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Tuesday, August 21, 2018

Weinstein accuser Asia Argento paid teen who made sex assault claim: report

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Tuesday, August 21, 2018

WASHINGTON - Italian actress Asia Argento, who became a leading figure in the #MeToo movement after accusing powerhouse producer Harvey Weinstein of rape, paid hush money to a man who claimed she sexually assaulted him when he was 17, The New York Times reported Sunday.

The $380,000 payment was made to Jimmy Bennett, an actor and rock musician, who claimed Argento assaulted him in a California hotel room in 2013, according to the Times, which cited documents sent to the paper by an unidentified party.

Bennett was two months past his 17th birthday at the time of the alleged encounter, while Argento was 37. The legal age of consent in California is 18.

The pair are now 22 and 42 respectively.

The newspaper said it had tried repeatedly without success to get a comment on the matter from Argento and her representatives.

The terms of the deal including a payment schedule were finalized in April this year, according to the documents seen

by the Times.

Among the documents it received was a selfie of the pair lying in bed dated May 9, 2013, that Bennett was supposed to hand over to Argento along with its copyright under the agreement.

The Times cited three people familiar with the case as saying the documents were authentic.

The pair acted together in the 2004 film “The Heart Is Deceitful Above All Things, in which Argento plays Bennett’s troubled mother. (afp) str / AFP

‘Crazy Rich Asians’ sparkles at N.America box office

Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for SiriusXM/AFP

(L-R) SiriusXM host Michael Yo poses with Jimmy O. Yang, Awkwafina, Constance Wu, Kevin Kwan, Michelle Yeoh, Henry Golding and Ken Jeong during SiriusXM’s Entertainment Weekly Radio Spotlight With The Cast Of ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ on August 15, 2018 in New York City.

LOS ANGELES - Highly anticipated rom-com “Crazy Rich Asians” -- the first Hollywood film with an mainly Asian cast in a generation -- dazzled the North American box office in its debut weekend, claiming the top spot, industry estimates showed Sunday.

The Warner Bros. adaptation of Kevin Kwan’s best-selling novel of the same name raked in $34 million since hitting theaters on Wednesday, box office tracker Exhibitor Relations said. Of the total, the film took in $25.2 million at the weekend.

Starring veteran actress Michelle Yeoh, British-Malaysian former BBC host Henry Golding and American sitcom star Constance Wu, the film tells the story of a American economics professor who meets her super-wealthy boyfriend’s family in Singapore -- and all the drama that ensues.

It is the first Tinseltown film with a predominantly Asian cast since “The Joy Luck Club” in 1993.

Shark thriller “The Meg” tumbled to second place in its second week, taking in $21.2 million. It

stars action movie regular Jason Statham as a rescue diver who tries to save scientists in a submarine from an attack by a huge, prehistoric shark.

“Mile 22” -- a new spy thrilleraction flick starring Mark Wahlberg -- opened in third place at $13.6 million. Another debut film, prehistoric adventure tale “Alpha,” shared fourth place at $10.5 million with summer blockbuster “Mission: Impossible - Fallout.”

The latest installment in the “M:I” franchise has now taken in $180.7 million overall. (afp)

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A man jumps over a crack in the ground in Mataram on Indonesia’s Lombok island on August 20, 2018 after a series of earthquakes were recorded by seismologists throughout August 19. A series of powerful earthquakes have rocked the Indonesian holiday island of Lombok, killing at least 10 people and setting off fresh waves of panic after nearly 500 died there following a huge tremor two weeks ago.

Multiple quakes rock Indonesia’s Lombok island, 10 dead

A series of powerful earthquakes have rocked the Indonesian holiday island of Lombok, killing at least 10 people and setting off fresh waves of panic after nearly 500 died there following a huge tremor two weeks ago.

The quakes hit throughout Sunday, with the first measuring 6.3 shortly before midday which triggered landslides and sent people fleeing for cover as parts of the island suffered blackouts.

It was followed nearly 12 hours later by a quake measuring 6.9 magnitude and a string of powerful aftershocks.

The picturesque island next to holiday hotspot Bali was already reeling from two deadly quakes on July 29 and August 5 that left hundreds of thousands homeless.

Ten people were killed in the

quake Sunday evening, mostly by falling debris, with four deaths in eastern Lombok and six on the neighbouring island of Sumbawa, according to the national disaster agency. Two more Lombok residents died of heart attacks after the morning quake, it said.

Some two dozen people were injured and more than 150 homes and places of worship were damaged, the agency said.

“When the earthquake happened most people were outside their homes or at shelters so there have not been that many fatalities” com-

pared to the August 5 tremor, said national disaster agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho.

“The trauma because of the earlier quake on Sunday (morning) made people prefer to stay outside,” he added.

Officials have evacuated some patients from a hospital in Sumbawa island and in Lombok’s capital Mataram for fear of worse destruction. Blackouts have hit much of Lombok, according to Sutopo, who posted pictures of cracked roads and video footage of a large fire that broke out in a village on Sumbawa.

- ‘Too scared at home’ Video images from an evacuation camp in Lombok showed chil-

dren and adults taking cover inside makeshift tents. “I’m too scared to stay at my house because it’s damaged,” said Lombok resident Saruniwati, who like many Indonesians goes by one name.

“I’ve been here since the quake (earlier this month). I went home two days ago and now I’m back here again.”

Earlier, local resident Agus

Not Published We, the International Bali Post would like to apologize in advance becuase we will not be published on Wednesday due to Idul Adha Day.

Thank You

Salim said the powerful tremor jolted him awake Sunday evening.

“The earthquake was incredibly strong. Everything was shaking,” he told AFP. “Everyone ran into the street screaming and crying.”

A dozen foreign guests at the hotel Lina Senggigi, which is in a popular tourist spot, were ushered out of the building as the quake struck.

Continued to page 6

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

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Tuesday, August 21, 2018

Bali News

International

International

Sanur- birthplace of tourism on the island

Activities

Tuesday, August 21, 2018

15

And ray of hope for cultural sustainability

The word Sanur can be translated as “who is above” or “one light” and although Sanur Beach is indeed one of the most popular places in Bali to watch the sunrise, it is not the only place to greet the day. There is a mysterious and inspiring light that draws people together in this apparently sleepy village that has steadily grown over the years yet has retained a tranquility that is firmly rooted in local customs.

Today the main streets of Sanur are crowded with shops, restaurants and cafes as is the shore Sanur Beach, yet – like the calm ocean waves of Sanur Beach that are buffered by the sacred Island of Nusa Penida and by a nearby coral reef, so too is the village of Sanur buffered from the onslaught of commecialisation that comes with tourism, buffered by a mysterious force that many attribute to the culture of the people of Sanur.

Others say that this mysterious force is was brought people to Sanur in the first place and an ancient stone inscription dated to the run of the last milliemiun bears witness to the

attractive force of Sanur. In fact Sanur has a rich an intriguing history that continues to unfold until this very day with art playing an important role. From the large number of Brahmin families who call Sanur home to the first Europeans to settle in Bali, Sanur has inspired creative people of kinds since time immemorial.

On August 19th, 2018, this rich legacy continued to unfold in the form of a launch for authors Ida Bagus Siddartha and I Putu Swasta’s fascinating book about Sanur entitled Sanur-Merawat Tradisi di Tengah Modernisasi (maintaining traditions in the midst of modernization), published by Lestari Kirana with the cooperation of Yayasan Pembangunan Sanur and Sudamala Resort.

This book, explained co-Author I Putu Swasta gives a brief outline of some of the most compelling facts of Sanur’s history with particular attention to how it served as the main doorway into Bali for many years and indeed gave birth to tourism on the island.

While other parts of the island like Singaraja and Ubud were attractive to visitors, for a long time the locals there were reticent to interact with non-locals, whereas the people of Sanur – perhaps due to the high percentage

of priest class peoples, were always more open to having visitors live amongst them.

This openness continues to this day as witnessed by the strong community spirit that reigns in Sanur and includes people from all over the world.

The book tells of some of the more wellknown foreigners who have called Sanur home over the years and also explains some of the influences they brought to Bali’s already rich artistic heritage with effects as far reaching as Ubud and eventually the world.

Sanur-Merawat Tradisi di Tengah Modernisasi also explores some of the challenges and perhaps more importantly some of the successful ways that Sanur has managed to maintain it’s rich cultural traditions.

Tourism has indeed grown rapidly in Sanur over the last few decades and by some estimates risks eating away at the local culture. The Yayasan Himpunan Pembangunan Sanur who contributed to the publishing of this book was established -amongst other things, to ensure that the natural harmony of Sanur is maintained. Ben Subrata of Sudmala Resorts also contributed to the book including a brief forward and Sudamala Resort intentionally supports local art and culture

in their Sudakara Art Space. Satrian Gallery (Griya Santrian Resort and Villas) where the book launch took place also walks that fine line between serving tourism and serving as a stronghold of local art and culture with success in both fields. For the occasion of the book launch, Satrian Gallery also opened an exhibition of photographs by 21 different local photographers as part of the upcoming Sanur Village Festival.

Sanur is also home to a number of vibrant art communities both traditional and more contemporary in form, whose interactions with the wide range of visitors to this tourism village enriches their own practices as well as those who visit, making Sanur a low-key hotbed of talent and creative forces.

How well traditional arts and indeed social structures will survive amidst the moderninsing forces of tourism depends on a number of factors, including the room these customs are given to flourish. Sanur has done an exceptional job of ensuring that local traditions are not eroded -in part thanks to the intentional discussions on this matter that continue to be held on a regular basis both within the traditional community context and beyond.

As head of the Bali chapter of the Indonesia Hotel and Restaurant Association, soon to be vice-governor of Bali and long standing supporter of local art and culture, Ubud’s royal family figure Cok Tjokorda Oka Artha Ardana SukawatI said during the book launch: “tourism can in fact serve to strengthen traditional practices as our customs are in fact a huge reason why tourists visit. Tourism brings wealth to local people through direct exchanges without villagers having to rely on government subsidies to survive and thus encourages people to maintain the customs that attract this source of income.

Balinese people are not making money directly from their customs, but because these customs draw visitors, it serves as incentive for the younger generation to value this rich heritage”.

From the wealth of local gastronomical delights on offer in Sanur, to the pleasantly peaceful yet mystical powerful beach, from the upscale resorts to the local gigantic kite festival, from the deeply mystical to the more commercial arts and many things in between, Sanur remains a testament to the ability of tourism and local culture to interact in relative harmony. The upcoming Sanur Village Festival bears witness to this harmony and though not the historic chronicle that SanurMerawat Tradisi di Tengah Modernisasi is, this festival is perhaps an important part of Sanur’s history in the promise that it offers of having tradition be given a place of honor amidst modern tourism. (kmb)

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Science

Tuesday, August 21, 2018

International

Viruses may help phytoplankton make clouds — by tearing the algae apart

WHEN tiny sea algae get sick, they may sneeze the seeds of clouds. Phytoplankton (Emiliania huxleyi) infected with a virus shed the small calcium carbonate plates that make up their shells much more quickly than healthy phytoplankton. Kicked up by thrashing waves into sea spray, those calcium bits may ultimately become part of the complex dance of cloud formation, researchers report August 15 in iScience. This is the first study to suggest the role that viruses, which often infect and kill phytoplankton in the ocean, may play.

The finding adds to a growing body of work showing that cloud formation is regulated not just by physical processes, such as evaporation and heat exchange between ocean and atmosphere, but also by biological processes, says marine biologist Roberto Danovaro, who wasn’t involved in the new research.

Previous studies in the Southern Ocean have shown that the marine organisms increase the number of cloud-forming droplets lingering in the atmosphere over the ocean there by about 60 percent each year. Phytoplankton may add to cloudiness by contributing gases and particles that can become “seeds” around which water vapor in the atmosphere can condense to form clouds.

In a controlled laboratory study, atmospheric chemist Miri Trainic and colleagues watched the progression of a phytoplankton viral infection and monitored how it altered the shedding of the calcium carbonate plates as well as the composition of sea spray. “We were convinced that those interactions must change what’s in the seawater and what will be burst out into the air,” says Trainic, of the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel.

The team filled a 10-liter container with four liters of seawater containing a population of E. huxleyi. Even healthy E.

huxleyi shed some of the tiny plates that make up their shells, called coccoliths; during ocean blooms, those shed coccoliths appear in satellite images as vast, milky turquoise swirls.

But when infected by a virus — called E. huxleyi virus — the phytoplankton tend to burst and rapidly drop all of their coccoliths, the researchers found. One day after being infected, the phytoplanktons’ number of calcium carbonate cells abruptly dropped. Uninfected phytoplankton saw no change in the number of their calcified cells in that same time period.

Within three days, seawater surrounding the infected phytoplankton had three times as many platelets as water

around the microorganisms’ healthy counterparts. To simulate sea spray, the researchers pumped air through the tank and measured the tiny particles released by breaking waves and bursting air bubbles.

Using polarized light microscopy to analyze particles in the spray collected on filters, the team found that the spray above the virally infected populations contained about two particles per cubic centimeter of air. That’s about an order of magnitude more of the coccolith particles than in the spray above the uninfected phytoplankton, the researchers say. (net)

IBP/net

Phytoplankton called Emiliania huxleyi (one shown) are covered in tiny calcium carbonate platelets.

When infected with a virus, the algae lose the platelets quickly.

A galaxy 11.3 billion light-years away appears filled with dark matter

CHILE - A distant galaxy appears filled with dark matter. The outermost stars in the Cosmic Seagull, a galaxy 11.3 billion light-years away, race too fast

to be propelled by the gravity of the galaxy’s gas and stars alone.

Instead, they move as if urged on by an invisible force, indicating the hidden presence of dark matter, as-

trophysicist Verónica Motta of the University of Valparaíso in Chile and her colleagues report August 8 at arXiv.org.

“In our nearby universe, you see

IBP/net

Using the telescopes of the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array in Chile (shown), astronomers discovered the most distant yet galaxy that appears to be filled with dark matter.

these halos of dark matter around galaxies like ours,” Motta says. “So we should expect that in the past, that halo was there, too.”

Motta and her colleagues used radio telescopes at the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) to measure the speed of gas across the Cosmic Seagull’s disk, from the center out to about 9,800 light-years. They found that the galaxy’s stars speed up as they get farther from the galaxy’s center.

That’s a strange setup for most orbiting objects — when planets orbit a star, for instance, the most distant planets move slowest. But it can be explained if the galaxy’s far reaches are dominated by dark matter that speeds things along.

Similar measurements of the Milky Way and neighboring galaxies provided one of the first signs that dark matter may exist, although physicists are still trying to detect the proposed particle directly.

Her team’s finding contrasts with a recent claim that such distant galaxies are oddly lacking in

Bali News

International

dark matter. That idea comes from a 2017 study by astronomer Reinhard Genzel of the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics in Garching, Germany, and his colleagues, who found more than 100 distant galaxies keep their slower stars at the edges and faster stars closer in — little to no dark matter required.

“In the astrophysical community, the [Genzel] result has been viewed with both excitement and skepticism,” says cosmologist Richard Ellis of University College London, who was not involved in either work. “It makes a lot of sense for others to examine galaxies at these [distances] in different ways.”

Motta and her colleagues were able to probe dark matter in the most distant galaxy yet, thanks to a massive galactic train wreck called the Bullet Cluster that acted as a huge cosmic telescope. The Cosmic Seagull lies behind the Bullet Cluster from Earth’s perspective, and the cluster’s mass distorts the Seagull’s light in a phenomenon called gravitational lensing. (net)

Tuesday, August 21, 2018

3

E-parking must still protect consumer rights

DENPASAR - The application of an electronic parking system or e-parking must remain to refer to the protection of consumer rights. On the one hand, it must be supported, but on the other hand the protection of consumer rights is far more important.

This was delivered by the Director of the Bali Consumer Protection Foundation (YLPK), I Putu Armaya.

As is known, the Tabanan district applies an electronic parking system or e-parking by placing e-parking equipment at a number of points in Tabanan town. “Actually, we very much support this policy. However, it will be imbalanced if we don’t think about the protection for consumers. It will be better and more focused if we think about consumer rights as this eparking system applies a progressive system,” said Armaya.

One of the highlights of the YLPK Bali is regarding the loss or damage of vehicle, for example, when it has scratches et cetera who will replace.

According to him, this should be considered. If necessary, it should be made a legal instrument, regional regulation, regent regulation or can be made by cooperating with the insurance company.

Before the e-parking is applied in Bali, there should be a study to hear inputs from the voice of consumers.

“We have a lot of data on services and parking problems in Bali. In the future, we are very happy if we are involved in discussing about the parking issues, especially the e-parking services,” he said.

According to Armaya, consumers of parking have the right as stated in the Law No.8/1999 on Consumer Protection highlighting the rights of consumers to get comfort and safety.

Based on Article 19 of the UUPK, if losing when consumers park their vehicles, they will get compensation.

I Putu Armaya

Then, when the e-parking policy has been implemented, it should not only consider the income side without thinking about the protection of consumers.

Moreover, consumers will pay for parking levies in a progressive amount. According to Armaya, the application of e-parking does not only become an attempt to arrange the parking, but also serves as an answer to the problem of limited available parking space amidst the high growth of private vehicles and low public awareness in complying with traffic regulations.

In the future, he hoped the local governments in Bali both regencies and municipality that want to implement e-parking should think about the issue of protection for parking consumers. Armaya, who is also a member of the National Executive of the Advocates Association, said that in accordance with article 4 of the Law No.8/1999 concerning Consumer Protection (UUPK), consumers have the right to get security, safety and comfort, in the case of parking services. There is even a criminal sanction of 5 years imprisonment to IDR 2 billion sanction. Based on Article 18 paragraph (1) Law No. 8/1999 concerning Consumer Protection (Law 8/1999), there is prohibition for business players to include a standard clause stating the transfer of responsibility.

