetal backdrop with the deep blue sea lapping at their shores.

1. Santorini

Some say the most beguiling and popular island of this Aegean archipelago is Santorini. Everyone will have seen that iconic image — you know, the one with the cliff-top blue-domed church standing out amid shimmering white architecture that looks dazzling against the blue skies and seas.

Cruise ships stop there, weddings take place there just for the scenic photography and holiday makers clamber over the ramparts of the 13th century castle in an almost cult-like fashion, to be sure of the best view of the sunset.

2. Mykonos

Bare hills, sandy beaches and a glitzy vibe makes up this 86 square kilometre island. There are barely 10,000 locals yet the island is set upon by tens of thousands of tourists looking to party. Nightclubs are two a penny, there are several pubs and shops stay open throughout the night.

This is a fun island and, naturally, its most famous beach, Paradise Beach, has its share of nightclubs, a campsite, and the odd restaurant. Nearby is Super Parade, a gay nudist beach which may not be to everyone’s taste. For a little peace and quiet, head to Agia Ana, though it may seem comparatively undeveloped.

3. Naxos

This is the largest of the Greek Islands in the Aegean Sea and when you arrive by boat you will be met with its most famous archaelogical site — the Portara, the doorway to the ancient temple of Apollo built in 522 BC. The island is home to the highest mountain in the Cyclades — Mount Zeus — is the source of much mythology. They say that this was the nuptial isle of the Dionysus, the God of wine. That’s why there is a sanctuary dedicated to him. It’s coastline is a doily of sensational beaches, some secluded. Mikri and Vila in the west are beloved by windsurfers. (net)

The Genta Nareswari gamelan troupe.

IBP/kmb

Genta Nareswari of Demulih inspires women to preserve the art of gamelan

BANGLI — Genta Nareswari is the name of the all-female gamelan troupe from Demulih village, Susut, who were the first to represent Bangli in the Bali Arts Festival (BAF). This all-woman’s gamelan troupe was founded in 1987 and continue to recruit younger members to this day. IN fact, the Genta Nareswari gamelan troupe that often perform as a form of devotional work (ngayah), in a number of temples have been a source of inspiration for women in other villages to form their own gamelan troupes.

Demulih village’s Genta Nareswari gamelan troupe, headed

by Luh Putu Ratna Sari Dewi and has 35 members, most of whom are local village housewives.

One troupe member named Ni Nyoman Armoni, explained that Genta Nareswari was established as a way fro the women of Demulih village to express their creativity and talent at a time when their were very few –of any, all-women gamelan troupes in Bangli.

With regular practice, Genta Nareswari managed to master many gamelan composition and ws then appointed by the government of Bangli to represent the district in the BAF’s gong kebyar competition. At that time, added Armoni, the female gogn kebyar performances did not take place at the Denpasar Art Center, but only in the groups’ respective districts. “Their performance as representatives of Bangli took place in Geria Hamlet” explained Armoni when interviewed on Sunday (Apr. 14).

Since that time, Genta Nareswari has continued composing gamelan pieces. Armoni, who also serves as Section Head of Art Development at the Bangli Tourism and Culture Agency said that so far Genta Nreswari has performed in the BAF four times, the last itme being in 2016. “Apart from the Bali Art Festical, we also perform for the District of Bangli art parades and do devotional work playing for temple celebrations”, she added.

Genta Nareswari has mastered dozens of gamelan compositions including dance pieces, lelambatan and gong kebyar and continue to hold regular practices to ensure that they are ready to perform.

Armoni also explained that it is not easy for Genta Nareswari to keep up with their proactive, partly because many of it’s members are quite busy with their domestic chores. “Due to the enthusiasm, conscienceless and discipline, our village gamelan troupe is able to survive and provide inspiration to women in other villages to establish similar all-female gamelan troupes”, she said adding that she hopes to see Genta Nareswari continue to develop and flourish and that more and more younger women will want to join. (kmb40)

Monday, April 16, 2018

3

Tigawasa village committed to preserving wovenbamboo crafts

SINGARAJA - Weaving bamboo slats is a skill that has been passed down from generation to generation in the village of Tigawasa Village, Banjar, Buleleng and continues to be practiced to this day. However the bamboo weavers of Tigawsa are facing some challenges now as their source of raw materials is becoming scarcer and the products that they produce are poorly marketed.

