Edisi 17 Desember 2015 | International Bali Post

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Thursday, December 17, 2015

‘Mad Max’ leads Critics’ Choice Awards nominations with 13

LOS ANGELES — “Mad Max: Fury Road” was critically acclaimed upon its release over the summer, and now it’s the top nominee at the Critics’ Choice Awards.

The film collected 13 bids, including best picture, director (George Miller), actress (Charlize Theron) and actor (Tom Hardy), when nominations were announced Monday.

“Carol,” ‘’The Martian” and “The Revenant” each received nine nominations, including best picture and best director. “Spotlight” followed with eight bids, while dark comedy “The Big Short” collected seven.

FX Networks’ “Fargo” dominated TV nominees with eight nods, including best limited series, actor (Patrick Wilson) and actress (Kirsten Dunst). HBO’s “The Leftovers” and Amazon’s “Transparent” each received six nominations.

The Critics’ Choice Awards will be presented Jan. 17 at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, and broadcast live on Lifetime and A&E. (ap)

Jasin Boland/Warner Bros. Pictures via AP

This photo released by Warner Bros. Pictures shows Tom Hardy in a scene from, “Mad Max:Fury Road.”

“Mad Max: Fury Road” was critically acclaimed upon its release over the summer, and now it’s the top nominee at the Critics’ Choice Awards.

Dolly Parton movie a hit for NBC

NEW YORK — Family-friendly programming is doing well this holiday season for NBC, which has a rare three-week winning streak in the television ratings.

The Dolly Parton movie, “Coat of Many Colors,” reached more than 13 million viewers. That landed the program in the Nielsen company’s weekly Top Ten last week, and exceeded the viewership for the live production of “The Wiz” earlier this month. Preliminary ratings show that NBC did well on Monday night with the Adele concert special.

Quantrell Colbert/NBC via AP Michael Buble’s “Christmas in Hollywood” on NBC was the week’s In this image released by NBC, Dolly Parton appears top-ranked holiday program.

The less family-friendly “Victo- in a promotional photo ria’s Secret Fashion Show” on CBS from “Dolly Parton’s Coat was seen by 6.6 million viewers, of Many Colors,” in Pigeon Nielsen said. NBC averaged 8.6 Forge, Tenn. million viewers in prime time. CBS had 8 million viewers, ABC had 4.5 million, Fox had 4.3 million, Univision had 2 million, the CW had 1.7 million, Telemundo had 1.6 million and ION Television had 1.3 million.

ESPN was the week’s most popular cable network, averaging 3 million viewers in prime time. TBS had 2.11 million viewers, Fox News Channel had 1.92 million, AMC had 1.79 million and USA had 1.67 million. NBC’s “Nightly News” topped the evening newscasts with an average of 9 million viewers. ABC’s “World News Tonight” was second with 8.5 million and the “CBS Evening News” had 7.5 million viewers. (ap)

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Thursday, December 17, 2015 Venezuelan socialists seek to undermine opposition congress Page 6

FIFA officials plead not guilty in soccer corruption probe Page 8

Denpasar City Tour bringing in tourists

‘The Affair,’ ‘Mad Men’ and ‘Frontline’ among year’s 10 Best

NEW YORK — Sure, 10 is an arbitrary number. If we were to add an 11th show, it might very well be HBO’s sublimely shrewd comedy “Silicon Valley,” or ABC’s unbridled melodrama “Scandal,” or Fox’s noir thriller “Gotham.” It might even be “CBS This Morning,” which continues to offer early risers a smart diet of news as opposed to the empty calories of its rivals on ABC and NBC. But 10 it is, so here, in alphabetical order, are this year’s Big 10: p “The Affair” (Showtime). A New York novelist has an affair and creates havoc for two families — his own and his lover’s. The second season of this heated drama has been even

better than the first, as the rewards of his infidelity disintegrate and the consequences mount. p “The Americans” (FX). Perhaps the best but least-celebrated drama on the air, it marked a third season of crafty storytelling as it continued to explore the complex, death-defying lives of two Soviet KGB officers posing as an American married couple during the Cold War. The tangled storylines remained intriguing; with co-stars Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys so good in their multiple guises as undercover spies that they even escaped notice, yet again, from the Emmy and Golden Globes judges. For shame! p “Better Call Saul” (AMC). The

pain of losing “Breaking Bad” was salved for its fans by the return of Bob Odenkirk (who arrived at “BB” in its second season as welcome comic relief, then grew Saul into a full-fledged scene stealer) in this aptly quirky prequel. p “Fargo” (FX). A second season of doing the impossible — reimagining the 1996 film classic — this cycle has, if anything, improved on Season 1 with its completely new tale and slate of characters. p “Frontline” (PBS). Airing for more than 30 years, winner of more than two dozen Peabody Awards, it kept on keeping on this season with reports on the NRA, Vladimir Putin,

torture by the CIA, Ebola, ISIS and the challenges faced by transgender youngsters. p “The Good Wife” (CBS). This legal drama had a few false moments last spring, especially in plotting its farewell to glam gumshoe Kalinda (Archie Panjabi). But so far in Season 7, it’s back in the swing. p “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver” (HBO). Religion, chicken, net neutrality, voting rights for Guam, the injustice of bail — they’re all the same to Oliver. p “Mad Men” (AMC). For anyone who was there, the ‘60s felt allinclusive yet passed in a flash. Same for “Mad Men,” whose saga began at

the dawn of the ‘60s and closed out that decade when its final season aired last spring. p “Narcos” (Netflix). This serialized, true-to-life thriller follows the exploits of Columbian drug kingpin Pablo Escobar and the Medellin Cartel, as well as the U.S. drug agents Escobar repeatedly outwits. p “Sense8” (Netflix). A fluid narrative takes viewers to eight cities where eight characters are somehow linked by an ability to share thoughts, feelings and visions they can’t explain to themselves or anyone else. Viewers are invited to embark on this enchanting sci-fi thrill ride from the Wachowskis (“The Matrix”). (ap)

Government agency’s last remnants of 9/11 being given away Page 13

ANTARA FOTO/Fadlansyah

Indonesian government has sunk Malaysian fishing vessel found fishing illegally in its waters on Tuesday.

Malaysian ship detained for poaching fish

JAKARTA - A surveillance ship belonging to the Indonesian Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources has detained a Malaysian fishing vessel KM SLFA 2675 for poaching fish in the waters of Malacca Strait.

“It was intercepted by the surveillance ship Hiu 004 while conducting illegal fishing in the waters of Malacca Strait in North Sumatra on December 13, 2015, with around 300 kilograms of fish aboard as evidence,” Asep Burhanudin, the director general of fisheries and marine resource surveillance (PSDKP), stated on Wednesday.

He said the ship was intercepted while conducting illegal fishing without proper licensing documents from the Indonesian government.

The KM SLFA 2675 vessel, weighing 56 gross tons, was also caught using illegal fishing equipment, such as a trawl, which can harm the fish and marine resources.

The ship and its crew have been detained on charges of allegedly violating articles in the fishery law, which carries a sentence of up to six years’ of imprisonment and a maximum fine of Rp20 billion.

The KM SLFA 2675 vessel has been detained along with a trawl, GPS navigation equipment, compass, communication radio, and around 300 kilograms of varied species of fish.

The evidence and five crew members from Myanmar have been taken to the PSDKP office in

Belawan, North Sumatra.

The Indonesian government has sunk ships found fishing illegally in its waters to protect its fish supply. (ant) 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.

SINCE the launch of the Heritage C i t y To u r o f Denpasar ,there has been a 60% increase in the number of tourists visiting several attractions in the city of Dnpasar, and as a result the municipal government is planning to add several new destinations to the city tour.

According to tourism practitioner, Mangku Nyoman Kandia, the city tour has yet to tap into the full potential of Denpasar in its itinerary. Kandia who is also a member of the Indonesian Tourism Promotion Board (BPPI) said the Heritage City Tour of Denpasar cannot be fully developed until issues related to infrastructure have been resolved. For example, the traditional market included on the tour have yet to be well managed and are still quite dirty, making them less than appealing for tourists to go and visit.

Kandia explained that the concept of a Denpasar city tour package was created by travel agents long before Denpasar even became a city in the 1970’s.

Continue to page 2 Travelers ...

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International

Thursday, December 17, 2015

COVER STORY

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Harris hotels offers magnificent carnival theme

From page 1

JAKARTA – Warmth, happiness, optimism and enthusiasm are some of the keywords which represent the color orange and that’s exactly why Tauzia Hotel Management chose the color to represent Harris Hotels.

IBP/Courtesy of Harris Hotels

Opening speech by Mr. Armand Steinmeyer (TAUZIA Hotel Management) commencing the HARRIS Day 2015 - Bali and Fun Bike starts at HARRIS-POP! Cokroaminoto Denpasar. Adjoining Mr. Armand were Harris Hotels’ regional Bali General Managers.

IBP/Eka Adhiyasa

Badung Market is one of the traditional markets that is managed by PD Pasar Denpasar. Apart for serving as a place for trading, this market has started to attract foreign visitors, curious to explore.

Denpasar city tour ‘sells’ Badung Market DENPASAR has more than beaches to offer as tourist attractions. Several locations in the city’s centre have recently been packaged for travellers visiting Denpasar though the municipal government’s city tour, including Badung Market.

Badung Market is one of the traditional markets that is managed by PD Pasar Denpasar.

Apart for serving as a place for trading, this market has started to attract foreign visitors, curious to explore. Asian travelers in particular are enjoying perusing the goods that are sold in the market that represent the daily needs of Balinese people such as distinctive traditional food, typical Balinese art products, homeward items and so forth.

Many tourists enjoy watching the transaction process that invariably involves bargaining as well as the general activities of the market, like people carry-

ing large bundles for hire, not to mention the enjoyment they get from tasting traditional dishes and buying traditional handicrafts and souvenirs.

Badung market runs from early in the morning until late into the night, so there is nearly always something going-on. At night, there is often fanfare in the courtyard outside the market and a variety of goods are sold at affordable prices.

Head of the Denpasar Tourism Office, Wayan Gunawan, said that the tour destinations that are most popular with Chinese tourists are the Jagatnatha Temple, the Bali Museum, Badung Market and

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Celebrate 13th anniversary

Travelers ...

Denpasar, as the capital of the Province of Bali was the first place in Bali to have accommodations especially built for foreign travelers. In 1920 the Bali Hotel was first opened, which means that 2020 will mark 100 years of tourism on Bali.

“Compared to other cities around the world that hosts many tourists, Denpasar’s infrastructure and tourism supporting facilities, lag sorely behind. Lack of technology based information, web promotion and adequate toilets are some of major things that make Denpasar less appealing to both domestic and foreign travelers,” said Kandia.

He added that the municipal government would do well to consider the management of the Seoul museum in South Korea, where the vast acreage and comfortable layout make this place of learning popular with both tourists as well as school children who flock there to learn about the history of Korea.

“The collection of objects originating from the era of the Majapahit Kingdom are given large amount of space, but the Bajra Sandhi that serves as Denpasar’s icon, does not meet the requirements of being a museum,” said Kandia who also says that the Mayor of Denpasar, along with the Denpasar House of Representatives need to have the courage to come up with new concepts for the development of museums in the city.

These museums, he said should be equipped with technological aids and comfortable spaces so that school children can learn contentedly from museums. “Denpasar should be the focus of such developments because of its proximity to various existing tourist destinations throughout Bali and is also just 20 minutes away from Ngurah Rai International Airport,” he suggested.

Meanwhile, Spokesperson for of Municipality Denpasar, Dewa Rai, stated that his party would continue to develop the Heritage City Tours of Denpasar by organizing various cultural events. “One of the goals is to increase the number of tourist visits to the city and to resorts within the city and one way to do this is to improve the conditions at existing tourist attractions including traditional markets, as has already taken place in Intara, Sindhu and Sanur,” he explained.

The municipal government said Dewa Rai, has also made improvements to the Z curve between Pemecutan Palace and Satria Palace, and to the Catur Muka roundabout.

Denpasar has had city tours ever since tourism been to flourish in Bali as witnessed by the establishment of the Bali Hotel (now known as Inna Bali Hotel), located in the heart of Denpasar. However the idea to seriously work on a city tour program fully emerged only in recent years when Minister AA Puspayoga officiated as Mayor of Denpasar. Puspayoga along with his deputy mayor, the late I Ketut Robin dreamed of creating a city tour that would become the flagship tourism program for the City of Denpasar. (par)

Activities

International

Kumbasari Market. “Of all the tourist attractions we visited in Bali, we found the Denpasar city tour to be extraordinary, and were very peaked with it,” said Chinese visitor So Bing Kong.

He added that he appreciated the historical value of some of the tour’s destinations that he said were extraordinary and where he learned many things. “I found it especially interesting to visit Chinatown, located around Jalan Gajah Mada and Jalan Kartini, here we could see how Balinese culture and Chinese culture come together,” he said.

So Bing Kong added however, that even though the city tour itself is very comfortable, improvements could be made to sanitation, particularly at Badung market and Kumbasari market.

Gunawan of the tourism office said that: “the attraction on the

city tour, need to be continuously introduced to new visitors” and promised that repairs and improvements twill be made to certain of the tour destinations that are in need of such attention.

Also, in order to entertain those who take the city tour, the tourism office will be holding tradition Denpasar performances and will also be displaying typical Denpasar souvenirs in an effort to impress visitors into wanting to return and tell their friends and family about the tour.

Managing Director of PD Pasar Denpasar, I Made Westra, stated that since the city tour program was rolled out, there has been a marked increase in the number of tourists who visit Badung Market and so the market has been making improvements in order to support the comfort of visitors. (ara)

 Founder : K.Nadha,  General Manager :Palgunadi Chief Editor: Diah Dewi Juniarti  Editors: Gugiek Savindra,Alit Susrini, Alit Sumertha, Daniel Fajry, Mawa, Suana, Sueca, Sugiartha, Yudi Winanto Denpasar: Dira Arsana, Giriana Saputra, Subrata, Sumatika, Asmara Putra. Bangli: Suasrina, Buleleng: Dewa kusuma, Gianyar: Agung Dharmada, Karangasem: Budana, Klungkung: Bagiarta. Jakarta: Nikson, Hardianto, Ade Irawan. NTB: Agus Talino, Izzul Khairi, Raka Akriyani. Surabaya: Bambang Wilianto.  Development: Alit Purnata, Mas Ruscitadewi.  Office: Jalan Kepundung 67 A Denpasar 80232. Telephone (0361)225764, Facsimile: 227418, P.O.Box: 3010 Denpasar 80001. Bali Post Jakarta, Advertizing: Jl.Palmerah Barat 21F. Telp 021-5357602, Facsimile: 021-5357605 Jakarta Pusat. NTB: Jalam Bangau No. 15 Cakranegara Telp.

(0370) 639543, Facsimile: (0370) 628257. Publisher: PT Bali Post

Balinese Temple Ceremony

Every Temple and Shrine has a special date for it annual Ceremony, or “ Odalan “, every 210 days according to Balinese calendar, including the smaller ancestral shrine which each family possesses. Because of this practically every few days a ceremony of festival of some kind takes place in some Village in Bali. There are also times when the entire island celebrated the same Holiday, such as at Galungan, Kuningan, Nyepi day, Saraswati day, Tumpek Landep day, Pagerwesi day, Tumpek Wayang day etc.

The dedication or inauguration day of a Temple is considered its birth day and celebration always takes place on the same day if the wuku or 210 day calendar is used. When new moon is used then the celebration always happens on new moon or full moon. The day of course can differ the religious celebration of a temple lasts at least one full day with some temple celebrating for three days while the celebration of Besakih temple, the Mother Temple, is never less than 7 days and most of the time it lasts for 11 days, depending on the importance of the occasion.

The celebration is very colorful. The shrine are dressed with pieces of cloths and sometimes with brocade, sailings, decorations of carved wood and sometimes painted with gold and Chinese coins, very beautifully arranged, are hung in the four corners of the shrine. In front of shrine are placed red, white or black umbrellas depending which Gods are worshipped in the shrines.

In front of important shrine one sees, besides these umbrellas soars, tridents and other weapons, the “umbul-umbul”, long flags, all these are prerogatives or attributes of Holiness. In front of the Temple gate put up “Penjor”, long bamboo poles, decorated beautifully ornaments of young coconut leaves, rice and other products of the land. Most beautiful to see are the girls in their colorful attire, carrying offerings, arrangements of all kinds fruits and colored cakes, to the Temple. Every visitor admires the grace with which the carry their load on their heads.

Beginning in Batam in the year of 2002, Harris Hotels now operates in 21 popular destinations across Indonesia and this year will mark the brand’s 13th anniversary.

Also every year to commemorate the long-lasting brand, Harris Day is conducted so customers and their family can fully experience the true Healthy Lifestyle moment together through family-focused as well as plenty other entertaining activities. This year the 6th annual Harris Day fall on Sunday, 13 December 2015 from 7AM to 1PM. “This year the program will be available in 5 different areas simultaneously – Batam, Bandung, Bali, Surabaya &

Pontianak – and we are targeting almost 10,000 participants or double last year’s number!” added Irene Janti, Tauzia’s Chief Brand & Product Officer.