Consequence of the inclusion of the standard clause is found in Article 18 paragraph three of the Law No.8/1999, where the standard clause is deemed to have never existed or is not valid or what is commonly referred to as being declared null and void. According to Armaya, parking services like at hospitals, airports or other public service parking must also provide protection for consumers. (kmb42)

IBP/kmb

Entering dry season, the target of rice planting area in Bali province cannot be met.

IBP/kmb

Planting target area missed due to commodity and land conversion

DENPASAR - Entering dry season, the target of rice planting area in Bali province cannot be met. Bali Food Crops, Plantation and Horticulture Agency targets a 5-percent increase in planting area, but only 2 percent has been reached from the production of October 2017 to July 2018.

Head of Bali Food Crops, Plantation and Horticulture Agency, I.B. Wisnuardhana, said that during the period of April - October is dry season. Even though it is raining, the air is dry. This influences what plants to be cultivated in the dry season. Within a year, there are two rice planting seasons namely October-March and April-September. Since April-September is the dry season, some farmers switched commodities in paddy fields from planting rice to marigold.

During the period of October 2017 to July 2018, the area of paddy cultivation reached 118,758 hectares.

When compared to the same period in the previous year, it showed an increase of 1,900 hectares or around 2 percent as the planting area in 2017 was only 116,632 hectares. “This shows an increase. In terms of percentage, the paddy planting area will increase by 2 percent.

But our target increases by 5 percent every year. The increase only reaches 2 percent. So, it remains less than the target,” he said.

According to him, the planting area must continue to increase because the need for rice continues to increase every year. Central government also targets an increase of around 5 percent so the Government Rice Reserves (CBP) also rises. “In Bali, even though the increase is small, it’s good because of the high land conversion,” he said.

In addition to conversion of commodities, the other problem of agriculture in paddy fields is land conver-

sion. During the period of 2016 - 2017, the land conversion reached 900 hectares or 1.13 percent. In 2016, the area of paddy fields in Bali amounted to 79,526 hectares while in 2017 decreased to 78,626 hectares.

“It is for the first time to reach high acreage namely 900 hectares. Commonly, the average reaches 400-500 hectares or 0.6 percent,” he said.

By referring to the prediction of the National Weather Service (BMKG), August belongs to dry season but the air is dry, so he urged farmers to participate in Rice Plant Business Insurance (AUTP) to cover the crop failure. “The risk of failure is usually in August,” he added.

Other than weather factors, farmers delay their rice planting due to the turn to use a tractor. Farmers need tractors. The assistance of 149 tractors provided by the local government caused the area of rice planting to be quite significant. The tractor assistance is spread throughout subak (irrigation cooperative) in Bali.

Other than the government, the private sector also helped by providing tractor assistance so the total tractor delivered this year is estimated to reach 300 units.

“This is also encouraging news. One of the causes of the planting area to become insignificant is the use of tractor in turn,” he said.

With a 5-percent rice planting target, the grain production target will reach 850,000 tons. Meanwhile, the grain production in 2017 reached 835,000 tons.

Of the 835,000 tons, 62 percent is processed into rice so that in 2017 the rice production was 518,000 tons.

In the meantime, the need for rice in Bali amounts to 417,816 tons and 37,000 tons of other needs. On that account, Bali had a surplus in 2017 as much as 63,000 tons of rice. Then, this year’s rice surplus is estimated to reach more than that. (kmb42)

4

Bali News

Tuesday, August 21, 2018

International

Tuesday, August 21, 2018

International

Rocked by earthquake, cliff of Bukit Abang returns to slide BANGLI - The earthquake that occurred on Sunday (Aug. 19) again made the Bukit Abang cliff at Buahan village, Kintamani, to experience a landslide. Landslide material in the form of soil and rocks fell and covered part of the road body. Slope of the cliff condition made a number of residents worried about aftershocks.

As information compiled, the landslides occurred shortly after the earthquake shook around 12:30 last Sunday. No fatalities or materials were reported due to the landslide.

Location of the landslides is quite far from residential areas.

Headman of Buahan, I Wayan Suardi, when confirmed last Sunday justified the occurrence of the landslide. The landslide caused by the earthquake at the location was the third time. “It has the same location but was not too hard,” he said.

Although some roads were covered with landslides, he said, the traffic from Abang village, Terunyan village to Buahan village and vice versa is not disturbed. Vehicles still pass as usual. However, residents are quite alarmed especially if there is rain because cliff condition is not stable.

Suardi added the condition of the cliff experiencing landslides

become bald and rocky. It made trees difficult to grow. “Now, it is not yet too serious. But what we are very much worried about is the possibility of landslide when the rainy season comes. Right now, it has been eroded every day,” he said.

Meanwhile, Section Head of Emergency and Logistics at the Bangli Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD), Ketut Agus Sutapa, when confirmed separately said the landslide occurred because the supporting trees of the land no longer exist, so the land becomes unstable. Although most part of the road has been buried by landslide materials, there was no accident at the location. Vehicles and motorcycles can still pass on the route.

“Meanwhile, up to these days no heavy equipment is required to clean up the landslide materials,” he said.

He returned to urge the entire Bangli community to remain vigilant and alert against the possibility of aftershocks. “If being inside the building or inside the house while the earthquake happens, find a vacant field. Don’t panic and recognize the area. Remember to protect your head. And if an earthquake occurs, turn off the electrical and stove installation,” he added. (kmb40)

Four Japan athletes kicked out of Asian Games for buying sex

Krit Phromsakla Na SAKOLNAKORN / THAI NEWS PIX / AFP

Detained Belarusian model Anastasia Vashukevich, better known by her pen name Nastya Rybka, steps out of a prison van on arrival at a court in Pattaya to face trial on August 20, 2018, following a police raid on a sex training course.

Bali House of Representatives, I Ketut Tama Tenaya

IBP/kmb

Sand sucking ship makes people unsettled

DENPASAR - The existence of sand sucking ship is troubling to the public, especially those on the coast of Southern Bali. Moreover, there has never been any dissemination to the public regarding such an activity.

IBP/kmb

The earthquake that occurred on Sunday (Aug. 19) again made the Bukit Abang cliff at Buahan village, Kintamani, to experience a landslide.

13

“The people of Kutuh customary village, South Kuta, and surrounding areas are restless with the presence of sand sucking ship in Southern Bali,” said Chairman of Commission I of the Bali House of Representatives, I Ketut Tama Tenaya, in Denpasar, on Sunday (Aug. 19).

Based on his observations, one of the sand sucking ships is operated on Pandawa Beach. In the Benoa Harbor area, he said, there is also special dredger ship. Tama is worried if the massive exploitation will cause the coastal abrasion to be getting more serious from Tanjung Benoa, Nusa Dua, Kutuh and Ungasan to Pecatu.

“When the ship is sucking, the seawater has begun to become murky, so the people scream,” explained this politician from Tanjung Benoa, Badung.

Tama asked the government, especially the Bali Fisheries and Maritime Service, to intervene and check. Community activities, especially fishermen having the liveli-

hoods in the sea are very disturbed by the sand suctioning. Besides, the land is also potentially eroded. He stated the government should pay attention to the security of coastal area community whose livelihood very much depends only on the coast and sea.

“There has never been any dissemination about the suction activities of sea sand for the Benoa Harbor and Ngurah Rai Airport projects,” added this PDI-P politician.

When confirmed separately, the Head of the Bali Fisheries and Maritime Service, I Made Gunaja, claimed that so far he had not received any complaints about the sucking of sand from the community, especially fishermen. It happens because the authority to guide fishermen lies in the district / municipality.

“I don’t know whether the complaints have been forwarded to the District Fisheries and Maritime Service,” he said.

So far, Gunaja said that he only

received information related to damage caused by strong winds, and copies of proposal on the assistance to the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries regarding the damage. On the other hand, it did not know for certain about the suction activity.

“It has something to do with licensing. I do not understand the activity because yesterday I heard from the meeting, permission from the Ministry of Transportation,” he said.

Nevertheless, continued Gunaja, his agency is indeed requested by the governor to make technical considerations on the location permit for the apron development at Ngurah Rai Airport.

Meanwhile, there is a separate authority related to the Benoa Harbor.

“The location permit asked to our agency is for the making of technical study for the development of the airport apron but I don’t work on for the others,” he explained. (kmb32)

Model claiming Trump secrets pleads not guilty in Thailand case

PATTAYA - A Belarusian model who sparked global intrigue after claiming she had evidence of Russian efforts to help Donald Trump win office pleaded not guilty Monday to charges of running an illegal “sex training” class in Thailand.

Anastasia Vashukevich, better known by her pen name Nastya Rybka, has been detained in Thailand since February when police raided a risque seminar in the seaside resort city of Pattaya.

Vashukevich had travelled to Thailand after becoming embroiled in a political scandal with Russian aluminium tycoon Oleg Deripaska, a onetime associate of Trump’s nowdisgraced former campaign director Paul Manafort.

She set off a scramble for details after she promised in an Instagram video to reveal “missing puzzle pieces” on claims the Kremlin aided the US President’s 2016 election victory. No material has been released to substantiate her claims, and critics have accused her of a publicity stunt.

Vashukevich and her seven co-defendants arrived at the Pattaya court on Monday for a pre-trial hearing on the charges that include unlawful assembly and conspiracy.

Police initially charged the group

with work permit violations but later alleged the seminar, led by self-styled Russian seduction guru Alex Kirillov and ostensibly a course training participants to be better lovers, was actually intended to arrange paid sex for participants.

Photos of course participants in detention after the February raid showed them wearing t-shirts that said “sex animator”.

Kirillov, who has served as a spokesperson for the mostly-Russian group because he speaks English, told the court that all eight defendants were pleading not guilty.

“We did not commit any crimes,” he said. “What we do is training on how to seduce men and women. We do not make any sexual activity.”

Vashukevich cried after the prosecutor showed a photo of several of her co-defendants hugging at a nightclub after a training session.

“Why was I arrested? Why am I here?” she said.

The next hearing has been set for August 27.

Pattaya, on Thailand’s southern coast, is a party town with a reputation for vice and a sizeable Russian expatriate community.

Both Washington and Moscow have publically shrugged off Vashukevich’s story, which US State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert described as “bizarre”.

Additional legal troubles are also awaiting Vashukevich and Kirillov back in Russia, where Deripaska won an invasion of privacy lawsuit against the duo last month.

They were ordered to pay $8,000 each to Deripaska, who sued them after a video apparently filmed

by Vashukevich surfaced which appeared to show the tycoon vacationing with Sergei Prikhodko, an influential Russian deputy prime minister at the time.

Kremlin-connected Deripaska and Manafort did business together in the mid-2000s, The New York Times reported last year, but their relationship broke down into legal wrangling. (afp)

JAKARTA - Four Japanese basketball players were sent home from the Asian Games in disgrace for paying prostitutes for sex as the regional Olympics was hit by scandal on Monday.

The players were spotted in a notorious red light district of Jakarta in their national jerseys, JOC officials said, adding that the four had been ordered to leave immediately.

News that Yuya Nagayoshi, Takuya Hashimoto, Takuma Sato, Keita Imamura had been booted out will come as a major embarrassment for Japan, who will host the Tokyo Olympics in two years’ time.

“I just feel a sense of shame,” Japan’s chef de mission Yasuhiro Yamashita told reporters. “We deeply apologise and intend to give the athletes thorough guidance from now on.”

The basketball players had dinner after leaving the Games village last Thursday and are believed to have been solicited by a pimp to go to a hotel with women, Yamashita added.

They “paid for the services of prostitutes”, Yamashita said, according to Japan’s Kyodo news agency.

The story broke after the four, who play in Japan’s B-League, were spotted in the red light district by a reporter for Japan’s Asahi Shimbun newspaper.

“I would like to humbly apologise to the Japanese public, the JOC and everyone who supports basketball for this deplorable incident,” Japan basketball chief Yuko Mitsuya said in a statement.

“We will decide on the appropri-

ate punishment for the four players once we have heard all the facts.

We need to work harder to make sure this kind of scandal does not happen again.”

At the last Asian Games in 2014, Japan were forced to send home swimmer Naoya Tomita after he was caught on video stealing a journalist’s camera from the pool deck.

- Prostitutes and condoms The basketball scandal happened after Japan beat Qatar 82-71 to go top of Group C. Japan were bronze medallists at the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea.

It is far from being the first case of sexual misconduct at a major multisports event, which typically draw thousands of athletes, officials and fans from around the world.

At the 2014 Asian Games, an Iranian official was kicked out for the verbal sexual harassment of a female volunteer, and a Palestinian footballer was accused of groping a female worker at the athletes’ village.

In April, at the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, a Mauritian official was accused of sexually assaulting a female athlete during a photo shoot.

Major events around the world are believed to trigger a boom in prostitution and athletes’ villages are often stocked with free condoms -- about 225,000 at the Commonwealth Games.

Organisers say about 18,000 athletes and officials are visiting Jakarta and co-host city Palembang for the Asian Games, a regional Olympics featuring 40 sports. (afp)

IBP/net

Four Japanese basketball players were sent home from the Asian Games in disgrace for paying prostitutes for sex as the regional Olympics was hit by scandal on Monday.

12

International

Tuesday, August 21, 2018

BUSINESS Turkey’s president says country will defy economic threats

ISTANBUL — Turkey’s president said Saturday his country will stand strong against an “attempted economic coup” amid heightened tensions with the United States.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan told thousands of supporters in Ankara that the country was being “threatened by the economy, sanctions, foreign currency, interest rates and inflation.”

“We tell them that we see their game and we challenge them,” he said.

Turkey is reeling from a massive sell-off of its currency as Washington imposed sanctions and threatened new ones if an American pastor under house arrest isn’t released.

Evangelical pastor Andrew Craig Brunson faces up to 35 years

Bali News

International

Tuesday, August 21, 2018

Tanah Lot as Spiritual Tourist Attraction

For foreign travelers, Tanah Lot is a unique place to relax because it offers an exotic and panoramic view. Different from the case with Bali local residents, Tanah Lot is really a spiritual tourist destination to invoke physical and spiritual peace. Balinese people flock to implement worship at temples on piodalan or temple anniversary or typical days. For instance, piodalan at Pakendungan Temple on Saturday (Sep. 17) coincided with the Kuningan feast. Hindu community is booming to say prayers.

The ceremony was started the day before with purificatory rite to local spring, so it became a live cultural attraction. Similarly, the procession of parading the Bendesa Shakti kris dagger was held by Kediri Palace. Both became unique moment for tourists. After the parade, it was resumed with piodalan

procession. “Piodalan ritual is held at 20:0 until 23:00. The ritual is prepared by Kedungu customary village,” said Operations Manager of Tanah Lot tourist attraction, I Ketut Toya Adnyana.

Extreme heat accompanied with cloudy weather did not dampen the intention of pilgrims to pray and

visitors to have leisure. Thousands of Hindus pilgrims from various regions in Bali come to say prayers at Pakendungan Temple. The crowd began to look at 10:00, and the peak occurred at 14:00 till night.

“We’ve arranged the merchants and forbid them from selling around the temple area so as to provide

comfort for pilgrims desiring to say prayers,” he said.

The piodalan lasted for three days consecutively until Tuesday (Sep. 20). Along with piodalan at Pakendungan Temple, similar ritual also took place at Batu Mejan Temple located in the area of Enjung Galuh and adjacent to Batu Bolong Temple and Patok Temple near Pakendungan Temple. “To anticipate congestion, pecalang or customary security guard of Kedungu customary village makes cooperation with related division at Tanah Lot for arrangement of parking space,” he added.

AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici

Trump team predicts an economic boom, defying most analysts

WASHINGTON - Is the latest pickup in U.S. economic growth destined to slow in the years ahead as most analysts say?

Or, as the Trump administration insists, is the economy on the cusp of an explosive boom that will reward Americans and defy those expectations?

On Thursday, President Donald Trump’s chief economic adviser made his case for the boom. Calling mainstream predictions “pure nonsense,” Larry Kudlow declared that the expansion — already the second-longest on record — is merely in its “early innings.”

“The single biggest event, be it political or otherwise, this year is an economic boom that most people thought would be impossible to generate,” Kudlow said at a Cabinet meeting, speaking at the president’s request and looking directly at him.

“Not a rise. Not a blip.”

“People may disagree with me,” Kudlow continued, “but I’m saying this, we are just in the early stages.”

The U.S. economy grew for seven straight years under President Barack Obama before Trump

took office early last year. Since then, it’s stayed steady, and the job market has remained strong.

The stock market is also nearing an all-time high, a sign of confidence about corporate profits.

Economic growth has picked up this year, having reached a four-year high of 4.1 percent at an annual rate last quarter. Job gains are also running at a slightly faster pace than in 2017. Most analysts see the economy growing a solid 3 percent this year — a potential political asset for Trump and the Republican Party, especially with the approach of November’s congressional elections.

Yet it’s hard to find any outside mainstream economists who would agree with Kudlow’s assertion that the Trump administration can accelerate or even sustain that growth rate. Analysts generally expect that the benefits from Trump’s tax cuts and an additional $300 billion in government spending that he signed into law in February will gradually slow along with economic growth.

Most also say the Fed’s continuing interest rate hikes, combined

Other than large number of pilgrims saying prayers to Pakendungan and Batu Mejan Temple, Tanah Lot tourist attraction is also thronged by other visitors from local Bali and outside the island.

They came to Tanah Lot to spend holiday of Kuningan feast and ongoing local school holidays. In addition, religious atmosphere of Tanah Lot seemed to add to the cool and calm atmosphere, so that visitors and pilgrims feel comfortable and not affected by any circumstances beyond the context of the visit and prayers. (kmb)

Catfish Pepes in Complete Seasoning and Torch Ginger

in jail if convicted of espionage and terror-related charges. He maintains his innocence.

