Edition Monday, February 18, 2019 | International Bali Post

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Monday, February 18, 2019

David Beckham could face court after ‘using mobile while driving’ DAVID Beckham could appear in court after allegedly using a mobile phone while driving - less than two months after getting off a speeding charge.

A member of the public told the police they had seen the former England football captain making a call in his Bentley Bentayga SUV near Oxford Street in central London on 21 November. CCTV footage of the alleged incident is understood to have been obtained and the case is set to appear before Bromley magistrates on 19 March.

A London Magistrates’ courts spokesman said Beckham, 43, received a justice procedure notice in the post, but had not yet been charged. A hearing will take place at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on 19 March.

The father-of-four can admit to

the alleged offence by letter, appear in court to contest the charge, or send his lawyer so he does not have to appear publicly.

If convicted he faces six points on his licence and a £2,000 fine.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: “An allegation was made by a member of the public to the Met that on 21 November 2018 they saw a 43-year-old man on his mobile phone while driving his car in the area of Great Portland Street. “The 43-year-old man has been sent a notice of intended prosecution.” The alleged offence happened nearly two months after Beckham’s £10,000-a-day celebrity lawyer, Nick Freeman, got him off a speeding charge on a technicality in September. He was accused of driving his Bentley at 59mph in a 40mph zone on the A40 in Paddington on 23 January, 2018. (net)

Monday, February 18, 2019

The Oscars is under fire after cutting four awards from its live broadcast.

IBP/net

Why the Oscars is facing a backlash over ‘advert awards’

THE Academy Awards has announced that the presentations of four Oscars will not be featured live - a move which has not gone down well with many in the industry.

David Beckham

IBP/net

Former best actor winner Russell Crowe, Roma director Alfonso Cuaron and The Shape Of Water filmmaker Guillermo Del Toro are among several stars hitting out at the decision to present the prizes for cinematography, editing, live action short and make-up and hairstyling during advert breaks.

Academy producers say they have made the decision to keep the ceremony to a three-hour timeframe. Although the presentations will not be shown live, they say the speeches will air later on in the

broadcast, and viewers will also be able to see them live if they are streaming online. In future years, four to six different categories will be selected on rotation to be featured in this way.

The move has angered several stars, with many arguing in particular about the award for cinematography. Cuaron, who is nominated in the cinematography category for his Netflix film, as well as for other awards including best picture and best director, wrote on Twitter: “In the history of CINEMA, master-

pieces have existed without sound, without color, without a story, without actors and without music.

“No one single film has ever existed without CINEMAtography and without editing.”

Crowe, who won the best actor Oscar for Gladiator in 2001, tweeted: “The Academy is removing cinematography, editing and make up from the televised show?

“This is just such a fundamentally stupid decision, I’m not even going to be bothered trying to be a smart arse about it. (net)

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Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP

Pope Francis addresses the crowd from the window of the apostolic palace overlooking St Peter’s square during his Angelus prayer on February 17, 2019 at the Vatican.

World bishops head to Vatican for sex abuse summit

VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis gathers bishops from around the world at the Vatican this week for a hotly-awaited summit on tackling the wave of child sex abuse scandals assailing the Catholic Church.

The heads of around 100 bishops’ conferences from every continent will convene from Thursday to Sunday for the meeting on the protection of minors, with victims’ groups demanding that a concrete action plan on fighting paedophilia be drawn up.

The pope, who asked the bishops to speak to victims of abuse in their respective countries before the Rome convention, has tried to dial down “inflated expectations” for a cure-all.

Several victims were also invited to the Vatican.

“I ask you to pray for this meeting,” the pope said Sunday, adding that he wanted the meeting “as an

act of strong pastoral responsibility in the face of an urgent challenge of our time.”

The conference aims to be an opportunity to improve awareness of the global phenomenon of sexual abuse of minors within the Church, despite many in Africa, Asia and the Middle East being in denial of what they call “a Western problem”.

In many parts of the world, discussing violence towards children and even sex is taboo, leading the Vatican to organise this week’s “educational” gathering.

Some abuse victims, particularly from countries where their plight is ignored, have also been invited

to attend.

“Someone who has met a victim, heard their cries for help, their tears, their psychological and physical wounds, can’t remain the same,” said German Jesuit priest Hans Zollner, a psychologist who travels the world educating priests and is one of the conference’s organisers.

“The Catholic Church has been faced with this problem for the last 35 years,” he said, hailing rigorous preventative measures taken in Australia, Britain, Canada, Ireland and the United States.

“It works: the number of new accusations of sexual assault in all these countries is now minimal,”

he said.

The aim is for the heads of the world’s episcopal conferences to achieve “a feeling of collective responsibility” said Father Federico Lombardi, who will be leading debates during the conference.

“The credibility of the Church is at stake,” he said.

- ‘A decisive moment’ The summit comes after Pope Francis defrocked a former cardinal -- American Theodore McCarrick -- over accusations he sexually abused a teenager 50 years ago.

McCarrick, 88, who resigned from the Vatican’s College of Cardinals in July, is the first cardinal ever to be defrocked for sex abuse.

Chilean Vatican expert Luis Badilla said the meeting would

be a “decisive moment for the pontificate”.

“We want this meeting to result in concrete measures,” he said, echoing victims’ hopes for the conference, being held in the wake of paedophile scandals that have shaken the Church particularly in Chile and in the United States.

The summit’s title, concerning “the protection of minors”, avoids using the words “sex” or “paedophilia”, noted Badilla.

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

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Monday, February 18, 2019

Bali News

International

International

Tourism management agency extends collection time of levies from the dawn

BANGLI — The existence of levy collection carried out by a group of people on behalf of the Batur UNESCO Global Geopark (BUGG) Tourism Management Agency to tourists visiting Kintamani at dawn was acknowledged by the Director of BUGG Tourism Management Agency, I Gede Wiwin Suyasa. He said the collection of levy to tourists on the Penelokan route in the early hours of the morning had already been implemented by the BUGG Tourism Management Agency since Monday (Feb. 11).

When contacted on Friday (Feb. 15), Wiwin Suyasa explained that collecting levies to tourists visiting Kintamani is not anything new. But it has been applied for a long time.

However, since February 11 the levies have begun to be handled by the BUGG Tourism Management Agency after the handover from the Kintamani tourism management and collecting officers by the Bangli district government.

Wiwin said that previously the collection of tourist levies in Kintamani was handled directly by the Bangli Tourism and Culture Office. Due to limited capabilities, the time for collecting levies can only be done by the office from 9:00 to 16:00.

Then, since the management is submitted to the BUGG Tourism Management Agency, the time for collecting levies is extended from 1:00 until 19:00. It is done as an effort to optimize the regionally generated revenue from tourism sector. “In the meantime, we are optimizing the efforts to extend the counter’s opening hours. So, the collection of levies is not new. The officers are still the same people,” he explained. He also added the amount of levies imposed on tourists visiting Kintamani remains the same. According to local regulations, foreign tourists are charged IDR 30,000 per person, while domestic tourists at IDR 15,000 per person.

Regarding the collection point questioned by a number of tourism

players because it is carried out on the declining roadside at Penelokan, Wiwin revealed that his party is still conducting arrangements, including the construction of a collection post on the descending route at Penelokan.

Levy collection is also still being carried out in several existing points.

“There (at Penelokan) sits a collection point. Perhaps it is still being built,” he said.

Meanwhile, when asked about the target of tourist levy collection in Kintamani in 2019, Wiwin said that according to the regent’s expectation, his side in the Tourism Management Agency targets to be able to generate revenue from the levy collection as much as IDR 15 billion. This figure is IDR 4 billion greater than the previous year when the management was still handled by Tourism and Culture Office. To achieve revenue of IDR 15 billion per year, on average the Tourism Management Agency must be able to collect levies of around IDR 20-25 million each day. “From 1 o’clock until 8 o’clock in the morning we can collect levies from averagely 400 tourists,” he explained.

As previously reported, Chairman of the Bangli House of Representatives, Ngakan Kutha Parwata, said that he will soon hold a meeting with a number of relevant agencies to discuss the existence of the Batur UNESCO Global Geopark (BUGG) Tourism Management Agency formed by the regent. This is done to follow up

complaints from a number of tourism players in the Batur Caldera region, Kintamani, who questioned the existence of levies on tourist levies from a group of people against tourists on behalf of the Tourism Management Agency. The levies are questionable because they are carried out on the roadside in the early hours, and without dissemination.

Kutha Parwata revealed that his party received a complaint about the levies from a number of tourism players coming to his office on Wednesday (Feb. 13). The tourism players com-

plained as well as questioned about the existence of tourist levies carried out by a group of people on behalf of the Tourism Management Agency on the roadside of the Penelokan-Kedisan route in the early hours around 1:30 until the morning. The amount of levies imposed is IDR 31,000 per tourist wishing to have climbing tours to Mount Batur. “According to the information received, the levy has been applied around for three days,” said Kutha Parwata.

As the results of the coordination he carried out with the Tourism and Culture Office and the Bangli Regional Secretariat of Legal Affairs, it is found the imposition of levy worth IDR 31,000 is indeed an official levy imposed by the Tourism Management Agency. Even though it is official, Kutha Parwata regretted the levies

are not carried out in a proper location. According to information from tourism players complained to him, the levies are collected on the roadside precisely on the downhill road of Penelokan to Kedisan, not in the collection post available. Kutha Parwata also regretted the lack of dissemination carried out by the government regarding the existence of tourism management bodies and collection of levies in the early hours of the morning making tourism players in Kintamani quite shocked.

“If really wishing to collect levies around it, we hope it is made a proper collecting post. It should not be carried out on such roadside so as not to cause congestion. We also request the levy dissemination can be carried out by the tourism management body,” said Kutha Parwata. (kmb40)

IBP/kmb

Collecting levies to tourists visiting Kintamani is not anything new. But it has been applied for a long time.

Geothermal problems

If unqualified, don’t talk about it again

IBP/kmb

I Nyoman Adi Wiryatama

DENPASAR — Geothermal studies must be carried out in depth and not in half. One of the new renewable energies can be applied in Bali if it indeed can meet electricity needs as long as the environment is maintained.

However, if the evaluation results in fact show off the opposite, the project should not need to be discussed any longer.

“If it doesn’t meet the requirements, it should be closed im-

mediately rather than gaping in uncertainty like it’s now. Don’t talk about it anymore,” confirmed Chairman of the Bali House of Representatives, I Nyoman Adi Wiryatama, on Friday (Feb. 15).

Secretary of Commission III of the Bali House of Representatives, I Ketut Kariyasa Adnyana, said that geothermal has indeed been considered an eco-friendly energy source. However, Bedugul becoming the geothermal location is an

upstream area. There sit the forests and lakes that must be protected so they don’t get damaged.

“In terms of regulation, there has been a rejection from the House and governor. It must be considered to look for another energy alternative,” he said. According to Kariyasa, Bali can develop gas power, solar power, hydropower or wind power plant for the other alternative renewable energy. We can also process waste into energy.

To obtain energy from this waste, an Environmental Impact Analysis (EIA) study is needed to reduce the impact on the environment.

As a world tourist destination, the Island of the Gods is unlikely to be sacrificed for energy problems.

“It is now depending on technology, investors and costs. The cost may be greater because geothermal has been considered cheap,” added this PDI-P politician. (kmb32)

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Activities

Monday, February 18, 2019

15

Celebrate “ Silent Day” 3 Days 2 Night at Hotel Santika Siligita Nusa Dua

Towards Nyepi, Hotel Santika Siligita offers a special 3 day 2 night package offered on March 6 to March 8, 2019.

There are special prices for all room types and travelers can feel how calm the Island of the Gods are.

Nyepi is a Hindu holiday in Bali and is believed to be a day fully dedicated to worshiping God through prayer, fasting and meditation. This year, Nyepi will fall on March 7, 2019 (from 6am to 6am tomorrow). Although Nyepi is celebrated by Hindus, not a few local and foreign tourists come to Bali to experience a unique experience that lasts only one day in one year. During the Nyepi moment, Hindus in Bali were forbidden to light a fire, work, travel, and enjoy entertainment.

Instead, on Nyepi day it was also used as a moment for Hindus in Bali to introspect and spend time with family. Bali which is usually filled with endless tourist activities will feel very peaceful, calm and free from pollution when the Nyepi day takes place.

Another uniqueness is the day before

Nyepi, the Hindu community in Bali will carry out ceremonies in each family and Banjar then followed by a fertilization ceremony enlivened by the ogoh-ogoh parade, a sculpture in Balinese culture that depicts giant giants 3 meters to 8 meters.

Tourists can enjoy the peace and tranquility of the island while on vacation at the Hotel Santika Siligita located in Nusa Dua. For prices starting from Rp. 1,190,000 nett in superior rooms, deluxe rooms at Rp. 1,390,000 nett, deluxe executive at Rp. 1,640,000 net and santika suite at Rp. 3,190,000 nett per room for 3 days 2 nights including breakfast and one buffet dinner for two people and free internet access, swimming pool and access to the Fitness Center.

Tourists can enjoy the peace and tranquility of the island while on vacation at the Hotel Santika Siligita located in Nusa Dua. For further information and reservations, contact (62-361) - 8465 777 or directly to Hotel Santika Siligita at Jalan Pintas Siligita Road No.3A Banjar Peminge, Nusa Dua Bali.

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Monday, February 18, 2019

Traveling

International

5 reasons to visit Inverness, Scotland

1: The epic history

Inverness is one of the best places to learn about Scottish history, particularly the history the Jacobite rebellions. Culloden, the site of one of the bloody last battles of the Jacobite Uprising, sits on a windswept moor on the outskirts of the city and is one of the most poignant and moving places in Scotland.

Culloden Visitor Centre, which stands beside the battlefield, features interactive displays that reveal the background to the conflict. Using 360-degree immersion theatre, the multi award-winning attraction takes visitors back to one of the bloodiest periods in Scottish history. It features artefacts from both sides of the battle, including weapons, clothing, miniatures and coins.

2: Nessie is just down the road

Just 37 kilometres south west of Inverness, hauntingly beautiful Loch Ness is an easy day trip from the city. Famous throughout the world as home to the Loch Ness monster, an unknown cryptid that may or may not live in its murky depths. First spotted in 1933, ‘Nessie’ has inspired countless expeditions – scientific and otherwise – to prove her existence.

Even without the myth of the monster, Loch Ness demands attention. It is the largest body of water in the Great Glen and holds

more fresh water than all the lakes in England and Scotland combined.

Its mood changes with the weather.

Head to the atmospheric ruins of Urquhart Castle for the best view.

Or take one of the boat cruises offered for your best chance of spotting Nessie, or at least a floating log that looks very much like her.

3: It’s home to Scotland’s biggest Highland Games

First held in 1822, the Inverness Highland Games are the biggest and most spectacular traditional gathering of the clans in Scotland.

Held every July in Bught Park, its program boasts all the popular Highland sports including caber toss, tug o’ war and the hammer throw as well as Highland dancing and music.

The Games also feature craft stalls, livestock events, parades and even best-dressed pet competitions. The games conclude with a spectacular concert, held in a huge marque beside the grounds. Previous years have included performances from Scottish favourites, The Proclaimers.

4: It’s a hub of Highland culture

As the largest ‘city’ in the Highlands, it is no surprise that Inverness also serves as the region’s cultural hub. Situated right in the historic centre of the city, at the foot of the Castle hill, the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery is a treasure trove

of artefacts relating to the history of Highland Scotland. You’ll find Jacobite memorabilia, Inverness silverware, authentic Highland weapons and bagpipes.

Also in the city centre, or a short distance away, you’ll find the Highland Aviation Museum, the Highlanders Museum, the Loch Ness Centre and the Highland Museum of Childhood. Further afield you’ll can visit the Highland Wildlife Park, a part of the Royal Zoological Society for Scotland, as well as plenty of local castles like Castle Stuart, Cawdor Castle and Ardverikie Castle.

5: The food and drink are amazing

The Highlands are the natural larder of Scotland, the place where the country’s freshest and most iconic produce is sourced. In Inverness you’ll enjoy prime steak and organic vegetables to freshly caught kippers and salmon, all provided by local farms and fishermen.

You’re spoiled for choice for places to eat and drink in Inverness, from trendy bistros to cosy pubs. At the high end, try the original Rocpool, Chez Roux, or Contrast Brasserie. For something more casual try Velocity Café, or the organic and vegetarian café, Nourish. The pubs here are a real treat, with many also featuring bands playing traditional Scottish music. (net)

Bali News

International

Monday, February 18, 2019

3

Waste management at Suwung landfill to take 1.4 ha of mangrove DENPASAR - Bali provincial government will immediately realize the waste-to-energy project at Sarbagita regional landfill or Suwung landfill. The project will be carried out by Indonesia Power and Waskita Karya and now it is under feasibility study. The remaining land at the Suwung landfill area of 10 hectares intended for sanitary landfill and waste-to-energy project is estimated to be insufficient. Therefore, the project will be expanded by taking 1.4 hectares of surrounding mangrove land.

