Edition Friday, December 21, 2018 | International Bali Post

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Friday, December 21, 2018

Kylie Minogue to play Glastonbury festival’s Sunday ‘legends’ slot IBP/net

Selena Gomezmakes rare Instagram appearance after illness

It will be her first time performing her own full set at the festival, after being forced to cancel her scheduled Pyramid Stage headline slot 14 years ago when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

She joined Scissor Sisters on the world famous stage at Worthy Farm in 2010, but has never played her own show.

In a message to her followers, Kylie said: “I’m so thrilled to announce that I’ll be playing the ‘Legend slot’ on Sunday 30th June at @GlastoFest 2019.

“It will be 14 years since I was originally meant to appear there and so much has happened up to now. I can’t wait to see you all there to share this special show.”

Glastonbury organiser Emily Eavis also posted on Twitter and Instagram to confirm the news, saying: “We are delighted to announce that Kylie is finally bringing her show to Glastonbury.

“She’ll play the legendary Sunday afternoon slot at next year’s Festival.

And we cannot wait.” Glastonbury’s Sunday legends slot has become a firm tradition at the festival, often drawing the biggest crowd of the weekend. Kylie follows in the footsteps of other legends including Dolly Parton, Lionel Richie, Tom Jones and Dame Shirley Bassey.

Earlier this year, she spoke about her hopes of finally performing her own set at the festival, saying: “It would be amazing and very emotional to be standing there and doing what I didn’t get to do all those years ago, for sure.” (net)

CALIFORNIA - Selena Gomez has made a rare social media appearance - her first since leaving rehab to treat symptoms related to her autoimmune disease.

The Back To You singer, 26, was pictured with a large group of friends looking happy and relaxed as they went snow tubing in Big Bear Lake ski resort in Southern California.

Her former Wizards Of Waverley Place co-star Bailee Madison and close friend, model Connar Franklin, shared images on their Instagram accounts.

Gomez has not posted on her own Instagram since the end of September, when she announced she was taking a social media break and reminded followers to not post negative comments. The appearance is one of the first public outings Gomez has made since she left her treatment programme in New York City after entering in October for anxiety and depression.

She suffers from the autoimmune disease Lupus, of which anxiety and depression are common side effects, and had initially been in hospital for a low white blood count.

In 2017 she had a kidney transplant because of the disease, which she was diagnosed with in 2015.

She is “truly in a much better place”, a source told E! News.

Gomez’s reappearance on social media after twoand-a-half months was welcomed by fans, with the hashtag #SelenaIsBack trending worldwide. Fans reacted to the photos with excitement, saying they had missed her. (net)

Kylie Minogue has been confirmed for Glastonbury 2019.

You can find International Bali Post at: 10 Malaika Scret 11 Snack Shack 12 Warung Lokal 13 Cokro Cafee 14 T.J.Bar 15 J & N Kebab 16 Goanna Bar 17 Batu Jimbar 18 Ramayana Cafee

Friday, December 21, 2018

LONDON - Kylie Minogue says she is “thrilled” after being revealed as the act for next year’s Sunday “legends” slot at Glastonbury. The singer, 50, posted a message confirming the news on social media.

Selena Gomez (c) was pictured with actress Bailee Madison (r) and model Connar Franklin (l).

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New Taipei City Police Department / AFP

A handout photo taken on December 17, 2018 and released by New Taipei City Police Department on December 20, 2018 shows one of the three damaged Ferraris in Taipei. An exhausted Taiwanese delivery driver who smashed into three Ferraris has been inundated with donations after his plight and eyewatering repair bill sparked a deluge of public sympathy.

Donations flood in for Taiwan driver who smashed into three Ferraris

An exhausted Taiwanese delivery driver who smashed into three Ferraris has been inundated with donations after his plight and eye-watering repair bill sparked a deluge of public sympathy.

Lin Chin-hsiang had a particularly miserable day at work in the early hours of Sunday morning when he drifted off at the wheel while delivering incense to nearby temples on a windy mountain road above Taipei.

He not only managed to wreck his family’s car but also ploughed into a trio of Ferraris whose owners had parked by the side of the road midway through a weekend morning drive in the hills.

“I must have fallen asleep, I’m

not sure what happened,” the softspoken 20-year-old told AFP on Thursday from the incense shop in the capital where he works alongside his mother.

“I will work hard to pay for the damage,” he added. No-one was hurt in the collision but Lin faces a mammoth bill because his car insurance has a cap on payouts.

Local media quoted Ferrari dealers in Taipei as saying the repairs to the vehicles could cost NT$12 million ($390,000) -- a

figure that would take Lin decades to pay off.

But ordinary members of the public have flocked to his aid. City authorities said a fund set up to receive donations had so far received NT$814,000 ($26,400).

Many of those donating were inspired by the contrast between the comparatively gilded lives of the Ferrari owners and the overworked man who hurtled into them.

Lin said he had to drop out of college this summer to help his mother run their incense shop -- his father died some five years back.

He also held down a second job at a nearby barbecue restaurant.

The day of the accident, Lin’s mother recalled, her son had worked a restaurant shift until 3am, briefly slept and then began deliveries around 5am because she had been feeling unwell.

His mother, who only gave her surname, said she was left “dumbstruck” when she discovered her son had totalled three supercars.

“I told him what has happened has happened and we’ll face it together,” she told AFP. Neighbours have since come by with their own delivery vans to keep the business going while one man travelled three hours by bus to drop a donation into the fam-

ily’s shop.

Lin said the principle of the college he dropped out from came round to offer him free tuition but he felt unable to leave his mother’s business -- especially given the bills he now needs to pay.

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

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Bali News

Friday, December 21, 2018

International

International

Reaching Indonesian diaspora overseas

The meeting was held on December 3 at the first Indonesian restaurant in Kigali, Borneo Café, founded by an Indonesian citizen based in Kigali, Mrs. Fatimah. The meeting was held as part of the efforts to foster, mobilize and protect Indonesian citizens in the Indonesian Embassy in Dar es Salaam. The meeting aims to ascertain the living conditions of Indonesian citizens in Rwanda, to disseminate a number

of programs of Indonesian Embassy in Dar es Salaam related to services for Indonesian citizens in accreditation countries, as well as to capture aspirations, advice and input from Indonesian citizens in accreditation countries.

“I am very happy to be able to meet with the fellows from Indonesia in this monitoring area, and in the future we will regularly meet with you ladies and gentlemen,” said the Indonesian Ambassador to Dar es Salaam at the opening of the meeting.

The Indonesian Ambassador to Dar es Salaam also expressed his pride for the existence of Borneo Café which is the first Indonesian restaurant in Kigali. Borneo Café restaurant has been known in the Rwandan community, especially among expatriates who love Indonesian specialties, and have received very positive reviews from a number of tourist and culinary sites. Siti Noor Fatimah Effendi, familiarly called Mrs. Fety, founded the restaurant in June 15, 2017.

She came to Rwanda in early June 2017 using a brief

visit (30 days). After seeing the quality of life in Kigali, she decided to stay and set up a business in Rwanda together with her husband. The business licensing process is completed within one day, and within one month the business is running. A residence permit is obtained automatically after the business is running.

Aside from Mrs. Fety, another Indonesian citizen who has been long living in Kigali is Dr. Tommy Wuysang and his wife, Mrs. Jenny Wuysang, who have lived for 9 years in Kigali. He devoted himself to religious and health activities in Rwanda by becoming a pastor at the local church and opening a health clinic practice. A total of 15 Indonesian citizens are known to live in Rwanda with a variety of work and activity backgrounds, namely professional staff in international organizations, entrepreneurs, spiritualist, and housewives.

The Indonesian citizens stated that they really enjoy living in Rwanda and recommending Rwanda as a business and tourist destination. (r)

Incoming vehicle starts to increase

IBP/Gus Olo

The situation on Gilimanuk is getting crowded near new year.

NEGARA — A few days before Christmas and New Year, the traffic of vehicles entering Bali through Gilimanuk Harbor begins to get crowded. Based on observation, since the end of last week, the number of vehicles entering Bali has increased compared to normal days.

The incoming vehicles are dominated by private cars with license plate of various regions in Java. In addition to the entrance into Bali, the traffic of vehicles going out of Bali is also increasing. A number of service users revealed that they intentionally left Bali to return to their hometown because their children were already off.

Friday, December 21, 2018

15

COACH UNVEILS 2018 HOLIDAY GIANT INSTALLATION AT GRAND INDONESIA

IBP/release

GATHERING with Indonesian citizens in the first Indonesian restaurant in Rwanda on December 3, 2018, amidst a series of visit for the ceremony to hand over credentials to President of Republic of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, Indonesian Ambassador to Dar es Salaam who is also accredited for Rwanda, Prof. Dr. Ratlan Pardede, and his delegates from the Indonesian Embassy in Dar es Salaam met and visited their fellow Indonesian citizens in Kigali.

Activities

However, for those who are going out of Bali, the crowded time happens in the morning and evening. The outflow of Bali is estimated to last continuously until the Christmas and New Year holidays.

In the meantime, at the exit checkpoint of the Gilimanuk Harbor or Post II also began to be thronged with vehicles. They are residents wishing to spend a vacation to Bali. The local tourists chose to travel to Bali because the conditions are not like the end of last year, coinciding with the Mount Agung’s eruption. One of the car drivers, Iwan, 34, from Surabaya, admitted that last year he canceled

his Bali’s year-end holiday due to the situation of Mount Agung. But now, he took his family to spend time in Bali until Christmas.

The increase in the vehicle traffic made the guard officers do extra checks. Since a week ago, the number of officers has been added from the Gilimanuk Marine Police Station. Chief of Gilimanuk Police, Nyoman Subawa, confirmed the increasing number of vehicles entering and leaving Bali since last weekend. For those who enter mostly use private vehicles. The ASDP crossing authority currently prepares 32 vessels to serve crossing services both from Ketapang and Gilimanuk. (kmb26)

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Kanmo Group, one of the leading retail distribution and omnichannel companies in Indonesia, opens the holiday season with the unveiling of Coach Holiday giant presents installation at Under Sky Bridge Grand Indonesia Shopping Center. Playful, inclusive and irreverent, Coach invites all visitors to feel the magic and take pictures in the area as this installation is only available for a very limited time. The holiday vibes have arrived in Jakarta.

Lights outline picket fences, tinsel hangs from the ceilings. Coach presents were wrapped in a golden metal with a luxe black bow in the hopes that they would be Instagram-ed. The imaginative details showcased in each display and they are inviting you to party with the explosion of glitter, frivolity and rebellion.

“Welcoming the holiday season, we are very happy to share the magic of the holidays and happiness from Coach. Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year by surprising your loved ones with the special holiday collection. The Holiday collection is bringing in shimmering metallic leather and new prints of the unexpected Coach festive friends; Frog, Fox, Squirrel, Pig, Owl and Mouse. If you are looking for the perfect gift, Coach stores will be the right destination to find one, from a wide assortment of bags, small leather goods, footwear and accessories,” explained Manoj Bharwani, Co-Founder & Group Managing Director of Kanmo Group.

Bringing together all elements of the holiday season, Coach invites you to join the excitement from 10 December 2018 – 6 January 2019 and experience all that is fun and festive about this time of year. Coach Holiday collection is available in stores.

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Friday, December 21, 2018

Fashion

International

Prada apologizes after products spark accusations of racism NEW YORK - Italian fashion label Prada has said it will set up an advisory council on diversity issues after being forced to pull monkey-like keychain figurines from its shelves over accusations of racism.

The so-called “Pradamalia” creatures -- featured prominently in the window display of its Soho store in New York -- sparked outrage for their exaggerated red lips that brought blackface caricatures to mind.

“We would like to convey our deep regret and sincere apologies for the Pradamalia products that were offensive. They have been removed from the market and will not be sold,” Prada said in a statement released Sunday on Twitter.

“Going forward, we pledge to improve our diversity training and will immediately form an advisory council to guide our efforts on diversity, inclusion and culture,” the label said.

“We will learn from this and do better.”

The problematic custom of blackface dates back to about 1830, and so-called “minstrel shows,” when white performers caked their faces in greasepaint or shoe polish and drew on exaggerated lips in a caricature of blacks.

The stereotypes portrayed -- that blacks were

somehow inferior, ignorant, lazy and even animalistic -- cemented racist attitudes for decades. Some of those images still exist today.

The problem for Prada began with its Soho store display -- one lawyer who passed by the store slammed the figurines as racist in a Facebook post, posting several photos of the controversial objects.

At first, the company defended itself, saying its “Pradamalia” were “fantasy charms composed of elements of the Prada oeuvre,” and adding: “They are imaginary creatures not intended to have any reference to the real world and certainly not blackface.”

But when some consumers called for a boycott of the label, Prada went farther in its apology.

“The resemblance of the products to blackface was by no means intentional, but we recognize that this does not excuse the damage they have caused,” it said Sunday, adding that it would probe how the problematic product reached the market in the first place.

Prada also said it would donate any proceeds from Pradamalia already sold to a “New York-based organization committed to fighting racial justice, which is a value that we strongly believe in.”

Prada is hardly the first company to get tripped up on issues of race and racist imagery.

Dolce and Gabbana was forced to apologize to Chinese customers last month after it posted short clips on Instagram showing a Chinese woman eating pizza, spaghetti and a cannoli with chopsticks that some deemed culturally insensitive.

It escalated when Stefano Gabbana allegedly used poop emojis to describe China and hurled insults at the country and its people.

In the United States, television news personality Megyn Kelly lost her morning talk show in October after questioning on air if blackface was always problematic. (afp)

International

Tebing Kelebutan cultural heritage starts to be left by visitors

Kendall and Kylie’s favourite slip dress brand has grown up THE award for the most offbeat brand name currently vying for fashion’s attention has to go to Rat & Boa. The intriguing moniker originates from a Stevie Nicks quote – “he and I were as compatible as a rat and a boa constrictor” – in reference to her expartner. Something in the musician’s musing about her personal life spoke to Valentina Muntoni and Stephanie Bennett. So, when conceiving their brand identity, they eschewed an amalgamation of both their names, and channelled pure rock’n’roll.

Born in 2013, when the duo found themselves living between Bangkok and Bali, their line of slips and easy dresses that beg for a one-way ticket somewhere fabulous was born quite simply out of “a desire to express ourselves through style,” they tell Vogue. “We didn’t realise there was such a big gap in the market.”

Success came to the pair, who design, style, photograph and model the collections themselves, in 2016 when Kendall Jenner was photographed wearing Rat & Boa leather Soda shorts at Coachella. The launch of the silk leopard-print Valentina dress followed, and, just like Jenner, who came across the brand on Instagram, Elsa Hosk, Kylie Jenner, Adwoa Aboah and Gigi Hadid snapped up the under-the-radar label, creating a buzz on social.

“That really put us on the map,” they say. But, even as their follower count has grown (now well over 500,000 on Instagram), the duo have never neglected the customer insights that ultimately formed Rat & Boa’s foundations. “Social media allows us to interact with our audience on a more personal level,” they note.

Through this hand-holding, they have built a “a boutique brand that creates unique pieces from luxe fabrics at an attainable price point bridging the gap between high street and designer”.

Although there are a handful of brands who populate this middle ground and have expanded, in part, via their social networks – Kitri, Rixo and De La Vali

included – it’s no mean feat to marry quality fabrications with attractive price points.

What sets Rat & Boa apart is the wanderlust lifestyle the label emulates – and it’s authentic. “The brand represents our nomadic lifestyle,” they share. “Since starting the brand, we have lived in various countries.

We’re currently based in Berlin, but our last few collections were shot in Guatemala, Mexico and Cuba.” For the latest Mirage capsule, which drops on December 17, they “knew it had to be Morocco”.

Mirage, they assert, is the culmination of five years as business partners (they first crossed paths at a house party in Manchester in 2008, naturally) and an ode to both their styles as they have grown up together. “While retaining the Rat & Boa stamp and a strong sense of fun, the pieces are more refined and elegant,” they offer.

Think slips that can be worn with delicate blouses, minimal jumpsuits and one-pieces that pay tribute to the ’70s.

Pop-up stores and new faces to model the products are on the agenda, but for now, the duo sign off from a jaunt to Brazil. It’s hard to not buy into this insouciant way of life – but, perhaps, building a business on being breezy has been their biggest success. (net)

GIANYAR — Cultural Heritage of the Tebing Kelebutan Temple at Pejeng Kawan village, Tampaksiring subdistrict, was crowded with tourists. Moreover, this location was ever used to shoot the Cupak Grantang movie. Currently the visit to this object starts to be quiet, while the surrounding communities are reluctant to come to the sacred land area. Other than being overgrown with high grass, the cliff is taken advantage to build a Fecal Wastewater Installation Plant (IPALT). Psychologically, the community feels the flow of holy water from the cliff wall is getting tainted. Moreover, the typical stench of waste is smelled around the location.