The lira’s value dropped 38 percent against the dollar since the beginning of the year and sunk as low as 7.24 this week.

On Friday, ratings agencies Standard & Poor and Moody’s downgraded Turkey’s credit rating further to “junk” status, pointing to currency volatility and concerns over central bank independence.

Some Erdogan supporters at his ruling party’s congress to elect a new executive branch wore shirts with the lira sign. (ap)

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, center, accompanied by his wife Emine, left, throws flowers to his supporters as he arrives to deliver a speech at his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) congress in Ankara, Turkey, Saturday, Aug. 18, 2018.

with the trade conflicts Trump has sparked with most of America’s trading partners, could also limit growth.

“Economists are incredibly hopeful that the White House is right,” said Carl Tannenbaum, chief economist of Northern Trust.

“Unfortunately, most economic analysis and past historical patterns suggest that we’re in the middle of a sugar rush that will wear off.”

Economists have generally forecast that the pace of annual economic growth will slip to about 2.5 percent in 2019 and then less in the subsequent years.

Even within the government, the leading forecasts are more sober.

The Fed expects growth to slip to 2.4 percent in 2019 and 2 percent in 2020. The Congressional Budget Office said this week that growth would likely slow to 1.7 percent in 2020.

Tannenbaum noted that the economy faces two trends that essentially act as a speed limit.

First, over time, the economy can grow only as fast as the size of its workforce. Yet the vast baby boom generation is retiring.

What’s more, the administration is seeking to limit immigration, which would reduce the number of available workers. During the longest U.S. expansion, from 1991 through 2001, the working-age population grew an average of 1.2 percent a year. Yet from 2008 through 2017, it expanded an average of just 0.5 percent annually.

A second factor is the growth of worker productivity — the amount of output per hour worked — which has fallen by half in the decade since the Great Recession, from a 2.7 percent average rate to 1.3 percent.

Even if the economy did accelerate unexpectedly, the Fed would then likely raise rates faster to avert a pickup in inflation and cause the expansion to slow.

In addition, the tax cuts and government spending that are helping boost economic growth for now have swollen the budget deficit, which is expected to surpass $1 trillion annually in 2020 — a level Tannenbaum calls “absolutely frightening.”

Such high deficits require largescale government borrowing. Such

additional borrowing typically sends interest rates up and makes it harder for businesses to borrow, spend and expand.

On top of that risk, the Trump administration’s tariffs, which are meant to force countries to trade on terms more favorable to the U.S., could devolve into a trade war that would imperil economic growth.

What’s more, a global economic slowdown, stemming from factors beyond the administration’s control, perhaps among troubled emerging economies, would likely spill over to the United States.

Scott Anderson, chief economist at Bank of the West, noted that the $1.5 trillion worth of tax cuts that will take effect over the next decade were supposed to spur companies to make additional investments in machinery, vehicles and other technology that would lift worker productivity. But the pace of equipment spending has fallen since the end of last year. That’s a sign to him that the growth in 2018 might be fleeting.

“The tax cuts are really not moving the needle for businesses,” Anderson said. (ap)

5

to Take Selfie at ATM? Visit This Fun Location

Assuredly it is not an ATM of any kind. To be sure, it has nothing to do with automated teller machines used to withdraw money. It stands for Anjungan Tukad Melangit (ATM) or literally meaning the platform of Melangit River located at Antugan hamlet, Jehem village, Tembuku, Bangli, as one of the favorite places for travelers that like to take selfie.

At this ATM, visitors cannot only take pictures with the background of natural beauty of the Melangit River, but also in the swing and some other selfie facilities.

Before becoming the target of travelers, the ATM was once made only by local youths to simply hang out together. The materials used to

make the platform are only sober ones, namely wood and bamboo.

However, after visitors took selfie and was uploaded to social media, the platform is getting more crowded with tourist visits.

Operations Manager of the ATM, I Wayan Lendra, recently said the ATM has been famous since more than a year ago. Seeing the number of incoming visitors, he continues to make improvements and arrangement. If formerly there used to be only one platform, now there have been three permanently built platforms. “We make them permanent for the convenience of visitors,” he explained.

In addition to the platform, the ATM management also offers several

other facilities suitable for taking pictures such as traditional swing and heart-shaped bamboo cane work. At the ATM, visitors can also feel the sensation of camping and picking oranges in person.

If previously visitors to the ATM were only charged a voluntary levy, now the management charges admission ticket worth IDR 10,000 for adult and IDR 5,000 for child of domestic tourists. Meanwhile, foreign tourists are charged IDR 15,000 per person.

So far, Lendra admitted that the rate of tourist visits to ATM is now increasing. On typical days, the average visit rate reaches tens of people per day, while on holidays it increases up to 80 percent more. (kmb)

Make a try to taste fried catfish. Wow… it is remarkably delicious! Similarly, you can taste catfish pepes (wrapped in banana leaf) with complete seasoning. Of course, it must be different. Catfish pepes coming with Balinese complete seasoning is indeed unable to be prepared by all people. This means the catfish pepes having excellent taste with natural ingredients without preservatives.

Mak Ade is one of the rural chefs who always makes catfish pepes with torch ginger every day. This old and single woman from Ole hamlet, Marga Dauh Puri, Tabanan, indeed has expertise in preparing menus especially the traditional ones.

Her cooking is famous for its delicacy, so that local villagers always purchase it.

Well, among the menus on sale, the catfish pepes with torch ginger is frequently purchased as can be consumed by children, teenagers to old people. In the afternoon, after coming home from cultivating paddy fields, village farmers will drop in to buy catfish pepes as a side dish for dinner. Sometimes, people have also arrived before her stall is opened. The side dish will be served as side dish for lunch in paddy fields.

Children also like this kind of menu. However, they must eat carefully because the flesh still contains few bones. Catfish will be better to be consumed when accompanied with vegetable with grated coconut seasoning and cassava chips.

Catfish pepes prepared by Mak Ade offers very distinctive taste. On that account, she opens her food stalls in the morning and afternoon for breakfast and dinner.

When preparing this catfish pepes, Mak Ade uses giant catfish, torch ginger, Balinese complete seasoning and banana leaf to wrap it. The complete seasoning covers turmeric, galangal, aromatic ginger, ginger, garlic, onion, large chili, cayenne pepper, lemongrass, candlenut, pepper, coriander and salt.

First of all, prepare complete seasoning by chopping turmeric, galangal, ginger, and aromatic ginger. Then, grind garlic, onion, large chili, cayenne and lemongrass. Similarly, grind the candlenut, pepper, and coriander. All the seasonings are ground to be getting smooth. Please add salt to taste.

Similarly, cut thin the torch ginger and bruise to be smoother.

Cleanse the catfish and then cut into pieces according to taste.

The finely grounded seasoning is put into the basin, put the slices of catfish flesh and mix them together well with the seasoning. Add bay leaves to create a distinctive flavor.

Further, wrapped the batter of catfish flesh and the seasoning lengthways following the line of leaves and attach with bamboo pin (tooth pick). After that, steam it until cooked. Roast to taste fine and delicious. Now, it is ready to serve. (kmb)

6

Tuesday, August 21, 2018

W

RLD

SEAN DAVEY / AFP

Australia’s Minister for Home Affairs Peter Dutton (2nd R) speaks at Parliament as Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (bottom L) looks at his notes in Canberra on August 20, 2018.

Leadership fears see Australia PM back away from climate targets SYDNEY - Australia shelved plans to embed carbon emissions targets in law Monday, after a party revolt against embattled Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

With its heavy use of coal-fired power and relatively small population of 25 million, Australia is considered one of the world’s worst per capita greenhouse gas polluters.

Turnbull’s predecessor Tony Abbott was in charge when Canberra agreed to cut emissions by 26 percent by 2030 as part of the so-called Paris Agreement.

But Abbott, who was ousted by moderate Turnbull in a Liberal party coup three years ago and once declared climate change “absolute crap”, has since railed against the committment he made.

He has argued it should not be enshrined in law as part of the government’s new energy policy, known as the National Energy Guarantee (NEG), as consumers complain about soaring electricity prices.

“As long as we are in it (Paris) we will be running our power system to reduce emissions, not to give us affordable, reliable power,” Abbott, now a vocal backbencher, said on Monday.

Several right-wingers allied to Abbott had threat-

Multiple quakes...

From page 1

There were landslides in a national park on Mount Rinjani where hundreds of hikers had been briefly trapped after the quake in late July.

The park has been closed since then.

Sunday’s tremors were also felt on Bali but there were no reports of damage there.

-‘Ring of Fire’ -

The latest tremor comes two weeks after a shallow 6.9-magnitude quake on August 5 damaged tens of thousands of homes, mosques and businesses across Lombok. At least 481 people died

ened to vote with the opposition to block the NEG, and with the government only having a wafer-thin parliamentary majority, it was doomed in its current form.

Turnbull admitted there was not enough support for the bill as he ditched plans to try to legislate the targets -- an embarrassing u-turn to a key element of his signature policy.

“We are parties to the Paris agreement and the government has committed to that, but the simple reality is that we need to have effectively all of our members in the House of Representatives to vote with the government to carry legislation,” he said.

“At this stage, we don’t have that.”

The backdown does not mean Australia has abandoned its commitment to the UN climate agreement, only that it has postponed indefinitely any attempt to make the target enforceable through law.

But closing ageing coal-fired power stations and a troubled transition to clean energy has seen power bills soar.

Internal disunity over the issue came to a head at the weekend with rampant speculation that Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton could challenge Turnbull for the Liberal leadership, a move he denied. (afp)

and thousands were injured.

The hardest-hit region was in the north of the island, which has suffered hundreds of aftershocks.

A week before that quake, a tremor surged through the island and killed 17. The disasters have raised fears that Lombok’s key tourism industry would take a beating, but the international airport was operating normally Monday. “People have been arriving and leaving Lombok as usual since last night -- there’s been no sudden rush of people trying to get out,” said I Gusti Ngurah Ardita, general manager of Lombok Praya International Airport. Indonesia sits on the so-called Pacific “Ring of Fire”, where tectonic plates collide

and many of the world’s volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occur.

The Australian and Eurasian plates, which sit under the archipelago, have been colliding and putting stress on key area fault lines, according to a geologist. “Clearly there are different parts of the fault that are moving at the moment releasing those stressors,” said Chris Elders, an expert in plate tectonics and structural geology at Curtin University in West Australia.

In 2004 a tsunami triggered by a magnitude 9.3 undersea earthquake off the coast of Sumatra in western Indonesia killed 220,000 people in countries around the Indian Ocean, including 168,000 in Indonesia. (afp)

International

Confusion reigns as Venezuela braces for release of new banknotes

CARACAS - Beleaguered Venezuelans braced Monday for the rollout of President Nicolas Maduro’s radical new plan to curb the spiraling hyperinflation that has thrown their oil-rich, cash-poor nation into turmoil.

Caracas is issuing new banknotes after lopping five zeroes off the crippled bolivar, casting a pall of uncertainty over businesses and consumers across the country.

“There will be a lot of confusion in the next few days, for consumers and the private sector,” said the director of the Ecoanalitica consultancy, Asdrubal Oliveros.

“It’s a chaotic scenario.”

Other measures -- revealed by Maduro in a speech to the nation late Friday -- include a massive minimum wage hike, the fifth so far this year.

As it stands, the monthly minimum wage -- devastated by inflation and the aggressive devaluation of the bolivar -- is still not enough to buy a kilogram (2.2 pounds) of meat.

The embattled Maduro, a former bus driver and union leader, said the country needed to show “fiscal discipline” and stop the excessive money printing of recent years.

But economists say the radical overhaul could only make matters worse.

In the capital Caracas, residents were skeptical about the new measures.

“Everything will stay the same, prices will continue to rise,” 39-year-old Bruno Choy, who runs a street food stand, told AFP. Angel Arias, a 67-year-old retiree, dubbed the new currency a “pure lie!”

Three of the country’s leading opposition groups -- Primero Justicia, Voluntad Popular and Causa R -- have rejected the reform plan and called for a day of protest on Tuesday.

- New currency, old woes The new currency, the sovereign bolivar -- to distinguish from the current, and ironically named, strong bolivar -- will be anchored to the country’s widely discredited cryptocurrency, the petro.

Each petro will be worth about $60, based on the price of a barrel of Venezuelan oil. In the new currency, that will be 3,600 sovereign bolivars -- signaling a massive devaluation.

In turn, the minimum wage will be fixed at half a petro (1,800 sovereign bolivars). That is about $28 -- more than 34 times the previous level of less than a dollar at the prevailing black market rate. (afp)

Federico PARRA / AFP

People buy groceries at the municipal market of Coche, a neighbourhood of Caracas, on August 18, 2018 ahead of Monday, when Venezuela will start issuing new banknotes after slashing five zeroes off the crippled bolivar.

International

Tuesday, August 21, 2018

Deputy Speaker urges govt to intensify aid deployment to Lombok JAKARTA- Fahri Hamzah, Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR), has urged the central government to deploy more significant aid to Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), which has been hit by a series of earthquakes over the last one month.

“Whatever the status, it`s important to deploy a huge amount of assistance. There have been nearly one thousand quakes and aftershocks, and hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced. Is it not enough? From Arafat, I am begging,” Hamzah tweeted from Arafat, Saudi Arabia, on Monday, as he is at presently undertaking the Hajj pilgrimage.

The state must do more because it has the resources, he wrote. “Please, Mr Jokowi, make a decision immediately. Deploy the country`s resources to help NTB. If the state moves slowly, the public will lose trust in the state. The state is obliged to be present, particularly when nature seems to punish us.

Allah knows best what is happen-

ing,” he noted.

There are two foundations working for the state, namely through regulations and budgets, according to Hamzah, who is originally from NTB. Through regulations, he urged the central government to declare a national emergency status for the natural disaster affecting NTB. By declaring the national emergency status, the central government can form a rehabilitation body to speed up recovery in NTB, including reconstruction of affected tourism facilities and infrastructure.

Besides, the victims of the earthquake must not be left in the emergency tents for too long, he said.

The lawmaker said it is not wise to ask the NTB administration to handle most of the rescue and recovery efforts itself, as many of the province`s civil servants themselves are victims of the earthquakes.

The central government has pledged Rp4 trillion for Lombok, but the bureaucracy must be simplified to speed up the handling effort, he added. (ant)

VP Kalla receives visit from Japan`s Aichi Prefecture Governor

JAKARTA - Vice President Jusuf Kalla was visited by the Governor of Aichi Prefecture, Hideaki Omura, here on Monday, and they discussed how to increase economic trade between Indonesia and Japan, especially in Nagoya.

“At the moment, there are over 250 corporations that have made investments in Indonesia and they came from our area in Aichi, which also means that more that 50 percent of the total investment made came from our area,” said Governor Omura after meeting the vice president in his office in Jakarta, Monday.

The partnership and friendly ties go way back and have been strengthened with back-to-back visits between Kalla and Omura.

The meeting held in Jakarta on Monday was the fourth one in the last 10 years. Omura revealed that he was first introduced to Kalla back in 2008 when he was serving as vice president to the then Indo-

nesia President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

The second meeting took place in 2015 and the third one was held in 2017. “Since the beginning, the relations between our area and the vice president have been well maintained. Kalla, as an entrepreneur himself, visits our area in Nagoya every year, and until now, the relationship is still going strong,” he explained.

He believed that the vice president appreciated the trade partnership with the Aichi Prefecture area; even at a time when Indonesia is suffering from an economic crisis, businessmen from Aichi continue to investment in the nation.

“The vice president acknowledged the fact that although Indonesia has suffered through crises twice, Japanese businesses continued to make their investments here, including renowned corporations from Aichi such as Toyota,” he concluded. (ant)

11

Forests group halts plan to endorse Indonesian paper giant JAKARTA — The main global group for certifying sustainable wood has suspended plans to give its influential endorsement to Indonesian paper giant Sinarmas after revelations it cut down tropical forests and used an opaque corporate structure to hide its activities.

The Forest Stewardship Council said Thursday that it had halted a process that could have enabled the Asia Pulp & Paper arm of Sinarmas to be readmitted to the organization.

The group said it is awaiting information from the conglomerate “related to its corporate structure and alleged unacceptable forest management activities” by companies thought related to it and wants full disclosure.

Three months ago, the council had sent a come clean ultimatum to Sinarmas, one of the world’s largest paper companies, and its billionaire Indonesian family owners.

The conglomerate said Thursday that it has hired an accounting firm to carry out a “comprehensive assessment” of all industrial forest plantation companies in Indonesia that would be supervised by The Forest Trust, a corporate backed group that says it promotes transparency in supply chains. Its members include Asia Pulp & Paper. The assessment would resolve “ongoing and unsubstantiated allegations of using opaque ownership structures,” Sinarmas said.

The FSC mark, a stylized tree, is sought by paper producers and other wood users as an endorsement they can use in the marketplace to promote their products as “green” and charge a premium. It is especially crucial for access to the lucrative North American market.

The group’s suspension of its endorsement for Sinarmas comes after investigations by The Associ-

ated Press and the environmental news site Mongabay showed extensive ties between Sinarmas and plantation companies that the conglomerate had either denied any involvement with or described as independent suppliers.

One of those companies was cutting down tropical forest in West Kalimantan that was a habitat for critically endangered Bornean orangutans, a violation of the conglomerate’s 2013 vow to end deforestation.

Greenpeace, which had been advising Sinarmas on conservation, cut ties with the conglomerate.

Separately, on Wednesday, conservation groups released a report based on government wood utilization data that showed Asia Pulp & Paper had purchased wood from two plantation companies that have cleared a combined 32,000 hectares of natural forest since 2013. It also said another Indonesian conglomerate, Asia Pacific Resources International, usually known as April, had done the same.

The purchased wood was plantation grown, not natural forest. But the conservation groups said both companies were violating their no-deforestation promises because they were taking wood grown on land where the natural forest is being progressively cut down.