Products like sokasi (ritual baskets), have been created by the skilled hands of these villagers since time immemorial. They also produce typical Balinese woven bamboo walls, that are widely used as a building material for residential homes, hotels and villas. The villagers have done little to market these products. Although their sokasi baskets are favoured by export markets, it is most often middle men have access to this markets, so they buy the bamboo crafts from the villagers at a very low price and resell these wares to foreign markets.

Tigawasa’s village government has decided to step in and help with the management of this business.

Bamboo weaving groups are being gathered together by the local BUMdes (village-owend enterprise) to facilitate the marketing of their woven bamboo products and to replant the bamboo needed to make theses crafts.

Headman of Tigawasa, Made Suadarma Yasa, said on Saturday (Apr. 14) that one of the main reasons they are eager to develop the potential of this craft is that it has been passed down through the generations and is a legacy worth preserving. In order to ensure that this tradition does not disappear, families who make these products need to be able to earn a decent

living making sokasi and other crafts. These products are in fact in demand in Bali, other arts of Indonesia and other countries as well. “Since I began serving as headman of Tigawasa I have been determined to develop this local potential so that it can flourish and not disappear. These are very high quality products and there is already a demand for them. I am therefor confident that the BUMdes will be able to develop this potential with much success”, said Yasa.

The BUMdes, he explained will be involved in marketing and exporting these bamboo products which Yasa said will ensure that the local craftsmen earn a better income than they do by selling to middle-men from other regions. “Although these products are already being exported, it is being done by resellers from other regions so our craftsmen are not repeating optimal benefits. With the BUMdes playing an active role, our craftsmen will make more profits”, he said.

The lack of raw materials needed to make these woven bamboo products is another challenge that headman Yasa is ready to face. Local farmer’s groups are being encouraged to plant bamboo reed so that these woven-bamboo businesses are supported by the availability of the raw material that used to be abundant in their village. “I do not know the reason why people here stopped planting reed bamboo. But if we don’t do something about it, things will only get worse. We are therefor using non- productive land to plant reed bamboo”, he explained.

Headman Yasa added that there is a bright future for this craft, given that many young people are enthusiastic about pursuing this line of work. With young people actively involved, the traditional skill of weaving bamboo will be sustained. (mud)

IBP/mud

Weaving bamboo slats is a skill that has been passed down from generation to generation in the village of Tigawasa Village, Banjar, Buleleng.

2

Monday, April 16, 2018

Bali News

International

Environment NGOs spread banners rejecting reclamation in Benoa Bay

Political Division Coordinator of ForBALI who is known as Moko, said that the latest protest action was special as it coincided with the arrival of the Rainbow Warrior ship.. “Five years ago, this Greenpeace ship came to Bali and a month after that the issue regarding the reclamation of the bay emerged in public discourse.

Now, five years later, the Rainbow Warrior ship is here again. This stands as a reminder that we have managed to keep Benoa Bay safe from the threat of reclamation for five years”, he said.

The arrival of the Rainbow Warrior ship is also being considered as a moment to encourage ForBALI and to continue to fight against greed driven investments

that are so often backed by power. Greenpeace was therefor invited to join the effort to save Benoa Bay form the threat of reclamation. By joining hands with all components of civil society, he hopes that Benoa can be saved in 2018. “In order to prevent future environmental destruction and disasters, we have no choice but to stop the plan to reclaim Benoa Bay -in 2018 Benoa Bay must win”, affirmed Moko.

Executive Director of WALHI Bali, I Made Juli Untung Pratama, explained that the arrival of the Rainbow Warrior is also being taken as a moment to highlight the threat that Benoa Bay is facing. “Benoa Bay is one of the important sites that supports the global ecosystem, especially for birds crossing the continent. Therefor we are conveying this message to the international community so that they can join hands together and keep Benoa Bay from the threat of exploitation”, said Untung.

