Edisi 20 April 2017 | Internasional Bali Post

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

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

16 Pages Number 74 9th year

Price: Rp 3.000,-

Thursday, April 20, 2017

Drake profits are sought in New York lawsuit

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

Thursday, April 20, 2017

NEW YORK - The record label Cash Money Records was sued on Monday by Drake’s former label for a share of the profits from the Toronto rapper’s first six solo albums, potentially totaling tens of millions of dollars.

Aspire Music Group, which claimed to have signed Drake in 2008, said it has received only “a few modest advances” from Cash Money and co-owners Bryan “Birdman” Williams and Ronald “Slim” Williams, despite a 2009 contract to let Drake record for that label in exchange for one-third of album profits.

The complaint filed in a New York state court in Manhattan also accused Cash Money of inducing Drake in 2013 to break his “exclusive artist” agreement with Aspire by signing a competing agreement, depriving Aspire of more than $10 million.

“Defendants have brazenly engaged in a systematic and pervasive effort to cheat plaintiff out of its contractual entitlement to tens of millions of dollars in profits and royalties, and to its one-third ownership interest in the copyright to Drake’s first six albums,” the

complaint said.

A lawyer for the defendants did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Drake, whose given name is Aubrey Drake Graham, is not a defendant.

Aspire is represented by Marc Kasowitz, a longtime lawyer for U.S. President Donald Trump.

The six Drake albums are “So Far Gone,” “Thank Me Later,” “Take Care,” “Nothing Was the Same,” “If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late” and “Views,” and the last five entered the Billboard 200 list of popular U.S. albums at No. 1, the complaint said.

Drake’s current album, “More Life,” also entered that list at No. 1, and is in its third week there.

The case is Aspire Music Group LLC v Cash Money Records Inc et al, New York State Supreme Court, New York County, No. 652029/2017. (rtr)

REUTERS/Lucas Jackson/File Photo

Drake performs “Hold On, We’re Going Home” during the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards in New York August 25, 2013.

Kevin Spacey to host Broadway’s Tony Awards for first time

NEW YORK, April 18 (Reuters) Stage and screen actor Kevin Spacey will step up to host Broadway’s Tony Awards, organizers said on Tuesday, less than two months before the national broadcast of the annual theater honors.

It will mark Spacey’s first time hosting the Tonys, which will take place in New York on June 11, broadcaster CBS said.

Recent hosts Neil Patrick Harris, Hugh Jackman and James Corden all won raves from critics but apparently were unavailable to do the honors again this year, prompting a wry bit of self-depreciating humor from Spacey.

REUTERS/Adrees Latif/File Photo “I was their 2nd choice for ‘Usual SusActor and presenter Kevin Spacey arrives at the 86th Academy Awards in Hollywood, pects,’ 4th choice for ‘American Beauty,’ and 15th choice to host this year’s Tony California March 2, 2014.

Awards. I think my career is definitely going in the right direction,” he said.

“Maybe I can get short-listed to host the Oscars if everyone else turns it down,” he added.

British actor and talk show host Corden, who helmed the show a year ago, went on to host the Grammy Awards in February.

Spacey, 57, himself a Tony winner for “Lost in Yonkers” as well as a two-time Oscar winner, currently stars in the Netflix political drama “House of Cards.” He also served for 10 years as artistic director of London’s Old Vic theater company.

“We can’t wait to see the energy he brings to Radio City on Tony night,” said Charlotte St. Martin, president of the Broadway League, and Heather Hitchens,

president of the American Theatre Wing, in a reference Spacey’s wry, sometimes sardonic humor. Nominations for the Tony Awards, which cover plays, musicals, actors and creative teams on Broadway, will be announced on May 2. Hip-hop historical musical “Hamilton” swept the board last year with 11 wins.

Stars appearing on Broadway this season included Bette Midler in a hit revival of “Hello, Dolly!”, as well as Sally Field, Jake Gyllenhaal, Nathan Lane, Glenn Close, Mark Ruffalo, Kevin Kline and Laura Linney.

The 71st Tony Awards will be broadcast live on CBS in a glittering three-hour show from Radio City Music Hall in Manhattan. (rtr)

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

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

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

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

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

AP Photo/Tatan Syuflana

Supporters cheer as gubernatorial candidate Anies Baswedan, center rear, hugs his running mate Sandiaga Uno during a press conference in Jakarta, Indonesia, Wednesday, April 19, 2017. Unofficial results showed Baswedan resoundingly defeated the capital city’s minority Christian governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama, after a campaign that cracked open religious and racial divides in the world’s most populous Muslim nation.

Indonesian Muslim candidate wins Jakarta election-pollsters

Anies Baswedan won with 58 JAKARTA - A former Indonesian education minister won the race for Jakarta governor on Wednesday after a percent of the votes versus 42 perpolarising campaign that cast a shadow over Indonesia’s cent for Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, known by his Chinese nickname as reputation for practicing a tolerant form of Islam.

Quick Count Result: PolMark Indonesia: Basuki Tjahaja Purnama - Djarot Saiful Hidayat: 42.44 % Anies Baswedan - Sandiaga Uno: 57.56 % LSI Denny JA: Basuki Tjahaja Purnama - Djarot Saiful Hidayat: 42.33 % Anies Baswedan - Sandiaga Uno: 57.67 % SMRC: Basuki Tjahaja Purnama - Djarot Saiful Hidayat: 41.94 % Anies Baswedan - Sandiaga Uno: 58.06 %

“Ahok”, based on 100 percent of the votes in an unofficial “quick count”

by Indikator Politik. Other pollsters showed similar results with 99 percent counted. The national elections commission will announce official results in early May. The turbulent campaign featured mass rallies led by a hardline Islamist movement, which has strengthened in recent years in a country long dominated by a moderate form of Islam. More than 80 percent of Indonesia’s population professes Islam. “Going forward,

the politics of religion is going to be a potent force,” said Keith Loveard, an analyst at Jakarta-based Concord Consulting and an author of books about Indonesian politics.

Baswedan’s huge margin of victory was surprising since opinion polls in the run-up to the election had pointed to a dead-heat. Purnama won the first round of voting for governor in February in a three-way race. Indonesian social media users likened the election outcome to the shock results of the U.S. presidential vote and the Brexit vote of last year.

One Twitter user, @fuadhn, said Indonesians “can feel what US and British citizens feel now. Welcome populism...” The election came

on the eve of a visit by U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, as the Trump administration seeks to engage the world’s fourth-largest nation and largest Muslim-majority country as an emerging regional power. Pence is scheduled on Thursday to visit the biggest mosque in Southeast Asia, Jakarta’s Istiqlal Mosque.

Continued to page 6

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

2

Bali News

Thursday, April 20, 2017

International

Forest function in Bali reduces 600 hectares yearly

DENPASAR - Forests in Bali are under considerable pressure, especially the mangrove forests covering about 3,500 hectares throughout Bali. The mangroves belonging to forest area include the (Tahura) Ngurah Rai Forest Park, Nusa Penida and West Bali National Park. There is also mangrove outside the forest area in Jembrana and Buleleng. Large pressure is mainly experienced by mangrove trees in the area of Tahura Ngurah Rai.

“The damage is about 10 percent, the worst happens to condition of Tahura. There are various factors causing the damage such as garbage and human pressure. Meanwhile, the mangroves in other location are in relatively better condition,” said the Head of Bali Forestry Agency, IGN Wiranatha, amid the opening of the International Conference on Sustainable Mangrove Ecosystem at the Agung Room of Inna Bali Beach Hotel, on Tuesday (Apr. 18).

Wiranatha added that the damage does not reduce the extent of mangrove forest. However, it reduces the function of forest due to waste and pollution. It will take 25 years in order that the mangroves could function ecologically.

“The reduced forest function in Bali reaches almost 600 hectares per year. On that account, it is required to perform a rehabilitation to balance the rate of damage and improvement,” he added.

In the meantime, the human pressure, continued Wiranatha, like the encroachment of land has been processed legally. Likewise, illegal logging cases have been reported to the authorities. “We have processed a total of 42 cases of land conversion including the annexation to Bali police,” he added.

According to Wiranatha, the existence of mangrove is important for Bali because it is entirely located in the areas that are risky to abrasion. Mangroves play major role in preventing abrasion. (kmb32)

Activities

International

ARTOTEL Indonesia is proudly announcing its merchandise selling expansion of ARTofLIFEvia website through artofolife.artotelindonesia.com.

ARTofLIFEis a collection of ARTOTELofficial merchandise that has been developed to support creative industry and emerging contemporary local artists.

ARTofLIFEcomes with 3 main concepts to be offered,1.Originalisa specially concepted and designed product by ARTOTEL’sinternal creative team.2.Featuring Artists, is a collaboration between ART of LIFEand emerging contemporary local artists,from Eddie Hara, Ronald Apriyan, Fatoni and many more.3.Market Placeis a

EVERY TUESDAY Ecstatic contact dance: Transformative journey Paradiso Ubud, Jalan Goutama Selatan, Ubud 100k includes dinner EVERY WEDNESDAY DEep Dive Dance Guided improvised movement 19:00-21:00 Paradiso Ubud Jalan Goutama Selatan, Ubud 100k IBP/eka Adhyasa

Many tourism potentials in Bangli still unexplored

EVERY THURSDAY African Drums with Catur SAng Klang Wijaya 16:00-18:00 Experience the healing power of drumming, all levels welcome

BY DONATION

BANGLI - So far, the number of tourist visit to Bangli district is still relatively small. Within a year, the average number of travelers visiting Bangli only amounts to 600,000 people or about 12 percent of the number of tourist visit to Tabanan and 30 percent of tourist visit to Gianyar. Actually, the tourism potential owned by Bangli district is not inferior to other districts.

According to Chairman of the Indonesia Hotel and Restaurant As-

sociation (PHRI) of Bangli, I Ketut Mardjana, the minimal number of tourist visit to Bangli district happens due to several factors. One of them is due to managership matters. Behavior of tourism players in Bangli, according to Mardjana, still needs to be improved. Here the PHRI will play its role to disseminate and provide education for tourism players so that it could result in people that understand about tourism.

In addition, the condition of

infrastructure is not adequate. He pointed out the damaged road at Penelokan to Kedisan due to disaster has not been repaired until now.

Meanwhile, the traffic of travelers coming down to Lake Batur area is quite high. “District government should be sensitive to the existing infrastructure conditions,” he said.

Mardjana continued that in addition to having a lot of natural tourism potentials, Bangli especially Kintamani also has the potential of

historical tourism. Historical relationship between Bali and China in the past has not been explored and worked on to attract the arrival of Chinese travelers.

According to Mardjana, if Bangli district government is sensitive, the historical relationship must be made a symbol or icon that describes the relationship between Bali and China in the form of Jayapangus and Kang Cing Wie statue.

All this time, this icon is actually

used by Gianyar district to attract Chinese travelers.

“Why the history was even sold

by Gianyar? Why do we not establish the tourism icon in Kintamani?

Actually, it can attract Chinese travelers to come to Bangli. We at the PHRI are intrigued to get together to explore the tremendous potential of nature, culture and history remaining untouched,” said the former President Director of PT Pos Indonesia. (kmb40)

SUNDAY MARKETS 10AM 1PM Sunday Market at Batu Jimbar Jl. Danau Tablingan , Sanur

MANGUPURA -Amid the competition of tourist destinations against other countries, the government is expected to also work on new destinations in Badung district such as surfing sports. It is considered necessary to be developed because surfing is very promising in increasing the length of stay of guests in Bali. With the surfing, travelers coming to Bali will surely also bring their family to stay.

Bali is indeed known for its cultural tourism concept. However,

it is not enough for the development of the tourism field. To that end, we need to explore the new potential to make travelers feel at home to stay longer in Bali.

Surfing destination is a promising opportunity as it is synonymous with beach enthusiasts having a long stay.

President of the Indonesia Surfing Association (INSA), Made Suparta Karang, when met on Tuesday (Apr. 18) stated that travelers that like surfing sport

will not certainly stay for a day or two days. According to him, in Bali there are many surfing spots. In addition to the familiar Kuta Beach, there are also Sanur, Uluwatu, Dreamland, PadangPadang, Keramas and Medewi in Jembrana.

So far, the government, he said, is not quite serious to take advantage of surfing as a tourism promotion. Actually, where there are surfing activities, then the tourist destinations will be automatically

known worldwide.

“Kuta started to be known in the 1980s after the international surfing competition that was covered by international media. Since then, Kuta is known by the world for having a good wave for surfing. If surfing is promoted more intensively, I think it will be promising. We can feature Indonesia in the world,” he explained.

He also asked the government of Badung to more seriously work on the surfing as a tourism

potential. This can be done by facilitating the sending of athletes to participate in international competitions and arranging the facilities of surfing attractions.

As a result, the spots owned will connect to the coaching of surfing athletes and have an impact on tourism promotion. “Without being worked on well, it can be worked on in other regions. So far, Bali is the forerunner of surfing and has developed in all directions,” he explained. (kmb23)

9AM-2PM Wednesday and Sunday Ubud Organik Market Jl. Raya Pengosekan across from Zens Hotel Tebesaya, Ubud

Surfing, a tourism potential needs working on

 Founder : K.Nadha,  General Manager :Palgunadi Chief Editor: Gugiek Savindra  Editors:Agus Toni, Daniel Fajry, Mawa, Sueca, Sugiartha, Yudi Winanto Denpasar: Dira Arsana, Giriana Saputra, Subrata, Sumatika, Asmara Putra. Bangli: Suasrina, Buleleng: Dewa kusuma, Gianyar: Manik Astajaya, Karangasem: Budana, Klungkung: Dewa Farendra. Jakarta: Nikson, Hardianto, Ade Irawan. NTB: Agus Talino, Izzul Khairi, Raka Akriyani. Surabaya: Bambang Wilianto.  Office: Jalan Kepundung 67 A Denpasar 80232. Telephone (0361)225764, Facsimile: 227418, P.O.Box: 3010 Denpasar 80001. Bali Post Jakarta, Advertizing: Jl.Palmerah Barat 21F. Telp 021-5357602, Facsimile: 021-5357605 Jakarta Pusat. NTB: Jalam Bangau No. 15 Cakranegara Telp. (0370) 639543, Facsimile: (0370) 628257. Publisher: PT Bali Post

15

ARTOTEL LAUNCHES ONLINE SHOP FOR ITS CURATED MERCHANDISE EVERY MONDAY Movie Monday19:00-21:00 Genius Cafe- Home to the entrepreneur Beach CLub Mertasari Beach (Next to Mercure), Sanur

The officers are cleaning the mangrove in Mertasari Beach.

Thursday, April 20, 2017

10AM-4PM The Sands Beach Club and Restaurant Sunday MArket Jl. Danau Tamblingan, No 27, Sanur 9:30AM-1PM Sunday Market @ Warung Sopa Jl. Sugriwas no36, Padang Tegal, Ubud 9AM-2PM Samadi Sunday Market Jalan. Padang Linjong 39, Canggu,

12PM-10PM Sunday Food Festival & Bazaar Byrdhouse Beach Club, Sanur 10AM-6PM, Mercure,last sunday of every month, jl. ,Mertasari, Sanur, fashion food and and kids activities The Coffee Spot, Jalan Peigenet 888X,Seminyak, last Sunday of every month, garage sale clothing, books, and hand-made jewellery

creative vessel provided byART of LIFEdedicated for brands, artists or crafters to promote and sell their products with consignment program.

ARTofLIFEthat previously sold only at every Lobby of ARTOTELproperties sinceAugust 2016, is now available via artoflife. artotelindonesia.com. This e-commerce is one of the features inside ARTOTEL official website, www. artotelindonesia.com.

Mr Eduard Rudolf Pangkerego, Corporate General Manager of ARTOTEL Indonesia said, ‘’Our newly launched e-commerce is expected to fulfill the market demand of our ARTOTEL merchandise, without distance limitation to our hotels.Now people can simply access our official website, choose products, and we will send the products immediately.’’

As an introduction, online shopARTofLIFEoffering discount of Rp 50.000,- for new member with minimum purchase of Rp 250.000,-.

14

Thursday, April 20, 2017

Health

International

Should pregnant mothers hang up their cell phones?

BARCELONA - Children whose mothers were frequent cell phone users during pregnancy were more likely than those of less frequent users to be hyperactive, a new study finds.

But lead author Laura Birks is not advising expectant mothers to hang up their cell phones.

She cautioned that she could not say if electromagnetic radiation from cell phones or any number of other factors, such as parenting styles, might explain the link between maternal cell phone use during pregnancy and childhood behavioral problems.

“I would say interpret these results with caution, and everything in moderation,” she said in a Skype interview.

Birks and her colleagues analyzed data on more than 80,000 mother-child pairs in Denmark, Spain, Norway, the Netherlands and Korea. They found consistent evidence of increasing risk of behavioral problems particularly, hyperactivity - in 5- to 7-year-old children the more their mothers talked on cell phones during pregnancy.

Given that there is no known biological mechanism that could lead prenatally emitted cell phone radiation to promote hyperactivity in offspring, the results were surprising, said Birks, who is a doctoral student in biomedicine at the Barcelona Institute for Global Health in Spain.

The association held firm across five countries and time periods.

Offspring of mothers who reported being on at least four cell phone calls a day, or in one cohort speaking on a cell phone for more than an hour a day, were 28 percent more likely to be hyperactive than offspring of mothers who reported being on one or fewer calls a

day, researchers found after accounting for a variety of confounding variables, such as maternal age, marital status and education.

The data spanned a variety of time periods from 1996 through 2011. Only the earliest cohort, in Denmark starting in 1996, had enough women who never used a cell phone while pregnant to study women who did not use cell phones during pregnancy.

But the children of mothers who never used cell phones while pregnant had a lower risk of behavioral and emotional problems than any of the children whose mothers used cell phones, according to the report in Environment International.

Dr. Robin Hansen, a pediatrician and professor at the University of California, Davis in Sacramento found the report raised more questions than it answered.

“Is it something about the cellphone itself?” she asked in a phone interview. “Is it something that impacts your parenting behavior? Those are issues that can’t be answered by this study.”

As a pediatrician who works with children who have behavioral problems, Hansen is less inclined to consider cellphone radiation and more inclined to consider parenting styles, habits and personalities as a possible link between maternal cellphone use and childhood hyperactivity, she said. She was not involved in the study.

“Now we have to dig deeper and figure out why,” Hansen said. “Is it the electronic signals that go through your brain and your body, or how it changes your interactions with your child postnatally?”