Asia Pulp & Paper said it had “quarantined” at one of its mills about 800 truckloads of wood bought from Fajar Surya Swadaya.

It said the purchase was an administrative lapse that occurred before an inspection of the plantation showed the operator didn’t understand what is known as “high carbon stock” and was cutting down natural forest. April, meanwhile, said the plantation had done a conservation assessment in April 2015 and based on this, the development wasn’t done in a forest with high conservation value. (ap)

AP Photo/Tatan Syuflana

In this Aug. 5, 2018, photo, students sit in front of building that houses the headquarters of Sinarmas Group, one of Indonesia’s largest palm oil company, in Jakarta, Indonesia. The main global group for certifying sustainable wood has suspended plans to give its influential endorsement to Indonesian paper giant Sinarmas after revelations it cut down tropical forests and used an opaque corporate structure to hide its activities.

10

Destination

Tuesday, August 21, 2018

International

Mirror Bali Lounge and Club Gothic Themed Nightclub in Seminyak

SEMINYAK - Mirror Bali Lounge and Club welcomes night owls to its hip lounge and party venue on Seminyak’s main Petitenget route, which comes with a difference. The venue’s interiors and overall design is akin to a Gothic cathedral, but with glittery mosaic-like wall décor, stained glass windows and towering ceilings that are matched with futuristic laser lighting systems to give you one of the coolest and most immersive spaces to dance your late evenings away to industrial, deep bass, to house and hip-hop. Part of a Jakarta-based dining and nightclub management company, Mirror Bali Lounge and Club reminds us of the big clubs up in the capital city. It regularly peps up its atmospheric setup with late night partying events, all which tie-in with a roster of international and resident DJs. Also, it’s one of Seminyak’s stylish clubbing scenes where a dress code applies – basically, casual chic for guys, and ‘dress to impress’ for ladies.

True to its name, the sparkly wall linings of Mirror Bali work pretty well in bouncing off vivid fractals fed by the sharp chromatic lasers throughout the room, creating a dazzling effect as DJs keep their beats alive and ‘address’ their congregation from up high in their special booths. The place opens only an hour or two before midnight, with a good mix of local socialites, expats and new visitors gathering under its massive glass roof, which lets you rave on under the stars. Price-wise and unsurprisingly, Mirror Bali sits at the top as one of Seminyak’s most premium hangouts. For its ‘lounge’ part alone, seats are mostly reserved and only available through booking, while a dedicated VIP section starting from USD 145 (IDR 2 million), offers the most premium comforts, enabling you to look down over the excitement below. For the majority of clubbers, it’s a standing party, with a bit of shuffling and a glass in hand.

From the bar you have a wide selection of booze ranging from vodka blends, bubblies of Chandon and Moscato, Mirror Bali’s signature cocktails such as Blanc Fleur and Irish Tiramisu (all at USD 10 or IDR 150,000), and a small choice of international beers (but no cold Bintang here, mind you).

Heinekens are priced at USD 5 (IDR 70,000) and Coronas USD 6.5 (IDR 90,000). Whenever you’re feeling peckish, bites to order include beef kebabs, quesadillas, calamari and fries, ranging from USD 3 to 10 (IDR 45,000-150,000). A first drink charge of IDR 150,000 applies. (net)

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Tuesday, August 21, 2018

International

Djokovic wins Cincy title to complete Masters matched set

CINCINNATI - Novak Djokovic ended a career-long jinx, lifting the trophy in Cincinnati at last to complete a matched set of Masters 1000 titles.

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images/AFP

Roger Federer of Switzerland and Novak Djokovic of Serbia pose for photographers after their match during the men’s final of the Western & Southern Open at Lindner Family Tennis Center on August 19, 2018 in Mason, Ohio.

Djokovic, who came up empty in five prior Cincinnati finals, defeated seven-time winner Roger Federer 6-4, 6-4 in the final.

The former world number one became the first man to win all nine of the ATP’s Masters 1000 events in the elite series’ current configuration.

Federer, meanwhile, lost a final in the hardcourt US Open tuneup for the first time.

“I played five finals (here) before, and most of those finals I lost to this great man, Roger ... thank you for letting me win here once in Cincinnati,” Djokovic joked.

“This is a dream come true,” Djokovic said. “I finally won Cincinnati after six finals, some against the greatest ever, Roger.”

Federer, a 20-time Grand Slam winner, said his game wasn’t sharp -- but he didn’t want to take anything away from Djokovic’s achievement.

“Novak is a great champion,” Federer said. “This is about him making history.”

Federer’s streak of 100 straight unbroken service games in Cincy was ended by Djokovic in the seventh game of the first set.

The 37-year-old Swiss had been aiming for a 99th career trophy, but was unable to get over the line due in part to four double-faults at the most inopportune of times, but he said his return game was also lacking.

“It was definitely not my best day on the return - it was just awful,” Federer said. “Missing every second serve on the forehand side, I don’t know what that was about.

“But I don’t even want to look for reasons why it happened,” he added. “Novak totally deserved to win today.

This (effort) was not good enough.

“Good week, but I’m happy it’s over and I need to rest,” added Federer, his eye on the US Open starting in New York in eight days.

Djokovic claimed the opening set in 37 minutes and came back from an early break in the second to overhaul his longtime rival as they played for the 46th time. (afp)

No Ronaldo, no Zidane, no problem as Real start La Liga with victory MADRID - Real Madrid got their La Liga campaign off to a winning start with a 2-0 victory at home to Getafe on Sunday in their first league outing since the summer departures of Cristiano Ronaldo and coach Zinedine Zidane.

The European champions ensured the three points at the Santiago Bernabeu with a 20th-minute goal from Dani Carvajal and a Gareth Bale strike on 51 minutes.

Keylor Navas held on to his place as Real Madrid’s starting goalkeeper despite the arrival of Thibaut Courtois.

Costa Rica international Navas has been first choice since 2015 but had been expected to make way for Courtois, a recent 35-million-

euro recruit from Chelsea who was voted best goalkeeper at this summer’s World Cup. Julen Lopetegui, who replaced Zidane as coach, also selected Nacho at the heart of the defence rather than French World Cup winner Raphael Varane.

Real, playing their first La Liga game since the departure of Ronaldo to Juventus, went into Sunday’s game on the back of a 4-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Supercup in midweek.

But they were rarely in trouble on Sunday. Bale was unlucky when a diving header came back off the crossbar in the first half before the Welshman was key in the build-up to the first goal with Carvajal head-

ing in his cross.

Another defensive error helped Real grab their second goal when Marco Asensio stole the ball and sent over a cross for Bale to score with his left foot.

Asensio was close to getting his name on the scoresheet but was denied by the woodwork.

Meanwhile, Portuguese striker Andre Silva marked his La Liga debut with a hat-trick as Sevilla romped to a 4-1 win at Rayo Vallecano, surpassing his total of goals scored for AC Milan in the whole of last season’s Serie A. Silva had managed just two goals for the Serie A giants and was loaned out to Sevilla this summer. (afp)

JAVIER SORIANO / AFP

Real Madrid’s Welsh forward Gareth Bale (L) challenges Getafe’s Uruguayan defender Damian Suarez during the Spanish League football match between Real Madrid and Getafe at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on August 19, 2018.

8

Tuesday, August 21, 2018

Tuesday, August 21, 2018

9

ASIAN GAMES 2018 Jakarta Palembang

Japan swim queen Ikee targets Asian Games records

Indonesia’s Lindswell Lindswell during the Women’s Taijijian event Wushu games at the 18th Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia on Monday, Aug. 20, 2018.

Lindswell secures Indonesia’s second gold medal

JAKARTA – Seasoned wushu athlete Lindswell presented Indonesia’s second gold medal through the women’s taijiquan & taijijian allround event at the Jakarta International Expo Kemayoran Sports Hall on Monday.

In front of Indonesian President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and dozens of supporters, Lindswell performed a set of alluring movements set to music. She won gold with 9.75 points.

Lindswell said she was jittery at the beginning of her performance. “I was nervous at first … not because of President Jokowi’s presence. In fact, last night I promised myself I would remain calm. Luckily I was able to compete well, “Lindswell said through tears of joy.

It is the second time Lindswell has won a gold medal in the Asian Games following her success in the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon.

“Thank you to all who sent prayers. Especially my family. I dedicate this gold medal to all people, especially to this nation and country. I am grateful to be able to present a gold medal. This might be the last Asian Games for me,” said the 26-year-old athlete.

Indonesia wushu head coach Novita shared her joy over Lindswell’s achievement. “From the start, the Indonesia Wushu Federation was certain that Lindswell would win gold. Moreover, China’s athletes are not competing in this event. I am proud.

Thank you to all parties who have supported us, “said Novita. (ant)

Punia wins wrestling gold for India, Kumar bows out

Commonwealth champion Bajrang Punia gave India its first Asian Games gold in 65kg wrestling on Sunday after veteran Sushil Kumar suffered a shock first-round exit in Jakarta.

Punia, who won a silver at the 2014 edition in Incheon, battled past Japan’s Daichi Takatani 11-8 in a hard-fought final bout.

Punia attacked from the word go to lead by 6-0 in the first minute of play, before the Japanese wrestler closed the gap through a series of counter attacks.

But the Indian, who lost to Takatani in the quaterfinals of the Asian Championships in March, prevailed to give his country the first gold of the 18th edition of the Asiad.

“I have taken revenge of my Asian Championship loss and I dedicate my gold to late prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee (who passed away on August 16),” an emotional Punia told reporters.

“There was no pressure on me

to perform (after other Indians had lost their bouts). I am not the one who takes pressure, rather believe in concentrating on my performance,” he added.

Punia won all his bouts on technical superiority but was tested in the final with a determined Takatani holding him till the last with a challenge.

“My next aim is the World Championships (in September). I have improved on my technique and game along the way and will try my best for India in the coming years.”

Earlier Kumar, a two-time Olympic medallist and a medal favourite in the 74kg category, lost to Adam Batirov of Bahrain 3-5 despite vocal support from Indian fans.

Kumar’s chance of making the repechage round also went up in smoke after Batirov lost his quarterfinal to Japan’s Yuhi Fujinami. If Batirov had made the final, Kumar would have had a chance to win bronze through repechage.

The 35-year-old was exempted

from the Indian trials for the Asian Games, given his past results including winning his third Commonwealth gold in Australia’s Gold Coast in April.

“I was also not expecting this result. I had prepared, but wins and losses are all part and parcel of sport,” Kumar told reporters, saying he does not take criticism to heart.

“There is no loss of stamina at this age. And no pressure as well. I come far from all that. I enjoy sports and will continue to do that,” he added.

It was Uzbekistan’s Bekzod Abdurakhmonov who ruled the 74kg category after pinning down Daniyar Kaisanov of Kazakhstan 3-2 to clinch gold. Meanwhile Mongolia’s Bekhbayar Erdenebat thrashed Kum Song Kang of North Korea 8-2 to claim the 57kg gold.

Iran dominated the heavyweight segment with Olympic champion Hassan Yazdani Charati bagging the 86kg gold while Alireza Karimi Machiani stood first in 97kg. (afp)

Japanese Olympic hope Rikako Ikee topped the time-sheets in the women’s 100 metres freestyle and 50m butterfly heats at the Asian Games on Monday, but was still far from happy.

The graceful 18-year-old, who lit up the recent Pan Pacific swimming championships in Tokyo, is expected to be a serious force in the 100m fly and 100m free at the 2020 Olympics in her home city.

But Japan’s new queen of the pool screwed her nose up at her times in Monday’s morning heats in Jakarta.

Ikee clocked 25.91 seconds in the 50m fly, the morning after helping Japan capture gold in the women’s 4x100m freestyle. She returned less than half-an-hour later to qualify fastest for the 100m free in 54.33.

“I was pretty stiff in the 50 fly,” grimaced Ikee. “I wanted a Games record but I was a bit tired after last night -- a relay final first up, no heats beforehand so I had to be up for it. “The 100m (free) was better so hopefully I can set a Games record tonight.”

Her closest challenger in the 100m free -- swimming’s blue riband race -- was China’s Zhu Menghui, who went 54.67 with Japan’s Tomomi Aoki clocking 55.57.

Japan’s Kosuke Hagino was quickest in the men’s 200m individual medley heats as the defending champ posted a time of 1:59.76, with Chinese pair Qin Haiyang and Wang Shun in close pursuit.

“The starter was a bit urgent with his ‘ready, set, go’ so I didn’t get a good start,” said Hagino, who

captured 400 IM gold at the Rio Olympics two years ago and took silver behind Michael Phelps in the 200m. “It felt good though and will give me confidence for the final.”

- ‘No booze’ -

Japan team-mate Daiya Seto was disgusted after qualifying fourth fastest in 2:01.57. “Gosh that was so slow,” he said with a sheepish grin. “It even shocked me how slow it was.”

China’s Xu Jiayu emerged the morning after marking his 23rd birthday with victory in the men’s 100m backstroke to lay down a marker for the one-lap race. The world champion clocked 25.12 with Japan’s Ryosuke Irie going 25.25.

“I celebrated last night with a piece of cake,” smiled Xu. “But no booze. I get nervous before races, but that’s a good thing for me and I’m confident I have a chance of the backstroke treble.”

China topped the medals on day one, winning four gold medals to Japan’s three, led by their talismanic multiple Olympic champion Sun Yang in the 200m freestyle.

Sun goes in the men’s 800m free and the men’s 4x200m free relay on Monday evening.

One person who won’t be troubling the Chinese giant is pintsized Maldives swimmer Ibrahim Mubal, who swam two-and-a-half laps all alone to clock a heat time of 10:12.07 in his first-ever 800m swim. “That was hard work,” he gasped. “I think I’ll stick to the 200 and 400 in future.”

Sun flags off Chinese gold rush at Asian Games

Swimmer Sun Yang led China to a clutch of gold medals on Sunday as the regional heavyweights started the 2018 Asian Games where they left off in 2014 -- on top of the medals table.

The triple Olympic champion was left fuming by a flag malfunction in his victory ceremony, but not before he cruised to 200 metres freestyle victory over Japan’s Katsuhiro Matsumoto.

In chaotic scenes Sun, 26, demanded a re-run of the ceremony when the pole carrying the national flags fell down as he was proudly singing the Chinese anthem.

His victory capped a strong firstday performance by China, who dominated with 151 golds in 2014

and will aim to top the Olympic medals table in Tokyo in 2020.

China swept four of the seven swimming titles and also won in shooting, fencing and wushu, a Chinese martial art, as the 18th Asian Games opened in Jakarta and Palembang.

China ended the first day with seven gold medals, ahead of Japan with three and South Korea on two.

It was another of China’s Suns, Sun Peiyuan, who won the Games’ first gold medal in wushu’s men’s changquan, edging Indonesian home favourite Edgar Xavier Marvelo into silver.

But the hosts soon reached the top of the podium when Defia Rosmaniar won taekwondo gold in

the women’s individual poomsae, watched by President Joko Widodo.

“Congratulations to Defia and the coaches. The Indonesian people are proud of you,” Widodo said in a statement.

- Row of unity -

South Korea, who hosted the 2014 Games in Incheon, picked up two taekwondo gold medals in the men’s individual and team poomsae.

In Palembang, the Games’ cohosting city in Sumatra, India’s teen shooting star Manu Bhaker missed out on the final as China’s worldrecord holders Ji Xiaojing and Wu Jiayu won the 10m mixed air pistol.

Taiwan’s Lin Ying-shin and Lu

Martin BUREAU / AFP

Gold medallist China’s Sun Yang celebrates during the victory ceremony of the men’s 200m butterfly swimming event during the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta on August 19, 2018.

Martin BUREAU / AFP

Japan’s Rikako Ikee prepares to compete in a heat of the women’s 100m freestyle swimming event during the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta on August 20, 2018.

Shao-chuan narrowly beat Chinese pair Zhao Ruozhu and 22-year-old Yang Haoran to win the 10m air rifle mixed team title.

India suffered a shock in the wrestling when two-time Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar, 35, lost his opening bout in the men’s 74kg to Adam Batirov of Bahrain.

“There is no loss of stamina at this age. And no pressure as well.

I come far from all that. I enjoy sports and will continue to do that,” Kumar said.

Vietnam’s men’s football team

upset Japan 1-0 to finish top of Group D, while China beat UAE 2-1 to complete their Group C campaign with three wins out of three.

In badminton, newly crowned world champion Kento Momota beat Daren Liew 21-13, 21-14 as Japan reached the men’s team quarter-finals at the expense of Malaysia. And the day after the two Koreas marched together at the opening ceremony, a joint NorthSouth rowing team finished last in their heat in the lightweight men’s fours. (afp)

Medal standing Country

Gold

Silver

Bronze

1. CHN

11

5

4

2. JPN

4

6

5

3. INA

4

1

1

4. KOR

2

6

6

5. IRAN

2

2

1

8

Tuesday, August 21, 2018

Tuesday, August 21, 2018

9

ASIAN GAMES 2018 Jakarta Palembang

Japan swim queen Ikee targets Asian Games records

Indonesia’s Lindswell Lindswell during the Women’s Taijijian event Wushu games at the 18th Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia on Monday, Aug. 20, 2018.

Lindswell secures Indonesia’s second gold medal

JAKARTA – Seasoned wushu athlete Lindswell presented Indonesia’s second gold medal through the women’s taijiquan & taijijian allround event at the Jakarta International Expo Kemayoran Sports Hall on Monday.

In front of Indonesian President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and dozens of supporters, Lindswell performed a set of alluring movements set to music. She won gold with 9.75 points.

Lindswell said she was jittery at the beginning of her performance. “I was nervous at first … not because of President Jokowi’s presence. In fact, last night I promised myself I would remain calm. Luckily I was able to compete well, “Lindswell said through tears of joy.