Greenpeace marine campaigner, Arifsyah Nasution, said that his organization will continue to stand in solidarity and support indigenous people’s movements and all components of civil society who firmly oppose the Benoa Bay reclamation plan. “Greenpeace is present today in Benoa Bay along with WALHI Bali and ForBALI to take part in a protest action while spreading out the banner with the message ‘Reject the Benoa Bay Reclamation”, said Nasution. (kmb)

SONNY TUMBELAKA / AFP

A Balinese priest conducts a prayer ceremony in front of Greenpeace’s Rainbow Warrior campaign ship during its visit to Benoa port in Denpasar on Indonesia’s resort island of Bali on April 13, 2018.

Activities

Monday, April 16, 2018

15

The Influencers in Today’s Bali Culture and Crafts

To win Benoa Bay,

The Forum for Opposition to the Reclamation of Benoa Bay (ForBALI), took action again in the water of Benoa Bay on Saturday (Apr. 14), by unfurling a 15x9 meter banner that read “Reject Reclamation of Benoa Bay:, along with two other 10 x1 meter banners with the words ‘Revoke Presidential Decree Number 51/2014.’ ForBALI received the support of WALHI Bali as well as Greenpeace’s Rainbow Warrior ship that has been anchored in Benoa Bay since Friday afternoon.

International

SONNY TUMBELAKA / AFP

Indonesia dancers perform a traditional dance during the opening of the Indonesia Africa Forum (IAF) 2018 in Nusa Dua, on Indonesia’s resort island of Bali on April 10, 2018.

Korean in top spot as Drone Racing World Cup takes off in Bali

South Korean drone pilot Choi Joon-weon topped the Drone Racing World Cup leaderboard Sunday as his aerial device zipped past the competition in the seasonopener on Indonesia’s tourist island Bali. Choi beat Indonesian Axel Mario who took second place while another Korean pilot Rhee Jun-whi came third.

It was the first of 24 events in the third annual World Cup, which sees participants race sporting drones that weigh under one kilogram (2.2 pounds) and have at least three power-driven propellers.

Choi fought off competition from 47 other pilots from nine countries in a series of races held at the Niti Mandala Renon Park in Denpasar, Bali’s capital, from Friday to Sunday. “I was quite nervous competing with international pilots.

This is my best achievement,” Mario said.

The opening leg of the World Cup, run by the Federation Aeronautique International (FAI), was the first international air sports event hosted by Indonesia, and there were few spectators. But or-

ganising committee chairman Asha Wadya Saelan was upbeat, saying Indonesia is ready to host more international air sports.

“Bali is a tourist magnet so the pilots can have a nice holiday here besides racing,” he said, adding that the youngest pilot competing in Bali was 10 years old while the oldest was 60.

Usually considered the preserve of hobbyists, drone racing is aiming to go mainstream and is “one of the fastest growing air sports in the world”, FAI President Frits Brink said in a statement.

There were 16 events in last year’s World Cup and nine in 2016.

A total of 435 pilots from 37 countries participated in 2017, which saw Switzerland’s Dario Neuenschwander crowned champion.

Shenzhen in China is due to stage the second event on May 1113 while Prilep in Macedonia will host the finals on October 13-14.

Germany, France, Slovakia, Portugal, South Korea, Brazil, Finland, Bulgaria and Spain are among the 19 countries due to host World Cup races this year. (afp)

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An inspirational talk show and performance to celebrate Indonesia’s potential held on Saturday, 14th of April, 2018. Committed to embrace the colorful arrays of philosophies within the local culture and craft, it is a huge honor for Amnaya Resort Kuta to invite talented artisans included Jean Couteau and Pintor Sirait.

Dr. Jean Couteau is a French artist, author and observer, has long lived in Indonesia. He is also a curator and former lecturer of the Indonesian Institute of Art (ISI) Denpasar and is often invited as a speaker in national and international cultural forums. Fluently speaks in English and Bahasa, he earned a master’s degree in Sociology from the Sorbonne University, France, while his doctorate degree was obtained from EHESS (Sorbonne branch) with a dissertation about the image iconography of Bali. He has written over 15 titles in English, French, Indonesian,including recent books published by @nowbalimag publisher on Myth, Magic and Mystery in Bali.

He is a columnist of Udar Rasa in KOMPAS every week.Pintor Sirait as Indonesian artist, will talk about metal sculpture and the influence in today’s Bali design. Born in 1962 to a German mother and a Sumatran Batak father, Pintor grew up in Bandung then moved to the United States for studying psychology and sculpture. He come back to Indonesia to express his passion through the creation of large-size installations and monumental sculptures of stainless steel.

