Edition Monday, June 25, 2018 | International Bali Post

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

16 Pages Number 134 10th year

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

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Monday, June 25, 2018

As Facebook ages, teens look elsewhere to connect SAN FRANCISCO - Manon, 17, has a Facebook account but to connect with her friends she turns to other social networks like Instagram or Snapchat.

“I don’t use it to post status updates or personal information,” the San Francisco teen says.

Manon maintains her Facebook account to be able to stay in touch with the large number of users on the huge social network and as a “gateway” to log into other apps.

“But to communicate with my friends, it’s Snapchat,” the high schooler said.

“Everyone says Facebook is out of date. I think it’s because all the parents are on Facebook.”

As Facebook has grown into a network of more than two billion people globally it has lost its luster for younger users who made up a core base.

While Facebook has become

one of the world’s most valuable and powerful companies, it’s no longer seen as a cool destination for teens, who are turning to Snapchat and Instagram, which is owned by Facebook.

According to a Pew Research Center survey this year, 51 percent of US teens ages 13 to 17 use Facebook, compared with 72 percent for Instagram and 69 percent who are on Snapchat. The survey found 85 percent used the Google video sharing service YouTube.

The landscape has shifted since a 2014-15 Pew survey which found Facebook leading other social networks with 71 percent of the teen segment.

“The social media environment among teens is quite different from what it was just three years ago,” said Pew researcher Monica Anderson. (afp)

Monday, June 25, 2018

IBP/net

The faux weapon, mainly made of wood, had been put on display in New York by Julien’s Auctions last month after more than 30 years tucked away in the belongings of James Schoppe, art director of “Return of the Jedi”.

Han Solo’s ‘Return of the Jedi’ blaster sells for $550,000

WASHINGTON - In the wildly popular “Star Wars” films, Han Solo once told a lightsaber-wielding Luke Skywalker: “Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid.”

IBP/net

While Facebook has become one of the world’s most valuable and powerful companies, it’s no longer seen as a cool destination for teens, who are turning to Snapchat and Instagram, which is owned by Facebook.

That was the case when one of the blaster pistol props used by Harrison Ford in “Return of the Jedi” (1983) went under the hammer, selling for $550,000 -- topping the $450,000 previously fetched by Skywalker’s lightsaber from the first two films.

“SOLD for $550,000! An original Han Solo blaster used in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi!” Julien’s

Auctions announced on Twitter Saturday.

The faux weapon, mainly made of wood, had been put on display in New York by Julien’s Auctions last month after more than 30 years tucked away in the belongings of James Schoppe, art director of “Return of the Jedi”.

Martin Nolan, the auction house’s executive director, said

Schoppe, an Oscar nominee for his work on the film, finally decided to part with Solo’s gun and about 40 other items from the movie, including an Ewok axe and plans for Jabba the Hutt’s ship.

The Ewok axe went for $11,250, while another blaster prop from the film fetched $90,624, according to Julien’s Auctions.

But none of the props were a match for the space saga’s muchloved droid: last year, an R2-D2 used in the making of several “Star Wars” films sold for $2.76 million at auction in Los Angeles. (afp)

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President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo during the opening ceremony of the 40th Bali Art Festival.

IBP/Eka Adhyasa

Jokowi beats gong to open the 40th BAF parade

DENPASAR - President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, shot an arrow indicating the opening ceremony of the 40th Bali Arts Festival (BAF) before the Bajra Sandhi Monument at Renon, Denpasar, on Saturday (Jul. 23). Instead, the release of the parade was marked with a gong beating by the president accompanied by Minister of Education and Culture, Muhadjir Effendy, Minister of Cooperatives and the SMEs, A.A. Ngurah Puspayoga, and Governor of Bali, Made Mangku Pastika.

The parade was also delayed for an hour from 14:00 to 15:00.

It happened because the president should attend a public lecture at the ISI Denpasar and final dissemination of 0.5-percent revenue tax at Sanur, Denpasar before attending the release of the parade.

Governor of Bali, Made Mangku Pastika, said the presence of president and the first lady in the BAF inauguration provides a moral boost to all the people of Bali. It becomes

the vivacity for the artists and humanists to continuously work and be creative in preserving and developing the sublime regional culture.