American pediatricians advise parents to limit their children’s screen time. But parents also need to consider how their time spent tethered to their phones takes them away from their children, Hansen said. (rtr)

IBP/net

Analyzed data on more than 80,000 mother-child pairs found consistent evidence of increasing risk of behavioral problems - particularly, hyperactivity - in 5- to 7-year-old children the more their mothers talked on cell phones during pregnancy.

Bali News

International

3

Thursday, April 20, 2017

Accommodation data collection in Badung delays

REUTERS/Jason Reed

Gridlock traffic is pictured on highway 395 as people evacuate Washington after an earthquake August 23, 2011.

Fine particles in traffic pollution tied to lower ‘good’ cholesterol

ST LOUIS - People who live near sources of heavy traffic exhaust may be at higher risk of heart disease because the fine particles in this type of pollution lower levels of “good” cholesterol needed for healthy blood flow, a U.S. study suggests.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol helps curb the odds of heart disease by purging blood vessels of debris and lowering levels of triglycerides - dangerous fats that can make blood thicker, stickier and more prone to clots.

Researchers studied 6,654 adults and found people exposed to higher levels of fine and ultrafine particles in traffic pollution tended to have lower levels of HDL cholesterol in their blood.

“However, this was a fairly small effect - it wasn’t a dramatic lowering of HDL - so I don’t think this is a huge cause for alarm beyond what we already know about the dangers of air pollution,” said lead study author Griffith Bell of the University of Washington School of Public Health in St. Louis.

Previous research has linked pollution from traffic exhaust to an increased risk of lung damage and respiratory diseases as well as cardiovascular disease and stroke.

For the current study, researchers focused on so-called PM 2.5, a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter that can include dust, dirt, soot and smoke.

They also looked at what’s known as black carbon, a component of particulate pollution that’s formed by burning various kinds of fuels.

Study participants were 62 years old on average, and half of them were current or former smokers.

About 16 percent of the participants took cholesterol-lowering drugs and roughly 45 percent had high blood pressure. None had cardio-

vascular disease at the start of the study period.

Researchers used participants’ home addresses to estimate average exposure to PM 2.5 and black carbon over 12-month, three-month and two-week periods in the year 2000.

They also looked at blood levels of HDL cholesterol and another measure known as HDL particle count, which some scientists believe may be a more accurate way to assess heart disease risk. Traditional cholesterol tests focus only on the quantity of cholesterol, but newer assessments look at the number of particles carrying cholesterol in the blood.

Over one year, people exposed to more black carbon had lower levels of HDL cholesterol than participants with little or no exposure to black carbon. The difference was small, but statistically meaningful.

Higher black carbon exposure over one year was also associated with lower HDL particle counts, but this difference was too small to rule out the possibility that it was due to chance, researchers report in the journal Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology.

Over three months, however, the picture looked different.

In this shorter-term analysis, higher levels of fine particulate matter were associated with a lower HDL particle count. The slightly lower level of HDL cholesterol seen with high pollution exposure was too small a difference to rule out chance, but it was still comparable to the rise in HDL seen when smokers quit, the researchers note.

The study wasn’t a controlled experiment designed to prove how traffic fumes directly influence cholesterol or the risk of heart disease. (rtr)

MANGUPURA - Instruction of the Badung Regent, Nyoman Giri Prasta, to carry out data collection of tourist accommodation in Badung never accomplishes. Actually, according to the instruction of the Badung Regent No.1/2016, the deadline of the data collection given to headmen is not later than October 10, 2016.

Head of the Badung Tourism Office, I Made Badra, confirmed that the data collection of tourist accommodation has not been accomplished yet. “We are still proceeding to finalize the data. We will also do proactive endeavors,” said Made Badra, on Monday (Apr. 17).

He said the data of tourist accommodation in Badung are needed to find out the real data of the accommodations operating in the region, either hotel, budget hotels or villas at each village. “If the data has been accomplished, we are ready to coach the accommodation,” he said.

According to the latest data he received from headmen report, of the totally 2,430 accommodation businesses, they mostly consist of cottage business amounting to 1,685 businesses. Then, it is followed by 316 non-star hotels, 217 star hotels, 11 condotels, 84 villas, 330 restaurants, 6 bars, 182 restaurants, 5 karaoke venues, 9 live music spots, 12 discos and 150 spas.

Badung tourism office continues to boost headmen to immediately send the data on the number of existing accommodation in the region. Moreover, the tourism office will impose proactive system to secure the regent’s instructions.

According to the instruction of the Badung Regent No.1/2016, the

deadline given to headmen for the data collection is not later than October 10, 2016. They are required to report the number of tourist accommodation in their respective village. Allegedly, there are many illegal or unlicensed tourist accommodations having been operating in Badung.

In the instruction, all the headmen are required to collect the data on the number of star-rated and non-star-rated hotel, condotel, rental house, villa, cottage, restaurant or bar, spa and nightlife spot (karaoke, live music or discotheque) whether they are licensed and unlicensed operating in the area of their respective village.

On the other hand, a legislator of the Badung House of Representatives, I Gusti Anom Gumanti, believed that the public is afraid to become the object of tax. Actually, the government just makes data collection to know about the real number of accommodation and rented house in Badung.

“This is just to record the data, not necessarily to refer to the imposition of levies and taxes. Then, why they are afraid. Do believe, it is impossible for the regent to complicate his people,” he said.

On that account, this politician from Kuta hoped the village officials not to manipulate the data.

Moreover, they hide the real data in the field. This data validation is important to formulate policies related to permits and taxes.

“If the data are available, please be reported immediately. Otherwise ... what should be reported?

But most of the Badung regions are tourism-based. If they say there is nothing in Kuta it means they (headmen—Ed) do not work,” he concluded. (kmb27)

To draw visitors’ interest

Penglipuran wants to develop gig attraction

BANGLI - In order to provide better services and attract more visitors to come, the management of Penglipuran tourism village intends to increase the options of tourist attraction in the form of gig.

Nyoman Giri Prasta

IBP/file

IBP/file

Penglipuran tourism village.

Operations Manager of Penglipuran tourism village, I Nengah Moneng, said on Monday (Apr. 17) that his management is going to add gig attraction as additional service to all visitors making a visit to Penglipuran.

“Hopefully, the addition of gig tourist attraction will be able to lure visitors to come on vacation here,” said Nengah Moneng.

Moneng said that in order to accelerate the gig tourist attraction, currently his management has started to search for the gig owners outside Bangli to be invited to make cooperation related to gig rental.

“We have already made negotiation to Klungkung related to gig rental. Unfortunately, the daily rental is very expensive. Later on, we will re-find the other gig owners that are willing to make cooperation with us,” he said.

When the gig could have been genuinely realized, he will see how the rental prospect will be. Especially on holidays such as New Year, Umanis Galungan and Kuningan, there must be quite a lot of visitors. From such condition, he will see the response of visitors to gig tourist attraction.

“Suppose if the response of visitors is good as indicated by many visitors are interested to hire the gig attraction, the owners and their gigs will be alerted at the location. The route will be offered around Penglipuran village, namely in the bamboo forest area,” said Moneng. (kmb41)

4

Bali News

Thursday, April 20, 2017

International

Thursday, April 20, 2017

International

Observer says 2.5 mln Turkish referendum votes could have been manipulated

After seasonal market

Pergung Square becomes an ocean of garbage

NEGARA - It has become a tradition that every six months or Galungan and Kuningan feast day, the Pergung Square in Mendoyo subdistrict becomes the venue for the organization of seasonal market.

Based on observation during the implementation of seasonal market, on last Galungan and Kuningan the number of visitor looked quite crowded. Besides, traffic congestion occurred at the Denpasar-Gilimanuk road section, precisely in front of the office of Mendoyo subdistrict head.

After the seasonal market ended on Sunday (Apr. 16), the merchants mostly originating from Java already packed their merchandise. However, from the observation on Tuesday (Apr. 18), the Pergung Square looked like an ocean of garbage.

Plastic waste and others looked to scatter around the square area. Similarly, some corners of the park made by the government of Jembrana looked vile and damaged. There were only scavengers picking up used bottles.

“Well, the merchants did not want to take responsibility. After selling, they immediately left the garbage and did not want to be responsible. Similarly, the organizing committee did not immediately clean up the square after the market was closed,” said some residents at the southern side of the Pergung Square.

It is said that the seasonal market has long become a tradition at Pergung. However, the management has never been improved and the garbage always piles up. Meanwhile, the committee tried to be contacted at Pergung Square was not in place. Only a few merchants remained to clean up their goods and transported them by truck.

Previously, during the implementation of seasonal market six months ago, Deputy Regent of Jembrana, Made Kembang Hartawan, had expressed his disappointment on the market activity considered to have left many problems.

The piles of garbage that can become a source of disease as well as the damage to a number of square facilities made him furious.

Actually, the local government allocated a large enough budget to beautify the Pergung Square. The budget of IDR 3 billion was used to arrange the park along with the plants as well as other additional facilities such as the venue and ceremonial tribune. At that time, Kembang even threatened to close the seasonal market as a form of his disappointment to the organizing committee. (kmb)

DUTERTE/POLICE REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco/File Photo

A woman prays for her loved one who she says was killed due to alleged involvement in illegal drugs, during a Holy Eucharist mass against extra-judicial killings inside a Roman Catholic Church in Paranaque city, metro Manila, Philippines March 2, 2017.

IBP/Wira Sanjiwani

The Leko Dance, one of the art from Tabanan which will perform in Bali Art Festival.

Registrants of BAF exhibition soar

TABANAN - Bali Arts Festival (BAF) becomes an effective event to promote Balinese handicraft products. It is not mistaken if the entrepreneurs coalesced into the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are vying to be able to exhibit their products in the BAF. This happens in Tabanan where many entrepreneurs registered to participate in the BAF exhibition.

The dirty Pergung Field

IBP/kmb

13

It is recognized by the Head of the Tabanan Industry and Commerce Agency, I.B. Made Wiryawan, recently. He said that many products of Tabanan MSME have prospects to be on sale in the market. However, due to lack of promotion the products in Tabanan are not widely known by buyers. One of the ways to introduce the products can be made through exhibition.

“Participating in the BAF is one of the promotional events,” he said.

Admittedly, many entrepreneurs want to participate in the exhibition booth of Dekranasda Tabanan in this year’s BAF. Admittedly, not all entrepreneurs can be accommodated. His agency has sorted out the entrepreneurs that can participate in the exhibition at the Dekranasda’s booth based on excellent products and will be done in turn. In every BAF activity, his

agency can maximally take five entrepreneurs because the space is limited. Meanwhile, the others are expected to rent their own booth.

Likewise, the entrepreneurs having ever participated in the exhibition of Dekranasda booth can no longer participate, and are asked to rent their own booth.

“Since many entrepreneurs want to participate in the exhibition, we apply queuing system so that all the participants get the same opportunity to participate. However, anyone wishing to join is suggested to lease a booth on their personal account,” he said.

In addition, this year Tabanan also gets a chance to fill in the exhibition of MSME handicraft products at Bali’s booth at the Beautiful Indonesia in Miniature Park (TMII) next June. This becomes an opportunity for Tabanan

MSME entrepreneurs to introduce their products to the public.

For these activities, the leading sector lies in the culture agency, but the industry and commerce agency is asked to prepare the entrepreneurs that are ready to participate in the exhibition. “Getting the opportunity to participate in the exhibition at the TMII drawing many visitors will become a very good promotion event,” said Gus Wiryawan.

The Head of the Tabanan Culture Agency, IGN Supanji, when asked for his confirmation separately justified this. Currently his agency is making preparation for the exhibition at the TMII. In addition to the product exhibition, it will also be filled with cultural activities. “The preparation has reached 80 percent,” said Supanji. (kmb28)

Police describe kill rewards, staged crime scenes in Duterte’s drug war

MANILA - The Philippine police have received cash payments for executing drug suspects, planted evidence at crime scenes and carried out most of the killings they have long blamed on vigilantes, said two senior officers who are critical of President Rodrigo Duterte’s “war on drugs.”

In the most detailed insider accounts yet of the drug war’s secret mechanics, the two senior officials challenged the government’s explanations of the killings in interviews with Reuters.

Almost 9,000 people, many small-time users and dealers, have been killed since Duterte took office on June 30. Police say about a third of the victims were shot by officers in self-defence during legitimate anti-drug operations. Human rights monitors believe many of the remaining two thirds were killed by paid assassins operating with police backing or by police disguised as vigilantes - a charge the police deny.

The two senior officers, one a retired police intelligence officer and the other an active-duty commander, claimed the killings are in fact orchestrated by the police, including most of those carried out by vigilantes. They spoke with Reuters on the condition of anonymity.

“It is the Philippine National Police doing it,” said the retired intelligence officer. “This killing machine must be buried six feet under the ground.” He said he was angry about the impact of the killings on

police discipline and wanted “to put Duterte on the defensive.” Reuters was unable to independently verify if the police are behind vigilante killings.

The president’s office and the Philippine police did not respond to questions from Reuters.

‘ONLY THE POOR ARE DYING’ The intelligence officer has authored an unpublished 26-page report on the conduct of the drug war in an effort to organize opposition to Duterte’s campaign. The report, titled “The State-Sponsored Extrajudicial Killings in the Philippines,” provides granular detail on the campaign’s alleged methods, masterminds and perpetrators. The document has been shared with leaders of the Catholic Church in the Philippines and with the government-funded Commission on Human Rights.

Some of the report’s accusations against individuals could not be confirmed by Reuters; the news agency is therefore not publishing the full document. Many of its findings, however, support and expand upon previous investigations of the drug

war by Reuters and independent human rights monitors.

The report claims that police are paid to kill not just drug suspects, but also - for 10,000 pesos ($200) a head - rapists, pickpockets, swindlers, gang members, alcoholics and other “troublemakers.”

It also claims that civilian members of the so-called Davao Death Squad, which rights activists allege killed hundreds of people in Duterte’s hometown of Davao, were drafted to “augment and assist” the police’s current nationwide anti-drug operation.

The report doesn’t provide documentary evidence for its accusations, which the intelligence officer said were based on accounts from 17 serving or former policemen, including the commander Reuters interviewed.

The police commander said he agreed to talk because he was upset that authorities are targeting only petty drug suspects. “Why aren’t they killing the suppliers?” he asked.

“Only the poor are dying.”

The second half of the report is largely political in nature, asserting that Duterte has close ties to Communist forces in the Philippines.

Many in the military and police are concerned by what they see as Duterte’s leftist sympathies. Since taking office, the president has released Communist rebels from prison to restart peace talks. (rtr)

VIENNA - Up to 2.5 million votes could have been manipulated in Sunday’s Turkish referendum that ended in a close “yes” vote for greater presidential powers, an Austrian member of the Council of Europe observer mission said on Tuesday.

However Turkish authorities are not cooperating with efforts to investigate claims of possible election fraud, according to a senior official in the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), which conducted a separate monitoring mission.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has dismissed criticisms of the vote, saying foreign observers should “know their place”.

The foreign ministry said foreign monitors lacked objectivity and impartiality.

The mission of observers from the 47-member Council of Europe, the continent’s leading human rights body, had already pronounced the referendum to be an uneven contest. Support for “Yes” dominated campaign coverage, and the arrests of journalists and closure of media outlets silenced other views, according to Council of Europe and OSCE monitors.

Alev Korun, an Austrian member of the Council’s observer team, said there were questions about the actual voting as well.

“This is about the fact that actually the law only allows official voting envelopes. The highest election authority decided however - as it were, against the law - that envelopes without official stamp should be admitted,” she told ORF radio.

“There is a suspicion that up to 2.5 million votes could have been manipulated,” added Korun, a Greens member of the Austrian parliament. That number of votes would be almost double the margin of Erdogan’s victory.

Michael Georg Link, who headed the OSCE observer mission, said Turkey was not helping an investigation into possible irregularities, and Ankara’s questioning of OSCE neutrality was “clearly politically motivated”.

He declined comment on a possible change in the result of the referendum after any recount, but said the election commission’s decision to allow incorrectly or non-stamped envelopes was a definite violation of Turkish law.

“Unfortunately we cannot talk about any cooperation,” Link told the RND German newspaper chain. “Erdogan’s decision to extend the state of emergency for 90 days and comments in which the election commission has already rejected claims of manipulation send a clear message.”

Election authorities said preliminary results showed 51.4 percent of voters had backed sweeping new powers for Erdogan, something he says is needed to prevent instability.

Turkey’s main opposition began a battle on Tuesday to annul the referendum.

Korun said police in the majority Kurdish town of Diyarbakir hindered two of her colleagues from entering voting locations. She also pointed to social media videos that seem to show people voting more than once, although this still had to be proven. (rtr)

REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch/File Photo

People of the Turkish community living in Germany, supporting Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan celebrate on Kurfuerstendamm boulevard after news bulletins on the outcome of Turkey’s referendum on the constitution, in Berlin, Germany, April 16, 2017.

12

International

Thursday, April 20, 2017

BUSINESS China relaxes some cross-border capital curbs as yuan steadies-sources

SHANGHAI - China’s central bank has relaxed some of the curbs on cross-border capital outflows it put in place just months ago to shore up the yuan currency, banking sources said on Wednesday. The first easing of the measures comes as China’s leaders and financial markets feel more confident that pressure on the yuan and the country’s foreign exchange reserves has diminished, thanks largely to a pullback in the surging U.S. dollar.

The yuan slumped around 6.5 percent against the dollar last year, but has firmed nearly 1 percent in 2017, defying -- for now -- many analysts’ expectations of further depreciation. Indeed, a Reuters poll earlier this month indicated INVESTORS likely increased their bullish bets on the yuan to the most since July 2015.

With less incentive for capital flight and the economy on steadier footing, China’s foreign exchange reserves have clawed back above the closely watched $3 trillion level.

Premier Li Keqiang said on Tuesday that market confidence in the yuan has significantly improved, Xinhua news agency reported.

As of last week, the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) is no longer demanding that banks match outflows with equal inflows, the sources said. The South China Morning Post first reported the relaxation of the capital controls earlier on Wednesday.

There was no immediate comment from the People’s Bank of China when contacted by Reuters.

The State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) did not have an immediate response to Reuters’ questions on the SCMP report.

Expectations of further yuan depreciation have eased in recent months, opening a window for authorities to

relax recent measures, but Beijing is not likely to let go totally, said Raymond Yeung, chief Greater China economist at ANZ in Hong Kong.

In addition to checking exchange rate expectations, the authorities were also using capital controls to control where Chinese money flows, limiting INVESTMENTS in foreign sectors deemed undesirable, he noted.