Learning that people’s interest in biking never seemed to cease, Harris Day decided to keep Fun Bike & Bike Decoration Competition on their agenda. A staple which has become the event’s signature and favorite amongst the people.

“We are expecting close to 1,000 participants per area comprising of amateur bikers, families and communities. And specifically for the competition, we want to attract children more to take part and ask

Fun Bike starts at HARRIS-POP! Cokroaminoto Denpasar.

their parents to join so both can have quality time together.”

In addition to that, Harris Games and Entertainments also available on site, such as: Energizer Dance, Zumba, ‘60s DJ Remix, band performance, BMX free styles, clowns, magicians, acrobats, bouncy castle, cabaret and exclusive food demo by resident chefs.

“To further introduce our prospective customers of Harris Hotels, we are also providing our signature Juice Bar and Healthy Food Corner.”

And in support of this event, some of high-profile brands have signed on to partner with Tauzia Hotel Management as the award-winning hotel and real estate operator in Indonesia and also the operator of Harris Hotel, namely: Mastrada, PT. Supranusa Sindata, King Koil, Nikon, and United Bike.

IBP/Courtesy of Harris Hotels

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Thursday, December 17, 2015

Health

International

Zombie apocalypse study makes top scientific journal

LONDON - Are you afflicted by a shambling gait, a tendency to moan and the desire to bite and eat flesh? Watch out -- you could be becoming a zombie, according to the respected British Medical Journal (BMJ).

A new article entitled “Zombie infections: epidemiology, treatment and prevention” details every-

thing from symptoms of infection -- “people may clinically die and reanimate” -- to how “zombiism”

is transmitted -- “via bite”.

It urges more funding for research into zombie epidemics “to tackle the looming threat of apocalyptic disease”.

The study, by Tara Smith of Kent State University in the US, even comes with meticulous footnotes

citing sources such as zombie movies “28 Days Later” and “Night of the Living Dead”.

A spokesman for the BMJ, one of the most respected forums for research in the medical world, explained that the article was part of a light-hearted tradition of running

a special Christmas issue.

“All Christmas articles go thorough our usual peer-review processes,” the spokesman added.

“The subject matter is quirky and fun, but they use proper research methods and have to stand up scientifically.” (afp)

E-cigarettes contain dangerous ‘popcorn lung’ chemicals WASHINGTON - Three in four e-cigarettes were found to use a flavored liquid that has been linked to severe respiratory disease, US researchers said Tuesday.

Electronic cigarettes are battery-powered devices that heat a nicotine-containing liquid, which is inhaled much like a cigarette.

Unlike traditional cigarettes, the devices are not regulated by US authorities, leading to concern among some experts that they may be harmful to health -- and that their candy and fruit flavors may appeal

to youths and put them at risk of addiction.

For the study in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, scientists at Harvard University tested flavors that may appeal to young people such as Cotton Candy, Fruit Squirts and Cupcake.

They found that 75 percent of tested samples contained diacetyl, which when inhaled has been linked to the respiratory disease bronchiolitis obliterans -- sometimes called “popcorn lung” because over 10 years ago it was discovered in

workers who inhaled artificial butter flavor in microwave popcorn processing facilities.

Of the 7,000 varieties of flavored e-cigarettes, researchers focused on testing 51 types “sold by leading brands for the presence of diacetyl, acetoin and 2,3-pentanedione, two related flavoring compounds that are listed as ‘high priority,’” because they may pose a respiratory hazard in the workplace, the study said.

In a lab testing environment, each e-cigarette was attached to a

device that drew air through the e-cigarette for eight seconds at a time, with a resting period of 15 or 30 seconds, to mimic the action of a human smoker.

The air stream was analyzed, and at least one of the three chemicals was detected in 47 of the 51 flavors tested, according to the report.

“Diacetyl was detected above the laboratory limit of detection in 39 of the flavors tested,” it said.

Acetoin was detected in 46 flavors, and 2,3-pentanedione was found in 23 of the flavors.

“Since most of the health concerns about e-cigarettes have focused on nicotine, there is still much we do not know about e-cigarettes,” said study co-author David Christiani, a professor of environmental genetics.

“In addition to containing varying levels of the addictive substance nicotine, they also contain other cancer-causing chemicals, such as formaldehyde, and as our study shows, flavoring chemicals that can cause lung damage.” (afp)

Presidents, prime ministers may age faster, die sooner

AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File

In this Saturday, Dec. 12, 2015 file photo, US President Barack Obama speaks about the Paris climate agreement from the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington.

LONDON — Leading a country comes with extraordinary privileges but also, apparently, a price: new research suggests that heads of state age faster than normal and that the stress of the job may shave almost three years off their life expectancy.

Doctors analyzed how long presidents and prime ministers in 17 countries — including Britain, Canada, France, Germany and the U.S. — survived after leaving office, compared to the losing candidates. They also observed the number of years that heads of state lived versus what was expected for someone of the same age and gender.

After considering the fates of 279 heads of state and 261 runner-ups, they concluded former leaders lived for almost three fewer years than expected.

The study was published online Monday in the medical journal, The BMJ. “To lose a few years is significant,” said Dr. Anupam Jena of Harvard Medical School, the study’s senior author. “(Leaders) probably felt national priorities were much more pressing than eating right and exercising,” he said, saying former U.S. President Bill Clinton’s admitted weakness for fast food may have resulted in “stress eating.”

“Maybe if there had been world peace, his lifestyle would

have been different,” Jena said.

After leaving office, Clinton had bypass surgery; he subsequently said he lost weight and became vegan to try to reverse his heart disease.

Other researchers have found that U.S. presidents actually live longer than their constituents.

“The stress (of leading a country) could accelerate the graying of hair and wrinkling of skin, but that doesn’t mean they’ll die earlier,” said S. Jay Olshansky, a professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

His research on former commanders in chief found they had a longer-than-expected life expectancy, partly because they are part of the top 1 percent of the population that are highly educated, wealthy and have better access to health care than most.

Still, even U.S. President Barack Obama recently joked with Canada’s new Prime Minister Justin Trudeau — who is about a decade younger than Obama — about how a country’s top office can speed up aging. Obama advised Trudeau he should start dying his hair to avoid going gray.

Jena said Trudeau — who is a keen outdoorsman — might fare better than expected.

“Someone like him, who is fit, may be in a better starting position than others,” he said. “The years could be kinder to him.” (ap)

International

Bali News

Thursday, December 17, 2015

3

DED of Denpasar – Singaraja shortcut, designed at ten points

SINGARAJA - Regent of Buleleng, Putu Agus Suradnyana, established a communication with the Minister of Public Works and People’s Housing, Dr. M. Basuki Hadimuljono, after the impounding of the Titab-Ularan dam, Sunday (Dec. 13). He proposed the acceleration of the Denpasar-Singaraja shortcut development. Later, he said that the shortcut DED is being designed by related ministries.

Minister of Public Works and People’s Housing, Basuki Hadimuljono, requested the making of shortcut DED as many as 10 points.

It is meant to accelerate the shortcut development followed by the land acquisition plan at some points of the beam construction. “We sit at a table with the Minister of Public Works and Mrs. Mega after the impounding of the Titab-Ularan dam. When asked about the progress in 2016, he answered that it is only one-point detailed engineering design (DED) of the shortcut at Bedugul. Minister of Public Works and People’s Housing was surprised, and he asked to be made the shortcut DED at ten points this year,” said Regent Suradnyana accompanied by Deputy Regent of Buleleng Nyoman Sutjidra when reconfirmed on Tuesday (Dec. 15).

Regent Suradnyana explained the existence of shortcut is not a political issue. According to him, the shortcut development is meant to ease the Denpasar-Singaraja access, improve people’s economy and accelerate the growth in North Bali. Through the ten-point DED request by the Minister of Public Works and People’s Housing, a hope began to appear, even though the field workmanship is still quite long done. Practically such conditions have something to do with land acquisition, and other technical

calculation. “If the DED has been made, the location of points is clear.

And we are ready to perform land acquisition, so that there is a progress. As a result, we do not talk only, and do not let the shortcut be made into political issue,” he explained.

Regent Suradnyana claimed that he has good coordination and communication with the government of Bali province. “Yes, okay, it is not a problem. Provincial government is encouraging the development plan and so are we,” he said.

When confirmed separately, the Head of the Buleleng Development Planning Board (Bappeda), Gde Dharmaja, added that Buleleng District is currently carrying out the preparation of detailed spatial plan (RDTR) including the shortcut construction that will be adjusted to

the regional spatial plan (RTRW) of Buleleng. “In executing our development, we see the regional spatial plan of Buleleng. The detailed spatial plan is being prepared as well, but it requires a long process. This happens because we must wait for the basic map issued by the Geospatial Information Agency (BIG),” he added.

Dharmaja asserted that in 2016 the Bappeda is completing the detailed spatial plan of urban areas, such as the Banjar and Seririt subdistrict. Approximately, the

preparation of the detailed spatial plan remained five percent to complete. Concerning with the shortcut, the Bappeda Buleleng remains to always make consultation on technical matters and budgeting.

“If the shortcut poses the program of central government, so the program lies in the central government through the National Road Agency in Denpasar. Mr. Regent had time to ask about the shortcut progress and it was replied to have reached the DED preparation,” he said. (kmb34)

IBP/File Photo

The file photo showed shortcut access from Tabanan to Jembrana. Regent of Buleleng, Putu Agus Suradnyana, proposed the acceleration of the Denpasar-Singaraja shortcut development.

Attracting Chinese travelers

Minister of Tourism revives Cheng Ho route

MINISTER of Tourism Arief Yahya had the opportunity to sign the inscription of the Cheng Ho Ocean Line during the peak of the celebrations of Archipelago Day 2015 that was enlivened by various marine attractions at Lampulo Marine Fishery Harbor, in Banda Aceh, on Sunday (Dec. 13). The launch of the Cheng Ho Ocean Line is part of the commitment of the Ministry of Tourism to feature marine tourism and also serves to contribute to making Indonesia the axis power for world maritime activity.

The Minister of Tourism stated that there are nine cities that the Cehn Ho Ocean Line will serve: Banda Aceh, Batam, Tanjung

Pandan Belitung, Pangkal Pinang, Palembang, Greater Jakarta, Cirebon, Semarang, Surabaya and Denpasar. “A total of 10 cities were visited by Cheng Ho in the XXI century AD, but we are only serving 9, Tuban is not included,” said the Minister.

Yahya said that Banda Aceh was the first stopover point for this muslim traveller and the Cakra Donya artifact bears witness to his stop there. The minister added that the revival of the Chen Ho ocean line that will start form Aceh, will bring more Chinese visitors to Indonesia. Currently, 3 million tourists visit Aceh every year 30,000 of whom are non-Indonesians who are categorized as friendly or

family tourists. “I suggested to the Head of Aceh Culture and Tourism Agency and to the Mayor of Banda Aceh that they develop halal tourism, because such practices are already strong here. Hopefully, Aceh will also be awarded the Halal Tourism award next year as Lombok was last year,” said Minsister Yahya.

Archipelago Day

The peak of the Archipelago Day 2015 celebrations was opened

by Vice President Jusuf Kalla at the Lampulo Marine Fishery Port, in Banda Aceh. According to the Vice President, Archipelago Day is a fitting moment to affirm and remember that Indonesia is the

largest archipelagic country in the world and that sprinkled amongst these beautiful islands are a diversity of cultures, customs and economic potentials that should be explored to the fullest. “Indonesia is a maritime country and the largest archipelago in the world,” said the Vice President.

The Province of Aceh was selected as the location for the official celebrations of Archipelago Day, because of its strategic positions on the western tip of the republic of Indonesia where it serves as a gateway for international traffic between Southeast Asia and Australia. Aceh has a large maritime region with the Malacca Straight to the northeast, the Anda-

man (bengal) sea to the west and Indian Ocean to the south.

The well known Chinese traveller Chen Ho when travelling in this region, payed a visit to the kingdom of Samudera Pasai and to the Lambiri Sultanate.

The king of Samudera Pasai offered Chen Ho a large bell that is known as the Chakra Dinya (Bellof the World). Chakra Donya is a symbol of the brotherly relations between the Chinese Emperor and the King of Samudera Pasai.

Since 1915, it has been stored in the Aceh Museum and serves as authentic evidence of the historical relationship between China and Aceh that dates back to the fifteenth century. (son)

4

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Bali News

Every two hours, sexual violence claims three female victims

DENPASAR - According to data compiled by the National Commission on Violence Against Women, there were 239,220 reported cases of violence against women in Indonesia, in 2014.

There is an average of three reported cases of sexual violence against women every two hours. Sexual violence is ranked a the second most common form of violence against women.

“This means that every day there are 35 women who become victims of sexual violence. These cases occur at home or within the family, in the workplace, at educational institutions, on public transportation, and in various contexts including religious conflicts, migrations, and cultural contexts,” said Sri Mulyani, head of the Steering Committee for the Service Provider National Forum, in Denpasar.

Mulyani added that so far there is no legal instrument that can ensure that women are protected from becoming the victims of sexual violence. Similarly, the commitment of the government, both the executive and legislative branches from the districts to the national level, remains weak -despite the fact that the number of cases of sexual violence against women is increasing.

“We urge law enforcement officials to facilitate access to justice for female victims of violence, through legal processes that takes place quickly, have both a victim

and a female perspective, and that legal decisions are made in line with a sense of justice for the victims,” said Mulyani.

She explained that this urging comes as part of the 16-day NonViolence for Women Campaign that ooh place from November 25 to December 10. The Service Provider Forum is comprised of 111 different service provider organizations that work with female victims of violence in 34 provinces that also collaborates with the network of Women and Children Organizations from Kalimantan, Bali, NTB and East Java.

“We also urge state institutions such as district hospitals and P2TP2A in the provinces to coordinate with service providers in order to offer comprehensive and quality services for female victims of violence, especially sexual violence,” she added.

The formation Team of Central Sub-Region, Ni Nengah Budawati, said that the campaign also encourages the parliament (DPR-RI) to hold a discussion about the bill on

Thursday, December 17, 2015

International

International

Government agency’s last remnants of 9/11 being given away

NEW YORK — Inside an aircraft hangar at Kennedy Airport, stacks of shirts sit neatly folded on a shelf, price tags still attached. But they are caked in dust and will never be sold.

Mannequins, dressed in Victoria’s Secret tops, stand as if beckoning to shoppers long gone.

IBP/File Photo

The file photo showed a sexual criminal held by Jembrana’s police. According to data compiled by the National Commission on Violence Against Women, there were 239,220 reported cases of violence against women in Indonesia, in 2014. the Elimination of Sexual Violence during the 2016 session -supported by the government. The executive, judicial and legislative institutions at the provincial and district levels are all required to provide a budget for the elimination of violence

against women. It must also be easily accessible to female victims of violence.

“We also invite society at large including religious leaders, community leaders, youth leaders, and traditional leaders to participate in

voicing the fulfillment of victims’ rights to truth, justice, recovery and the guarantee of non-repetition for female victims, particularly the victims of sexual violence,” said Budawati who is also the Directress of Apik Bali Legal Aid. (kmb32)

Security for Badung civic center budgeted at over IDR 6 billion

IBP/Wawan

The government of the district of Badung has allocated IDR 6 billion in the regional budget of 2016, for maintaining the security of the Badung civic centre. The security services are provided by a third party.

MANGUPURA - The government of the district of Badung has allocated IDR 6 billion in the regional budget of 2016, for maintaining the security of the Badung civic centre. The security services are provided by a third party.

Division Head of the General Affairs I Nyoman Suardana, at the Regional Secretariat of Badung, recently said that security services are to be handled by a third party responsible for the entire office, including the Secretariat of the regent office, and agency offices within the parliamentary secretariat.

“The security guard services, involving some 182 personal, are entrusted to a third party,” said Nyoman Suardana.

According to Suardana, the security services for 2016, are budgeted at upward of IDR 6 billion, up from IDR 5.3 Billion in 2015 and IDR 4.9 billion in 2014. “The number of security officers is divided equally amongst each office, and includes security officers in the doorway of the civic center.

The security services are provided 24 hours a day by rotating shifts,” he

explained.

This year, the tender for security services, including for offices within the Badung civic center is still ongoing. The tender is open to the public between December 7, 2015 and December 17, 2015. Based on the data from the Electronic Procurement Service (LPSE), the tender provision of IDR 6 billion for security services is taken from the regional budget for 2016. As of Sunday, there were six companies that had expressed their interest in obtaining this contract.

“Yes, it remains in the tender process. The contract with the third party that served us last year, will come to end at the end of the year,” he said.

The number of security officers has increased over the last two years. In 2014 the winner of the tender provided just 158 personnel but this number went up last year because of the addition of two new buildings.

“For 2016, we require 182 security personnel. Once the winner is announced, they will be responsible for providing security personnel for the offices,” explained Suardana. (kmb27)

13

Nearby are mammoth hunks of rusty metal and wiring — parts of a global broadcast antenna that once crowned the World Trade Center.