It is the second time Lindswell has won a gold medal in the Asian Games following her success in the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon.

“Thank you to all who sent prayers. Especially my family. I dedicate this gold medal to all people, especially to this nation and country. I am grateful to be able to present a gold medal. This might be the last Asian Games for me,” said the 26-year-old athlete.

Indonesia wushu head coach Novita shared her joy over Lindswell’s achievement. “From the start, the Indonesia Wushu Federation was certain that Lindswell would win gold. Moreover, China’s athletes are not competing in this event. I am proud.

Thank you to all parties who have supported us, “said Novita. (ant)

Punia wins wrestling gold for India, Kumar bows out

Commonwealth champion Bajrang Punia gave India its first Asian Games gold in 65kg wrestling on Sunday after veteran Sushil Kumar suffered a shock first-round exit in Jakarta.

Punia, who won a silver at the 2014 edition in Incheon, battled past Japan’s Daichi Takatani 11-8 in a hard-fought final bout.

Punia attacked from the word go to lead by 6-0 in the first minute of play, before the Japanese wrestler closed the gap through a series of counter attacks.

But the Indian, who lost to Takatani in the quaterfinals of the Asian Championships in March, prevailed to give his country the first gold of the 18th edition of the Asiad.

“I have taken revenge of my Asian Championship loss and I dedicate my gold to late prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee (who passed away on August 16),” an emotional Punia told reporters.

“There was no pressure on me

to perform (after other Indians had lost their bouts). I am not the one who takes pressure, rather believe in concentrating on my performance,” he added.

Punia won all his bouts on technical superiority but was tested in the final with a determined Takatani holding him till the last with a challenge.

“My next aim is the World Championships (in September). I have improved on my technique and game along the way and will try my best for India in the coming years.”

Earlier Kumar, a two-time Olympic medallist and a medal favourite in the 74kg category, lost to Adam Batirov of Bahrain 3-5 despite vocal support from Indian fans.

Kumar’s chance of making the repechage round also went up in smoke after Batirov lost his quarterfinal to Japan’s Yuhi Fujinami. If Batirov had made the final, Kumar would have had a chance to win bronze through repechage.

The 35-year-old was exempted

from the Indian trials for the Asian Games, given his past results including winning his third Commonwealth gold in Australia’s Gold Coast in April.

“I was also not expecting this result. I had prepared, but wins and losses are all part and parcel of sport,” Kumar told reporters, saying he does not take criticism to heart.

“There is no loss of stamina at this age. And no pressure as well. I come far from all that. I enjoy sports and will continue to do that,” he added.

It was Uzbekistan’s Bekzod Abdurakhmonov who ruled the 74kg category after pinning down Daniyar Kaisanov of Kazakhstan 3-2 to clinch gold. Meanwhile Mongolia’s Bekhbayar Erdenebat thrashed Kum Song Kang of North Korea 8-2 to claim the 57kg gold.

Iran dominated the heavyweight segment with Olympic champion Hassan Yazdani Charati bagging the 86kg gold while Alireza Karimi Machiani stood first in 97kg. (afp)

Japanese Olympic hope Rikako Ikee topped the time-sheets in the women’s 100 metres freestyle and 50m butterfly heats at the Asian Games on Monday, but was still far from happy.

The graceful 18-year-old, who lit up the recent Pan Pacific swimming championships in Tokyo, is expected to be a serious force in the 100m fly and 100m free at the 2020 Olympics in her home city.

But Japan’s new queen of the pool screwed her nose up at her times in Monday’s morning heats in Jakarta.

Ikee clocked 25.91 seconds in the 50m fly, the morning after helping Japan capture gold in the women’s 4x100m freestyle. She returned less than half-an-hour later to qualify fastest for the 100m free in 54.33.

“I was pretty stiff in the 50 fly,” grimaced Ikee. “I wanted a Games record but I was a bit tired after last night -- a relay final first up, no heats beforehand so I had to be up for it. “The 100m (free) was better so hopefully I can set a Games record tonight.”

Her closest challenger in the 100m free -- swimming’s blue riband race -- was China’s Zhu Menghui, who went 54.67 with Japan’s Tomomi Aoki clocking 55.57.

Japan’s Kosuke Hagino was quickest in the men’s 200m individual medley heats as the defending champ posted a time of 1:59.76, with Chinese pair Qin Haiyang and Wang Shun in close pursuit.

“The starter was a bit urgent with his ‘ready, set, go’ so I didn’t get a good start,” said Hagino, who

captured 400 IM gold at the Rio Olympics two years ago and took silver behind Michael Phelps in the 200m. “It felt good though and will give me confidence for the final.”

- ‘No booze’ -

Japan team-mate Daiya Seto was disgusted after qualifying fourth fastest in 2:01.57. “Gosh that was so slow,” he said with a sheepish grin. “It even shocked me how slow it was.”

China’s Xu Jiayu emerged the morning after marking his 23rd birthday with victory in the men’s 100m backstroke to lay down a marker for the one-lap race. The world champion clocked 25.12 with Japan’s Ryosuke Irie going 25.25.

“I celebrated last night with a piece of cake,” smiled Xu. “But no booze. I get nervous before races, but that’s a good thing for me and I’m confident I have a chance of the backstroke treble.”

China topped the medals on day one, winning four gold medals to Japan’s three, led by their talismanic multiple Olympic champion Sun Yang in the 200m freestyle.

Sun goes in the men’s 800m free and the men’s 4x200m free relay on Monday evening.

One person who won’t be troubling the Chinese giant is pintsized Maldives swimmer Ibrahim Mubal, who swam two-and-a-half laps all alone to clock a heat time of 10:12.07 in his first-ever 800m swim. “That was hard work,” he gasped. “I think I’ll stick to the 200 and 400 in future.”

Sun flags off Chinese gold rush at Asian Games

Swimmer Sun Yang led China to a clutch of gold medals on Sunday as the regional heavyweights started the 2018 Asian Games where they left off in 2014 -- on top of the medals table.

The triple Olympic champion was left fuming by a flag malfunction in his victory ceremony, but not before he cruised to 200 metres freestyle victory over Japan’s Katsuhiro Matsumoto.

In chaotic scenes Sun, 26, demanded a re-run of the ceremony when the pole carrying the national flags fell down as he was proudly singing the Chinese anthem.

His victory capped a strong firstday performance by China, who dominated with 151 golds in 2014

and will aim to top the Olympic medals table in Tokyo in 2020.

China swept four of the seven swimming titles and also won in shooting, fencing and wushu, a Chinese martial art, as the 18th Asian Games opened in Jakarta and Palembang.

China ended the first day with seven gold medals, ahead of Japan with three and South Korea on two.

It was another of China’s Suns, Sun Peiyuan, who won the Games’ first gold medal in wushu’s men’s changquan, edging Indonesian home favourite Edgar Xavier Marvelo into silver.

But the hosts soon reached the top of the podium when Defia Rosmaniar won taekwondo gold in

the women’s individual poomsae, watched by President Joko Widodo.

“Congratulations to Defia and the coaches. The Indonesian people are proud of you,” Widodo said in a statement.

- Row of unity -

South Korea, who hosted the 2014 Games in Incheon, picked up two taekwondo gold medals in the men’s individual and team poomsae.

In Palembang, the Games’ cohosting city in Sumatra, India’s teen shooting star Manu Bhaker missed out on the final as China’s worldrecord holders Ji Xiaojing and Wu Jiayu won the 10m mixed air pistol.

Taiwan’s Lin Ying-shin and Lu

Martin BUREAU / AFP

Gold medallist China’s Sun Yang celebrates during the victory ceremony of the men’s 200m butterfly swimming event during the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta on August 19, 2018.

Martin BUREAU / AFP

Japan’s Rikako Ikee prepares to compete in a heat of the women’s 100m freestyle swimming event during the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta on August 20, 2018.

Shao-chuan narrowly beat Chinese pair Zhao Ruozhu and 22-year-old Yang Haoran to win the 10m air rifle mixed team title.

India suffered a shock in the wrestling when two-time Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar, 35, lost his opening bout in the men’s 74kg to Adam Batirov of Bahrain.

“There is no loss of stamina at this age. And no pressure as well.

I come far from all that. I enjoy sports and will continue to do that,” Kumar said.

Vietnam’s men’s football team

upset Japan 1-0 to finish top of Group D, while China beat UAE 2-1 to complete their Group C campaign with three wins out of three.

In badminton, newly crowned world champion Kento Momota beat Daren Liew 21-13, 21-14 as Japan reached the men’s team quarter-finals at the expense of Malaysia. And the day after the two Koreas marched together at the opening ceremony, a joint NorthSouth rowing team finished last in their heat in the lightweight men’s fours. (afp)

Medal standing Country

Gold

Silver

Bronze

1. CHN

11

5

4

2. JPN

4

6

5

3. INA

4

1

1

4. KOR

2

6

6

5. IRAN

2

2

1

10

Destination

Tuesday, August 21, 2018

International

Mirror Bali Lounge and Club Gothic Themed Nightclub in Seminyak

SEMINYAK - Mirror Bali Lounge and Club welcomes night owls to its hip lounge and party venue on Seminyak’s main Petitenget route, which comes with a difference. The venue’s interiors and overall design is akin to a Gothic cathedral, but with glittery mosaic-like wall décor, stained glass windows and towering ceilings that are matched with futuristic laser lighting systems to give you one of the coolest and most immersive spaces to dance your late evenings away to industrial, deep bass, to house and hip-hop. Part of a Jakarta-based dining and nightclub management company, Mirror Bali Lounge and Club reminds us of the big clubs up in the capital city. It regularly peps up its atmospheric setup with late night partying events, all which tie-in with a roster of international and resident DJs. Also, it’s one of Seminyak’s stylish clubbing scenes where a dress code applies – basically, casual chic for guys, and ‘dress to impress’ for ladies.

True to its name, the sparkly wall linings of Mirror Bali work pretty well in bouncing off vivid fractals fed by the sharp chromatic lasers throughout the room, creating a dazzling effect as DJs keep their beats alive and ‘address’ their congregation from up high in their special booths. The place opens only an hour or two before midnight, with a good mix of local socialites, expats and new visitors gathering under its massive glass roof, which lets you rave on under the stars. Price-wise and unsurprisingly, Mirror Bali sits at the top as one of Seminyak’s most premium hangouts. For its ‘lounge’ part alone, seats are mostly reserved and only available through booking, while a dedicated VIP section starting from USD 145 (IDR 2 million), offers the most premium comforts, enabling you to look down over the excitement below. For the majority of clubbers, it’s a standing party, with a bit of shuffling and a glass in hand.

From the bar you have a wide selection of booze ranging from vodka blends, bubblies of Chandon and Moscato, Mirror Bali’s signature cocktails such as Blanc Fleur and Irish Tiramisu (all at USD 10 or IDR 150,000), and a small choice of international beers (but no cold Bintang here, mind you).

Heinekens are priced at USD 5 (IDR 70,000) and Coronas USD 6.5 (IDR 90,000). Whenever you’re feeling peckish, bites to order include beef kebabs, quesadillas, calamari and fries, ranging from USD 3 to 10 (IDR 45,000-150,000). A first drink charge of IDR 150,000 applies. (net)

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Tuesday, August 21, 2018

International

Djokovic wins Cincy title to complete Masters matched set

CINCINNATI - Novak Djokovic ended a career-long jinx, lifting the trophy in Cincinnati at last to complete a matched set of Masters 1000 titles.

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images/AFP

Roger Federer of Switzerland and Novak Djokovic of Serbia pose for photographers after their match during the men’s final of the Western & Southern Open at Lindner Family Tennis Center on August 19, 2018 in Mason, Ohio.

Djokovic, who came up empty in five prior Cincinnati finals, defeated seven-time winner Roger Federer 6-4, 6-4 in the final.

The former world number one became the first man to win all nine of the ATP’s Masters 1000 events in the elite series’ current configuration.

Federer, meanwhile, lost a final in the hardcourt US Open tuneup for the first time.

“I played five finals (here) before, and most of those finals I lost to this great man, Roger ... thank you for letting me win here once in Cincinnati,” Djokovic joked.

“This is a dream come true,” Djokovic said. “I finally won Cincinnati after six finals, some against the greatest ever, Roger.”

Federer, a 20-time Grand Slam winner, said his game wasn’t sharp -- but he didn’t want to take anything away from Djokovic’s achievement.

“Novak is a great champion,” Federer said. “This is about him making history.”

Federer’s streak of 100 straight unbroken service games in Cincy was ended by Djokovic in the seventh game of the first set.

The 37-year-old Swiss had been aiming for a 99th career trophy, but was unable to get over the line due in part to four double-faults at the most inopportune of times, but he said his return game was also lacking.

“It was definitely not my best day on the return - it was just awful,” Federer said. “Missing every second serve on the forehand side, I don’t know what that was about.

“But I don’t even want to look for reasons why it happened,” he added. “Novak totally deserved to win today.

This (effort) was not good enough.

“Good week, but I’m happy it’s over and I need to rest,” added Federer, his eye on the US Open starting in New York in eight days.

Djokovic claimed the opening set in 37 minutes and came back from an early break in the second to overhaul his longtime rival as they played for the 46th time. (afp)

No Ronaldo, no Zidane, no problem as Real start La Liga with victory MADRID - Real Madrid got their La Liga campaign off to a winning start with a 2-0 victory at home to Getafe on Sunday in their first league outing since the summer departures of Cristiano Ronaldo and coach Zinedine Zidane.

The European champions ensured the three points at the Santiago Bernabeu with a 20th-minute goal from Dani Carvajal and a Gareth Bale strike on 51 minutes.

Keylor Navas held on to his place as Real Madrid’s starting goalkeeper despite the arrival of Thibaut Courtois.

Costa Rica international Navas has been first choice since 2015 but had been expected to make way for Courtois, a recent 35-million-

euro recruit from Chelsea who was voted best goalkeeper at this summer’s World Cup. Julen Lopetegui, who replaced Zidane as coach, also selected Nacho at the heart of the defence rather than French World Cup winner Raphael Varane.

Real, playing their first La Liga game since the departure of Ronaldo to Juventus, went into Sunday’s game on the back of a 4-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Supercup in midweek.

But they were rarely in trouble on Sunday. Bale was unlucky when a diving header came back off the crossbar in the first half before the Welshman was key in the build-up to the first goal with Carvajal head-

ing in his cross.

Another defensive error helped Real grab their second goal when Marco Asensio stole the ball and sent over a cross for Bale to score with his left foot.

Asensio was close to getting his name on the scoresheet but was denied by the woodwork.

Meanwhile, Portuguese striker Andre Silva marked his La Liga debut with a hat-trick as Sevilla romped to a 4-1 win at Rayo Vallecano, surpassing his total of goals scored for AC Milan in the whole of last season’s Serie A. Silva had managed just two goals for the Serie A giants and was loaned out to Sevilla this summer. (afp)

JAVIER SORIANO / AFP

Real Madrid’s Welsh forward Gareth Bale (L) challenges Getafe’s Uruguayan defender Damian Suarez during the Spanish League football match between Real Madrid and Getafe at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on August 19, 2018.

6

Tuesday, August 21, 2018

W

RLD

SEAN DAVEY / AFP

Australia’s Minister for Home Affairs Peter Dutton (2nd R) speaks at Parliament as Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (bottom L) looks at his notes in Canberra on August 20, 2018.

Leadership fears see Australia PM back away from climate targets SYDNEY - Australia shelved plans to embed carbon emissions targets in law Monday, after a party revolt against embattled Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

With its heavy use of coal-fired power and relatively small population of 25 million, Australia is considered one of the world’s worst per capita greenhouse gas polluters.

Turnbull’s predecessor Tony Abbott was in charge when Canberra agreed to cut emissions by 26 percent by 2030 as part of the so-called Paris Agreement.

But Abbott, who was ousted by moderate Turnbull in a Liberal party coup three years ago and once declared climate change “absolute crap”, has since railed against the committment he made.

He has argued it should not be enshrined in law as part of the government’s new energy policy, known as the National Energy Guarantee (NEG), as consumers complain about soaring electricity prices.

“As long as we are in it (Paris) we will be running our power system to reduce emissions, not to give us affordable, reliable power,” Abbott, now a vocal backbencher, said on Monday.

Several right-wingers allied to Abbott had threat-

Multiple quakes...

From page 1

There were landslides in a national park on Mount Rinjani where hundreds of hikers had been briefly trapped after the quake in late July.

The park has been closed since then.

Sunday’s tremors were also felt on Bali but there were no reports of damage there.

-‘Ring of Fire’ -

The latest tremor comes two weeks after a shallow 6.9-magnitude quake on August 5 damaged tens of thousands of homes, mosques and businesses across Lombok. At least 481 people died

ened to vote with the opposition to block the NEG, and with the government only having a wafer-thin parliamentary majority, it was doomed in its current form.

Turnbull admitted there was not enough support for the bill as he ditched plans to try to legislate the targets -- an embarrassing u-turn to a key element of his signature policy.

“We are parties to the Paris agreement and the government has committed to that, but the simple reality is that we need to have effectively all of our members in the House of Representatives to vote with the government to carry legislation,” he said.

“At this stage, we don’t have that.”

The backdown does not mean Australia has abandoned its commitment to the UN climate agreement, only that it has postponed indefinitely any attempt to make the target enforceable through law.

But closing ageing coal-fired power stations and a troubled transition to clean energy has seen power bills soar.

Internal disunity over the issue came to a head at the weekend with rampant speculation that Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton could challenge Turnbull for the Liberal leadership, a move he denied. (afp)

and thousands were injured.

The hardest-hit region was in the north of the island, which has suffered hundreds of aftershocks.