“Now, (the garbage) is left stacked while waiting for the waste processing unit operates under management of Indonesia Power and Waskita Karya by using a large capacity waste processing machine,” said Governor of Bali, Wayan Koster, after holding a closed meeting that discussed about the waste-to-energy project of Suwung landfill in the Praja Sabha of Bali Governor’s Office, recently.

According to Koster, the construction of waste processing infrastructure will begin at the end of 2019 and will take around 2 to 3 years. Currently, the expansion of landfill area is also being pursued by requesting 1.4 hectares of mangrove land to the Ministry of Forestry. If considered to qualify and this option must be taken to resolve the garbage problem, he promised to exchange the mangrove land by planting elsewhere.

“The land needed must be expanded because it is not enough. It must be there and shifts, coinciding with the location of mangroves. In other places, we will add 2.8 hectares, where the condition has a lot of holes,” he added.

On the other hand, Koster is aware that waste processing with a machine or incinerator will have an impact on the environment, so that there will be an environmental impact analysis study conducted. He said there is no other way to cut off the garbage chain so that the growth of garbage in the landfill is not as high as the current condition. If left unchecked, the piles of garbage at Suwung landfill are predicted to be as high as 18 meters in 2021.

“At present, there is no other way and the applicable method is that (incinerator—Ed). In the long run, we will issue a Governor Regulation on the management of waste from upstream to downstream, and the finalization will be in the upstream.

From the household, the garbage flows to village. Now, the garbage from upstream flows here, and makes crowded at last,” explained this Chairperson of the PDI-P Bali.

Koster is also confident if the waste-to-energy project this time will not fail as what PT NOEI did especially with the involvement of state-owned enterprises that invest in it. The Sarbagita (Denpasar, Badung, Gianyar and Tabanan) government will also be invited to sign the MoU as a form of commitment to maintain waste supplies.

When separately interviewed, Director of Waskita Karya Energy, Hokkop Situngkir, said the feasibility study for handling waste is targeted for completion in April or May. It faces a technical obstacle, namely the reduction of landfill area because the amount of waste continues to grow. This must be overcome by accelerating the waste management and waste-fueled power plant or PLTSa development process.

“Five hectares of land available has been blocked for the PLTSa (wasteto-energy—Ed). So for now, there is land posing a mangrove forest. We have conveyed it to the governor to be converted and we can use 1.4 hectares for a temporary garbage collection,” he said.

With the addition of the land, continued Hokkop, throughout the three years when the PLTSa operates it will be able to cover the growth rate of waste by combustion of waste into energy. He calculated the volume of waste to increase by around 4 percent at the Suwung landfill, seeing the trends in 2017, 2018 and 2019.

“We hope that for three years after the PLTSa operates, the incoming garbage and the garbage we mine can be managed at our location. After that, maybe we will submit to the provincial government for the additions. There are two versions, adding garbage locations or increasing the power of PLTSa. So, we’ll add the incinerator again,” he explained.

Hokkop said the ecological impact is being studied in the feasibility study considering the waste management with incinerator is actually not yet available in Indonesia. For the Suwung landfill, he adopts Japanese, Korean, Taiwan and Chinese technologies. Admittedly, the residues of combustion results in the incinerator will indeed have a certain impact. If it turns out to be included in the category B3 (Hazardous and Toxic Materials), his management will certainly make special handling. “We are collaborating with consultants from France, referred to by Indonesia Power,” he said.

Head of the Bali Forestry Agency, I Made Gunaja, said the 1.4 hectares of mangroves to be applied to the Ministry of Forestry is still functioned as grand forest park or Tahura. However, it will be used into sanitary landfill. “It is not necessarily (to be cleared—Ed) because we are still conducting studies. We do not know for sure whether the needs is really 1.4 hectares or not, or perhaps more,” he said.

Gunaja hoped that Balinese people can understand what will be needed in relation to this garbage problem.

Not yet agreed

Deputy Mayor of Denpasar, IGN Jayanegara, said that Sarbagita government had not signed anything as a form of agreement on the waste-toenergy project. Denpasar municipality in particular is still waiting for the results of the feasibility study to be conducted by Waskita Karya. In ad-

dition, it will also consider the ability of the Denpasar municipality to get involved in the project and whether or not the supporting regulations are appropriate. However, he appreciated to the commitment of the governor who wants to help resolve the waste problem at the Suwung landfill.

“We face this problem in front of our eyes, quite long queues, stench and all kinds of things. Of course, we must hear them. However, as the

decision or policy implies, we must first look at the results of the feasibility study and the regulations so that we are not wrong,” he said.

According to Jayanegara, currently Denpasar does not have a place to manage waste. In other words, the sanitary landfill is no longer possible in the provincial capital of Bali. The only solution to the waste problem is waste-to-energy. However, the waste-to-energy needs a huge invest-

ment. “That’s why it needs financing schemes. One of them is why the meeting is held today (Wednesday— Ed). We also must hear first,” he explained.

Meanwhile, continued Jayanegara, there has been no explanation regarding the form of sharing to be conducted whether the Denpasar municipality will participate in the cooperation or will manage it independently. (kmb32)

4

Bali News

Monday, February 18, 2019

International

Triggered by increased airline ticket prices

year. In 2018, the average was at least 40 percent but in January and mid-February, below 40 percent. “Yesterday (January) the occupancy rate was 35 percent and still very small for operations and taxes. This month with 28 days, there is a maximum of 30 percent,” he added. According to him, this should be a concern as Jembrana is aggressively developing tourism. If this continues to fall, it will affect many lines.

The businessman, according to him, also plans to meet with the Jembrana Regional Financial and Asset Management Agency (BPKAD) to discuss about Hotel and Restaurant Taxes (PHR). Hoteliers want to be taxed online, so the entrepreneurs especially hoteliers and restaurateurs cannot embezzle.

Moreover, according to him, at the moment Bali is a pilot project for PHR management.

“We hope that later it will be online, while Jembrana has not done it yet,” he explained. Although tourism has not been as rapid as other districts, but from now on a solid foundation must be made for local revenue from the PHR sector. (kmb26)

ISLAMABAD - Saudi Arabia’s powerful crown prince arrives in Pakistan on Sunday, the start of an Asian tour during which he will seek lucrative contracts and demonstrate he still has allies five months after the Khashoggi killing.

IBP/kmb

Congestion that frequently occurs at the Jimbaran intersection indeed cannot have been handled.

To overcome traffic jam at Jimbaran intersection

Badung proposes underpasses and connections to toll road

MANGUPURA - Congestion that frequently occurs at the Jimbaran intersection indeed cannot have been handled. In 2018, road widening at the Jimbaran intersection was about to be carried out, but was postponed due to the process of land acquisition has not yet finished.

H. Kastam

IBP/olo

13

Saudi crown prince seeks contracts and allies on Asia tour

Hotel occupancy in Jembrana downs early this year NEGARA - Hotel occupancy rate in Jembrana at the beginning of this year was still very low. Over the past two months, the average has just reached 30-35 percent.

Actually last year, the lowest monthly occupancy rate was 40 percent on average. This makes entrepreneurs, especially hotels in Jembrana, anxious.

Chairman of the Indonesian Employers’ Association (Apindo) of Jembrana Chapter, H. Kastam, when met recently said the concerns of entrepreneurs, especially the hotel, began to be felt earlier this year. The low level of hotel occupancy is also related to the decline in the level of tourist visits to Jembrana earlier this year. According to Kastam, there are several factors alleged to have triggered the low level of hotel occupancy.

One of them is the increase in airfare and sluggish global economic conditions. “This almost happens in all hotels, including outside Jembrana. This is our concern,” said Kastam who also manages a hotel in Pekutatan.

According to him, the amount of occupancy rate in the first quarter was lower than the previous

Monday, February 18, 2019

International

In 2019, a suggestion returns to emerge from the community to make an underpass at the location.

Regarding this matter, the Head of the Badung Public Works and Settlement Agency (PUPR), I.B. Surya Suamba, said the previous process had not been realized due to unfinished land acquisition. At present, there is indeed a community proposal to make the underpasses.

“Currently, the handling of Jimbaran intersection is being planned.

The underpass is proposed in the planning 2020. After that, the land acquisition will be maximized how many areas are needed,” he said recently.

He said the most effective way to avoid traffic jams is indeed an underpass. It is proposed in 2020 to central government. At the same time, it is also proposed

for the southern ring road, but for land acquisition, it will be handled by the Badung district government.

According to Surya Suamba, the solution to congestion at Jimbaran intersection is not even just an underpass. Ideally, it is also equipped with a connection to the Bali Mandala Toll Road. Connection to the Bali Mandara Toll Road, according to him, will also maximize the function of the South Ring Road later. So, the users of the South Ring Road wishing to go to Denpasar will no longer need to cross the Jalan Bypass Ngurah Rai in the Kedonganan area but they can directly go to Bali Mandara Toll Road.

When confirmed separately, PPK Planning of P2JN Bali, AA Yoni Sathia Puspadewi, claimed that she did not know what is

proposed by the Badung district government whether underpass or any building. If the proposal is submitted for underpasses, the traffic management needs to be considered. The problems occurred at that point must be known first whether it is jammed or knotted, it is necessary to do a review and design first.

If later on the proposal is approved, it is also necessary to conduct a feasibility study (FS).

This study needs to be done in order to find out whether building the underpasses will resolve problems anywhere, whether the impact is only at this point or has an impact on the road outside the area. “Of course, the impact beyond it also needs to be taken into account. It needs studying whether the underpass is needed or not,” she said. (kmb23)

Bandar AL-JALOUD / Saudi Royal Palace / AFP

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman

Mohammed bin Salman, widely known as “MBS”, is expected to land in the capital Islamabad in the late afternoon and stay in Pakistan until Monday.

His trip comes amid high tensions in the region: India and Saudi Arabia’s arch-rival Iran -- both bordering Pakistan -- have accused Islamabad of backing militant groups which have carried out bloody suicide attacks on their soil in recent days.

After Pakistan, MBS will travel to India, where he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

He is expected to finish the trip with a visit to China on Thursday and Friday.

Two short stops initially scheduled for Sunday and Monday in Indonesia and Malaysia were postponed on Saturday without explanation.

The Asia trip comes five months after the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a fierce critic of MBS, at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul ignited a diplomatic crisis.

Riyadh initially denied the murder, then gave several conflicting accounts of Khashoggi’s death, and now claims he was killed in an unauthorised operation.

Turkey said Friday it has not yet revealed all the information it has uncovered in the extraordinary case, which launched a global wave of revulsion and has profoundly tarnished the image of the kingdom, especially that of the crown prince.

But for analysts, the Asia tour -- the largest outing on the interna-

tional scene for the crown prince since his participation in the G20 summit in Argentina last December -- is a timely demonstration to the West that he still has friends in rising Asia.

- ‘Not a pariah’ He “wants to demonstrate that he is not an international pariah”, said James M. Dorsey, a researcher at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore.

It is a matter of proving that he still has “international access and he can function... as the most senior representative of Saudi Arabia beyond the king”.

Li Guofu, director of Middle East studies at the China Institute of International Studies, a government-affiliated think tank, noted that the Khashoggi case continues to cause indignation in Western countries, so visiting them would have been “inconvenient”.

“Not travelling to the West does not mean that he cannot come to the East. Saudi Arabia is also making strategic adjustments, and Asia is the new main direction of Saudi diplomacy,” he said.

Asian countries, he added, “have an important special characteristic -- that is, we don’t interfere in the internal affairs of other countries”.

The prince’s trip also includes an important economic component.

“China is the largest buyer of Saudi crude, and Saudi Arabia’s other largest clients are all Asian: India, Japan, South Korea,” said Dorsey.

“Asia is a source of inward

investment into Gulf energy and infrastructure investment; and the future growth of the global economy will be in Asia,” said Karen Young, an analyst with the American Enterprise Institute.

Saudi Arabia is not the only Gulf state to pivot east, she added -- for all of them, it is a “logical shift”.

- Taliban ‘in Islamabad’ As for Pakistan, where MBS will begin his tour and which is facing a serious balance of payments crisis, it hopes its old ally will throw the struggling economy a lifeline, specifically in the form of a $10billion investment in a refinery and oil complex in the southwest of the county.

Prime Minister Imran Khan has already visited Saudi Arabia twice since coming to power last summer.

The crown prince’s visit to Islamabad will also apparently coincide with possible new talks between the Taliban and the United States on Afghanistan.

The militants announced the discussions would be held in the Pakistani capital on Monday, adding they would also meet Khan. But the US said it has not been invited and Pakistan has not confirmed talks are being held that day.

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are both involved in a months-long push led by Washington aimed at ending the conflict in Afghanistan.

It was not immediately clear if MBS would participate in any further discussions on the topic Monday. (afp)

Girls sport their ancestors’ hair for Lunar New year in China LONGJIA - Girls with large headpieces made from the hair of their ancestors and wearing intricately patterned dresses danced in isolated villages in southwest China to celebrate the Lunar New Year.

Against a stunning mountain backdrop, dozens of girls and women of the Long Horn Miao ethnicity performed for the annual flower festival or ‘Tiaohuajie’, held in Guizhou province on Thursday.

Onlookers watched -- smartphones in hand -- as the women

swirled across a meadow, wearing dresses and jackets embroidered with pink roses and geometric patterns.

But it was the towering black headdresses of the dancers that really stood out -- made from wool, string and the hair of their ancestors, and wrapped around animal horns with white fabric.

“It’s really special to be at the centre of attention like this. I feel quite proud,” said Yang Yunzheng, 16.

“We organise this festival once a year when we wear these head-

pieces. That doesn’t change with modernisation”.

The Miao ethnic minority is made up of some nine million people, mostly found in China’s southwest. Of those, around 5,000 “Long Horn Miao” live in just a dozen isolated villages in Guizhou.

Their headpieces are passed down through generations and worn on a number of occasions to honour their ancestors and preserve their traditions.

The festival is held on the 10th day of the Lunar New Year. (afp)

FRED DUFOUR / AFP

This photo taken on February 14, 2019 shows a girl from the Long Horn Miao, a branch of the Miao ethnic minority group, getting her wig set prior to the annual flower festival or ‘Tiaohuajie’ in the village of Longjia in China’s Guizhou province.

12

International

Monday, February 18, 2019

BUSINESS Germany barely avoids recession with zero growth

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Germany recorded zero growth in the fourth quarter, only narrowly avoiding a recession and adding to downbeat signs piling up about the 19-country eurozone economy.

The lackluster figure released Thursday was lower than the 0.1 percent expected by market analysts and followed a 0.2 percent fall in output during the preceding third quarter. Business spending on machinery and equipment as well as construction supported the economy in the fourth quarter and prevented Germany from suffering two straight quarters of negative growth, one definition of a recession. Exports and imports increased at nearly the same rate, meaning no positive contribution to fourth-quarter growth statistics.

Slowing global trade amid U.S.-China trade tensions has been holding back Germany’s export-focused economy. Growth last year was also hit by troubles in the auto industry when automakers had difficulty getting new cars certified under new emissions tests, and by low water on the Rhine River that interrupted commerce. The slowdown led the European Commission last week to cut its growth forecast for Germany for this year to 1.1 percent from 1.8 percent.

The weak second half followed stronger performance in the first six months, leaving growth for all of 2018 at 1.5 percent. For the fourth quarter, the year-on-year growth rate slumped to 0.6 percent, tracing a steady decline from 1.2 percent year-on-year in the third quarter and 2.0 percent in the second.

Germany’s sluggishness has held back the economy across the countries that use the euro. On top of that, Italy entered a recession at the end of the year and European businesses face uncertainty about Britain’s possible exit from the European Union on March 29 without a negotiated agreement to smooth trade.

Prime Minister Theresa May has so far been

AP Photo/Michael Sohn, file

In this March 8, 2018 file photo photo Volkswagen cars are pictured during a final quality control at the Volkswagen plant in Wolfsburg, Germany. Germany’s economic growth has stagnated in the last three months of the year. unable to win parliamentary approval for an exit deal negotiated with the EU’s executive commission on behalf of the remaining member countries. The eurozone grew by just 0.2 percent in the fourth quarter, the same as in the previous three-month period.

Recent economic indicators have been weak, leading to speculation that the European Central Bank may hold off raising interest rates longer than originally expected.

The bank has said it will hold rates at record lows at least until “through the summer” of this year. Analysts say it may push back that

earliest possible date in its policy statement if signs of weakness continue.

Andrew Kenningham, chief Europe economist at Capital Economics, said the fourth-quarter weakness “bodes ill for economic growth this year too.” He said the fourth-quarter weakness could no longer be attributed to the auto sector problems since vehicle production edged up in the last three months of the year. He forecast 1.0 percent growth this year but added “there are significant downside risks to this forecast.”

Economist Carsten Brzeski at ING

Germany said that “the German economy escaped a technical recession with the smallest margin possible. The black eye just got blacker.” He said, however, that many economic fundamentals remain strong. A low unemployment rate of 3.3 percent is helping support domestic demand.

“The upside from today’s data is that it can hardly get worse,” Brzeski said. “Economic fundamentals remain solid and from here on, chances of a gradual rebound are still much higher than chances of yet another disappointment.” (ap)

but in South Carolina, from where it exports vehicles to China.