These are some of the last remnants of a host of artifacts recovered after the Sept. 11 attacks that have been held in storage at the airport for 14 years by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which owns the 16-acre trade center site.

The agency is now giving away about 200 items still stored in the 80,000-square-foot (7,432-square meter) hangar. It once held more than 2,000 artifacts from the ruins, which have been distributed over the years to organizations in the United States and abroad.

On Tuesday, the damaged carriage of a PATH train that once carried commuters from New Jersey to the trade center site was lifted onto a flatbed truck by two big cranes. It was headed to the Trolley Museum of New York in Kingston, about 90 miles (144 kilometers) up the Hudson from New York City, where it will be the centerpiece of a future Sept.

11 wing.

“When I first saw it in the hangar behind us, it felt like I was opening a tomb; it was very emotional for me, I got goose bumps and I had to hold back the tears,” museum director Erik Garces said. He spent a week after 9/11 as a city transit employee

digging for human remains in the smoking, fiery debris left by the two terrorist-piloted jets.

With planes roaring overhead, he stood watching PATH Train Car No. 143 rolling away — only slightly damaged by the debris of the collapsing towers that penetrated the PATH station tunnel.

Of the seven cars on the train, four were crushed. The other surviving car went to the Shore Line Trolley Museum in East Haven, Connecticut.

The one leaving the hangar, bearing the marks of 3 feet (0.91 meters) of Hudson River water that flooded the tunnel, “was preserved as it was that morning,” Garces said.

Complete with the original 2001 ads, he said, “it’s a touchstone to the past, it’s more than just a relic: When something is really tactile, it brings back emotions and memories that aren’t necessarily stirred by just a video or reading a passage in a magazine.”

About 200 haunting reminders of the world’s worst terrorist attack remain in Hangar 17, in a remote, cargo section of the airport.

The hangar was dubbed “The Tomb of the Unknowns,” since none of the initial thousands of items were victims’ personal belongings, which were returned to families if possible. Those never claimed are being held by the New York Police Department.

Hangar 17 holds what was left

from the heaps of rubble where more than 2,700 people took their last breaths: mangled police cars, a piece of concrete from a World Trade Center garage, an elevator motor and part of a steel beam from which workers cut out crosses and Stars of David. But perhaps the eeriest items are those from ordinary, daily life, frozen forever on 9/11: goods excavated from shops in the underground World Trade Center concourse, including clothing, costume jewelry, a cigarette display case and a sweater sale sign.

The last Port Authority remnants will be distributed to various organizations, on condition they be accessible to the public. The hangar is to be demolished sometime in the future, said Port Authority spokesman Steve Coleman.

On Tuesday, a 32-foot (9.75meter)-tall, 36,000-pound (16,329-kilogram) antenna section from the north tower was hoisted onto another truck — a blackened, twisted, wire-strung hulk resembling some prehistoric dragon skeleton. It’s going to the Fulton Montgomery Community College in Johnstown, New York, as part of an outdoor garden. Draping the load strapped to the truck was a banner that read: “WTC 9/11 NEVER FORGET.” (ap) Items recovered from the wreckage of the World Trade Center are stored in hanger of John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2015.

AP Photo/Seth Wenig

President Xi says China will guarantee foreign companies’ legal rights

REUTERS/Aly Song

China’s President Xi Jinping attends the opening ceremony of the 2nd annual World Internet Conference in Wuzhen town of Jiaxing, Zhejiang province, China, December 16, 2015.

WUZHEN, China - China will guarantee foreign companies’ legal rights, President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday at the country’s second annual World Internet Conference in Wuzhen.

“Safeguarding the legal rights of foreign-invested businesses will not change,” said Xi. “As long as China’s laws are respected, we warmly welcome companies and entrepreneurs from all countries to invest in China.”

Despite China’s strict controls on online businesses, including

requiring firms to self-censor and partner with domestic companies, the world’s second largest economy also has the biggest Internet population, numbering almost 700 million people.

The allure of that mass has ensured foreign firms, like U.S. tech giants Google Inc and Facebook Inc, remain eager to break into the market and attempt to turn a profit from China’s Internet users.

But critics have raised concerns over a new raft of regulations from

China this year. In July, China’s parliament published a draft cybersecurity law which would consolidate Beijing’s control over data, with potentially significant consequences for internet service providers and multinational firms doing business in the country.

China’s largely rubber stamp parliament in July also passed a sweeping national security law that tightened government control in politics, culture, the military, the economy, technology and the environment. (rtr)

12

International

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Bali News

International

South Korea lowers growth outlook for 2016

DENPASAR - Ahead of Christmas and New Year celebration, bus drivers at the Ubung terminal take health checkup provided by the North Denpasar Health Center II in cooperation with the Denpasar and Bali Health Agency as well as the Ministry of Health, Tuesday (Dec. 15). The checkup included blood sugar, blood pressure, amphetamines and alcoholic substances at the Ubung terminal.

IBP/File Photo

AP Photo/Lee Jin-man

South Korean protesters from a farmers’ group shout slogans during a rally denouncing the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between South Korea and China in front of the National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, Nov. 30, 2015. South Korea lowered its growth outlook for 2016 on Wednesday, citing headwinds for exports from China’s slowdown.

Female billionaires on the rise thanks to Asian businesswomen ZURICH - The number of women among the world’s billionaires has risen faster over the past two decades than that of men, mostly thanks to Asian female entrepreneurs, a study published Tuesday showed.

There were 145 female billionaires in the world at the end of 2014, compared with 22 in 1995, according to the study, conducted jointly by UBS bank and the PwC auditing firm.

Male billionaires were still much more plentiful at 1,202, but their number was multiplied by just 5.2 over the period, against 6.6 for women.

In Asia, the number of women billionaires rose more then eight-fold, from 3 to 25.

The study said at least half of Asia’s richest women are first-generation corporate chiefs, who got their education in Europe or the United States before making their pile back home.

In contrast, most of women billionaires in Europe and the US inherited their fortunes. The study pointed out, however, that they were often more active in developing their businesses than heiresses of previous generations. (afp)

World watches with Fed expected to raise rate

WASHINGTON - The US Federal Reserve is expected Wednesday to increase its base interest rate for the first time since 2006, a momentous step that will have repercussions across the global financial system.

With the world’s biggest economy now growing steadily -- if not robustly -- the Fed is expected to conclude that it is time to get away from the ultra-low interest rates that have underpinned the recovery from the 2008-2009 Great Recession.

Most economists expect the so-called federal funds rate will be lifted from the current 0-0.25 percent by a quarter percentage point.

The move, a well-signaled and modest increase, will mark the beginning of a likely slow series of rate hikes to “normalize” central bank policy over the next two years.

But it will also mean raising the cost of borrowing for everyone from foreign governments and companies to home and car buyers, while also better rewarding savers on their bank accounts.

A Fed rate increase “is a positive sign for the US economy -- to be welcomed, not feared,” said Stuart Hoffman, chief economist at PNC Financial Services Group. Some economists argue the US economy is still not ready for tighter money, and that there is still no compelling reason to hike -- like the threat of inflation.

But most analysts believe the Federal Open Market Committee, the Fed policy

board, will take the first step, and then see what happens before plotting their next move.

“The Fed is not trying to slow down a fast-growing economy or dampen runaway inflation,” said Sam Stovall, equity strategist at S&P Capital IQ. A hike would be “an attempt to recalibrate, not restrain.”

Arguing for an increase, Fed Chair Janet Yellen said on December 2 that the Fed expects the economy will continue to grow steadily through 2016 and that the challenges of low inflation and jobs market slack will diminish next year.

Moreover, she added, if the Fed waits too long, “we would likely end up having to tighten policy relatively abruptly to keep the economy from significantly overshooting both of our goals.” (afp)

5

To prevent accidents, bus driver take health checkup

BUSINESS

SEOUL — South Korea lowered its growth outlook for 2016 on Wednesday, citing headwinds for exports from China’s slowdown.

The finance ministry said Asia’s fourthlargest economy will expand 3.1 percent next year. It previously forecast 3.3 percent growth.

The lower number would still be an improvement from 2015’s forecast growth of 2.7 percent. This year’s growth was much slower than the ministry’s forecast of 3.8 percent, due to slumping exports and a deadly respiratory syndrome that battered consumption.

Next year, South Korea’s government plans to introduce policies to boost exports, consumption and birth rates.

It will increase assistance to consumer products companies with big demand from China, such as cosmetics, food and baby products. The country’s traditional export heavyweights, mainly shipbuilders, automakers and electronics companies, had a tough year in 2015.

To stimulate domestic spending, department stores and traditional markets nationwide will offer bargains every November, akin to Black Friday for American shoppers. (ap)

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Ahead of Christmas and New Year celebration, bus drivers at the Ubung terminal take health checkup provided by the North Denpasar Health Center II in cooperation with the Denpasar and Bali Health Agency as well as the Ministry of Health, Tuesday (Dec. 15).

Emilia Sabiruddin, the Head of the North Denpasar Health Center II, said that her institution has carried out checkup to 24 drivers mostly coming from outside Bali.

Of the 24 drivers, they mostly experienced high blood sugar above 200 mg/dl and hypertension above 200/90 mmHg. Based on the results, 13 people were declared to be feasible to drive, four people were not feasible and seven others were feasible with a note. “Being feasible with a note, for example, are the drivers with blood sugar of 200 but their blood tension is good or high and having

high blood sugar,” she explained.

When blood sugar is high and forced to drive, a driver can be stressful and gets a stroke while driving.

The health team in collaboration with the Transportation Agency officials appealed to the drivers to have the health checkup. “So, with proactive system, we give the announcement. With cooperation with us, the Transportation Agency appealed to the drivers,” she said.

This checkup is regularly performed to prevent accidents on the road as involving the life of many people. She hoped the accident was

not caused by drowsiness or fatigue of the drivers because generally drowsiness or fatigue are caused by hypertension and diabetes. On that account, it is required a driving guidance where only driving for four hours and after that takes a break for 30 minutes. “Every four hours should be exchanged,” he added. An accident happens because the driver drives more than four hours and just takes a rest for 15 minutes.

The drivers taking the health checkup certainly follow the advice because they will surely be afraid of the accidents caused by them, while those having positive to amphetamine are normally stubborn when being notified about it.

“Those being declared positive to amphetamines are stubborn because they feel their physical health is good, but using drugs,” she said. (kmb42)

Security measures ahead of Christmas and New Year

Police seize tens of assembled cannons

SEMARAPURA - Klungkung Police have begun to take security measures ahead of Christmas and New Year 2016. After holding the assembly of the creating condition operation, the members of the Klungkung Police directly came down to raid assembled cannon made of tin and pipe, Tuesday (Dec. 15). From the operation made, police personnel led by Chief of Quick Response Unit, Cok Gede Puspagana, seized a number of assembled cannon.

All the assembled cannons were confiscated from the hands of children playing in the street. Operation of the assembled cannon started around 08:00 in the morning at a number of main streets and corner of villages. The operation was carried out by means of direct chasing down the boom sound of the assembled cannon played by children.

“Having heard the booms, we immediately approached and took the cannon, while the children playing it are directly given briefing so that they will not repeat it,” said Cok Puspagana.

According to him, the tin and pipe cannon being played is very disturbing children safety and public convenience. Besides, the assembled cannon is considered

to be very hazardous for the users themselves because it uses highly flammable explosives namely methanol. “Although there has been no victim in Klungkung, we still make an effort to anticipate. Moreover, its loud sound is complained by residents,” he said.

From the operations performed on Tuesday, the officers seized a number of assembled cannons made of tin and pipe from children playing on the street. All the assembled cannons were then secured at police station to be destroyed immediately.

So far, the Klungkung Police do not find any firecrackers sold freely in society. “We have also had time to call and appealed to the sellers of chemicals such as calcium carbide as a form of anticipation in order not to be sold freely in large numbers,” he said.

On the other hand, the measures to curb the assembled cannon by Klungkung Police also got a response from residents of Jelantik Kuribatu customary hamlet, Tojan.

To address this, the Jelantik customary village will also impose sanction in the form of fine worth IDR 100,000 to people that lit assembled cannon. Such fine penalties are confirmed by chief of Jelantik Kuribatu customary village, Tojan, Nyoman

IBP/Wiadnyana

Klungkung Police have begun to take security measures ahead of Christmas and New Year 2016.

After holding the assembly of the creating condition operation, the members of the Klungkung Police directly came down to raid assembled cannon made of tin and pipe, Tuesday (Dec. 15).

Mujana.

Accompanied by his apparatus, Nengah Sumiarta, Mujana said that the financial penalties have been approved by residents after holding

a meeting, Sunday (Dec. 6). The sanction is given as a form of support to the Klungkung Police chief to keep the village situation safe and peaceful. “We are not limiting

residents to celebrate the New Year.

We give these sanctions solely to maintain safety because more and more children make such a hazardous toy,” he said. (kmb)

6

Thursday, December 17, 2015

W

International

International

RLD

Venezuelan socialists seek to undermine opposition congress

CARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuelan socialists took another step to undermine the opposition’s landslide in congressional elections, creating a new grassroots assembly that critics fear could become a vehicle to override the incoming opposition-led legislature.

On Tuesday, National Assembly President Diosdado Cabello presided over the inauguration inside the legislature building of the first-ever “National Communal Parliament” with the aim of giving revolutionary activists a mechanism to make decisions and manage resources.

Cabello didn’t offer details on how the grassroots assembly, an outgrowth of the late Hugo Chavez*s dream of empowering self-administering communal councils, will operate.

But opponents fear it could be an attempt to wrest control from

the incoming opposition-controlled congress much as other central government-created agencies have been entrusted with large budgets operating parallel to defunded districts where opposition politicians govern.

President Nicolas Maduro has been defiant in the face of the opposition*s winning a two-third supermajority in Dec. 6 elections, vowing to take to the streets to defend the revolution started by Chavez and blaming the loss on an “economic war” waged with U.S. support.

He also shot down several top

priorities for the incoming congress, including an amnesty law for jailed activists the opposition considers political prisoners.

On Tuesday, in a meeting with grassroots activists, he praised the new legislative initiative with heated rhetoric. “I*m going to give all the power to the communal parliament,” Maduro said.

“This parliament is going to be a legislative mechanism from the grassroots. All power to the Communal parliament,” he said, without giving details.

In another slap to the opposition, lawmakers also swore in Tuesday as the nation’s top public defender the judge, Susana Barreiros, who this year sentenced opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez to nearly 14 years in jail. (ap)

East Java’s army on standby

SURABAYA - Army personnel stationed across the district and at city military posts in East Java Province have been put on standby to help evacuate people living in the vicinity of Mount Bromo if need be.

AP Photo/APTN

In this image made from July 30, 2015, video, Hyeon Soo Lim, who pastors the Light Korean Presbyterian Church in Toronto, speaks at a news conference in Pyongyang, North Korea.

N. Korea sentences Canadian pastor to life in prison

Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro arrives at a polling station to vote during congressional elections in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2015.

BEIJING — China has strongly criticized an expected U.S. arms sale to Taiwan, saying it should be canceled to avoid harming relations between Taipei and Beijing.

their presidents since they split amid civil war in 1949.

U.S. congressional aides say the Obama administration is planning its first arms sale to Taiwan in four

political.

North Korea has very strict rules against any missionary or religious activities that it sees as threatening the supremacy of its ruling regime.

Merely leaving a Bible in a public place can lead to arrest and possibly severe punishment.

Both the U.S. and Canadian governments warn against travel to North Korea. Last year, the North released Kenneth Bae, a KoreanAmerican missionary who was convicted of “anti-state” crimes and had been serving a 15-year sentence.

Bae, whose detention received worldwide attention, suffered medical issues in detention. He was freed along with one other American detainee after a secret mission to the reclusive communist country by James Clapper, the top U.S. intelligence official.

He is reportedly planning a book about his 2-year-ordeal in detention.

An Australian missionary detained for spreading Christianity was deported last year after he apologized for anti-state religious acts and requested forgiveness. (ap)

China criticizes expected US arms sale to Taiwan Taiwan Affairs Office spokesman Ma Xiaoguang told reporters Wednesday that China opposed any and all arms sales to the island that it claims as part of Chinese territory.

Ma said Taiwan should value relations between the sides, which have been improving steadily over recent years, culminating last month in the first meeting between

11

Mt. Bromo’s eruption

PYONGYANG, North Korea — North Korea’s Supreme Court sentenced a Canadian pastor to life in prison with hard labor on Wednesday for what it called crimes against the state. Hyeon Soo Lim, who pastors the Light Korean Presbyterian Church in Toronto, was given the sentence after a brief trial. He had been in detention since February.

Lim had earlier appeared at a news conference organized by North Korean authorities in Pyongyang in July and admitted to plotting to overthrow the North Korean state, but other foreigners detained in North Korea and then released have said they were coerced into making similar statements and confessing guilt during their detention.

Lim’s relatives and colleagues have said he travelled on Jan. 31 as part of a regular humanitarian mission to North Korea where he supports a nursing home, a nursery and an orphanage. They said Lim, who is in his early 60s, has made more than 100 trips to North Korea since 1997 and that his trips were about helping people and were not

AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos

Thursday, December 17, 2015

years, including navy frigates, mine sweepers, Stinger missiles and other equipment. The U.S. has long been the primary supplier to the island’s armed forces. (ap)

Evacuation could be required in case these people are endangered due to the eruption, a military officer said.