“The current macro environment obviously favours an easing of the (rules on) fund flows, but that doesn’t mean that it is going to have solved the structural issue of the mismatch between the corporate desire to go out versus the central government’s centrally-driven approach when they talk about offshore investment,” Yeung said.

While the world’s second-largest economy still has the largest stash of forex reserves by far, it had burned through over half a trillion dollars since August 2015 trying to support the yuan.

The government reacted by intensifying capital controls late last year, making it harder for individuals and companies to move money out of China. Those measures are credited with quashing speculative outflows and helping to stabilise the currency, but have also hampered legitimate outflows as China Inc goes more global.

REUTERS/Stringer

Workers plant wolfberries among solar penals in Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China, April 18, 2017. Picture taken April 18, 2017.

Chinese businesses have complained that the curbs were damaging their plans for overseas investments and acquisitions, while foreign firms have been more reluctant TO INVEST in China for fear of having trouble repatriating profits.

In March the U.S. owner of Dick Clark Productions Inc said that one of its affiliates terminated an agreement to sell assets to Chinese conglomerate Dalian Wanda Group, with Reuters reporting earlier the deal was under pressure amid tight scrutiny by Beijing on outbound deals.

But the small relaxation step won’t help much in terms of outbound INVESTMENT approvals,

said Greg Burch, who works on mid-market China outbound M&A deals as a Hong Kong-based partner at the Locke Lord law firm. “This particular move won’t help on real M&A deals...It’s like the brakes aren’t totally locked up any more, but the foot is still on the brake pedal pretty hard,” said Burch.

On Tuesday, China reported that its non-financial outbound direct investment (ODI) slumped 30.1 percent in March from a year earlier as authorities kept a tight grip on outflows. In the first quarter, it fell nearly 49 percent. While Beijing says it supports legitimate overseas INVESTMENT, regulators have

warned they would pay close attention to “irrational” investment in property, entertainment, sports and other sectors.

The sources did not spell out what criteria would still be applied to outflows. “Actually, it’ll be the same as SAFE’s previous policy stance, emphasizing that cross-border settlements for legal and compliant business are guaranteed,” said one of the sources, who declined to be identified.

Much will depend on the outlook for the U.S. currency, which analysts expect to rebound eventually as the Federal Reserve continues to slowly raise interest rates.(rtr)

South African inflation slows as food price rises ease JOHANNESBURG - South Africa’s consumer inflation eased in March as the return of rainfall following a severe drought cut into food price inflation.

The slide -- to 6.1 percent year-on-year in March from 6.3 percent in February -- bolstered the likelihood of the central bank will keep interest rates on hold despite recent shocks to the currency. On a monthon-month basis, inflation fell to 0.6 percent from 1.1 percent, Statistics South Africa said on Wednesday.

The rand retreated about 12 percent after of President Jacob Zuma’s decision to fire respected finance minister Pravin Gordhan in early April. The firing lead at least in part to two credit downgrades to “junk” and a spike in INVESTOR concerns over the direction fiscal policy.

Such moves would normally boost inflation, putting pressure on central banks to raise interest rates.

But Paul Sirani, chief market analyst at Xtrade, said the data would let the South

African central bank stand pat.

“Today’s figure shows that prices are heading in the right direction, though policy makers are likely to sit on their hands and seek further reassurance from next month’s figures,” he said.

Food inflation, which climbed close 12 percent in 2016 as the worst drought in decades swept through southern Africa, continued to retreat, slowing to 8.7 on a yearly basis.

At its March policy meeting, South

Bali News

International

Africa’s Reserve Bank (SARB) said it forecast consumer price growth to average 5.9 percent in 2017 and that it had reached the end of its tightening phase, adding that any rate cuts would depend on data.

However the bank, which has raised benchmark lending rates by a cumulative 200 basis points since 2014, warned on April 10 that the sharp fall in the currency following Zuma’s midnight cabinet reshuffle had caused the exchange rate to reemerge as a major risk to inflation.(rtr)

Thursday, April 20, 2017

5

Alam Tirta Outbound, Adventure Tourism in North Badung

Do you like a challenge? Once upon a time, try to make a visit to Alam Tirta Outbound, a complete adventure tourist attraction on the Island of the Gods. It is located at Samuan Kangin hamlet, Carangsari, Petang, Badung, or about 28 kilometers north of Denpasar. Other than surrounded by beautiful countryside, a variety of adventure activities on offer are quite challenging and they can be enjoyed by many walks of life.

Facilities available are not only prepared for adults, but also for children. Moreover, children’s games are specifically prepared, starting from rafting, paintball, flying fox, VW Tour, camping ground and other activities including wedding facilities. “Our market is local community, in addition to foreign and domestic travelers,” said I Nyoman Subamia, the Operations Manager, accompanied by Chief Executive Officer, Thomy Maha Putra Dewa, at the grand opening of the Alam Tirta Bali on Saturday (Apr. 1).

Visitors that like to explore countryside by bicycle or just stroll can also take advantage of this location. Each trip will bring in special memories because every inch participants will encounter people’s activity. They are starting from household work, craft, mejejahitan or oblation preparation, agriculture, plantation to traditional children’s play.

Paintball game is surely different from the others because the activities are conducted in the village forest being rich in local plants. Children that learn to live

independently can make camping activities here. Flying fox for children is equally challenging, including the other activities. “At Alam Tirta Outbound, we also offer Balinese activities and Alam Tirta Resto providing a variety of foods,” said Nyoman Subamia.

Nyoman Subamia added that Alam Tirta Outbound has been in operation since December 2016 and occupies an area of ??1.5 hectares.

The location is very convenient and beautiful as it is surrounded by paddy fields and plantations.

Various activities can be enjoyed by visitors, including the circle of students. “We also provide meeting room and a restaurant with a capacity of 300 seats,” he said.

Thomy Maha Putra Dewa was optimistic that the tourist attraction has been equipped with full facilities and offers very affordable prices. His management has cooperated with tens of agencies.

In the first year of operation, the Alam Tirta Outbound also gives a DISCOUNT. “We offer a middle price with high class and our major market is domestic,” he added.

Meanwhile, General Manager,

Samsul Azhari, said that the facilities available in addition to rafting include paintball denoting a simulation game that is useful for self-development and team work to enjoy the game. Then, VW tour is a package presented at the end of the visit to explore the hidden beauty and stunning views of the Island of Bali by riding a

classic VW. According to Samsul, after the opening for a few months there have been many visitors coming.

Today the monthly number of visitor reaches over 100 people. “We hope that after this grand opening the number of tourist visit can reach above 500 people per month. Currently, the tourism of North Badung

is developing,” he hoped.

The grand opening was attended by the official of the Badung government, members of the House of Representatives like I Gusti Agung Adi Mahendra Putra, Chairman of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) of Bali, AAN Alit Wiraputra, as well as among tourism businesspeople. (kmb)

Alas Kedaton Attraction, a Place to Learn Local Plants

Alas Kedaton tourist attraction is a destination of educational tour. Here, visitors can get to know about some animals like monkeys, flying fox and various local plants for the benefit of the Hindu community in Bali. “People can learn about the life of monkeys, flying fox and local rare plants,” said Chief of the Management Board, I Wayan Semadi.

Semadi accompanied by Secretary Made Suastika and Supervisor I Ketut Sukayadnya as a new management at the tourist attraction said that visitors can relax in a cool atmosphere of the object as well as learn about animals and plants. “As new management, we will continue the arrangement of footpath in the jungle, so that it can create a comfortable destination,” he said. i wayan semadi

Visitors having more time will be happy to take advantage of the pathway located in the middle of the forest. Students who are enjoying school holidays also like to explore it. They will be able to relax longer and browse uniqueness of Alas Kedaton. Visitors can also use for trekking in the jungle. In addition, park arrangement will replace dead plants with the new and greener ones.

Alas Kedaton located at Kukuh village, Marga, Tabanan, has an ecofriendly and sustainable forest with a variety of local plant species. In addition, it is a breeding site for the animals such as monkeys, flying fox, snakes, birds and other animal species. “Alas Kedaton has advantages as a preserver of cultural sites aged hundreds of years with the Dalem Alas Kedaton temple,” he added. (kmb)

6

Thursday, April 20, 2017

W

RLD

As Trump warned NKorea, his ‘armada’ was headed toward Australia

WASHINGTON - When U.S. President Donald Trump boasted early last week that he had sent an “armada” as a warning to North Korea, the aircraft carrier strike group he spoke of was still far from the Korean peninsula, and headed in the opposite direction.

It was even farther away over the weekend, moving through the Sunda Strait and then into the Indian Ocean, as North Korea displayed what appeared to be new missiles at a parade and staged a failed missile test.

The U.S. military’s Pacific Command explained on Tuesday that the strike group first had to complete a shorter-than-initially planned period of training with Australia. But it was now “proceeding to the Western Pacific as ordered,” it said.

The perceived communications mix-up has raised

Sean M. Castellano/Courtesy U.S. Navy/Handout via REUTERS

The U.S. aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson transits the Sunda Strait, Indonesia on April 15, 2017. Picture taken on April 15, 2017.

eyebrows among Korea experts, who wonder whether it erodes the Trump administration’s credibility at a time when U.S. rhetoric about the North’s advancing nuclear and missile capabilities are raising concerns about a potential conflict.

“If you threaten them and your threat is not credible, it’s only going to undermine whatever your policy toward them is. And that could be a logical conclusion from what’s just happened,” said North Korea expert Joel Wit at the 38 North monitoring group, run

by Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies.

The U.S. military initially said in a statement dated April 10 that Admiral Harry Harris, the commander of Pacific Command, directed the Carl Vinson strike group “to sail north and report on station in the Western Pacific.”

Reuters and other news outlets reported on April 11 that the movement would take more than a week.

The Navy, for security reasons, says it does not report future operational locations of its ships.

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis initially appeared to play down the deployment on April 11, saying the Vinson was “just on her way up there because that’s where we thought it was most prudent to have her at this time.”

“There’s not a specific demand signal or specific reason why we’re sending her up there,” he said.

But even Mattis initially misspoke about the strike group’s itinerary, telling a news conference that the Vinson had pulled out of an exercise with Australia.

The Pentagon has since corrected the record, saying the ship’s planned port visit to Fremantle, Australia, was canceled - not the exercise with Australia’s navy.

On April 15, the U.S. Navy even published a photo showing the Vinson transiting the Sunda Strait.

From April 16-18, the website http://www.gonavy. jp/CVLocation.html reported that the Vinson was in the Indian Ocean.

A U.S. military official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the Vinson carried out the exercises after passing through the Sunda Strait and wrapped them up this week. (rtr)

2019 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION...

From page 1

The Jakarta election will be seen as a barometer for the 2019 presidential election, given the city’s outsized importance as both the nation’s capital and commercial centre. Purnama is backed by President Joko Widodo’s ruling party.

Baswedan is supported by a retired general, Prabowo Subianto, who narrowly lost to Widodo in a 2014 presidential vote and is expected to challenge him again.

Police said 15 people were detained following reports of disturbances at several polling stations in the city of 10 million people, after what the Jakarta Post this week dubbed “the dirtiest,

most polarising and most divisive” election campaign the nation had ever seen.

Security appeared light at several polling stations, though police said 66,000 personnel were deployed across the city. Religious tensions have been an undercurrent in the campaign, with Purnama on trial for blasphemy over comments he made last year that many took to be insulting to Islam.

Hundreds of thousands of Muslims took to the streets late last year to call for his sacking and to urge voters not to elect a non-Muslim leader. One person died and more than 100 were injured after one

protest turned violent.

Some voters may have been reluctant to vote for Purnama because of worries about “five more years of protests on the streets by Muslim hardliners,” Loveard said in a telephone interview.

RECONCILIATORY TONE

Baswedan, a respected scholar who many viewed as moderate, drew widespread criticism during the campaign when he aggressively courted the conservative Islamic vote, appearing publicly with hardline Islamic leaders during anti-Purnama rallies. Baswedan, surrounded by his political patrons including Prabowo, struck a reconciliatory tone at a news conference after unofficial results came in, pledg-

International

France arrests men suspected of planning attack ahead of elections

PARIS, April 18 (Reuters) - Two men arrested in Marseille on Tuesday planned an “imminent and violent attack” ahead of the first round of France’s presidential election on Sunday, authorities said.

“These two radicalized men ... intended to commit in the very short-term - by that I mean in the coming days - an attack on French soil,” Interior Minister Matthias Fekl told a news conference.

Paris Prosecutor Francois Molins said in a news conference that weapons, explosives, videos and jidhadist propaganda materials had been found in the flat rented

by French nationals Clement Baur, 23, and Mahiedine Merabet, 30, since April 1.

“A video intercepted on April 12 showed a machinegun placed on a table, with a daily newspaper from 13 March which had on its front page one of the presidential candidates.

“This morning the investigators managed to locate the apartment,” Molins said, without naming the candidate.

France’s internal intelligence agency had warned the main candidates of a threat, campaign officials said.

Comments by officials indicated that former prime minister Francois Fillon, centrist Emmanuel Macron and far-right leader Marine Le Pen were among those alerted to the risk.

France goes to the polls on April 23 and on May 7 in one of the most unpredictable elections in its modern history with security a key issue after attacks by militant Islamists which have killed more than 230 people in the past two years.

Molins said the Marseille suspects met in 2015, while sharing a

prison cell for petty crime.

He said Baur had converted to Islam in 2007, was known to have had links with Chechen and Belgian jihadist networks and Belgian authorities had been investigating him.

A tip-off from another country had said Merabet was likely to carry out a violent act and was seeking to make contact with Islamic State, either to pledge allegiance to the group or ask it to claim responsibility for the planned attack, Molins said.

“The main candidates were warned in the middle of the last week that there was a risk and that two individuals had been identified. We received their photos and security of the candidates. Their meetings and headquarters were given extra protection,” Macron’s spokesman Benjamin Griveaux told Reuters.

Officials from Fillon’s camp and Le Pen’s National Front said they also had received word of a possible attack.

With the country still under a state of emergency, Fekl said 50,000 police, gendarmes and soldiers would be deployed for each leg of the election, and security reinforced for the candidates.

“Everything has been put in place to ensure the security of this big event for our democracy and our Republic. The security forces are mobilized everywhere across France to ensure the security of French people and to ensure the presidential campaign goes smoothly,” he said.

Le Pen, one of the frontrunners in the race for the Elysee, is scheduled to hold the last big rally of her campaign in Marseille on Wednesday, according to her program. (rtr)

ing to “safeguard diversity and unity”.

His PLATFORM has focused on improving public education, providing no-deposit home loans for low income groups and opposing a giant seawall in Jakarta Bay that Purnama has advocated. Baswedan has denied he plans to implement Islamic sharia law in Jakarta if elected. Baswedan will officially take over as governor in October.

Purnama congratulated his rival in a news conference.

“We still have six months (in office) until the new governor is inaugurated and we will finish up our homework,” Purnama said. “We hope that in the future everyone can forget the campaign period.”

Purnama faces up to five years in jail if convicted of blasphemy.

His trial will resume on Thursday, when prosecutors will submit a sentence request. Citigroup said in an investor note that, despite the potential for renewed protests if Purnama won, it was maintaining a Jakarta stock index target of 6,150 by the end of 2017, representing an 8 percent upside.

“As long as there are no security issues, the election outcome should not significantly stall the reform programme of the national government, in our view,” it said.

The Indonesian rupiah weakened slightly after unofficial results were announced. The 7-day rupiah nondeliverable forward traded 0.37 percent weaker against the dollar by 0457 GMT. The 3-month NDF traded 0.24 percent lower in Asian markets. (rtr)

ISLAMIC STATE

International

Thursday, April 20, 2017

11

E Nusa Tenggara gears up for Tour de Flores JAKARTA - East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), known as a province of 1 thousand islands, is currently gearing up for an international cycling race and tourism event, Tour de Flores (TdF), on the island of Flores, to promote its tourism globally.

The province offers a wide array of natural scenery, culture, ethnicity, handcrafts, ancient sites, and unique traditions that could be showcased to foreign tourists.

The NTT administration has decided to hold TdF from July 14 to 19 instead of July 25 or in May as scheduled earlier.

The change was made after some considerations, including from the Switzerland-based international cycling federation, Marius A. Jelamu, head of the NTT tourism and economic office, revealed in Kupang on April 17.

So far, 13 teams, comprising over 100 cyclists from the US, Europe, Asia, and Australia, have confirmed their participation in the TdF. NTT Governor Frans Lebu Raya has expressed hope that the international cycling event would be beneficial to the public, particularly the residents of Flores Island.

“Preparations for TdF 2016 are short and not many people are ready. But this year, we hope the public are more ready so they could also enjoy financial benefits,” he remarked.

He urged the local community to demonstrate hospitality to TdF participants.

“Friendliness and comfort are the main keys for everyone to make them return to NTT,” Lebu Raya asserted.

Tourism event usually boosts development in the region hosting the activity.

For TdF, the Public Works and Public Housing Ministry has allocated a budget amounting between Rp30 billion and Rp40 billion per district for conducting road repairs along the Larantuka-Labuan Bajo route.

The cycling race will start from East Flores and finish in Labuan Bajo in West Manggarai District.

Labuan Bajo, which faces the isles of Rinca and Komodo, the worlds only habitat of Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) or giant lizard, has been designated as a priority tourist destination by the central government along with nine other regions across Indonesia.

The nine priority tourist destinations are Lake Toba (North Sumatra), Seribu Islands (Jakarta), Tanjung Kelayang (Bangka Belitung), Tanjung Lesung (Banten), Borobudur Temple (Central Java), Mandalika (West Nusa Tenggara), Wakatobi (Southeast Sulawesi), Morotai (North Maluku), and Mount Bromo (East Java).

The launch party of the TdF will be held in Lewoleba village, Lembata District, which is a small island situated southeast of Flores, formerly known as Lomblen island.

Lembata beach is famous for whale-watching tourism. Other tourist attractions in NTT are the three-colored crater lakes in Mount Kalimutu called Lake Kalimutu in the district of Ende, Lake Ranamese in the district of Manggarai, and the Maumere bay in the district of Sikka. (ant)

IBP/ant

Lt Gen. Othman bin Nasser Al-Mihrij, left, with National Police Chief Gen. Tito Karnavian.

Indonesian, Saudi policies to strengthen cooperation in counter terrorism

JAKARTA - Indonesian and Saudi Arabian policies will strengthen cooperation in counterterrorism, as one of the points of the agreement signed by the two officials during Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Sauds visit to Indonesia last month.

As a follow up to the signed memorandum of understanding (MoU), Saudis Public Security Director Lt Gen. Othman bin Nasser Al-Mihrij visited Indonesias police headquarters to meet National Police Chief Gen. Tito Karnavian to further discuss the exchange of intelligence information in an effort to combat the threat of terrorism.