“All I can say is it would be good if we could resume proper talks with one another,” she said at the Munich Security Conference.

“Then we will find a solution.”

A US Commerce Department report has concluded that auto imports threaten national security, setting the stage for possible tariffs by the White House, two people familiar with the matter said

Thursday.

The investigation, ordered by President Donald Trump in May, is “positive” with respect to the central question of whether the imports “impair” US national security, said a European auto industry source.

“It’s going to say that auto imports are a threat to national security,” said an official with another auto company.

The report, which is expected to

be delivered to the White House by a Sunday deadline, has been seen as a major risk for foreign automakers. Trump has threatened to slap 25 percent duties on European autos, especially targeting Germany, which he says has harmed the American car industry.

After receiving the report, the US president will have 90 days to decide whether to move ahead with tariffs.

Trump in July reached a trade

truce with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, with the two pledging no new tariffs while the negotiations continued.

Brussels has already drawn up a list of 20 billion euros ($22.6 billion) in US exports for retaliatory tariffs should Washington press ahead, the commission’s DirectorGeneral for Trade Jean-Luc Demarty told the European Parliament last month. (afp)

Monday, February 18, 2019

5

Gourmet Gelato Ubud, must be different

UBUD - Wow … it’s good, delicious and affordable. Travelers passing in front of it must stop, and then try to taste the delicacies. They can choose according to their preferences because many choices of flavor are available. After all, enjoying it doesn’t need a special place, and can be done casually or skillfully while walking to see the village atmosphere. “Delicious, this Gourmet Gelato is different,” said Zachary David, a tourist from Europe.

Merkel says US calling European cars a threat is ‘frightening’

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Saturday labelled as “frightening” tough US trade rhetoric planning to declare European car imports a national security threat.

“If these cars... suddenly spell a threat to US national security, than that is frightening to us,” she said.

Merkel pointed out that the biggest car plant of German luxury brand BMW was not in Bavaria

Bali News

International

It is the atmosphere of the opening of the new Gourmet Gelato Ubud located on Jalan Suweta, only few minutes from Monkey Forest Road, Ubud. In combination with a beautiful and calm atmosphere of Ubud, this new outlet

offers premium quality gelato and sorbet with a variety of flavors and provides options for vegans.

Gelato and sorbet have various choices of flavors made form 100 percent of organic ingredients without filler, colors and artificial

flavors. “We have opened more than 10 outlets in Bali,” said the owners of Gourmet Gelato Ubud, Catya and Natasha.

Catya said that Gelato is Italian vocabulary meaning ‘ice cream.’ It utilizes the same basic ingredients

as ice cream, but gelato has a higher proportion of milk and a lower proportion of cream and does not use eggs at all. As processed at a slower rate, less air is left over and makes the gelato denser.

“Gelato is served at a slightly warmer temperature, so the texture is smoother and softer. The fat percentage is also lower than ice cream, so it is far more powerful and delicious,” she explained to journalists.

Meanwhile, Natasha admitted the priority is to make gelato and sorbet from high-quality vegetable gelato using local products and fresh ingredients. “Each variant of the gelato flavor is made in small quantities and carefully, resulting in high-quality gelato. Our gelato is also served using a cup and spoon fully biodegradable and eco-friendly,” she said while adding the outlet is opened every day from 09:00 until 22:00. (kmb)

Puja Mandala of the Nusa Dua Has Entertainment

MANGUPURA - Have you ever visited Puja Mandala? It is a complex of five worship houses remaining in the Nusa Dua tourist area. Now, it offers artistic and cultural attractions. Puja Mandala as a form of interfaith harmony based on Tri Hita Karana (THK), today features dance performances packaged in the form of Bebalihan or show. The event was launched in front of hotel management, travel agencies and officials at the Wantilan Hall of the Jagatnatha Puja Mandala area, recently.

During the launch, Bebalihan presented three types of Balinese dance supported by the Asti Pradnyaswari Studio, the native to Nusa Dua, engaged in contemporary, Indonesian, Balinese modern and contemporary performing arts.

“This event is packaged by the Indonesia Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) to attract tourists to visit the Nusa Dua,” said Director of Construction and Op-

erations of the Indonesia Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), Ngurah Wirawan.

The show featured a touch of authentic Balinese dance with classical gamelan music coming with typical attraction and charm.

Graceful Gabor Dance commenced the art performance as a welcome greeting. Then, it featured the classic Legong Keraton Dance, the Topeng Bujuh Dance which is agile and hilarious, and as the closing of the presentation it featured Barong Dance. The invited attendees seemed to get hypnotized by the exoticism presented by the young and reliable artists.

Thus, when traveling or staying in the Nusa Dua tourism area, you cannot only see exotic beaches, but also the arts and culture of the local community. The enchantment of Bali is an event with a Balinese cultural background. “This entertainment is held to increase tourist attractions in the Nusa Dua, so

that it can increase the number of visits to the Nusa Dua, especially to the Puja Mandala. It also supports Culture Tourism through the preservation of Balinese culture,” he said.

Wirawan said the entertainment will be held for two times a week, namely every Tuesday and Thursday at 16:00 throughout 2019. This is to support the government’s efforts to reach the visit of 20 million foreign tourists to Indonesia in 2019. “The entertainment or bebalihan is derived from the word balih-balihan posing a dance that is intended for entertainment and spectacle for tourists, is not included in the sacred dance but still has a basic and sublime element of Balinese dance,” he explained.

Bayu Artana, one of the travel agent operation managers said that such an event will be very interesting because tourists do not only get the presentation of dance and gamelan, but also traditional

cuisine. Before the show begins, invited guests are presented with traditional cakes or jaja, a delicious cake. “The atmosphere of tradi-

tional art performances also feels different because it has a temple background that spreads a positive aura,” he admitted. (kmb)

IBP/kmb

Puja Mandala as a form of interfaith harmony based on Tri Hita Karana (THK), today features dance performances packaged in the form of Bebalihan or show.

6

Monday, February 18, 2019

W

RLD

India hosts first ‘yoga on a pole’ world championships

MUMBAI - Wearing only underpants, Pavel Kalina twists his body up a wooden pole before performing a handstand at the top in the first world championships of an ancient Indian sport.

The 55-year-old from the Czech Republic practises Mallakhamb, a gymnastics-like discipline that originated in western India in the 12th century and is often described as “yoga on a pole”.

“I do it because I’m a crazy man,” Kalina tells AFP, struggling to catch his breath after two minutes performing poses on the pillar, which is covered in castor oil to stop friction burns.

“To be honest it is like torture but I have to do it because I need to spend my energy,” adds the former gymnast who took up Mallakhamb ten years ago.

Kalina was among some 100 competitors from 15 different countries taking part in the Mallakhamb World Championships in Mumbai over the weekend.

The sport, first mentioned in Indian texts in 1135, is popular in western Maharashtra state -- of which Mumbai is the capital -- but is little known outside India.

“Malla means wrestler and khamb means pole,” explains Uday Deshpande, the organiser of the

event and India’s most renowned Mallakhamb practitioner.

“The pole is eight and a half feet (2.6 metres) in height. It is smooth, well polished and tapered at the top.

Different acrobatic exercises and yogic postures are performed on it.

It “is there in the absence of your partner and you are wrestling against it,” he adds.

On day one of the event -- held in Mumbai’s Shivaji Park -- men, mostly in swimming trunks, and women, mostly in leotards, wowed a crowd of several hundred with gravity defying moves.

- ‘Courage’ -

Onlookers clapped and cheered as a competitor from Spain stretched out on his front like Superman on the top of the pole, which had a circumference of just 35 centimetres (14 inches).

A participant from England gave a Usain Bolt-like salute from the summit while Kalina sat in a meditative position with the palms of his hands facing skywards.

Faezeh Jalali, wearing a heads-

carf, represented Iran in the rope category which saw participants perform stunts up and down a rope that hung 15 feet in the air.

“You feel a real achievement and you build strength and flexibility.

It’s amazing what the human body can do,” Jalali, 39, told AFP. Competitors from France, Germany, Malaysia and Vietnam also took part.

Deshpande, 65, says Mallakhamb helps people mentally as well.

“When you perform yoga on the ground you get lots of benefits -- meditation, breathing, concentration.

“When you perform yoga at eight feet high you get the same benefits but you also develop your confidence, your courage,” he tells AFP. Deshpande organised the championships to promote Mallakhamb globally and dreams that one day it will appear at the Asian Games and then even the Olympics.

“We want to spread this traditional Indian culture abroad,” he said. (afp)

International

Macron condemns anti-Semitic abuse by ‘yellow vest’ protestors PARIS - French President Emmanuel Macron condemned antiSemitic abuse of a leading intellectual by “yellow vest” protestors and said it would not be tolerated.

Police intervened to protect philosopher and writer Alain Finkielkraut after he was targeted by a group of protestors on the fringe of a demonstration in central Paris on Saturday, according to videos posted on social networks.

“The anti-Semitic insults he has been subjected to are the absolute negation of what we are and what makes us a great nation. We will not tolerate it,” Macron tweeted.

“The son of Polish immigrants who became a French academician, Alain Finkielkraut is not only a prominent man of letters but the symbol of what the Republic allows everyone,” the president added in another tweet.

Several protestors shouted “Dirty Zionist,” “We are the people” and “France is ours”, according to a video broadcast by Yahoo!

News.

“I felt absolute hatred and, unfortunately, this is not the first time,” Finkielkraut, 69, told Journal du Dimanche.

“I would have been afraid if there had not been the police, fortunately they were there,” he told the newspaper, while adding that not all the demonstrators were hostile towards him and one even suggested he put on a vest and join the demonstration while another hailed his work.

Finkielkraut has expressed his solidarity and sympathy with the

World...

From page 1

PUNIT PARANJPE / AFP

In this photo taken on February 16, 2019, an Indian gymnast performs at the Mallakhamb World Championships in Mumbai.

That reflects the Church’s centuries-old instinct to protect its image, he said. But added “the only way to emerge from the crisis is to tell the whole truth”.

In France, prosecutors said Friday they were investigating a sexual assault complaint made against the Vatican’s envoy to Paris, 74-year-old Luigi Ventura.

He is accused of molesting an official at the Paris mayor’s office, a judicial source told AFP. The pope has already warned those hoping the four-day meet will be a panacea that “the problem of abuse will continue”.

“By resolving the problem within the Church, through becoming aware, we will contribute to resolving it within society, within families, where the shame means everything is hidden,” Francis said.

The meeting will come up with

“yellow vest” protestors from the outset but in an interview published Saturday in Le Figaro, he criticised the leaders of the movement, saying that “arrogance has changed sides”.

Saturday’s incident triggered a wave of condemnation and messages of support for the philosopher.

Interior Minister Christophe Castaner said it was “simply intolerable” while the leader of the Republicans opposition party, Laurent Wauquiez, denounced the “abject idiots.”

Ian Brossat, chief French Communist Party candidate for the European Parliament, said “We can hate Finkielkraut’s ideas”, but “nothing can justify attacking him as a Jew”.

Finkielkraut, who is seen as having pro-establishment beliefs, has since January 2016 been a member of the French Academy, the prestigious institution in charge of defining the French language.

A recent spate of anti-Semitic vandalism and graffiti in and around Paris has stoked fresh concerns about an increase in hate crime against Jews.

Fourteen political parties Thursday launched a call for action against anti-Semitism after the interior ministry reported a 74 percent increase in anti-Jewish acts last year.

The “yellow vest” protests began three months ago over fuel taxes but quickly grew into a broader anti-government rebellion fuelled by hatred of Macron, with some using anti-Semitic tropes to refer to his former job as an investment banker. (afp) “protocols for moving forward”, because “sometimes bishops don’t know what to do,” he said.

Father Zollner is also wary of people hoping for a magic wand of “new norms” that will make the problem simply disappear.

Bishops must “change their attitude”, which can be more difficult than drawing up new rules or guidelines, he said.

The scale of the problem is impossible to measure statistically.

A study in the United States said that between three and four percent of the clergy were involved in abuse before 2002, when stricter guidelines were published, said Zollner.

While the Catholic Church says it is trying to address the problem, other churches are also affected.

In the United States, the Protestant Southern Baptist Convention has been hit by a wide-ranging sex abuse scandal involving almost 400 pastors, volunteers and teachers over two decades. (afp)

International

Monday, February 18, 2019

INDONESIAN INDONESIAN

11

ELECTION 2019

Indonesian firms owe $1.3 bn in forest damage fines: Greenpeace

Indonesian firms owe at least $1.3 billion in unpaid fines for environmental damage caused by widespread forest clearing and deadly fires linked to tens of thousands of premature deaths, a Greenpeace study said Friday.

Citing government data, the environmental group said it examined 11 civil court cases between 2012 and 2018 where palm oil and pulpand-paper companies were ordered to pay fines to Jakarta.

“However, not one of these forests cases has resulted in compensation being paid,” Greenpeace said.

The cases were mostly linked

to damage from fires that tore through Indonesia in 2015, causing as much as $16 billion in damages to forestry and agriculture, as well as to tourism and other industry, it added, citing World Bank figures.

The 2015 blazes destroyed some two million hectares of land and sparked a massive haze outbreak over Singapore and Malaysia, lead-

ing to diplomatic frictions.

A US academic study estimated that the crisis may have led to more than 100,000 premature deaths.

“Until today not one company has paid compensation for their role in this catastrophe,” Greenpeace said.

Most of the $1.3 billion in penalties was attributed to the single

case of a firm found to have been engaged in illegal logging that saw vast tracts of forest destroyed.

Unpaid compensation is money owed to Indonesians and could be used for large-scale forest restoration and to prevent future damage, it added.

“By not forcing these companies to pay, the government is sending a dangerous message: company profit comes before law, clean air, health and forest protection,” said Greenpeace Indonesia forest campaigner Arie Rompas.

The environment ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the report.

Indonesia’s overburdened court system -- long dogged by corruption allegations -- is sometimes reluctant to chase firms for payment in these kinds of cases, Greenpeace said.

The country’s commoditiesdriven economy depends heavily on agricultural, forestry and mining activities that have been accused of causing widespread environmental damage. (ap)

AP Photo/Binsar Bakkara, File

In this Aug. 10, 2017 file photo, Pandu Wibisono, a conservationist of Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Program (SOCP) carries a medical pack as he walks on a cleared forest during a rescue operation for orangutans reportedly trapped in its disrupted habitat near a palm oil plantation at Tripa peat swamp in Aceh province, Indonesia.

Ma`ruf Amin denies rumors on being used as Jokowi`s tool

CIANJUR - Indonesian Vice Presidential candidate Ma`ruf Amin denied rumors of being merely used as a “tool” by incumbent President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) for winning the Presidential Elections, due to be held on April 17, 2109.

“It is said that Ma`ruf Amin is only used as a tool. Do you think that I am a `hoe`? What is used as a tool is a `hoe,`” he told attendees of the commemorative event of the Nahdlatul Ulama`s (NU`s) 93rd an-

niversary here on Thursday.

Denying the rumors, Amin emphasized the fact that he was a former Rais `Aam, or supreme leader, of the NU, Indonesia`s largest Muslim organization, and chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI).

The 76-year-old respected ulema affirmed that it was impossible for incumbent President Jokowi to use a kyai, or Islamic teacher, as a tool only for deriving benefits during

the upcoming presidential race.

Amin chose to not specify those, who had spread the rumors, but he categorized them as ones intending to destabilize the current condition.

Amin also reiterated his readiness to be deployed as a means to enhance Indonesia`s development.

The commemorative event was attended by National Awakening Party (PKB) Chairman Muhaimin Iskandar as well as top local NU leaders, KH Abdul Qodir Rozi, and

KH Khaerul Anam.

During his visit to the West Java city of Cianjur, Amin also visited several Islamic boarding schools.

In connection with the 2019 Presidential Election, the General Election Commissions (KPU) has prepared five rounds of presidential debates for the pairs of Joko Widodo-Ma`ruf Amin and Prabowo Subianto-Sandiaga Uno. The presidential debates, broadcast live by several television chan-

nels, are expected to help some 192 million eligible voters, who will participate in this democratic process, to become well-informed on the two pairs` capacity and capability.

Empowered with sufficient information about the candidates, they will be able to vote rationally. Whoever wins the upcoming presidential election, Indonesia will have a new pair of capable president and vice president. (ant)

10

Destination

Monday, February 18, 2019

International

Monday, February 18, 2019

International

Diallo shows off high-flying skills to win NBA dunk crown

Handout / FERRARI PRESS OFFICE / AFP

This undated and unlocated image handout by the Ferrari Press Office on February 15, 2019 shows Ferrari German Formula One driver Sebastian Vettel (C) and Ferrari Monagascan Formula One driver Charles Leclerc posing with the new Ferrari Formula One SF90.

Pengerebongan Temple

DENPASAR - Pengerebongan Temple is located at Kesiman Culture Village, District of East Denpasar, and Denpasar municipality.

Pengerebongan Temple is one of their temples of Dang Kahyangan at District of East Denpasar, a lot of tourist come to visit this temple as specially be held the Ngrebong Ceremony.