His remarkable work included steel sculptures of Formula 1 race cars, executed life size as well as in the smaller sizes of 3.6 and 1.2 metres with bullet holes. Other works of this talented artist is a magnificent stainless steel sculpture of an aero-plane, is accented in gold-plated copper – representative of Indonesia’s rich mineral resources, completed with a windshield etched with Cirebon’s classic and dreamy batik motif, “Mega Mendung” which means ‘huge cloudy sky’.

Accompanied by special presentation of Cynthia Limanouw; a fashion stylist of classic Indonesian batik. All of the vibrant cushions used to enhance the décor at Sukun Restaurant are by Cynthia Limanouw. With a background in graphic design and fashion styling, she has channelled her love of art to create a line of bespoke textiles under the name of Java East. Her latest designs are a modern take on classic Indonesian batik motifs using playful combinations of colour. Cynthia is talking about “batik” and styling it in new today’s fashion design.

“We invited distinguished speakers, authors and artisans, to share knowledges and passions for Bali to inspire all of us. An inspirational talk show and performance to celebrate Indonesia’s potentials,” General Manager Amnaya Resort Kuta Jeffrey Wibisono said.

Amnaya also proudly presents Diany Asmina Sinung, a talented Indonesian painter who will exhibit her 12 paintings and Dalang Cilik, Putu Adhyaksa Narendra Krishna “Narend’, who ever performed on Little Big Shots Indonesia; a young talented puppeteer, perform traditional puppet show.

Amnaya Resort Kuta a-116 room Bali hotel in South Kuta, combine luxuriness with modern-ethnic interior design with the touch of nature.

As the first hotel brand in a series of 4-star boutique properties owned and operated by PT Tibi, Amnaya keeps the concept of a haven of relaxation in amidst the upbeat energy of Bali’s most colourful tourism district - a sense of calmness and oasis in the middle of South Kuta, Bali.

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

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

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Price: Rp 3.000,-

Monday, April 16, 2018

Twitter explodes at Taylor Swift’s countrified Earth, Wind & Fire cover LOS ANGELES - That Taylor Swift — she always has a surprise up her fluttery sleeves. On April 12, she startled fans by nonchalantly posting on Instagram that she’d be dropping an unexpected cover single on Spotify, along with an alternate version of “Delicate.”

Swift tends to be selective with her recorded cover songs, so any one she decides upon would be an event. However, she went right for the top of the classics heap, opting to tackle one of the most recognizable soul-funk jams in history: Earth, Wind & Fire’s “September.”

That’s quite a thing to attempt, and attempt it she did, turning the 1978 dance-floor staple into a country-tinged, banjo-laced exercise, getting back to her Nashville roots.

The song, which features Maurice White’s famous “ba-dee-ya” chorus, is written flexibly enough to be catchy even in a completely different form. The lyrics are right up Swift’s alley — full of romance, souls singing, and cloudless days. And she even added a cute little personal twist, changing the line “Do you remember the 21st night of September?” to “28th night,” which hardcore Swifties quickly identified as the starting date of her relationship with boyfriend Joe Alwyn.

However, social media reacted strongly, and, well, Swift-ly, with considerable questioning of whether it was disrespectful

Jon Bon Jovi arrives at the red carpet before the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, Saturday, April 14, 2018, in Cleveland.

for the singer to mess around with a soul catalog treasure.

And, of course, there were those who simply thought the version was just plain bad. (net)

Bon Jovi reunites to enter Rock & Roll Hall of Fame IBP/net

CLEVELAND (AP) — Bon Jovi reunited with former members Richie Sambora and Alec John Such for a powerful performance on Saturday night as the band earned a spot in the prestigious Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Jon Bon Jovi, Sambora and Such were joined by current bandmates David Bryan, Tico Torres and Hugh McDonald at the Public Auditorium in Cleveland, where the Rock Hall is based.

They performed crowd favorites like “You Give Love a Bad Name” and “It’s My Life.”

Sambora left Bon Jovi in 2013 and Such in 1994. Each of the members spoke onstage, giving thanks for the honor and telling old stories about the New Jersey band. They all hugged as a group afterward. Jon Bon Jovi said he has been writing his Rock Hall speech for years.