Compiled information told that Tebing Kelebutan Temple site had long been abandoned by tourists.

As a result, currently the access and site are only maintained modestly.

“In the past many travelers visited this object,” said Nyoman Adi, a local resident met around the object.

He revealed that both foreign tourists and local people began to leave this sacred place. This hap-

pens because in the west side of the cliff there is a Fecal Wastewater Installation Plant (IPALT). “Since the existence of the IPALT, residents are reluctant to take a bath beneath.

Perhaps because of psychological factors, there are feces on it, so they do not want to use springs for bathing or consumption,” he explained.

According to him, the springs around the site was formerly used for public bathing while some other springs have dried out. As a result, right now the site is only maintained by an employee of the Cultural Heritage. “Maybe due to the presence of fecal channels, tourists and residents equally left it behind. When entering this site, it smells bad,” he said.

Meanwhile, headman of Pejeng Kawan, Anak Agung Gede Oka, when asked for his confirmation did not dare to comment much regarding the effect of the IPALT on the flow of water on the cliff walls. Nevertheless, he claimed to be coordinating with related agencies. “Sorry for first time, I’m still coordinating with the District Public Works,” he said briefly. (kmb35)

Arrival of foreign tourists via Ngurah Rai Airport

Increased by 7.31 percent until November 2018

MANGUPURA — From January to November 2018, Ngurah Rai International Airport has served 5,621,756 foreign tourists. The number has increased by 7.31 percent when compared to the same period in 2017, reaching 5,238,919 foreign tourists, or grew by 382,837 tourists.

According to the General Manager of Ngurah Rai International Airport, Yanus Suprayogi, tourists from China are still the country in the first place or with the most tourist contributors to Bali. It reached 1,297,669 tourists until November 2018.

Although there was a decline in tourist arrivals in November from China by 39.90 percent compared to October, Chinese tourists are still ranked first with a percentage of 23.08 percent accumulated until 2018.

The second and third posi-

tions in 2018 are respectively occupied by Australia and India, namely 1,080,718 and 322,327 tourists. “Well, there is indeed a rise in tourist arrival by 7.31 percent this year when compared to last year. Tourists from China remain to dominate, followed by Australia and India,” said Yanus on Monday (Dec. 17).

For 2019, his management targeted more European tourists to come to Bali in order to obtain added value for the quality tourists. With the opening of direct flight from Moscow to Denpasar route with service of three times a week, it can increase the arrival of European tourists to Bali. “Judging from the number of tourists from the top 10 countries, there are three countries having entered the top 10, namely the United Kingdom, France and Germany,” he said. (kmb23)

Bali News

Friday, December 21, 2018

Installation of the coastal countermeasures is a trial stage.

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IBP/olo

Trials of woven geotextile has not been maximized

NEGARA — To overcome the abrasion having the effect of damaging the settlements on Pebuahan Beach, Banyubiru, the woven geotextile was installed a few months ago.

Installation of the coastal countermeasures is a trial stage. Along 80 meters, this kind of net was installed using the woven geotextile. It is functioned to capture sea sand and to form a mound as a wave retainer.

Division Head of Water Resources at the Jembrana Public Works, Spatial Planning and Settlement Agency (PUPRPKP), Wayan Widnyana, recently said the trial is intended to anticipate the coastal area of Pebuahan so as not to get severely affected by abrasion. In total, there are four woven geotextile bags installed with respective length of 20 meter and diameter of 2.5 meter.

The four woven geotextile materials are installed at the most abrasion-prone points in Pebuahan. He admitted the woven geotextile is far different from using stone armor commonly applied on several beaches in Jembrana. In principle, it resembles a large net or sack used to capture sand carried by the waves. The woven geotextile is installed about 50 meters from the beach.

“Essentially, it is to dampen the waves using sandbar. Indeed, it is not as effective as the stone armor installed on the beach. However, at least it is temporarily able to reduce the waves,” explained Widnyana. In terms of budget efficiency, it is much cheaper to use

woven geotextile.

Meanwhile, based on the data collected at the end of 2018, along 20.63 kilometers of coast has experienced abrasion. Precisely, it happened to 22 coastal points spreading over five sub-districts in Jembrana district.

In details, it starts from Melaya subdistrict with 3.77 kilometers of abrasion at 4 coastal points namely Tuwed Beach, Candikusuma Beach, Nusasari Beach and Gilimanuk Beach.

After that is Negara subdistrict happening to 7 kilometers in 5 coastal points, namely at the coast of Muara Sowan, Pengambengan Beach, Cupel Beach, Baluk Rening Beach and Pebuahan Beach.

In Jembrana subdistrict, the abrasion happened to 3.5 kilometers in three coastal points namely Yeh Kuning Beach, Air Kuning Beach (and Perancak Beach).

Meanwhile, in Mendoyo subdistrict there are four points with a total length of 3.55 kilometers including Rambut Siwi Beach, Yehembang Beach, Penyaringan Beach and Delod Berawah Beach. Lastly, along 2.8 kilometer happened in Pekutatan subdistrict precisely at 6 beach points. They include Pengeragoan Beach, Gumbrih Beach, Pangyangan Beach, Pekutatan Beach, Pulukan Beach and Medewi Beach.

However, of the 22 points, according to Widnyana, the worst occurred on Gilimanuk Beach and Pebuahan Beach. The impact of abrasion has damaged a number of public facilities and residential settlements. Meanwhile, the handling of abrasion in Jembrana was last received in 2017. (kmb26)

4

Bali News

Friday, December 21, 2018

International

North Bali airport public consultation

WUHAN - In an oxbow lake along the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, a breathy sigh pierces the surface stillness as one of China’s most endangered animals comes up for a gulp of hazy air.

SINGARAJA - The Indonesian Ministry of Transportation held a KPBU Public Consultation for the Construction of North Bali Airport at Banyualit Spa & Resort Singaraja on Tuesday (Dec. 18). Coinciding with Anggara Kasih Sungsang, it was claimed as a good day to build public opinion. Such public consultation was also attended by the governor of Bali, the regent of Buleleng, chairperson of the Buleleng house of representative and the ranks of the relevant agencies in the provinces of Bali and Buleleng.

and culture.

“I think the determination of location in Kubutambahan area will end the polemic regarding the construction of the airport. The next measure is to continue the study by preparing the master plan and the land to be used,” he added.

Koster encouraged the land used is unproductive land belonging to customary village. At present, there are 370 hectares of land belonging to the Kubutambahan customary village, 50 hectares belonging to Sanih customary village, as well as other land owned by the surrounding community estimated to be sufficient for the construction of the first phase. The land belonging to customary village to be used is currently being contracted by a third party. His party claimed to have talked to the third party and they will join. “We’d like to take over the right and will be returned it to the community,” he continued.

Koster targeted the stages of airport development in North Bali to be completed in 2024.

His government has also supported the road access to Buleleng through the construction of ten shortcut points targeted for completion in 2021. Meanwhile, the budget needed to build the airport is estimated to reach IDR 15 trillion.

When asked about investors that previously expressed their interest in building the airport in Buleleng, Koster returned to question their budget readiness.

“Many parties are interested, but do they have the money? With the KPBU, it is guaranteed by the government. State-Owned En-

IBP/rin

Such public consultation was also attended by the governor of Bali, the regent of Buleleng, chairperson of the Buleleng house of representative and the ranks of the relevant agencies in the provinces of Bali and Buleleng. terprises are in involved, surely they have the money. For others, they are only brokers, so they will not be involved,” he said while hoping that Bali Government-Owned Enterprise could take part in the KPBU in accordance with its capabilities.

In the meantime, Director of Airport Affairs at the Indonesian Ministry of Transportation, Pramintohadi Sukarno, said the public consultation is a mandate from the Minister of Transportation. This is part of the feasibility study on the location of North Bali Airport requiring advice and input from all sectors and other relevant agencies. The minimization of the state budget to finance immediate infrastructure projects is one of the reasons why the development of North Bali Airport will be cooperated with business entities.

The need for this new airport in Bali is also motivated by the limited development of Ngurah Rai Airport. In particular, it is to answer

the needs for tourism services, especially air transportation. The development of Ngurah Rai Airport also requires higher investment and greater environmental risks.

“If there is an emergency or things that make Bali’s Ngurah Rai Airport unable to be operated, then the main access to Bali will be very disturbed,” he said.

The public consultation was also filled with exposure by the Head of Sub-Directorate of KPS Bappenas, Dadang Jusron, Expert Minister of Transportation for Investment, Otto Ardianto, Consultant from PT. Virama Karya (Persero), Yon Sugiono, and Head of the Center for International Cooperation and Partnership Facilitation at the Ministry of Transportation, Agus Saptono, and Rizka Anandita Ramses from PT. PII. One of the points explained is about the KPBU that is not the same as privatization because the airport will later on become state ownership. (kmb32)

Bade Padma Negara worked on by six architects of Blahbatuh

IBP/kmb

Bade Padma Negara that delivered the deceased of Blahbatuh Palace, I Gusti Ngurah Djelantik, does not use meru (tiered-shape) like the ones in other palaces.

GIANYAR - Bade Padma Negara that delivered the deceased of Blahbatuh Palace, I Gusti Ngurah Djelantik, to the main cemetery of Blahbatuh got the attention from many residents. The 24-meter-high bade tower does not use meru (tiered-shape) like the ones in other palaces. However, the bade tower worked on by six traditional architects or undagi from Blahbatuh still looks magnificent when carried by thousands of residents to local cemetery on Tuesday (Dec. 18).

Coordinator of the undagi, Ketut Gede Setyawan, explained that the 15ton bade work was indeed accelerated because of chasing of the pelebon or cremation time last Tuesday. He said the total workmanship of bade takes 24 days. “We bring forward this work and accelerate to 24 days,” he said.

He revealed that a total of six traditional architects from Blahbatuh village were involved in working on the bade padma negara. In addition to the undagi, the workmanship was also helped by 25 assistants. “The concept and workmanship were designed by our undagi,” he said. According to this 47-year-old man, this state-of-the-art bade padma negara for senior figure of Blahbatuh Palace indeed exceeded expectations because from basic structure the undagi added the height of the bade to 24 meters. This also adapted to the deceased who is the XXIV generation of Blahbatuh Palace.

“The width is indeed less because the height is added, so there is indeed a meaning of 24 meters high,” said the undagi, daily working at the weaving company.

Even though having a height of 24

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Smiling at danger, China’s finless porpoise fights to survive

Agreed at Kubutambahan by using KPBU scheme

The other attendees included chief of customary village and the apparatus of Kubutambahan village, Bukit customary village, customary village small assembly of Kubutambahan, customary village middle assembly of Buleleng (MMDP), headman of Kubutambahan, Bulian and Bukit, and nine subak organizations in the Kubutambahan region.

In the meeting was revealed that location of the construction of the North Bali Airport had been agreed on in Kubutambahan funded through the KPBU scheme (Cooperation of Government with Business Entities). In this case, it is prepared by the Ministry of Transportation. Determination of location permit is expected to have been issued in 2019.

“This (KPBU) concept is the most appropriate because it contains the role of the government, even the government serves as the leader of this development. Thus, the plan to construct this new airport has certainty in terms of budget support,” said Governor of Bali, Wayan Koster, when interviewed after a public consultation.

Koster added, representatives from the Ministry of Finance had even guaranteed the budget requirements for the construction of the North Bali airport. Most importantly, the involvement of government will certainly protect the interests of many people and not create adverse policies. Besides, this is in accordance with the vision of Nangun Sat Kertih Loka Bali. The Island of the Gods must be balanced in all areas to equalize people’s income based on the order of customs, religion, tradition, art

Friday, December 21, 2018

International

meters, it also guarantees the strength of the bade because it uses a bamboo structure inside. “This is our technique in making bade, where the internal structure applies bamboo, so the difference is still strong when carried by residents,” he said.

Meanwhile, the deceased’s son, A.A. Ngurah Kakarsana, said the concept of pelebon using bade padma negara is the same as the last king’s bade of Blahbatuh Grand Palace, I Gusti Ngurah Rai in 1962. “The cremation that year was the last with the naga banda in Blahbatuh Grand Palace,” he said.

It is named the Bade Padma Negara because of using nine mountain ornaments. “It is added with gold dragon as well as other images like elephant, tiger, goose and others so that there are nine in total,” he said. (kmb35)

A slick black back with no dorsal fin arches briefly above the water line before plunging back down.

Such glimpses of the shy Yangtze finless porpoise, the only aquatic mammal left in China’s longest river and known in Chinese as the “smiling angel” for its perma-grin, are increasingly rare.

Pollution, overfishing, hydroelectric dams and shipping traffic have rendered them critically endangered, worse off even than China’s best-known symbol of animal conservation, the panda.

China’s government estimates there were 1,012 wild Yangtze finless porpoises in 2017, compared to more than 1,800 giant pandas, which is no longer endangered.

But researchers see signs of hope. Porpoise numbers fell by nearly half from 2006-2012 to an estimated 1,040. But the rate of decline has slowed markedly since then, suggesting that conservation may be making a dent.

A central component of the rescue effort is the introduction of porpoises to several conservation areas off the busy river, where researchers say numbers have been actually increasing.

- Encouraging signs At the Tianezhou Oxbow Nature Reserve in central China’s Hubei province, a curving lake linked to the Yangtze by a stream, around

30-40 porpoises were brought in beginning in the 1990s. There are now around 80.

“We found out animals can not only survive but also reproduce naturally and successfully at Tianezhou. That’s very encouraging,” said Wang Ding, 60, a porpoise expert with the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Researchers also credit official clampdowns on polluting activities and fish overharvesting, artificial reproduction projects, and growing environmental awareness among China’s emerging middle class.

“The voice and supervision of the public has played an important role,” said Zhang Xinqiao, the species’ project manager at the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).

Chinese officials are keen to avoid a repeat of the “baiji”, or Yangtze dolphin, the river’s only other aquatic mammal, which since 2006 has been considered extinct in a huge conservation setback for China. Losing the “smiling angel” would be a further tragedy, conservationists say. One of the world’s few freshwater porpoise subspecies, it is considered a natural barometer of the overall health of China’s most important river.

- ‘River pig’ The finless porpoise is mentioned in ancient Chinese poems and has been considered a harbinger of rain.

IBP/afp

A worker at the Baiji dolphin aquarium in Wuhan, China, plays with a Yangtze finless porpoise on Nov. 10.

Some locals call it the “river pig” for its plump body and rounded headed. Adults can reach two metres (six feet) long and were sometimes eaten, despite not being considered particularly tasty. Their livers were used in traditional medicines.

Since China re-opened to the world four decades ago, living standards have soared, but so have air and water pollution.

The Yangtze contributes more

to ocean pollution than any other world river, according to Dutch NGO Ocean Cleanup.

Hydroelectric dams built on the river to satisfy soaring energy demand have also been disastrous for biodiversity.

But in January 2016, President Xi Jinping called for a river protection push. Steps have included curbs on development, stricter fishing rules and other protection

projects.

Later that year, a formal porpoise action plan was launched, including increased relocations away from the river, more reserve sites, and research on artificial breeding.

The Tianezhou reserve, established in 1992, claims to be the world’s first and only example of cetaceans -- which include dolphins and porpoises -- surviving and reproducing after relocation. (afp)

Drone sightings ground planes at UK’s Gatwick airport

Adrian DENNIS / AFP

A file photo taken on November 19, 2008, shows the control tower at Gatwick Airport in Sussex.

LONDON - One of Britain’s busiest airports was forced to suspend all flights after reports of drones flying over the airfield, causing disruption for at least 10,000 people just days before Christmas, it said Thursday.

Flights into Gatwick Airport, near London, were diverted to other cities while passengers waiting to take off faced long delays before having to stay in hotels overnight.

Two drones were first spotted flying over the airport at around 9:00pm (2100 GMT). The airfield briefly reopened at 3:00am on Thursday, but had to be closed again following further sightings, the latest at 7:00am (0700 GMT).

“Flights to and from Gatwick Airport remain suspended following reports of drones flying over

Gatwick’s airfield last night and in the early hours of this morning,” a statement issued at 7:30am said.

“We are advising passengers scheduled to fly from Gatwick not to travel to the airport without checking the status of their flight with their airline this morning.

“We apologise for the inconvenience, but the safety of all passengers and staff is our first priority.”

Chris Woodroofe, Gatwick’s chief operating officer, told BBC radio that 20 police units from two local forces were looking for the drone operator.

“That is the way to disable to drone,” he said.

“We also have the helicopter up in the air but the police advise us that it would be dangerous to seek to shoot the drone down because

of what may happen to the stray bullets.”

He said it was an “irresponsible” act that caused “very significant disruption for passengers”, with 6,000 people forced to divert to other airports late Wednesday.

Another 2,000 people destined for Gatwick did not leave, and another 2,000 waiting at Gatwick could not fly and were put up in hotels overnight, he said.