“The personnel have been put on standby, particularly those stationed at the military posts near Mount Bromo, such as Probolinggo and Lumajang,” Chief of Brawijaya Regional Military Command, Major General Sumardi said on Tuesday.

Besides the personnel, the backhoes and excavators that the Brawijaya military command has will also be deployed to support any evacuation exercise if conditions worsen, he said.

“In handling the process to evacuate disaster victims, the National Defense Forces (TNI) have their own standard operating procedures. Along with the people, we are ready to help,” Sumardi said.

In another development, the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) revealed that Mount Bromo’s volcanic activity remained high and the eruption went on from midnight till 06.00 am on Tuesday.

On December 12, this volcano’s tremor activity remained high though Head of the Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Agency (PVMBG) monitoring post, Ahmad Subhan, said the status was still at Alert III. “Volcanic activity of the 2,329 meter high mountain is still high and tremors have been happening with an increasing

strength,” he said at the post at Ngadisari village, Sukapura, Probolinggo.

Operated Normally

The Notohadinegoro Airport in Jember District, East Java, operated normally on Wednesday amid Mount Bromo’s ongoing volcanic activity that has disrupted commercial flight operations at Abdul Rahman Saleh Airport, Malang, over the past few days.

“The Notohadinegoro Airport remains safe from the volcanic ash spewed by Mount Bromo,” the airport chief Edi Purnomo stated on Wednesday when questioned about the impacts of Mount Bromo’s eruptions on the airport’s operations.

Despite favorable conditions, the Notohadinegoro Airport authorities remain vigilant to the volcanic activities of the 2,329-meter-high mountain as the Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Center (PVMBG) has raised the alert status to Level III, which has come into effect since December 4.

According to Purnomo, the national flag carrier Garuda Indonesia and private operator Susi Air had even operated on the Surabaya-Jember and Jember-Sumenep routes, with sufficient number of passengers.

“The number of passengers getting aboard their chosen aircraft remains stable, with flight occupancy reaching about 60 to 70 percent,” he added.

Due to the eruptions of Mount Bromo, which is situated on the border of Probolinggo, Pasuruan, Malang, and Lumajang Districts, the Abdul Rahman Saleh Airport in the East Java city of Malang was closed on December 11-13. (ant)

AP Photo/Trisnadi

A villager walks outside her house as Mount Bromo spews volcanic materials into the air, in Probolinggo, East Java, Indonesia, Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2015.

Indonesian authorities have raised the alert level of the volcano to the second highest as its activity increased earlier this month. Indonesia has more active volcanoes than any other countries in the world.

Australian dies in Indonesian boat accident

JAKARTA - An Australian man died while attempting to rescue an Indonesian crew member who fell off a boat during a trip to islands near the capital Jakarta, police said Tuesday.

Gregory Robert Jones, a 41-

year-old company director based in Jakarta, was taking a short break in the Thousand Islands archipelago when the accident happened on Sunday.

As his ferry arrived at an island in heavy rain and strong

winds, a member of the crew fell into the water while trying to drop anchor, said a local police spokesman.

Another crew member jumped in to save his friend, followed

by Jones.

But the Australian suffered serious injuries after being hit by the boat’s propeller. He was pulled back on board the boat but later died.

“The victim died while attempting to rescue the boat’s

crew member, Cecep Sulaiman,” the spokesman told AFP. Authorities are still hunting for Sulaiman. The Thousands Islands are a popular weekend getaway for people living in Jakarta. (afp)

Military must support state politics: President

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has affirmed that personnel of the Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) must support the policies of the state politics and not become involved in political practices.

“The politics of the TNI is the state’s politics. The TNI follows

the state policies. Everything that the state does is for the people,” President Jokowi stated while giving directives at the opening of the TNI Leadership Meeting 2016 at the TNI Headquarters on Wednesday.

The TNI only follows a vertical command chain and believes in loy-

alty and obedience to the president as the highest commander of the TNI, he pointed out.

President Jokowi emphasized that in order to strengthen the defense system, Indonesia should meet the demands for the primary weapons defense system (alutsista) in an integrated manner at sea, on

land, and in air as almost every country is competing to advance its defense technology.

“Build a strong TNI with modern alutsista,” he remarked.

The head of state also called to develop the national defense industry to reduce dependence on imports.

He also urged to further enhance the capacity of the military personnel who are well-trained and professional.

TNI Chief General Gatot Nurmantyo emphasized that the TNI’s loyalty lies with the president.

“I guarantee the highest loyalty of the TNI,” he affirmed. (ant)

10

Destination

Thursday, December 17, 2015

International

Thursday, December 17, 2015

International

Lorenzo predicts 2016 MotoGP times will be half-second slower MotoGP laptimes will be “half a second slower” at the start of the 2016 season due to the new control electronics, world champion Jorge Lorenzo expects.

The new Magneti Marelli ECU, being introduced at the same time as tyre supplier Michelin’s return, was described as “a step backwards” by leading riders during the major post-season test at Valencia.

The week’s fastest time was set by Honda’s Marc Marquez, the 1m31.060s more than one second off Lorenzo’s 1m30.011s lap to take pole for the Valencia race four days earlier.

The Yamaha rider does not expect that margin to disappear completely by the time the new season starts in Qatar in March.

“By now it’s clear that electronics management is less sophisticated compared to what we have used,” he told Motosprint. “I expect laptimes to be half a second slower at the begin-

IBP/File Photo

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ness of coastal waves offered by Medewi Beach. They are mostly from Australia, Holland and Japan. However, the number of their arrival is uncertain. On holidays such as from January to March, it is more exploited by tourists from Japan, while June through August it draws tourists from Australian.

Nevertheless, many tourists come concurrently, especially in May because the

waves on the beach are great for surfing.

“There are also beginner surfers coming to practice. By all means, during the holiday season, Medewi Beach is visited by many local tourists,” said one of the local traders, Ni Luh Sri. Medewi Beach is indeed not widely known. However, the beach is frequently used to hold a surfing event.

Girls Club =Waiters-Bar-Dancer SPASalon-Kasir-Cook08123807241

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IBP/net

ning of the season.”

Marquez and team-mate Dani Pedrosa admitted they were struggling with the new electronics during Honda’s final test of 2015, and Lorenzo agrees that there is more work to be done.

“To be honest, the first day I tried the bike with the new electronics, at Valencia, I got scared: the software was not up to scratch practically on any sector of the track,” he said.

“The rear wheel tended to lock for something that was happening in the engine, and sometimes traction control did not seem to come into action.

“The electronics engineer tried to calm me by explaining that it was just the first day, that all the system needed to be finetuned and that on the second day the engine would have already performed at least at 70 per cent of the level of the bike during the season.

“At the start of the second day it wasn’t at 70 per cent, it was at 50 per cent, but we kept on working and we got to 70 per cent.” (ap)

For Serena Williams, Grand Slam is 1 feat to still chase Kings’ Rondo issues stronger apology for gay slur toward ref SACRAMENTO, California — Sacramento Kings guard Rajon Rondo has offered a stronger apology for directing a gay slur at veteran NBA referee Bill Kennedy.

Rondo said on Monday his actions toward Kennedy on Dec. 3 were out of frustration and not meant to offend anyone.

Rondo issued a statement on Tuesday addressing those who viewed his initial statement as a non-apology.

He said: “I want to be clear, from the bottom of my heart that I am truly sorry for what I said to Bill. There is no place on or off the court for language that disrespects anyone’s sexual orientation. That is not who I am or what I believe, and I will strive every day to be a better person.”

Kennedy told Yahoo Sports he is gay. Rondo is serving a one-game suspension. (ap)

NEW YORK — Serena Williams says completing a Grand Slam is a goal she’d like to accomplish. For now, her focus is on winning another major tournament, not four in a row.

Williams was two victories away from sweeping all four in the same year when she was stunned by Roberta Vinci in the U.S. Open semifinals in September. Her dominant season earned her Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year honors, and she was feted Tuesday night at a banquet in Manhattan.

Asked if the Grand Slam is a goal in 2016, Williams said: “It is, obviously; I’ve never done it. We’ll see. I’m not putting any pressure on it.”

She notes that she’s won the French Open “only” three times, so even getting halfway there again is “going to be a little difficult to do.” (ap) FILE - In this Sept. 2, 2015, file photo, Serena Williams reacts after winning a point against Kiki Bertens, of the Netherlands, during the second round of the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York.

AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File

8

Thursday, December 17, 2015

9

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Sp rt Twente banned from Europe for 3 years over investment deal

AP Photo/Elizabeth Williams

Former FIFA vice president Juan Angel Napout, center, appears in court on charges of racketeering, conspiracy and wire fraud, Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2015, in New York.

FIFA officials plead not guilty in soccer corruption probe

NEW YORK — A sprawling U.S. bribery prosecution that has scandalized soccer’s governing body took another step forward on Tuesday, with the former president of Honduras and a former FIFA vice president pleading not guilty at their first court appearance and authorities announcing that two other defendants would be extradited to face charges as well.

Former President Rafael Callejas, a current member of FIFA’s television and marketing committee, was ordered held without bail at a hearing in federal court in Brooklyn. A judge agreed to release former FIFA Vice President Juan Angel Napout on $20 million bond with various restrictions, including electronic monitoring and home detention. Both men are facing racketeering conspiracy and wire fraud charges for their alleged roles in a bribery scheme involving lucrative broadcasting and hosting rights for the World Cup and soccer’s other biggest events. Their lawyers left the courtroom on Tuesday without speaking to reporters.

Callejas’ appearance came after Honduras officials say he decided to travel to the United States on the advice of his lawyers. Napout,

a former president of the South American confederation from Paraguay, had consented to extradition from Switzerland, where he was arrested on Dec. 3.

The two were among 16 new defendants, most from Central and South America, named in a revised indictment that was unsealed earlier this month. U.S. prosecutors charged 14 others, including seven top FIFA officials arrested at Baur au Lac hotel in Zurich, in May. On Tuesday, authorities announced that two of the original 14 — Nicolas Leoz, another former head of the South American football confederation, and Eduardo Li, former head of the Costa Rican football federation — would be extradited to the United States. A Paraguay appeals court approved Leoz’s extradition, while Li with-

drew his appeal and agreed to depart Switzerland and be turned over to U.S. authorities.

The indictment alleges that in 2012 a marketing firm wired $500,000 to a Panama bank account so it could be paid as bribes to Callejas and another soccer official in exchange for broadcasting rights to qualifier matches for the 2022 World Cup. The indictment identified Napout as a member of a bloc of soccer officials known as the “Group of Six” that would receive annual bribes in exchange for supporting FIFA contracts with another marketing firm.

In a year-end letter to 209 FIFA member federations, suspended FIFA President Sepp Blatter has written he is “bewildered” by allegations he faces and will go before the FIFA ethics committee on Thursday with “a strong belief in justice.” He wrote that “although I have been suspended I am not isolated and will certainly not be silenced.” Callejas served as president of Honduras from 1990 to 1994. (ap)

THE HAGUE — The Dutch soccer association banned FC Twente from European competition for three years on Tuesday as punishment for “deliberately misleading” the body about a deal to sell player transfer fee rights to an outside investor.

The Royal Netherlands Football Association (KNVB) added that Twente’s professional license will be revoked if it fails to fully cooperate with an independent investigation into the club’s structure, and the club will be fined 45,250 euros ($49,400).

Twente said it will not appeal the sanctions. It said they “hit hard at the heart of our club.”

The sanctions come in the middle of a terrible season on and off the pitch for Twente. Winner of its only Eredivisie title in 2010, Twente is currently 16th in the 18-team top flight.

The federation said the punishment follows Twente’s failure to reveal full details of a third-party ownership contract with Maltabased Doyen Sports Investments.

FIFA has banned third-party ownership as a threat to the game’s integrity because investors force transfers to make a profit.

The Football Leaks website last month published a contract between Twente and Doyen in which Doyen agreed to pay Twente 5 million euros ($5.3 million) for between 10 and 50 percent of the transfer fee rights for seven players. The deal was signed in 2014, before FIFA outlawed third-party ownership.

The KNVB said the sanctions were imposed by its licensing committee. The association also is sending Twente’s dealings with Doyen Sports to the KNVB prosecutor and to FIFA. “They have to judge whether the contract between FC Twente and Doyen Sports breaches national or international football rules,” the KNVB said. (ap)

Brazil midfielder Fred banned for doping in Copa America ASUNCION, Paraguay — The governing body of South American soccer says Brazil midfielder Fred has been banned for one year for doping.

The 22-year-old Fred tested positive for the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide during the Copa America in Chile. He has continued playing for Shakhtar Donetsk, including 10 Champions League matches, while awaiting the verdict.

The South American confederation backdated the ban to June 26 and applied it only to the matches it sanctions.

If FIFA extends the ban worldwide, it would effectively rule Fred out of league play for only four months. Because of the Ukrainian league’s winter break, Shakhtar’s next competitive match is Feb. 18 in the Europa League. (ap)

Fred

Bayern edges Darmstadt 1-0 to reach German Cup quarters

Wolfswinkel double as Betis knock Gijon out of King’s Cup

BARCELONA - Ricky van Wolfswinkel scored twice in a pulsating 3-3 draw at Sporting Gijon on Tuesday as Real Betis booked a place in the last 16 of the King’s Cup with a 5-3 aggregate victory.

It was a spirited performance in the return match from Gijon, who had lost the first leg 2-0, especially in the second half with substitute Alen Halilovic grabbing a double, including a penalty.

Bernardo Espinosa nodded Gijon in front with a free header from a corner after 14 minutes but Van Wolfswinkel finished clinically four minutes later at the other end after a good team move. Barca youth product Halilovic came on at halftime and slotted home almost immediately.

He was then on target again, sending keeper Daniel Gimenez the wrong way with a penalty following a handling offence by Alfred N’Diaye after 72 minutes.

Gijon, though, left gaps at the back and the visitors took advantage with a Van Wolfswinkel header and an effort from Alvaro Cejudo.

Juan Dominguez headed Deportivo La Coruna in front against second-tier Llagostera but he was also guilty of conceding a penalty, scored by Jordi Lopez, in a 1-1 draw that took the top- flight side through 3-2 on aggregate.

Burgui and Felipe Caicedo netted as Espanyol came from behind after a Verza opener to beat Levante 2-1 and win 3-2 overall.

Ciro Immobile and Jose Antonio Reyes gave Sevilla a comfortable 2-0 win over Logrones, 5-0 on aggregate.

Holders Barcelona are already through after beating Villanovense, the tie having been brought forward due to their participation in the Club World Cup. Real Madrid have been thrown out after fielding the ineligible Denis Cheryshev in their first leg against Cadiz. (rtr)

IBP/rtr

FRANKFURT, Germany — Xabi Alonso scored a spectacular goal for Bayern Munich to beat Darmstadt 1-0 and earn a place in the German Cup quarterfinals on Tuesday. Alonso controlled a corner with his right foot and fired a drop kick into the upper corner for the only goal closing on halftime.

Bayern labored to overcome a well-organized Darmstadt, and did not create many chances against the Bundesliga newcomer.

Werder Bremen won 4-3 at Borussia Moenchengladbach to reach its first quarterfinal in six years. Bayer Leverkusen also advanced, by beating fourth-tier Unterhaching 3-1.

Second-division Heidenheim beat third-tier Erzgebirge Aue 2-0 to make it to the quarterfinals for the first time.

Bayern stayed on course for three titles this season thanks to the welltaken Alonso goal from about 25 meters. Robert Lewandowski also hit the post but Bayern made little out of its

AP Photo/Matthias Schrader

Bayern’s Xabi Alonso, right, celebrates with teammate Rafinha after scoring his side’s opening goal during the German soccer cup (DFB Pokal) match between FC Bayern Munich and SV Darmstadt 98 at the Allianz Arena stadium in Munich, Germany, Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2015.

near monopoly of possession. Late in the match, Darmstadt threatened a couple of times but never put Bayern in real danger.

“You have to take your early chances against such a defending team,” Bayern director Matthias Sammer said. “We were not that fresh.”

With six German Cup titles, Werder Bremen was second only to Bayern, which has won 17 out of 20 finals.

Lars Stindl put ‘Gladbach ahead before Janek Sternberg and Jannik Vestergaard turned the match after the break. Branimir Hrgota pulled one back for Moenchengladbach, but Claudio Pizarro and Anthony Ujah in a three-minute span secured Bremen’s victory. Hrgota got his second in injury time but it came too late to matter.

Moenchengladbach dropped to its third consecutive defeat across all competitions, and has conceded 13 goals in those three matches.

Leverkusen had to come from behind against Unterhaching. Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez scored his 18th goal in 21 matches for Leverkusen, and Stefan Kiessling and Karim Bellarabi added the others.

Leverkusen lost the Bundesliga championship by going down in Unterhaching on the final day of the season in 2000.