“Our country is considered quite successful when it comes to counterterrorism. Of course, Saudi is open to all countries, including Indonesia, to improve cooperation in this field,” Lt. Gen. Al-Mihrij stated during a press conference held at the residence of Saudi Ambassador to Indonesia Osama Mohammed Al-Shuibi in Jakarta, on Tuesday.

Saudi Arabia is internationally recognized as one of the countries that has been successful in combating terrorism, which was proved by a medal of recognition awarded to Saudis Crown Prince Muhammed

bin Nayef by the US Central Intelligence Agency last February.

Muhammed bin Nayef, aged 57, who has been serving as the interior minister since 2012, had overseen a crackdown on al-Qaeda, a group that killed security officers and foreigners in the kingdom between 2003 and 2007.

According to Al Jazeera, a royal next-in-line to Saudi Arabias throne who survived an assassination attempt by al-Qaeda has been awarded the George Tenet Medal in recognition of his “excellent intelligence performance, in the domain of counterterrorism and his unbound contribution to realizing world security and peace.”

To this end, Lt. Gen. Al-Mihrij has expressed willingness to share experiences and best practices of fighting terrorism during the reciprocal visit of Indonesias Police Chief Gen. Karnavian to Saudi Arabia in May. Al-Mihrij also pointed out that as compared to Indonesia, in which the duty of combating terrorism has been specifically carried out by the elite anti-terrorism unit Detachment 88, the Kingdom of Saudi has handed over the task to a special team formed through a collaboration between several institutions. (ant)

JAKARTA - The attorney general office will soon arrest former West Jakarta Mayor Fatahillah, who is now Assistant in charge of Peoples Welfare at the secretariat of Jakarta provincial administration, for alleged corruption.

Fatahillah is charged with embezzling state money in the process of restoring the function of rivers in West Jakarta in 2013.

“Certainly arrested . A suspect is certainly arrested,” head of the investigation sub-directorate of the attorney general office Yulianto said here on Tuesday night.

The suspect is still grilled by investigators, Julianto said, adding investigations would likely take a long process yet.

Fatahillah has returned Rp600 million of the alleg-

edly embezzled money . The Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) said the alleged corruption caused a loss of Rp4.8 billion in state fund.

“Fatahillah returned Rp600 million of the state fund and another suspect identified as AM returned Rp150 million,” Junior Attorney General Arminsyah said.

Arminsyah said 25 witnesses have been questioned in the investigations of the case, adding the case was related to Rp5 billion corruption case in the West Jakarta water management service in 2013, 2014 and 2015 involving 14 suspects.

He said Fatahillah was charged with ordering his subordinates to do certain activities in order to get a budget from the West Jakarta administration. (ant)

Attorney general to arrest former mayor of West Jakarta

IBP/net

Labuan Bajo, which faces the isles of Rinca and Komodo, the worlds only habitat of Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) or giant lizard, has been designated as a priority tourist destination by the central government along with nine other regions across Indonesia.

10

Destination

Thursday, April 20, 2017

International

Dream Museum Zone (DMZ) Bali MANGUPURA - Dream Museum Zone (DMZ) Bali is a fun and interactive art gallery featuring a vast collection of three-dimensional, life-size murals for visitors to pose and play with. The gallery features a rich array of masterfully painted artworks that each serves as interactive backdrops for illusory three-dimensional photography.

There are an impressive total of 120 unique artworks in 14 different categories spread over three levels, which provide a full-day of discovery and creativity. The museum is located on Jalan Nakula, right off the junction of Jalan Dewi Sri and Kuta’s Sunset Road, and just down the street from the TS Suites in Seminyak.

A team of local and Korean artists collaborated to produce the rich compilation of artworks.

The illusionary effects in various sizes – using only paint and well positioned lighting – are absolutely stunning. Stepping inside the galleries of Dream Museum Zone, you will be transported to various dreamy realms, from Venice to Egypt, and Indonesia to the Amazon; you will easily find yourselves posing in the wackiest poses imaginable, alone or together, to capture that perfect shot. Among

the diverse themes at Dream Museum Zone to put your creativity to the test are the Renaissance and Luminescence pavilions. The Renaissance pavilion comprises parodies of famous paintings, such as Mona Lisa carrying a fruit basket, or Van Gogh with shaving foam. Pose aside and ‘hold’ a seemingly displaced fruit, or the lather brush to Van Gogh’s beard.

Some animal-themed paintings are quite amusing, as you hose down a zebra to wash away its stripes, milk a cow, or ‘narrowly escape’ a menacing shark attack.

If you don’t know how to ride a board, you can come close to it and strike a pose on a snowboard gliding off a cliff, or tandem ride on a surfboard with arms apart before crashing waves. The Luminescence pavilion features a wonderful play of UV lighting against the murals, with areas painted in certain colours that bring out a subtle glow. Most of these feature underwater scenes. There are several sets in the expansive collection that depict full-size landmarks and ruins, such as the Prambanan Temple or ‘Candi Prambanan’ complete with the floors depicting a lotus pond, or Bali’s own famous Tanah Lot sea temple. The

Thursday, April 20, 2017

International

Djokovic survives shock to reach Monte Carlo round three

MONTE CARLO - World number two Novak Djokovic came close to an early exit at the Monte Carlo Masters but finally emerged triumphant with a 6-3 3-6 7-5 second-round victory against France’s Gilles Simon on Tuesday.

museum also promotes its galleries as a great option for unique pre-wedding photos.

Tripods are great if you want to have everyone in some of the frames, and there are marks on the floor that indicate the best spot to place your tripod, or from where to

take the picture for the best angle.

The team of staff are also helpful in suggesting the best pose to experiment with, and may even lend a hand to take the shot. A refreshment corner serves bubble teas and snacks, and a gift shop is onsite where you can also have your zany

shots printed on T-shirts, as well as a range of merchandise. Don’t forget to try their pineapple cake, also sold as great titbits to bring back home. Tickets are at USD 25 for adults, USD 20 for children, while kids under three years enter for free. (IBP/net)

The Serbian was broken for 5-4 in the decider but bagged three games in a row to end Simon’s resilience and reach the third round of the first European claycourt tournament of the season.

Djokovic, who had a first-round bye, will next take on either Russian Karen Khachanov or 13th seed Pablo Carreno Busta, of Spain.

“It was a very difficult match,

with many changes of momentum,” said Djokovic. “It was very tiring for me, the first clay of the season.

“But this is the start of the Roland Garros build-up.”

Earlier, local favourite Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, back from a onemonth layoff, was knocked out by fellow Frenchman, qualifier Adrian Mannarino, 6-7(3) 6-2 6-3. (rtr)

LeBron feels Cavs close to ‘turning the switch’

CLEVELAND - The reigning NBA champion Cleveland Cavaliers have developed a habit of giving away late-game leads but LeBron James is not losing sleep over that trend and feels his team are on the cusp of their top form. What started late in the regular season and kept Cleveland from securing the Eastern Conference’s top seed has carried over into the first two games of their best-of-seven series against the Indiana Pacers.

Two days after giving up a lead and es-

!!Front Office(Wnt)HK(Lk)Shita Hotel Jimbaran 081916361108

B.BP.001.04.17.0001040

Bebek Tepi Sawah Villas Ubud Is Looking for Reception Male/ Female,min 1 year Experience in the same position,good English,driving & computer Skill.

Please send CV and applicatin to:hr@bebektepisawahvillas.com

B.BP.801.04.17.0000815

What’s Up Pizzeria Ubud Membut uhkan Tenaga Waitress dan Cook CV bisa Dikirim ke Email:cokde _anggara@gmail.com 08113858000

B.BP.120.04.17.0001196

caping with a one-point win, the Cavaliers nearly squandered an 18-point cushion during a shaky fourth quarter on Monday before holding on for a 2-0 series lead.

A number of questionable shots and breakdowns on defense by Cleveland allowed Indiana to make a late charge but none of this seems to concern the player carrying the team’s title hopes.

“I’d rather have an 18-point lead than not have a lead at all,” James said after Monday’s game.

Looking for SPG Good English, Good Appearance,Energic.Email: hrd@buddhawear.com/085100050706

B.BP.001.04.17.0001188

Looking Therapist+Kasir+Freelance u/Canggu Area 081337778880

B.BP.166.04.17.0001197

Urgent Luxury Villa in Ubud Need Butler Pls Send CV to:sudis ugi@yahoo.com or 08124629122

B.BP.001.04.17.0001066

Villa Ziba Needs Night House keeping,Send CV:Jl.Seminyak Gg Keraton(Dekat Bintang Market)

B.BP.001.04.17.0001126

Place Your Add Here

It is for Job Vacancy, Property, Selling or Buying Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Please contact Gugiek : 08123840500 / Eka : 081338519538

REUTERS/Eric Gaillard

Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts after defeating Gilles Simon of France.

Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) drives to the basket between Indiana Pacers forward Thaddeus Young (21) and guard Monta Ellis (11) during the second half in game two of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs won 117-111.

“We make plays down the stretch to win a ball game and in the postseason that’s all you can ask for. But we’re right there on turning the switch on what we really can become.”

The Cavaliers boast a number of weapons that, when clicking, make them one of the NBA’s most dangerous teams but their habit of allowing teams back into games could prove costly.

They closed out their regular season with four consecutive losses and some pundits felt they looked vulnerable heading into the postseason.

Cleveland were outscored 13-7 over the final five minutes of the second quarter on Monday, opened up a 19-point lead during the third but Indiana regrouped and got back to within four points with 19 seconds to play.

In the end, the Cavaliers picked up the intensity when it mattered most and James, a three-times NBA champion and four-times league Most Valuable Player, is choosing to stay focused on the positives rather fret about nearly blowing another lead.

“We’re playing some really, really good basketball,” said James. “Even in, you know, the first two quarters, we build a lead, we didn’t close out the second quarter as well as we would like to and, but, we have a chance,” said James.

“We have a chance to do something we all have been wanting to do all season, and that’s to put together a four-quarter game.

And I think we’re right there on the cusp of doing that.” (rtr)

Woods hits first public shots in months, no date for return CALIFORNIA - Tiger Woods took his first public golf shots in over two months during an event to announce his first public course on Tuesday but the former world number one remained noncommittal about his return to competitive action.

Woods, who has not played a tournament since pulling out of a European Tour event in February because of back spasms, took two swings into a par-three hole in front of a crowd that were on hand for his course design announcement in Missouri.

His first shot off a makeshift tee bounced off some rocks that will front the green on the still-to-be built course while his second landed about 10 feet from the hole.

“The back is progressing,” said Woods. “I have good days and bad days. I’ve had three back operations and that’s just kind of the nature of the business unfortunately. That’s all I can say.”

Woods returned to the PGA Tour in January after a 17-month absence following back surgery. He missed the cut at the Farmers Insurance Open and shot an opening-round 77 a week later in Dubai before withdrawing.

His course, which is scheduled to open in 2019, will honor late Missouri native and threetimes major champion Payne Stewart and be called Payne’s Valley. (rtr)

8

Thursday, April 20, 2017

Thursday, April 20, 2017

Sp rt

Leicester fans look dejected after the match

Madrid see off Bayern in controversial thriller to reach semis

Action Images via Reuters / Carl Recine Livepic

Journey over, future uncertain for Leicester’s miracle men

LONDON - It felt like the end of a surreal journey as LEICESTER CITY’S “miracle men” bowed out of the Champions League on Tuesday with their heads held high and applause ringing in their ears. Despite a 2-1 aggregate defeat by Spaniards Atletico Madrid, the way Leicester tore into Diego Simeone’s team in the second half of a 1-1 draw at the King Power will be the abiding memory of a thrilling European campaign.

Manager Craig Shakespeare spoke afterwards of the desire of his players to experience more such nights. The reality, however, is that for the likes of Jamie Vardy, Riyad Mahrez and Danny Drinkwater, their chances of further Champions League adventures will be greatly improved by moving elsewhere once the season is over.

Vardy, whose goals propelled Leicester to the most unlikely of Premier League titles last season - a year after the club narrowly avoided relegation - has rediscovered his fire after a post-title funk that cost manager Claudio Ranieri his job. A hat-trick against Manchester City in December aside, Vardy had all but disappeared this season.

But since he scored in the 2-1 away defeat at Sevilla in the Champions League last 16, first leg - Ranieri’s

last game in charge - the England forward has been irresistible. He scored seven in his last nine appearances, and his 61st minute strike on Tuesday threatened to prolong Leicester’s European adventure before Atletico shut the door.

Mahrez, too, has shown a return to the form that earned him the Player of the Year award last season. Like Vardy, he will attract interest from Champions League clubs when the dust settles on the season. The club could also come under pressure to hold on to the dependable Drinkwater and goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel.

“I’ve said to the players that they should want more of this and they’ve agreed that that’s what they want,” said Shakespeare, whose contract only runs until the end of the campaign. “All players want to play at the highest level, and the Champions League is the highest level.”

With N’Golo Kante having joined CHELSEA at the start of the season, Leicester fans will fear the break-up of the side that made dreams become reality.

Sheakespeare’s immediate priority is to make sure Leicester stay in the top flight after a long flirtation with relegation. After that, who knows?

“I’ve enjoyed it, pitting your wits against one of the best coaches in the world, one of the best sides in the world,” Ranieri’s former assistant said. “I’m sure at the end of the season I’ll be able to reflect on my own performance as well as the clubs.” (rtr)

MADRID - Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick to send Real Madrid through to the Champions League semi-finals with a 4-2 extra-time win and 6-3 aggregate success against 10-man Bayern Munich in controversial circumstances on Tuesday. A bizarre Sergio Ramos own goal forced the extra period after Robert Lewandowski opened the scoring for Bayern from the penalty spot and Ronaldo equalised.

Marcelo twice cleared off the line for Madrid and Jerome Boateng did the same for Bayern in a thrilling game, which was tilted in Madrid’s favour by Arturo Vidal’s dismissal for two yellow cards, the second of which was harsh.

Ronaldo put Madrid level at 2-2 on the night in the first period of extra time when he scored his 100th Champions League goal, from a clearly offside position, before he wrapped up his treble with another disputed goal and Marco Asensio added a fourth.

Bayern coach Carlo Ancelotti was furious, criticising Hungarian referee Viktor Kassai after the game and asking for the introduction of video technology. “I think we played the game very well, we deserved more. You have the decisions that penalised us a lot, Arturo’s card was not a card and then two goals for Cristiano were offside,” said Ancelotti. “We are not happy about this. In a quarter final you have to have a referee with more quality I think. It’s time to introduce videos for the referees.”

Bayern began well, with Thiago Alcantara’s close-range shot brilliantly blocked on the goal line

by Marcelo. Arjen Robben lashed the rebound into the side-netting.

Madrid began to find their feet and were soon dominating, with the effervescent Marcelo key in both attack and defence.

Ramos nearly put the hosts ahead after the otherwise superb Manuel Neuer spilled a shot, but Boateng somehow blocked his effort on the line.

However, it was Bayern who took the lead in the second half when Casemiro fouled Robben in the area and Lewandowski dispatched the penalty. Ronaldo levelled, heading beyond Neuer in the 76th minute from a fine cross

by Casemiro, but Bayern restored overall parity within a minute when Ramos prodded into his own net after a scramble in the area.

With the game heading towards extra-time Vidal was sent off for a second booking after appearing to win the ball cleanly from Asensio, leaving Bayern with 10 like in the first leg when Javi Martinez was dismissed. It gave Madrid the upper hand going into the added 30 minutes and they took advantage when Ronaldo scored the crucial second from Ramos’s cross, despite being in an offside position.

Madrid added two more late on, Ronaldo appearing fractionally offside again for their third of the night, leaving Bayern exhausted and angry.

“The referee’s task is quite difficult, whether it’s for or against us I won’t get into it,” said Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane.

“More than the second yellow (for Vidal) or the offside goals, the six goals we scored over the two games means we deserved to go through in the tie. “There is no luck in football, you must win, and we won both games.” (rtr)

Atletico coach Simeone pays tribute to dogged Leicester

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone paid tribute to Leicester City’s dogged persistence as the Spaniards saw off the English champions 2-1 on aggregate to reach the Champions League semi-finals for a third time in four seasons.

Last season’s runners-up looked set for a calm night when Saul Niguez’s pin-point header put them two goals ahead on aggregate before halftime to cool the atmosphere in the King Power Stadium.

Yet a double change from Craig Shakespeare at the start of the second half transformed the game, leading Jamie Vardy to level for the English champions and forcing Atletico to defend with their backs against the wall and see out the 1-1

draw which took them through.

“I feel emotion, pride and hope after such a tough game against a team which gave us so much pleasure to compete against, a team that did not throw in the towel and kept us at arms’ length,” said Simeone.

“After a game like that it’s easy to forget we are in the semi-finals.

It was the night of pure football we had envisaged, with a marvellous atmosphere against a team that fought until the end. It was a passionate game with chances for both sides, and these are the games that people love to see.”

The Argentine coach has transformed Atletico from sleeping giants to one of Europe’s most feared teams in his five years in charge and he said he had fulfilled his initial aim when he took the reins of an

Reuters / Sergio Perez Livepic

ailing club in 2012.

“When I came here five years ago my only hope was to make Atletico a competitive team again and bother every team that we faced, and I think we are competing,” said Simeone, who had to rejig his defence after losing Juanfran and Filipe Luis to injury in the second half.

“Shakespeare’s changes were fantastic and after their goal they attacked us much more. It took a while to reset the defence but when we did it we managed to cope better with the danger they created,” he added.

“The team did what we needed to do to go through. As a coach it is difficult for me to keep praising the efforts of our team because they are magnificent.” (rtr)

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone

Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neuer after the match

Reuters / Kai Pfaffenbach

Bayern keeper Neuer breaks foot, season in doubt

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer may be sidelined for the rest of the season after fracturing his left foot during the 4-2 loss at Real Madrid in Tuesday’s Champions League quarterfinal second leg.

The 31-year-old was injured in extra time during the buildup to Cristiano Ronaldo’s third goal as Bayern lost 6-3 on aggregate. (nL3N1HQ5PG) “Manuel Neuer suffered a fracture to his left foot

Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after the game with the match ball after scoring a hat trick

9

in the 4-2 defeat away to Real Madrid according to an initial diagnosis,” the club said on their website (fcbayern.com).

“Neuer will undergo a thorough examination on arrival in Munich prior to a decision on the appropriate treatment.”