“He (President Jokowi—Ed) says it’s excellent, so I am also proud of it. According to him, not many in Indonesia, including in the world, that can be like us.

When making a visit to India, he said, it is not like us in Bali where people’s culture remains prominent with the religion. So, he said so,”

he explained.

According to Pastika, Jokowi returned to request the parade as in the BAF to be held in the IMFWorld Bank Annual Meeting.

Jokowi even requested the parade to be held in front of the Bajra Sandhi Monument, Renon. Governor responded to the president’s request by starting the preparation of the parade for the IMF-World Bank meeting.

“I have responded to be ready, so

that some events remain the same as today. Probably, the ornamental vehicles will be replaced with the participating countries. More or less, they may represent the continents or certain communities,” he explained.

Related to the BAF parade of this year featuring the theme “Teja Dharmaning Kauripan (Fire, the Spirit of Creation)” Pastika judged it has been much more smoothly. Several years ago, there were some regions seeming to monopolize the parade.

“I think the longer, the more advanced, more complete, the better, the more organized and the more attractive will be because this is one of our annual parties reflecting the best peaks of the culture presented

by each district and community,” he explained.

In the future, continued Pastika, other regions in Indonesia and pal countries will also be given the opportunity in order to give its own uniqueness in the BAF. The future leaders of Bali are also expected to present a better BAF as the world is also paying attention to this annual regular event. (kmb32) News can also be heard in “Bali Image” at Global Radio FM 96.5 from 9.30 until 10.00 am. Listen to Global Radio FM at http:// globalfmbali.listen2myradio.com or live video streaming at http:// radioglobalfmbali.com and http:// ustream.tv/channel/global-fm-bali.

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Monday, June 25, 2018

Bali News

International

Activities

International

Monday, June 25, 2018

15

A week after Eid holiday, Only 50 percent homecomers already return to Bali

China-Indonesia cooperation through performing arts enhanced

IBP/Yudi Karnaedi

MANGUPURA - To boost the cooperation of China and Indonesia and Bali in particular, the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Denpasar held a joint performance of the Chinese-Indonesian art on Friday (Jun. 22). Located at the Bali Nusa Dua Theater, this event is also in a series of the 15 years of celebration of China-ASEAN strategic partnership relationship and related to the 40th BAF’s celebration.

In this event, Bali province featured three dances namely the Janger dance, Legong dance and acrobat dance from Devdan Show. Meanwhile, Chinese government presented seven operas belonging to Cantonese and Yon opera.

Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Denpasar, Gou Haodong, when met amid the event said that China and Indonesia have similar social conditions. Both have a responsibility to realize the industrialization and modernization. He said that in recent years, the comprehensive strategic partnership relationship between China and Indonesia has been growing thoroughly. According to him, the bilateral cooperation has achieved good results in various fields.

“Actually, the potential of Bali-China cooperation is very big and wide,” he concluded.

Having served for three months in Bali, he admitted to immediately fall in love with Bali. All this time, he felt comfortable while being in Bali. Indeed, Haodong said what has been done so far is still lacking. In the future, his government will work harder and continue with the Balinese people to promote the progress of

friendly relations between China and Indonesia. “With the support of various circles of Indonesian society, exchanges and friendly cooperation in various fields will continue to be deepened,” he said.

He was very happy to invite the art troupes from China to jointly enliven the event. The art show is aimed at all tourists in Bali and the world. Chinese group showed off their best performances, and after returning to China they will take along wonderful memories of Bali and Bali becomes better known to the people of China.

According to him, the show is very important as a medium for promotion of Bali to Chinese community.

As is known, China is indeed the largest suppliers of foreign tourists for Bali. Throughout 2017, quite large number of its tourists came to Bali. The number reached 1.38 million people. Meanwhile, from January to April 2018, Chinese tourists to Bali have exceeded 420,000. Then, until May 2018, the number of visits reached approximately 500,000.

In the meantime, Head of the Bali Tourism Office, Anak Agung Gede Juniarta Putra, said that so far, diplomatic relation between the two countries has been going on for very long. The results are not only a solid relationship, but also it keeps growing. Cooperation is not only based on mutual benefit, but also in terms of the art and culture.