“Some days I write the ‘Thank you’ speech, sometimes I write the ‘(Expletive) you’ speech,” he said. “In the end, it’s all about time. It took a lot of people to get us here tonight.”

They were inducted by Howard

Stern, who provided many laughs at the event. He even sang some of “Wanted Dead or Alive,” getting the audience to join in.

Stern joked about Rock Hall cofounder Jann Wenner, questioning why he was qualified to vote on who enters the prominent organization.

Stern said Wenner, who founded Rolling Stone magazine, doesn’t play any instruments “but he did start a great magazine ... and now it’s the size of a pamphlet.”

Stern also thanked Bon Jovi for its music, which he is a big fan of, and stressed how big of a deal it is that the band has sold more than 130 million albums.

The 33rd annual Rock Hall ceremony kicked off with a tribute to Tom Petty, who died in October at age 66. The Killers earned a loud applause from the audience when they started

performing “American Girl,” then transitioning to “Free Fallin’.”

“Pay some rock ‘n’ roll respect ... to the eternal Tom Petty,” frontman Brandon Flowers said, as photos of Petty were displayed in the background.

The Cars and four first-time nominees, including Nina Simone, Dire Straits, The Moody Blues and Sister Rosetta Tharpe, also are being inducted as the 2018 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class.

Brothers Mark and David Knopfler, of English rockers Dire Straits, won’t attend the event, according to bassist John Illsley.

“He just didn’t feel like coming, it’s as simple as that,” Illsley, in an interview with Billboard, said of Mark Knopfler. “It just didn’t appeal to him, and I appealed to him on several occasions.” (net)

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Monday, April 16, 2018

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DEMY SANJAYA / AFP

Indonesian police destroy thousands of bottles of illegal homemade alcohol during a public display in South Tangerang, outside Jakarta on April 13, 2018.

Thousands of booze bottles were destroyed by Indonesian police on Friday in a dramatic show as they crack down on bootleg alcohol blamed for killing about 100 people in recent weeks.

Indonesia steamrolls bootleg booze as death toll nears 100

Thousands of booze bottles were destroyed by Indonesian police on Friday in a dramatic show as they crack down on bootleg alcohol blamed for killing close to 100 people in recent weeks.

Authorities in Tangerang, on the outskirts of the capital Jakarta, drove a yellow steamroller over a carpet of some 6,000 bottles, while others raided vendors in a bid to stop the worst string of homebrew deaths in years.

The world’s most populous Muslim majority country banned the sale of alcohol in most convenience stores and small shops outside holiday hotspot Bali in 2015, although it is still widely available in supermarkets, bars and hotels.

High taxes make alcohol expensive, however, so low-paid workers often turn to cheap and sometimes deadly homemade booze instead.

As of Friday, authorities said at least 97 people have died nationwide since late March from drinking illegal spirits. Some 160 others are in hospital with many

still in critical condition. At least 17 people have been arrested or named as suspects for selling and distributing bootleg alcohol, police said.

“One of the suspects himself died in hospital because he also consumed bootleg alcohol,” local police spokesman Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko told AFP. Lab tests have turned up toxic levels of methanol -- a form of alcohol used in antifreeze and solvents -- in victims’ systems.

Some of the suspects confessed to mixing pure alcohol with CocaCola, energy drinks, cough syrup and even mosquito repellent. The string of deaths prompted Bandung, a major city east of Jakarta, and its surrounding area to declare a state of emergency Tuesday.

Bootleg booze is usually sold under the table by street vendors,

who sometimes make the toxic concoction themselves. But police said they believe there are big distributors behind the sale of toxic alcohol implicated in the recent deaths. Those found guilty of supplying beverages they knew to be dangerous could face a maximum life sentence, national police spokesman Setyo Wasisto said. In 2016, 36 people died in Central Java after drinking locally bought homebrew. (afp) News can also be heard in “Bali Image” at Global Radio FM 96.5 from 9.30 until 10.00 am. Listen to Global Radio FM at http:// globalfmbali.listen2myradio.com or live video streaming at http:// radioglobalfmbali.com and http:// ustream.tv/channel/global-fm-bali.