Bayern have a maximum of seven matches remaining this season provided they beat rivals Borussia Dortmund in the German Cup semi-final. (rtr)

Reuters / Darren Staples Livepic

8

Thursday, April 20, 2017

Thursday, April 20, 2017

Sp rt

Leicester fans look dejected after the match

Madrid see off Bayern in controversial thriller to reach semis

Action Images via Reuters / Carl Recine Livepic

Journey over, future uncertain for Leicester’s miracle men

LONDON - It felt like the end of a surreal journey as LEICESTER CITY’S “miracle men” bowed out of the Champions League on Tuesday with their heads held high and applause ringing in their ears. Despite a 2-1 aggregate defeat by Spaniards Atletico Madrid, the way Leicester tore into Diego Simeone’s team in the second half of a 1-1 draw at the King Power will be the abiding memory of a thrilling European campaign.

Manager Craig Shakespeare spoke afterwards of the desire of his players to experience more such nights. The reality, however, is that for the likes of Jamie Vardy, Riyad Mahrez and Danny Drinkwater, their chances of further Champions League adventures will be greatly improved by moving elsewhere once the season is over.

Vardy, whose goals propelled Leicester to the most unlikely of Premier League titles last season - a year after the club narrowly avoided relegation - has rediscovered his fire after a post-title funk that cost manager Claudio Ranieri his job. A hat-trick against Manchester City in December aside, Vardy had all but disappeared this season.

But since he scored in the 2-1 away defeat at Sevilla in the Champions League last 16, first leg - Ranieri’s

last game in charge - the England forward has been irresistible. He scored seven in his last nine appearances, and his 61st minute strike on Tuesday threatened to prolong Leicester’s European adventure before Atletico shut the door.

Mahrez, too, has shown a return to the form that earned him the Player of the Year award last season. Like Vardy, he will attract interest from Champions League clubs when the dust settles on the season. The club could also come under pressure to hold on to the dependable Drinkwater and goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel.

“I’ve said to the players that they should want more of this and they’ve agreed that that’s what they want,” said Shakespeare, whose contract only runs until the end of the campaign. “All players want to play at the highest level, and the Champions League is the highest level.”

With N’Golo Kante having joined CHELSEA at the start of the season, Leicester fans will fear the break-up of the side that made dreams become reality.

Sheakespeare’s immediate priority is to make sure Leicester stay in the top flight after a long flirtation with relegation. After that, who knows?

“I’ve enjoyed it, pitting your wits against one of the best coaches in the world, one of the best sides in the world,” Ranieri’s former assistant said. “I’m sure at the end of the season I’ll be able to reflect on my own performance as well as the clubs.” (rtr)

MADRID - Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick to send Real Madrid through to the Champions League semi-finals with a 4-2 extra-time win and 6-3 aggregate success against 10-man Bayern Munich in controversial circumstances on Tuesday. A bizarre Sergio Ramos own goal forced the extra period after Robert Lewandowski opened the scoring for Bayern from the penalty spot and Ronaldo equalised.

Marcelo twice cleared off the line for Madrid and Jerome Boateng did the same for Bayern in a thrilling game, which was tilted in Madrid’s favour by Arturo Vidal’s dismissal for two yellow cards, the second of which was harsh.

Ronaldo put Madrid level at 2-2 on the night in the first period of extra time when he scored his 100th Champions League goal, from a clearly offside position, before he wrapped up his treble with another disputed goal and Marco Asensio added a fourth.

Bayern coach Carlo Ancelotti was furious, criticising Hungarian referee Viktor Kassai after the game and asking for the introduction of video technology. “I think we played the game very well, we deserved more. You have the decisions that penalised us a lot, Arturo’s card was not a card and then two goals for Cristiano were offside,” said Ancelotti. “We are not happy about this. In a quarter final you have to have a referee with more quality I think. It’s time to introduce videos for the referees.”

Bayern began well, with Thiago Alcantara’s close-range shot brilliantly blocked on the goal line

by Marcelo. Arjen Robben lashed the rebound into the side-netting.

Madrid began to find their feet and were soon dominating, with the effervescent Marcelo key in both attack and defence.

Ramos nearly put the hosts ahead after the otherwise superb Manuel Neuer spilled a shot, but Boateng somehow blocked his effort on the line.

However, it was Bayern who took the lead in the second half when Casemiro fouled Robben in the area and Lewandowski dispatched the penalty. Ronaldo levelled, heading beyond Neuer in the 76th minute from a fine cross

by Casemiro, but Bayern restored overall parity within a minute when Ramos prodded into his own net after a scramble in the area.

With the game heading towards extra-time Vidal was sent off for a second booking after appearing to win the ball cleanly from Asensio, leaving Bayern with 10 like in the first leg when Javi Martinez was dismissed. It gave Madrid the upper hand going into the added 30 minutes and they took advantage when Ronaldo scored the crucial second from Ramos’s cross, despite being in an offside position.

Madrid added two more late on, Ronaldo appearing fractionally offside again for their third of the night, leaving Bayern exhausted and angry.

“The referee’s task is quite difficult, whether it’s for or against us I won’t get into it,” said Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane.

“More than the second yellow (for Vidal) or the offside goals, the six goals we scored over the two games means we deserved to go through in the tie. “There is no luck in football, you must win, and we won both games.” (rtr)

Atletico coach Simeone pays tribute to dogged Leicester

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone paid tribute to Leicester City’s dogged persistence as the Spaniards saw off the English champions 2-1 on aggregate to reach the Champions League semi-finals for a third time in four seasons.

Last season’s runners-up looked set for a calm night when Saul Niguez’s pin-point header put them two goals ahead on aggregate before halftime to cool the atmosphere in the King Power Stadium.

Yet a double change from Craig Shakespeare at the start of the second half transformed the game, leading Jamie Vardy to level for the English champions and forcing Atletico to defend with their backs against the wall and see out the 1-1

draw which took them through.

“I feel emotion, pride and hope after such a tough game against a team which gave us so much pleasure to compete against, a team that did not throw in the towel and kept us at arms’ length,” said Simeone.

“After a game like that it’s easy to forget we are in the semi-finals.

It was the night of pure football we had envisaged, with a marvellous atmosphere against a team that fought until the end. It was a passionate game with chances for both sides, and these are the games that people love to see.”

The Argentine coach has transformed Atletico from sleeping giants to one of Europe’s most feared teams in his five years in charge and he said he had fulfilled his initial aim when he took the reins of an

Reuters / Sergio Perez Livepic

ailing club in 2012.

“When I came here five years ago my only hope was to make Atletico a competitive team again and bother every team that we faced, and I think we are competing,” said Simeone, who had to rejig his defence after losing Juanfran and Filipe Luis to injury in the second half.

“Shakespeare’s changes were fantastic and after their goal they attacked us much more. It took a while to reset the defence but when we did it we managed to cope better with the danger they created,” he added.

“The team did what we needed to do to go through. As a coach it is difficult for me to keep praising the efforts of our team because they are magnificent.” (rtr)

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone

Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neuer after the match

Reuters / Kai Pfaffenbach

Bayern keeper Neuer breaks foot, season in doubt

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer may be sidelined for the rest of the season after fracturing his left foot during the 4-2 loss at Real Madrid in Tuesday’s Champions League quarterfinal second leg.

The 31-year-old was injured in extra time during the buildup to Cristiano Ronaldo’s third goal as Bayern lost 6-3 on aggregate. (nL3N1HQ5PG) “Manuel Neuer suffered a fracture to his left foot

Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after the game with the match ball after scoring a hat trick

9

in the 4-2 defeat away to Real Madrid according to an initial diagnosis,” the club said on their website (fcbayern.com).

“Neuer will undergo a thorough examination on arrival in Munich prior to a decision on the appropriate treatment.”

Bayern have a maximum of seven matches remaining this season provided they beat rivals Borussia Dortmund in the German Cup semi-final. (rtr)

Reuters / Darren Staples Livepic

10

Destination

Thursday, April 20, 2017

International

Dream Museum Zone (DMZ) Bali MANGUPURA - Dream Museum Zone (DMZ) Bali is a fun and interactive art gallery featuring a vast collection of three-dimensional, life-size murals for visitors to pose and play with. The gallery features a rich array of masterfully painted artworks that each serves as interactive backdrops for illusory three-dimensional photography.

There are an impressive total of 120 unique artworks in 14 different categories spread over three levels, which provide a full-day of discovery and creativity. The museum is located on Jalan Nakula, right off the junction of Jalan Dewi Sri and Kuta’s Sunset Road, and just down the street from the TS Suites in Seminyak.

A team of local and Korean artists collaborated to produce the rich compilation of artworks.

The illusionary effects in various sizes – using only paint and well positioned lighting – are absolutely stunning. Stepping inside the galleries of Dream Museum Zone, you will be transported to various dreamy realms, from Venice to Egypt, and Indonesia to the Amazon; you will easily find yourselves posing in the wackiest poses imaginable, alone or together, to capture that perfect shot. Among

the diverse themes at Dream Museum Zone to put your creativity to the test are the Renaissance and Luminescence pavilions. The Renaissance pavilion comprises parodies of famous paintings, such as Mona Lisa carrying a fruit basket, or Van Gogh with shaving foam. Pose aside and ‘hold’ a seemingly displaced fruit, or the lather brush to Van Gogh’s beard.

Some animal-themed paintings are quite amusing, as you hose down a zebra to wash away its stripes, milk a cow, or ‘narrowly escape’ a menacing shark attack.

If you don’t know how to ride a board, you can come close to it and strike a pose on a snowboard gliding off a cliff, or tandem ride on a surfboard with arms apart before crashing waves. The Luminescence pavilion features a wonderful play of UV lighting against the murals, with areas painted in certain colours that bring out a subtle glow. Most of these feature underwater scenes. There are several sets in the expansive collection that depict full-size landmarks and ruins, such as the Prambanan Temple or ‘Candi Prambanan’ complete with the floors depicting a lotus pond, or Bali’s own famous Tanah Lot sea temple. The

Thursday, April 20, 2017

International

Djokovic survives shock to reach Monte Carlo round three

MONTE CARLO - World number two Novak Djokovic came close to an early exit at the Monte Carlo Masters but finally emerged triumphant with a 6-3 3-6 7-5 second-round victory against France’s Gilles Simon on Tuesday.

museum also promotes its galleries as a great option for unique pre-wedding photos.

Tripods are great if you want to have everyone in some of the frames, and there are marks on the floor that indicate the best spot to place your tripod, or from where to

take the picture for the best angle.

The team of staff are also helpful in suggesting the best pose to experiment with, and may even lend a hand to take the shot. A refreshment corner serves bubble teas and snacks, and a gift shop is onsite where you can also have your zany

shots printed on T-shirts, as well as a range of merchandise. Don’t forget to try their pineapple cake, also sold as great titbits to bring back home. Tickets are at USD 25 for adults, USD 20 for children, while kids under three years enter for free. (IBP/net)

The Serbian was broken for 5-4 in the decider but bagged three games in a row to end Simon’s resilience and reach the third round of the first European claycourt tournament of the season.

Djokovic, who had a first-round bye, will next take on either Russian Karen Khachanov or 13th seed Pablo Carreno Busta, of Spain.

“It was a very difficult match,

with many changes of momentum,” said Djokovic. “It was very tiring for me, the first clay of the season.

“But this is the start of the Roland Garros build-up.”

Earlier, local favourite Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, back from a onemonth layoff, was knocked out by fellow Frenchman, qualifier Adrian Mannarino, 6-7(3) 6-2 6-3. (rtr)

LeBron feels Cavs close to ‘turning the switch’

CLEVELAND - The reigning NBA champion Cleveland Cavaliers have developed a habit of giving away late-game leads but LeBron James is not losing sleep over that trend and feels his team are on the cusp of their top form. What started late in the regular season and kept Cleveland from securing the Eastern Conference’s top seed has carried over into the first two games of their best-of-seven series against the Indiana Pacers.

Two days after giving up a lead and es-

!!Front Office(Wnt)HK(Lk)Shita Hotel Jimbaran 081916361108

B.BP.001.04.17.0001040

Bebek Tepi Sawah Villas Ubud Is Looking for Reception Male/ Female,min 1 year Experience in the same position,good English,driving & computer Skill.

Please send CV and applicatin to:hr@bebektepisawahvillas.com

B.BP.801.04.17.0000815

What’s Up Pizzeria Ubud Membut uhkan Tenaga Waitress dan Cook CV bisa Dikirim ke Email:cokde _anggara@gmail.com 08113858000

B.BP.120.04.17.0001196

caping with a one-point win, the Cavaliers nearly squandered an 18-point cushion during a shaky fourth quarter on Monday before holding on for a 2-0 series lead.

A number of questionable shots and breakdowns on defense by Cleveland allowed Indiana to make a late charge but none of this seems to concern the player carrying the team’s title hopes.

“I’d rather have an 18-point lead than not have a lead at all,” James said after Monday’s game.

Looking for SPG Good English, Good Appearance,Energic.Email: hrd@buddhawear.com/085100050706

B.BP.001.04.17.0001188

Looking Therapist+Kasir+Freelance u/Canggu Area 081337778880

B.BP.166.04.17.0001197

Urgent Luxury Villa in Ubud Need Butler Pls Send CV to:sudis ugi@yahoo.com or 08124629122

B.BP.001.04.17.0001066

Villa Ziba Needs Night House keeping,Send CV:Jl.Seminyak Gg Keraton(Dekat Bintang Market)

B.BP.001.04.17.0001126

Place Your Add Here

It is for Job Vacancy, Property, Selling or Buying Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Please contact Gugiek : 08123840500 / Eka : 081338519538

REUTERS/Eric Gaillard

Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts after defeating Gilles Simon of France.

Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) drives to the basket between Indiana Pacers forward Thaddeus Young (21) and guard Monta Ellis (11) during the second half in game two of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs won 117-111.

“We make plays down the stretch to win a ball game and in the postseason that’s all you can ask for. But we’re right there on turning the switch on what we really can become.”

The Cavaliers boast a number of weapons that, when clicking, make them one of the NBA’s most dangerous teams but their habit of allowing teams back into games could prove costly.

They closed out their regular season with four consecutive losses and some pundits felt they looked vulnerable heading into the postseason.

Cleveland were outscored 13-7 over the final five minutes of the second quarter on Monday, opened up a 19-point lead during the third but Indiana regrouped and got back to within four points with 19 seconds to play.

In the end, the Cavaliers picked up the intensity when it mattered most and James, a three-times NBA champion and four-times league Most Valuable Player, is choosing to stay focused on the positives rather fret about nearly blowing another lead.

“We’re playing some really, really good basketball,” said James. “Even in, you know, the first two quarters, we build a lead, we didn’t close out the second quarter as well as we would like to and, but, we have a chance,” said James.

“We have a chance to do something we all have been wanting to do all season, and that’s to put together a four-quarter game.

And I think we’re right there on the cusp of doing that.” (rtr)

Woods hits first public shots in months, no date for return CALIFORNIA - Tiger Woods took his first public golf shots in over two months during an event to announce his first public course on Tuesday but the former world number one remained noncommittal about his return to competitive action.

Woods, who has not played a tournament since pulling out of a European Tour event in February because of back spasms, took two swings into a par-three hole in front of a crowd that were on hand for his course design announcement in Missouri.

His first shot off a makeshift tee bounced off some rocks that will front the green on the still-to-be built course while his second landed about 10 feet from the hole.

“The back is progressing,” said Woods. “I have good days and bad days. I’ve had three back operations and that’s just kind of the nature of the business unfortunately. That’s all I can say.”

Woods returned to the PGA Tour in January after a 17-month absence following back surgery. He missed the cut at the Farmers Insurance Open and shot an opening-round 77 a week later in Dubai before withdrawing.

His course, which is scheduled to open in 2019, will honor late Missouri native and threetimes major champion Payne Stewart and be called Payne’s Valley. (rtr)

6

Thursday, April 20, 2017

W

RLD

As Trump warned NKorea, his ‘armada’ was headed toward Australia

WASHINGTON - When U.S. President Donald Trump boasted early last week that he had sent an “armada” as a warning to North Korea, the aircraft carrier strike group he spoke of was still far from the Korean peninsula, and headed in the opposite direction.

It was even farther away over the weekend, moving through the Sunda Strait and then into the Indian Ocean, as North Korea displayed what appeared to be new missiles at a parade and staged a failed missile test.

The U.S. military’s Pacific Command explained on Tuesday that the strike group first had to complete a shorter-than-initially planned period of training with Australia. But it was now “proceeding to the Western Pacific as ordered,” it said.

The perceived communications mix-up has raised

Sean M. Castellano/Courtesy U.S. Navy/Handout via REUTERS

The U.S. aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson transits the Sunda Strait, Indonesia on April 15, 2017. Picture taken on April 15, 2017.

eyebrows among Korea experts, who wonder whether it erodes the Trump administration’s credibility at a time when U.S. rhetoric about the North’s advancing nuclear and missile capabilities are raising concerns about a potential conflict.

“If you threaten them and your threat is not credible, it’s only going to undermine whatever your policy toward them is. And that could be a logical conclusion from what’s just happened,” said North Korea expert Joel Wit at the 38 North monitoring group, run

by Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies.

The U.S. military initially said in a statement dated April 10 that Admiral Harry Harris, the commander of Pacific Command, directed the Carl Vinson strike group “to sail north and report on station in the Western Pacific.”

Reuters and other news outlets reported on April 11 that the movement would take more than a week.

The Navy, for security reasons, says it does not report future operational locations of its ships.

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis initially appeared to play down the deployment on April 11, saying the Vinson was “just on her way up there because that’s where we thought it was most prudent to have her at this time.”

“There’s not a specific demand signal or specific reason why we’re sending her up there,” he said.

But even Mattis initially misspoke about the strike group’s itinerary, telling a news conference that the Vinson had pulled out of an exercise with Australia.

The Pentagon has since corrected the record, saying the ship’s planned port visit to Fremantle, Australia, was canceled - not the exercise with Australia’s navy.

On April 15, the U.S. Navy even published a photo showing the Vinson transiting the Sunda Strait.

From April 16-18, the website http://www.gonavy. jp/CVLocation.html reported that the Vinson was in the Indian Ocean.

A U.S. military official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the Vinson carried out the exercises after passing through the Sunda Strait and wrapped them up this week. (rtr)

2019 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION...

From page 1

The Jakarta election will be seen as a barometer for the 2019 presidential election, given the city’s outsized importance as both the nation’s capital and commercial centre. Purnama is backed by President Joko Widodo’s ruling party.

Baswedan is supported by a retired general, Prabowo Subianto, who narrowly lost to Widodo in a 2014 presidential vote and is expected to challenge him again.