Gatwick is the eighth-busiest airport in Europe and sits behind Mumbai as the world’s busiest single-runway air hub. It serves more than 228 destinations in 74 countries for 45 million passengers a year. Under British law, drones cannot be flown near aircraft or airports, or at an altitude of over 400 feet (122 metres). (afp)

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International

Friday, December 21, 2018

BUSINESS Saudi spending to hit record high as oil prices resume slide

RIYADH - Saudi Arabia’s expenditures will hit a recordhigh in 2019, with plans to increase state spending by 7 percent to reach $295 billion, even as declining oil prices have forced the kingdom to adopt austerity measures.

King Salman announced the figures on Tuesday, saying the government expects revenue to increase by more than 9 percent to hit $260 billion. That leaves a projected deficit of $35 billion — less than previous years.

Total revenue in 2018 reached $239 billion, with expenditures of $274.5 billion.

“This budget is a continuation of the government’s policy of focusing on fundamental citizen services and the development of government services,” the king said at a government meeting that included ministers and his son, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Saudi Arabia has been grappling with a deficit since oil prices first plunged in 2014. It needs oil at around $70 a barrel to balance its budget, but the price of oil continued to tumble after hitting a 14month low on Monday. Benchmark U.S. crude dropped to a little more than $49 per barrel Tuesday. Brent crude, used to price international oils, dipped to $58.70 per barrel.

As one of the world’s largest oil exporters, the Saudi government is working to diversify its revenue.

Non-oil revenue has increased in recent years, but the state continues to rely heavily on oil for its domestic and international spending.

The Finance Ministry said oil revenues are expected to reach $176.5 billion in 2019— about 68 percent of state revenue— compared to $162 billion in 2018.

Capital Economics said this year’s Saudi budget seems to be relying on optimistic assumptions for oil prices to rise to almost $80 per barrel.

The annual Saudi budget is watched closely because it offers one of the clearest indicators of whether the kingdom is on track with its Vision 2030 plans— a blueprint put forth by the crown prince to wean the kingdom off its reliance on oil, particularly as sustainable sources of energy become cheaper

In this June 23, 2018 file photo, women hold their daughters as they visit the Four Seasons Skyline Tower, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. King Salman has extended monthly allowances for government employees, military personnel, pensioners, social security recipients and students into next year. The announcement, carried by the Saudi Press Agency on Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2018, comes on the same day the kingdom’s 2019 budget is scheduled to be unveiled. and more popular.

The killing of Saudi writer Jamal Khashoggi, who’d written critically of the crown prince in The Washington Post, has called into question Prince Mohammed’s ability to attract foreign investors to help underwrite his plans. Khashoggi was killed and dismembered inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul by agents close to the crown prince.

A report by U.S. intelligence firm Stratfor said that if growth only comes from heavy state spending, rather than private sector activity or higher levels of consumption, Saudi Arabia’s plans to diversify the economy have little chance of success in the near term.

Saudi Arabia only succeeded

in attracting $1.4 billion in 2017, a figure that Stratfor said trails a number of poorer countries in the Middle East.

“Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s ever-shifting reputation is a direct driver of this uncertainty, and questions about the rule of law, security of investments and the stability of the government abound,” Stratfor said.

Investors were also rattled last year when the crown prince oversaw the arrest of top princes, officials and businessmen in a widereaching anti-corruption campaign shrouded in secrecy. The sweep netted more than $106 billion in financial settlements.

Finance Minister Mohammed

Al-Jadaan said Tuesday the state has collected $13.3 billion from those settlements.

This year’s budget includes a yearlong extension of monthly allowances for civil servants, pensioners and soldiers aimed at buffering the impact of austerity measures. The royal decree extends a monthly payout of around $266 for civil servants and soldiers for another year. Retirees and students will also receive continued allowances.

Figures from 2018 reveal the allowances cost $13.5 billion.

The extension of these bonuses comes at a sensitive time, when many Saudi citizens are feeling the pinch of austerity measures

introduced in recent years to shore up state revenue.

The government introduced a 5 percent value-added tax on most goods and services this year. Saudis have also seen their electricity and water bills skyrocket as subsidies are reduced.

To help ease the burden of these new measures, the government began a cash assistance program this year for lower-income families as part of a new welfare system.

Despite these and other measures, like fees imposed on companies that hire foreigners rather than Saudis, unemployment has risen to 12.9 percent. The majority of working Saudis are employed by the government. (ap)

Friday, December 21, 2018

Philosophical Messages in Kertha Gosa Paintings

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Kertha Gosa in Klungkung has been known as a heritage of the royal period. Until now it remains well maintained. The building features a classic atmosphere. There are a number of stories contained in the paintings mounted on the ceiling. What are they? The name of Kertha Gosa has been very famous not only in Balinese society, but also overseas. The historical heritage located in the south of Puputan Klungkung Monument becomes one of the tourist destinations in Klungkung.

When coming in, the classic atmosphere can be felt intensely.

The Kertha Gosa building in the northeast corner still shows its taksu or divine vibration. Its foundation is made from hard sand stone. The poles of the building with a palm fiber roof covered with carvings give the impression of the past time. Gold leaf color of some painting has looked to fade but still looks beautiful. They are no less beautiful when compared to the carvings of today.

In the center of the building, there are carved table and chairs.

According to the story, during the kingdom era it is believed to be the venue for discussion on everything related to security situation, prosperity and justice of kingdom region in Bali. Besides, this pavilion served as a venue of meeting for the subordinate kings throughout Bali held every full moon of the fourth month in Balinese calendar (October). Here the royal officials provided direction and decisions based on considerations of the circumstances and needs.

When observed further, the ceiling of this building is filled with paintings. They have very distinc-

AP Photo/Nariman El-Mofty, File

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International

tive colors. Additionally, they look natural with a touch of color of the rocks. Aside from offering very classic nuance, it contains meaningful philosophy. All of them are displayed in plots. Its beauty and uniqueness can draw the attention of many visiting tourists. They are quite curious about the meaning contained therein.

A tour guide, I Putu Gede Alex Sanjaya Putra, said the paintings have existed since the beginning of the building. One by one is explained based on the existing references. At the bottom plot, the story tells about Tantri Kandaka, the 1001-night stories whose essence is about all the deceit in society. The second and third plots carry about the Atma Presangsa, depicting the suffering of the souls in Hell found

by Bima Sena (second son of the Pandavas) on his way to find out the souls of his father and mother.

The fourth plot is about the eagle seeking amrita (holy water of life), taken from Adi Parwa, a story that illustrates how difficult it is to earn a living in the world. Meanwhile, the fifth plot tells about palelindon (forecast and meaning of earthquakes). The sixth and seventh

plots tell about Bima Sena when meeting with divine and celestial deities and fighting to save the souls of his father and mother.

Meanwhile, the eighth plot tells about the heaven of the souls and the ninth plot about the god who serves as the keeper of the balance of the four points of the compass of the world. “This painting becomes one of the tourist attractions,” explained Sanjaya Putra, not long ago.

Right in the middle of this building area is the Taman Gili. Local

community is more familiar with the name of Balai Kambang (literally means ‘the floating pavilion’) surrounded by a fish pond with water lilies. To get there, visitors should explore some steps that also show the old impression.

This building has many poles. The carving is similar to the ones in the Kertha Gosa. This also draws the attention of visitors as intrigued by the story of the paintings on the ceiling.

Near the brick-using founda-

tion building, there is a small note explaining the meaning of the paintings. The first plot from below tells the story about the destiny of a person predetermined by the day of birth. The second plot depicts the story of Pan Berayut, a fairy tale about the couple having 18 children. As for the third to sixth plot tell about the story of Sutasoma, the work of renowned poet, Mpu Tantular during the reign of King Hayam Wuruk in Majapahit in 1365. (kmb)

Tourist Learn to Dance at Kakul Mas Studio, Batuan Batuan village, Sukawati, Gianyar, deserves to be called a cultural tourism village. In addition to having beautiful nature, this village also keeps ‘gold’ as a source of traditional arts remaining to be inherited until now. Moreover, the ancient heritage at Desa and Puseh

Temple can be a special attraction.

So it’s not mistaken if the artists, foreign researchers and foreign tourists throng this village.

For instance, some students from Melbourne, Australia, some time ago visited this village. They are Balinese culture lovers deliber-

ately coming to Kakul Mas Dance Studio to know and learn more about the Balinese classical dances.

“There are 15 tourists with student status that learned to dance in our house (Kakul Mas Dance Studio),” said I Ketut Wirtawan, an artist and trainer who is also the successor of the studio.

The students coming at that time, continued Wirtawan, have major in theater that want to deepen the Balinese arts, especially the art of gambuh operetta. The gambuh is a very complex ancient art, having the elements of motion art (dance), vocal and gamelan music. The most important is characterizations, so it is in accordance with their selected major. “The knowledge of Balinese dance is intended to enrich the theatrical studies they have,” he added.

These students studied for ten days and practiced for 2.5 hours

a day. They know the Kakul Mas Dance Studio from his father, the late I Ketut Kantor. One of their lecturers had learned mask dance directly from the late I Ketut Kantor.

Their lecturer then sent the students to get the fundamentals of Balinese classical dance from the successor of the late I Ketut Kantor.

These students did not only learn to dance, but also tried to express themselves by learning to dance, make a mask and know more about Balinese life. In practicing the dance, they are trained directly by Ketut Wirtawan, Wayan Artawa, Nyoman Juniati, Tut Nik and Wayan Darmawan. The class of making a mask is provided by Ketut Wirtawan. “Although the schedule is held by their campus, there are also students attending the program repeatedly on their personal account,” he said.

Kakul Mas Dance Studio which

is also the home of I Ketut Wirtawan’s family is natural remaining to refer to the kosala-kosali (Balinese geomancy) rules, commonly used in the making of Balinese house. That’s why many foreign tourists often visit the house as a kind of tourist attraction. They come from various countries escorted by a tour guide. “There are always tourists making a visit here.

They like to see traditional house as well as painting of Batuan style,” said Wirtawan.

Ketut Wirtawan is often taken advantage as an object when painting on canvas. Indeed, in the matter of painting, Batuan village remains the same as in the past, preserving the painting of Batuan style. Other than being one of the successors of Gambuh operetta, Wirtawan is still actively scratching on canvas or paper as it has become a habit. (kmb)

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Friday, December 21, 2018

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RLD

International

Trump stuns allies by ordering US troops home from Syria

WASHINGTON - US allies were stunned Thursday after President Donald Trump declared victory over the Islamic State group in Syria and abruptly ordered the withdrawal of US ground troops from the country.

The decision runs counter to long-established US policy for Syria and the region. It blindsided lawmakers, the Pentagon and international allies alike.

Britain and France warned on Thursday that the fight against jihadists in Syria was not finished.

Trump earlier said: “We’ve won against ISIS,” in a short video posted on Twitter.

“We’ve beaten them and we’ve beaten them badly. We’ve taken back the land. And now it’s time for our troops to come back home.”

A withdrawal could have major geopolitical ramifications, and plunges into uncertainty the fate of US-backed Kurdish fighters who have been tackling Islamic State jihadists, thousands of

whom are thought to remain in Syria.

A US official told AFP that Trump’s decision was finalized Tuesday.

“Full withdrawal, all means all,” the official said when asked if the troops would be pulled from across Syria.

Currently, about 2,000 US forces are in the country, most of them on a train-and-advise mission to support local forces fighting IS. Pentagon officials scrambled for a reaction. A spokeswoman eventually said the Defense Department had “started the process” of bringing troops home.

Lawmakers assailed Trump’s decision, saying it could embolden Ankara to attack US-backed Kurdish fighters.

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a Trump ally, said the president’s decision was unwise and put the Kurds “at risk.”

Democratic Senator Jack Reed said it amounted to a “betrayal” of the Kurds that “provides further evidence of President Trump’s inability to lead on the world stage.”

DELIL SOULEIMAN / AFP

In this file photo taken on March 05, 2017 A convoy of US forces armoured vehicles drives near the village of Yalanli, on the western outskirts of the northern Syrian city of Manbij. The United States is preparing to withdraw its troops from Syria, US media reported on December 19, 2018, a major move that throws into question America’s role in the region.

Blasting the move as a “huge Obama-like mistake,” Graham said “I fear it will lead to devastating consequences for our nation, the region and throughout the world.”

Most US troops are stationed in northern Syria, though a small contingent is based at a garrison in Al-Tanaf, near the Jordanian and Iraqi borders.

Trump has previously voiced skepticism about the US presence in Syria, saying in March he wanted to bring troops home “soon.”

But military advisors and international allies warned Trump against a precipitous pullout, and he later acquiesced to an indefinite Syria mission.

The US official would not provide a withdrawal timeline, saying only it would come “as quickly as possible.”

White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said the US-led coalition that includes dozens of nations would continue fighting the jihadists.

“These victories over ISIS in Syria do not signal the end of the Global Coalition or its campaign,” Sanders said in a statement.

The Pentagon refused to say what effect the troop withdrawal would have on air operations in Syria that have been ongoing since late 2014.

A senior administration official said Trump’s decision was consistent with comments he has made for years.

“The notion that anyone within the administration was caught unaware, I would challenge that,” the official said.

- Fate of Kurdish fighters? A large contingent of the main US-backed, anti-IS fighting force in Syria, an alliance known as the Syrian Democratic forces (SDF), is Kurdish. Turkey terms it a “terrorist” group.

Ankara has said it plans to launch an operation against the Kurdish militia known as the YPG (Kurdish People’s Protection Units).

While the YPG has spearheaded Washington’s fight against IS, US support has strained relations between the NATO allies.

The US decision to withdraw from Syria marks a remarkable development not just for the Kurds, but for years-old US doctrine in the region.

Only last week, Brett McGurk, the special envoy to defeat IS, said “nobody is declaring a mission accomplished.”

“If we’ve learned one thing over the years, enduring defeat of a group like (IS) means you can’t just defeat their physical space and then leave,” he said. (afp)

France boosts pay for police in wake of ‘yellow vest’ protests PARIS - The French government will give police officers a long-sought raise after a strike called in the wake of the “yellow vest” anti-government protests, which have strained security forces already on high alert after years of jihadist terror attacks.

The accord was announced just before midnight Wednesday by unions after two days of talks with officials, and a one-day strike which saw police stations virtually shut as officers carried out only emergency duties.

They have complained of exhausting hours of patrols and chronic under-investment in equipment which have stretched departments to the breaking point and taken a heavy toll on the force.

Last month an officer who led an “angry police movement”, which emerged after the 2016 firebombing of a squad car with two officers inside, was found dead at her home in a suspected suicide.

For many officers, the violent clashes with rioting “yellow vest” protesters in Paris and other cities on recent Saturdays, and the huge manhunt for the gunman who attacked a Christmas market in Strasbourg last week, were the final straw.

“This agreement... paves the way for improved and up-

graded working conditions and pay for officers,” Interior Minister Christophe Castaner said in a statement.

Union officials said that starting next year average monthly pay will be gradually boosted by 120 euros ($137) a month, and up to 150 euros a month for senior ranks.

The government will also begin negotiations on the huge backlog of overtime pay, with unions saying they are owed a collective 275 million euros.

With the pay hikes, the government said a planned 300euro bonus for officers would now be reserved only for administrative employees and technicians.

“It’s what we were looking for, we wanted an immediate boost to spending power,” said Yves Lefebvre of the UniteSGP Police union after Wednesday’s talks.

Police were emboldened in their demands after the government announced a 10-billion-euro package of financial relief for low-income households to quell the “yellow vest” protests which have rocked France over the past month.

The measures include a rise in the minimum wage, tax relief for pensioners and tax-free overtime pay for workers.

The total cost of the police pay increases was not disclosed. (afp)

JEAN-PHILIPPE KSIAZEK / AFP

Yellow vest (Gilets jaunes) protestors occupy a traffic circle close to Feyzin oil refinery, near Lyon, central eastern France on December 17, 2018.

International

Friday, December 21, 2018

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Police confirm no casualties in Gubeng sinkhole incident

SURABAYA - Police confirmed on Wednesday that the appearance of massive sinkhole on Gubeng Highway in East Java`s capital city of Surabaya on late Tuesday has claimed no lives.

“Last night I inspected (the scene) and received a report from the search and rescue team that the sinkhole claimed no lives,” Chief of the East Java Provincial Police Insp. Gen. Luki Hermawan said.

According to Luki, the police have held a meeting with related institutions to take further measures following the incident.

“Because it will have a serious impact when the rain comes. There are water canals. We will close this big hole to prevent the (rain) water from filling it,” he said.

A massive sinkhole with a depth

vestigate the cause of the sinkhole.

“The police have questioned three witnesses who are the workers of a project near the

scene, and took some evidence,” he said. The police have closed the road and rerouted the traffic to other roads.

A construction project under PT Nusa Engineering operation in the location is suspected as one cause of the sinkhole. (ant)

of approximately 20 meters, 100 meters in length and 30 meters in width appeared at Gubeng Highway at 09.15 p.m local time on Tuesday, in front of Siloam Hospital.