It means the Tabuh Rah ceremony is continued by cook-fighter to attend by some people with un-conciseness to tourney the crease in that body (in Balinese language “Ngurek”).

Pengerebongan Temple located on the way side of Denpasar Street to Gianyar, it about more-less four kilometers from Denpasar to East Side.

Pengerebongan Temple clamped by two streets on the right and the East Side, the both streets are short way to Taman Lita Ulangun Oongan.

Pengerebongan Temple consists of two part are: at Jeroan temple has two pelinggih they are: The Peling-

gih Pasimpangan Dalem Kesiman Temple and Pelinggih which have cave/hole that has Ananta Bhoga statue on the bottom side.

And Jaba temple only has Bale wantilan that has function as entertain stage and place to realize Ngerebong ceremony. The relation ceremony of Dalem temple which called Dalem kesiman temple, also done Tabuh rah for four days after the ceremony take place for 21 days started from Wednesday wage Langkir.

History of Pengerebongan It is refered from Balinese term Ngerebong means gathering.

Ngerebong itself is a blend of two words Ngereh and Baung, if those words are put together, it has a meaning of a magical procession of the union of pertiwi (earth) and akasa (outer space).

This tradition was held eight days after Kuningan Day, specifically on Radite (Sunday) Pon Wuku Medang-

sia according to the Balinese calendar system. The Ngerebong ceremony aims as a reminder for Hindus to maintain a harmonious relationship between human and God, between human and other human, and between human and the universe (the concept of Tri Hita Karana).

Before starting Ngerebong ceremony, Balinese people pray at the Petilan Temple in Kesiman Village, Denpasar Regency. All of the ceremony series is carried out inside the temple, therefore the ritual performers include the visitor must wear traditional Balinese clothing. Women on their periods are prohibited to watch this ritual.

After the praying is over, the street closing is carried out by pecalang or Balinese local security officers.

Next procession is pemedek (Balinese people who come and pray in the temple) will come out of the main temple go to Wantilan (temple hall) and carry out the

ritual of Ngerebong by rounding the Wantilan (iniatially is the place for conducting cockfighting) three times. During rotating around Wantilan, it could be one of the pemedek will be possessed or even a mass trance is happened.

Usually, the possessed pemedek will scream, cry, growl, even doing other violent actions. For example, stabbing sharp weapons into their bodies, chest, neck, even the crown of their head or known as Ngurek.

The community believes that there is a spirit that possesses pemedek therefore the body will not be injured with any sharp weapons.

This ritual is accompanied by traditional music and several Barong and Rangda dances. Pengerebongan ceremony is also known as the Butha Yadnya Ceremony because it is done to maintain a harmony between the universe and human. This ceremony usually starts in the morning around

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9:00 and ends at sunset. This ritual begins with the Nyanjan and Nuwur Ida Bhatara Ceremony. The purpose of this ceremony is to present the sacred power of God/ Goddess from heaven to the human world. You can see that the Pengerebongan Ceremony has been successfully carried out with the absence of the injured pemedek while doing Ngurek. This is believed as the manifestation of God/ Goddess blessing from above to the pemedek who did Ngurek.

If you are interested in seeing Pengerebongan ceremony in Denpasar, you should check out the exact schedule when the Kuningan Day is. Then count to the next eight days afterwards. Be ready to come to the Village of Kesiman wearing polite clothes and ask the pemedek or the society leaders there so you can find out how far you are allowed to take part in the ceremony.

(IBP/net)

No smoke without fire: Tobacco companies in quiet return to Formula One

PARIS - Tobacco giants Philip Morris and British American Tobacco have formed partnerships with their scientific research subsidiaries and Formula 1 teams Ferrari and McLaren more than a decade after cigarette advertising was banned from the sport.

US giant Philip Morris International (PMI), whose Marlboro brand was long associated with Ferrari, re-entered the sport last October, branding Ferrari cars with “Mission Winnow” and a logo that hints at the white-on-red triangles of the old Marlboro packs.

“Mission Winnow is aimed at illustrating our commitment to constant development. This initiative shines light on the new Philip Morris and our partners and our commitment and common desire to develop for the best,” the group’s communications director Tommaso di Giovanni explained.

Since the Japan Grand Prix in October the Ferrari cars, drivers’ helmets and outfits have featured the Mission Winnow logo of three white arrows.

Since 2006, Formula 1’s ruling body FIA has been firmly opposed to any advertising or sponsoring of cigarettes or tobacco.

But with teams struggling to meet their budget requirements, the allure of advertising revenue from so-called “Big Tobacco” is clear to see.

McLaren cars are to feature ad-

vertising for “A Better Tomorrow”, a British American Tobacco (BAT) scientific research subsidiary linked to less controversial electronic cigarettes.

BAT also said it would carefully study the varying rules in different countries which govern tobacco branding.

“We still need to determine which brand activations to implement in which countries, but we will of course respect regulatory environments,” their spokesman said.

- Marlboro men Opposition to the partnerships between motor racing and tobacco groups, or any flaunting of antitobacco advertising, is mounting.

The Australian Grand Prix Corporation said it was concerned Philip Morris branding on Ferrari cars and driver uniforms at the Japan Grand Prix had breached Australian regulations when it was broadcast in the country.

“The Australian Grand Prix Corporation has been in regular communication on this very important matter with all key stakeholders.

“The AGPC works to ensure that the hallmark Victorian events we stage meet the requirements of government,” the AGPC told AFP this week. Di Giovanni insisted Philipp Morris had not broken any laws.

“The logo on the outfits and cars and on our internet site comply with laws in Australia and in the state of Victoria,” he said.

“We are currently working with the organisers to understand their concerns,” he said.

A spokesman for the AGPC told AFP the ball was in the court of the Victoria Dept of Health and Human Services and that the department and the Grand Prix organisers were in touch with Ferrari on the issue of whether the Mission/Winnow logo contravenes the Australian ban on tobacco advertising.

Meanwhile the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) confirmed they are looking into broadcasts by Australian networks of the Japan Grand Prix.

The ACMA is investigating broadcasts of the Japanese Formula One Grand Prix broadcast on Network Ten and Fox Sports. The investigation is ongoing. (afp)

LOS ANGELES - Oklahoma City Thunder guard Hamidou Diallo used NBA great Shaquille O’Neal as a prop to record a perfect score and capture the NBA Slam Dunk title on Saturday.

The high-flying rookie put out a call over the loudspeaker for the “biggest person in the building” and out strolled the 7-foot-1 O’Neal who is considered one of the greatest players in league history.

Diallo positioned O’Neal four feet from the basket, and sailed over the former Los Angeles Laker to finish with his right arm stuffed inside the rim. He brought the crowd at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina to its feet and the judges responded by giving him a perfect 50 score.

The Slam Dunk event was one of several skills contests featured on Saturday night as part of the build-up to Sunday’s 2019 NBA All-Star game.

“The atmosphere was great,” Diallo said. “I just came out and gave the crowd what they were looking for.”

Diallo needed a 43 to win on his second and last dunk of the finals to beat New York Knicks guard Dennis Smith, who finished runner-up.

Diallo also called on US rapper Quavious Marshall (Quavo) to hold the ball just above his head, sprinted from the right corner of the court and crammed a twohanded jam.

“I was a little nervous,” Diallo confessed.

Brooklyn Nets’ Joe Harris earned the title of best shooter by upsetting Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry in the Three Point contest.

Harris drained a dozen straight shots in the final round to finish with a score of 26 points.

Curry was second with 24 and the Sacramento Kings’ Buddy Hield rounded out the top three with 19 points.

There were 10 players in the event, and seven were eliminated in the opening round.

Curry won the first round with 27 points out of a possible 34. Hield was second with 26 points, and Harris finished with 25 to grab the last spot in the finals.

Defending champion Devin Booker made his last seven shots but was eliminated in a tie for fourth with Danny Green.

Curry closed his first round out by nailing 10 straight from beyond the arc.

Boston Celtics’ Jayson Tatum won the Skills Challenge over Atlanta Hawks Trae Young by banking in a running three pointer from mid-court. Young tried a pullup three pointer with his final shot but missed.

“The previous two rounds, the guy was ahead of me,” Tatum said.

“Figured I’d let him get a shot attempt so I could get closer to the three-point line. I didn’t want to give Trae a chance.

“I honestly didn’t know I was going to hit the shot, but I had to give myself a chance, throw it up there, and it worked out for the best.”

Denver Nuggets forward Nikola Jokic lost to Tatum in the semifinals. Young sprinted ahead of Dallas Mavericks rookie Luka Doncic in the other semi. Defending champion Spencer Dinwiddie of the Nets was unable to defend his title because of an injury. (afp)

Copyright 2019 NBAE Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images/AFP

Hamidou Diallo #6 of the Oklahoma City Thunder dunks the ball during the 2019 AT&T Slam Dunk Contest as part of the State Farm All-Star Saturday Night on February 16, 2019 at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.

8

Monday, February 18, 2019

Monday, February 18, 2019

9

Messi penalty lifts Barca as Griezmann eclipses Torres

Miguel MEDINA / AFP

AC Milan’s Polish forward Krzysztof Piatek celebrates after scoring a goal during the Italian Serie A football match Atalanta vs AC Milan on February 16, 2019 at the Atleti Azzurri d’Italia stadium in Bergamo.

Piatek wonder strike as Milan stay on Champions League course

MADRID - Lionel Messi scored a penalty and missed another as La Liga leaders Barcelona ground out an unconvincing 1-0 win over Real Valladolid, while Antoine Griezmann surpassed Fernando Torres with his 130th goal for Atletico Madrid.

Messi’s fitness was again in the spotlight on Saturday after a niggling thigh strain in recent weeks, but he completed the full 90 minutes at the Camp Nou and hit the 30-goal mark at Barcelona for the 11th straight season.

The Argentine coolly dispatched a spot-kick just before half-time, drilling beyond the reach of Jordi Masip after Gerard Pique was bundled to the ground by Valladolid midfielder Michel.

Masip brilliantly tipped over a Messi volley soon after the interval and Luis Suarez wasted a huge opportunity to double the lead shortly after replacing Kevin-Prince Boateng with an hour gone.

Messi found himself booked for dissent after an apparent foul on him went unpunished, and he then blew the chance to kill off Valladolid when Masip kept out his second penalty of the night -- awarded following a trip on Philippe Coutinho.

The excellent Masip alertly gathered Messi’s follow-up header and again denied Suarez late on as Barca pulled seven points clear of Atletico ahead of their trip to Lyon in the Champions League last 16.

“We haven’t played well. The truth is it wasn’t a good match today. The only good thing is the victory,” Pique, who made his 300th appearance in La Liga told Movistar.

“Getting back on track with three points is important after two draws in the league. But we definitely have

to improve. We have to be better on Tuesday otherwise we’ll have a tough time.”

- ‘Extraordinary player’ -

Griezmann scored a second-half winner in Atletico’s 1-0 victory at neighbours Rayo Vallecano to provide a timely boost going into next week’s showdown with Cristiano Ronaldo and Juventus.

The French forward surpassed Torres -- now playing for Sagan Tosu in Japan -- for fifth all-time on the Atletico goalscoring charts as they shook off two successive defeats, including last week’s 3-1 loss at home to Real Madrid.

Griezmann struck for the tenth time in his last 11 outings, forcing home from six yards on 74 minutes after Alvaro Morata laid off a high, looping ball inside the area.

“Griezmann is an extraordinary player, he always adapts to what the team needs. He’s very important for us,” Atletico coach Diego Simeone said.

The late Luis Aragones, who coached Spain to the European Championship title in 2008, is Atletico’s record goalscorer with 172.

“It’s always tough at this stadium. We started off well and we had chances in the first 15 minutes such as Saul’s header, but then they improved,” Simeone added.

“Our second half substitutions gave us more offensive strength and that allowed us to get our goal. It was a very tough match.”

Real Madrid, two points behind Atletico in third, could move back into second and to within six points of Barca when they host Girona on Sunday. (afp)

ROME - Krzysztof Piatek hit a wonder goal and grabbed a second as AC Milan came back to defeat Atalanta 3-1 on Saturday and stay on course for the Champions League.

Piatek took his season’s Serie A total to 17, just two behind Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Polish star now has scored six times in four starts for Milan since moving from Genoa in the January transfer window to replace Gonzalo Higuain.

After Remo Freuler had given Atalanta a 33rd-minute lead, Piatek struck with a memorable left-footed volley in first-half stoppage time.

Ricardo Rodriguez swung in a cross from the left, Piatek hooked the ball around defender Berat Djimsiti before volleying into the top corner from 12 yards out de-

spite not even looking at the target.

“I was being marked closely, but I knew the ball would come into the box sooner or later, so I made the movement to ensure I got there first,” Piatek told Milan TV. “I am happy with the two goals today and want to keep going like this. I am a striker, so I’d like to score in every game.”

Turkish winger Hakan Calhanoglu then put Milan ahead with a sharp drive 10 minutes into the second period before Piatek headed in from a corner just after the hour mark to seal victory.

Milan fans have taken Piatek to their hearts, even devising a

new chant “Piatek! Pum pum pum pum!” to mirror the striker’s goal celebration of a pistol-shooter.

Gennaro Gattuso’s Milan stay in fourth spot but they now have 42 points, four more than Atalanta, Roma and Lazio.

On Friday, Ronaldo set up Paulo Dybala to score early and added one himself with defender Leonardo Bonucci also on target as Juventus surged 14 points clear in Serie A with a 3-0 win over lowly Frosinone.

The win was a perfect way to prepare for next week’s Champions League last 16, first-leg tie at Atletico Madrid. (afp)

Pau Barrena / AFP

Barcelona’s Argentinian forward Lionel Messi shots a penalty kick during the Spanish League football match between Barcelona and Real Valladolid at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on February 16, 2019.

IBP/net

Pizarro becomes Bundesliga’s oldest ever goalscorer.

At 40 years and 136 days old, Pizarro becomes Bundesliga’s oldest scorer

BERLIN - Claudio Pizarro, the Bundesliga’s record foreign goalscorer, claimed another milestone on Saturday when he became the league’s oldest scorer in Werder Bremen’s 1-1 draw at Hertha Berlin.

Aged 40 years and 136 days,

the Peru striker claimed his 195th Bundesliga goal in dramatic fashion to equalise with the last kick of the game having come off the bench for mid-table Bremen in the 61st minute.

“I am very happy, this point

helps us and I am very proud to have scored,” said Pizarro, who has also played for Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Cologne.

Luck shone on Pizarro when he smashed a speculative free-kick under Hertha’s wall and it took

two deflections before hitting the net in the 96th minute at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium.

“I just tried to shoot under the wall, because I knew they were going to jump,” explained Pizarro.

Pizarro’s goal, which delighted

Bremen coach Florian Klofeldt, who is four years younger than the Peruvian, bettered the previous Bundesliga record of Mirko Votava, who also netted for Bremen, aged 40 years, 121 days, back in 1996. (afp)

Monaco out of drop zone as Balotelli leads Marseille

PARIS - Monaco climbed out of the Ligue 1 relegation places on Saturday with a 1-0 win over Nantes, while Mario Balotelli scored for the third time in four games for a resurgent Marseille.

After failing to win at home all season until the start of February, Monaco made it back-to-back victories at the Stade Louis II as Gelson Martins fired in a Rony Lopes cross on 13 minutes.

Portugal international Martins, also on target in last week’s 2-2 draw at Montpellier, has scored twice in three league appearances for Monaco following his arrival on loan from Atletico Madrid.

Leonardo Jardim’s side moved up to 16th and two points clear of Dijon in the relegation play-off place.

Marseille defeated Amiens 2-0 to record three straight wins for the first time this season and jump to fourth, six points behind Lyon in the final Champions League spot.

Balotelli failed to find the net in 10 matches for Nice this season but has found his goalscoring touch since his switch to Marseille last month.

Florian Thauvin bagged his 12th goal this term to give Marseille the lead on 19 minutes at the Stade Velodrome, and Balotelli swept in a second on the turn just six minutes later.

The Italian appeared to have grabbed a second midway through the second half when he nodded in from a free-kick, but the goal was ruled out for offside following a VAR review.

“It’s much too early (to talk about the top three) with the start to the season we had,” said Thauvin.

“We were left behind a bit and now we’re starting to come back well, but if we get carried away we’re going to quickly fall back on the ground.”

Patrick Vieira’s Nice crashed to a heavy 3-0 loss at mid-table Angers but remain seventh.

Runaway leaders Paris SaintGermain go to fifth-placed SaintEtienne on Sunday, while Lille will target a sixth consecutive win at home to Montpellier.

Lyon overcame bottom side Guingamp 2-1 on Friday in their final outing before Tuesday’s Champions League last 16 first leg at home to Lionel Messi’s Barcelona. (afp)

CHRISTOPHE SIMON / AFP

Marseille’s Italian forward Mario Balotelli celebrates after scoring a goal during the French L1 football match Olympique de Marseille (OM) vs Amiens, on February 16, 2019 at the Velodrome stadium in Marseille. The goal was later disallowed by video assistant referees.