A week before that quake, a tremor surged through the island and killed 17. The disasters have raised fears that Lombok’s key tourism industry would take a beating, but the international airport was operating normally Monday. “People have been arriving and leaving Lombok as usual since last night -- there’s been no sudden rush of people trying to get out,” said I Gusti Ngurah Ardita, general manager of Lombok Praya International Airport. Indonesia sits on the so-called Pacific “Ring of Fire”, where tectonic plates collide

and many of the world’s volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occur.

The Australian and Eurasian plates, which sit under the archipelago, have been colliding and putting stress on key area fault lines, according to a geologist. “Clearly there are different parts of the fault that are moving at the moment releasing those stressors,” said Chris Elders, an expert in plate tectonics and structural geology at Curtin University in West Australia.

In 2004 a tsunami triggered by a magnitude 9.3 undersea earthquake off the coast of Sumatra in western Indonesia killed 220,000 people in countries around the Indian Ocean, including 168,000 in Indonesia. (afp)

International

Confusion reigns as Venezuela braces for release of new banknotes

CARACAS - Beleaguered Venezuelans braced Monday for the rollout of President Nicolas Maduro’s radical new plan to curb the spiraling hyperinflation that has thrown their oil-rich, cash-poor nation into turmoil.

Caracas is issuing new banknotes after lopping five zeroes off the crippled bolivar, casting a pall of uncertainty over businesses and consumers across the country.

“There will be a lot of confusion in the next few days, for consumers and the private sector,” said the director of the Ecoanalitica consultancy, Asdrubal Oliveros.

“It’s a chaotic scenario.”

Other measures -- revealed by Maduro in a speech to the nation late Friday -- include a massive minimum wage hike, the fifth so far this year.

As it stands, the monthly minimum wage -- devastated by inflation and the aggressive devaluation of the bolivar -- is still not enough to buy a kilogram (2.2 pounds) of meat.

The embattled Maduro, a former bus driver and union leader, said the country needed to show “fiscal discipline” and stop the excessive money printing of recent years.

But economists say the radical overhaul could only make matters worse.

In the capital Caracas, residents were skeptical about the new measures.

“Everything will stay the same, prices will continue to rise,” 39-year-old Bruno Choy, who runs a street food stand, told AFP. Angel Arias, a 67-year-old retiree, dubbed the new currency a “pure lie!”

Three of the country’s leading opposition groups -- Primero Justicia, Voluntad Popular and Causa R -- have rejected the reform plan and called for a day of protest on Tuesday.

- New currency, old woes The new currency, the sovereign bolivar -- to distinguish from the current, and ironically named, strong bolivar -- will be anchored to the country’s widely discredited cryptocurrency, the petro.

Each petro will be worth about $60, based on the price of a barrel of Venezuelan oil. In the new currency, that will be 3,600 sovereign bolivars -- signaling a massive devaluation.

In turn, the minimum wage will be fixed at half a petro (1,800 sovereign bolivars). That is about $28 -- more than 34 times the previous level of less than a dollar at the prevailing black market rate. (afp)

Federico PARRA / AFP

People buy groceries at the municipal market of Coche, a neighbourhood of Caracas, on August 18, 2018 ahead of Monday, when Venezuela will start issuing new banknotes after slashing five zeroes off the crippled bolivar.

International

Tuesday, August 21, 2018

Deputy Speaker urges govt to intensify aid deployment to Lombok JAKARTA- Fahri Hamzah, Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR), has urged the central government to deploy more significant aid to Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), which has been hit by a series of earthquakes over the last one month.

“Whatever the status, it`s important to deploy a huge amount of assistance. There have been nearly one thousand quakes and aftershocks, and hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced. Is it not enough? From Arafat, I am begging,” Hamzah tweeted from Arafat, Saudi Arabia, on Monday, as he is at presently undertaking the Hajj pilgrimage.

The state must do more because it has the resources, he wrote. “Please, Mr Jokowi, make a decision immediately. Deploy the country`s resources to help NTB. If the state moves slowly, the public will lose trust in the state. The state is obliged to be present, particularly when nature seems to punish us.

Allah knows best what is happen-

ing,” he noted.

There are two foundations working for the state, namely through regulations and budgets, according to Hamzah, who is originally from NTB. Through regulations, he urged the central government to declare a national emergency status for the natural disaster affecting NTB. By declaring the national emergency status, the central government can form a rehabilitation body to speed up recovery in NTB, including reconstruction of affected tourism facilities and infrastructure.

Besides, the victims of the earthquake must not be left in the emergency tents for too long, he said.

The lawmaker said it is not wise to ask the NTB administration to handle most of the rescue and recovery efforts itself, as many of the province`s civil servants themselves are victims of the earthquakes.

The central government has pledged Rp4 trillion for Lombok, but the bureaucracy must be simplified to speed up the handling effort, he added. (ant)

VP Kalla receives visit from Japan`s Aichi Prefecture Governor

JAKARTA - Vice President Jusuf Kalla was visited by the Governor of Aichi Prefecture, Hideaki Omura, here on Monday, and they discussed how to increase economic trade between Indonesia and Japan, especially in Nagoya.

“At the moment, there are over 250 corporations that have made investments in Indonesia and they came from our area in Aichi, which also means that more that 50 percent of the total investment made came from our area,” said Governor Omura after meeting the vice president in his office in Jakarta, Monday.

The partnership and friendly ties go way back and have been strengthened with back-to-back visits between Kalla and Omura.

The meeting held in Jakarta on Monday was the fourth one in the last 10 years. Omura revealed that he was first introduced to Kalla back in 2008 when he was serving as vice president to the then Indo-

nesia President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

The second meeting took place in 2015 and the third one was held in 2017. “Since the beginning, the relations between our area and the vice president have been well maintained. Kalla, as an entrepreneur himself, visits our area in Nagoya every year, and until now, the relationship is still going strong,” he explained.

He believed that the vice president appreciated the trade partnership with the Aichi Prefecture area; even at a time when Indonesia is suffering from an economic crisis, businessmen from Aichi continue to investment in the nation.

“The vice president acknowledged the fact that although Indonesia has suffered through crises twice, Japanese businesses continued to make their investments here, including renowned corporations from Aichi such as Toyota,” he concluded. (ant)

11

Forests group halts plan to endorse Indonesian paper giant JAKARTA — The main global group for certifying sustainable wood has suspended plans to give its influential endorsement to Indonesian paper giant Sinarmas after revelations it cut down tropical forests and used an opaque corporate structure to hide its activities.

The Forest Stewardship Council said Thursday that it had halted a process that could have enabled the Asia Pulp & Paper arm of Sinarmas to be readmitted to the organization.

The group said it is awaiting information from the conglomerate “related to its corporate structure and alleged unacceptable forest management activities” by companies thought related to it and wants full disclosure.

Three months ago, the council had sent a come clean ultimatum to Sinarmas, one of the world’s largest paper companies, and its billionaire Indonesian family owners.

The conglomerate said Thursday that it has hired an accounting firm to carry out a “comprehensive assessment” of all industrial forest plantation companies in Indonesia that would be supervised by The Forest Trust, a corporate backed group that says it promotes transparency in supply chains. Its members include Asia Pulp & Paper. The assessment would resolve “ongoing and unsubstantiated allegations of using opaque ownership structures,” Sinarmas said.

The FSC mark, a stylized tree, is sought by paper producers and other wood users as an endorsement they can use in the marketplace to promote their products as “green” and charge a premium. It is especially crucial for access to the lucrative North American market.

The group’s suspension of its endorsement for Sinarmas comes after investigations by The Associ-

ated Press and the environmental news site Mongabay showed extensive ties between Sinarmas and plantation companies that the conglomerate had either denied any involvement with or described as independent suppliers.

One of those companies was cutting down tropical forest in West Kalimantan that was a habitat for critically endangered Bornean orangutans, a violation of the conglomerate’s 2013 vow to end deforestation.

Greenpeace, which had been advising Sinarmas on conservation, cut ties with the conglomerate.

Separately, on Wednesday, conservation groups released a report based on government wood utilization data that showed Asia Pulp & Paper had purchased wood from two plantation companies that have cleared a combined 32,000 hectares of natural forest since 2013. It also said another Indonesian conglomerate, Asia Pacific Resources International, usually known as April, had done the same.

The purchased wood was plantation grown, not natural forest. But the conservation groups said both companies were violating their no-deforestation promises because they were taking wood grown on land where the natural forest is being progressively cut down.

Asia Pulp & Paper said it had “quarantined” at one of its mills about 800 truckloads of wood bought from Fajar Surya Swadaya.

It said the purchase was an administrative lapse that occurred before an inspection of the plantation showed the operator didn’t understand what is known as “high carbon stock” and was cutting down natural forest. April, meanwhile, said the plantation had done a conservation assessment in April 2015 and based on this, the development wasn’t done in a forest with high conservation value. (ap)

AP Photo/Tatan Syuflana

In this Aug. 5, 2018, photo, students sit in front of building that houses the headquarters of Sinarmas Group, one of Indonesia’s largest palm oil company, in Jakarta, Indonesia. The main global group for certifying sustainable wood has suspended plans to give its influential endorsement to Indonesian paper giant Sinarmas after revelations it cut down tropical forests and used an opaque corporate structure to hide its activities.

12

International

Tuesday, August 21, 2018

BUSINESS Turkey’s president says country will defy economic threats

ISTANBUL — Turkey’s president said Saturday his country will stand strong against an “attempted economic coup” amid heightened tensions with the United States.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan told thousands of supporters in Ankara that the country was being “threatened by the economy, sanctions, foreign currency, interest rates and inflation.”

“We tell them that we see their game and we challenge them,” he said.

Turkey is reeling from a massive sell-off of its currency as Washington imposed sanctions and threatened new ones if an American pastor under house arrest isn’t released.

Evangelical pastor Andrew Craig Brunson faces up to 35 years

Bali News

International

Tuesday, August 21, 2018

Tanah Lot as Spiritual Tourist Attraction

For foreign travelers, Tanah Lot is a unique place to relax because it offers an exotic and panoramic view. Different from the case with Bali local residents, Tanah Lot is really a spiritual tourist destination to invoke physical and spiritual peace. Balinese people flock to implement worship at temples on piodalan or temple anniversary or typical days. For instance, piodalan at Pakendungan Temple on Saturday (Sep. 17) coincided with the Kuningan feast. Hindu community is booming to say prayers.

The ceremony was started the day before with purificatory rite to local spring, so it became a live cultural attraction. Similarly, the procession of parading the Bendesa Shakti kris dagger was held by Kediri Palace. Both became unique moment for tourists. After the parade, it was resumed with piodalan

procession. “Piodalan ritual is held at 20:0 until 23:00. The ritual is prepared by Kedungu customary village,” said Operations Manager of Tanah Lot tourist attraction, I Ketut Toya Adnyana.

Extreme heat accompanied with cloudy weather did not dampen the intention of pilgrims to pray and

visitors to have leisure. Thousands of Hindus pilgrims from various regions in Bali come to say prayers at Pakendungan Temple. The crowd began to look at 10:00, and the peak occurred at 14:00 till night.

“We’ve arranged the merchants and forbid them from selling around the temple area so as to provide

comfort for pilgrims desiring to say prayers,” he said.

The piodalan lasted for three days consecutively until Tuesday (Sep. 20). Along with piodalan at Pakendungan Temple, similar ritual also took place at Batu Mejan Temple located in the area of Enjung Galuh and adjacent to Batu Bolong Temple and Patok Temple near Pakendungan Temple. “To anticipate congestion, pecalang or customary security guard of Kedungu customary village makes cooperation with related division at Tanah Lot for arrangement of parking space,” he added.

AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici

Trump team predicts an economic boom, defying most analysts

WASHINGTON - Is the latest pickup in U.S. economic growth destined to slow in the years ahead as most analysts say?

Or, as the Trump administration insists, is the economy on the cusp of an explosive boom that will reward Americans and defy those expectations?

On Thursday, President Donald Trump’s chief economic adviser made his case for the boom. Calling mainstream predictions “pure nonsense,” Larry Kudlow declared that the expansion — already the second-longest on record — is merely in its “early innings.”

“The single biggest event, be it political or otherwise, this year is an economic boom that most people thought would be impossible to generate,” Kudlow said at a Cabinet meeting, speaking at the president’s request and looking directly at him.

“Not a rise. Not a blip.”

“People may disagree with me,” Kudlow continued, “but I’m saying this, we are just in the early stages.”

The U.S. economy grew for seven straight years under President Barack Obama before Trump

took office early last year. Since then, it’s stayed steady, and the job market has remained strong.

The stock market is also nearing an all-time high, a sign of confidence about corporate profits.

Economic growth has picked up this year, having reached a four-year high of 4.1 percent at an annual rate last quarter. Job gains are also running at a slightly faster pace than in 2017. Most analysts see the economy growing a solid 3 percent this year — a potential political asset for Trump and the Republican Party, especially with the approach of November’s congressional elections.

Yet it’s hard to find any outside mainstream economists who would agree with Kudlow’s assertion that the Trump administration can accelerate or even sustain that growth rate. Analysts generally expect that the benefits from Trump’s tax cuts and an additional $300 billion in government spending that he signed into law in February will gradually slow along with economic growth.

Most also say the Fed’s continuing interest rate hikes, combined

Other than large number of pilgrims saying prayers to Pakendungan and Batu Mejan Temple, Tanah Lot tourist attraction is also thronged by other visitors from local Bali and outside the island.

They came to Tanah Lot to spend holiday of Kuningan feast and ongoing local school holidays. In addition, religious atmosphere of Tanah Lot seemed to add to the cool and calm atmosphere, so that visitors and pilgrims feel comfortable and not affected by any circumstances beyond the context of the visit and prayers. (kmb)

Catfish Pepes in Complete Seasoning and Torch Ginger

in jail if convicted of espionage and terror-related charges. He maintains his innocence.

The lira’s value dropped 38 percent against the dollar since the beginning of the year and sunk as low as 7.24 this week.

On Friday, ratings agencies Standard & Poor and Moody’s downgraded Turkey’s credit rating further to “junk” status, pointing to currency volatility and concerns over central bank independence.

Some Erdogan supporters at his ruling party’s congress to elect a new executive branch wore shirts with the lira sign. (ap)

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, center, accompanied by his wife Emine, left, throws flowers to his supporters as he arrives to deliver a speech at his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) congress in Ankara, Turkey, Saturday, Aug. 18, 2018.

with the trade conflicts Trump has sparked with most of America’s trading partners, could also limit growth.

“Economists are incredibly hopeful that the White House is right,” said Carl Tannenbaum, chief economist of Northern Trust.

“Unfortunately, most economic analysis and past historical patterns suggest that we’re in the middle of a sugar rush that will wear off.”

Economists have generally forecast that the pace of annual economic growth will slip to about 2.5 percent in 2019 and then less in the subsequent years.

Even within the government, the leading forecasts are more sober.

The Fed expects growth to slip to 2.4 percent in 2019 and 2 percent in 2020. The Congressional Budget Office said this week that growth would likely slow to 1.7 percent in 2020.

Tannenbaum noted that the economy faces two trends that essentially act as a speed limit.

First, over time, the economy can grow only as fast as the size of its workforce. Yet the vast baby boom generation is retiring.

What’s more, the administration is seeking to limit immigration, which would reduce the number of available workers. During the longest U.S. expansion, from 1991 through 2001, the working-age population grew an average of 1.2 percent a year. Yet from 2008 through 2017, it expanded an average of just 0.5 percent annually.

A second factor is the growth of worker productivity — the amount of output per hour worked — which has fallen by half in the decade since the Great Recession, from a 2.7 percent average rate to 1.3 percent.

Even if the economy did accelerate unexpectedly, the Fed would then likely raise rates faster to avert a pickup in inflation and cause the expansion to slow.

In addition, the tax cuts and government spending that are helping boost economic growth for now have swollen the budget deficit, which is expected to surpass $1 trillion annually in 2020 — a level Tannenbaum calls “absolutely frightening.”

Such high deficits require largescale government borrowing. Such

additional borrowing typically sends interest rates up and makes it harder for businesses to borrow, spend and expand.

On top of that risk, the Trump administration’s tariffs, which are meant to force countries to trade on terms more favorable to the U.S., could devolve into a trade war that would imperil economic growth.

What’s more, a global economic slowdown, stemming from factors beyond the administration’s control, perhaps among troubled emerging economies, would likely spill over to the United States.

Scott Anderson, chief economist at Bank of the West, noted that the $1.5 trillion worth of tax cuts that will take effect over the next decade were supposed to spur companies to make additional investments in machinery, vehicles and other technology that would lift worker productivity. But the pace of equipment spending has fallen since the end of last year. That’s a sign to him that the growth in 2018 might be fleeting.

“The tax cuts are really not moving the needle for businesses,” Anderson said. (ap)

5

to Take Selfie at ATM? Visit This Fun Location

Assuredly it is not an ATM of any kind. To be sure, it has nothing to do with automated teller machines used to withdraw money. It stands for Anjungan Tukad Melangit (ATM) or literally meaning the platform of Melangit River located at Antugan hamlet, Jehem village, Tembuku, Bangli, as one of the favorite places for travelers that like to take selfie.

At this ATM, visitors cannot only take pictures with the background of natural beauty of the Melangit River, but also in the swing and some other selfie facilities.

Before becoming the target of travelers, the ATM was once made only by local youths to simply hang out together. The materials used to

make the platform are only sober ones, namely wood and bamboo.

However, after visitors took selfie and was uploaded to social media, the platform is getting more crowded with tourist visits.

Operations Manager of the ATM, I Wayan Lendra, recently said the ATM has been famous since more than a year ago. Seeing the number of incoming visitors, he continues to make improvements and arrangement. If formerly there used to be only one platform, now there have been three permanently built platforms. “We make them permanent for the convenience of visitors,” he explained.

In addition to the platform, the ATM management also offers several

other facilities suitable for taking pictures such as traditional swing and heart-shaped bamboo cane work. At the ATM, visitors can also feel the sensation of camping and picking oranges in person.