Based on a preliminary observation conducted by the Surabaya geological team, the land around the sinkhole are still unstable.

Therefore, the police have called on the public to stay away from the scene, and some residents should be evacuated from their houses.

A team of geological experts from Jakarta would be sent to in-

Minister proposes minimum age of marriage at 20 years

J A K A RTA - M i n i s t e r o f Women`s Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA) Yohana Yembise has proposed a minimum age of marriage, namely 20 years for women and 22 years for men, after the decision of the Constitutional Court (MK) on Law Number 1 of 1974 about marriage.

“The age is most appropriate when compared with other countries on average, specifically for women 20 (years) and men 22 (years),” Yembise remarked, after attending the Submission of the Parahita Ekapraya Award (APE) at the Vice President`s Palace, on Wednesday.

The proposal is currently being prepared by the PPPA Ministry to be brought to the DPR (the People`s Consultative Assembly) during the discussion of the revisions to Law Number 1 of 1974 concerning marriage.

He assessed that the proposed minimum age for marriage is fair in terms of gender equality, and does not violate the provisions of the law on child protection related to the minimum age for marriage.

“This is another approach by the DPR, so that there would be a mutual agreement. What is clear is that the law would protect children who

are at least 18 years old,” he added.

The Constitutional Court canceled Article 7 paragraph (1) of Law Number 1 Year 1974 concerning marriage which regulates the minimum age for marriage, namely 16 years for women and 18 years for men.

The court considered the article to be discriminatory and unconstitutional, because it distinguished the minimum age limit for marriage between men and women.

This is considered to be able to cause discriminatory cases and domestic violence which are more detrimental to the women`s side, so that they are constrained in fulfilling their constitutional rights.

“Constitutional rights are meant, among other things, for equal treatment before the law, as stipulated in Article 28D paragraph (1) of the 1945 Constitution,” Constitutional Justice Wahiddudin Adams revealed.

According to the Child Protection Act, a woman at the age of 16 is still classified as a child. Therefore, if she is married, her status will change to an adult.

“While for men, such changes are only possible if they are married at the age of 19,” Adams explained. (ant)

IBP/ant

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Friday, December 21, 2018

International

Friday, December 21, 2018

International

Fatal storm haunts SydneyHobart yacht race 20 years on

SYDNEY - The gruelling Sydney to Hobart blue-water classic will take a poignant turn this year when it marks two decades since six sailors died in a horror storm -- one of Australia’s worst sporting disasters.

Taman Ujung Water Palace Magnificent Water Palace in Bali’s East AMLAPURA - Taman Ujung ‘water palace’, with its complete and official designation of Taman Sukasada Ujung, is located in the village of Seraya in Karangasem regency. It is the sister site of Tirta Gangga, also built by the late raja of Karangasem. The complex consists of various large pools and historic structures set against a backdrop of Mount Agung and the eastern shoreline. The site suffered near devastation by showers of hot ash following the eruption of nearby Mount Agung in 1963, and also weathered an earthquake in 1979.

Restoration efforts throughout the decades made way to its current splendour, and it continues to appeal to both locals and visitors.

The Taman Ujung complex has a combination of Balinese and European architecture throughout three large ponds connected by long elegant bridges and pathways.

The physical features and superb mountainous backdrop to its north, and sea to its southwest, make it a favourite location for pre-wedding and artistic photographers. The

name ‘Ujung’, means ‘extremity’ in Indonesian, and it often makes it easy for locals to describe its location as being one of the island’s largest historical landmarks and places of interest in the easternmost part of the island.

The whole park covers an approximate 10Ha of land located approximately 11km southeast of Karangasem’s capital of Amlapura.

Its foundations were first laid out in 1919, under the rule of then raja I Gusti Bagus Djelantik who was best known by his noble title, ‘Agung Anglurah Ketut Karangasem’.

The complex underwent a series of expansions and pool additions around a single existing pool which served not as a royal bathing place, but instead a site for punishment of accused proponents of black magic or Balinese witchcraft known as ‘pangiwa’ and ‘leyaks’.

This pool was known as ‘Kolam Dirah’ and was said to have been built during the rule of the previous raja of Karangasem, dating back to 1901. The Dirah pool is located in the southeast corner of the current

layout, and takes its name from the witch queen of the Calonarang legend. Two ensuing pools were built adding to the Dirah pool, as well as a number of resting pavilions, the raja’s meditation quarters, and the Taman Gili floating pavilions.

The complex then shifted purpose to serve as a retreat and a place to welcome dignitaries on their visit to the Karangasem kingdom. In 1921, during the Dutch occupation of Indonesia, Taman Ujung became an officially open to the public and became known as a royal water garden complex.

while in the west are residential housings. To the northwest of Taman Ujung is a collection of cottages meant for overnight visitors.

A temple known as Pura Manikan can be found within the grounds of Taman Ujung. Here a revered water spring is used by devotees and pilgrims. Taman Ujung is open to the public. Visitors to the east-

Good to Know Combinations of Balinese and European architecture are evident through its ornate pillars, statues and garden and pool features. And much of its scenic appeal owes to the blend of manmade structures amidst nature panoramas. To the southeast is a hilly range known as Bukit Bisbis; and in the south is the namesake Ujung Beach with its blue horizon. An expanse of verdant rice paddies lies to its east,

ern parts of Bali may visit Taman Ujung along their tour itineraries, adding to the memorable and scenic photo opportunities with its unique architectural features. A favourite lookout and high vantage point can be had at one of the ‘warak’ pavilions built on an eastern hill, accessible from a five-minute drive uphill from the site. (net)

Wild weather is a regular hazard in the epic contest, in which a fleet of yachts depart Sydney Harbour on Boxing Day, Cdecember 26, in a 628-nautical-mile (1,163kilometre) dash down Australia’s east coast towards the island state of Tasmania.

But the 1998 edition of the annual race, held since 1945, had particularly adverse conditions, with mountainous seas and roaring winds in the treacherous Bass Strait tossing vessels around like rag dolls.

Six men died, five boats sank and 55 sailors were rescued when the deep depression exploded over the Tasman Sea. While 115 boats started the race, only 44 finished.

To mark the occasion, there will be a minute of silence among competitors on the second day of the race.

“It’s not just this moment of silence, we think about it every year,” said Mark Richards, skipper of eight-time line honours winner Wild Oats XI. “We have a lot of respect for the families and the people who lost their lives in that race. We’ll certainly be thinking of all those guys.”

The absence of a public memorial reflects the magnitude of the trauma that hit the sailing frater-

nity.

Steve Walker, who competed in 1998, told the Hobart Mercury “the families (of the victims) have moved on and it’s painful having the memories brought up again...

We don’t need to do something formal”.

American billionaire Larry Ellison, owner-skipper of 1998 line honours winner Sayonara, was so appalled by the tragedy he vowed never to return.

Memories that stuck with Ed Psaltis, who skippered overall handicap honours winner AFR Midnight Rambler, include the constant scream of the winds and the sound of spray hitting the hull like a machine gun firing bullets.

Yet the competitors have also hailed sweeping changes put in place since in one of the world’s toughest yacht races.

- ‘A dangerous line’ Back then, there was no GPS and boats reported their positions twice a day via radio, with the storm hampering communications and the location of distressed vessels.

Yacht tracking was introduced in 1999 and today, anyone can follow the fleet online. New rules on crew experience and training and on

Place Your Add Here

It is for Job Vacancy, Property, Selling or Buying Please contact Gugiek : 08123840500

IBP/afp

James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets drives to the basket during the game against Sam Dekker #8 of the Washington Wizards on December 19, 2018 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.

NEWS LTD / AFP

In this file photo taken on December 27, 1998 the injured crew of demasted Australian yacht “Stand Aside” wait to be rescued by helicopter as they tow a life-raft in the Bass Strait during the Sydney-to-Hobart ocean race 27 December. mandatory safety equipment were also implemented.

“To the extent that we can make this race safe, we really have put in place every possible measure, rule, regulation, to try and help that,” the Commodore of organiser the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia,

Paul Billingham, told AFP. Armed with more accurate and timely information about weather conditions, sailors say they are better prepared.

“In 2010, there was two huge fronts that came through and the same again in 2015,” owner-skip-

per of last year’s line honours winner LDV Comanche Jim Cooney told AFP. “But we knew about it, we were prepared for it and there was minimum damage to any boats and certainly no boats lost in those races.” (afp)

Rockets nab long-range record in win, Warriors fall to Jazz

LOS ANGELES - The Houston Rockets romped on the back of an NBA single-game record of 26 threepointers on Wednesday, routing the Washington Wizards 136-118.

The crowd at Houston’s Toyota Center was chanting “One more three! One more three!” when Michael Carter-Williams drained the record-breaker from beyond the arc with 31.1 seconds remaining and victory assured. Gary Clark’s three-pointer with 2:42 to play had tied the previous mark of 25 set by the Cleveland Cavaliers against Atlanta in March 2017.

Reigning NBA Most Valuable Player James Harden had six threepointers on the way to 35 points.

Chris Paul added five from beyond the arc and Gerald Green and Eric Gordon made four apiece as the Rockets -- who endured a rough

start to the season -- got back to their free-wheeling ways in a fifth straight victory.

“We’re just playing better,” Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni said. “When you have the right spirit, you’re doing the right things, hustling, stuff falls in. If you don’t, you don’t make them.

“Our energy is right the last five games,” D’Antoni added. “We’ve just got to keep it there.”

Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr said energy was a problem for the two-time defending champions in a 108-103 loss to the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City.

Stephen Curry scored 32 points, but the Warriors shot just 40 percent from the field and 32.3 percent from three-point range.

Kevin Durant finished with 30 points, but not before making just

six of 18 from the field through the first three quarters and Klay Thompson scored just 12 points, connecting on just three of 12 shots and missing all four of his threepoint efforts.

“It’s not surprising, honestly,” Kerr said. “We’re not moving the ball, we’re not playing the way we’ve played the last few years where the ball is really moving and we’re generating great shots.”

Kerr noted that the Jazz, whose shooting percentage was even worse than the Warriors’ at 39.8, didn’t have that great of a game themselves.

“We let them off the hook a little bit,” Kerr said. “We made a lot of mistakes. We made it close with a few shots down the stretch, but we didn’t really play our game.” (afp)

8

Friday, December 21, 2018

Friday, December 21, 2018

A late goal from Franck Ribery fired Bayern Munich to a nervy 1-0 win over RB Leipzig on Wednesday, which saw the Bundesliga champions move to within six points of league leaders Borussia Dortmund.

Christophe SIMON / AFP

Marseille’s French midfielder Dimitri Payet (L) is tackled by Strasbourg’s French midfielder Anthony Caci during the French League Cup round of 16 football match between Marseille (OM) and Strasbourg (RCSA) at the Velodrome Stadium in Marseille, southeastern France, on December 19, 2018.

For long periods on Wednesday, it looked as if Bayern would squander the opportunity given to them by Dortmund’s shock defeat by Fortuna Duesseldorf on Tuesday.

Both sides came within inches of taking the lead in the first half. Robert Lewandowski was denied by a fine save from Peter Gulacsi at one end, while Dayot Upamecano thundered a header against the crossbar at the other.

Niklas Suele and Joshua Kimmich both missed chances from close range in the second half. Two red cards for Renato Sanches and Stefan Ilsanker crowned a scrappy game late on, but not before Ribery had finally swept in an 83rd-minute winner to breathe new life into the title race.

“Ribery took the goal brilliantly,” Bayern’s Thomas Mueller told Sky. “He just popped up exactly when and where we needed him. Thanks, Franck!”

Bayern remain in third, but are now five points ahead of fourth-placed Leipzig. Eintracht Frankfurt, meanwhile, remain hot on Leipzig’s tail despite being held to a 2-2 draw at local rivals Mainz. Robin Quaison fired Mainz ahead on ten minutes before Luka Jovic pulled Frankfurt level on the halfhour mark.

Quaison restored the lead just five minutes later, turning in a dipping cross from Jean-Paul Boetius. Not to be outdone, Jovic headed in a second equaliser moments before half-time.

– Schalke slip deeper into trouble –

Marseille’s miserable run of form continued with a penalty shoot-out defeat by Strasbourg in the French League Cup last 16 on Wednesday, while Monaco reached the quarter-finals to ease some of the pressure on Thierry Henry.

After this latest setback at the Stade Velodrome, Rudi Garcia’s OM have lost eight of their last 11 matches, after finishing bottom of their Europa League group with just one point and slipping to sixth in Ligue 1.

“We’re eliminated, that’s what we’ll remember, but we didn’t deserve it,” bemoaned coach Garcia.

Jonas Martin gave Strasbourg an 18th-minute lead from the

penalty spot, and Dimitri Payet missed a spot-kick for Marseille midway through the second half.

Luiz Gustavo levelled for the hosts with 10 minutes remaining to force penalties after a 1-1 draw, but Payet missed again and Marseille’s latest tournament exit was confirmed when Adil Rami failed to convert their fourth effort.

“Dimitri Payet... In the period we’re in, we need players who dare to try, who take responsibility,” added Garcia. “He does everything to liven up the team’s game.”

Monaco are rooted in the Ligue 1 bottom two and staring a serious relegation battle in the face after a catastrophic season so far, but the principality outfit

did at least claim their third win in 23 matches by edging out Lorient 1-0.

Despite a lengthy delay after the match was suspended in the 15th minute due to heavy rain in Monaco, 18-year-old Guilian Biancone scored a 70th-minute winner for the home side.

Lyon also booked their spot in the quarters, surviving a late Amiens comeback to win 3-2 with Moussa Dembele and Bertrand Traore on the scoresheet.

Holders Paris Saint-Germain saw off second-tier Orleans 2-1 on Tuesday as Edinson Cavani equalled the French League Cup goalscoring record with his 15th goal in the competition.

Earlier on Wednesday, Schalke were plunged further into crisis as they lost 2-1 to Bayer Leverkusen in a cagey clash between the Bundesliga’s two underperforming teams.

Defeat leaves Schalke just a point above the relegation play-off place, having won just one of their last six league games.

Leverkusen opened the scoring on 26 minutes when Leon Bailey struck a curling shot against the post and Aleksandar Dragovic prodded in the rebound.

Alario doubled the lead less than ten minutes later, swivelling on the edge of the box to send a low volley underneath Ralf Faehrmann.

Having looked helpless for much of the first half, Schalke were given a glimmer of hope on the stroke of half-time when Haji Wright bundled the ball in at a corner to pull a goal back.

Yet the hosts wasted several chances to draw level in the second half.

Steven Skrzybski missed the target from close range, while Yevhen Konoplyanka skewed wide.

Elsewhere, Werder Bremen held Hoffenheim to a 1-1 draw, while a bottomof-the-table clash between Freiburg and Hanover also ended one goal apiece.

Bremen had several chances early on, including a remarkable miss at point blank range from Yuya Osako. The Japanese came to regret his poor finishing when Leonardo Bittencourt put Hoffenheim ahead at the other end.

The home side, who had been accused of using a drone to spy on Hoffenheim in the build-up to the game, equalised through Theodor Gebre Selassie shortly the break.

Freiburg took the lead with just two minutes played, Luca Waldschmidt converting a penalty after a clear handball from Hanover captain Waldemar Anton.

Ten minutes later, Felipe hooked the ball in from a corner to draw Hanover level and lift them off the bottom of the table.

Alex Ferguson’s former right-hand man Mike Phelan Thursday said he remained committed to Austral i a ’s C e n t r a l Coast Mariners despite being appointed first team coach at Old Trafford alongside caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Phelan is sporting director of the ALeague side -- the club that handed an unsuccessful trial to sprint king Usain Bolt -- and vowed to be back “as soon as I can”. “ Ta k i n g o n a temporary coaching role at Manchester United is extremely exciting,” he said on t h e c l u b ’s website, but added

that he was “still a Mariner”.

“I’ve put something in place that I want to see through. This might be a small distraction, but it’s with one of the biggest clubs in the world that I simply couldn’t turn down,” he said.

“Part of the discussion with Manchester United was that I will still be available for the Mariners, this is a dual role. I’m not going anywhere, I am one phone call away from anyone at the Mariners.”

Phelan, a former United player, worked as first team coach and then assistant manager with Ferguson for more than a decade.

He left Old Trafford when the Scottish legend retired in 2013 and was first team coach at Norwich from 2014-15 before managing Hull City from 2016 until departing in January 2017.

Phelan said “there’s obviously a few issues to sort through at Manchester United which will take time”, but didn’t go into details.

He will work alongside Michael Carrick after being appointed Wednesday with exUnited striker Solskjaer until the end of the season following the sacking of Jose Mourinho. (afp)

Bayern Munich’s French midfielder Franck Ribery celebrates after the first goal for Munich during the German first division football match between 1 FC Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig in Munich, southern Germany, on December 19, 2018.