8

Monday, February 18, 2019

Monday, February 18, 2019

9

Messi penalty lifts Barca as Griezmann eclipses Torres

Miguel MEDINA / AFP

AC Milan’s Polish forward Krzysztof Piatek celebrates after scoring a goal during the Italian Serie A football match Atalanta vs AC Milan on February 16, 2019 at the Atleti Azzurri d’Italia stadium in Bergamo.

Piatek wonder strike as Milan stay on Champions League course

MADRID - Lionel Messi scored a penalty and missed another as La Liga leaders Barcelona ground out an unconvincing 1-0 win over Real Valladolid, while Antoine Griezmann surpassed Fernando Torres with his 130th goal for Atletico Madrid.

Messi’s fitness was again in the spotlight on Saturday after a niggling thigh strain in recent weeks, but he completed the full 90 minutes at the Camp Nou and hit the 30-goal mark at Barcelona for the 11th straight season.

The Argentine coolly dispatched a spot-kick just before half-time, drilling beyond the reach of Jordi Masip after Gerard Pique was bundled to the ground by Valladolid midfielder Michel.

Masip brilliantly tipped over a Messi volley soon after the interval and Luis Suarez wasted a huge opportunity to double the lead shortly after replacing Kevin-Prince Boateng with an hour gone.

Messi found himself booked for dissent after an apparent foul on him went unpunished, and he then blew the chance to kill off Valladolid when Masip kept out his second penalty of the night -- awarded following a trip on Philippe Coutinho.

The excellent Masip alertly gathered Messi’s follow-up header and again denied Suarez late on as Barca pulled seven points clear of Atletico ahead of their trip to Lyon in the Champions League last 16.

“We haven’t played well. The truth is it wasn’t a good match today. The only good thing is the victory,” Pique, who made his 300th appearance in La Liga told Movistar.

“Getting back on track with three points is important after two draws in the league. But we definitely have

to improve. We have to be better on Tuesday otherwise we’ll have a tough time.”

- ‘Extraordinary player’ -

Griezmann scored a second-half winner in Atletico’s 1-0 victory at neighbours Rayo Vallecano to provide a timely boost going into next week’s showdown with Cristiano Ronaldo and Juventus.

The French forward surpassed Torres -- now playing for Sagan Tosu in Japan -- for fifth all-time on the Atletico goalscoring charts as they shook off two successive defeats, including last week’s 3-1 loss at home to Real Madrid.

Griezmann struck for the tenth time in his last 11 outings, forcing home from six yards on 74 minutes after Alvaro Morata laid off a high, looping ball inside the area.

“Griezmann is an extraordinary player, he always adapts to what the team needs. He’s very important for us,” Atletico coach Diego Simeone said.

The late Luis Aragones, who coached Spain to the European Championship title in 2008, is Atletico’s record goalscorer with 172.

“It’s always tough at this stadium. We started off well and we had chances in the first 15 minutes such as Saul’s header, but then they improved,” Simeone added.

“Our second half substitutions gave us more offensive strength and that allowed us to get our goal. It was a very tough match.”

Real Madrid, two points behind Atletico in third, could move back into second and to within six points of Barca when they host Girona on Sunday. (afp)

ROME - Krzysztof Piatek hit a wonder goal and grabbed a second as AC Milan came back to defeat Atalanta 3-1 on Saturday and stay on course for the Champions League.

Piatek took his season’s Serie A total to 17, just two behind Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Polish star now has scored six times in four starts for Milan since moving from Genoa in the January transfer window to replace Gonzalo Higuain.

After Remo Freuler had given Atalanta a 33rd-minute lead, Piatek struck with a memorable left-footed volley in first-half stoppage time.

Ricardo Rodriguez swung in a cross from the left, Piatek hooked the ball around defender Berat Djimsiti before volleying into the top corner from 12 yards out de-

spite not even looking at the target.

“I was being marked closely, but I knew the ball would come into the box sooner or later, so I made the movement to ensure I got there first,” Piatek told Milan TV. “I am happy with the two goals today and want to keep going like this. I am a striker, so I’d like to score in every game.”

Turkish winger Hakan Calhanoglu then put Milan ahead with a sharp drive 10 minutes into the second period before Piatek headed in from a corner just after the hour mark to seal victory.

Milan fans have taken Piatek to their hearts, even devising a

new chant “Piatek! Pum pum pum pum!” to mirror the striker’s goal celebration of a pistol-shooter.

Gennaro Gattuso’s Milan stay in fourth spot but they now have 42 points, four more than Atalanta, Roma and Lazio.

On Friday, Ronaldo set up Paulo Dybala to score early and added one himself with defender Leonardo Bonucci also on target as Juventus surged 14 points clear in Serie A with a 3-0 win over lowly Frosinone.

The win was a perfect way to prepare for next week’s Champions League last 16, first-leg tie at Atletico Madrid. (afp)

Pau Barrena / AFP

Barcelona’s Argentinian forward Lionel Messi shots a penalty kick during the Spanish League football match between Barcelona and Real Valladolid at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on February 16, 2019.

IBP/net

Pizarro becomes Bundesliga’s oldest ever goalscorer.

At 40 years and 136 days old, Pizarro becomes Bundesliga’s oldest scorer

BERLIN - Claudio Pizarro, the Bundesliga’s record foreign goalscorer, claimed another milestone on Saturday when he became the league’s oldest scorer in Werder Bremen’s 1-1 draw at Hertha Berlin.

Aged 40 years and 136 days,

the Peru striker claimed his 195th Bundesliga goal in dramatic fashion to equalise with the last kick of the game having come off the bench for mid-table Bremen in the 61st minute.

“I am very happy, this point

helps us and I am very proud to have scored,” said Pizarro, who has also played for Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Cologne.

Luck shone on Pizarro when he smashed a speculative free-kick under Hertha’s wall and it took

two deflections before hitting the net in the 96th minute at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium.

“I just tried to shoot under the wall, because I knew they were going to jump,” explained Pizarro.

Pizarro’s goal, which delighted

Bremen coach Florian Klofeldt, who is four years younger than the Peruvian, bettered the previous Bundesliga record of Mirko Votava, who also netted for Bremen, aged 40 years, 121 days, back in 1996. (afp)

Monaco out of drop zone as Balotelli leads Marseille

PARIS - Monaco climbed out of the Ligue 1 relegation places on Saturday with a 1-0 win over Nantes, while Mario Balotelli scored for the third time in four games for a resurgent Marseille.

After failing to win at home all season until the start of February, Monaco made it back-to-back victories at the Stade Louis II as Gelson Martins fired in a Rony Lopes cross on 13 minutes.

Portugal international Martins, also on target in last week’s 2-2 draw at Montpellier, has scored twice in three league appearances for Monaco following his arrival on loan from Atletico Madrid.

Leonardo Jardim’s side moved up to 16th and two points clear of Dijon in the relegation play-off place.

Marseille defeated Amiens 2-0 to record three straight wins for the first time this season and jump to fourth, six points behind Lyon in the final Champions League spot.

Balotelli failed to find the net in 10 matches for Nice this season but has found his goalscoring touch since his switch to Marseille last month.

Florian Thauvin bagged his 12th goal this term to give Marseille the lead on 19 minutes at the Stade Velodrome, and Balotelli swept in a second on the turn just six minutes later.

The Italian appeared to have grabbed a second midway through the second half when he nodded in from a free-kick, but the goal was ruled out for offside following a VAR review.

“It’s much too early (to talk about the top three) with the start to the season we had,” said Thauvin.

“We were left behind a bit and now we’re starting to come back well, but if we get carried away we’re going to quickly fall back on the ground.”

Patrick Vieira’s Nice crashed to a heavy 3-0 loss at mid-table Angers but remain seventh.

Runaway leaders Paris SaintGermain go to fifth-placed SaintEtienne on Sunday, while Lille will target a sixth consecutive win at home to Montpellier.

Lyon overcame bottom side Guingamp 2-1 on Friday in their final outing before Tuesday’s Champions League last 16 first leg at home to Lionel Messi’s Barcelona. (afp)

CHRISTOPHE SIMON / AFP

Marseille’s Italian forward Mario Balotelli celebrates after scoring a goal during the French L1 football match Olympique de Marseille (OM) vs Amiens, on February 16, 2019 at the Velodrome stadium in Marseille. The goal was later disallowed by video assistant referees.

10

Destination

Monday, February 18, 2019

International

Monday, February 18, 2019

International

Diallo shows off high-flying skills to win NBA dunk crown

Handout / FERRARI PRESS OFFICE / AFP

This undated and unlocated image handout by the Ferrari Press Office on February 15, 2019 shows Ferrari German Formula One driver Sebastian Vettel (C) and Ferrari Monagascan Formula One driver Charles Leclerc posing with the new Ferrari Formula One SF90.

Pengerebongan Temple

DENPASAR - Pengerebongan Temple is located at Kesiman Culture Village, District of East Denpasar, and Denpasar municipality.

Pengerebongan Temple is one of their temples of Dang Kahyangan at District of East Denpasar, a lot of tourist come to visit this temple as specially be held the Ngrebong Ceremony.

It means the Tabuh Rah ceremony is continued by cook-fighter to attend by some people with un-conciseness to tourney the crease in that body (in Balinese language “Ngurek”).

Pengerebongan Temple located on the way side of Denpasar Street to Gianyar, it about more-less four kilometers from Denpasar to East Side.

Pengerebongan Temple clamped by two streets on the right and the East Side, the both streets are short way to Taman Lita Ulangun Oongan.

Pengerebongan Temple consists of two part are: at Jeroan temple has two pelinggih they are: The Peling-

gih Pasimpangan Dalem Kesiman Temple and Pelinggih which have cave/hole that has Ananta Bhoga statue on the bottom side.

And Jaba temple only has Bale wantilan that has function as entertain stage and place to realize Ngerebong ceremony. The relation ceremony of Dalem temple which called Dalem kesiman temple, also done Tabuh rah for four days after the ceremony take place for 21 days started from Wednesday wage Langkir.

History of Pengerebongan It is refered from Balinese term Ngerebong means gathering.

Ngerebong itself is a blend of two words Ngereh and Baung, if those words are put together, it has a meaning of a magical procession of the union of pertiwi (earth) and akasa (outer space).

This tradition was held eight days after Kuningan Day, specifically on Radite (Sunday) Pon Wuku Medang-

sia according to the Balinese calendar system. The Ngerebong ceremony aims as a reminder for Hindus to maintain a harmonious relationship between human and God, between human and other human, and between human and the universe (the concept of Tri Hita Karana).

Before starting Ngerebong ceremony, Balinese people pray at the Petilan Temple in Kesiman Village, Denpasar Regency. All of the ceremony series is carried out inside the temple, therefore the ritual performers include the visitor must wear traditional Balinese clothing. Women on their periods are prohibited to watch this ritual.

After the praying is over, the street closing is carried out by pecalang or Balinese local security officers.

Next procession is pemedek (Balinese people who come and pray in the temple) will come out of the main temple go to Wantilan (temple hall) and carry out the

ritual of Ngerebong by rounding the Wantilan (iniatially is the place for conducting cockfighting) three times. During rotating around Wantilan, it could be one of the pemedek will be possessed or even a mass trance is happened.

Usually, the possessed pemedek will scream, cry, growl, even doing other violent actions. For example, stabbing sharp weapons into their bodies, chest, neck, even the crown of their head or known as Ngurek.

The community believes that there is a spirit that possesses pemedek therefore the body will not be injured with any sharp weapons.

This ritual is accompanied by traditional music and several Barong and Rangda dances. Pengerebongan ceremony is also known as the Butha Yadnya Ceremony because it is done to maintain a harmony between the universe and human. This ceremony usually starts in the morning around

Place Your Add Here

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9:00 and ends at sunset. This ritual begins with the Nyanjan and Nuwur Ida Bhatara Ceremony. The purpose of this ceremony is to present the sacred power of God/ Goddess from heaven to the human world. You can see that the Pengerebongan Ceremony has been successfully carried out with the absence of the injured pemedek while doing Ngurek. This is believed as the manifestation of God/ Goddess blessing from above to the pemedek who did Ngurek.

If you are interested in seeing Pengerebongan ceremony in Denpasar, you should check out the exact schedule when the Kuningan Day is. Then count to the next eight days afterwards. Be ready to come to the Village of Kesiman wearing polite clothes and ask the pemedek or the society leaders there so you can find out how far you are allowed to take part in the ceremony.

(IBP/net)

No smoke without fire: Tobacco companies in quiet return to Formula One

PARIS - Tobacco giants Philip Morris and British American Tobacco have formed partnerships with their scientific research subsidiaries and Formula 1 teams Ferrari and McLaren more than a decade after cigarette advertising was banned from the sport.

US giant Philip Morris International (PMI), whose Marlboro brand was long associated with Ferrari, re-entered the sport last October, branding Ferrari cars with “Mission Winnow” and a logo that hints at the white-on-red triangles of the old Marlboro packs.

“Mission Winnow is aimed at illustrating our commitment to constant development. This initiative shines light on the new Philip Morris and our partners and our commitment and common desire to develop for the best,” the group’s communications director Tommaso di Giovanni explained.

Since the Japan Grand Prix in October the Ferrari cars, drivers’ helmets and outfits have featured the Mission Winnow logo of three white arrows.

Since 2006, Formula 1’s ruling body FIA has been firmly opposed to any advertising or sponsoring of cigarettes or tobacco.

But with teams struggling to meet their budget requirements, the allure of advertising revenue from so-called “Big Tobacco” is clear to see.

McLaren cars are to feature ad-

vertising for “A Better Tomorrow”, a British American Tobacco (BAT) scientific research subsidiary linked to less controversial electronic cigarettes.

BAT also said it would carefully study the varying rules in different countries which govern tobacco branding.

“We still need to determine which brand activations to implement in which countries, but we will of course respect regulatory environments,” their spokesman said.

- Marlboro men Opposition to the partnerships between motor racing and tobacco groups, or any flaunting of antitobacco advertising, is mounting.

The Australian Grand Prix Corporation said it was concerned Philip Morris branding on Ferrari cars and driver uniforms at the Japan Grand Prix had breached Australian regulations when it was broadcast in the country.

“The Australian Grand Prix Corporation has been in regular communication on this very important matter with all key stakeholders.

“The AGPC works to ensure that the hallmark Victorian events we stage meet the requirements of government,” the AGPC told AFP this week. Di Giovanni insisted Philipp Morris had not broken any laws.

“The logo on the outfits and cars and on our internet site comply with laws in Australia and in the state of Victoria,” he said.

“We are currently working with the organisers to understand their concerns,” he said.

A spokesman for the AGPC told AFP the ball was in the court of the Victoria Dept of Health and Human Services and that the department and the Grand Prix organisers were in touch with Ferrari on the issue of whether the Mission/Winnow logo contravenes the Australian ban on tobacco advertising.

Meanwhile the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) confirmed they are looking into broadcasts by Australian networks of the Japan Grand Prix.

The ACMA is investigating broadcasts of the Japanese Formula One Grand Prix broadcast on Network Ten and Fox Sports. The investigation is ongoing. (afp)

LOS ANGELES - Oklahoma City Thunder guard Hamidou Diallo used NBA great Shaquille O’Neal as a prop to record a perfect score and capture the NBA Slam Dunk title on Saturday.

The high-flying rookie put out a call over the loudspeaker for the “biggest person in the building” and out strolled the 7-foot-1 O’Neal who is considered one of the greatest players in league history.

Diallo positioned O’Neal four feet from the basket, and sailed over the former Los Angeles Laker to finish with his right arm stuffed inside the rim. He brought the crowd at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina to its feet and the judges responded by giving him a perfect 50 score.

The Slam Dunk event was one of several skills contests featured on Saturday night as part of the build-up to Sunday’s 2019 NBA All-Star game.

“The atmosphere was great,” Diallo said. “I just came out and gave the crowd what they were looking for.”

Diallo needed a 43 to win on his second and last dunk of the finals to beat New York Knicks guard Dennis Smith, who finished runner-up.

Diallo also called on US rapper Quavious Marshall (Quavo) to hold the ball just above his head, sprinted from the right corner of the court and crammed a twohanded jam.

“I was a little nervous,” Diallo confessed.

Brooklyn Nets’ Joe Harris earned the title of best shooter by upsetting Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry in the Three Point contest.

Harris drained a dozen straight shots in the final round to finish with a score of 26 points.

Curry was second with 24 and the Sacramento Kings’ Buddy Hield rounded out the top three with 19 points.

There were 10 players in the event, and seven were eliminated in the opening round.

Curry won the first round with 27 points out of a possible 34. Hield was second with 26 points, and Harris finished with 25 to grab the last spot in the finals.

Defending champion Devin Booker made his last seven shots but was eliminated in a tie for fourth with Danny Green.

Curry closed his first round out by nailing 10 straight from beyond the arc.

Boston Celtics’ Jayson Tatum won the Skills Challenge over Atlanta Hawks Trae Young by banking in a running three pointer from mid-court. Young tried a pullup three pointer with his final shot but missed.

“The previous two rounds, the guy was ahead of me,” Tatum said.