Maximilian Bauer gave the now fourth-tier Unterhaching a glimmer of hope before the visiting Leverkusen stars replied. (ap)

8

Thursday, December 17, 2015

9

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Sp rt Twente banned from Europe for 3 years over investment deal

AP Photo/Elizabeth Williams

Former FIFA vice president Juan Angel Napout, center, appears in court on charges of racketeering, conspiracy and wire fraud, Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2015, in New York.

FIFA officials plead not guilty in soccer corruption probe

NEW YORK — A sprawling U.S. bribery prosecution that has scandalized soccer’s governing body took another step forward on Tuesday, with the former president of Honduras and a former FIFA vice president pleading not guilty at their first court appearance and authorities announcing that two other defendants would be extradited to face charges as well.

Former President Rafael Callejas, a current member of FIFA’s television and marketing committee, was ordered held without bail at a hearing in federal court in Brooklyn. A judge agreed to release former FIFA Vice President Juan Angel Napout on $20 million bond with various restrictions, including electronic monitoring and home detention. Both men are facing racketeering conspiracy and wire fraud charges for their alleged roles in a bribery scheme involving lucrative broadcasting and hosting rights for the World Cup and soccer’s other biggest events. Their lawyers left the courtroom on Tuesday without speaking to reporters.

Callejas’ appearance came after Honduras officials say he decided to travel to the United States on the advice of his lawyers. Napout,

a former president of the South American confederation from Paraguay, had consented to extradition from Switzerland, where he was arrested on Dec. 3.

The two were among 16 new defendants, most from Central and South America, named in a revised indictment that was unsealed earlier this month. U.S. prosecutors charged 14 others, including seven top FIFA officials arrested at Baur au Lac hotel in Zurich, in May. On Tuesday, authorities announced that two of the original 14 — Nicolas Leoz, another former head of the South American football confederation, and Eduardo Li, former head of the Costa Rican football federation — would be extradited to the United States. A Paraguay appeals court approved Leoz’s extradition, while Li with-

drew his appeal and agreed to depart Switzerland and be turned over to U.S. authorities.

The indictment alleges that in 2012 a marketing firm wired $500,000 to a Panama bank account so it could be paid as bribes to Callejas and another soccer official in exchange for broadcasting rights to qualifier matches for the 2022 World Cup. The indictment identified Napout as a member of a bloc of soccer officials known as the “Group of Six” that would receive annual bribes in exchange for supporting FIFA contracts with another marketing firm.

In a year-end letter to 209 FIFA member federations, suspended FIFA President Sepp Blatter has written he is “bewildered” by allegations he faces and will go before the FIFA ethics committee on Thursday with “a strong belief in justice.” He wrote that “although I have been suspended I am not isolated and will certainly not be silenced.” Callejas served as president of Honduras from 1990 to 1994. (ap)

THE HAGUE — The Dutch soccer association banned FC Twente from European competition for three years on Tuesday as punishment for “deliberately misleading” the body about a deal to sell player transfer fee rights to an outside investor.

The Royal Netherlands Football Association (KNVB) added that Twente’s professional license will be revoked if it fails to fully cooperate with an independent investigation into the club’s structure, and the club will be fined 45,250 euros ($49,400).

Twente said it will not appeal the sanctions. It said they “hit hard at the heart of our club.”

The sanctions come in the middle of a terrible season on and off the pitch for Twente. Winner of its only Eredivisie title in 2010, Twente is currently 16th in the 18-team top flight.

The federation said the punishment follows Twente’s failure to reveal full details of a third-party ownership contract with Maltabased Doyen Sports Investments.

FIFA has banned third-party ownership as a threat to the game’s integrity because investors force transfers to make a profit.

The Football Leaks website last month published a contract between Twente and Doyen in which Doyen agreed to pay Twente 5 million euros ($5.3 million) for between 10 and 50 percent of the transfer fee rights for seven players. The deal was signed in 2014, before FIFA outlawed third-party ownership.

The KNVB said the sanctions were imposed by its licensing committee. The association also is sending Twente’s dealings with Doyen Sports to the KNVB prosecutor and to FIFA. “They have to judge whether the contract between FC Twente and Doyen Sports breaches national or international football rules,” the KNVB said. (ap)

Brazil midfielder Fred banned for doping in Copa America ASUNCION, Paraguay — The governing body of South American soccer says Brazil midfielder Fred has been banned for one year for doping.

The 22-year-old Fred tested positive for the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide during the Copa America in Chile. He has continued playing for Shakhtar Donetsk, including 10 Champions League matches, while awaiting the verdict.

The South American confederation backdated the ban to June 26 and applied it only to the matches it sanctions.

If FIFA extends the ban worldwide, it would effectively rule Fred out of league play for only four months. Because of the Ukrainian league’s winter break, Shakhtar’s next competitive match is Feb. 18 in the Europa League. (ap)

Fred

Bayern edges Darmstadt 1-0 to reach German Cup quarters

Wolfswinkel double as Betis knock Gijon out of King’s Cup

BARCELONA - Ricky van Wolfswinkel scored twice in a pulsating 3-3 draw at Sporting Gijon on Tuesday as Real Betis booked a place in the last 16 of the King’s Cup with a 5-3 aggregate victory.

It was a spirited performance in the return match from Gijon, who had lost the first leg 2-0, especially in the second half with substitute Alen Halilovic grabbing a double, including a penalty.

Bernardo Espinosa nodded Gijon in front with a free header from a corner after 14 minutes but Van Wolfswinkel finished clinically four minutes later at the other end after a good team move. Barca youth product Halilovic came on at halftime and slotted home almost immediately.

He was then on target again, sending keeper Daniel Gimenez the wrong way with a penalty following a handling offence by Alfred N’Diaye after 72 minutes.

Gijon, though, left gaps at the back and the visitors took advantage with a Van Wolfswinkel header and an effort from Alvaro Cejudo.

Juan Dominguez headed Deportivo La Coruna in front against second-tier Llagostera but he was also guilty of conceding a penalty, scored by Jordi Lopez, in a 1-1 draw that took the top- flight side through 3-2 on aggregate.

Burgui and Felipe Caicedo netted as Espanyol came from behind after a Verza opener to beat Levante 2-1 and win 3-2 overall.

Ciro Immobile and Jose Antonio Reyes gave Sevilla a comfortable 2-0 win over Logrones, 5-0 on aggregate.

Holders Barcelona are already through after beating Villanovense, the tie having been brought forward due to their participation in the Club World Cup. Real Madrid have been thrown out after fielding the ineligible Denis Cheryshev in their first leg against Cadiz. (rtr)

IBP/rtr

FRANKFURT, Germany — Xabi Alonso scored a spectacular goal for Bayern Munich to beat Darmstadt 1-0 and earn a place in the German Cup quarterfinals on Tuesday. Alonso controlled a corner with his right foot and fired a drop kick into the upper corner for the only goal closing on halftime.

Bayern labored to overcome a well-organized Darmstadt, and did not create many chances against the Bundesliga newcomer.

Werder Bremen won 4-3 at Borussia Moenchengladbach to reach its first quarterfinal in six years. Bayer Leverkusen also advanced, by beating fourth-tier Unterhaching 3-1.

Second-division Heidenheim beat third-tier Erzgebirge Aue 2-0 to make it to the quarterfinals for the first time.

Bayern stayed on course for three titles this season thanks to the welltaken Alonso goal from about 25 meters. Robert Lewandowski also hit the post but Bayern made little out of its

AP Photo/Matthias Schrader

Bayern’s Xabi Alonso, right, celebrates with teammate Rafinha after scoring his side’s opening goal during the German soccer cup (DFB Pokal) match between FC Bayern Munich and SV Darmstadt 98 at the Allianz Arena stadium in Munich, Germany, Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2015.

near monopoly of possession. Late in the match, Darmstadt threatened a couple of times but never put Bayern in real danger.

“You have to take your early chances against such a defending team,” Bayern director Matthias Sammer said. “We were not that fresh.”

With six German Cup titles, Werder Bremen was second only to Bayern, which has won 17 out of 20 finals.

Lars Stindl put ‘Gladbach ahead before Janek Sternberg and Jannik Vestergaard turned the match after the break. Branimir Hrgota pulled one back for Moenchengladbach, but Claudio Pizarro and Anthony Ujah in a three-minute span secured Bremen’s victory. Hrgota got his second in injury time but it came too late to matter.

Moenchengladbach dropped to its third consecutive defeat across all competitions, and has conceded 13 goals in those three matches.

Leverkusen had to come from behind against Unterhaching. Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez scored his 18th goal in 21 matches for Leverkusen, and Stefan Kiessling and Karim Bellarabi added the others.

Leverkusen lost the Bundesliga championship by going down in Unterhaching on the final day of the season in 2000.

Maximilian Bauer gave the now fourth-tier Unterhaching a glimmer of hope before the visiting Leverkusen stars replied. (ap)

10

Destination

Thursday, December 17, 2015

International

Thursday, December 17, 2015

International

Lorenzo predicts 2016 MotoGP times will be half-second slower MotoGP laptimes will be “half a second slower” at the start of the 2016 season due to the new control electronics, world champion Jorge Lorenzo expects.

The new Magneti Marelli ECU, being introduced at the same time as tyre supplier Michelin’s return, was described as “a step backwards” by leading riders during the major post-season test at Valencia.

The week’s fastest time was set by Honda’s Marc Marquez, the 1m31.060s more than one second off Lorenzo’s 1m30.011s lap to take pole for the Valencia race four days earlier.

The Yamaha rider does not expect that margin to disappear completely by the time the new season starts in Qatar in March.

“By now it’s clear that electronics management is less sophisticated compared to what we have used,” he told Motosprint. “I expect laptimes to be half a second slower at the begin-

IBP/File Photo

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ness of coastal waves offered by Medewi Beach. They are mostly from Australia, Holland and Japan. However, the number of their arrival is uncertain. On holidays such as from January to March, it is more exploited by tourists from Japan, while June through August it draws tourists from Australian.

Nevertheless, many tourists come concurrently, especially in May because the

waves on the beach are great for surfing.

“There are also beginner surfers coming to practice. By all means, during the holiday season, Medewi Beach is visited by many local tourists,” said one of the local traders, Ni Luh Sri. Medewi Beach is indeed not widely known. However, the beach is frequently used to hold a surfing event.

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ning of the season.”

Marquez and team-mate Dani Pedrosa admitted they were struggling with the new electronics during Honda’s final test of 2015, and Lorenzo agrees that there is more work to be done.

“To be honest, the first day I tried the bike with the new electronics, at Valencia, I got scared: the software was not up to scratch practically on any sector of the track,” he said.

“The rear wheel tended to lock for something that was happening in the engine, and sometimes traction control did not seem to come into action.

“The electronics engineer tried to calm me by explaining that it was just the first day, that all the system needed to be finetuned and that on the second day the engine would have already performed at least at 70 per cent of the level of the bike during the season.

“At the start of the second day it wasn’t at 70 per cent, it was at 50 per cent, but we kept on working and we got to 70 per cent.” (ap)

For Serena Williams, Grand Slam is 1 feat to still chase Kings’ Rondo issues stronger apology for gay slur toward ref SACRAMENTO, California — Sacramento Kings guard Rajon Rondo has offered a stronger apology for directing a gay slur at veteran NBA referee Bill Kennedy.

Rondo said on Monday his actions toward Kennedy on Dec. 3 were out of frustration and not meant to offend anyone.

Rondo issued a statement on Tuesday addressing those who viewed his initial statement as a non-apology.

He said: “I want to be clear, from the bottom of my heart that I am truly sorry for what I said to Bill. There is no place on or off the court for language that disrespects anyone’s sexual orientation. That is not who I am or what I believe, and I will strive every day to be a better person.”

Kennedy told Yahoo Sports he is gay. Rondo is serving a one-game suspension. (ap)

NEW YORK — Serena Williams says completing a Grand Slam is a goal she’d like to accomplish. For now, her focus is on winning another major tournament, not four in a row.

Williams was two victories away from sweeping all four in the same year when she was stunned by Roberta Vinci in the U.S. Open semifinals in September. Her dominant season earned her Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year honors, and she was feted Tuesday night at a banquet in Manhattan.

Asked if the Grand Slam is a goal in 2016, Williams said: “It is, obviously; I’ve never done it. We’ll see. I’m not putting any pressure on it.”

She notes that she’s won the French Open “only” three times, so even getting halfway there again is “going to be a little difficult to do.” (ap) FILE - In this Sept. 2, 2015, file photo, Serena Williams reacts after winning a point against Kiki Bertens, of the Netherlands, during the second round of the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York.

AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File

6

Thursday, December 17, 2015

W

International

International

RLD

Venezuelan socialists seek to undermine opposition congress

CARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuelan socialists took another step to undermine the opposition’s landslide in congressional elections, creating a new grassroots assembly that critics fear could become a vehicle to override the incoming opposition-led legislature.

On Tuesday, National Assembly President Diosdado Cabello presided over the inauguration inside the legislature building of the first-ever “National Communal Parliament” with the aim of giving revolutionary activists a mechanism to make decisions and manage resources.

Cabello didn’t offer details on how the grassroots assembly, an outgrowth of the late Hugo Chavez*s dream of empowering self-administering communal councils, will operate.

But opponents fear it could be an attempt to wrest control from

the incoming opposition-controlled congress much as other central government-created agencies have been entrusted with large budgets operating parallel to defunded districts where opposition politicians govern.

President Nicolas Maduro has been defiant in the face of the opposition*s winning a two-third supermajority in Dec. 6 elections, vowing to take to the streets to defend the revolution started by Chavez and blaming the loss on an “economic war” waged with U.S. support.

He also shot down several top

priorities for the incoming congress, including an amnesty law for jailed activists the opposition considers political prisoners.

On Tuesday, in a meeting with grassroots activists, he praised the new legislative initiative with heated rhetoric. “I*m going to give all the power to the communal parliament,” Maduro said.

“This parliament is going to be a legislative mechanism from the grassroots. All power to the Communal parliament,” he said, without giving details.

In another slap to the opposition, lawmakers also swore in Tuesday as the nation’s top public defender the judge, Susana Barreiros, who this year sentenced opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez to nearly 14 years in jail. (ap)

East Java’s army on standby

SURABAYA - Army personnel stationed across the district and at city military posts in East Java Province have been put on standby to help evacuate people living in the vicinity of Mount Bromo if need be.

AP Photo/APTN

In this image made from July 30, 2015, video, Hyeon Soo Lim, who pastors the Light Korean Presbyterian Church in Toronto, speaks at a news conference in Pyongyang, North Korea.

N. Korea sentences Canadian pastor to life in prison

Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro arrives at a polling station to vote during congressional elections in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2015.

BEIJING — China has strongly criticized an expected U.S. arms sale to Taiwan, saying it should be canceled to avoid harming relations between Taipei and Beijing.

their presidents since they split amid civil war in 1949.

U.S. congressional aides say the Obama administration is planning its first arms sale to Taiwan in four

political.

North Korea has very strict rules against any missionary or religious activities that it sees as threatening the supremacy of its ruling regime.

Merely leaving a Bible in a public place can lead to arrest and possibly severe punishment.

Both the U.S. and Canadian governments warn against travel to North Korea. Last year, the North released Kenneth Bae, a KoreanAmerican missionary who was convicted of “anti-state” crimes and had been serving a 15-year sentence.

Bae, whose detention received worldwide attention, suffered medical issues in detention. He was freed along with one other American detainee after a secret mission to the reclusive communist country by James Clapper, the top U.S. intelligence official.

He is reportedly planning a book about his 2-year-ordeal in detention.

An Australian missionary detained for spreading Christianity was deported last year after he apologized for anti-state religious acts and requested forgiveness. (ap)

China criticizes expected US arms sale to Taiwan Taiwan Affairs Office spokesman Ma Xiaoguang told reporters Wednesday that China opposed any and all arms sales to the island that it claims as part of Chinese territory.

Ma said Taiwan should value relations between the sides, which have been improving steadily over recent years, culminating last month in the first meeting between

11

Mt. Bromo’s eruption

PYONGYANG, North Korea — North Korea’s Supreme Court sentenced a Canadian pastor to life in prison with hard labor on Wednesday for what it called crimes against the state. Hyeon Soo Lim, who pastors the Light Korean Presbyterian Church in Toronto, was given the sentence after a brief trial. He had been in detention since February.

Lim had earlier appeared at a news conference organized by North Korean authorities in Pyongyang in July and admitted to plotting to overthrow the North Korean state, but other foreigners detained in North Korea and then released have said they were coerced into making similar statements and confessing guilt during their detention.

Lim’s relatives and colleagues have said he travelled on Jan. 31 as part of a regular humanitarian mission to North Korea where he supports a nursing home, a nursery and an orphanage. They said Lim, who is in his early 60s, has made more than 100 trips to North Korea since 1997 and that his trips were about helping people and were not

AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos

Thursday, December 17, 2015

years, including navy frigates, mine sweepers, Stinger missiles and other equipment. The U.S. has long been the primary supplier to the island’s armed forces. (ap)

Evacuation could be required in case these people are endangered due to the eruption, a military officer said.