Police said 15 people were detained following reports of disturbances at several polling stations in the city of 10 million people, after what the Jakarta Post this week dubbed “the dirtiest,

most polarising and most divisive” election campaign the nation had ever seen.

Security appeared light at several polling stations, though police said 66,000 personnel were deployed across the city. Religious tensions have been an undercurrent in the campaign, with Purnama on trial for blasphemy over comments he made last year that many took to be insulting to Islam.

Hundreds of thousands of Muslims took to the streets late last year to call for his sacking and to urge voters not to elect a non-Muslim leader. One person died and more than 100 were injured after one

protest turned violent.

Some voters may have been reluctant to vote for Purnama because of worries about “five more years of protests on the streets by Muslim hardliners,” Loveard said in a telephone interview.

RECONCILIATORY TONE

Baswedan, a respected scholar who many viewed as moderate, drew widespread criticism during the campaign when he aggressively courted the conservative Islamic vote, appearing publicly with hardline Islamic leaders during anti-Purnama rallies. Baswedan, surrounded by his political patrons including Prabowo, struck a reconciliatory tone at a news conference after unofficial results came in, pledg-

International

France arrests men suspected of planning attack ahead of elections

PARIS, April 18 (Reuters) - Two men arrested in Marseille on Tuesday planned an “imminent and violent attack” ahead of the first round of France’s presidential election on Sunday, authorities said.

“These two radicalized men ... intended to commit in the very short-term - by that I mean in the coming days - an attack on French soil,” Interior Minister Matthias Fekl told a news conference.

Paris Prosecutor Francois Molins said in a news conference that weapons, explosives, videos and jidhadist propaganda materials had been found in the flat rented

by French nationals Clement Baur, 23, and Mahiedine Merabet, 30, since April 1.

“A video intercepted on April 12 showed a machinegun placed on a table, with a daily newspaper from 13 March which had on its front page one of the presidential candidates.

“This morning the investigators managed to locate the apartment,” Molins said, without naming the candidate.

France’s internal intelligence agency had warned the main candidates of a threat, campaign officials said.

Comments by officials indicated that former prime minister Francois Fillon, centrist Emmanuel Macron and far-right leader Marine Le Pen were among those alerted to the risk.

France goes to the polls on April 23 and on May 7 in one of the most unpredictable elections in its modern history with security a key issue after attacks by militant Islamists which have killed more than 230 people in the past two years.

Molins said the Marseille suspects met in 2015, while sharing a

prison cell for petty crime.

He said Baur had converted to Islam in 2007, was known to have had links with Chechen and Belgian jihadist networks and Belgian authorities had been investigating him.

A tip-off from another country had said Merabet was likely to carry out a violent act and was seeking to make contact with Islamic State, either to pledge allegiance to the group or ask it to claim responsibility for the planned attack, Molins said.

“The main candidates were warned in the middle of the last week that there was a risk and that two individuals had been identified. We received their photos and security of the candidates. Their meetings and headquarters were given extra protection,” Macron’s spokesman Benjamin Griveaux told Reuters.

Officials from Fillon’s camp and Le Pen’s National Front said they also had received word of a possible attack.

With the country still under a state of emergency, Fekl said 50,000 police, gendarmes and soldiers would be deployed for each leg of the election, and security reinforced for the candidates.

“Everything has been put in place to ensure the security of this big event for our democracy and our Republic. The security forces are mobilized everywhere across France to ensure the security of French people and to ensure the presidential campaign goes smoothly,” he said.

Le Pen, one of the frontrunners in the race for the Elysee, is scheduled to hold the last big rally of her campaign in Marseille on Wednesday, according to her program. (rtr)

ing to “safeguard diversity and unity”.

His PLATFORM has focused on improving public education, providing no-deposit home loans for low income groups and opposing a giant seawall in Jakarta Bay that Purnama has advocated. Baswedan has denied he plans to implement Islamic sharia law in Jakarta if elected. Baswedan will officially take over as governor in October.

Purnama congratulated his rival in a news conference.

“We still have six months (in office) until the new governor is inaugurated and we will finish up our homework,” Purnama said. “We hope that in the future everyone can forget the campaign period.”

Purnama faces up to five years in jail if convicted of blasphemy.

His trial will resume on Thursday, when prosecutors will submit a sentence request. Citigroup said in an investor note that, despite the potential for renewed protests if Purnama won, it was maintaining a Jakarta stock index target of 6,150 by the end of 2017, representing an 8 percent upside.

“As long as there are no security issues, the election outcome should not significantly stall the reform programme of the national government, in our view,” it said.

The Indonesian rupiah weakened slightly after unofficial results were announced. The 7-day rupiah nondeliverable forward traded 0.37 percent weaker against the dollar by 0457 GMT. The 3-month NDF traded 0.24 percent lower in Asian markets. (rtr)

ISLAMIC STATE

International

Thursday, April 20, 2017

11

E Nusa Tenggara gears up for Tour de Flores JAKARTA - East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), known as a province of 1 thousand islands, is currently gearing up for an international cycling race and tourism event, Tour de Flores (TdF), on the island of Flores, to promote its tourism globally.

The province offers a wide array of natural scenery, culture, ethnicity, handcrafts, ancient sites, and unique traditions that could be showcased to foreign tourists.

The NTT administration has decided to hold TdF from July 14 to 19 instead of July 25 or in May as scheduled earlier.

The change was made after some considerations, including from the Switzerland-based international cycling federation, Marius A. Jelamu, head of the NTT tourism and economic office, revealed in Kupang on April 17.

So far, 13 teams, comprising over 100 cyclists from the US, Europe, Asia, and Australia, have confirmed their participation in the TdF. NTT Governor Frans Lebu Raya has expressed hope that the international cycling event would be beneficial to the public, particularly the residents of Flores Island.

“Preparations for TdF 2016 are short and not many people are ready. But this year, we hope the public are more ready so they could also enjoy financial benefits,” he remarked.

He urged the local community to demonstrate hospitality to TdF participants.

“Friendliness and comfort are the main keys for everyone to make them return to NTT,” Lebu Raya asserted.

Tourism event usually boosts development in the region hosting the activity.

For TdF, the Public Works and Public Housing Ministry has allocated a budget amounting between Rp30 billion and Rp40 billion per district for conducting road repairs along the Larantuka-Labuan Bajo route.

The cycling race will start from East Flores and finish in Labuan Bajo in West Manggarai District.

Labuan Bajo, which faces the isles of Rinca and Komodo, the worlds only habitat of Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) or giant lizard, has been designated as a priority tourist destination by the central government along with nine other regions across Indonesia.

The nine priority tourist destinations are Lake Toba (North Sumatra), Seribu Islands (Jakarta), Tanjung Kelayang (Bangka Belitung), Tanjung Lesung (Banten), Borobudur Temple (Central Java), Mandalika (West Nusa Tenggara), Wakatobi (Southeast Sulawesi), Morotai (North Maluku), and Mount Bromo (East Java).

The launch party of the TdF will be held in Lewoleba village, Lembata District, which is a small island situated southeast of Flores, formerly known as Lomblen island.

Lembata beach is famous for whale-watching tourism. Other tourist attractions in NTT are the three-colored crater lakes in Mount Kalimutu called Lake Kalimutu in the district of Ende, Lake Ranamese in the district of Manggarai, and the Maumere bay in the district of Sikka. (ant)

IBP/ant

Lt Gen. Othman bin Nasser Al-Mihrij, left, with National Police Chief Gen. Tito Karnavian.

Indonesian, Saudi policies to strengthen cooperation in counter terrorism

JAKARTA - Indonesian and Saudi Arabian policies will strengthen cooperation in counterterrorism, as one of the points of the agreement signed by the two officials during Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Sauds visit to Indonesia last month.

As a follow up to the signed memorandum of understanding (MoU), Saudis Public Security Director Lt Gen. Othman bin Nasser Al-Mihrij visited Indonesias police headquarters to meet National Police Chief Gen. Tito Karnavian to further discuss the exchange of intelligence information in an effort to combat the threat of terrorism.

“Our country is considered quite successful when it comes to counterterrorism. Of course, Saudi is open to all countries, including Indonesia, to improve cooperation in this field,” Lt. Gen. Al-Mihrij stated during a press conference held at the residence of Saudi Ambassador to Indonesia Osama Mohammed Al-Shuibi in Jakarta, on Tuesday.

Saudi Arabia is internationally recognized as one of the countries that has been successful in combating terrorism, which was proved by a medal of recognition awarded to Saudis Crown Prince Muhammed

bin Nayef by the US Central Intelligence Agency last February.

Muhammed bin Nayef, aged 57, who has been serving as the interior minister since 2012, had overseen a crackdown on al-Qaeda, a group that killed security officers and foreigners in the kingdom between 2003 and 2007.

According to Al Jazeera, a royal next-in-line to Saudi Arabias throne who survived an assassination attempt by al-Qaeda has been awarded the George Tenet Medal in recognition of his “excellent intelligence performance, in the domain of counterterrorism and his unbound contribution to realizing world security and peace.”

To this end, Lt. Gen. Al-Mihrij has expressed willingness to share experiences and best practices of fighting terrorism during the reciprocal visit of Indonesias Police Chief Gen. Karnavian to Saudi Arabia in May. Al-Mihrij also pointed out that as compared to Indonesia, in which the duty of combating terrorism has been specifically carried out by the elite anti-terrorism unit Detachment 88, the Kingdom of Saudi has handed over the task to a special team formed through a collaboration between several institutions. (ant)

JAKARTA - The attorney general office will soon arrest former West Jakarta Mayor Fatahillah, who is now Assistant in charge of Peoples Welfare at the secretariat of Jakarta provincial administration, for alleged corruption.

Fatahillah is charged with embezzling state money in the process of restoring the function of rivers in West Jakarta in 2013.

“Certainly arrested . A suspect is certainly arrested,” head of the investigation sub-directorate of the attorney general office Yulianto said here on Tuesday night.

The suspect is still grilled by investigators, Julianto said, adding investigations would likely take a long process yet.

Fatahillah has returned Rp600 million of the alleg-

edly embezzled money . The Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) said the alleged corruption caused a loss of Rp4.8 billion in state fund.

“Fatahillah returned Rp600 million of the state fund and another suspect identified as AM returned Rp150 million,” Junior Attorney General Arminsyah said.

Arminsyah said 25 witnesses have been questioned in the investigations of the case, adding the case was related to Rp5 billion corruption case in the West Jakarta water management service in 2013, 2014 and 2015 involving 14 suspects.

He said Fatahillah was charged with ordering his subordinates to do certain activities in order to get a budget from the West Jakarta administration. (ant)

Attorney general to arrest former mayor of West Jakarta

IBP/net

Labuan Bajo, which faces the isles of Rinca and Komodo, the worlds only habitat of Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) or giant lizard, has been designated as a priority tourist destination by the central government along with nine other regions across Indonesia.

12

International

Thursday, April 20, 2017

BUSINESS China relaxes some cross-border capital curbs as yuan steadies-sources

SHANGHAI - China’s central bank has relaxed some of the curbs on cross-border capital outflows it put in place just months ago to shore up the yuan currency, banking sources said on Wednesday. The first easing of the measures comes as China’s leaders and financial markets feel more confident that pressure on the yuan and the country’s foreign exchange reserves has diminished, thanks largely to a pullback in the surging U.S. dollar.

The yuan slumped around 6.5 percent against the dollar last year, but has firmed nearly 1 percent in 2017, defying -- for now -- many analysts’ expectations of further depreciation. Indeed, a Reuters poll earlier this month indicated INVESTORS likely increased their bullish bets on the yuan to the most since July 2015.

With less incentive for capital flight and the economy on steadier footing, China’s foreign exchange reserves have clawed back above the closely watched $3 trillion level.

Premier Li Keqiang said on Tuesday that market confidence in the yuan has significantly improved, Xinhua news agency reported.

As of last week, the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) is no longer demanding that banks match outflows with equal inflows, the sources said. The South China Morning Post first reported the relaxation of the capital controls earlier on Wednesday.

There was no immediate comment from the People’s Bank of China when contacted by Reuters.

The State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) did not have an immediate response to Reuters’ questions on the SCMP report.

Expectations of further yuan depreciation have eased in recent months, opening a window for authorities to

relax recent measures, but Beijing is not likely to let go totally, said Raymond Yeung, chief Greater China economist at ANZ in Hong Kong.

In addition to checking exchange rate expectations, the authorities were also using capital controls to control where Chinese money flows, limiting INVESTMENTS in foreign sectors deemed undesirable, he noted.

“The current macro environment obviously favours an easing of the (rules on) fund flows, but that doesn’t mean that it is going to have solved the structural issue of the mismatch between the corporate desire to go out versus the central government’s centrally-driven approach when they talk about offshore investment,” Yeung said.

While the world’s second-largest economy still has the largest stash of forex reserves by far, it had burned through over half a trillion dollars since August 2015 trying to support the yuan.

The government reacted by intensifying capital controls late last year, making it harder for individuals and companies to move money out of China. Those measures are credited with quashing speculative outflows and helping to stabilise the currency, but have also hampered legitimate outflows as China Inc goes more global.

REUTERS/Stringer

Workers plant wolfberries among solar penals in Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China, April 18, 2017. Picture taken April 18, 2017.

Chinese businesses have complained that the curbs were damaging their plans for overseas investments and acquisitions, while foreign firms have been more reluctant TO INVEST in China for fear of having trouble repatriating profits.

In March the U.S. owner of Dick Clark Productions Inc said that one of its affiliates terminated an agreement to sell assets to Chinese conglomerate Dalian Wanda Group, with Reuters reporting earlier the deal was under pressure amid tight scrutiny by Beijing on outbound deals.

But the small relaxation step won’t help much in terms of outbound INVESTMENT approvals,

said Greg Burch, who works on mid-market China outbound M&A deals as a Hong Kong-based partner at the Locke Lord law firm. “This particular move won’t help on real M&A deals...It’s like the brakes aren’t totally locked up any more, but the foot is still on the brake pedal pretty hard,” said Burch.

On Tuesday, China reported that its non-financial outbound direct investment (ODI) slumped 30.1 percent in March from a year earlier as authorities kept a tight grip on outflows. In the first quarter, it fell nearly 49 percent. While Beijing says it supports legitimate overseas INVESTMENT, regulators have

warned they would pay close attention to “irrational” investment in property, entertainment, sports and other sectors.

The sources did not spell out what criteria would still be applied to outflows. “Actually, it’ll be the same as SAFE’s previous policy stance, emphasizing that cross-border settlements for legal and compliant business are guaranteed,” said one of the sources, who declined to be identified.

Much will depend on the outlook for the U.S. currency, which analysts expect to rebound eventually as the Federal Reserve continues to slowly raise interest rates.(rtr)

South African inflation slows as food price rises ease JOHANNESBURG - South Africa’s consumer inflation eased in March as the return of rainfall following a severe drought cut into food price inflation.

The slide -- to 6.1 percent year-on-year in March from 6.3 percent in February -- bolstered the likelihood of the central bank will keep interest rates on hold despite recent shocks to the currency. On a monthon-month basis, inflation fell to 0.6 percent from 1.1 percent, Statistics South Africa said on Wednesday.

The rand retreated about 12 percent after of President Jacob Zuma’s decision to fire respected finance minister Pravin Gordhan in early April. The firing lead at least in part to two credit downgrades to “junk” and a spike in INVESTOR concerns over the direction fiscal policy.

Such moves would normally boost inflation, putting pressure on central banks to raise interest rates.

But Paul Sirani, chief market analyst at Xtrade, said the data would let the South

African central bank stand pat.

“Today’s figure shows that prices are heading in the right direction, though policy makers are likely to sit on their hands and seek further reassurance from next month’s figures,” he said.

Food inflation, which climbed close 12 percent in 2016 as the worst drought in decades swept through southern Africa, continued to retreat, slowing to 8.7 on a yearly basis.

At its March policy meeting, South

Bali News

International

Africa’s Reserve Bank (SARB) said it forecast consumer price growth to average 5.9 percent in 2017 and that it had reached the end of its tightening phase, adding that any rate cuts would depend on data.

However the bank, which has raised benchmark lending rates by a cumulative 200 basis points since 2014, warned on April 10 that the sharp fall in the currency following Zuma’s midnight cabinet reshuffle had caused the exchange rate to reemerge as a major risk to inflation.(rtr)

Thursday, April 20, 2017

5

Alam Tirta Outbound, Adventure Tourism in North Badung

Do you like a challenge? Once upon a time, try to make a visit to Alam Tirta Outbound, a complete adventure tourist attraction on the Island of the Gods. It is located at Samuan Kangin hamlet, Carangsari, Petang, Badung, or about 28 kilometers north of Denpasar. Other than surrounded by beautiful countryside, a variety of adventure activities on offer are quite challenging and they can be enjoyed by many walks of life.

Facilities available are not only prepared for adults, but also for children. Moreover, children’s games are specifically prepared, starting from rafting, paintball, flying fox, VW Tour, camping ground and other activities including wedding facilities. “Our market is local community, in addition to foreign and domestic travelers,” said I Nyoman Subamia, the Operations Manager, accompanied by Chief Executive Officer, Thomy Maha Putra Dewa, at the grand opening of the Alam Tirta Bali on Saturday (Apr. 1).

Visitors that like to explore countryside by bicycle or just stroll can also take advantage of this location. Each trip will bring in special memories because every inch participants will encounter people’s activity. They are starting from household work, craft, mejejahitan or oblation preparation, agriculture, plantation to traditional children’s play.

Paintball game is surely different from the others because the activities are conducted in the village forest being rich in local plants. Children that learn to live

independently can make camping activities here. Flying fox for children is equally challenging, including the other activities. “At Alam Tirta Outbound, we also offer Balinese activities and Alam Tirta Resto providing a variety of foods,” said Nyoman Subamia.

Nyoman Subamia added that Alam Tirta Outbound has been in operation since December 2016 and occupies an area of ??1.5 hectares.

The location is very convenient and beautiful as it is surrounded by paddy fields and plantations.

Various activities can be enjoyed by visitors, including the circle of students. “We also provide meeting room and a restaurant with a capacity of 300 seats,” he said.

Thomy Maha Putra Dewa was optimistic that the tourist attraction has been equipped with full facilities and offers very affordable prices. His management has cooperated with tens of agencies.

In the first year of operation, the Alam Tirta Outbound also gives a DISCOUNT. “We offer a middle price with high class and our major market is domestic,” he added.

Meanwhile, General Manager,

Samsul Azhari, said that the facilities available in addition to rafting include paintball denoting a simulation game that is useful for self-development and team work to enjoy the game. Then, VW tour is a package presented at the end of the visit to explore the hidden beauty and stunning views of the Island of Bali by riding a

classic VW. According to Samsul, after the opening for a few months there have been many visitors coming.