“Figured I’d let him get a shot attempt so I could get closer to the three-point line. I didn’t want to give Trae a chance.

“I honestly didn’t know I was going to hit the shot, but I had to give myself a chance, throw it up there, and it worked out for the best.”

Denver Nuggets forward Nikola Jokic lost to Tatum in the semifinals. Young sprinted ahead of Dallas Mavericks rookie Luka Doncic in the other semi. Defending champion Spencer Dinwiddie of the Nets was unable to defend his title because of an injury. (afp)

Copyright 2019 NBAE Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images/AFP

Hamidou Diallo #6 of the Oklahoma City Thunder dunks the ball during the 2019 AT&T Slam Dunk Contest as part of the State Farm All-Star Saturday Night on February 16, 2019 at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.

6

Monday, February 18, 2019

W

RLD

India hosts first ‘yoga on a pole’ world championships

MUMBAI - Wearing only underpants, Pavel Kalina twists his body up a wooden pole before performing a handstand at the top in the first world championships of an ancient Indian sport.

The 55-year-old from the Czech Republic practises Mallakhamb, a gymnastics-like discipline that originated in western India in the 12th century and is often described as “yoga on a pole”.

“I do it because I’m a crazy man,” Kalina tells AFP, struggling to catch his breath after two minutes performing poses on the pillar, which is covered in castor oil to stop friction burns.

“To be honest it is like torture but I have to do it because I need to spend my energy,” adds the former gymnast who took up Mallakhamb ten years ago.

Kalina was among some 100 competitors from 15 different countries taking part in the Mallakhamb World Championships in Mumbai over the weekend.

The sport, first mentioned in Indian texts in 1135, is popular in western Maharashtra state -- of which Mumbai is the capital -- but is little known outside India.

“Malla means wrestler and khamb means pole,” explains Uday Deshpande, the organiser of the

event and India’s most renowned Mallakhamb practitioner.

“The pole is eight and a half feet (2.6 metres) in height. It is smooth, well polished and tapered at the top.

Different acrobatic exercises and yogic postures are performed on it.

It “is there in the absence of your partner and you are wrestling against it,” he adds.

On day one of the event -- held in Mumbai’s Shivaji Park -- men, mostly in swimming trunks, and women, mostly in leotards, wowed a crowd of several hundred with gravity defying moves.

- ‘Courage’ -

Onlookers clapped and cheered as a competitor from Spain stretched out on his front like Superman on the top of the pole, which had a circumference of just 35 centimetres (14 inches).

A participant from England gave a Usain Bolt-like salute from the summit while Kalina sat in a meditative position with the palms of his hands facing skywards.

Faezeh Jalali, wearing a heads-

carf, represented Iran in the rope category which saw participants perform stunts up and down a rope that hung 15 feet in the air.

“You feel a real achievement and you build strength and flexibility.

It’s amazing what the human body can do,” Jalali, 39, told AFP. Competitors from France, Germany, Malaysia and Vietnam also took part.

Deshpande, 65, says Mallakhamb helps people mentally as well.

“When you perform yoga on the ground you get lots of benefits -- meditation, breathing, concentration.

“When you perform yoga at eight feet high you get the same benefits but you also develop your confidence, your courage,” he tells AFP. Deshpande organised the championships to promote Mallakhamb globally and dreams that one day it will appear at the Asian Games and then even the Olympics.

“We want to spread this traditional Indian culture abroad,” he said. (afp)

International

Macron condemns anti-Semitic abuse by ‘yellow vest’ protestors PARIS - French President Emmanuel Macron condemned antiSemitic abuse of a leading intellectual by “yellow vest” protestors and said it would not be tolerated.

Police intervened to protect philosopher and writer Alain Finkielkraut after he was targeted by a group of protestors on the fringe of a demonstration in central Paris on Saturday, according to videos posted on social networks.

“The anti-Semitic insults he has been subjected to are the absolute negation of what we are and what makes us a great nation. We will not tolerate it,” Macron tweeted.

“The son of Polish immigrants who became a French academician, Alain Finkielkraut is not only a prominent man of letters but the symbol of what the Republic allows everyone,” the president added in another tweet.

Several protestors shouted “Dirty Zionist,” “We are the people” and “France is ours”, according to a video broadcast by Yahoo!

News.

“I felt absolute hatred and, unfortunately, this is not the first time,” Finkielkraut, 69, told Journal du Dimanche.

“I would have been afraid if there had not been the police, fortunately they were there,” he told the newspaper, while adding that not all the demonstrators were hostile towards him and one even suggested he put on a vest and join the demonstration while another hailed his work.

Finkielkraut has expressed his solidarity and sympathy with the

World...

From page 1

PUNIT PARANJPE / AFP

In this photo taken on February 16, 2019, an Indian gymnast performs at the Mallakhamb World Championships in Mumbai.

That reflects the Church’s centuries-old instinct to protect its image, he said. But added “the only way to emerge from the crisis is to tell the whole truth”.

In France, prosecutors said Friday they were investigating a sexual assault complaint made against the Vatican’s envoy to Paris, 74-year-old Luigi Ventura.

He is accused of molesting an official at the Paris mayor’s office, a judicial source told AFP. The pope has already warned those hoping the four-day meet will be a panacea that “the problem of abuse will continue”.

“By resolving the problem within the Church, through becoming aware, we will contribute to resolving it within society, within families, where the shame means everything is hidden,” Francis said.

The meeting will come up with

“yellow vest” protestors from the outset but in an interview published Saturday in Le Figaro, he criticised the leaders of the movement, saying that “arrogance has changed sides”.

Saturday’s incident triggered a wave of condemnation and messages of support for the philosopher.

Interior Minister Christophe Castaner said it was “simply intolerable” while the leader of the Republicans opposition party, Laurent Wauquiez, denounced the “abject idiots.”

Ian Brossat, chief French Communist Party candidate for the European Parliament, said “We can hate Finkielkraut’s ideas”, but “nothing can justify attacking him as a Jew”.

Finkielkraut, who is seen as having pro-establishment beliefs, has since January 2016 been a member of the French Academy, the prestigious institution in charge of defining the French language.

A recent spate of anti-Semitic vandalism and graffiti in and around Paris has stoked fresh concerns about an increase in hate crime against Jews.

Fourteen political parties Thursday launched a call for action against anti-Semitism after the interior ministry reported a 74 percent increase in anti-Jewish acts last year.

The “yellow vest” protests began three months ago over fuel taxes but quickly grew into a broader anti-government rebellion fuelled by hatred of Macron, with some using anti-Semitic tropes to refer to his former job as an investment banker. (afp) “protocols for moving forward”, because “sometimes bishops don’t know what to do,” he said.

Father Zollner is also wary of people hoping for a magic wand of “new norms” that will make the problem simply disappear.

Bishops must “change their attitude”, which can be more difficult than drawing up new rules or guidelines, he said.

The scale of the problem is impossible to measure statistically.

A study in the United States said that between three and four percent of the clergy were involved in abuse before 2002, when stricter guidelines were published, said Zollner.

While the Catholic Church says it is trying to address the problem, other churches are also affected.

In the United States, the Protestant Southern Baptist Convention has been hit by a wide-ranging sex abuse scandal involving almost 400 pastors, volunteers and teachers over two decades. (afp)

International

Monday, February 18, 2019

INDONESIAN INDONESIAN

11

ELECTION 2019

Indonesian firms owe $1.3 bn in forest damage fines: Greenpeace

Indonesian firms owe at least $1.3 billion in unpaid fines for environmental damage caused by widespread forest clearing and deadly fires linked to tens of thousands of premature deaths, a Greenpeace study said Friday.

Citing government data, the environmental group said it examined 11 civil court cases between 2012 and 2018 where palm oil and pulpand-paper companies were ordered to pay fines to Jakarta.

“However, not one of these forests cases has resulted in compensation being paid,” Greenpeace said.

The cases were mostly linked

to damage from fires that tore through Indonesia in 2015, causing as much as $16 billion in damages to forestry and agriculture, as well as to tourism and other industry, it added, citing World Bank figures.

The 2015 blazes destroyed some two million hectares of land and sparked a massive haze outbreak over Singapore and Malaysia, lead-

ing to diplomatic frictions.

A US academic study estimated that the crisis may have led to more than 100,000 premature deaths.

“Until today not one company has paid compensation for their role in this catastrophe,” Greenpeace said.

Most of the $1.3 billion in penalties was attributed to the single

case of a firm found to have been engaged in illegal logging that saw vast tracts of forest destroyed.

Unpaid compensation is money owed to Indonesians and could be used for large-scale forest restoration and to prevent future damage, it added.

“By not forcing these companies to pay, the government is sending a dangerous message: company profit comes before law, clean air, health and forest protection,” said Greenpeace Indonesia forest campaigner Arie Rompas.

The environment ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the report.

Indonesia’s overburdened court system -- long dogged by corruption allegations -- is sometimes reluctant to chase firms for payment in these kinds of cases, Greenpeace said.

The country’s commoditiesdriven economy depends heavily on agricultural, forestry and mining activities that have been accused of causing widespread environmental damage. (ap)

AP Photo/Binsar Bakkara, File

In this Aug. 10, 2017 file photo, Pandu Wibisono, a conservationist of Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Program (SOCP) carries a medical pack as he walks on a cleared forest during a rescue operation for orangutans reportedly trapped in its disrupted habitat near a palm oil plantation at Tripa peat swamp in Aceh province, Indonesia.

Ma`ruf Amin denies rumors on being used as Jokowi`s tool

CIANJUR - Indonesian Vice Presidential candidate Ma`ruf Amin denied rumors of being merely used as a “tool” by incumbent President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) for winning the Presidential Elections, due to be held on April 17, 2109.

“It is said that Ma`ruf Amin is only used as a tool. Do you think that I am a `hoe`? What is used as a tool is a `hoe,`” he told attendees of the commemorative event of the Nahdlatul Ulama`s (NU`s) 93rd an-

niversary here on Thursday.

Denying the rumors, Amin emphasized the fact that he was a former Rais `Aam, or supreme leader, of the NU, Indonesia`s largest Muslim organization, and chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI).

The 76-year-old respected ulema affirmed that it was impossible for incumbent President Jokowi to use a kyai, or Islamic teacher, as a tool only for deriving benefits during

the upcoming presidential race.

Amin chose to not specify those, who had spread the rumors, but he categorized them as ones intending to destabilize the current condition.

Amin also reiterated his readiness to be deployed as a means to enhance Indonesia`s development.

The commemorative event was attended by National Awakening Party (PKB) Chairman Muhaimin Iskandar as well as top local NU leaders, KH Abdul Qodir Rozi, and

KH Khaerul Anam.

During his visit to the West Java city of Cianjur, Amin also visited several Islamic boarding schools.

In connection with the 2019 Presidential Election, the General Election Commissions (KPU) has prepared five rounds of presidential debates for the pairs of Joko Widodo-Ma`ruf Amin and Prabowo Subianto-Sandiaga Uno. The presidential debates, broadcast live by several television chan-

nels, are expected to help some 192 million eligible voters, who will participate in this democratic process, to become well-informed on the two pairs` capacity and capability.

Empowered with sufficient information about the candidates, they will be able to vote rationally. Whoever wins the upcoming presidential election, Indonesia will have a new pair of capable president and vice president. (ant)

12

International

Monday, February 18, 2019

BUSINESS Germany barely avoids recession with zero growth

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Germany recorded zero growth in the fourth quarter, only narrowly avoiding a recession and adding to downbeat signs piling up about the 19-country eurozone economy.

The lackluster figure released Thursday was lower than the 0.1 percent expected by market analysts and followed a 0.2 percent fall in output during the preceding third quarter. Business spending on machinery and equipment as well as construction supported the economy in the fourth quarter and prevented Germany from suffering two straight quarters of negative growth, one definition of a recession. Exports and imports increased at nearly the same rate, meaning no positive contribution to fourth-quarter growth statistics.

Slowing global trade amid U.S.-China trade tensions has been holding back Germany’s export-focused economy. Growth last year was also hit by troubles in the auto industry when automakers had difficulty getting new cars certified under new emissions tests, and by low water on the Rhine River that interrupted commerce. The slowdown led the European Commission last week to cut its growth forecast for Germany for this year to 1.1 percent from 1.8 percent.

The weak second half followed stronger performance in the first six months, leaving growth for all of 2018 at 1.5 percent. For the fourth quarter, the year-on-year growth rate slumped to 0.6 percent, tracing a steady decline from 1.2 percent year-on-year in the third quarter and 2.0 percent in the second.

Germany’s sluggishness has held back the economy across the countries that use the euro. On top of that, Italy entered a recession at the end of the year and European businesses face uncertainty about Britain’s possible exit from the European Union on March 29 without a negotiated agreement to smooth trade.

Prime Minister Theresa May has so far been

AP Photo/Michael Sohn, file

In this March 8, 2018 file photo photo Volkswagen cars are pictured during a final quality control at the Volkswagen plant in Wolfsburg, Germany. Germany’s economic growth has stagnated in the last three months of the year. unable to win parliamentary approval for an exit deal negotiated with the EU’s executive commission on behalf of the remaining member countries. The eurozone grew by just 0.2 percent in the fourth quarter, the same as in the previous three-month period.

Recent economic indicators have been weak, leading to speculation that the European Central Bank may hold off raising interest rates longer than originally expected.

The bank has said it will hold rates at record lows at least until “through the summer” of this year. Analysts say it may push back that

earliest possible date in its policy statement if signs of weakness continue.

Andrew Kenningham, chief Europe economist at Capital Economics, said the fourth-quarter weakness “bodes ill for economic growth this year too.” He said the fourth-quarter weakness could no longer be attributed to the auto sector problems since vehicle production edged up in the last three months of the year. He forecast 1.0 percent growth this year but added “there are significant downside risks to this forecast.”

Economist Carsten Brzeski at ING

Germany said that “the German economy escaped a technical recession with the smallest margin possible. The black eye just got blacker.” He said, however, that many economic fundamentals remain strong. A low unemployment rate of 3.3 percent is helping support domestic demand.

“The upside from today’s data is that it can hardly get worse,” Brzeski said. “Economic fundamentals remain solid and from here on, chances of a gradual rebound are still much higher than chances of yet another disappointment.” (ap)

but in South Carolina, from where it exports vehicles to China.

“All I can say is it would be good if we could resume proper talks with one another,” she said at the Munich Security Conference.

“Then we will find a solution.”

A US Commerce Department report has concluded that auto imports threaten national security, setting the stage for possible tariffs by the White House, two people familiar with the matter said

Thursday.

The investigation, ordered by President Donald Trump in May, is “positive” with respect to the central question of whether the imports “impair” US national security, said a European auto industry source.

“It’s going to say that auto imports are a threat to national security,” said an official with another auto company.

The report, which is expected to

be delivered to the White House by a Sunday deadline, has been seen as a major risk for foreign automakers. Trump has threatened to slap 25 percent duties on European autos, especially targeting Germany, which he says has harmed the American car industry.

After receiving the report, the US president will have 90 days to decide whether to move ahead with tariffs.

Trump in July reached a trade

truce with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, with the two pledging no new tariffs while the negotiations continued.

Brussels has already drawn up a list of 20 billion euros ($22.6 billion) in US exports for retaliatory tariffs should Washington press ahead, the commission’s DirectorGeneral for Trade Jean-Luc Demarty told the European Parliament last month. (afp)

Monday, February 18, 2019

5

Gourmet Gelato Ubud, must be different

UBUD - Wow … it’s good, delicious and affordable. Travelers passing in front of it must stop, and then try to taste the delicacies. They can choose according to their preferences because many choices of flavor are available. After all, enjoying it doesn’t need a special place, and can be done casually or skillfully while walking to see the village atmosphere. “Delicious, this Gourmet Gelato is different,” said Zachary David, a tourist from Europe.

Merkel says US calling European cars a threat is ‘frightening’

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Saturday labelled as “frightening” tough US trade rhetoric planning to declare European car imports a national security threat.

“If these cars... suddenly spell a threat to US national security, than that is frightening to us,” she said.

Merkel pointed out that the biggest car plant of German luxury brand BMW was not in Bavaria

Bali News

International

It is the atmosphere of the opening of the new Gourmet Gelato Ubud located on Jalan Suweta, only few minutes from Monkey Forest Road, Ubud. In combination with a beautiful and calm atmosphere of Ubud, this new outlet

offers premium quality gelato and sorbet with a variety of flavors and provides options for vegans.

Gelato and sorbet have various choices of flavors made form 100 percent of organic ingredients without filler, colors and artificial

flavors. “We have opened more than 10 outlets in Bali,” said the owners of Gourmet Gelato Ubud, Catya and Natasha.

Catya said that Gelato is Italian vocabulary meaning ‘ice cream.’ It utilizes the same basic ingredients

as ice cream, but gelato has a higher proportion of milk and a lower proportion of cream and does not use eggs at all. As processed at a slower rate, less air is left over and makes the gelato denser.

“Gelato is served at a slightly warmer temperature, so the texture is smoother and softer. The fat percentage is also lower than ice cream, so it is far more powerful and delicious,” she explained to journalists.