If previously visitors to the ATM were only charged a voluntary levy, now the management charges admission ticket worth IDR 10,000 for adult and IDR 5,000 for child of domestic tourists. Meanwhile, foreign tourists are charged IDR 15,000 per person.

So far, Lendra admitted that the rate of tourist visits to ATM is now increasing. On typical days, the average visit rate reaches tens of people per day, while on holidays it increases up to 80 percent more. (kmb)

Make a try to taste fried catfish. Wow… it is remarkably delicious! Similarly, you can taste catfish pepes (wrapped in banana leaf) with complete seasoning. Of course, it must be different. Catfish pepes coming with Balinese complete seasoning is indeed unable to be prepared by all people. This means the catfish pepes having excellent taste with natural ingredients without preservatives.

Mak Ade is one of the rural chefs who always makes catfish pepes with torch ginger every day. This old and single woman from Ole hamlet, Marga Dauh Puri, Tabanan, indeed has expertise in preparing menus especially the traditional ones.

Her cooking is famous for its delicacy, so that local villagers always purchase it.

Well, among the menus on sale, the catfish pepes with torch ginger is frequently purchased as can be consumed by children, teenagers to old people. In the afternoon, after coming home from cultivating paddy fields, village farmers will drop in to buy catfish pepes as a side dish for dinner. Sometimes, people have also arrived before her stall is opened. The side dish will be served as side dish for lunch in paddy fields.

Children also like this kind of menu. However, they must eat carefully because the flesh still contains few bones. Catfish will be better to be consumed when accompanied with vegetable with grated coconut seasoning and cassava chips.

Catfish pepes prepared by Mak Ade offers very distinctive taste. On that account, she opens her food stalls in the morning and afternoon for breakfast and dinner.

When preparing this catfish pepes, Mak Ade uses giant catfish, torch ginger, Balinese complete seasoning and banana leaf to wrap it. The complete seasoning covers turmeric, galangal, aromatic ginger, ginger, garlic, onion, large chili, cayenne pepper, lemongrass, candlenut, pepper, coriander and salt.

First of all, prepare complete seasoning by chopping turmeric, galangal, ginger, and aromatic ginger. Then, grind garlic, onion, large chili, cayenne and lemongrass. Similarly, grind the candlenut, pepper, and coriander. All the seasonings are ground to be getting smooth. Please add salt to taste.

Similarly, cut thin the torch ginger and bruise to be smoother.

Cleanse the catfish and then cut into pieces according to taste.

The finely grounded seasoning is put into the basin, put the slices of catfish flesh and mix them together well with the seasoning. Add bay leaves to create a distinctive flavor.

Further, wrapped the batter of catfish flesh and the seasoning lengthways following the line of leaves and attach with bamboo pin (tooth pick). After that, steam it until cooked. Roast to taste fine and delicious. Now, it is ready to serve. (kmb)

4

Bali News

Tuesday, August 21, 2018

International

Tuesday, August 21, 2018

International

Rocked by earthquake, cliff of Bukit Abang returns to slide BANGLI - The earthquake that occurred on Sunday (Aug. 19) again made the Bukit Abang cliff at Buahan village, Kintamani, to experience a landslide. Landslide material in the form of soil and rocks fell and covered part of the road body. Slope of the cliff condition made a number of residents worried about aftershocks.

As information compiled, the landslides occurred shortly after the earthquake shook around 12:30 last Sunday. No fatalities or materials were reported due to the landslide.

Location of the landslides is quite far from residential areas.

Headman of Buahan, I Wayan Suardi, when confirmed last Sunday justified the occurrence of the landslide. The landslide caused by the earthquake at the location was the third time. “It has the same location but was not too hard,” he said.

Although some roads were covered with landslides, he said, the traffic from Abang village, Terunyan village to Buahan village and vice versa is not disturbed. Vehicles still pass as usual. However, residents are quite alarmed especially if there is rain because cliff condition is not stable.

Suardi added the condition of the cliff experiencing landslides

become bald and rocky. It made trees difficult to grow. “Now, it is not yet too serious. But what we are very much worried about is the possibility of landslide when the rainy season comes. Right now, it has been eroded every day,” he said.

Meanwhile, Section Head of Emergency and Logistics at the Bangli Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD), Ketut Agus Sutapa, when confirmed separately said the landslide occurred because the supporting trees of the land no longer exist, so the land becomes unstable. Although most part of the road has been buried by landslide materials, there was no accident at the location. Vehicles and motorcycles can still pass on the route.

“Meanwhile, up to these days no heavy equipment is required to clean up the landslide materials,” he said.

He returned to urge the entire Bangli community to remain vigilant and alert against the possibility of aftershocks. “If being inside the building or inside the house while the earthquake happens, find a vacant field. Don’t panic and recognize the area. Remember to protect your head. And if an earthquake occurs, turn off the electrical and stove installation,” he added. (kmb40)

Four Japan athletes kicked out of Asian Games for buying sex

Krit Phromsakla Na SAKOLNAKORN / THAI NEWS PIX / AFP

Detained Belarusian model Anastasia Vashukevich, better known by her pen name Nastya Rybka, steps out of a prison van on arrival at a court in Pattaya to face trial on August 20, 2018, following a police raid on a sex training course.

Bali House of Representatives, I Ketut Tama Tenaya

IBP/kmb

Sand sucking ship makes people unsettled

DENPASAR - The existence of sand sucking ship is troubling to the public, especially those on the coast of Southern Bali. Moreover, there has never been any dissemination to the public regarding such an activity.

IBP/kmb

The earthquake that occurred on Sunday (Aug. 19) again made the Bukit Abang cliff at Buahan village, Kintamani, to experience a landslide.

13

“The people of Kutuh customary village, South Kuta, and surrounding areas are restless with the presence of sand sucking ship in Southern Bali,” said Chairman of Commission I of the Bali House of Representatives, I Ketut Tama Tenaya, in Denpasar, on Sunday (Aug. 19).

Based on his observations, one of the sand sucking ships is operated on Pandawa Beach. In the Benoa Harbor area, he said, there is also special dredger ship. Tama is worried if the massive exploitation will cause the coastal abrasion to be getting more serious from Tanjung Benoa, Nusa Dua, Kutuh and Ungasan to Pecatu.

“When the ship is sucking, the seawater has begun to become murky, so the people scream,” explained this politician from Tanjung Benoa, Badung.

Tama asked the government, especially the Bali Fisheries and Maritime Service, to intervene and check. Community activities, especially fishermen having the liveli-

hoods in the sea are very disturbed by the sand suctioning. Besides, the land is also potentially eroded. He stated the government should pay attention to the security of coastal area community whose livelihood very much depends only on the coast and sea.

“There has never been any dissemination about the suction activities of sea sand for the Benoa Harbor and Ngurah Rai Airport projects,” added this PDI-P politician.

When confirmed separately, the Head of the Bali Fisheries and Maritime Service, I Made Gunaja, claimed that so far he had not received any complaints about the sucking of sand from the community, especially fishermen. It happens because the authority to guide fishermen lies in the district / municipality.

“I don’t know whether the complaints have been forwarded to the District Fisheries and Maritime Service,” he said.

So far, Gunaja said that he only

received information related to damage caused by strong winds, and copies of proposal on the assistance to the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries regarding the damage. On the other hand, it did not know for certain about the suction activity.

“It has something to do with licensing. I do not understand the activity because yesterday I heard from the meeting, permission from the Ministry of Transportation,” he said.

Nevertheless, continued Gunaja, his agency is indeed requested by the governor to make technical considerations on the location permit for the apron development at Ngurah Rai Airport.

Meanwhile, there is a separate authority related to the Benoa Harbor.

“The location permit asked to our agency is for the making of technical study for the development of the airport apron but I don’t work on for the others,” he explained. (kmb32)

Model claiming Trump secrets pleads not guilty in Thailand case

PATTAYA - A Belarusian model who sparked global intrigue after claiming she had evidence of Russian efforts to help Donald Trump win office pleaded not guilty Monday to charges of running an illegal “sex training” class in Thailand.

Anastasia Vashukevich, better known by her pen name Nastya Rybka, has been detained in Thailand since February when police raided a risque seminar in the seaside resort city of Pattaya.

Vashukevich had travelled to Thailand after becoming embroiled in a political scandal with Russian aluminium tycoon Oleg Deripaska, a onetime associate of Trump’s nowdisgraced former campaign director Paul Manafort.

She set off a scramble for details after she promised in an Instagram video to reveal “missing puzzle pieces” on claims the Kremlin aided the US President’s 2016 election victory. No material has been released to substantiate her claims, and critics have accused her of a publicity stunt.

Vashukevich and her seven co-defendants arrived at the Pattaya court on Monday for a pre-trial hearing on the charges that include unlawful assembly and conspiracy.

Police initially charged the group

with work permit violations but later alleged the seminar, led by self-styled Russian seduction guru Alex Kirillov and ostensibly a course training participants to be better lovers, was actually intended to arrange paid sex for participants.

Photos of course participants in detention after the February raid showed them wearing t-shirts that said “sex animator”.

Kirillov, who has served as a spokesperson for the mostly-Russian group because he speaks English, told the court that all eight defendants were pleading not guilty.

“We did not commit any crimes,” he said. “What we do is training on how to seduce men and women. We do not make any sexual activity.”

Vashukevich cried after the prosecutor showed a photo of several of her co-defendants hugging at a nightclub after a training session.

“Why was I arrested? Why am I here?” she said.

The next hearing has been set for August 27.

Pattaya, on Thailand’s southern coast, is a party town with a reputation for vice and a sizeable Russian expatriate community.

Both Washington and Moscow have publically shrugged off Vashukevich’s story, which US State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert described as “bizarre”.

Additional legal troubles are also awaiting Vashukevich and Kirillov back in Russia, where Deripaska won an invasion of privacy lawsuit against the duo last month.

They were ordered to pay $8,000 each to Deripaska, who sued them after a video apparently filmed

by Vashukevich surfaced which appeared to show the tycoon vacationing with Sergei Prikhodko, an influential Russian deputy prime minister at the time.

Kremlin-connected Deripaska and Manafort did business together in the mid-2000s, The New York Times reported last year, but their relationship broke down into legal wrangling. (afp)

JAKARTA - Four Japanese basketball players were sent home from the Asian Games in disgrace for paying prostitutes for sex as the regional Olympics was hit by scandal on Monday.

The players were spotted in a notorious red light district of Jakarta in their national jerseys, JOC officials said, adding that the four had been ordered to leave immediately.

News that Yuya Nagayoshi, Takuya Hashimoto, Takuma Sato, Keita Imamura had been booted out will come as a major embarrassment for Japan, who will host the Tokyo Olympics in two years’ time.

“I just feel a sense of shame,” Japan’s chef de mission Yasuhiro Yamashita told reporters. “We deeply apologise and intend to give the athletes thorough guidance from now on.”

The basketball players had dinner after leaving the Games village last Thursday and are believed to have been solicited by a pimp to go to a hotel with women, Yamashita added.

They “paid for the services of prostitutes”, Yamashita said, according to Japan’s Kyodo news agency.

The story broke after the four, who play in Japan’s B-League, were spotted in the red light district by a reporter for Japan’s Asahi Shimbun newspaper.

“I would like to humbly apologise to the Japanese public, the JOC and everyone who supports basketball for this deplorable incident,” Japan basketball chief Yuko Mitsuya said in a statement.

“We will decide on the appropri-

ate punishment for the four players once we have heard all the facts.

We need to work harder to make sure this kind of scandal does not happen again.”

At the last Asian Games in 2014, Japan were forced to send home swimmer Naoya Tomita after he was caught on video stealing a journalist’s camera from the pool deck.

- Prostitutes and condoms The basketball scandal happened after Japan beat Qatar 82-71 to go top of Group C. Japan were bronze medallists at the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea.

It is far from being the first case of sexual misconduct at a major multisports event, which typically draw thousands of athletes, officials and fans from around the world.

At the 2014 Asian Games, an Iranian official was kicked out for the verbal sexual harassment of a female volunteer, and a Palestinian footballer was accused of groping a female worker at the athletes’ village.

In April, at the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, a Mauritian official was accused of sexually assaulting a female athlete during a photo shoot.

Major events around the world are believed to trigger a boom in prostitution and athletes’ villages are often stocked with free condoms -- about 225,000 at the Commonwealth Games.

Organisers say about 18,000 athletes and officials are visiting Jakarta and co-host city Palembang for the Asian Games, a regional Olympics featuring 40 sports. (afp)

IBP/net

Four Japanese basketball players were sent home from the Asian Games in disgrace for paying prostitutes for sex as the regional Olympics was hit by scandal on Monday.

14

Science

Tuesday, August 21, 2018

International

Viruses may help phytoplankton make clouds — by tearing the algae apart

WHEN tiny sea algae get sick, they may sneeze the seeds of clouds. Phytoplankton (Emiliania huxleyi) infected with a virus shed the small calcium carbonate plates that make up their shells much more quickly than healthy phytoplankton. Kicked up by thrashing waves into sea spray, those calcium bits may ultimately become part of the complex dance of cloud formation, researchers report August 15 in iScience. This is the first study to suggest the role that viruses, which often infect and kill phytoplankton in the ocean, may play.

The finding adds to a growing body of work showing that cloud formation is regulated not just by physical processes, such as evaporation and heat exchange between ocean and atmosphere, but also by biological processes, says marine biologist Roberto Danovaro, who wasn’t involved in the new research.

Previous studies in the Southern Ocean have shown that the marine organisms increase the number of cloud-forming droplets lingering in the atmosphere over the ocean there by about 60 percent each year. Phytoplankton may add to cloudiness by contributing gases and particles that can become “seeds” around which water vapor in the atmosphere can condense to form clouds.

In a controlled laboratory study, atmospheric chemist Miri Trainic and colleagues watched the progression of a phytoplankton viral infection and monitored how it altered the shedding of the calcium carbonate plates as well as the composition of sea spray. “We were convinced that those interactions must change what’s in the seawater and what will be burst out into the air,” says Trainic, of the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel.

The team filled a 10-liter container with four liters of seawater containing a population of E. huxleyi. Even healthy E.

huxleyi shed some of the tiny plates that make up their shells, called coccoliths; during ocean blooms, those shed coccoliths appear in satellite images as vast, milky turquoise swirls.

But when infected by a virus — called E. huxleyi virus — the phytoplankton tend to burst and rapidly drop all of their coccoliths, the researchers found. One day after being infected, the phytoplanktons’ number of calcium carbonate cells abruptly dropped. Uninfected phytoplankton saw no change in the number of their calcified cells in that same time period.

Within three days, seawater surrounding the infected phytoplankton had three times as many platelets as water

around the microorganisms’ healthy counterparts. To simulate sea spray, the researchers pumped air through the tank and measured the tiny particles released by breaking waves and bursting air bubbles.

Using polarized light microscopy to analyze particles in the spray collected on filters, the team found that the spray above the virally infected populations contained about two particles per cubic centimeter of air. That’s about an order of magnitude more of the coccolith particles than in the spray above the uninfected phytoplankton, the researchers say. (net)

IBP/net

Phytoplankton called Emiliania huxleyi (one shown) are covered in tiny calcium carbonate platelets.

When infected with a virus, the algae lose the platelets quickly.

A galaxy 11.3 billion light-years away appears filled with dark matter

CHILE - A distant galaxy appears filled with dark matter. The outermost stars in the Cosmic Seagull, a galaxy 11.3 billion light-years away, race too fast

to be propelled by the gravity of the galaxy’s gas and stars alone.

Instead, they move as if urged on by an invisible force, indicating the hidden presence of dark matter, as-

trophysicist Verónica Motta of the University of Valparaíso in Chile and her colleagues report August 8 at arXiv.org.

“In our nearby universe, you see

IBP/net

Using the telescopes of the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array in Chile (shown), astronomers discovered the most distant yet galaxy that appears to be filled with dark matter.

these halos of dark matter around galaxies like ours,” Motta says. “So we should expect that in the past, that halo was there, too.”

Motta and her colleagues used radio telescopes at the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) to measure the speed of gas across the Cosmic Seagull’s disk, from the center out to about 9,800 light-years. They found that the galaxy’s stars speed up as they get farther from the galaxy’s center.

That’s a strange setup for most orbiting objects — when planets orbit a star, for instance, the most distant planets move slowest. But it can be explained if the galaxy’s far reaches are dominated by dark matter that speeds things along.

Similar measurements of the Milky Way and neighboring galaxies provided one of the first signs that dark matter may exist, although physicists are still trying to detect the proposed particle directly.

Her team’s finding contrasts with a recent claim that such distant galaxies are oddly lacking in

Bali News

International

dark matter. That idea comes from a 2017 study by astronomer Reinhard Genzel of the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics in Garching, Germany, and his colleagues, who found more than 100 distant galaxies keep their slower stars at the edges and faster stars closer in — little to no dark matter required.

“In the astrophysical community, the [Genzel] result has been viewed with both excitement and skepticism,” says cosmologist Richard Ellis of University College London, who was not involved in either work. “It makes a lot of sense for others to examine galaxies at these [distances] in different ways.”

Motta and her colleagues were able to probe dark matter in the most distant galaxy yet, thanks to a massive galactic train wreck called the Bullet Cluster that acted as a huge cosmic telescope. The Cosmic Seagull lies behind the Bullet Cluster from Earth’s perspective, and the cluster’s mass distorts the Seagull’s light in a phenomenon called gravitational lensing. (net)

Tuesday, August 21, 2018

3

E-parking must still protect consumer rights

DENPASAR - The application of an electronic parking system or e-parking must remain to refer to the protection of consumer rights. On the one hand, it must be supported, but on the other hand the protection of consumer rights is far more important.

This was delivered by the Director of the Bali Consumer Protection Foundation (YLPK), I Putu Armaya.