9

8

Friday, December 21, 2018

Friday, December 21, 2018

A late goal from Franck Ribery fired Bayern Munich to a nervy 1-0 win over RB Leipzig on Wednesday, which saw the Bundesliga champions move to within six points of league leaders Borussia Dortmund.

Christophe SIMON / AFP

Marseille’s French midfielder Dimitri Payet (L) is tackled by Strasbourg’s French midfielder Anthony Caci during the French League Cup round of 16 football match between Marseille (OM) and Strasbourg (RCSA) at the Velodrome Stadium in Marseille, southeastern France, on December 19, 2018.

For long periods on Wednesday, it looked as if Bayern would squander the opportunity given to them by Dortmund’s shock defeat by Fortuna Duesseldorf on Tuesday.

Both sides came within inches of taking the lead in the first half. Robert Lewandowski was denied by a fine save from Peter Gulacsi at one end, while Dayot Upamecano thundered a header against the crossbar at the other.

Niklas Suele and Joshua Kimmich both missed chances from close range in the second half. Two red cards for Renato Sanches and Stefan Ilsanker crowned a scrappy game late on, but not before Ribery had finally swept in an 83rd-minute winner to breathe new life into the title race.

“Ribery took the goal brilliantly,” Bayern’s Thomas Mueller told Sky. “He just popped up exactly when and where we needed him. Thanks, Franck!”

Bayern remain in third, but are now five points ahead of fourth-placed Leipzig. Eintracht Frankfurt, meanwhile, remain hot on Leipzig’s tail despite being held to a 2-2 draw at local rivals Mainz. Robin Quaison fired Mainz ahead on ten minutes before Luka Jovic pulled Frankfurt level on the halfhour mark.

Quaison restored the lead just five minutes later, turning in a dipping cross from Jean-Paul Boetius. Not to be outdone, Jovic headed in a second equaliser moments before half-time.

– Schalke slip deeper into trouble –

Marseille’s miserable run of form continued with a penalty shoot-out defeat by Strasbourg in the French League Cup last 16 on Wednesday, while Monaco reached the quarter-finals to ease some of the pressure on Thierry Henry.

After this latest setback at the Stade Velodrome, Rudi Garcia’s OM have lost eight of their last 11 matches, after finishing bottom of their Europa League group with just one point and slipping to sixth in Ligue 1.

“We’re eliminated, that’s what we’ll remember, but we didn’t deserve it,” bemoaned coach Garcia.

Jonas Martin gave Strasbourg an 18th-minute lead from the

penalty spot, and Dimitri Payet missed a spot-kick for Marseille midway through the second half.

Luiz Gustavo levelled for the hosts with 10 minutes remaining to force penalties after a 1-1 draw, but Payet missed again and Marseille’s latest tournament exit was confirmed when Adil Rami failed to convert their fourth effort.

“Dimitri Payet... In the period we’re in, we need players who dare to try, who take responsibility,” added Garcia. “He does everything to liven up the team’s game.”

Monaco are rooted in the Ligue 1 bottom two and staring a serious relegation battle in the face after a catastrophic season so far, but the principality outfit

did at least claim their third win in 23 matches by edging out Lorient 1-0.

Despite a lengthy delay after the match was suspended in the 15th minute due to heavy rain in Monaco, 18-year-old Guilian Biancone scored a 70th-minute winner for the home side.

Lyon also booked their spot in the quarters, surviving a late Amiens comeback to win 3-2 with Moussa Dembele and Bertrand Traore on the scoresheet.

Holders Paris Saint-Germain saw off second-tier Orleans 2-1 on Tuesday as Edinson Cavani equalled the French League Cup goalscoring record with his 15th goal in the competition.

Earlier on Wednesday, Schalke were plunged further into crisis as they lost 2-1 to Bayer Leverkusen in a cagey clash between the Bundesliga’s two underperforming teams.

Defeat leaves Schalke just a point above the relegation play-off place, having won just one of their last six league games.

Leverkusen opened the scoring on 26 minutes when Leon Bailey struck a curling shot against the post and Aleksandar Dragovic prodded in the rebound.

Alario doubled the lead less than ten minutes later, swivelling on the edge of the box to send a low volley underneath Ralf Faehrmann.

Having looked helpless for much of the first half, Schalke were given a glimmer of hope on the stroke of half-time when Haji Wright bundled the ball in at a corner to pull a goal back.

Yet the hosts wasted several chances to draw level in the second half.

Steven Skrzybski missed the target from close range, while Yevhen Konoplyanka skewed wide.

Elsewhere, Werder Bremen held Hoffenheim to a 1-1 draw, while a bottomof-the-table clash between Freiburg and Hanover also ended one goal apiece.

Bremen had several chances early on, including a remarkable miss at point blank range from Yuya Osako. The Japanese came to regret his poor finishing when Leonardo Bittencourt put Hoffenheim ahead at the other end.

The home side, who had been accused of using a drone to spy on Hoffenheim in the build-up to the game, equalised through Theodor Gebre Selassie shortly the break.

Freiburg took the lead with just two minutes played, Luca Waldschmidt converting a penalty after a clear handball from Hanover captain Waldemar Anton.

Ten minutes later, Felipe hooked the ball in from a corner to draw Hanover level and lift them off the bottom of the table.

Alex Ferguson’s former right-hand man Mike Phelan Thursday said he remained committed to Austral i a ’s C e n t r a l Coast Mariners despite being appointed first team coach at Old Trafford alongside caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Phelan is sporting director of the ALeague side -- the club that handed an unsuccessful trial to sprint king Usain Bolt -- and vowed to be back “as soon as I can”. “ Ta k i n g o n a temporary coaching role at Manchester United is extremely exciting,” he said on t h e c l u b ’s website, but added

that he was “still a Mariner”.

“I’ve put something in place that I want to see through. This might be a small distraction, but it’s with one of the biggest clubs in the world that I simply couldn’t turn down,” he said.

“Part of the discussion with Manchester United was that I will still be available for the Mariners, this is a dual role. I’m not going anywhere, I am one phone call away from anyone at the Mariners.”

Phelan, a former United player, worked as first team coach and then assistant manager with Ferguson for more than a decade.

He left Old Trafford when the Scottish legend retired in 2013 and was first team coach at Norwich from 2014-15 before managing Hull City from 2016 until departing in January 2017.

Phelan said “there’s obviously a few issues to sort through at Manchester United which will take time”, but didn’t go into details.

He will work alongside Michael Carrick after being appointed Wednesday with exUnited striker Solskjaer until the end of the season following the sacking of Jose Mourinho. (afp)

Bayern Munich’s French midfielder Franck Ribery celebrates after the first goal for Munich during the German first division football match between 1 FC Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig in Munich, southern Germany, on December 19, 2018.

9

10

Destination

Friday, December 21, 2018

International

Friday, December 21, 2018

International

Fatal storm haunts SydneyHobart yacht race 20 years on

SYDNEY - The gruelling Sydney to Hobart blue-water classic will take a poignant turn this year when it marks two decades since six sailors died in a horror storm -- one of Australia’s worst sporting disasters.

Taman Ujung Water Palace Magnificent Water Palace in Bali’s East AMLAPURA - Taman Ujung ‘water palace’, with its complete and official designation of Taman Sukasada Ujung, is located in the village of Seraya in Karangasem regency. It is the sister site of Tirta Gangga, also built by the late raja of Karangasem. The complex consists of various large pools and historic structures set against a backdrop of Mount Agung and the eastern shoreline. The site suffered near devastation by showers of hot ash following the eruption of nearby Mount Agung in 1963, and also weathered an earthquake in 1979.

Restoration efforts throughout the decades made way to its current splendour, and it continues to appeal to both locals and visitors.

The Taman Ujung complex has a combination of Balinese and European architecture throughout three large ponds connected by long elegant bridges and pathways.

The physical features and superb mountainous backdrop to its north, and sea to its southwest, make it a favourite location for pre-wedding and artistic photographers. The

name ‘Ujung’, means ‘extremity’ in Indonesian, and it often makes it easy for locals to describe its location as being one of the island’s largest historical landmarks and places of interest in the easternmost part of the island.

The whole park covers an approximate 10Ha of land located approximately 11km southeast of Karangasem’s capital of Amlapura.

Its foundations were first laid out in 1919, under the rule of then raja I Gusti Bagus Djelantik who was best known by his noble title, ‘Agung Anglurah Ketut Karangasem’.

The complex underwent a series of expansions and pool additions around a single existing pool which served not as a royal bathing place, but instead a site for punishment of accused proponents of black magic or Balinese witchcraft known as ‘pangiwa’ and ‘leyaks’.

This pool was known as ‘Kolam Dirah’ and was said to have been built during the rule of the previous raja of Karangasem, dating back to 1901. The Dirah pool is located in the southeast corner of the current

layout, and takes its name from the witch queen of the Calonarang legend. Two ensuing pools were built adding to the Dirah pool, as well as a number of resting pavilions, the raja’s meditation quarters, and the Taman Gili floating pavilions.

The complex then shifted purpose to serve as a retreat and a place to welcome dignitaries on their visit to the Karangasem kingdom. In 1921, during the Dutch occupation of Indonesia, Taman Ujung became an officially open to the public and became known as a royal water garden complex.

while in the west are residential housings. To the northwest of Taman Ujung is a collection of cottages meant for overnight visitors.

A temple known as Pura Manikan can be found within the grounds of Taman Ujung. Here a revered water spring is used by devotees and pilgrims. Taman Ujung is open to the public. Visitors to the east-

Good to Know Combinations of Balinese and European architecture are evident through its ornate pillars, statues and garden and pool features. And much of its scenic appeal owes to the blend of manmade structures amidst nature panoramas. To the southeast is a hilly range known as Bukit Bisbis; and in the south is the namesake Ujung Beach with its blue horizon. An expanse of verdant rice paddies lies to its east,

ern parts of Bali may visit Taman Ujung along their tour itineraries, adding to the memorable and scenic photo opportunities with its unique architectural features. A favourite lookout and high vantage point can be had at one of the ‘warak’ pavilions built on an eastern hill, accessible from a five-minute drive uphill from the site. (net)

Wild weather is a regular hazard in the epic contest, in which a fleet of yachts depart Sydney Harbour on Boxing Day, Cdecember 26, in a 628-nautical-mile (1,163kilometre) dash down Australia’s east coast towards the island state of Tasmania.

But the 1998 edition of the annual race, held since 1945, had particularly adverse conditions, with mountainous seas and roaring winds in the treacherous Bass Strait tossing vessels around like rag dolls.

Six men died, five boats sank and 55 sailors were rescued when the deep depression exploded over the Tasman Sea. While 115 boats started the race, only 44 finished.

To mark the occasion, there will be a minute of silence among competitors on the second day of the race.

“It’s not just this moment of silence, we think about it every year,” said Mark Richards, skipper of eight-time line honours winner Wild Oats XI. “We have a lot of respect for the families and the people who lost their lives in that race. We’ll certainly be thinking of all those guys.”

The absence of a public memorial reflects the magnitude of the trauma that hit the sailing frater-

nity.

Steve Walker, who competed in 1998, told the Hobart Mercury “the families (of the victims) have moved on and it’s painful having the memories brought up again...

We don’t need to do something formal”.

American billionaire Larry Ellison, owner-skipper of 1998 line honours winner Sayonara, was so appalled by the tragedy he vowed never to return.

Memories that stuck with Ed Psaltis, who skippered overall handicap honours winner AFR Midnight Rambler, include the constant scream of the winds and the sound of spray hitting the hull like a machine gun firing bullets.

Yet the competitors have also hailed sweeping changes put in place since in one of the world’s toughest yacht races.

- ‘A dangerous line’ Back then, there was no GPS and boats reported their positions twice a day via radio, with the storm hampering communications and the location of distressed vessels.

Yacht tracking was introduced in 1999 and today, anyone can follow the fleet online. New rules on crew experience and training and on

Place Your Add Here

It is for Job Vacancy, Property, Selling or Buying Please contact Gugiek : 08123840500

IBP/afp

James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets drives to the basket during the game against Sam Dekker #8 of the Washington Wizards on December 19, 2018 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.

NEWS LTD / AFP

In this file photo taken on December 27, 1998 the injured crew of demasted Australian yacht “Stand Aside” wait to be rescued by helicopter as they tow a life-raft in the Bass Strait during the Sydney-to-Hobart ocean race 27 December. mandatory safety equipment were also implemented.

“To the extent that we can make this race safe, we really have put in place every possible measure, rule, regulation, to try and help that,” the Commodore of organiser the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia,

Paul Billingham, told AFP. Armed with more accurate and timely information about weather conditions, sailors say they are better prepared.

“In 2010, there was two huge fronts that came through and the same again in 2015,” owner-skip-

per of last year’s line honours winner LDV Comanche Jim Cooney told AFP. “But we knew about it, we were prepared for it and there was minimum damage to any boats and certainly no boats lost in those races.” (afp)

Rockets nab long-range record in win, Warriors fall to Jazz

LOS ANGELES - The Houston Rockets romped on the back of an NBA single-game record of 26 threepointers on Wednesday, routing the Washington Wizards 136-118.

The crowd at Houston’s Toyota Center was chanting “One more three! One more three!” when Michael Carter-Williams drained the record-breaker from beyond the arc with 31.1 seconds remaining and victory assured. Gary Clark’s three-pointer with 2:42 to play had tied the previous mark of 25 set by the Cleveland Cavaliers against Atlanta in March 2017.

Reigning NBA Most Valuable Player James Harden had six threepointers on the way to 35 points.

Chris Paul added five from beyond the arc and Gerald Green and Eric Gordon made four apiece as the Rockets -- who endured a rough

start to the season -- got back to their free-wheeling ways in a fifth straight victory.

“We’re just playing better,” Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni said. “When you have the right spirit, you’re doing the right things, hustling, stuff falls in. If you don’t, you don’t make them.

“Our energy is right the last five games,” D’Antoni added. “We’ve just got to keep it there.”

Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr said energy was a problem for the two-time defending champions in a 108-103 loss to the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City.

Stephen Curry scored 32 points, but the Warriors shot just 40 percent from the field and 32.3 percent from three-point range.

Kevin Durant finished with 30 points, but not before making just

six of 18 from the field through the first three quarters and Klay Thompson scored just 12 points, connecting on just three of 12 shots and missing all four of his threepoint efforts.

“It’s not surprising, honestly,” Kerr said. “We’re not moving the ball, we’re not playing the way we’ve played the last few years where the ball is really moving and we’re generating great shots.”

Kerr noted that the Jazz, whose shooting percentage was even worse than the Warriors’ at 39.8, didn’t have that great of a game themselves.

“We let them off the hook a little bit,” Kerr said. “We made a lot of mistakes. We made it close with a few shots down the stretch, but we didn’t really play our game.” (afp)

6

Friday, December 21, 2018

W

RLD

International

Trump stuns allies by ordering US troops home from Syria

WASHINGTON - US allies were stunned Thursday after President Donald Trump declared victory over the Islamic State group in Syria and abruptly ordered the withdrawal of US ground troops from the country.

The decision runs counter to long-established US policy for Syria and the region. It blindsided lawmakers, the Pentagon and international allies alike.

Britain and France warned on Thursday that the fight against jihadists in Syria was not finished.

Trump earlier said: “We’ve won against ISIS,” in a short video posted on Twitter.

“We’ve beaten them and we’ve beaten them badly. We’ve taken back the land. And now it’s time for our troops to come back home.”

A withdrawal could have major geopolitical ramifications, and plunges into uncertainty the fate of US-backed Kurdish fighters who have been tackling Islamic State jihadists, thousands of

whom are thought to remain in Syria.

A US official told AFP that Trump’s decision was finalized Tuesday.

“Full withdrawal, all means all,” the official said when asked if the troops would be pulled from across Syria.

Currently, about 2,000 US forces are in the country, most of them on a train-and-advise mission to support local forces fighting IS. Pentagon officials scrambled for a reaction. A spokeswoman eventually said the Defense Department had “started the process” of bringing troops home.

Lawmakers assailed Trump’s decision, saying it could embolden Ankara to attack US-backed Kurdish fighters.

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a Trump ally, said the president’s decision was unwise and put the Kurds “at risk.”

Democratic Senator Jack Reed said it amounted to a “betrayal” of the Kurds that “provides further evidence of President Trump’s inability to lead on the world stage.”

DELIL SOULEIMAN / AFP

In this file photo taken on March 05, 2017 A convoy of US forces armoured vehicles drives near the village of Yalanli, on the western outskirts of the northern Syrian city of Manbij. The United States is preparing to withdraw its troops from Syria, US media reported on December 19, 2018, a major move that throws into question America’s role in the region.

Blasting the move as a “huge Obama-like mistake,” Graham said “I fear it will lead to devastating consequences for our nation, the region and throughout the world.”

Most US troops are stationed in northern Syria, though a small contingent is based at a garrison in Al-Tanaf, near the Jordanian and Iraqi borders.