Meanwhile, Natasha admitted the priority is to make gelato and sorbet from high-quality vegetable gelato using local products and fresh ingredients. “Each variant of the gelato flavor is made in small quantities and carefully, resulting in high-quality gelato. Our gelato is also served using a cup and spoon fully biodegradable and eco-friendly,” she said while adding the outlet is opened every day from 09:00 until 22:00. (kmb)

Puja Mandala of the Nusa Dua Has Entertainment

MANGUPURA - Have you ever visited Puja Mandala? It is a complex of five worship houses remaining in the Nusa Dua tourist area. Now, it offers artistic and cultural attractions. Puja Mandala as a form of interfaith harmony based on Tri Hita Karana (THK), today features dance performances packaged in the form of Bebalihan or show. The event was launched in front of hotel management, travel agencies and officials at the Wantilan Hall of the Jagatnatha Puja Mandala area, recently.

During the launch, Bebalihan presented three types of Balinese dance supported by the Asti Pradnyaswari Studio, the native to Nusa Dua, engaged in contemporary, Indonesian, Balinese modern and contemporary performing arts.

“This event is packaged by the Indonesia Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) to attract tourists to visit the Nusa Dua,” said Director of Construction and Op-

erations of the Indonesia Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), Ngurah Wirawan.

The show featured a touch of authentic Balinese dance with classical gamelan music coming with typical attraction and charm.

Graceful Gabor Dance commenced the art performance as a welcome greeting. Then, it featured the classic Legong Keraton Dance, the Topeng Bujuh Dance which is agile and hilarious, and as the closing of the presentation it featured Barong Dance. The invited attendees seemed to get hypnotized by the exoticism presented by the young and reliable artists.

Thus, when traveling or staying in the Nusa Dua tourism area, you cannot only see exotic beaches, but also the arts and culture of the local community. The enchantment of Bali is an event with a Balinese cultural background. “This entertainment is held to increase tourist attractions in the Nusa Dua, so

that it can increase the number of visits to the Nusa Dua, especially to the Puja Mandala. It also supports Culture Tourism through the preservation of Balinese culture,” he said.

Wirawan said the entertainment will be held for two times a week, namely every Tuesday and Thursday at 16:00 throughout 2019. This is to support the government’s efforts to reach the visit of 20 million foreign tourists to Indonesia in 2019. “The entertainment or bebalihan is derived from the word balih-balihan posing a dance that is intended for entertainment and spectacle for tourists, is not included in the sacred dance but still has a basic and sublime element of Balinese dance,” he explained.

Bayu Artana, one of the travel agent operation managers said that such an event will be very interesting because tourists do not only get the presentation of dance and gamelan, but also traditional

cuisine. Before the show begins, invited guests are presented with traditional cakes or jaja, a delicious cake. “The atmosphere of tradi-

tional art performances also feels different because it has a temple background that spreads a positive aura,” he admitted. (kmb)

IBP/kmb

Puja Mandala as a form of interfaith harmony based on Tri Hita Karana (THK), today features dance performances packaged in the form of Bebalihan or show.

4

Bali News

Monday, February 18, 2019

International

Triggered by increased airline ticket prices

year. In 2018, the average was at least 40 percent but in January and mid-February, below 40 percent. “Yesterday (January) the occupancy rate was 35 percent and still very small for operations and taxes. This month with 28 days, there is a maximum of 30 percent,” he added. According to him, this should be a concern as Jembrana is aggressively developing tourism. If this continues to fall, it will affect many lines.

The businessman, according to him, also plans to meet with the Jembrana Regional Financial and Asset Management Agency (BPKAD) to discuss about Hotel and Restaurant Taxes (PHR). Hoteliers want to be taxed online, so the entrepreneurs especially hoteliers and restaurateurs cannot embezzle.

Moreover, according to him, at the moment Bali is a pilot project for PHR management.

“We hope that later it will be online, while Jembrana has not done it yet,” he explained. Although tourism has not been as rapid as other districts, but from now on a solid foundation must be made for local revenue from the PHR sector. (kmb26)

ISLAMABAD - Saudi Arabia’s powerful crown prince arrives in Pakistan on Sunday, the start of an Asian tour during which he will seek lucrative contracts and demonstrate he still has allies five months after the Khashoggi killing.

IBP/kmb

Congestion that frequently occurs at the Jimbaran intersection indeed cannot have been handled.

To overcome traffic jam at Jimbaran intersection

Badung proposes underpasses and connections to toll road

MANGUPURA - Congestion that frequently occurs at the Jimbaran intersection indeed cannot have been handled. In 2018, road widening at the Jimbaran intersection was about to be carried out, but was postponed due to the process of land acquisition has not yet finished.

H. Kastam

IBP/olo

13

Saudi crown prince seeks contracts and allies on Asia tour

Hotel occupancy in Jembrana downs early this year NEGARA - Hotel occupancy rate in Jembrana at the beginning of this year was still very low. Over the past two months, the average has just reached 30-35 percent.

Actually last year, the lowest monthly occupancy rate was 40 percent on average. This makes entrepreneurs, especially hotels in Jembrana, anxious.

Chairman of the Indonesian Employers’ Association (Apindo) of Jembrana Chapter, H. Kastam, when met recently said the concerns of entrepreneurs, especially the hotel, began to be felt earlier this year. The low level of hotel occupancy is also related to the decline in the level of tourist visits to Jembrana earlier this year. According to Kastam, there are several factors alleged to have triggered the low level of hotel occupancy.

One of them is the increase in airfare and sluggish global economic conditions. “This almost happens in all hotels, including outside Jembrana. This is our concern,” said Kastam who also manages a hotel in Pekutatan.

According to him, the amount of occupancy rate in the first quarter was lower than the previous

Monday, February 18, 2019

International

In 2019, a suggestion returns to emerge from the community to make an underpass at the location.

Regarding this matter, the Head of the Badung Public Works and Settlement Agency (PUPR), I.B. Surya Suamba, said the previous process had not been realized due to unfinished land acquisition. At present, there is indeed a community proposal to make the underpasses.

“Currently, the handling of Jimbaran intersection is being planned.

The underpass is proposed in the planning 2020. After that, the land acquisition will be maximized how many areas are needed,” he said recently.

He said the most effective way to avoid traffic jams is indeed an underpass. It is proposed in 2020 to central government. At the same time, it is also proposed

for the southern ring road, but for land acquisition, it will be handled by the Badung district government.

According to Surya Suamba, the solution to congestion at Jimbaran intersection is not even just an underpass. Ideally, it is also equipped with a connection to the Bali Mandala Toll Road. Connection to the Bali Mandara Toll Road, according to him, will also maximize the function of the South Ring Road later. So, the users of the South Ring Road wishing to go to Denpasar will no longer need to cross the Jalan Bypass Ngurah Rai in the Kedonganan area but they can directly go to Bali Mandara Toll Road.

When confirmed separately, PPK Planning of P2JN Bali, AA Yoni Sathia Puspadewi, claimed that she did not know what is

proposed by the Badung district government whether underpass or any building. If the proposal is submitted for underpasses, the traffic management needs to be considered. The problems occurred at that point must be known first whether it is jammed or knotted, it is necessary to do a review and design first.

If later on the proposal is approved, it is also necessary to conduct a feasibility study (FS).

This study needs to be done in order to find out whether building the underpasses will resolve problems anywhere, whether the impact is only at this point or has an impact on the road outside the area. “Of course, the impact beyond it also needs to be taken into account. It needs studying whether the underpass is needed or not,” she said. (kmb23)

Bandar AL-JALOUD / Saudi Royal Palace / AFP

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman

Mohammed bin Salman, widely known as “MBS”, is expected to land in the capital Islamabad in the late afternoon and stay in Pakistan until Monday.

His trip comes amid high tensions in the region: India and Saudi Arabia’s arch-rival Iran -- both bordering Pakistan -- have accused Islamabad of backing militant groups which have carried out bloody suicide attacks on their soil in recent days.

After Pakistan, MBS will travel to India, where he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

He is expected to finish the trip with a visit to China on Thursday and Friday.

Two short stops initially scheduled for Sunday and Monday in Indonesia and Malaysia were postponed on Saturday without explanation.

The Asia trip comes five months after the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a fierce critic of MBS, at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul ignited a diplomatic crisis.

Riyadh initially denied the murder, then gave several conflicting accounts of Khashoggi’s death, and now claims he was killed in an unauthorised operation.

Turkey said Friday it has not yet revealed all the information it has uncovered in the extraordinary case, which launched a global wave of revulsion and has profoundly tarnished the image of the kingdom, especially that of the crown prince.

But for analysts, the Asia tour -- the largest outing on the interna-

tional scene for the crown prince since his participation in the G20 summit in Argentina last December -- is a timely demonstration to the West that he still has friends in rising Asia.

- ‘Not a pariah’ He “wants to demonstrate that he is not an international pariah”, said James M. Dorsey, a researcher at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore.

It is a matter of proving that he still has “international access and he can function... as the most senior representative of Saudi Arabia beyond the king”.

Li Guofu, director of Middle East studies at the China Institute of International Studies, a government-affiliated think tank, noted that the Khashoggi case continues to cause indignation in Western countries, so visiting them would have been “inconvenient”.

“Not travelling to the West does not mean that he cannot come to the East. Saudi Arabia is also making strategic adjustments, and Asia is the new main direction of Saudi diplomacy,” he said.

Asian countries, he added, “have an important special characteristic -- that is, we don’t interfere in the internal affairs of other countries”.

The prince’s trip also includes an important economic component.

“China is the largest buyer of Saudi crude, and Saudi Arabia’s other largest clients are all Asian: India, Japan, South Korea,” said Dorsey.

“Asia is a source of inward

investment into Gulf energy and infrastructure investment; and the future growth of the global economy will be in Asia,” said Karen Young, an analyst with the American Enterprise Institute.

Saudi Arabia is not the only Gulf state to pivot east, she added -- for all of them, it is a “logical shift”.

- Taliban ‘in Islamabad’ As for Pakistan, where MBS will begin his tour and which is facing a serious balance of payments crisis, it hopes its old ally will throw the struggling economy a lifeline, specifically in the form of a $10billion investment in a refinery and oil complex in the southwest of the county.

Prime Minister Imran Khan has already visited Saudi Arabia twice since coming to power last summer.

The crown prince’s visit to Islamabad will also apparently coincide with possible new talks between the Taliban and the United States on Afghanistan.

The militants announced the discussions would be held in the Pakistani capital on Monday, adding they would also meet Khan. But the US said it has not been invited and Pakistan has not confirmed talks are being held that day.

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are both involved in a months-long push led by Washington aimed at ending the conflict in Afghanistan.

It was not immediately clear if MBS would participate in any further discussions on the topic Monday. (afp)

Girls sport their ancestors’ hair for Lunar New year in China LONGJIA - Girls with large headpieces made from the hair of their ancestors and wearing intricately patterned dresses danced in isolated villages in southwest China to celebrate the Lunar New Year.

Against a stunning mountain backdrop, dozens of girls and women of the Long Horn Miao ethnicity performed for the annual flower festival or ‘Tiaohuajie’, held in Guizhou province on Thursday.

Onlookers watched -- smartphones in hand -- as the women

swirled across a meadow, wearing dresses and jackets embroidered with pink roses and geometric patterns.

But it was the towering black headdresses of the dancers that really stood out -- made from wool, string and the hair of their ancestors, and wrapped around animal horns with white fabric.

“It’s really special to be at the centre of attention like this. I feel quite proud,” said Yang Yunzheng, 16.

“We organise this festival once a year when we wear these head-

pieces. That doesn’t change with modernisation”.

The Miao ethnic minority is made up of some nine million people, mostly found in China’s southwest. Of those, around 5,000 “Long Horn Miao” live in just a dozen isolated villages in Guizhou.

Their headpieces are passed down through generations and worn on a number of occasions to honour their ancestors and preserve their traditions.

The festival is held on the 10th day of the Lunar New Year. (afp)

FRED DUFOUR / AFP

This photo taken on February 14, 2019 shows a girl from the Long Horn Miao, a branch of the Miao ethnic minority group, getting her wig set prior to the annual flower festival or ‘Tiaohuajie’ in the village of Longjia in China’s Guizhou province.

14

Monday, February 18, 2019

Traveling

International

5 reasons to visit Inverness, Scotland

1: The epic history

Inverness is one of the best places to learn about Scottish history, particularly the history the Jacobite rebellions. Culloden, the site of one of the bloody last battles of the Jacobite Uprising, sits on a windswept moor on the outskirts of the city and is one of the most poignant and moving places in Scotland.

Culloden Visitor Centre, which stands beside the battlefield, features interactive displays that reveal the background to the conflict. Using 360-degree immersion theatre, the multi award-winning attraction takes visitors back to one of the bloodiest periods in Scottish history. It features artefacts from both sides of the battle, including weapons, clothing, miniatures and coins.

2: Nessie is just down the road

Just 37 kilometres south west of Inverness, hauntingly beautiful Loch Ness is an easy day trip from the city. Famous throughout the world as home to the Loch Ness monster, an unknown cryptid that may or may not live in its murky depths. First spotted in 1933, ‘Nessie’ has inspired countless expeditions – scientific and otherwise – to prove her existence.

Even without the myth of the monster, Loch Ness demands attention. It is the largest body of water in the Great Glen and holds

more fresh water than all the lakes in England and Scotland combined.

Its mood changes with the weather.

Head to the atmospheric ruins of Urquhart Castle for the best view.

Or take one of the boat cruises offered for your best chance of spotting Nessie, or at least a floating log that looks very much like her.

3: It’s home to Scotland’s biggest Highland Games

First held in 1822, the Inverness Highland Games are the biggest and most spectacular traditional gathering of the clans in Scotland.

Held every July in Bught Park, its program boasts all the popular Highland sports including caber toss, tug o’ war and the hammer throw as well as Highland dancing and music.

The Games also feature craft stalls, livestock events, parades and even best-dressed pet competitions. The games conclude with a spectacular concert, held in a huge marque beside the grounds. Previous years have included performances from Scottish favourites, The Proclaimers.

4: It’s a hub of Highland culture

As the largest ‘city’ in the Highlands, it is no surprise that Inverness also serves as the region’s cultural hub. Situated right in the historic centre of the city, at the foot of the Castle hill, the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery is a treasure trove

of artefacts relating to the history of Highland Scotland. You’ll find Jacobite memorabilia, Inverness silverware, authentic Highland weapons and bagpipes.

Also in the city centre, or a short distance away, you’ll find the Highland Aviation Museum, the Highlanders Museum, the Loch Ness Centre and the Highland Museum of Childhood. Further afield you’ll can visit the Highland Wildlife Park, a part of the Royal Zoological Society for Scotland, as well as plenty of local castles like Castle Stuart, Cawdor Castle and Ardverikie Castle.

5: The food and drink are amazing

The Highlands are the natural larder of Scotland, the place where the country’s freshest and most iconic produce is sourced. In Inverness you’ll enjoy prime steak and organic vegetables to freshly caught kippers and salmon, all provided by local farms and fishermen.

You’re spoiled for choice for places to eat and drink in Inverness, from trendy bistros to cosy pubs. At the high end, try the original Rocpool, Chez Roux, or Contrast Brasserie. For something more casual try Velocity Café, or the organic and vegetarian café, Nourish. The pubs here are a real treat, with many also featuring bands playing traditional Scottish music. (net)

Bali News

International

Monday, February 18, 2019

3

Waste management at Suwung landfill to take 1.4 ha of mangrove DENPASAR - Bali provincial government will immediately realize the waste-to-energy project at Sarbagita regional landfill or Suwung landfill. The project will be carried out by Indonesia Power and Waskita Karya and now it is under feasibility study. The remaining land at the Suwung landfill area of 10 hectares intended for sanitary landfill and waste-to-energy project is estimated to be insufficient. Therefore, the project will be expanded by taking 1.4 hectares of surrounding mangrove land.

“Now, (the garbage) is left stacked while waiting for the waste processing unit operates under management of Indonesia Power and Waskita Karya by using a large capacity waste processing machine,” said Governor of Bali, Wayan Koster, after holding a closed meeting that discussed about the waste-to-energy project of Suwung landfill in the Praja Sabha of Bali Governor’s Office, recently.

According to Koster, the construction of waste processing infrastructure will begin at the end of 2019 and will take around 2 to 3 years. Currently, the expansion of landfill area is also being pursued by requesting 1.4 hectares of mangrove land to the Ministry of Forestry. If considered to qualify and this option must be taken to resolve the garbage problem, he promised to exchange the mangrove land by planting elsewhere.

“The land needed must be expanded because it is not enough. It must be there and shifts, coinciding with the location of mangroves. In other places, we will add 2.8 hectares, where the condition has a lot of holes,” he added.

On the other hand, Koster is aware that waste processing with a machine or incinerator will have an impact on the environment, so that there will be an environmental impact analysis study conducted. He said there is no other way to cut off the garbage chain so that the growth of garbage in the landfill is not as high as the current condition. If left unchecked, the piles of garbage at Suwung landfill are predicted to be as high as 18 meters in 2021.