As is known, the Tabanan district applies an electronic parking system or e-parking by placing e-parking equipment at a number of points in Tabanan town. “Actually, we very much support this policy. However, it will be imbalanced if we don’t think about the protection for consumers. It will be better and more focused if we think about consumer rights as this eparking system applies a progressive system,” said Armaya.

One of the highlights of the YLPK Bali is regarding the loss or damage of vehicle, for example, when it has scratches et cetera who will replace.

According to him, this should be considered. If necessary, it should be made a legal instrument, regional regulation, regent regulation or can be made by cooperating with the insurance company.

Before the e-parking is applied in Bali, there should be a study to hear inputs from the voice of consumers.

“We have a lot of data on services and parking problems in Bali. In the future, we are very happy if we are involved in discussing about the parking issues, especially the e-parking services,” he said.

According to Armaya, consumers of parking have the right as stated in the Law No.8/1999 on Consumer Protection highlighting the rights of consumers to get comfort and safety.

Based on Article 19 of the UUPK, if losing when consumers park their vehicles, they will get compensation.

I Putu Armaya

Then, when the e-parking policy has been implemented, it should not only consider the income side without thinking about the protection of consumers.

Moreover, consumers will pay for parking levies in a progressive amount. According to Armaya, the application of e-parking does not only become an attempt to arrange the parking, but also serves as an answer to the problem of limited available parking space amidst the high growth of private vehicles and low public awareness in complying with traffic regulations.

In the future, he hoped the local governments in Bali both regencies and municipality that want to implement e-parking should think about the issue of protection for parking consumers. Armaya, who is also a member of the National Executive of the Advocates Association, said that in accordance with article 4 of the Law No.8/1999 concerning Consumer Protection (UUPK), consumers have the right to get security, safety and comfort, in the case of parking services. There is even a criminal sanction of 5 years imprisonment to IDR 2 billion sanction. Based on Article 18 paragraph (1) Law No. 8/1999 concerning Consumer Protection (Law 8/1999), there is prohibition for business players to include a standard clause stating the transfer of responsibility.

Consequence of the inclusion of the standard clause is found in Article 18 paragraph three of the Law No.8/1999, where the standard clause is deemed to have never existed or is not valid or what is commonly referred to as being declared null and void. According to Armaya, parking services like at hospitals, airports or other public service parking must also provide protection for consumers. (kmb42)

IBP/kmb

Entering dry season, the target of rice planting area in Bali province cannot be met.

IBP/kmb

Planting target area missed due to commodity and land conversion

DENPASAR - Entering dry season, the target of rice planting area in Bali province cannot be met. Bali Food Crops, Plantation and Horticulture Agency targets a 5-percent increase in planting area, but only 2 percent has been reached from the production of October 2017 to July 2018.

Head of Bali Food Crops, Plantation and Horticulture Agency, I.B. Wisnuardhana, said that during the period of April - October is dry season. Even though it is raining, the air is dry. This influences what plants to be cultivated in the dry season. Within a year, there are two rice planting seasons namely October-March and April-September. Since April-September is the dry season, some farmers switched commodities in paddy fields from planting rice to marigold.

During the period of October 2017 to July 2018, the area of paddy cultivation reached 118,758 hectares.

When compared to the same period in the previous year, it showed an increase of 1,900 hectares or around 2 percent as the planting area in 2017 was only 116,632 hectares. “This shows an increase. In terms of percentage, the paddy planting area will increase by 2 percent.

But our target increases by 5 percent every year. The increase only reaches 2 percent. So, it remains less than the target,” he said.

According to him, the planting area must continue to increase because the need for rice continues to increase every year. Central government also targets an increase of around 5 percent so the Government Rice Reserves (CBP) also rises. “In Bali, even though the increase is small, it’s good because of the high land conversion,” he said.

In addition to conversion of commodities, the other problem of agriculture in paddy fields is land conver-

sion. During the period of 2016 - 2017, the land conversion reached 900 hectares or 1.13 percent. In 2016, the area of paddy fields in Bali amounted to 79,526 hectares while in 2017 decreased to 78,626 hectares.

“It is for the first time to reach high acreage namely 900 hectares. Commonly, the average reaches 400-500 hectares or 0.6 percent,” he said.

By referring to the prediction of the National Weather Service (BMKG), August belongs to dry season but the air is dry, so he urged farmers to participate in Rice Plant Business Insurance (AUTP) to cover the crop failure. “The risk of failure is usually in August,” he added.

Other than weather factors, farmers delay their rice planting due to the turn to use a tractor. Farmers need tractors. The assistance of 149 tractors provided by the local government caused the area of rice planting to be quite significant. The tractor assistance is spread throughout subak (irrigation cooperative) in Bali.

Other than the government, the private sector also helped by providing tractor assistance so the total tractor delivered this year is estimated to reach 300 units.

“This is also encouraging news. One of the causes of the planting area to become insignificant is the use of tractor in turn,” he said.

With a 5-percent rice planting target, the grain production target will reach 850,000 tons. Meanwhile, the grain production in 2017 reached 835,000 tons.

Of the 835,000 tons, 62 percent is processed into rice so that in 2017 the rice production was 518,000 tons.

In the meantime, the need for rice in Bali amounts to 417,816 tons and 37,000 tons of other needs. On that account, Bali had a surplus in 2017 as much as 63,000 tons of rice. Then, this year’s rice surplus is estimated to reach more than that. (kmb42)

2

Tuesday, August 21, 2018

Bali News

International

International

Sanur- birthplace of tourism on the island

Activities

Tuesday, August 21, 2018

15

And ray of hope for cultural sustainability

The word Sanur can be translated as “who is above” or “one light” and although Sanur Beach is indeed one of the most popular places in Bali to watch the sunrise, it is not the only place to greet the day. There is a mysterious and inspiring light that draws people together in this apparently sleepy village that has steadily grown over the years yet has retained a tranquility that is firmly rooted in local customs.

Today the main streets of Sanur are crowded with shops, restaurants and cafes as is the shore Sanur Beach, yet – like the calm ocean waves of Sanur Beach that are buffered by the sacred Island of Nusa Penida and by a nearby coral reef, so too is the village of Sanur buffered from the onslaught of commecialisation that comes with tourism, buffered by a mysterious force that many attribute to the culture of the people of Sanur.

Others say that this mysterious force is was brought people to Sanur in the first place and an ancient stone inscription dated to the run of the last milliemiun bears witness to the

attractive force of Sanur. In fact Sanur has a rich an intriguing history that continues to unfold until this very day with art playing an important role. From the large number of Brahmin families who call Sanur home to the first Europeans to settle in Bali, Sanur has inspired creative people of kinds since time immemorial.

On August 19th, 2018, this rich legacy continued to unfold in the form of a launch for authors Ida Bagus Siddartha and I Putu Swasta’s fascinating book about Sanur entitled Sanur-Merawat Tradisi di Tengah Modernisasi (maintaining traditions in the midst of modernization), published by Lestari Kirana with the cooperation of Yayasan Pembangunan Sanur and Sudamala Resort.

This book, explained co-Author I Putu Swasta gives a brief outline of some of the most compelling facts of Sanur’s history with particular attention to how it served as the main doorway into Bali for many years and indeed gave birth to tourism on the island.

While other parts of the island like Singaraja and Ubud were attractive to visitors, for a long time the locals there were reticent to interact with non-locals, whereas the people of Sanur – perhaps due to the high percentage

of priest class peoples, were always more open to having visitors live amongst them.

This openness continues to this day as witnessed by the strong community spirit that reigns in Sanur and includes people from all over the world.

The book tells of some of the more wellknown foreigners who have called Sanur home over the years and also explains some of the influences they brought to Bali’s already rich artistic heritage with effects as far reaching as Ubud and eventually the world.

Sanur-Merawat Tradisi di Tengah Modernisasi also explores some of the challenges and perhaps more importantly some of the successful ways that Sanur has managed to maintain it’s rich cultural traditions.

Tourism has indeed grown rapidly in Sanur over the last few decades and by some estimates risks eating away at the local culture. The Yayasan Himpunan Pembangunan Sanur who contributed to the publishing of this book was established -amongst other things, to ensure that the natural harmony of Sanur is maintained. Ben Subrata of Sudmala Resorts also contributed to the book including a brief forward and Sudamala Resort intentionally supports local art and culture

in their Sudakara Art Space. Satrian Gallery (Griya Santrian Resort and Villas) where the book launch took place also walks that fine line between serving tourism and serving as a stronghold of local art and culture with success in both fields. For the occasion of the book launch, Satrian Gallery also opened an exhibition of photographs by 21 different local photographers as part of the upcoming Sanur Village Festival.

Sanur is also home to a number of vibrant art communities both traditional and more contemporary in form, whose interactions with the wide range of visitors to this tourism village enriches their own practices as well as those who visit, making Sanur a low-key hotbed of talent and creative forces.

How well traditional arts and indeed social structures will survive amidst the moderninsing forces of tourism depends on a number of factors, including the room these customs are given to flourish. Sanur has done an exceptional job of ensuring that local traditions are not eroded -in part thanks to the intentional discussions on this matter that continue to be held on a regular basis both within the traditional community context and beyond.

As head of the Bali chapter of the Indonesia Hotel and Restaurant Association, soon to be vice-governor of Bali and long standing supporter of local art and culture, Ubud’s royal family figure Cok Tjokorda Oka Artha Ardana SukawatI said during the book launch: “tourism can in fact serve to strengthen traditional practices as our customs are in fact a huge reason why tourists visit. Tourism brings wealth to local people through direct exchanges without villagers having to rely on government subsidies to survive and thus encourages people to maintain the customs that attract this source of income.

Balinese people are not making money directly from their customs, but because these customs draw visitors, it serves as incentive for the younger generation to value this rich heritage”.

From the wealth of local gastronomical delights on offer in Sanur, to the pleasantly peaceful yet mystical powerful beach, from the upscale resorts to the local gigantic kite festival, from the deeply mystical to the more commercial arts and many things in between, Sanur remains a testament to the ability of tourism and local culture to interact in relative harmony. The upcoming Sanur Village Festival bears witness to this harmony and though not the historic chronicle that SanurMerawat Tradisi di Tengah Modernisasi is, this festival is perhaps an important part of Sanur’s history in the promise that it offers of having tradition be given a place of honor amidst modern tourism. (kmb)

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

Bangli: Suasrina, Buleleng: Mudiarta, Gianyar: Manik Astajaya, Karangasem: Bagiarta, Klungkung: Sosiawan. 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

EXTENDED GETAWAY AT INTERCONTINENTAL BALI

With its warm climate, beautiful beaches and vibrant culture Bali has long been a magnet for those looking for exotic holiday destinations. If you are dreaming of your next tropical island escape, book now to take advantage of the InterContinental Bali Resort Stay 7 pay 5 Extended Getaway.

Return airport transfers and daily gourmet breakfast will make your stay even sweeter.

With an absolute beachfront location on stunning Jimbaran Bay, the luxury resort

offers a fabulous range of accommodation, from spacious suites to private villas, making it the perfect choice for romantic retreats, family vacations and group getaways. Set in lush tropical gardens where manicured lawns dip to the golden sand, days can easily slip by as you relax on a sun lounger by one of the resort’s beautiful beachfront pools.

With seven fabulous nights in Bali including the extra two nights on us, you will have plenty of time to indulge in all the

luxuries of resort lifestyle, but if you can bare to tear yourselves away, our Concierge service will help you plan a scenic day trip to explore the natural and cultural attractions of beautiful Bali. A journey inland will bring you to Ubud the vibrant arts and cultural center of the island filled with ornamental temples, fascinating galleries and museums.

Travel further north to discover the glistening steeply terraced rice fields of Jatiluwih, scenic waterfalls, panoramic views of the

island’s volcanoes and lakes, and the evocative water palace of Tirta Gangga.

The Extended Getaway special is based on two adults sharing and is valid for bookings made by 30 September 2018 for stays until 23 December 2018. Terms and conditions apply.

For more information and reservation, please call +62 (361) 701 888 or email at icbali.reservation@ihg.com or make a reservation directly via InterContinental Hotels & Resorts.

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

16 Pages Number 174 10th year

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

Price: Rp 3.000,-

Tuesday, August 21, 2018

Weinstein accuser Asia Argento paid teen who made sex assault claim: report

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

Tuesday, August 21, 2018

WASHINGTON - Italian actress Asia Argento, who became a leading figure in the #MeToo movement after accusing powerhouse producer Harvey Weinstein of rape, paid hush money to a man who claimed she sexually assaulted him when he was 17, The New York Times reported Sunday.

The $380,000 payment was made to Jimmy Bennett, an actor and rock musician, who claimed Argento assaulted him in a California hotel room in 2013, according to the Times, which cited documents sent to the paper by an unidentified party.

Bennett was two months past his 17th birthday at the time of the alleged encounter, while Argento was 37. The legal age of consent in California is 18.

The pair are now 22 and 42 respectively.

The newspaper said it had tried repeatedly without success to get a comment on the matter from Argento and her representatives.

The terms of the deal including a payment schedule were finalized in April this year, according to the documents seen

by the Times.

Among the documents it received was a selfie of the pair lying in bed dated May 9, 2013, that Bennett was supposed to hand over to Argento along with its copyright under the agreement.

The Times cited three people familiar with the case as saying the documents were authentic.

The pair acted together in the 2004 film “The Heart Is Deceitful Above All Things, in which Argento plays Bennett’s troubled mother. (afp) str / AFP

‘Crazy Rich Asians’ sparkles at N.America box office

Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for SiriusXM/AFP

(L-R) SiriusXM host Michael Yo poses with Jimmy O. Yang, Awkwafina, Constance Wu, Kevin Kwan, Michelle Yeoh, Henry Golding and Ken Jeong during SiriusXM’s Entertainment Weekly Radio Spotlight With The Cast Of ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ on August 15, 2018 in New York City.

LOS ANGELES - Highly anticipated rom-com “Crazy Rich Asians” -- the first Hollywood film with an mainly Asian cast in a generation -- dazzled the North American box office in its debut weekend, claiming the top spot, industry estimates showed Sunday.

The Warner Bros. adaptation of Kevin Kwan’s best-selling novel of the same name raked in $34 million since hitting theaters on Wednesday, box office tracker Exhibitor Relations said. Of the total, the film took in $25.2 million at the weekend.

Starring veteran actress Michelle Yeoh, British-Malaysian former BBC host Henry Golding and American sitcom star Constance Wu, the film tells the story of a American economics professor who meets her super-wealthy boyfriend’s family in Singapore -- and all the drama that ensues.

It is the first Tinseltown film with a predominantly Asian cast since “The Joy Luck Club” in 1993.

Shark thriller “The Meg” tumbled to second place in its second week, taking in $21.2 million. It

stars action movie regular Jason Statham as a rescue diver who tries to save scientists in a submarine from an attack by a huge, prehistoric shark.

“Mile 22” -- a new spy thrilleraction flick starring Mark Wahlberg -- opened in third place at $13.6 million. Another debut film, prehistoric adventure tale “Alpha,” shared fourth place at $10.5 million with summer blockbuster “Mission: Impossible - Fallout.”

The latest installment in the “M:I” franchise has now taken in $180.7 million overall. (afp)

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A man jumps over a crack in the ground in Mataram on Indonesia’s Lombok island on August 20, 2018 after a series of earthquakes were recorded by seismologists throughout August 19. A series of powerful earthquakes have rocked the Indonesian holiday island of Lombok, killing at least 10 people and setting off fresh waves of panic after nearly 500 died there following a huge tremor two weeks ago.

Multiple quakes rock Indonesia’s Lombok island, 10 dead

A series of powerful earthquakes have rocked the Indonesian holiday island of Lombok, killing at least 10 people and setting off fresh waves of panic after nearly 500 died there following a huge tremor two weeks ago.

The quakes hit throughout Sunday, with the first measuring 6.3 shortly before midday which triggered landslides and sent people fleeing for cover as parts of the island suffered blackouts.

It was followed nearly 12 hours later by a quake measuring 6.9 magnitude and a string of powerful aftershocks.

The picturesque island next to holiday hotspot Bali was already reeling from two deadly quakes on July 29 and August 5 that left hundreds of thousands homeless.

Ten people were killed in the

quake Sunday evening, mostly by falling debris, with four deaths in eastern Lombok and six on the neighbouring island of Sumbawa, according to the national disaster agency. Two more Lombok residents died of heart attacks after the morning quake, it said.

Some two dozen people were injured and more than 150 homes and places of worship were damaged, the agency said.

“When the earthquake happened most people were outside their homes or at shelters so there have not been that many fatalities” com-

pared to the August 5 tremor, said national disaster agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho.

“The trauma because of the earlier quake on Sunday (morning) made people prefer to stay outside,” he added.

Officials have evacuated some patients from a hospital in Sumbawa island and in Lombok’s capital Mataram for fear of worse destruction. Blackouts have hit much of Lombok, according to Sutopo, who posted pictures of cracked roads and video footage of a large fire that broke out in a village on Sumbawa.

- ‘Too scared at home’ Video images from an evacuation camp in Lombok showed chil-

dren and adults taking cover inside makeshift tents. “I’m too scared to stay at my house because it’s damaged,” said Lombok resident Saruniwati, who like many Indonesians goes by one name.

“I’ve been here since the quake (earlier this month). I went home two days ago and now I’m back here again.”

Earlier, local resident Agus

Not Published We, the International Bali Post would like to apologize in advance becuase we will not be published on Wednesday due to Idul Adha Day.

Thank You

Salim said the powerful tremor jolted him awake Sunday evening.

“The earthquake was incredibly strong. Everything was shaking,” he told AFP. “Everyone ran into the street screaming and crying.”

A dozen foreign guests at the hotel Lina Senggigi, which is in a popular tourist spot, were ushered out of the building as the quake struck.

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.