“The personnel have been put on standby, particularly those stationed at the military posts near Mount Bromo, such as Probolinggo and Lumajang,” Chief of Brawijaya Regional Military Command, Major General Sumardi said on Tuesday.

Besides the personnel, the backhoes and excavators that the Brawijaya military command has will also be deployed to support any evacuation exercise if conditions worsen, he said.

“In handling the process to evacuate disaster victims, the National Defense Forces (TNI) have their own standard operating procedures. Along with the people, we are ready to help,” Sumardi said.

In another development, the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) revealed that Mount Bromo’s volcanic activity remained high and the eruption went on from midnight till 06.00 am on Tuesday.

On December 12, this volcano’s tremor activity remained high though Head of the Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Agency (PVMBG) monitoring post, Ahmad Subhan, said the status was still at Alert III. “Volcanic activity of the 2,329 meter high mountain is still high and tremors have been happening with an increasing

strength,” he said at the post at Ngadisari village, Sukapura, Probolinggo.

Operated Normally

The Notohadinegoro Airport in Jember District, East Java, operated normally on Wednesday amid Mount Bromo’s ongoing volcanic activity that has disrupted commercial flight operations at Abdul Rahman Saleh Airport, Malang, over the past few days.

“The Notohadinegoro Airport remains safe from the volcanic ash spewed by Mount Bromo,” the airport chief Edi Purnomo stated on Wednesday when questioned about the impacts of Mount Bromo’s eruptions on the airport’s operations.

Despite favorable conditions, the Notohadinegoro Airport authorities remain vigilant to the volcanic activities of the 2,329-meter-high mountain as the Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Center (PVMBG) has raised the alert status to Level III, which has come into effect since December 4.

According to Purnomo, the national flag carrier Garuda Indonesia and private operator Susi Air had even operated on the Surabaya-Jember and Jember-Sumenep routes, with sufficient number of passengers.

“The number of passengers getting aboard their chosen aircraft remains stable, with flight occupancy reaching about 60 to 70 percent,” he added.

Due to the eruptions of Mount Bromo, which is situated on the border of Probolinggo, Pasuruan, Malang, and Lumajang Districts, the Abdul Rahman Saleh Airport in the East Java city of Malang was closed on December 11-13. (ant)

AP Photo/Trisnadi

A villager walks outside her house as Mount Bromo spews volcanic materials into the air, in Probolinggo, East Java, Indonesia, Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2015.

Indonesian authorities have raised the alert level of the volcano to the second highest as its activity increased earlier this month. Indonesia has more active volcanoes than any other countries in the world.

Australian dies in Indonesian boat accident

JAKARTA - An Australian man died while attempting to rescue an Indonesian crew member who fell off a boat during a trip to islands near the capital Jakarta, police said Tuesday.

Gregory Robert Jones, a 41-

year-old company director based in Jakarta, was taking a short break in the Thousand Islands archipelago when the accident happened on Sunday.

As his ferry arrived at an island in heavy rain and strong

winds, a member of the crew fell into the water while trying to drop anchor, said a local police spokesman.

Another crew member jumped in to save his friend, followed

by Jones.

But the Australian suffered serious injuries after being hit by the boat’s propeller. He was pulled back on board the boat but later died.

“The victim died while attempting to rescue the boat’s

crew member, Cecep Sulaiman,” the spokesman told AFP. Authorities are still hunting for Sulaiman. The Thousands Islands are a popular weekend getaway for people living in Jakarta. (afp)

Military must support state politics: President

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has affirmed that personnel of the Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) must support the policies of the state politics and not become involved in political practices.

“The politics of the TNI is the state’s politics. The TNI follows

the state policies. Everything that the state does is for the people,” President Jokowi stated while giving directives at the opening of the TNI Leadership Meeting 2016 at the TNI Headquarters on Wednesday.

The TNI only follows a vertical command chain and believes in loy-

alty and obedience to the president as the highest commander of the TNI, he pointed out.

President Jokowi emphasized that in order to strengthen the defense system, Indonesia should meet the demands for the primary weapons defense system (alutsista) in an integrated manner at sea, on

land, and in air as almost every country is competing to advance its defense technology.

“Build a strong TNI with modern alutsista,” he remarked.

The head of state also called to develop the national defense industry to reduce dependence on imports.

He also urged to further enhance the capacity of the military personnel who are well-trained and professional.

TNI Chief General Gatot Nurmantyo emphasized that the TNI’s loyalty lies with the president.

“I guarantee the highest loyalty of the TNI,” he affirmed. (ant)

12

International

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Bali News

International

South Korea lowers growth outlook for 2016

DENPASAR - Ahead of Christmas and New Year celebration, bus drivers at the Ubung terminal take health checkup provided by the North Denpasar Health Center II in cooperation with the Denpasar and Bali Health Agency as well as the Ministry of Health, Tuesday (Dec. 15). The checkup included blood sugar, blood pressure, amphetamines and alcoholic substances at the Ubung terminal.

IBP/File Photo

AP Photo/Lee Jin-man

South Korean protesters from a farmers’ group shout slogans during a rally denouncing the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between South Korea and China in front of the National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, Nov. 30, 2015. South Korea lowered its growth outlook for 2016 on Wednesday, citing headwinds for exports from China’s slowdown.

Female billionaires on the rise thanks to Asian businesswomen ZURICH - The number of women among the world’s billionaires has risen faster over the past two decades than that of men, mostly thanks to Asian female entrepreneurs, a study published Tuesday showed.

There were 145 female billionaires in the world at the end of 2014, compared with 22 in 1995, according to the study, conducted jointly by UBS bank and the PwC auditing firm.

Male billionaires were still much more plentiful at 1,202, but their number was multiplied by just 5.2 over the period, against 6.6 for women.

In Asia, the number of women billionaires rose more then eight-fold, from 3 to 25.

The study said at least half of Asia’s richest women are first-generation corporate chiefs, who got their education in Europe or the United States before making their pile back home.

In contrast, most of women billionaires in Europe and the US inherited their fortunes. The study pointed out, however, that they were often more active in developing their businesses than heiresses of previous generations. (afp)

World watches with Fed expected to raise rate

WASHINGTON - The US Federal Reserve is expected Wednesday to increase its base interest rate for the first time since 2006, a momentous step that will have repercussions across the global financial system.

With the world’s biggest economy now growing steadily -- if not robustly -- the Fed is expected to conclude that it is time to get away from the ultra-low interest rates that have underpinned the recovery from the 2008-2009 Great Recession.

Most economists expect the so-called federal funds rate will be lifted from the current 0-0.25 percent by a quarter percentage point.

The move, a well-signaled and modest increase, will mark the beginning of a likely slow series of rate hikes to “normalize” central bank policy over the next two years.

But it will also mean raising the cost of borrowing for everyone from foreign governments and companies to home and car buyers, while also better rewarding savers on their bank accounts.

A Fed rate increase “is a positive sign for the US economy -- to be welcomed, not feared,” said Stuart Hoffman, chief economist at PNC Financial Services Group. Some economists argue the US economy is still not ready for tighter money, and that there is still no compelling reason to hike -- like the threat of inflation.

But most analysts believe the Federal Open Market Committee, the Fed policy

board, will take the first step, and then see what happens before plotting their next move.

“The Fed is not trying to slow down a fast-growing economy or dampen runaway inflation,” said Sam Stovall, equity strategist at S&P Capital IQ. A hike would be “an attempt to recalibrate, not restrain.”

Arguing for an increase, Fed Chair Janet Yellen said on December 2 that the Fed expects the economy will continue to grow steadily through 2016 and that the challenges of low inflation and jobs market slack will diminish next year.

Moreover, she added, if the Fed waits too long, “we would likely end up having to tighten policy relatively abruptly to keep the economy from significantly overshooting both of our goals.” (afp)

5

To prevent accidents, bus driver take health checkup

BUSINESS

SEOUL — South Korea lowered its growth outlook for 2016 on Wednesday, citing headwinds for exports from China’s slowdown.

The finance ministry said Asia’s fourthlargest economy will expand 3.1 percent next year. It previously forecast 3.3 percent growth.

The lower number would still be an improvement from 2015’s forecast growth of 2.7 percent. This year’s growth was much slower than the ministry’s forecast of 3.8 percent, due to slumping exports and a deadly respiratory syndrome that battered consumption.

Next year, South Korea’s government plans to introduce policies to boost exports, consumption and birth rates.

It will increase assistance to consumer products companies with big demand from China, such as cosmetics, food and baby products. The country’s traditional export heavyweights, mainly shipbuilders, automakers and electronics companies, had a tough year in 2015.

To stimulate domestic spending, department stores and traditional markets nationwide will offer bargains every November, akin to Black Friday for American shoppers. (ap)

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Ahead of Christmas and New Year celebration, bus drivers at the Ubung terminal take health checkup provided by the North Denpasar Health Center II in cooperation with the Denpasar and Bali Health Agency as well as the Ministry of Health, Tuesday (Dec. 15).

Emilia Sabiruddin, the Head of the North Denpasar Health Center II, said that her institution has carried out checkup to 24 drivers mostly coming from outside Bali.

Of the 24 drivers, they mostly experienced high blood sugar above 200 mg/dl and hypertension above 200/90 mmHg. Based on the results, 13 people were declared to be feasible to drive, four people were not feasible and seven others were feasible with a note. “Being feasible with a note, for example, are the drivers with blood sugar of 200 but their blood tension is good or high and having

high blood sugar,” she explained.

When blood sugar is high and forced to drive, a driver can be stressful and gets a stroke while driving.

The health team in collaboration with the Transportation Agency officials appealed to the drivers to have the health checkup. “So, with proactive system, we give the announcement. With cooperation with us, the Transportation Agency appealed to the drivers,” she said.

This checkup is regularly performed to prevent accidents on the road as involving the life of many people. She hoped the accident was

not caused by drowsiness or fatigue of the drivers because generally drowsiness or fatigue are caused by hypertension and diabetes. On that account, it is required a driving guidance where only driving for four hours and after that takes a break for 30 minutes. “Every four hours should be exchanged,” he added. An accident happens because the driver drives more than four hours and just takes a rest for 15 minutes.

The drivers taking the health checkup certainly follow the advice because they will surely be afraid of the accidents caused by them, while those having positive to amphetamine are normally stubborn when being notified about it.

“Those being declared positive to amphetamines are stubborn because they feel their physical health is good, but using drugs,” she said. (kmb42)

Security measures ahead of Christmas and New Year

Police seize tens of assembled cannons

SEMARAPURA - Klungkung Police have begun to take security measures ahead of Christmas and New Year 2016. After holding the assembly of the creating condition operation, the members of the Klungkung Police directly came down to raid assembled cannon made of tin and pipe, Tuesday (Dec. 15). From the operation made, police personnel led by Chief of Quick Response Unit, Cok Gede Puspagana, seized a number of assembled cannon.

All the assembled cannons were confiscated from the hands of children playing in the street. Operation of the assembled cannon started around 08:00 in the morning at a number of main streets and corner of villages. The operation was carried out by means of direct chasing down the boom sound of the assembled cannon played by children.

“Having heard the booms, we immediately approached and took the cannon, while the children playing it are directly given briefing so that they will not repeat it,” said Cok Puspagana.

According to him, the tin and pipe cannon being played is very disturbing children safety and public convenience. Besides, the assembled cannon is considered

to be very hazardous for the users themselves because it uses highly flammable explosives namely methanol. “Although there has been no victim in Klungkung, we still make an effort to anticipate. Moreover, its loud sound is complained by residents,” he said.

From the operations performed on Tuesday, the officers seized a number of assembled cannons made of tin and pipe from children playing on the street. All the assembled cannons were then secured at police station to be destroyed immediately.

So far, the Klungkung Police do not find any firecrackers sold freely in society. “We have also had time to call and appealed to the sellers of chemicals such as calcium carbide as a form of anticipation in order not to be sold freely in large numbers,” he said.

On the other hand, the measures to curb the assembled cannon by Klungkung Police also got a response from residents of Jelantik Kuribatu customary hamlet, Tojan.

To address this, the Jelantik customary village will also impose sanction in the form of fine worth IDR 100,000 to people that lit assembled cannon. Such fine penalties are confirmed by chief of Jelantik Kuribatu customary village, Tojan, Nyoman

IBP/Wiadnyana

Klungkung Police have begun to take security measures ahead of Christmas and New Year 2016.

After holding the assembly of the creating condition operation, the members of the Klungkung Police directly came down to raid assembled cannon made of tin and pipe, Tuesday (Dec. 15).

Mujana.

Accompanied by his apparatus, Nengah Sumiarta, Mujana said that the financial penalties have been approved by residents after holding

a meeting, Sunday (Dec. 6). The sanction is given as a form of support to the Klungkung Police chief to keep the village situation safe and peaceful. “We are not limiting

residents to celebrate the New Year.

We give these sanctions solely to maintain safety because more and more children make such a hazardous toy,” he said. (kmb)

4

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Bali News

Every two hours, sexual violence claims three female victims

DENPASAR - According to data compiled by the National Commission on Violence Against Women, there were 239,220 reported cases of violence against women in Indonesia, in 2014.

There is an average of three reported cases of sexual violence against women every two hours. Sexual violence is ranked a the second most common form of violence against women.

“This means that every day there are 35 women who become victims of sexual violence. These cases occur at home or within the family, in the workplace, at educational institutions, on public transportation, and in various contexts including religious conflicts, migrations, and cultural contexts,” said Sri Mulyani, head of the Steering Committee for the Service Provider National Forum, in Denpasar.

Mulyani added that so far there is no legal instrument that can ensure that women are protected from becoming the victims of sexual violence. Similarly, the commitment of the government, both the executive and legislative branches from the districts to the national level, remains weak -despite the fact that the number of cases of sexual violence against women is increasing.

“We urge law enforcement officials to facilitate access to justice for female victims of violence, through legal processes that takes place quickly, have both a victim

and a female perspective, and that legal decisions are made in line with a sense of justice for the victims,” said Mulyani.

She explained that this urging comes as part of the 16-day NonViolence for Women Campaign that ooh place from November 25 to December 10. The Service Provider Forum is comprised of 111 different service provider organizations that work with female victims of violence in 34 provinces that also collaborates with the network of Women and Children Organizations from Kalimantan, Bali, NTB and East Java.

“We also urge state institutions such as district hospitals and P2TP2A in the provinces to coordinate with service providers in order to offer comprehensive and quality services for female victims of violence, especially sexual violence,” she added.

The formation Team of Central Sub-Region, Ni Nengah Budawati, said that the campaign also encourages the parliament (DPR-RI) to hold a discussion about the bill on

Thursday, December 17, 2015

International

International

Government agency’s last remnants of 9/11 being given away

NEW YORK — Inside an aircraft hangar at Kennedy Airport, stacks of shirts sit neatly folded on a shelf, price tags still attached. But they are caked in dust and will never be sold.

Mannequins, dressed in Victoria’s Secret tops, stand as if beckoning to shoppers long gone.

IBP/File Photo

The file photo showed a sexual criminal held by Jembrana’s police. According to data compiled by the National Commission on Violence Against Women, there were 239,220 reported cases of violence against women in Indonesia, in 2014. the Elimination of Sexual Violence during the 2016 session -supported by the government. The executive, judicial and legislative institutions at the provincial and district levels are all required to provide a budget for the elimination of violence

against women. It must also be easily accessible to female victims of violence.

“We also invite society at large including religious leaders, community leaders, youth leaders, and traditional leaders to participate in

voicing the fulfillment of victims’ rights to truth, justice, recovery and the guarantee of non-repetition for female victims, particularly the victims of sexual violence,” said Budawati who is also the Directress of Apik Bali Legal Aid. (kmb32)

Security for Badung civic center budgeted at over IDR 6 billion

IBP/Wawan

The government of the district of Badung has allocated IDR 6 billion in the regional budget of 2016, for maintaining the security of the Badung civic centre. The security services are provided by a third party.

MANGUPURA - The government of the district of Badung has allocated IDR 6 billion in the regional budget of 2016, for maintaining the security of the Badung civic centre. The security services are provided by a third party.

Division Head of the General Affairs I Nyoman Suardana, at the Regional Secretariat of Badung, recently said that security services are to be handled by a third party responsible for the entire office, including the Secretariat of the regent office, and agency offices within the parliamentary secretariat.

“The security guard services, involving some 182 personal, are entrusted to a third party,” said Nyoman Suardana.

According to Suardana, the security services for 2016, are budgeted at upward of IDR 6 billion, up from IDR 5.3 Billion in 2015 and IDR 4.9 billion in 2014. “The number of security officers is divided equally amongst each office, and includes security officers in the doorway of the civic center.

The security services are provided 24 hours a day by rotating shifts,” he

explained.

This year, the tender for security services, including for offices within the Badung civic center is still ongoing. The tender is open to the public between December 7, 2015 and December 17, 2015. Based on the data from the Electronic Procurement Service (LPSE), the tender provision of IDR 6 billion for security services is taken from the regional budget for 2016. As of Sunday, there were six companies that had expressed their interest in obtaining this contract.

“Yes, it remains in the tender process. The contract with the third party that served us last year, will come to end at the end of the year,” he said.