Trump has previously voiced skepticism about the US presence in Syria, saying in March he wanted to bring troops home “soon.”

But military advisors and international allies warned Trump against a precipitous pullout, and he later acquiesced to an indefinite Syria mission.

The US official would not provide a withdrawal timeline, saying only it would come “as quickly as possible.”

White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said the US-led coalition that includes dozens of nations would continue fighting the jihadists.

“These victories over ISIS in Syria do not signal the end of the Global Coalition or its campaign,” Sanders said in a statement.

The Pentagon refused to say what effect the troop withdrawal would have on air operations in Syria that have been ongoing since late 2014.

A senior administration official said Trump’s decision was consistent with comments he has made for years.

“The notion that anyone within the administration was caught unaware, I would challenge that,” the official said.

- Fate of Kurdish fighters? A large contingent of the main US-backed, anti-IS fighting force in Syria, an alliance known as the Syrian Democratic forces (SDF), is Kurdish. Turkey terms it a “terrorist” group.

Ankara has said it plans to launch an operation against the Kurdish militia known as the YPG (Kurdish People’s Protection Units).

While the YPG has spearheaded Washington’s fight against IS, US support has strained relations between the NATO allies.

The US decision to withdraw from Syria marks a remarkable development not just for the Kurds, but for years-old US doctrine in the region.

Only last week, Brett McGurk, the special envoy to defeat IS, said “nobody is declaring a mission accomplished.”

“If we’ve learned one thing over the years, enduring defeat of a group like (IS) means you can’t just defeat their physical space and then leave,” he said. (afp)

France boosts pay for police in wake of ‘yellow vest’ protests PARIS - The French government will give police officers a long-sought raise after a strike called in the wake of the “yellow vest” anti-government protests, which have strained security forces already on high alert after years of jihadist terror attacks.

The accord was announced just before midnight Wednesday by unions after two days of talks with officials, and a one-day strike which saw police stations virtually shut as officers carried out only emergency duties.

They have complained of exhausting hours of patrols and chronic under-investment in equipment which have stretched departments to the breaking point and taken a heavy toll on the force.

Last month an officer who led an “angry police movement”, which emerged after the 2016 firebombing of a squad car with two officers inside, was found dead at her home in a suspected suicide.

For many officers, the violent clashes with rioting “yellow vest” protesters in Paris and other cities on recent Saturdays, and the huge manhunt for the gunman who attacked a Christmas market in Strasbourg last week, were the final straw.

“This agreement... paves the way for improved and up-

graded working conditions and pay for officers,” Interior Minister Christophe Castaner said in a statement.

Union officials said that starting next year average monthly pay will be gradually boosted by 120 euros ($137) a month, and up to 150 euros a month for senior ranks.

The government will also begin negotiations on the huge backlog of overtime pay, with unions saying they are owed a collective 275 million euros.

With the pay hikes, the government said a planned 300euro bonus for officers would now be reserved only for administrative employees and technicians.

“It’s what we were looking for, we wanted an immediate boost to spending power,” said Yves Lefebvre of the UniteSGP Police union after Wednesday’s talks.

Police were emboldened in their demands after the government announced a 10-billion-euro package of financial relief for low-income households to quell the “yellow vest” protests which have rocked France over the past month.

The measures include a rise in the minimum wage, tax relief for pensioners and tax-free overtime pay for workers.

The total cost of the police pay increases was not disclosed. (afp)

JEAN-PHILIPPE KSIAZEK / AFP

Yellow vest (Gilets jaunes) protestors occupy a traffic circle close to Feyzin oil refinery, near Lyon, central eastern France on December 17, 2018.

International

Friday, December 21, 2018

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Police confirm no casualties in Gubeng sinkhole incident

SURABAYA - Police confirmed on Wednesday that the appearance of massive sinkhole on Gubeng Highway in East Java`s capital city of Surabaya on late Tuesday has claimed no lives.

“Last night I inspected (the scene) and received a report from the search and rescue team that the sinkhole claimed no lives,” Chief of the East Java Provincial Police Insp. Gen. Luki Hermawan said.

According to Luki, the police have held a meeting with related institutions to take further measures following the incident.

“Because it will have a serious impact when the rain comes. There are water canals. We will close this big hole to prevent the (rain) water from filling it,” he said.

A massive sinkhole with a depth

vestigate the cause of the sinkhole.

“The police have questioned three witnesses who are the workers of a project near the

scene, and took some evidence,” he said. The police have closed the road and rerouted the traffic to other roads.

A construction project under PT Nusa Engineering operation in the location is suspected as one cause of the sinkhole. (ant)

of approximately 20 meters, 100 meters in length and 30 meters in width appeared at Gubeng Highway at 09.15 p.m local time on Tuesday, in front of Siloam Hospital.

Based on a preliminary observation conducted by the Surabaya geological team, the land around the sinkhole are still unstable.

Therefore, the police have called on the public to stay away from the scene, and some residents should be evacuated from their houses.

A team of geological experts from Jakarta would be sent to in-

Minister proposes minimum age of marriage at 20 years

J A K A RTA - M i n i s t e r o f Women`s Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA) Yohana Yembise has proposed a minimum age of marriage, namely 20 years for women and 22 years for men, after the decision of the Constitutional Court (MK) on Law Number 1 of 1974 about marriage.

“The age is most appropriate when compared with other countries on average, specifically for women 20 (years) and men 22 (years),” Yembise remarked, after attending the Submission of the Parahita Ekapraya Award (APE) at the Vice President`s Palace, on Wednesday.

The proposal is currently being prepared by the PPPA Ministry to be brought to the DPR (the People`s Consultative Assembly) during the discussion of the revisions to Law Number 1 of 1974 concerning marriage.

He assessed that the proposed minimum age for marriage is fair in terms of gender equality, and does not violate the provisions of the law on child protection related to the minimum age for marriage.

“This is another approach by the DPR, so that there would be a mutual agreement. What is clear is that the law would protect children who

are at least 18 years old,” he added.

The Constitutional Court canceled Article 7 paragraph (1) of Law Number 1 Year 1974 concerning marriage which regulates the minimum age for marriage, namely 16 years for women and 18 years for men.

The court considered the article to be discriminatory and unconstitutional, because it distinguished the minimum age limit for marriage between men and women.

This is considered to be able to cause discriminatory cases and domestic violence which are more detrimental to the women`s side, so that they are constrained in fulfilling their constitutional rights.

“Constitutional rights are meant, among other things, for equal treatment before the law, as stipulated in Article 28D paragraph (1) of the 1945 Constitution,” Constitutional Justice Wahiddudin Adams revealed.

According to the Child Protection Act, a woman at the age of 16 is still classified as a child. Therefore, if she is married, her status will change to an adult.

“While for men, such changes are only possible if they are married at the age of 19,” Adams explained. (ant)

IBP/ant

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International

Friday, December 21, 2018

BUSINESS Saudi spending to hit record high as oil prices resume slide

RIYADH - Saudi Arabia’s expenditures will hit a recordhigh in 2019, with plans to increase state spending by 7 percent to reach $295 billion, even as declining oil prices have forced the kingdom to adopt austerity measures.

King Salman announced the figures on Tuesday, saying the government expects revenue to increase by more than 9 percent to hit $260 billion. That leaves a projected deficit of $35 billion — less than previous years.

Total revenue in 2018 reached $239 billion, with expenditures of $274.5 billion.

“This budget is a continuation of the government’s policy of focusing on fundamental citizen services and the development of government services,” the king said at a government meeting that included ministers and his son, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Saudi Arabia has been grappling with a deficit since oil prices first plunged in 2014. It needs oil at around $70 a barrel to balance its budget, but the price of oil continued to tumble after hitting a 14month low on Monday. Benchmark U.S. crude dropped to a little more than $49 per barrel Tuesday. Brent crude, used to price international oils, dipped to $58.70 per barrel.

As one of the world’s largest oil exporters, the Saudi government is working to diversify its revenue.

Non-oil revenue has increased in recent years, but the state continues to rely heavily on oil for its domestic and international spending.

The Finance Ministry said oil revenues are expected to reach $176.5 billion in 2019— about 68 percent of state revenue— compared to $162 billion in 2018.

Capital Economics said this year’s Saudi budget seems to be relying on optimistic assumptions for oil prices to rise to almost $80 per barrel.

The annual Saudi budget is watched closely because it offers one of the clearest indicators of whether the kingdom is on track with its Vision 2030 plans— a blueprint put forth by the crown prince to wean the kingdom off its reliance on oil, particularly as sustainable sources of energy become cheaper

In this June 23, 2018 file photo, women hold their daughters as they visit the Four Seasons Skyline Tower, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. King Salman has extended monthly allowances for government employees, military personnel, pensioners, social security recipients and students into next year. The announcement, carried by the Saudi Press Agency on Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2018, comes on the same day the kingdom’s 2019 budget is scheduled to be unveiled. and more popular.

The killing of Saudi writer Jamal Khashoggi, who’d written critically of the crown prince in The Washington Post, has called into question Prince Mohammed’s ability to attract foreign investors to help underwrite his plans. Khashoggi was killed and dismembered inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul by agents close to the crown prince.

A report by U.S. intelligence firm Stratfor said that if growth only comes from heavy state spending, rather than private sector activity or higher levels of consumption, Saudi Arabia’s plans to diversify the economy have little chance of success in the near term.

Saudi Arabia only succeeded

in attracting $1.4 billion in 2017, a figure that Stratfor said trails a number of poorer countries in the Middle East.

“Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s ever-shifting reputation is a direct driver of this uncertainty, and questions about the rule of law, security of investments and the stability of the government abound,” Stratfor said.

Investors were also rattled last year when the crown prince oversaw the arrest of top princes, officials and businessmen in a widereaching anti-corruption campaign shrouded in secrecy. The sweep netted more than $106 billion in financial settlements.

Finance Minister Mohammed

Al-Jadaan said Tuesday the state has collected $13.3 billion from those settlements.

This year’s budget includes a yearlong extension of monthly allowances for civil servants, pensioners and soldiers aimed at buffering the impact of austerity measures. The royal decree extends a monthly payout of around $266 for civil servants and soldiers for another year. Retirees and students will also receive continued allowances.

Figures from 2018 reveal the allowances cost $13.5 billion.

The extension of these bonuses comes at a sensitive time, when many Saudi citizens are feeling the pinch of austerity measures

introduced in recent years to shore up state revenue.

The government introduced a 5 percent value-added tax on most goods and services this year. Saudis have also seen their electricity and water bills skyrocket as subsidies are reduced.

To help ease the burden of these new measures, the government began a cash assistance program this year for lower-income families as part of a new welfare system.

Despite these and other measures, like fees imposed on companies that hire foreigners rather than Saudis, unemployment has risen to 12.9 percent. The majority of working Saudis are employed by the government. (ap)

Friday, December 21, 2018

Philosophical Messages in Kertha Gosa Paintings

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Kertha Gosa in Klungkung has been known as a heritage of the royal period. Until now it remains well maintained. The building features a classic atmosphere. There are a number of stories contained in the paintings mounted on the ceiling. What are they? The name of Kertha Gosa has been very famous not only in Balinese society, but also overseas. The historical heritage located in the south of Puputan Klungkung Monument becomes one of the tourist destinations in Klungkung.

When coming in, the classic atmosphere can be felt intensely.

The Kertha Gosa building in the northeast corner still shows its taksu or divine vibration. Its foundation is made from hard sand stone. The poles of the building with a palm fiber roof covered with carvings give the impression of the past time. Gold leaf color of some painting has looked to fade but still looks beautiful. They are no less beautiful when compared to the carvings of today.

In the center of the building, there are carved table and chairs.

According to the story, during the kingdom era it is believed to be the venue for discussion on everything related to security situation, prosperity and justice of kingdom region in Bali. Besides, this pavilion served as a venue of meeting for the subordinate kings throughout Bali held every full moon of the fourth month in Balinese calendar (October). Here the royal officials provided direction and decisions based on considerations of the circumstances and needs.

When observed further, the ceiling of this building is filled with paintings. They have very distinc-

AP Photo/Nariman El-Mofty, File

Bali News

International

tive colors. Additionally, they look natural with a touch of color of the rocks. Aside from offering very classic nuance, it contains meaningful philosophy. All of them are displayed in plots. Its beauty and uniqueness can draw the attention of many visiting tourists. They are quite curious about the meaning contained therein.

A tour guide, I Putu Gede Alex Sanjaya Putra, said the paintings have existed since the beginning of the building. One by one is explained based on the existing references. At the bottom plot, the story tells about Tantri Kandaka, the 1001-night stories whose essence is about all the deceit in society. The second and third plots carry about the Atma Presangsa, depicting the suffering of the souls in Hell found

by Bima Sena (second son of the Pandavas) on his way to find out the souls of his father and mother.

The fourth plot is about the eagle seeking amrita (holy water of life), taken from Adi Parwa, a story that illustrates how difficult it is to earn a living in the world. Meanwhile, the fifth plot tells about palelindon (forecast and meaning of earthquakes). The sixth and seventh

plots tell about Bima Sena when meeting with divine and celestial deities and fighting to save the souls of his father and mother.

Meanwhile, the eighth plot tells about the heaven of the souls and the ninth plot about the god who serves as the keeper of the balance of the four points of the compass of the world. “This painting becomes one of the tourist attractions,” explained Sanjaya Putra, not long ago.

Right in the middle of this building area is the Taman Gili. Local

community is more familiar with the name of Balai Kambang (literally means ‘the floating pavilion’) surrounded by a fish pond with water lilies. To get there, visitors should explore some steps that also show the old impression.

This building has many poles. The carving is similar to the ones in the Kertha Gosa. This also draws the attention of visitors as intrigued by the story of the paintings on the ceiling.

Near the brick-using founda-

tion building, there is a small note explaining the meaning of the paintings. The first plot from below tells the story about the destiny of a person predetermined by the day of birth. The second plot depicts the story of Pan Berayut, a fairy tale about the couple having 18 children. As for the third to sixth plot tell about the story of Sutasoma, the work of renowned poet, Mpu Tantular during the reign of King Hayam Wuruk in Majapahit in 1365. (kmb)

Tourist Learn to Dance at Kakul Mas Studio, Batuan Batuan village, Sukawati, Gianyar, deserves to be called a cultural tourism village. In addition to having beautiful nature, this village also keeps ‘gold’ as a source of traditional arts remaining to be inherited until now. Moreover, the ancient heritage at Desa and Puseh

Temple can be a special attraction.

So it’s not mistaken if the artists, foreign researchers and foreign tourists throng this village.

For instance, some students from Melbourne, Australia, some time ago visited this village. They are Balinese culture lovers deliber-

ately coming to Kakul Mas Dance Studio to know and learn more about the Balinese classical dances.

“There are 15 tourists with student status that learned to dance in our house (Kakul Mas Dance Studio),” said I Ketut Wirtawan, an artist and trainer who is also the successor of the studio.

The students coming at that time, continued Wirtawan, have major in theater that want to deepen the Balinese arts, especially the art of gambuh operetta. The gambuh is a very complex ancient art, having the elements of motion art (dance), vocal and gamelan music. The most important is characterizations, so it is in accordance with their selected major. “The knowledge of Balinese dance is intended to enrich the theatrical studies they have,” he added.

These students studied for ten days and practiced for 2.5 hours

a day. They know the Kakul Mas Dance Studio from his father, the late I Ketut Kantor. One of their lecturers had learned mask dance directly from the late I Ketut Kantor.

Their lecturer then sent the students to get the fundamentals of Balinese classical dance from the successor of the late I Ketut Kantor.

These students did not only learn to dance, but also tried to express themselves by learning to dance, make a mask and know more about Balinese life. In practicing the dance, they are trained directly by Ketut Wirtawan, Wayan Artawa, Nyoman Juniati, Tut Nik and Wayan Darmawan. The class of making a mask is provided by Ketut Wirtawan. “Although the schedule is held by their campus, there are also students attending the program repeatedly on their personal account,” he said.

Kakul Mas Dance Studio which

is also the home of I Ketut Wirtawan’s family is natural remaining to refer to the kosala-kosali (Balinese geomancy) rules, commonly used in the making of Balinese house. That’s why many foreign tourists often visit the house as a kind of tourist attraction. They come from various countries escorted by a tour guide. “There are always tourists making a visit here.

They like to see traditional house as well as painting of Batuan style,” said Wirtawan.

Ketut Wirtawan is often taken advantage as an object when painting on canvas. Indeed, in the matter of painting, Batuan village remains the same as in the past, preserving the painting of Batuan style. Other than being one of the successors of Gambuh operetta, Wirtawan is still actively scratching on canvas or paper as it has become a habit. (kmb)

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Bali News

Friday, December 21, 2018

International

North Bali airport public consultation

WUHAN - In an oxbow lake along the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, a breathy sigh pierces the surface stillness as one of China’s most endangered animals comes up for a gulp of hazy air.