With this event, his office is very happy because Bali and China has a cultural similarity. He hoped this kind of activity can be held every year. “Hopefully, this activity can be organized sustainably. Or if possible, the provincial government of Bali makes performance in China or hold a cultural exchange,” he hoped. (kmb23)

NEGARA - Entering the day 5 after the Eid or Friday morning (Jun. 22) the number of people and vehicles having returned to Bali just 50 percent when compared to the ones leaving Bali one week before. As the data collected at Ketapang-Gilimanuk Harbor, up to day 5 after holiday there were a total of 230,123 passengers or just 53 percent when compared to those leaving Bali namely 436,258 people.

General Manager of ASDP of Ketapang-Gilimanuk Branch, Elvi Yoza, when confirmed on Friday (Jun. 22) justified that based on the data comparison of the resident homecoming and returning to Bali are only half, especially for passengers and cars. Cars or bigger vehicles, so far have reached 57 percent. The residents’ vehicle coming out Bali (homecoming) a week ago reached 49,989 units.

However, until Friday morning they only amounted to 28,364 units of car entering Bali. So, there is possibility for the incoming vehicles and people to Bali via Ketapang Harbor until this Sunday (Jun. 24).

Most motorcycles have not returned yet. From the data summarized until Friday, there were

The queue in Gilimanuk Harbor

only 33,206 units having returned to Bali. Previously, the homecoming traffic totally reached 88,839 units of motorcycle. “We predict that bustling backflow traffic will occur on Saturday or this Sunday,” he added. Daily average of motorcycles reached 6-7 percent, while cars ranged between 11 percent and 12 percent.

The ASDP is also still alerting the entire fleet to serve the crossings on this backflow traffic. It includes the jumbo size Drajat Paciran ship previously used on the peak of homecoming traffic to transport vehicles, especially motorcycles.

Meanwhile, Division Head of Jembrana Police Operations Unit, M. Didik Wiratmoko said the Ketupat Agung operation is still ongoing until Sunday (Jun. 24). So, the officers are still doing security during this operation, especially at the exit of the harbor or post II and along the Gilimanuk-Denpasar road section from Gilimanuk to Pekutatan. Post II is also still applied in an integrated manner with identity card checkpoint located near the terminal. This is done to avoid congestion within the harbor area where quite a lot of vehicles leave the ship almost every minute. (kmb26)

IBP/Gus Olo

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

Bangli: Suasrina, Buleleng: Mudiarta, Gianyar: Manik Astajaya, Karangasem: Bagiarta, Klungkung: Sosiawan. Jakarta: Nikson, Hardianto, Ade Irawan. NTB: Agus Talino, Izzul Khairi, Raka Akriyani. Surabaya: Bambang Wilianto.  Office: Jalan Kepundung 67 A Denpasar 80232. Telephone (0361)225764, Facsimile: 227418, P.O.Box: 3010 Denpasar 80001. Bali Post Jakarta, Advertizing: Jl.Palmerah Barat 21F. Telp 021-5357602, Facsimile: 021-5357605 Jakarta Pusat. NTB: Jalam Bangau No. 15 Cakranegara Telp. (0370) 639543, Facsimile: (0370) 628257. Publisher: PT Bali Post

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Monday, June 25, 2018

International

Bali News

International

Two heroic stories of women presented in the parade DENPASAR — Ketug Bumi gamelan composition and Siwa Nataraja dance as usual opened the series of the 40th BAF parade before the Bajra Sandhi Monument at Renon, Denpasar, on Saturday (Jun. 23). Interestingly, there were two districts featuring fragmentary show on heroic women on the Island of the Gods.

Travel Guide to Belarus

BELARUS is an ideal short break. Spend a day or two in Belarus’ lively capital, Minsk and check out the museums, restaurants and nightlife. But then move on to the fairytale Castles of the famous Radziwill family and the surrounding enchanted forests.

You may know it as Belorussia but that’s passé. Instead, refer to this ex-Soviet country as Belarus, a name that rolls off the tongue as easily as it is to visit these days. This authoritarian destination, dubbed “The last dictatorship in Europe” is now opening its doors 26 years after the fall of the Iron Curtain (it fell in 1991) that shrouded it in secrecy and mystery. Belarus is, at last, coming out of the cold.