The number of security officers has increased over the last two years. In 2014 the winner of the tender provided just 158 personnel but this number went up last year because of the addition of two new buildings.

“For 2016, we require 182 security personnel. Once the winner is announced, they will be responsible for providing security personnel for the offices,” explained Suardana. (kmb27)

13

Nearby are mammoth hunks of rusty metal and wiring — parts of a global broadcast antenna that once crowned the World Trade Center.

These are some of the last remnants of a host of artifacts recovered after the Sept. 11 attacks that have been held in storage at the airport for 14 years by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which owns the 16-acre trade center site.

The agency is now giving away about 200 items still stored in the 80,000-square-foot (7,432-square meter) hangar. It once held more than 2,000 artifacts from the ruins, which have been distributed over the years to organizations in the United States and abroad.

On Tuesday, the damaged carriage of a PATH train that once carried commuters from New Jersey to the trade center site was lifted onto a flatbed truck by two big cranes. It was headed to the Trolley Museum of New York in Kingston, about 90 miles (144 kilometers) up the Hudson from New York City, where it will be the centerpiece of a future Sept.

11 wing.

“When I first saw it in the hangar behind us, it felt like I was opening a tomb; it was very emotional for me, I got goose bumps and I had to hold back the tears,” museum director Erik Garces said. He spent a week after 9/11 as a city transit employee

digging for human remains in the smoking, fiery debris left by the two terrorist-piloted jets.

With planes roaring overhead, he stood watching PATH Train Car No. 143 rolling away — only slightly damaged by the debris of the collapsing towers that penetrated the PATH station tunnel.

Of the seven cars on the train, four were crushed. The other surviving car went to the Shore Line Trolley Museum in East Haven, Connecticut.

The one leaving the hangar, bearing the marks of 3 feet (0.91 meters) of Hudson River water that flooded the tunnel, “was preserved as it was that morning,” Garces said.

Complete with the original 2001 ads, he said, “it’s a touchstone to the past, it’s more than just a relic: When something is really tactile, it brings back emotions and memories that aren’t necessarily stirred by just a video or reading a passage in a magazine.”

About 200 haunting reminders of the world’s worst terrorist attack remain in Hangar 17, in a remote, cargo section of the airport.

The hangar was dubbed “The Tomb of the Unknowns,” since none of the initial thousands of items were victims’ personal belongings, which were returned to families if possible. Those never claimed are being held by the New York Police Department.

Hangar 17 holds what was left

from the heaps of rubble where more than 2,700 people took their last breaths: mangled police cars, a piece of concrete from a World Trade Center garage, an elevator motor and part of a steel beam from which workers cut out crosses and Stars of David. But perhaps the eeriest items are those from ordinary, daily life, frozen forever on 9/11: goods excavated from shops in the underground World Trade Center concourse, including clothing, costume jewelry, a cigarette display case and a sweater sale sign.

The last Port Authority remnants will be distributed to various organizations, on condition they be accessible to the public. The hangar is to be demolished sometime in the future, said Port Authority spokesman Steve Coleman.

On Tuesday, a 32-foot (9.75meter)-tall, 36,000-pound (16,329-kilogram) antenna section from the north tower was hoisted onto another truck — a blackened, twisted, wire-strung hulk resembling some prehistoric dragon skeleton. It’s going to the Fulton Montgomery Community College in Johnstown, New York, as part of an outdoor garden. Draping the load strapped to the truck was a banner that read: “WTC 9/11 NEVER FORGET.” (ap) Items recovered from the wreckage of the World Trade Center are stored in hanger of John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2015.

AP Photo/Seth Wenig

President Xi says China will guarantee foreign companies’ legal rights

REUTERS/Aly Song

China’s President Xi Jinping attends the opening ceremony of the 2nd annual World Internet Conference in Wuzhen town of Jiaxing, Zhejiang province, China, December 16, 2015.

WUZHEN, China - China will guarantee foreign companies’ legal rights, President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday at the country’s second annual World Internet Conference in Wuzhen.

“Safeguarding the legal rights of foreign-invested businesses will not change,” said Xi. “As long as China’s laws are respected, we warmly welcome companies and entrepreneurs from all countries to invest in China.”

Despite China’s strict controls on online businesses, including

requiring firms to self-censor and partner with domestic companies, the world’s second largest economy also has the biggest Internet population, numbering almost 700 million people.

The allure of that mass has ensured foreign firms, like U.S. tech giants Google Inc and Facebook Inc, remain eager to break into the market and attempt to turn a profit from China’s Internet users.

But critics have raised concerns over a new raft of regulations from

China this year. In July, China’s parliament published a draft cybersecurity law which would consolidate Beijing’s control over data, with potentially significant consequences for internet service providers and multinational firms doing business in the country.

China’s largely rubber stamp parliament in July also passed a sweeping national security law that tightened government control in politics, culture, the military, the economy, technology and the environment. (rtr)

14

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Health

International

Zombie apocalypse study makes top scientific journal

LONDON - Are you afflicted by a shambling gait, a tendency to moan and the desire to bite and eat flesh? Watch out -- you could be becoming a zombie, according to the respected British Medical Journal (BMJ).

A new article entitled “Zombie infections: epidemiology, treatment and prevention” details every-

thing from symptoms of infection -- “people may clinically die and reanimate” -- to how “zombiism”

is transmitted -- “via bite”.

It urges more funding for research into zombie epidemics “to tackle the looming threat of apocalyptic disease”.

The study, by Tara Smith of Kent State University in the US, even comes with meticulous footnotes

citing sources such as zombie movies “28 Days Later” and “Night of the Living Dead”.

A spokesman for the BMJ, one of the most respected forums for research in the medical world, explained that the article was part of a light-hearted tradition of running

a special Christmas issue.

“All Christmas articles go thorough our usual peer-review processes,” the spokesman added.

“The subject matter is quirky and fun, but they use proper research methods and have to stand up scientifically.” (afp)

E-cigarettes contain dangerous ‘popcorn lung’ chemicals WASHINGTON - Three in four e-cigarettes were found to use a flavored liquid that has been linked to severe respiratory disease, US researchers said Tuesday.

Electronic cigarettes are battery-powered devices that heat a nicotine-containing liquid, which is inhaled much like a cigarette.

Unlike traditional cigarettes, the devices are not regulated by US authorities, leading to concern among some experts that they may be harmful to health -- and that their candy and fruit flavors may appeal

to youths and put them at risk of addiction.

For the study in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, scientists at Harvard University tested flavors that may appeal to young people such as Cotton Candy, Fruit Squirts and Cupcake.

They found that 75 percent of tested samples contained diacetyl, which when inhaled has been linked to the respiratory disease bronchiolitis obliterans -- sometimes called “popcorn lung” because over 10 years ago it was discovered in

workers who inhaled artificial butter flavor in microwave popcorn processing facilities.

Of the 7,000 varieties of flavored e-cigarettes, researchers focused on testing 51 types “sold by leading brands for the presence of diacetyl, acetoin and 2,3-pentanedione, two related flavoring compounds that are listed as ‘high priority,’” because they may pose a respiratory hazard in the workplace, the study said.

In a lab testing environment, each e-cigarette was attached to a

device that drew air through the e-cigarette for eight seconds at a time, with a resting period of 15 or 30 seconds, to mimic the action of a human smoker.

The air stream was analyzed, and at least one of the three chemicals was detected in 47 of the 51 flavors tested, according to the report.

“Diacetyl was detected above the laboratory limit of detection in 39 of the flavors tested,” it said.

Acetoin was detected in 46 flavors, and 2,3-pentanedione was found in 23 of the flavors.

“Since most of the health concerns about e-cigarettes have focused on nicotine, there is still much we do not know about e-cigarettes,” said study co-author David Christiani, a professor of environmental genetics.

“In addition to containing varying levels of the addictive substance nicotine, they also contain other cancer-causing chemicals, such as formaldehyde, and as our study shows, flavoring chemicals that can cause lung damage.” (afp)

Presidents, prime ministers may age faster, die sooner

AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File

In this Saturday, Dec. 12, 2015 file photo, US President Barack Obama speaks about the Paris climate agreement from the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington.

LONDON — Leading a country comes with extraordinary privileges but also, apparently, a price: new research suggests that heads of state age faster than normal and that the stress of the job may shave almost three years off their life expectancy.

Doctors analyzed how long presidents and prime ministers in 17 countries — including Britain, Canada, France, Germany and the U.S. — survived after leaving office, compared to the losing candidates. They also observed the number of years that heads of state lived versus what was expected for someone of the same age and gender.

After considering the fates of 279 heads of state and 261 runner-ups, they concluded former leaders lived for almost three fewer years than expected.

The study was published online Monday in the medical journal, The BMJ. “To lose a few years is significant,” said Dr. Anupam Jena of Harvard Medical School, the study’s senior author. “(Leaders) probably felt national priorities were much more pressing than eating right and exercising,” he said, saying former U.S. President Bill Clinton’s admitted weakness for fast food may have resulted in “stress eating.”

“Maybe if there had been world peace, his lifestyle would

have been different,” Jena said.

After leaving office, Clinton had bypass surgery; he subsequently said he lost weight and became vegan to try to reverse his heart disease.

Other researchers have found that U.S. presidents actually live longer than their constituents.

“The stress (of leading a country) could accelerate the graying of hair and wrinkling of skin, but that doesn’t mean they’ll die earlier,” said S. Jay Olshansky, a professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

His research on former commanders in chief found they had a longer-than-expected life expectancy, partly because they are part of the top 1 percent of the population that are highly educated, wealthy and have better access to health care than most.

Still, even U.S. President Barack Obama recently joked with Canada’s new Prime Minister Justin Trudeau — who is about a decade younger than Obama — about how a country’s top office can speed up aging. Obama advised Trudeau he should start dying his hair to avoid going gray.

Jena said Trudeau — who is a keen outdoorsman — might fare better than expected.

“Someone like him, who is fit, may be in a better starting position than others,” he said. “The years could be kinder to him.” (ap)

International

Bali News

Thursday, December 17, 2015

3

DED of Denpasar – Singaraja shortcut, designed at ten points

SINGARAJA - Regent of Buleleng, Putu Agus Suradnyana, established a communication with the Minister of Public Works and People’s Housing, Dr. M. Basuki Hadimuljono, after the impounding of the Titab-Ularan dam, Sunday (Dec. 13). He proposed the acceleration of the Denpasar-Singaraja shortcut development. Later, he said that the shortcut DED is being designed by related ministries.

Minister of Public Works and People’s Housing, Basuki Hadimuljono, requested the making of shortcut DED as many as 10 points.

It is meant to accelerate the shortcut development followed by the land acquisition plan at some points of the beam construction. “We sit at a table with the Minister of Public Works and Mrs. Mega after the impounding of the Titab-Ularan dam. When asked about the progress in 2016, he answered that it is only one-point detailed engineering design (DED) of the shortcut at Bedugul. Minister of Public Works and People’s Housing was surprised, and he asked to be made the shortcut DED at ten points this year,” said Regent Suradnyana accompanied by Deputy Regent of Buleleng Nyoman Sutjidra when reconfirmed on Tuesday (Dec. 15).

Regent Suradnyana explained the existence of shortcut is not a political issue. According to him, the shortcut development is meant to ease the Denpasar-Singaraja access, improve people’s economy and accelerate the growth in North Bali. Through the ten-point DED request by the Minister of Public Works and People’s Housing, a hope began to appear, even though the field workmanship is still quite long done. Practically such conditions have something to do with land acquisition, and other technical

calculation. “If the DED has been made, the location of points is clear.

And we are ready to perform land acquisition, so that there is a progress. As a result, we do not talk only, and do not let the shortcut be made into political issue,” he explained.

Regent Suradnyana claimed that he has good coordination and communication with the government of Bali province. “Yes, okay, it is not a problem. Provincial government is encouraging the development plan and so are we,” he said.

When confirmed separately, the Head of the Buleleng Development Planning Board (Bappeda), Gde Dharmaja, added that Buleleng District is currently carrying out the preparation of detailed spatial plan (RDTR) including the shortcut construction that will be adjusted to

the regional spatial plan (RTRW) of Buleleng. “In executing our development, we see the regional spatial plan of Buleleng. The detailed spatial plan is being prepared as well, but it requires a long process. This happens because we must wait for the basic map issued by the Geospatial Information Agency (BIG),” he added.

Dharmaja asserted that in 2016 the Bappeda is completing the detailed spatial plan of urban areas, such as the Banjar and Seririt subdistrict. Approximately, the

preparation of the detailed spatial plan remained five percent to complete. Concerning with the shortcut, the Bappeda Buleleng remains to always make consultation on technical matters and budgeting.

“If the shortcut poses the program of central government, so the program lies in the central government through the National Road Agency in Denpasar. Mr. Regent had time to ask about the shortcut progress and it was replied to have reached the DED preparation,” he said. (kmb34)

IBP/File Photo

The file photo showed shortcut access from Tabanan to Jembrana. Regent of Buleleng, Putu Agus Suradnyana, proposed the acceleration of the Denpasar-Singaraja shortcut development.

Attracting Chinese travelers

Minister of Tourism revives Cheng Ho route

MINISTER of Tourism Arief Yahya had the opportunity to sign the inscription of the Cheng Ho Ocean Line during the peak of the celebrations of Archipelago Day 2015 that was enlivened by various marine attractions at Lampulo Marine Fishery Harbor, in Banda Aceh, on Sunday (Dec. 13). The launch of the Cheng Ho Ocean Line is part of the commitment of the Ministry of Tourism to feature marine tourism and also serves to contribute to making Indonesia the axis power for world maritime activity.

The Minister of Tourism stated that there are nine cities that the Cehn Ho Ocean Line will serve: Banda Aceh, Batam, Tanjung

Pandan Belitung, Pangkal Pinang, Palembang, Greater Jakarta, Cirebon, Semarang, Surabaya and Denpasar. “A total of 10 cities were visited by Cheng Ho in the XXI century AD, but we are only serving 9, Tuban is not included,” said the Minister.

Yahya said that Banda Aceh was the first stopover point for this muslim traveller and the Cakra Donya artifact bears witness to his stop there. The minister added that the revival of the Chen Ho ocean line that will start form Aceh, will bring more Chinese visitors to Indonesia. Currently, 3 million tourists visit Aceh every year 30,000 of whom are non-Indonesians who are categorized as friendly or

family tourists. “I suggested to the Head of Aceh Culture and Tourism Agency and to the Mayor of Banda Aceh that they develop halal tourism, because such practices are already strong here. Hopefully, Aceh will also be awarded the Halal Tourism award next year as Lombok was last year,” said Minsister Yahya.

Archipelago Day

The peak of the Archipelago Day 2015 celebrations was opened

by Vice President Jusuf Kalla at the Lampulo Marine Fishery Port, in Banda Aceh. According to the Vice President, Archipelago Day is a fitting moment to affirm and remember that Indonesia is the

largest archipelagic country in the world and that sprinkled amongst these beautiful islands are a diversity of cultures, customs and economic potentials that should be explored to the fullest. “Indonesia is a maritime country and the largest archipelago in the world,” said the Vice President.

The Province of Aceh was selected as the location for the official celebrations of Archipelago Day, because of its strategic positions on the western tip of the republic of Indonesia where it serves as a gateway for international traffic between Southeast Asia and Australia. Aceh has a large maritime region with the Malacca Straight to the northeast, the Anda-

man (bengal) sea to the west and Indian Ocean to the south.

The well known Chinese traveller Chen Ho when travelling in this region, payed a visit to the kingdom of Samudera Pasai and to the Lambiri Sultanate.

The king of Samudera Pasai offered Chen Ho a large bell that is known as the Chakra Dinya (Bellof the World). Chakra Donya is a symbol of the brotherly relations between the Chinese Emperor and the King of Samudera Pasai.

Since 1915, it has been stored in the Aceh Museum and serves as authentic evidence of the historical relationship between China and Aceh that dates back to the fifteenth century. (son)

2

International

Thursday, December 17, 2015

COVER STORY

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Harris hotels offers magnificent carnival theme

From page 1

JAKARTA – Warmth, happiness, optimism and enthusiasm are some of the keywords which represent the color orange and that’s exactly why Tauzia Hotel Management chose the color to represent Harris Hotels.

IBP/Courtesy of Harris Hotels

Opening speech by Mr. Armand Steinmeyer (TAUZIA Hotel Management) commencing the HARRIS Day 2015 - Bali and Fun Bike starts at HARRIS-POP! Cokroaminoto Denpasar. Adjoining Mr. Armand were Harris Hotels’ regional Bali General Managers.

IBP/Eka Adhiyasa

Badung Market is one of the traditional markets that is managed by PD Pasar Denpasar. Apart for serving as a place for trading, this market has started to attract foreign visitors, curious to explore.

Denpasar city tour ‘sells’ Badung Market DENPASAR has more than beaches to offer as tourist attractions. Several locations in the city’s centre have recently been packaged for travellers visiting Denpasar though the municipal government’s city tour, including Badung Market.

Badung Market is one of the traditional markets that is managed by PD Pasar Denpasar.