SINGARAJA - The Indonesian Ministry of Transportation held a KPBU Public Consultation for the Construction of North Bali Airport at Banyualit Spa & Resort Singaraja on Tuesday (Dec. 18). Coinciding with Anggara Kasih Sungsang, it was claimed as a good day to build public opinion. Such public consultation was also attended by the governor of Bali, the regent of Buleleng, chairperson of the Buleleng house of representative and the ranks of the relevant agencies in the provinces of Bali and Buleleng.

and culture.

“I think the determination of location in Kubutambahan area will end the polemic regarding the construction of the airport. The next measure is to continue the study by preparing the master plan and the land to be used,” he added.

Koster encouraged the land used is unproductive land belonging to customary village. At present, there are 370 hectares of land belonging to the Kubutambahan customary village, 50 hectares belonging to Sanih customary village, as well as other land owned by the surrounding community estimated to be sufficient for the construction of the first phase. The land belonging to customary village to be used is currently being contracted by a third party. His party claimed to have talked to the third party and they will join. “We’d like to take over the right and will be returned it to the community,” he continued.

Koster targeted the stages of airport development in North Bali to be completed in 2024.

His government has also supported the road access to Buleleng through the construction of ten shortcut points targeted for completion in 2021. Meanwhile, the budget needed to build the airport is estimated to reach IDR 15 trillion.

When asked about investors that previously expressed their interest in building the airport in Buleleng, Koster returned to question their budget readiness.

“Many parties are interested, but do they have the money? With the KPBU, it is guaranteed by the government. State-Owned En-

IBP/rin

Such public consultation was also attended by the governor of Bali, the regent of Buleleng, chairperson of the Buleleng house of representative and the ranks of the relevant agencies in the provinces of Bali and Buleleng. terprises are in involved, surely they have the money. For others, they are only brokers, so they will not be involved,” he said while hoping that Bali Government-Owned Enterprise could take part in the KPBU in accordance with its capabilities.

In the meantime, Director of Airport Affairs at the Indonesian Ministry of Transportation, Pramintohadi Sukarno, said the public consultation is a mandate from the Minister of Transportation. This is part of the feasibility study on the location of North Bali Airport requiring advice and input from all sectors and other relevant agencies. The minimization of the state budget to finance immediate infrastructure projects is one of the reasons why the development of North Bali Airport will be cooperated with business entities.

The need for this new airport in Bali is also motivated by the limited development of Ngurah Rai Airport. In particular, it is to answer

the needs for tourism services, especially air transportation. The development of Ngurah Rai Airport also requires higher investment and greater environmental risks.

“If there is an emergency or things that make Bali’s Ngurah Rai Airport unable to be operated, then the main access to Bali will be very disturbed,” he said.

The public consultation was also filled with exposure by the Head of Sub-Directorate of KPS Bappenas, Dadang Jusron, Expert Minister of Transportation for Investment, Otto Ardianto, Consultant from PT. Virama Karya (Persero), Yon Sugiono, and Head of the Center for International Cooperation and Partnership Facilitation at the Ministry of Transportation, Agus Saptono, and Rizka Anandita Ramses from PT. PII. One of the points explained is about the KPBU that is not the same as privatization because the airport will later on become state ownership. (kmb32)

Bade Padma Negara worked on by six architects of Blahbatuh

IBP/kmb

Bade Padma Negara that delivered the deceased of Blahbatuh Palace, I Gusti Ngurah Djelantik, does not use meru (tiered-shape) like the ones in other palaces.

GIANYAR - Bade Padma Negara that delivered the deceased of Blahbatuh Palace, I Gusti Ngurah Djelantik, to the main cemetery of Blahbatuh got the attention from many residents. The 24-meter-high bade tower does not use meru (tiered-shape) like the ones in other palaces. However, the bade tower worked on by six traditional architects or undagi from Blahbatuh still looks magnificent when carried by thousands of residents to local cemetery on Tuesday (Dec. 18).

Coordinator of the undagi, Ketut Gede Setyawan, explained that the 15ton bade work was indeed accelerated because of chasing of the pelebon or cremation time last Tuesday. He said the total workmanship of bade takes 24 days. “We bring forward this work and accelerate to 24 days,” he said.

He revealed that a total of six traditional architects from Blahbatuh village were involved in working on the bade padma negara. In addition to the undagi, the workmanship was also helped by 25 assistants. “The concept and workmanship were designed by our undagi,” he said. According to this 47-year-old man, this state-of-the-art bade padma negara for senior figure of Blahbatuh Palace indeed exceeded expectations because from basic structure the undagi added the height of the bade to 24 meters. This also adapted to the deceased who is the XXIV generation of Blahbatuh Palace.

“The width is indeed less because the height is added, so there is indeed a meaning of 24 meters high,” said the undagi, daily working at the weaving company.

Even though having a height of 24

13

Smiling at danger, China’s finless porpoise fights to survive

Agreed at Kubutambahan by using KPBU scheme

The other attendees included chief of customary village and the apparatus of Kubutambahan village, Bukit customary village, customary village small assembly of Kubutambahan, customary village middle assembly of Buleleng (MMDP), headman of Kubutambahan, Bulian and Bukit, and nine subak organizations in the Kubutambahan region.

In the meeting was revealed that location of the construction of the North Bali Airport had been agreed on in Kubutambahan funded through the KPBU scheme (Cooperation of Government with Business Entities). In this case, it is prepared by the Ministry of Transportation. Determination of location permit is expected to have been issued in 2019.

“This (KPBU) concept is the most appropriate because it contains the role of the government, even the government serves as the leader of this development. Thus, the plan to construct this new airport has certainty in terms of budget support,” said Governor of Bali, Wayan Koster, when interviewed after a public consultation.

Koster added, representatives from the Ministry of Finance had even guaranteed the budget requirements for the construction of the North Bali airport. Most importantly, the involvement of government will certainly protect the interests of many people and not create adverse policies. Besides, this is in accordance with the vision of Nangun Sat Kertih Loka Bali. The Island of the Gods must be balanced in all areas to equalize people’s income based on the order of customs, religion, tradition, art

Friday, December 21, 2018

International

meters, it also guarantees the strength of the bade because it uses a bamboo structure inside. “This is our technique in making bade, where the internal structure applies bamboo, so the difference is still strong when carried by residents,” he said.

Meanwhile, the deceased’s son, A.A. Ngurah Kakarsana, said the concept of pelebon using bade padma negara is the same as the last king’s bade of Blahbatuh Grand Palace, I Gusti Ngurah Rai in 1962. “The cremation that year was the last with the naga banda in Blahbatuh Grand Palace,” he said.

It is named the Bade Padma Negara because of using nine mountain ornaments. “It is added with gold dragon as well as other images like elephant, tiger, goose and others so that there are nine in total,” he said. (kmb35)

A slick black back with no dorsal fin arches briefly above the water line before plunging back down.

Such glimpses of the shy Yangtze finless porpoise, the only aquatic mammal left in China’s longest river and known in Chinese as the “smiling angel” for its perma-grin, are increasingly rare.

Pollution, overfishing, hydroelectric dams and shipping traffic have rendered them critically endangered, worse off even than China’s best-known symbol of animal conservation, the panda.

China’s government estimates there were 1,012 wild Yangtze finless porpoises in 2017, compared to more than 1,800 giant pandas, which is no longer endangered.

But researchers see signs of hope. Porpoise numbers fell by nearly half from 2006-2012 to an estimated 1,040. But the rate of decline has slowed markedly since then, suggesting that conservation may be making a dent.

A central component of the rescue effort is the introduction of porpoises to several conservation areas off the busy river, where researchers say numbers have been actually increasing.

- Encouraging signs At the Tianezhou Oxbow Nature Reserve in central China’s Hubei province, a curving lake linked to the Yangtze by a stream, around

30-40 porpoises were brought in beginning in the 1990s. There are now around 80.

“We found out animals can not only survive but also reproduce naturally and successfully at Tianezhou. That’s very encouraging,” said Wang Ding, 60, a porpoise expert with the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Researchers also credit official clampdowns on polluting activities and fish overharvesting, artificial reproduction projects, and growing environmental awareness among China’s emerging middle class.

“The voice and supervision of the public has played an important role,” said Zhang Xinqiao, the species’ project manager at the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).

Chinese officials are keen to avoid a repeat of the “baiji”, or Yangtze dolphin, the river’s only other aquatic mammal, which since 2006 has been considered extinct in a huge conservation setback for China. Losing the “smiling angel” would be a further tragedy, conservationists say. One of the world’s few freshwater porpoise subspecies, it is considered a natural barometer of the overall health of China’s most important river.

- ‘River pig’ The finless porpoise is mentioned in ancient Chinese poems and has been considered a harbinger of rain.

IBP/afp

A worker at the Baiji dolphin aquarium in Wuhan, China, plays with a Yangtze finless porpoise on Nov. 10.

Some locals call it the “river pig” for its plump body and rounded headed. Adults can reach two metres (six feet) long and were sometimes eaten, despite not being considered particularly tasty. Their livers were used in traditional medicines.

Since China re-opened to the world four decades ago, living standards have soared, but so have air and water pollution.

The Yangtze contributes more

to ocean pollution than any other world river, according to Dutch NGO Ocean Cleanup.

Hydroelectric dams built on the river to satisfy soaring energy demand have also been disastrous for biodiversity.

But in January 2016, President Xi Jinping called for a river protection push. Steps have included curbs on development, stricter fishing rules and other protection

projects.

Later that year, a formal porpoise action plan was launched, including increased relocations away from the river, more reserve sites, and research on artificial breeding.

The Tianezhou reserve, established in 1992, claims to be the world’s first and only example of cetaceans -- which include dolphins and porpoises -- surviving and reproducing after relocation. (afp)

Drone sightings ground planes at UK’s Gatwick airport

Adrian DENNIS / AFP

A file photo taken on November 19, 2008, shows the control tower at Gatwick Airport in Sussex.

LONDON - One of Britain’s busiest airports was forced to suspend all flights after reports of drones flying over the airfield, causing disruption for at least 10,000 people just days before Christmas, it said Thursday.

Flights into Gatwick Airport, near London, were diverted to other cities while passengers waiting to take off faced long delays before having to stay in hotels overnight.

Two drones were first spotted flying over the airport at around 9:00pm (2100 GMT). The airfield briefly reopened at 3:00am on Thursday, but had to be closed again following further sightings, the latest at 7:00am (0700 GMT).

“Flights to and from Gatwick Airport remain suspended following reports of drones flying over

Gatwick’s airfield last night and in the early hours of this morning,” a statement issued at 7:30am said.

“We are advising passengers scheduled to fly from Gatwick not to travel to the airport without checking the status of their flight with their airline this morning.

“We apologise for the inconvenience, but the safety of all passengers and staff is our first priority.”

Chris Woodroofe, Gatwick’s chief operating officer, told BBC radio that 20 police units from two local forces were looking for the drone operator.

“That is the way to disable to drone,” he said.

“We also have the helicopter up in the air but the police advise us that it would be dangerous to seek to shoot the drone down because

of what may happen to the stray bullets.”

He said it was an “irresponsible” act that caused “very significant disruption for passengers”, with 6,000 people forced to divert to other airports late Wednesday.

Another 2,000 people destined for Gatwick did not leave, and another 2,000 waiting at Gatwick could not fly and were put up in hotels overnight, he said.

Gatwick is the eighth-busiest airport in Europe and sits behind Mumbai as the world’s busiest single-runway air hub. It serves more than 228 destinations in 74 countries for 45 million passengers a year. Under British law, drones cannot be flown near aircraft or airports, or at an altitude of over 400 feet (122 metres). (afp)

14

Friday, December 21, 2018

Fashion

International

Prada apologizes after products spark accusations of racism NEW YORK - Italian fashion label Prada has said it will set up an advisory council on diversity issues after being forced to pull monkey-like keychain figurines from its shelves over accusations of racism.

The so-called “Pradamalia” creatures -- featured prominently in the window display of its Soho store in New York -- sparked outrage for their exaggerated red lips that brought blackface caricatures to mind.

“We would like to convey our deep regret and sincere apologies for the Pradamalia products that were offensive. They have been removed from the market and will not be sold,” Prada said in a statement released Sunday on Twitter.

“Going forward, we pledge to improve our diversity training and will immediately form an advisory council to guide our efforts on diversity, inclusion and culture,” the label said.

“We will learn from this and do better.”

The problematic custom of blackface dates back to about 1830, and so-called “minstrel shows,” when white performers caked their faces in greasepaint or shoe polish and drew on exaggerated lips in a caricature of blacks.

The stereotypes portrayed -- that blacks were

somehow inferior, ignorant, lazy and even animalistic -- cemented racist attitudes for decades. Some of those images still exist today.

The problem for Prada began with its Soho store display -- one lawyer who passed by the store slammed the figurines as racist in a Facebook post, posting several photos of the controversial objects.

At first, the company defended itself, saying its “Pradamalia” were “fantasy charms composed of elements of the Prada oeuvre,” and adding: “They are imaginary creatures not intended to have any reference to the real world and certainly not blackface.”

But when some consumers called for a boycott of the label, Prada went farther in its apology.

“The resemblance of the products to blackface was by no means intentional, but we recognize that this does not excuse the damage they have caused,” it said Sunday, adding that it would probe how the problematic product reached the market in the first place.

Prada also said it would donate any proceeds from Pradamalia already sold to a “New York-based organization committed to fighting racial justice, which is a value that we strongly believe in.”

Prada is hardly the first company to get tripped up on issues of race and racist imagery.

Dolce and Gabbana was forced to apologize to Chinese customers last month after it posted short clips on Instagram showing a Chinese woman eating pizza, spaghetti and a cannoli with chopsticks that some deemed culturally insensitive.

It escalated when Stefano Gabbana allegedly used poop emojis to describe China and hurled insults at the country and its people.

In the United States, television news personality Megyn Kelly lost her morning talk show in October after questioning on air if blackface was always problematic. (afp)

International

Tebing Kelebutan cultural heritage starts to be left by visitors

Kendall and Kylie’s favourite slip dress brand has grown up THE award for the most offbeat brand name currently vying for fashion’s attention has to go to Rat & Boa. The intriguing moniker originates from a Stevie Nicks quote – “he and I were as compatible as a rat and a boa constrictor” – in reference to her expartner. Something in the musician’s musing about her personal life spoke to Valentina Muntoni and Stephanie Bennett. So, when conceiving their brand identity, they eschewed an amalgamation of both their names, and channelled pure rock’n’roll.

Born in 2013, when the duo found themselves living between Bangkok and Bali, their line of slips and easy dresses that beg for a one-way ticket somewhere fabulous was born quite simply out of “a desire to express ourselves through style,” they tell Vogue. “We didn’t realise there was such a big gap in the market.”

Success came to the pair, who design, style, photograph and model the collections themselves, in 2016 when Kendall Jenner was photographed wearing Rat & Boa leather Soda shorts at Coachella. The launch of the silk leopard-print Valentina dress followed, and, just like Jenner, who came across the brand on Instagram, Elsa Hosk, Kylie Jenner, Adwoa Aboah and Gigi Hadid snapped up the under-the-radar label, creating a buzz on social.

“That really put us on the map,” they say. But, even as their follower count has grown (now well over 500,000 on Instagram), the duo have never neglected the customer insights that ultimately formed Rat & Boa’s foundations. “Social media allows us to interact with our audience on a more personal level,” they note.

Through this hand-holding, they have built a “a boutique brand that creates unique pieces from luxe fabrics at an attainable price point bridging the gap between high street and designer”.

Although there are a handful of brands who populate this middle ground and have expanded, in part, via their social networks – Kitri, Rixo and De La Vali

included – it’s no mean feat to marry quality fabrications with attractive price points.

What sets Rat & Boa apart is the wanderlust lifestyle the label emulates – and it’s authentic. “The brand represents our nomadic lifestyle,” they share. “Since starting the brand, we have lived in various countries.

We’re currently based in Berlin, but our last few collections were shot in Guatemala, Mexico and Cuba.” For the latest Mirage capsule, which drops on December 17, they “knew it had to be Morocco”.

Mirage, they assert, is the culmination of five years as business partners (they first crossed paths at a house party in Manchester in 2008, naturally) and an ode to both their styles as they have grown up together. “While retaining the Rat & Boa stamp and a strong sense of fun, the pieces are more refined and elegant,” they offer.

Think slips that can be worn with delicate blouses, minimal jumpsuits and one-pieces that pay tribute to the ’70s.

Pop-up stores and new faces to model the products are on the agenda, but for now, the duo sign off from a jaunt to Brazil. It’s hard to not buy into this insouciant way of life – but, perhaps, building a business on being breezy has been their biggest success. (net)

GIANYAR — Cultural Heritage of the Tebing Kelebutan Temple at Pejeng Kawan village, Tampaksiring subdistrict, was crowded with tourists. Moreover, this location was ever used to shoot the Cupak Grantang movie. Currently the visit to this object starts to be quiet, while the surrounding communities are reluctant to come to the sacred land area. Other than being overgrown with high grass, the cliff is taken advantage to build a Fecal Wastewater Installation Plant (IPALT). Psychologically, the community feels the flow of holy water from the cliff wall is getting tainted. Moreover, the typical stench of waste is smelled around the location.