“At present, there is no other way and the applicable method is that (incinerator—Ed). In the long run, we will issue a Governor Regulation on the management of waste from upstream to downstream, and the finalization will be in the upstream.

From the household, the garbage flows to village. Now, the garbage from upstream flows here, and makes crowded at last,” explained this Chairperson of the PDI-P Bali.

Koster is also confident if the waste-to-energy project this time will not fail as what PT NOEI did especially with the involvement of state-owned enterprises that invest in it. The Sarbagita (Denpasar, Badung, Gianyar and Tabanan) government will also be invited to sign the MoU as a form of commitment to maintain waste supplies.

When separately interviewed, Director of Waskita Karya Energy, Hokkop Situngkir, said the feasibility study for handling waste is targeted for completion in April or May. It faces a technical obstacle, namely the reduction of landfill area because the amount of waste continues to grow. This must be overcome by accelerating the waste management and waste-fueled power plant or PLTSa development process.

“Five hectares of land available has been blocked for the PLTSa (wasteto-energy—Ed). So for now, there is land posing a mangrove forest. We have conveyed it to the governor to be converted and we can use 1.4 hectares for a temporary garbage collection,” he said.

With the addition of the land, continued Hokkop, throughout the three years when the PLTSa operates it will be able to cover the growth rate of waste by combustion of waste into energy. He calculated the volume of waste to increase by around 4 percent at the Suwung landfill, seeing the trends in 2017, 2018 and 2019.

“We hope that for three years after the PLTSa operates, the incoming garbage and the garbage we mine can be managed at our location. After that, maybe we will submit to the provincial government for the additions. There are two versions, adding garbage locations or increasing the power of PLTSa. So, we’ll add the incinerator again,” he explained.

Hokkop said the ecological impact is being studied in the feasibility study considering the waste management with incinerator is actually not yet available in Indonesia. For the Suwung landfill, he adopts Japanese, Korean, Taiwan and Chinese technologies. Admittedly, the residues of combustion results in the incinerator will indeed have a certain impact. If it turns out to be included in the category B3 (Hazardous and Toxic Materials), his management will certainly make special handling. “We are collaborating with consultants from France, referred to by Indonesia Power,” he said.

Head of the Bali Forestry Agency, I Made Gunaja, said the 1.4 hectares of mangroves to be applied to the Ministry of Forestry is still functioned as grand forest park or Tahura. However, it will be used into sanitary landfill. “It is not necessarily (to be cleared—Ed) because we are still conducting studies. We do not know for sure whether the needs is really 1.4 hectares or not, or perhaps more,” he said.

Gunaja hoped that Balinese people can understand what will be needed in relation to this garbage problem.

Not yet agreed

Deputy Mayor of Denpasar, IGN Jayanegara, said that Sarbagita government had not signed anything as a form of agreement on the waste-toenergy project. Denpasar municipality in particular is still waiting for the results of the feasibility study to be conducted by Waskita Karya. In ad-

dition, it will also consider the ability of the Denpasar municipality to get involved in the project and whether or not the supporting regulations are appropriate. However, he appreciated to the commitment of the governor who wants to help resolve the waste problem at the Suwung landfill.

“We face this problem in front of our eyes, quite long queues, stench and all kinds of things. Of course, we must hear them. However, as the

decision or policy implies, we must first look at the results of the feasibility study and the regulations so that we are not wrong,” he said.

According to Jayanegara, currently Denpasar does not have a place to manage waste. In other words, the sanitary landfill is no longer possible in the provincial capital of Bali. The only solution to the waste problem is waste-to-energy. However, the waste-to-energy needs a huge invest-

ment. “That’s why it needs financing schemes. One of them is why the meeting is held today (Wednesday— Ed). We also must hear first,” he explained.

Meanwhile, continued Jayanegara, there has been no explanation regarding the form of sharing to be conducted whether the Denpasar municipality will participate in the cooperation or will manage it independently. (kmb32)

2

Monday, February 18, 2019

Bali News

International

International

Tourism management agency extends collection time of levies from the dawn

BANGLI — The existence of levy collection carried out by a group of people on behalf of the Batur UNESCO Global Geopark (BUGG) Tourism Management Agency to tourists visiting Kintamani at dawn was acknowledged by the Director of BUGG Tourism Management Agency, I Gede Wiwin Suyasa. He said the collection of levy to tourists on the Penelokan route in the early hours of the morning had already been implemented by the BUGG Tourism Management Agency since Monday (Feb. 11).

When contacted on Friday (Feb. 15), Wiwin Suyasa explained that collecting levies to tourists visiting Kintamani is not anything new. But it has been applied for a long time.

However, since February 11 the levies have begun to be handled by the BUGG Tourism Management Agency after the handover from the Kintamani tourism management and collecting officers by the Bangli district government.

Wiwin said that previously the collection of tourist levies in Kintamani was handled directly by the Bangli Tourism and Culture Office. Due to limited capabilities, the time for collecting levies can only be done by the office from 9:00 to 16:00.

Then, since the management is submitted to the BUGG Tourism Management Agency, the time for collecting levies is extended from 1:00 until 19:00. It is done as an effort to optimize the regionally generated revenue from tourism sector. “In the meantime, we are optimizing the efforts to extend the counter’s opening hours. So, the collection of levies is not new. The officers are still the same people,” he explained. He also added the amount of levies imposed on tourists visiting Kintamani remains the same. According to local regulations, foreign tourists are charged IDR 30,000 per person, while domestic tourists at IDR 15,000 per person.

Regarding the collection point questioned by a number of tourism

players because it is carried out on the declining roadside at Penelokan, Wiwin revealed that his party is still conducting arrangements, including the construction of a collection post on the descending route at Penelokan.

Levy collection is also still being carried out in several existing points.

“There (at Penelokan) sits a collection point. Perhaps it is still being built,” he said.

Meanwhile, when asked about the target of tourist levy collection in Kintamani in 2019, Wiwin said that according to the regent’s expectation, his side in the Tourism Management Agency targets to be able to generate revenue from the levy collection as much as IDR 15 billion. This figure is IDR 4 billion greater than the previous year when the management was still handled by Tourism and Culture Office. To achieve revenue of IDR 15 billion per year, on average the Tourism Management Agency must be able to collect levies of around IDR 20-25 million each day. “From 1 o’clock until 8 o’clock in the morning we can collect levies from averagely 400 tourists,” he explained.

As previously reported, Chairman of the Bangli House of Representatives, Ngakan Kutha Parwata, said that he will soon hold a meeting with a number of relevant agencies to discuss the existence of the Batur UNESCO Global Geopark (BUGG) Tourism Management Agency formed by the regent. This is done to follow up

complaints from a number of tourism players in the Batur Caldera region, Kintamani, who questioned the existence of levies on tourist levies from a group of people against tourists on behalf of the Tourism Management Agency. The levies are questionable because they are carried out on the roadside in the early hours, and without dissemination.

Kutha Parwata revealed that his party received a complaint about the levies from a number of tourism players coming to his office on Wednesday (Feb. 13). The tourism players com-

plained as well as questioned about the existence of tourist levies carried out by a group of people on behalf of the Tourism Management Agency on the roadside of the Penelokan-Kedisan route in the early hours around 1:30 until the morning. The amount of levies imposed is IDR 31,000 per tourist wishing to have climbing tours to Mount Batur. “According to the information received, the levy has been applied around for three days,” said Kutha Parwata.

As the results of the coordination he carried out with the Tourism and Culture Office and the Bangli Regional Secretariat of Legal Affairs, it is found the imposition of levy worth IDR 31,000 is indeed an official levy imposed by the Tourism Management Agency. Even though it is official, Kutha Parwata regretted the levies

are not carried out in a proper location. According to information from tourism players complained to him, the levies are collected on the roadside precisely on the downhill road of Penelokan to Kedisan, not in the collection post available. Kutha Parwata also regretted the lack of dissemination carried out by the government regarding the existence of tourism management bodies and collection of levies in the early hours of the morning making tourism players in Kintamani quite shocked.

“If really wishing to collect levies around it, we hope it is made a proper collecting post. It should not be carried out on such roadside so as not to cause congestion. We also request the levy dissemination can be carried out by the tourism management body,” said Kutha Parwata. (kmb40)

IBP/kmb

Collecting levies to tourists visiting Kintamani is not anything new. But it has been applied for a long time.

Geothermal problems

If unqualified, don’t talk about it again

IBP/kmb

I Nyoman Adi Wiryatama

DENPASAR — Geothermal studies must be carried out in depth and not in half. One of the new renewable energies can be applied in Bali if it indeed can meet electricity needs as long as the environment is maintained.

However, if the evaluation results in fact show off the opposite, the project should not need to be discussed any longer.

“If it doesn’t meet the requirements, it should be closed im-

mediately rather than gaping in uncertainty like it’s now. Don’t talk about it anymore,” confirmed Chairman of the Bali House of Representatives, I Nyoman Adi Wiryatama, on Friday (Feb. 15).

Secretary of Commission III of the Bali House of Representatives, I Ketut Kariyasa Adnyana, said that geothermal has indeed been considered an eco-friendly energy source. However, Bedugul becoming the geothermal location is an

upstream area. There sit the forests and lakes that must be protected so they don’t get damaged.

“In terms of regulation, there has been a rejection from the House and governor. It must be considered to look for another energy alternative,” he said. According to Kariyasa, Bali can develop gas power, solar power, hydropower or wind power plant for the other alternative renewable energy. We can also process waste into energy.

To obtain energy from this waste, an Environmental Impact Analysis (EIA) study is needed to reduce the impact on the environment.

As a world tourist destination, the Island of the Gods is unlikely to be sacrificed for energy problems.

“It is now depending on technology, investors and costs. The cost may be greater because geothermal has been considered cheap,” added this PDI-P politician. (kmb32)

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

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Activities

Monday, February 18, 2019

15

Celebrate “ Silent Day” 3 Days 2 Night at Hotel Santika Siligita Nusa Dua

Towards Nyepi, Hotel Santika Siligita offers a special 3 day 2 night package offered on March 6 to March 8, 2019.

There are special prices for all room types and travelers can feel how calm the Island of the Gods are.

Nyepi is a Hindu holiday in Bali and is believed to be a day fully dedicated to worshiping God through prayer, fasting and meditation. This year, Nyepi will fall on March 7, 2019 (from 6am to 6am tomorrow). Although Nyepi is celebrated by Hindus, not a few local and foreign tourists come to Bali to experience a unique experience that lasts only one day in one year. During the Nyepi moment, Hindus in Bali were forbidden to light a fire, work, travel, and enjoy entertainment.

Instead, on Nyepi day it was also used as a moment for Hindus in Bali to introspect and spend time with family. Bali which is usually filled with endless tourist activities will feel very peaceful, calm and free from pollution when the Nyepi day takes place.

Another uniqueness is the day before

Nyepi, the Hindu community in Bali will carry out ceremonies in each family and Banjar then followed by a fertilization ceremony enlivened by the ogoh-ogoh parade, a sculpture in Balinese culture that depicts giant giants 3 meters to 8 meters.

Tourists can enjoy the peace and tranquility of the island while on vacation at the Hotel Santika Siligita located in Nusa Dua. For prices starting from Rp. 1,190,000 nett in superior rooms, deluxe rooms at Rp. 1,390,000 nett, deluxe executive at Rp. 1,640,000 net and santika suite at Rp. 3,190,000 nett per room for 3 days 2 nights including breakfast and one buffet dinner for two people and free internet access, swimming pool and access to the Fitness Center.

Tourists can enjoy the peace and tranquility of the island while on vacation at the Hotel Santika Siligita located in Nusa Dua. For further information and reservations, contact (62-361) - 8465 777 or directly to Hotel Santika Siligita at Jalan Pintas Siligita Road No.3A Banjar Peminge, Nusa Dua Bali.

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

16 Pages Number 39 11th year

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

Price: Rp 3.000,-

Monday, February 18, 2019

David Beckham could face court after ‘using mobile while driving’ DAVID Beckham could appear in court after allegedly using a mobile phone while driving - less than two months after getting off a speeding charge.

A member of the public told the police they had seen the former England football captain making a call in his Bentley Bentayga SUV near Oxford Street in central London on 21 November. CCTV footage of the alleged incident is understood to have been obtained and the case is set to appear before Bromley magistrates on 19 March.

A London Magistrates’ courts spokesman said Beckham, 43, received a justice procedure notice in the post, but had not yet been charged. A hearing will take place at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on 19 March.

The father-of-four can admit to

the alleged offence by letter, appear in court to contest the charge, or send his lawyer so he does not have to appear publicly.

If convicted he faces six points on his licence and a £2,000 fine.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: “An allegation was made by a member of the public to the Met that on 21 November 2018 they saw a 43-year-old man on his mobile phone while driving his car in the area of Great Portland Street. “The 43-year-old man has been sent a notice of intended prosecution.” The alleged offence happened nearly two months after Beckham’s £10,000-a-day celebrity lawyer, Nick Freeman, got him off a speeding charge on a technicality in September. He was accused of driving his Bentley at 59mph in a 40mph zone on the A40 in Paddington on 23 January, 2018. (net)

Monday, February 18, 2019

The Oscars is under fire after cutting four awards from its live broadcast.

IBP/net

Why the Oscars is facing a backlash over ‘advert awards’

THE Academy Awards has announced that the presentations of four Oscars will not be featured live - a move which has not gone down well with many in the industry.

David Beckham

IBP/net

Former best actor winner Russell Crowe, Roma director Alfonso Cuaron and The Shape Of Water filmmaker Guillermo Del Toro are among several stars hitting out at the decision to present the prizes for cinematography, editing, live action short and make-up and hairstyling during advert breaks.

Academy producers say they have made the decision to keep the ceremony to a three-hour timeframe. Although the presentations will not be shown live, they say the speeches will air later on in the

broadcast, and viewers will also be able to see them live if they are streaming online. In future years, four to six different categories will be selected on rotation to be featured in this way.

The move has angered several stars, with many arguing in particular about the award for cinematography. Cuaron, who is nominated in the cinematography category for his Netflix film, as well as for other awards including best picture and best director, wrote on Twitter: “In the history of CINEMA, master-

pieces have existed without sound, without color, without a story, without actors and without music.

“No one single film has ever existed without CINEMAtography and without editing.”

Crowe, who won the best actor Oscar for Gladiator in 2001, tweeted: “The Academy is removing cinematography, editing and make up from the televised show?

“This is just such a fundamentally stupid decision, I’m not even going to be bothered trying to be a smart arse about it. (net)

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Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP

Pope Francis addresses the crowd from the window of the apostolic palace overlooking St Peter’s square during his Angelus prayer on February 17, 2019 at the Vatican.

World bishops head to Vatican for sex abuse summit

VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis gathers bishops from around the world at the Vatican this week for a hotly-awaited summit on tackling the wave of child sex abuse scandals assailing the Catholic Church.

The heads of around 100 bishops’ conferences from every continent will convene from Thursday to Sunday for the meeting on the protection of minors, with victims’ groups demanding that a concrete action plan on fighting paedophilia be drawn up.

The pope, who asked the bishops to speak to victims of abuse in their respective countries before the Rome convention, has tried to dial down “inflated expectations” for a cure-all.

Several victims were also invited to the Vatican.

“I ask you to pray for this meeting,” the pope said Sunday, adding that he wanted the meeting “as an

act of strong pastoral responsibility in the face of an urgent challenge of our time.”

The conference aims to be an opportunity to improve awareness of the global phenomenon of sexual abuse of minors within the Church, despite many in Africa, Asia and the Middle East being in denial of what they call “a Western problem”.

In many parts of the world, discussing violence towards children and even sex is taboo, leading the Vatican to organise this week’s “educational” gathering.

Some abuse victims, particularly from countries where their plight is ignored, have also been invited

to attend.

“Someone who has met a victim, heard their cries for help, their tears, their psychological and physical wounds, can’t remain the same,” said German Jesuit priest Hans Zollner, a psychologist who travels the world educating priests and is one of the conference’s organisers.

“The Catholic Church has been faced with this problem for the last 35 years,” he said, hailing rigorous preventative measures taken in Australia, Britain, Canada, Ireland and the United States.

“It works: the number of new accusations of sexual assault in all these countries is now minimal,”

he said.

The aim is for the heads of the world’s episcopal conferences to achieve “a feeling of collective responsibility” said Father Federico Lombardi, who will be leading debates during the conference.

“The credibility of the Church is at stake,” he said.

- ‘A decisive moment’ The summit comes after Pope Francis defrocked a former cardinal -- American Theodore McCarrick -- over accusations he sexually abused a teenager 50 years ago.

McCarrick, 88, who resigned from the Vatican’s College of Cardinals in July, is the first cardinal ever to be defrocked for sex abuse.

Chilean Vatican expert Luis Badilla said the meeting would

be a “decisive moment for the pontificate”.

“We want this meeting to result in concrete measures,” he said, echoing victims’ hopes for the conference, being held in the wake of paedophile scandals that have shaken the Church particularly in Chile and in the United States.

The summit’s title, concerning “the protection of minors”, avoids using the words “sex” or “paedophilia”, noted Badilla.

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