Apart for serving as a place for trading, this market has started to attract foreign visitors, curious to explore. Asian travelers in particular are enjoying perusing the goods that are sold in the market that represent the daily needs of Balinese people such as distinctive traditional food, typical Balinese art products, homeward items and so forth.

Many tourists enjoy watching the transaction process that invariably involves bargaining as well as the general activities of the market, like people carry-

ing large bundles for hire, not to mention the enjoyment they get from tasting traditional dishes and buying traditional handicrafts and souvenirs.

Badung market runs from early in the morning until late into the night, so there is nearly always something going-on. At night, there is often fanfare in the courtyard outside the market and a variety of goods are sold at affordable prices.

Head of the Denpasar Tourism Office, Wayan Gunawan, said that the tour destinations that are most popular with Chinese tourists are the Jagatnatha Temple, the Bali Museum, Badung Market and

15

Celebrate 13th anniversary

Travelers ...

Denpasar, as the capital of the Province of Bali was the first place in Bali to have accommodations especially built for foreign travelers. In 1920 the Bali Hotel was first opened, which means that 2020 will mark 100 years of tourism on Bali.

“Compared to other cities around the world that hosts many tourists, Denpasar’s infrastructure and tourism supporting facilities, lag sorely behind. Lack of technology based information, web promotion and adequate toilets are some of major things that make Denpasar less appealing to both domestic and foreign travelers,” said Kandia.

He added that the municipal government would do well to consider the management of the Seoul museum in South Korea, where the vast acreage and comfortable layout make this place of learning popular with both tourists as well as school children who flock there to learn about the history of Korea.

“The collection of objects originating from the era of the Majapahit Kingdom are given large amount of space, but the Bajra Sandhi that serves as Denpasar’s icon, does not meet the requirements of being a museum,” said Kandia who also says that the Mayor of Denpasar, along with the Denpasar House of Representatives need to have the courage to come up with new concepts for the development of museums in the city.

These museums, he said should be equipped with technological aids and comfortable spaces so that school children can learn contentedly from museums. “Denpasar should be the focus of such developments because of its proximity to various existing tourist destinations throughout Bali and is also just 20 minutes away from Ngurah Rai International Airport,” he suggested.

Meanwhile, Spokesperson for of Municipality Denpasar, Dewa Rai, stated that his party would continue to develop the Heritage City Tours of Denpasar by organizing various cultural events. “One of the goals is to increase the number of tourist visits to the city and to resorts within the city and one way to do this is to improve the conditions at existing tourist attractions including traditional markets, as has already taken place in Intara, Sindhu and Sanur,” he explained.

The municipal government said Dewa Rai, has also made improvements to the Z curve between Pemecutan Palace and Satria Palace, and to the Catur Muka roundabout.

Denpasar has had city tours ever since tourism been to flourish in Bali as witnessed by the establishment of the Bali Hotel (now known as Inna Bali Hotel), located in the heart of Denpasar. However the idea to seriously work on a city tour program fully emerged only in recent years when Minister AA Puspayoga officiated as Mayor of Denpasar. Puspayoga along with his deputy mayor, the late I Ketut Robin dreamed of creating a city tour that would become the flagship tourism program for the City of Denpasar. (par)

Activities

International

Kumbasari Market. “Of all the tourist attractions we visited in Bali, we found the Denpasar city tour to be extraordinary, and were very peaked with it,” said Chinese visitor So Bing Kong.

He added that he appreciated the historical value of some of the tour’s destinations that he said were extraordinary and where he learned many things. “I found it especially interesting to visit Chinatown, located around Jalan Gajah Mada and Jalan Kartini, here we could see how Balinese culture and Chinese culture come together,” he said.

So Bing Kong added however, that even though the city tour itself is very comfortable, improvements could be made to sanitation, particularly at Badung market and Kumbasari market.

Gunawan of the tourism office said that: “the attraction on the

city tour, need to be continuously introduced to new visitors” and promised that repairs and improvements twill be made to certain of the tour destinations that are in need of such attention.

Also, in order to entertain those who take the city tour, the tourism office will be holding tradition Denpasar performances and will also be displaying typical Denpasar souvenirs in an effort to impress visitors into wanting to return and tell their friends and family about the tour.

Managing Director of PD Pasar Denpasar, I Made Westra, stated that since the city tour program was rolled out, there has been a marked increase in the number of tourists who visit Badung Market and so the market has been making improvements in order to support the comfort of visitors. (ara)

 Founder : K.Nadha,  General Manager :Palgunadi Chief Editor: Diah Dewi Juniarti  Editors: Gugiek Savindra,Alit Susrini, Alit Sumertha, Daniel Fajry, Mawa, Suana, Sueca, Sugiartha, Yudi Winanto Denpasar: Dira Arsana, Giriana Saputra, Subrata, Sumatika, Asmara Putra. Bangli: Suasrina, Buleleng: Dewa kusuma, Gianyar: Agung Dharmada, Karangasem: Budana, Klungkung: Bagiarta. Jakarta: Nikson, Hardianto, Ade Irawan. NTB: Agus Talino, Izzul Khairi, Raka Akriyani. Surabaya: Bambang Wilianto.  Development: Alit Purnata, Mas Ruscitadewi.  Office: Jalan Kepundung 67 A Denpasar 80232. Telephone (0361)225764, Facsimile: 227418, P.O.Box: 3010 Denpasar 80001. Bali Post Jakarta, Advertizing: Jl.Palmerah Barat 21F. Telp 021-5357602, Facsimile: 021-5357605 Jakarta Pusat. NTB: Jalam Bangau No. 15 Cakranegara Telp.

(0370) 639543, Facsimile: (0370) 628257. Publisher: PT Bali Post

Balinese Temple Ceremony

Every Temple and Shrine has a special date for it annual Ceremony, or “ Odalan “, every 210 days according to Balinese calendar, including the smaller ancestral shrine which each family possesses. Because of this practically every few days a ceremony of festival of some kind takes place in some Village in Bali. There are also times when the entire island celebrated the same Holiday, such as at Galungan, Kuningan, Nyepi day, Saraswati day, Tumpek Landep day, Pagerwesi day, Tumpek Wayang day etc.

The dedication or inauguration day of a Temple is considered its birth day and celebration always takes place on the same day if the wuku or 210 day calendar is used. When new moon is used then the celebration always happens on new moon or full moon. The day of course can differ the religious celebration of a temple lasts at least one full day with some temple celebrating for three days while the celebration of Besakih temple, the Mother Temple, is never less than 7 days and most of the time it lasts for 11 days, depending on the importance of the occasion.

The celebration is very colorful. The shrine are dressed with pieces of cloths and sometimes with brocade, sailings, decorations of carved wood and sometimes painted with gold and Chinese coins, very beautifully arranged, are hung in the four corners of the shrine. In front of shrine are placed red, white or black umbrellas depending which Gods are worshipped in the shrines.

In front of important shrine one sees, besides these umbrellas soars, tridents and other weapons, the “umbul-umbul”, long flags, all these are prerogatives or attributes of Holiness. In front of the Temple gate put up “Penjor”, long bamboo poles, decorated beautifully ornaments of young coconut leaves, rice and other products of the land. Most beautiful to see are the girls in their colorful attire, carrying offerings, arrangements of all kinds fruits and colored cakes, to the Temple. Every visitor admires the grace with which the carry their load on their heads.

Beginning in Batam in the year of 2002, Harris Hotels now operates in 21 popular destinations across Indonesia and this year will mark the brand’s 13th anniversary.

Also every year to commemorate the long-lasting brand, Harris Day is conducted so customers and their family can fully experience the true Healthy Lifestyle moment together through family-focused as well as plenty other entertaining activities. This year the 6th annual Harris Day fall on Sunday, 13 December 2015 from 7AM to 1PM. “This year the program will be available in 5 different areas simultaneously – Batam, Bandung, Bali, Surabaya &

Pontianak – and we are targeting almost 10,000 participants or double last year’s number!” added Irene Janti, Tauzia’s Chief Brand & Product Officer.

Learning that people’s interest in biking never seemed to cease, Harris Day decided to keep Fun Bike & Bike Decoration Competition on their agenda. A staple which has become the event’s signature and favorite amongst the people.

“We are expecting close to 1,000 participants per area comprising of amateur bikers, families and communities. And specifically for the competition, we want to attract children more to take part and ask

Fun Bike starts at HARRIS-POP! Cokroaminoto Denpasar.

their parents to join so both can have quality time together.”

In addition to that, Harris Games and Entertainments also available on site, such as: Energizer Dance, Zumba, ‘60s DJ Remix, band performance, BMX free styles, clowns, magicians, acrobats, bouncy castle, cabaret and exclusive food demo by resident chefs.

“To further introduce our prospective customers of Harris Hotels, we are also providing our signature Juice Bar and Healthy Food Corner.”

And in support of this event, some of high-profile brands have signed on to partner with Tauzia Hotel Management as the award-winning hotel and real estate operator in Indonesia and also the operator of Harris Hotel, namely: Mastrada, PT. Supranusa Sindata, King Koil, Nikon, and United Bike.

IBP/Courtesy of Harris Hotels

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

16 Pages Number 250 7th year

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

Price: Rp 3.000,-

Thursday, December 17, 2015

‘Mad Max’ leads Critics’ Choice Awards nominations with 13

LOS ANGELES — “Mad Max: Fury Road” was critically acclaimed upon its release over the summer, and now it’s the top nominee at the Critics’ Choice Awards.

The film collected 13 bids, including best picture, director (George Miller), actress (Charlize Theron) and actor (Tom Hardy), when nominations were announced Monday.

“Carol,” ‘’The Martian” and “The Revenant” each received nine nominations, including best picture and best director. “Spotlight” followed with eight bids, while dark comedy “The Big Short” collected seven.

FX Networks’ “Fargo” dominated TV nominees with eight nods, including best limited series, actor (Patrick Wilson) and actress (Kirsten Dunst). HBO’s “The Leftovers” and Amazon’s “Transparent” each received six nominations.

The Critics’ Choice Awards will be presented Jan. 17 at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, and broadcast live on Lifetime and A&E. (ap)

Jasin Boland/Warner Bros. Pictures via AP

This photo released by Warner Bros. Pictures shows Tom Hardy in a scene from, “Mad Max:Fury Road.”

“Mad Max: Fury Road” was critically acclaimed upon its release over the summer, and now it’s the top nominee at the Critics’ Choice Awards.

Dolly Parton movie a hit for NBC

NEW YORK — Family-friendly programming is doing well this holiday season for NBC, which has a rare three-week winning streak in the television ratings.

The Dolly Parton movie, “Coat of Many Colors,” reached more than 13 million viewers. That landed the program in the Nielsen company’s weekly Top Ten last week, and exceeded the viewership for the live production of “The Wiz” earlier this month. Preliminary ratings show that NBC did well on Monday night with the Adele concert special.

Quantrell Colbert/NBC via AP Michael Buble’s “Christmas in Hollywood” on NBC was the week’s In this image released by NBC, Dolly Parton appears top-ranked holiday program.

The less family-friendly “Victo- in a promotional photo ria’s Secret Fashion Show” on CBS from “Dolly Parton’s Coat was seen by 6.6 million viewers, of Many Colors,” in Pigeon Nielsen said. NBC averaged 8.6 Forge, Tenn. million viewers in prime time. CBS had 8 million viewers, ABC had 4.5 million, Fox had 4.3 million, Univision had 2 million, the CW had 1.7 million, Telemundo had 1.6 million and ION Television had 1.3 million.

ESPN was the week’s most popular cable network, averaging 3 million viewers in prime time. TBS had 2.11 million viewers, Fox News Channel had 1.92 million, AMC had 1.79 million and USA had 1.67 million. NBC’s “Nightly News” topped the evening newscasts with an average of 9 million viewers. ABC’s “World News Tonight” was second with 8.5 million and the “CBS Evening News” had 7.5 million viewers. (ap)

WEATHER FORECAST 23 - 32 Dps

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Thursday, December 17, 2015 Venezuelan socialists seek to undermine opposition congress Page 6

FIFA officials plead not guilty in soccer corruption probe Page 8

Denpasar City Tour bringing in tourists

‘The Affair,’ ‘Mad Men’ and ‘Frontline’ among year’s 10 Best

NEW YORK — Sure, 10 is an arbitrary number. If we were to add an 11th show, it might very well be HBO’s sublimely shrewd comedy “Silicon Valley,” or ABC’s unbridled melodrama “Scandal,” or Fox’s noir thriller “Gotham.” It might even be “CBS This Morning,” which continues to offer early risers a smart diet of news as opposed to the empty calories of its rivals on ABC and NBC. But 10 it is, so here, in alphabetical order, are this year’s Big 10: p “The Affair” (Showtime). A New York novelist has an affair and creates havoc for two families — his own and his lover’s. The second season of this heated drama has been even

better than the first, as the rewards of his infidelity disintegrate and the consequences mount. p “The Americans” (FX). Perhaps the best but least-celebrated drama on the air, it marked a third season of crafty storytelling as it continued to explore the complex, death-defying lives of two Soviet KGB officers posing as an American married couple during the Cold War. The tangled storylines remained intriguing; with co-stars Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys so good in their multiple guises as undercover spies that they even escaped notice, yet again, from the Emmy and Golden Globes judges. For shame! p “Better Call Saul” (AMC). The

pain of losing “Breaking Bad” was salved for its fans by the return of Bob Odenkirk (who arrived at “BB” in its second season as welcome comic relief, then grew Saul into a full-fledged scene stealer) in this aptly quirky prequel. p “Fargo” (FX). A second season of doing the impossible — reimagining the 1996 film classic — this cycle has, if anything, improved on Season 1 with its completely new tale and slate of characters. p “Frontline” (PBS). Airing for more than 30 years, winner of more than two dozen Peabody Awards, it kept on keeping on this season with reports on the NRA, Vladimir Putin,

torture by the CIA, Ebola, ISIS and the challenges faced by transgender youngsters. p “The Good Wife” (CBS). This legal drama had a few false moments last spring, especially in plotting its farewell to glam gumshoe Kalinda (Archie Panjabi). But so far in Season 7, it’s back in the swing. p “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver” (HBO). Religion, chicken, net neutrality, voting rights for Guam, the injustice of bail — they’re all the same to Oliver. p “Mad Men” (AMC). For anyone who was there, the ‘60s felt allinclusive yet passed in a flash. Same for “Mad Men,” whose saga began at

the dawn of the ‘60s and closed out that decade when its final season aired last spring. p “Narcos” (Netflix). This serialized, true-to-life thriller follows the exploits of Columbian drug kingpin Pablo Escobar and the Medellin Cartel, as well as the U.S. drug agents Escobar repeatedly outwits. p “Sense8” (Netflix). A fluid narrative takes viewers to eight cities where eight characters are somehow linked by an ability to share thoughts, feelings and visions they can’t explain to themselves or anyone else. Viewers are invited to embark on this enchanting sci-fi thrill ride from the Wachowskis (“The Matrix”). (ap)

Government agency’s last remnants of 9/11 being given away Page 13

ANTARA FOTO/Fadlansyah

Indonesian government has sunk Malaysian fishing vessel found fishing illegally in its waters on Tuesday.

Malaysian ship detained for poaching fish

JAKARTA - A surveillance ship belonging to the Indonesian Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources has detained a Malaysian fishing vessel KM SLFA 2675 for poaching fish in the waters of Malacca Strait.

“It was intercepted by the surveillance ship Hiu 004 while conducting illegal fishing in the waters of Malacca Strait in North Sumatra on December 13, 2015, with around 300 kilograms of fish aboard as evidence,” Asep Burhanudin, the director general of fisheries and marine resource surveillance (PSDKP), stated on Wednesday.

He said the ship was intercepted while conducting illegal fishing without proper licensing documents from the Indonesian government.

The KM SLFA 2675 vessel, weighing 56 gross tons, was also caught using illegal fishing equipment, such as a trawl, which can harm the fish and marine resources.

The ship and its crew have been detained on charges of allegedly violating articles in the fishery law, which carries a sentence of up to six years’ of imprisonment and a maximum fine of Rp20 billion.

The KM SLFA 2675 vessel has been detained along with a trawl, GPS navigation equipment, compass, communication radio, and around 300 kilograms of varied species of fish.

The evidence and five crew members from Myanmar have been taken to the PSDKP office in

Belawan, North Sumatra.

The Indonesian government has sunk ships found fishing illegally in its waters to protect its fish supply. (ant) 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.

SINCE the launch of the Heritage C i t y To u r o f Denpasar ,there has been a 60% increase in the number of tourists visiting several attractions in the city of Dnpasar, and as a result the municipal government is planning to add several new destinations to the city tour.

According to tourism practitioner, Mangku Nyoman Kandia, the city tour has yet to tap into the full potential of Denpasar in its itinerary. Kandia who is also a member of the Indonesian Tourism Promotion Board (BPPI) said the Heritage City Tour of Denpasar cannot be fully developed until issues related to infrastructure have been resolved. For example, the traditional market included on the tour have yet to be well managed and are still quite dirty, making them less than appealing for tourists to go and visit.

Kandia explained that the concept of a Denpasar city tour package was created by travel agents long before Denpasar even became a city in the 1970’s.

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