Today the monthly number of visitor reaches over 100 people. “We hope that after this grand opening the number of tourist visit can reach above 500 people per month. Currently, the tourism of North Badung

is developing,” he hoped.

The grand opening was attended by the official of the Badung government, members of the House of Representatives like I Gusti Agung Adi Mahendra Putra, Chairman of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) of Bali, AAN Alit Wiraputra, as well as among tourism businesspeople. (kmb)

Alas Kedaton Attraction, a Place to Learn Local Plants

Alas Kedaton tourist attraction is a destination of educational tour. Here, visitors can get to know about some animals like monkeys, flying fox and various local plants for the benefit of the Hindu community in Bali. “People can learn about the life of monkeys, flying fox and local rare plants,” said Chief of the Management Board, I Wayan Semadi.

Semadi accompanied by Secretary Made Suastika and Supervisor I Ketut Sukayadnya as a new management at the tourist attraction said that visitors can relax in a cool atmosphere of the object as well as learn about animals and plants. “As new management, we will continue the arrangement of footpath in the jungle, so that it can create a comfortable destination,” he said. i wayan semadi

Visitors having more time will be happy to take advantage of the pathway located in the middle of the forest. Students who are enjoying school holidays also like to explore it. They will be able to relax longer and browse uniqueness of Alas Kedaton. Visitors can also use for trekking in the jungle. In addition, park arrangement will replace dead plants with the new and greener ones.

Alas Kedaton located at Kukuh village, Marga, Tabanan, has an ecofriendly and sustainable forest with a variety of local plant species. In addition, it is a breeding site for the animals such as monkeys, flying fox, snakes, birds and other animal species. “Alas Kedaton has advantages as a preserver of cultural sites aged hundreds of years with the Dalem Alas Kedaton temple,” he added. (kmb)

4

Bali News

Thursday, April 20, 2017

International

Thursday, April 20, 2017

International

Observer says 2.5 mln Turkish referendum votes could have been manipulated

After seasonal market

Pergung Square becomes an ocean of garbage

NEGARA - It has become a tradition that every six months or Galungan and Kuningan feast day, the Pergung Square in Mendoyo subdistrict becomes the venue for the organization of seasonal market.

Based on observation during the implementation of seasonal market, on last Galungan and Kuningan the number of visitor looked quite crowded. Besides, traffic congestion occurred at the Denpasar-Gilimanuk road section, precisely in front of the office of Mendoyo subdistrict head.

After the seasonal market ended on Sunday (Apr. 16), the merchants mostly originating from Java already packed their merchandise. However, from the observation on Tuesday (Apr. 18), the Pergung Square looked like an ocean of garbage.

Plastic waste and others looked to scatter around the square area. Similarly, some corners of the park made by the government of Jembrana looked vile and damaged. There were only scavengers picking up used bottles.

“Well, the merchants did not want to take responsibility. After selling, they immediately left the garbage and did not want to be responsible. Similarly, the organizing committee did not immediately clean up the square after the market was closed,” said some residents at the southern side of the Pergung Square.

It is said that the seasonal market has long become a tradition at Pergung. However, the management has never been improved and the garbage always piles up. Meanwhile, the committee tried to be contacted at Pergung Square was not in place. Only a few merchants remained to clean up their goods and transported them by truck.

Previously, during the implementation of seasonal market six months ago, Deputy Regent of Jembrana, Made Kembang Hartawan, had expressed his disappointment on the market activity considered to have left many problems.

The piles of garbage that can become a source of disease as well as the damage to a number of square facilities made him furious.

Actually, the local government allocated a large enough budget to beautify the Pergung Square. The budget of IDR 3 billion was used to arrange the park along with the plants as well as other additional facilities such as the venue and ceremonial tribune. At that time, Kembang even threatened to close the seasonal market as a form of his disappointment to the organizing committee. (kmb)

DUTERTE/POLICE REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco/File Photo

A woman prays for her loved one who she says was killed due to alleged involvement in illegal drugs, during a Holy Eucharist mass against extra-judicial killings inside a Roman Catholic Church in Paranaque city, metro Manila, Philippines March 2, 2017.

IBP/Wira Sanjiwani

The Leko Dance, one of the art from Tabanan which will perform in Bali Art Festival.

Registrants of BAF exhibition soar

TABANAN - Bali Arts Festival (BAF) becomes an effective event to promote Balinese handicraft products. It is not mistaken if the entrepreneurs coalesced into the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are vying to be able to exhibit their products in the BAF. This happens in Tabanan where many entrepreneurs registered to participate in the BAF exhibition.

The dirty Pergung Field

IBP/kmb

13

It is recognized by the Head of the Tabanan Industry and Commerce Agency, I.B. Made Wiryawan, recently. He said that many products of Tabanan MSME have prospects to be on sale in the market. However, due to lack of promotion the products in Tabanan are not widely known by buyers. One of the ways to introduce the products can be made through exhibition.

“Participating in the BAF is one of the promotional events,” he said.

Admittedly, many entrepreneurs want to participate in the exhibition booth of Dekranasda Tabanan in this year’s BAF. Admittedly, not all entrepreneurs can be accommodated. His agency has sorted out the entrepreneurs that can participate in the exhibition at the Dekranasda’s booth based on excellent products and will be done in turn. In every BAF activity, his

agency can maximally take five entrepreneurs because the space is limited. Meanwhile, the others are expected to rent their own booth.

Likewise, the entrepreneurs having ever participated in the exhibition of Dekranasda booth can no longer participate, and are asked to rent their own booth.

“Since many entrepreneurs want to participate in the exhibition, we apply queuing system so that all the participants get the same opportunity to participate. However, anyone wishing to join is suggested to lease a booth on their personal account,” he said.

In addition, this year Tabanan also gets a chance to fill in the exhibition of MSME handicraft products at Bali’s booth at the Beautiful Indonesia in Miniature Park (TMII) next June. This becomes an opportunity for Tabanan

MSME entrepreneurs to introduce their products to the public.

For these activities, the leading sector lies in the culture agency, but the industry and commerce agency is asked to prepare the entrepreneurs that are ready to participate in the exhibition. “Getting the opportunity to participate in the exhibition at the TMII drawing many visitors will become a very good promotion event,” said Gus Wiryawan.

The Head of the Tabanan Culture Agency, IGN Supanji, when asked for his confirmation separately justified this. Currently his agency is making preparation for the exhibition at the TMII. In addition to the product exhibition, it will also be filled with cultural activities. “The preparation has reached 80 percent,” said Supanji. (kmb28)

Police describe kill rewards, staged crime scenes in Duterte’s drug war

MANILA - The Philippine police have received cash payments for executing drug suspects, planted evidence at crime scenes and carried out most of the killings they have long blamed on vigilantes, said two senior officers who are critical of President Rodrigo Duterte’s “war on drugs.”

In the most detailed insider accounts yet of the drug war’s secret mechanics, the two senior officials challenged the government’s explanations of the killings in interviews with Reuters.

Almost 9,000 people, many small-time users and dealers, have been killed since Duterte took office on June 30. Police say about a third of the victims were shot by officers in self-defence during legitimate anti-drug operations. Human rights monitors believe many of the remaining two thirds were killed by paid assassins operating with police backing or by police disguised as vigilantes - a charge the police deny.

The two senior officers, one a retired police intelligence officer and the other an active-duty commander, claimed the killings are in fact orchestrated by the police, including most of those carried out by vigilantes. They spoke with Reuters on the condition of anonymity.

“It is the Philippine National Police doing it,” said the retired intelligence officer. “This killing machine must be buried six feet under the ground.” He said he was angry about the impact of the killings on

police discipline and wanted “to put Duterte on the defensive.” Reuters was unable to independently verify if the police are behind vigilante killings.

The president’s office and the Philippine police did not respond to questions from Reuters.

‘ONLY THE POOR ARE DYING’ The intelligence officer has authored an unpublished 26-page report on the conduct of the drug war in an effort to organize opposition to Duterte’s campaign. The report, titled “The State-Sponsored Extrajudicial Killings in the Philippines,” provides granular detail on the campaign’s alleged methods, masterminds and perpetrators. The document has been shared with leaders of the Catholic Church in the Philippines and with the government-funded Commission on Human Rights.

Some of the report’s accusations against individuals could not be confirmed by Reuters; the news agency is therefore not publishing the full document. Many of its findings, however, support and expand upon previous investigations of the drug

war by Reuters and independent human rights monitors.

The report claims that police are paid to kill not just drug suspects, but also - for 10,000 pesos ($200) a head - rapists, pickpockets, swindlers, gang members, alcoholics and other “troublemakers.”

It also claims that civilian members of the so-called Davao Death Squad, which rights activists allege killed hundreds of people in Duterte’s hometown of Davao, were drafted to “augment and assist” the police’s current nationwide anti-drug operation.

The report doesn’t provide documentary evidence for its accusations, which the intelligence officer said were based on accounts from 17 serving or former policemen, including the commander Reuters interviewed.

The police commander said he agreed to talk because he was upset that authorities are targeting only petty drug suspects. “Why aren’t they killing the suppliers?” he asked.

“Only the poor are dying.”

The second half of the report is largely political in nature, asserting that Duterte has close ties to Communist forces in the Philippines.

Many in the military and police are concerned by what they see as Duterte’s leftist sympathies. Since taking office, the president has released Communist rebels from prison to restart peace talks. (rtr)

VIENNA - Up to 2.5 million votes could have been manipulated in Sunday’s Turkish referendum that ended in a close “yes” vote for greater presidential powers, an Austrian member of the Council of Europe observer mission said on Tuesday.

However Turkish authorities are not cooperating with efforts to investigate claims of possible election fraud, according to a senior official in the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), which conducted a separate monitoring mission.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has dismissed criticisms of the vote, saying foreign observers should “know their place”.

The foreign ministry said foreign monitors lacked objectivity and impartiality.

The mission of observers from the 47-member Council of Europe, the continent’s leading human rights body, had already pronounced the referendum to be an uneven contest. Support for “Yes” dominated campaign coverage, and the arrests of journalists and closure of media outlets silenced other views, according to Council of Europe and OSCE monitors.

Alev Korun, an Austrian member of the Council’s observer team, said there were questions about the actual voting as well.

“This is about the fact that actually the law only allows official voting envelopes. The highest election authority decided however - as it were, against the law - that envelopes without official stamp should be admitted,” she told ORF radio.

“There is a suspicion that up to 2.5 million votes could have been manipulated,” added Korun, a Greens member of the Austrian parliament. That number of votes would be almost double the margin of Erdogan’s victory.

Michael Georg Link, who headed the OSCE observer mission, said Turkey was not helping an investigation into possible irregularities, and Ankara’s questioning of OSCE neutrality was “clearly politically motivated”.

He declined comment on a possible change in the result of the referendum after any recount, but said the election commission’s decision to allow incorrectly or non-stamped envelopes was a definite violation of Turkish law.

“Unfortunately we cannot talk about any cooperation,” Link told the RND German newspaper chain. “Erdogan’s decision to extend the state of emergency for 90 days and comments in which the election commission has already rejected claims of manipulation send a clear message.”

Election authorities said preliminary results showed 51.4 percent of voters had backed sweeping new powers for Erdogan, something he says is needed to prevent instability.

Turkey’s main opposition began a battle on Tuesday to annul the referendum.

Korun said police in the majority Kurdish town of Diyarbakir hindered two of her colleagues from entering voting locations. She also pointed to social media videos that seem to show people voting more than once, although this still had to be proven. (rtr)

REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch/File Photo

People of the Turkish community living in Germany, supporting Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan celebrate on Kurfuerstendamm boulevard after news bulletins on the outcome of Turkey’s referendum on the constitution, in Berlin, Germany, April 16, 2017.

14

Thursday, April 20, 2017

Health

International

Should pregnant mothers hang up their cell phones?

BARCELONA - Children whose mothers were frequent cell phone users during pregnancy were more likely than those of less frequent users to be hyperactive, a new study finds.

But lead author Laura Birks is not advising expectant mothers to hang up their cell phones.

She cautioned that she could not say if electromagnetic radiation from cell phones or any number of other factors, such as parenting styles, might explain the link between maternal cell phone use during pregnancy and childhood behavioral problems.

“I would say interpret these results with caution, and everything in moderation,” she said in a Skype interview.

Birks and her colleagues analyzed data on more than 80,000 mother-child pairs in Denmark, Spain, Norway, the Netherlands and Korea. They found consistent evidence of increasing risk of behavioral problems particularly, hyperactivity - in 5- to 7-year-old children the more their mothers talked on cell phones during pregnancy.

Given that there is no known biological mechanism that could lead prenatally emitted cell phone radiation to promote hyperactivity in offspring, the results were surprising, said Birks, who is a doctoral student in biomedicine at the Barcelona Institute for Global Health in Spain.

The association held firm across five countries and time periods.

Offspring of mothers who reported being on at least four cell phone calls a day, or in one cohort speaking on a cell phone for more than an hour a day, were 28 percent more likely to be hyperactive than offspring of mothers who reported being on one or fewer calls a

day, researchers found after accounting for a variety of confounding variables, such as maternal age, marital status and education.

The data spanned a variety of time periods from 1996 through 2011. Only the earliest cohort, in Denmark starting in 1996, had enough women who never used a cell phone while pregnant to study women who did not use cell phones during pregnancy.

But the children of mothers who never used cell phones while pregnant had a lower risk of behavioral and emotional problems than any of the children whose mothers used cell phones, according to the report in Environment International.

Dr. Robin Hansen, a pediatrician and professor at the University of California, Davis in Sacramento found the report raised more questions than it answered.

“Is it something about the cellphone itself?” she asked in a phone interview. “Is it something that impacts your parenting behavior? Those are issues that can’t be answered by this study.”

As a pediatrician who works with children who have behavioral problems, Hansen is less inclined to consider cellphone radiation and more inclined to consider parenting styles, habits and personalities as a possible link between maternal cellphone use and childhood hyperactivity, she said. She was not involved in the study.

“Now we have to dig deeper and figure out why,” Hansen said. “Is it the electronic signals that go through your brain and your body, or how it changes your interactions with your child postnatally?”

American pediatricians advise parents to limit their children’s screen time. But parents also need to consider how their time spent tethered to their phones takes them away from their children, Hansen said. (rtr)

IBP/net

Analyzed data on more than 80,000 mother-child pairs found consistent evidence of increasing risk of behavioral problems - particularly, hyperactivity - in 5- to 7-year-old children the more their mothers talked on cell phones during pregnancy.

Bali News

International

3

Thursday, April 20, 2017

Accommodation data collection in Badung delays

REUTERS/Jason Reed

Gridlock traffic is pictured on highway 395 as people evacuate Washington after an earthquake August 23, 2011.

Fine particles in traffic pollution tied to lower ‘good’ cholesterol

ST LOUIS - People who live near sources of heavy traffic exhaust may be at higher risk of heart disease because the fine particles in this type of pollution lower levels of “good” cholesterol needed for healthy blood flow, a U.S. study suggests.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol helps curb the odds of heart disease by purging blood vessels of debris and lowering levels of triglycerides - dangerous fats that can make blood thicker, stickier and more prone to clots.

Researchers studied 6,654 adults and found people exposed to higher levels of fine and ultrafine particles in traffic pollution tended to have lower levels of HDL cholesterol in their blood.

“However, this was a fairly small effect - it wasn’t a dramatic lowering of HDL - so I don’t think this is a huge cause for alarm beyond what we already know about the dangers of air pollution,” said lead study author Griffith Bell of the University of Washington School of Public Health in St. Louis.

Previous research has linked pollution from traffic exhaust to an increased risk of lung damage and respiratory diseases as well as cardiovascular disease and stroke.

For the current study, researchers focused on so-called PM 2.5, a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter that can include dust, dirt, soot and smoke.

They also looked at what’s known as black carbon, a component of particulate pollution that’s formed by burning various kinds of fuels.

Study participants were 62 years old on average, and half of them were current or former smokers.

About 16 percent of the participants took cholesterol-lowering drugs and roughly 45 percent had high blood pressure. None had cardio-

vascular disease at the start of the study period.

Researchers used participants’ home addresses to estimate average exposure to PM 2.5 and black carbon over 12-month, three-month and two-week periods in the year 2000.

They also looked at blood levels of HDL cholesterol and another measure known as HDL particle count, which some scientists believe may be a more accurate way to assess heart disease risk. Traditional cholesterol tests focus only on the quantity of cholesterol, but newer assessments look at the number of particles carrying cholesterol in the blood.

Over one year, people exposed to more black carbon had lower levels of HDL cholesterol than participants with little or no exposure to black carbon. The difference was small, but statistically meaningful.

Higher black carbon exposure over one year was also associated with lower HDL particle counts, but this difference was too small to rule out the possibility that it was due to chance, researchers report in the journal Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology.

Over three months, however, the picture looked different.

In this shorter-term analysis, higher levels of fine particulate matter were associated with a lower HDL particle count. The slightly lower level of HDL cholesterol seen with high pollution exposure was too small a difference to rule out chance, but it was still comparable to the rise in HDL seen when smokers quit, the researchers note.

The study wasn’t a controlled experiment designed to prove how traffic fumes directly influence cholesterol or the risk of heart disease. (rtr)

MANGUPURA - Instruction of the Badung Regent, Nyoman Giri Prasta, to carry out data collection of tourist accommodation in Badung never accomplishes. Actually, according to the instruction of the Badung Regent No.1/2016, the deadline of the data collection given to headmen is not later than October 10, 2016.

Head of the Badung Tourism Office, I Made Badra, confirmed that the data collection of tourist accommodation has not been accomplished yet. “We are still proceeding to finalize the data. We will also do proactive endeavors,” said Made Badra, on Monday (Apr. 17).

He said the data of tourist accommodation in Badung are needed to find out the real data of the accommodations operating in the region, either hotel, budget hotels or villas at each village. “If the data has been accomplished, we are ready to coach the accommodation,” he said.

According to the latest data he received from headmen report, of the totally 2,430 accommodation businesses, they mostly consist of cottage business amounting to 1,685 businesses. Then, it is followed by 316 non-star hotels, 217 star hotels, 11 condotels, 84 villas, 330 restaurants, 6 bars, 182 restaurants, 5 karaoke venues, 9 live music spots, 12 discos and 150 spas.

Badung tourism office continues to boost headmen to immediately send the data on the number of existing accommodation in the region. Moreover, the tourism office will impose proactive system to secure the regent’s instructions.