Compiled information told that Tebing Kelebutan Temple site had long been abandoned by tourists.

As a result, currently the access and site are only maintained modestly.

“In the past many travelers visited this object,” said Nyoman Adi, a local resident met around the object.

He revealed that both foreign tourists and local people began to leave this sacred place. This hap-

pens because in the west side of the cliff there is a Fecal Wastewater Installation Plant (IPALT). “Since the existence of the IPALT, residents are reluctant to take a bath beneath.

Perhaps because of psychological factors, there are feces on it, so they do not want to use springs for bathing or consumption,” he explained.

According to him, the springs around the site was formerly used for public bathing while some other springs have dried out. As a result, right now the site is only maintained by an employee of the Cultural Heritage. “Maybe due to the presence of fecal channels, tourists and residents equally left it behind. When entering this site, it smells bad,” he said.

Meanwhile, headman of Pejeng Kawan, Anak Agung Gede Oka, when asked for his confirmation did not dare to comment much regarding the effect of the IPALT on the flow of water on the cliff walls. Nevertheless, he claimed to be coordinating with related agencies. “Sorry for first time, I’m still coordinating with the District Public Works,” he said briefly. (kmb35)

Arrival of foreign tourists via Ngurah Rai Airport

Increased by 7.31 percent until November 2018

MANGUPURA — From January to November 2018, Ngurah Rai International Airport has served 5,621,756 foreign tourists. The number has increased by 7.31 percent when compared to the same period in 2017, reaching 5,238,919 foreign tourists, or grew by 382,837 tourists.

According to the General Manager of Ngurah Rai International Airport, Yanus Suprayogi, tourists from China are still the country in the first place or with the most tourist contributors to Bali. It reached 1,297,669 tourists until November 2018.

Although there was a decline in tourist arrivals in November from China by 39.90 percent compared to October, Chinese tourists are still ranked first with a percentage of 23.08 percent accumulated until 2018.

The second and third posi-

tions in 2018 are respectively occupied by Australia and India, namely 1,080,718 and 322,327 tourists. “Well, there is indeed a rise in tourist arrival by 7.31 percent this year when compared to last year. Tourists from China remain to dominate, followed by Australia and India,” said Yanus on Monday (Dec. 17).

For 2019, his management targeted more European tourists to come to Bali in order to obtain added value for the quality tourists. With the opening of direct flight from Moscow to Denpasar route with service of three times a week, it can increase the arrival of European tourists to Bali. “Judging from the number of tourists from the top 10 countries, there are three countries having entered the top 10, namely the United Kingdom, France and Germany,” he said. (kmb23)

Bali News

Friday, December 21, 2018

Installation of the coastal countermeasures is a trial stage.

3

IBP/olo

Trials of woven geotextile has not been maximized

NEGARA — To overcome the abrasion having the effect of damaging the settlements on Pebuahan Beach, Banyubiru, the woven geotextile was installed a few months ago.

Installation of the coastal countermeasures is a trial stage. Along 80 meters, this kind of net was installed using the woven geotextile. It is functioned to capture sea sand and to form a mound as a wave retainer.

Division Head of Water Resources at the Jembrana Public Works, Spatial Planning and Settlement Agency (PUPRPKP), Wayan Widnyana, recently said the trial is intended to anticipate the coastal area of Pebuahan so as not to get severely affected by abrasion. In total, there are four woven geotextile bags installed with respective length of 20 meter and diameter of 2.5 meter.

The four woven geotextile materials are installed at the most abrasion-prone points in Pebuahan. He admitted the woven geotextile is far different from using stone armor commonly applied on several beaches in Jembrana. In principle, it resembles a large net or sack used to capture sand carried by the waves. The woven geotextile is installed about 50 meters from the beach.

“Essentially, it is to dampen the waves using sandbar. Indeed, it is not as effective as the stone armor installed on the beach. However, at least it is temporarily able to reduce the waves,” explained Widnyana. In terms of budget efficiency, it is much cheaper to use

woven geotextile.

Meanwhile, based on the data collected at the end of 2018, along 20.63 kilometers of coast has experienced abrasion. Precisely, it happened to 22 coastal points spreading over five sub-districts in Jembrana district.

In details, it starts from Melaya subdistrict with 3.77 kilometers of abrasion at 4 coastal points namely Tuwed Beach, Candikusuma Beach, Nusasari Beach and Gilimanuk Beach.

After that is Negara subdistrict happening to 7 kilometers in 5 coastal points, namely at the coast of Muara Sowan, Pengambengan Beach, Cupel Beach, Baluk Rening Beach and Pebuahan Beach.

In Jembrana subdistrict, the abrasion happened to 3.5 kilometers in three coastal points namely Yeh Kuning Beach, Air Kuning Beach (and Perancak Beach).

Meanwhile, in Mendoyo subdistrict there are four points with a total length of 3.55 kilometers including Rambut Siwi Beach, Yehembang Beach, Penyaringan Beach and Delod Berawah Beach. Lastly, along 2.8 kilometer happened in Pekutatan subdistrict precisely at 6 beach points. They include Pengeragoan Beach, Gumbrih Beach, Pangyangan Beach, Pekutatan Beach, Pulukan Beach and Medewi Beach.

However, of the 22 points, according to Widnyana, the worst occurred on Gilimanuk Beach and Pebuahan Beach. The impact of abrasion has damaged a number of public facilities and residential settlements. Meanwhile, the handling of abrasion in Jembrana was last received in 2017. (kmb26)

2

Bali News

Friday, December 21, 2018

International

International

Reaching Indonesian diaspora overseas

The meeting was held on December 3 at the first Indonesian restaurant in Kigali, Borneo Café, founded by an Indonesian citizen based in Kigali, Mrs. Fatimah. The meeting was held as part of the efforts to foster, mobilize and protect Indonesian citizens in the Indonesian Embassy in Dar es Salaam. The meeting aims to ascertain the living conditions of Indonesian citizens in Rwanda, to disseminate a number

of programs of Indonesian Embassy in Dar es Salaam related to services for Indonesian citizens in accreditation countries, as well as to capture aspirations, advice and input from Indonesian citizens in accreditation countries.

“I am very happy to be able to meet with the fellows from Indonesia in this monitoring area, and in the future we will regularly meet with you ladies and gentlemen,” said the Indonesian Ambassador to Dar es Salaam at the opening of the meeting.

The Indonesian Ambassador to Dar es Salaam also expressed his pride for the existence of Borneo Café which is the first Indonesian restaurant in Kigali. Borneo Café restaurant has been known in the Rwandan community, especially among expatriates who love Indonesian specialties, and have received very positive reviews from a number of tourist and culinary sites. Siti Noor Fatimah Effendi, familiarly called Mrs. Fety, founded the restaurant in June 15, 2017.

She came to Rwanda in early June 2017 using a brief

visit (30 days). After seeing the quality of life in Kigali, she decided to stay and set up a business in Rwanda together with her husband. The business licensing process is completed within one day, and within one month the business is running. A residence permit is obtained automatically after the business is running.

Aside from Mrs. Fety, another Indonesian citizen who has been long living in Kigali is Dr. Tommy Wuysang and his wife, Mrs. Jenny Wuysang, who have lived for 9 years in Kigali. He devoted himself to religious and health activities in Rwanda by becoming a pastor at the local church and opening a health clinic practice. A total of 15 Indonesian citizens are known to live in Rwanda with a variety of work and activity backgrounds, namely professional staff in international organizations, entrepreneurs, spiritualist, and housewives.

The Indonesian citizens stated that they really enjoy living in Rwanda and recommending Rwanda as a business and tourist destination. (r)

Incoming vehicle starts to increase

IBP/Gus Olo

The situation on Gilimanuk is getting crowded near new year.

NEGARA — A few days before Christmas and New Year, the traffic of vehicles entering Bali through Gilimanuk Harbor begins to get crowded. Based on observation, since the end of last week, the number of vehicles entering Bali has increased compared to normal days.

The incoming vehicles are dominated by private cars with license plate of various regions in Java. In addition to the entrance into Bali, the traffic of vehicles going out of Bali is also increasing. A number of service users revealed that they intentionally left Bali to return to their hometown because their children were already off.

Friday, December 21, 2018

15

COACH UNVEILS 2018 HOLIDAY GIANT INSTALLATION AT GRAND INDONESIA

IBP/release

GATHERING with Indonesian citizens in the first Indonesian restaurant in Rwanda on December 3, 2018, amidst a series of visit for the ceremony to hand over credentials to President of Republic of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, Indonesian Ambassador to Dar es Salaam who is also accredited for Rwanda, Prof. Dr. Ratlan Pardede, and his delegates from the Indonesian Embassy in Dar es Salaam met and visited their fellow Indonesian citizens in Kigali.

Activities

However, for those who are going out of Bali, the crowded time happens in the morning and evening. The outflow of Bali is estimated to last continuously until the Christmas and New Year holidays.

In the meantime, at the exit checkpoint of the Gilimanuk Harbor or Post II also began to be thronged with vehicles. They are residents wishing to spend a vacation to Bali. The local tourists chose to travel to Bali because the conditions are not like the end of last year, coinciding with the Mount Agung’s eruption. One of the car drivers, Iwan, 34, from Surabaya, admitted that last year he canceled

his Bali’s year-end holiday due to the situation of Mount Agung. But now, he took his family to spend time in Bali until Christmas.

The increase in the vehicle traffic made the guard officers do extra checks. Since a week ago, the number of officers has been added from the Gilimanuk Marine Police Station. Chief of Gilimanuk Police, Nyoman Subawa, confirmed the increasing number of vehicles entering and leaving Bali since last weekend. For those who enter mostly use private vehicles. The ASDP crossing authority currently prepares 32 vessels to serve crossing services both from Ketapang and Gilimanuk. (kmb26)

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Kanmo Group, one of the leading retail distribution and omnichannel companies in Indonesia, opens the holiday season with the unveiling of Coach Holiday giant presents installation at Under Sky Bridge Grand Indonesia Shopping Center. Playful, inclusive and irreverent, Coach invites all visitors to feel the magic and take pictures in the area as this installation is only available for a very limited time. The holiday vibes have arrived in Jakarta.

Lights outline picket fences, tinsel hangs from the ceilings. Coach presents were wrapped in a golden metal with a luxe black bow in the hopes that they would be Instagram-ed. The imaginative details showcased in each display and they are inviting you to party with the explosion of glitter, frivolity and rebellion.

“Welcoming the holiday season, we are very happy to share the magic of the holidays and happiness from Coach. Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year by surprising your loved ones with the special holiday collection. The Holiday collection is bringing in shimmering metallic leather and new prints of the unexpected Coach festive friends; Frog, Fox, Squirrel, Pig, Owl and Mouse. If you are looking for the perfect gift, Coach stores will be the right destination to find one, from a wide assortment of bags, small leather goods, footwear and accessories,” explained Manoj Bharwani, Co-Founder & Group Managing Director of Kanmo Group.

Bringing together all elements of the holiday season, Coach invites you to join the excitement from 10 December 2018 – 6 January 2019 and experience all that is fun and festive about this time of year. Coach Holiday collection is available in stores.

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

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

Price: Rp 3.000,-

Friday, December 21, 2018

Kylie Minogue to play Glastonbury festival’s Sunday ‘legends’ slot IBP/net

Selena Gomezmakes rare Instagram appearance after illness

It will be her first time performing her own full set at the festival, after being forced to cancel her scheduled Pyramid Stage headline slot 14 years ago when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

She joined Scissor Sisters on the world famous stage at Worthy Farm in 2010, but has never played her own show.

In a message to her followers, Kylie said: “I’m so thrilled to announce that I’ll be playing the ‘Legend slot’ on Sunday 30th June at @GlastoFest 2019.

“It will be 14 years since I was originally meant to appear there and so much has happened up to now. I can’t wait to see you all there to share this special show.”

Glastonbury organiser Emily Eavis also posted on Twitter and Instagram to confirm the news, saying: “We are delighted to announce that Kylie is finally bringing her show to Glastonbury.

“She’ll play the legendary Sunday afternoon slot at next year’s Festival.

And we cannot wait.” Glastonbury’s Sunday legends slot has become a firm tradition at the festival, often drawing the biggest crowd of the weekend. Kylie follows in the footsteps of other legends including Dolly Parton, Lionel Richie, Tom Jones and Dame Shirley Bassey.

Earlier this year, she spoke about her hopes of finally performing her own set at the festival, saying: “It would be amazing and very emotional to be standing there and doing what I didn’t get to do all those years ago, for sure.” (net)

CALIFORNIA - Selena Gomez has made a rare social media appearance - her first since leaving rehab to treat symptoms related to her autoimmune disease.

The Back To You singer, 26, was pictured with a large group of friends looking happy and relaxed as they went snow tubing in Big Bear Lake ski resort in Southern California.

Her former Wizards Of Waverley Place co-star Bailee Madison and close friend, model Connar Franklin, shared images on their Instagram accounts.

Gomez has not posted on her own Instagram since the end of September, when she announced she was taking a social media break and reminded followers to not post negative comments. The appearance is one of the first public outings Gomez has made since she left her treatment programme in New York City after entering in October for anxiety and depression.

She suffers from the autoimmune disease Lupus, of which anxiety and depression are common side effects, and had initially been in hospital for a low white blood count.

In 2017 she had a kidney transplant because of the disease, which she was diagnosed with in 2015.

She is “truly in a much better place”, a source told E! News.

Gomez’s reappearance on social media after twoand-a-half months was welcomed by fans, with the hashtag #SelenaIsBack trending worldwide. Fans reacted to the photos with excitement, saying they had missed her. (net)

Kylie Minogue has been confirmed for Glastonbury 2019.

You can find International Bali Post at: 10 Malaika Scret 11 Snack Shack 12 Warung Lokal 13 Cokro Cafee 14 T.J.Bar 15 J & N Kebab 16 Goanna Bar 17 Batu Jimbar 18 Ramayana Cafee

Friday, December 21, 2018

LONDON - Kylie Minogue says she is “thrilled” after being revealed as the act for next year’s Sunday “legends” slot at Glastonbury. The singer, 50, posted a message confirming the news on social media.

Selena Gomez (c) was pictured with actress Bailee Madison (r) and model Connar Franklin (l).

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New Taipei City Police Department / AFP

A handout photo taken on December 17, 2018 and released by New Taipei City Police Department on December 20, 2018 shows one of the three damaged Ferraris in Taipei. An exhausted Taiwanese delivery driver who smashed into three Ferraris has been inundated with donations after his plight and eyewatering repair bill sparked a deluge of public sympathy.

Donations flood in for Taiwan driver who smashed into three Ferraris

An exhausted Taiwanese delivery driver who smashed into three Ferraris has been inundated with donations after his plight and eye-watering repair bill sparked a deluge of public sympathy.

Lin Chin-hsiang had a particularly miserable day at work in the early hours of Sunday morning when he drifted off at the wheel while delivering incense to nearby temples on a windy mountain road above Taipei.

He not only managed to wreck his family’s car but also ploughed into a trio of Ferraris whose owners had parked by the side of the road midway through a weekend morning drive in the hills.

“I must have fallen asleep, I’m

not sure what happened,” the softspoken 20-year-old told AFP on Thursday from the incense shop in the capital where he works alongside his mother.

“I will work hard to pay for the damage,” he added. No-one was hurt in the collision but Lin faces a mammoth bill because his car insurance has a cap on payouts.

Local media quoted Ferrari dealers in Taipei as saying the repairs to the vehicles could cost NT$12 million ($390,000) -- a

figure that would take Lin decades to pay off.

But ordinary members of the public have flocked to his aid. City authorities said a fund set up to receive donations had so far received NT$814,000 ($26,400).

Many of those donating were inspired by the contrast between the comparatively gilded lives of the Ferrari owners and the overworked man who hurtled into them.

Lin said he had to drop out of college this summer to help his mother run their incense shop -- his father died some five years back.

He also held down a second job at a nearby barbecue restaurant.

The day of the accident, Lin’s mother recalled, her son had worked a restaurant shift until 3am, briefly slept and then began deliveries around 5am because she had been feeling unwell.

His mother, who only gave her surname, said she was left “dumbstruck” when she discovered her son had totalled three supercars.

“I told him what has happened has happened and we’ll face it together,” she told AFP. Neighbours have since come by with their own delivery vans to keep the business going while one man travelled three hours by bus to drop a donation into the fam-

ily’s shop.

Lin said the principle of the college he dropped out from came round to offer him free tuition but he felt unable to leave his mother’s business -- especially given the bills he now needs to pay.

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