According to the instruction of the Badung Regent No.1/2016, the

deadline given to headmen for the data collection is not later than October 10, 2016. They are required to report the number of tourist accommodation in their respective village. Allegedly, there are many illegal or unlicensed tourist accommodations having been operating in Badung.

In the instruction, all the headmen are required to collect the data on the number of star-rated and non-star-rated hotel, condotel, rental house, villa, cottage, restaurant or bar, spa and nightlife spot (karaoke, live music or discotheque) whether they are licensed and unlicensed operating in the area of their respective village.

On the other hand, a legislator of the Badung House of Representatives, I Gusti Anom Gumanti, believed that the public is afraid to become the object of tax. Actually, the government just makes data collection to know about the real number of accommodation and rented house in Badung.

“This is just to record the data, not necessarily to refer to the imposition of levies and taxes. Then, why they are afraid. Do believe, it is impossible for the regent to complicate his people,” he said.

On that account, this politician from Kuta hoped the village officials not to manipulate the data.

Moreover, they hide the real data in the field. This data validation is important to formulate policies related to permits and taxes.

“If the data are available, please be reported immediately. Otherwise ... what should be reported?

But most of the Badung regions are tourism-based. If they say there is nothing in Kuta it means they (headmen—Ed) do not work,” he concluded. (kmb27)

To draw visitors’ interest

Penglipuran wants to develop gig attraction

BANGLI - In order to provide better services and attract more visitors to come, the management of Penglipuran tourism village intends to increase the options of tourist attraction in the form of gig.

Nyoman Giri Prasta

IBP/file

IBP/file

Penglipuran tourism village.

Operations Manager of Penglipuran tourism village, I Nengah Moneng, said on Monday (Apr. 17) that his management is going to add gig attraction as additional service to all visitors making a visit to Penglipuran.

“Hopefully, the addition of gig tourist attraction will be able to lure visitors to come on vacation here,” said Nengah Moneng.

Moneng said that in order to accelerate the gig tourist attraction, currently his management has started to search for the gig owners outside Bangli to be invited to make cooperation related to gig rental.

“We have already made negotiation to Klungkung related to gig rental. Unfortunately, the daily rental is very expensive. Later on, we will re-find the other gig owners that are willing to make cooperation with us,” he said.

When the gig could have been genuinely realized, he will see how the rental prospect will be. Especially on holidays such as New Year, Umanis Galungan and Kuningan, there must be quite a lot of visitors. From such condition, he will see the response of visitors to gig tourist attraction.

“Suppose if the response of visitors is good as indicated by many visitors are interested to hire the gig attraction, the owners and their gigs will be alerted at the location. The route will be offered around Penglipuran village, namely in the bamboo forest area,” said Moneng. (kmb41)

2

Bali News

Thursday, April 20, 2017

International

Forest function in Bali reduces 600 hectares yearly

DENPASAR - Forests in Bali are under considerable pressure, especially the mangrove forests covering about 3,500 hectares throughout Bali. The mangroves belonging to forest area include the (Tahura) Ngurah Rai Forest Park, Nusa Penida and West Bali National Park. There is also mangrove outside the forest area in Jembrana and Buleleng. Large pressure is mainly experienced by mangrove trees in the area of Tahura Ngurah Rai.

“The damage is about 10 percent, the worst happens to condition of Tahura. There are various factors causing the damage such as garbage and human pressure. Meanwhile, the mangroves in other location are in relatively better condition,” said the Head of Bali Forestry Agency, IGN Wiranatha, amid the opening of the International Conference on Sustainable Mangrove Ecosystem at the Agung Room of Inna Bali Beach Hotel, on Tuesday (Apr. 18).

Wiranatha added that the damage does not reduce the extent of mangrove forest. However, it reduces the function of forest due to waste and pollution. It will take 25 years in order that the mangroves could function ecologically.

“The reduced forest function in Bali reaches almost 600 hectares per year. On that account, it is required to perform a rehabilitation to balance the rate of damage and improvement,” he added.

In the meantime, the human pressure, continued Wiranatha, like the encroachment of land has been processed legally. Likewise, illegal logging cases have been reported to the authorities. “We have processed a total of 42 cases of land conversion including the annexation to Bali police,” he added.

According to Wiranatha, the existence of mangrove is important for Bali because it is entirely located in the areas that are risky to abrasion. Mangroves play major role in preventing abrasion. (kmb32)

Activities

International

ARTOTEL Indonesia is proudly announcing its merchandise selling expansion of ARTofLIFEvia website through artofolife.artotelindonesia.com.

ARTofLIFEis a collection of ARTOTELofficial merchandise that has been developed to support creative industry and emerging contemporary local artists.

ARTofLIFEcomes with 3 main concepts to be offered,1.Originalisa specially concepted and designed product by ARTOTEL’sinternal creative team.2.Featuring Artists, is a collaboration between ART of LIFEand emerging contemporary local artists,from Eddie Hara, Ronald Apriyan, Fatoni and many more.3.Market Placeis a

EVERY TUESDAY Ecstatic contact dance: Transformative journey Paradiso Ubud, Jalan Goutama Selatan, Ubud 100k includes dinner EVERY WEDNESDAY DEep Dive Dance Guided improvised movement 19:00-21:00 Paradiso Ubud Jalan Goutama Selatan, Ubud 100k IBP/eka Adhyasa

Many tourism potentials in Bangli still unexplored

EVERY THURSDAY African Drums with Catur SAng Klang Wijaya 16:00-18:00 Experience the healing power of drumming, all levels welcome

BY DONATION

BANGLI - So far, the number of tourist visit to Bangli district is still relatively small. Within a year, the average number of travelers visiting Bangli only amounts to 600,000 people or about 12 percent of the number of tourist visit to Tabanan and 30 percent of tourist visit to Gianyar. Actually, the tourism potential owned by Bangli district is not inferior to other districts.

According to Chairman of the Indonesia Hotel and Restaurant As-

sociation (PHRI) of Bangli, I Ketut Mardjana, the minimal number of tourist visit to Bangli district happens due to several factors. One of them is due to managership matters. Behavior of tourism players in Bangli, according to Mardjana, still needs to be improved. Here the PHRI will play its role to disseminate and provide education for tourism players so that it could result in people that understand about tourism.

In addition, the condition of

infrastructure is not adequate. He pointed out the damaged road at Penelokan to Kedisan due to disaster has not been repaired until now.

Meanwhile, the traffic of travelers coming down to Lake Batur area is quite high. “District government should be sensitive to the existing infrastructure conditions,” he said.

Mardjana continued that in addition to having a lot of natural tourism potentials, Bangli especially Kintamani also has the potential of

historical tourism. Historical relationship between Bali and China in the past has not been explored and worked on to attract the arrival of Chinese travelers.

According to Mardjana, if Bangli district government is sensitive, the historical relationship must be made a symbol or icon that describes the relationship between Bali and China in the form of Jayapangus and Kang Cing Wie statue.

All this time, this icon is actually

used by Gianyar district to attract Chinese travelers.

“Why the history was even sold

by Gianyar? Why do we not establish the tourism icon in Kintamani?

Actually, it can attract Chinese travelers to come to Bangli. We at the PHRI are intrigued to get together to explore the tremendous potential of nature, culture and history remaining untouched,” said the former President Director of PT Pos Indonesia. (kmb40)

SUNDAY MARKETS 10AM 1PM Sunday Market at Batu Jimbar Jl. Danau Tablingan , Sanur

MANGUPURA -Amid the competition of tourist destinations against other countries, the government is expected to also work on new destinations in Badung district such as surfing sports. It is considered necessary to be developed because surfing is very promising in increasing the length of stay of guests in Bali. With the surfing, travelers coming to Bali will surely also bring their family to stay.

Bali is indeed known for its cultural tourism concept. However,

it is not enough for the development of the tourism field. To that end, we need to explore the new potential to make travelers feel at home to stay longer in Bali.

Surfing destination is a promising opportunity as it is synonymous with beach enthusiasts having a long stay.

President of the Indonesia Surfing Association (INSA), Made Suparta Karang, when met on Tuesday (Apr. 18) stated that travelers that like surfing sport

will not certainly stay for a day or two days. According to him, in Bali there are many surfing spots. In addition to the familiar Kuta Beach, there are also Sanur, Uluwatu, Dreamland, PadangPadang, Keramas and Medewi in Jembrana.

So far, the government, he said, is not quite serious to take advantage of surfing as a tourism promotion. Actually, where there are surfing activities, then the tourist destinations will be automatically

known worldwide.

“Kuta started to be known in the 1980s after the international surfing competition that was covered by international media. Since then, Kuta is known by the world for having a good wave for surfing. If surfing is promoted more intensively, I think it will be promising. We can feature Indonesia in the world,” he explained.

He also asked the government of Badung to more seriously work on the surfing as a tourism

potential. This can be done by facilitating the sending of athletes to participate in international competitions and arranging the facilities of surfing attractions.

As a result, the spots owned will connect to the coaching of surfing athletes and have an impact on tourism promotion. “Without being worked on well, it can be worked on in other regions. So far, Bali is the forerunner of surfing and has developed in all directions,” he explained. (kmb23)

9AM-2PM Wednesday and Sunday Ubud Organik Market Jl. Raya Pengosekan across from Zens Hotel Tebesaya, Ubud

Surfing, a tourism potential needs working on

 Founder : K.Nadha,  General Manager :Palgunadi Chief Editor: Gugiek Savindra  Editors:Agus Toni, Daniel Fajry, Mawa, Sueca, Sugiartha, Yudi Winanto Denpasar: Dira Arsana, Giriana Saputra, Subrata, Sumatika, Asmara Putra. Bangli: Suasrina, Buleleng: Dewa kusuma, Gianyar: Manik Astajaya, Karangasem: Budana, Klungkung: Dewa Farendra. Jakarta: Nikson, Hardianto, Ade Irawan. NTB: Agus Talino, Izzul Khairi, Raka Akriyani. Surabaya: Bambang Wilianto.  Office: Jalan Kepundung 67 A Denpasar 80232. Telephone (0361)225764, Facsimile: 227418, P.O.Box: 3010 Denpasar 80001. Bali Post Jakarta, Advertizing: Jl.Palmerah Barat 21F. Telp 021-5357602, Facsimile: 021-5357605 Jakarta Pusat. NTB: Jalam Bangau No. 15 Cakranegara Telp. (0370) 639543, Facsimile: (0370) 628257. Publisher: PT Bali Post

15

ARTOTEL LAUNCHES ONLINE SHOP FOR ITS CURATED MERCHANDISE EVERY MONDAY Movie Monday19:00-21:00 Genius Cafe- Home to the entrepreneur Beach CLub Mertasari Beach (Next to Mercure), Sanur

The officers are cleaning the mangrove in Mertasari Beach.

Thursday, April 20, 2017

10AM-4PM The Sands Beach Club and Restaurant Sunday MArket Jl. Danau Tamblingan, No 27, Sanur 9:30AM-1PM Sunday Market @ Warung Sopa Jl. Sugriwas no36, Padang Tegal, Ubud 9AM-2PM Samadi Sunday Market Jalan. Padang Linjong 39, Canggu,

12PM-10PM Sunday Food Festival & Bazaar Byrdhouse Beach Club, Sanur 10AM-6PM, Mercure,last sunday of every month, jl. ,Mertasari, Sanur, fashion food and and kids activities The Coffee Spot, Jalan Peigenet 888X,Seminyak, last Sunday of every month, garage sale clothing, books, and hand-made jewellery

creative vessel provided byART of LIFEdedicated for brands, artists or crafters to promote and sell their products with consignment program.

ARTofLIFEthat previously sold only at every Lobby of ARTOTELproperties sinceAugust 2016, is now available via artoflife. artotelindonesia.com. This e-commerce is one of the features inside ARTOTEL official website, www. artotelindonesia.com.

Mr Eduard Rudolf Pangkerego, Corporate General Manager of ARTOTEL Indonesia said, ‘’Our newly launched e-commerce is expected to fulfill the market demand of our ARTOTEL merchandise, without distance limitation to our hotels.Now people can simply access our official website, choose products, and we will send the products immediately.’’

As an introduction, online shopARTofLIFEoffering discount of Rp 50.000,- for new member with minimum purchase of Rp 250.000,-.

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

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

16 Pages Number 74 9th year

Price: Rp 3.000,-

Thursday, April 20, 2017

Drake profits are sought in New York lawsuit

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

Thursday, April 20, 2017

NEW YORK - The record label Cash Money Records was sued on Monday by Drake’s former label for a share of the profits from the Toronto rapper’s first six solo albums, potentially totaling tens of millions of dollars.

Aspire Music Group, which claimed to have signed Drake in 2008, said it has received only “a few modest advances” from Cash Money and co-owners Bryan “Birdman” Williams and Ronald “Slim” Williams, despite a 2009 contract to let Drake record for that label in exchange for one-third of album profits.

The complaint filed in a New York state court in Manhattan also accused Cash Money of inducing Drake in 2013 to break his “exclusive artist” agreement with Aspire by signing a competing agreement, depriving Aspire of more than $10 million.

“Defendants have brazenly engaged in a systematic and pervasive effort to cheat plaintiff out of its contractual entitlement to tens of millions of dollars in profits and royalties, and to its one-third ownership interest in the copyright to Drake’s first six albums,” the

complaint said.

A lawyer for the defendants did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Drake, whose given name is Aubrey Drake Graham, is not a defendant.

Aspire is represented by Marc Kasowitz, a longtime lawyer for U.S. President Donald Trump.

The six Drake albums are “So Far Gone,” “Thank Me Later,” “Take Care,” “Nothing Was the Same,” “If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late” and “Views,” and the last five entered the Billboard 200 list of popular U.S. albums at No. 1, the complaint said.

Drake’s current album, “More Life,” also entered that list at No. 1, and is in its third week there.

The case is Aspire Music Group LLC v Cash Money Records Inc et al, New York State Supreme Court, New York County, No. 652029/2017. (rtr)

REUTERS/Lucas Jackson/File Photo

Drake performs “Hold On, We’re Going Home” during the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards in New York August 25, 2013.

Kevin Spacey to host Broadway’s Tony Awards for first time

NEW YORK, April 18 (Reuters) Stage and screen actor Kevin Spacey will step up to host Broadway’s Tony Awards, organizers said on Tuesday, less than two months before the national broadcast of the annual theater honors.

It will mark Spacey’s first time hosting the Tonys, which will take place in New York on June 11, broadcaster CBS said.

Recent hosts Neil Patrick Harris, Hugh Jackman and James Corden all won raves from critics but apparently were unavailable to do the honors again this year, prompting a wry bit of self-depreciating humor from Spacey.

REUTERS/Adrees Latif/File Photo “I was their 2nd choice for ‘Usual SusActor and presenter Kevin Spacey arrives at the 86th Academy Awards in Hollywood, pects,’ 4th choice for ‘American Beauty,’ and 15th choice to host this year’s Tony California March 2, 2014.

Awards. I think my career is definitely going in the right direction,” he said.

“Maybe I can get short-listed to host the Oscars if everyone else turns it down,” he added.

British actor and talk show host Corden, who helmed the show a year ago, went on to host the Grammy Awards in February.

Spacey, 57, himself a Tony winner for “Lost in Yonkers” as well as a two-time Oscar winner, currently stars in the Netflix political drama “House of Cards.” He also served for 10 years as artistic director of London’s Old Vic theater company.

“We can’t wait to see the energy he brings to Radio City on Tony night,” said Charlotte St. Martin, president of the Broadway League, and Heather Hitchens,

president of the American Theatre Wing, in a reference Spacey’s wry, sometimes sardonic humor. Nominations for the Tony Awards, which cover plays, musicals, actors and creative teams on Broadway, will be announced on May 2. Hip-hop historical musical “Hamilton” swept the board last year with 11 wins.

Stars appearing on Broadway this season included Bette Midler in a hit revival of “Hello, Dolly!”, as well as Sally Field, Jake Gyllenhaal, Nathan Lane, Glenn Close, Mark Ruffalo, Kevin Kline and Laura Linney.

The 71st Tony Awards will be broadcast live on CBS in a glittering three-hour show from Radio City Music Hall in Manhattan. (rtr)

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

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

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

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

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

AP Photo/Tatan Syuflana

Supporters cheer as gubernatorial candidate Anies Baswedan, center rear, hugs his running mate Sandiaga Uno during a press conference in Jakarta, Indonesia, Wednesday, April 19, 2017. Unofficial results showed Baswedan resoundingly defeated the capital city’s minority Christian governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama, after a campaign that cracked open religious and racial divides in the world’s most populous Muslim nation.

Indonesian Muslim candidate wins Jakarta election-pollsters

Anies Baswedan won with 58 JAKARTA - A former Indonesian education minister won the race for Jakarta governor on Wednesday after a percent of the votes versus 42 perpolarising campaign that cast a shadow over Indonesia’s cent for Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, known by his Chinese nickname as reputation for practicing a tolerant form of Islam.

Quick Count Result: PolMark Indonesia: Basuki Tjahaja Purnama - Djarot Saiful Hidayat: 42.44 % Anies Baswedan - Sandiaga Uno: 57.56 % LSI Denny JA: Basuki Tjahaja Purnama - Djarot Saiful Hidayat: 42.33 % Anies Baswedan - Sandiaga Uno: 57.67 % SMRC: Basuki Tjahaja Purnama - Djarot Saiful Hidayat: 41.94 % Anies Baswedan - Sandiaga Uno: 58.06 %

“Ahok”, based on 100 percent of the votes in an unofficial “quick count”

by Indikator Politik. Other pollsters showed similar results with 99 percent counted. The national elections commission will announce official results in early May. The turbulent campaign featured mass rallies led by a hardline Islamist movement, which has strengthened in recent years in a country long dominated by a moderate form of Islam. More than 80 percent of Indonesia’s population professes Islam. “Going forward,

the politics of religion is going to be a potent force,” said Keith Loveard, an analyst at Jakarta-based Concord Consulting and an author of books about Indonesian politics.

Baswedan’s huge margin of victory was surprising since opinion polls in the run-up to the election had pointed to a dead-heat. Purnama won the first round of voting for governor in February in a three-way race. Indonesian social media users likened the election outcome to the shock results of the U.S. presidential vote and the Brexit vote of last year.

One Twitter user, @fuadhn, said Indonesians “can feel what US and British citizens feel now. Welcome populism...” The election came

on the eve of a visit by U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, as the Trump administration seeks to engage the world’s fourth-largest nation and largest Muslim-majority country as an emerging regional power. Pence is scheduled on Thursday to visit the biggest mosque in Southeast Asia, Jakarta’s Istiqlal Mosque.

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.