Five-day Visa-waiver for tourists to Belarus

The visa-waiver program introduced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in February 2017 offers visa-free travel for citizens of 80 countries, including the United Kingdom. The visa waiver covers a five-day stay as long as you enter via Minsk National Airport (also known as Minsk-2). This open doors policy for

travellers makes entering the country – once a labour of love – into a trouble-free process. In short, Belarus wants to boost tourism.

About Belarus

This landlocked country, at 80,151 square miles (207,591 km²) is the size of two of its neighbours – Lithuania and Latvia. It is also hemmed by three more countries: Poland, Russia and Ukraine. It is a modern country that still has echos of the past evident within its wide streets and in its architecture that rose up in the style of the Stalinist Empire. There’s a good standard of living and a well-thought out infrastructure that means getting around is easy.

There are four national parks Narochansky, Pripyatsky, Belovezhskaya Pushcha and Braslav Lakes, as well as two reserves: Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve and Polesie State Radio ecological Reserve. The 700,000 hectares of forests, swamps and lakes act to purify the air which means you can breathe easy. Weekenders, city breakers, nature lovers, hikers, anglers and birdwatchers would love it.

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Monday, June 25, 2018

Belarus in five days

Belarus is an ideal short break. Spend a day or two in Belarus’ lively capital, Minsk and check out the museums, restaurants and nightlife. But then move on to the fairytale Castles of the famous Radziwill family and the surrounding enchanted forests. Be sure to visit Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park and the Brest Fortress – a place connected with the Second World War. Incidentally, if you should cross the border from Brest and Grodno, you can stay in these territories for up to 10 days. Stay in the wilderness and try your hand at home cooking. It’s tremendous value at 77 euros. A room in a hotel in a forest location not too far from the capital would set you back around 33 euros. As would a night spent in the Bialowieza Forest National Park, the most ancient and largest forest in Europe. If you have a sweet tooth consider buying their natural honey, condensed milk, cranberries in sugar, rye beer and chocolate, as well as zephyr – a type of soft confectionary. All of these are popular in Belarus. (net)

Firstly, Klungkung district presented fragmentary show entitled Dewa Agung Istri Kanya. Istri Kanya is a literary person and brave leader who defeated Dutch in the Kusamba War exploded in 1849 ended with the death of General AV Michiels.

Similar heroism was also showed by Tabanan district with fragmentary show entitled Sagung Wah, as a symbol of heroism of Tabanan women. The Dutch should design a strategy to catch Sagung Wah because previously it was overwhelmed to face the magic of the princess of the Tabanan kingdom.

The participating districts / municipality also presented the dances having been approved by the UNESCO as a world’s intangible cultural heritage. For instance, Denpasar and Buleleng featured wayang wong, Badung came with Barong dance, Karangasem with Sang Hyang Jaran Dance, Gianyar with Legong dance, and Tabanan with Leko dance.

The parade started with the participants of Bali province featured the fragmentary show entitled Smaradahana. This composition is taken from the Smaradahana poems written

by Mpu Dharmadja.

In succession, there was contingent of Denpasar represented by Peguyangan customary village involving 327 artists from 22 customary hamlets. One of them displayed Legong Dedari Dance Kanda Pat Sari. This legong is a duplication of sacred dance at Catur Kanda Pat Sari Temple, Pondok, Peguyangan.

In the third place was the contingent of Bangli district featuring typical regional customary attires used in mekanal tradition at Trunyan and Neduh fragmentary show. After that, there was contingent of Buleleng district coming with Bukakak Sudaji as an innovative composition. There is a car with a rice cone ornament of Sudaji Bukakak and agricultural products along with its ritual.

Badung district’s contingent looked interesting as escorted by pecalang (customary guard) and dag figures. It presented Barong dance having been recognized by the UNESCO. However, in the context of this parade, the Barong show displayed is the artist of Barong, I Nyoman Muliana, from Tangga Yuda hamlet, Bongkasa, Abiansemal, in educating young barong dancers that will be the next generation to

preserve the Barong arts in the future.

Contingent of Karangasem district appeared in Ngemu-mu tradition as preliminary series of the Usaba Dalem ceremony at Manggis village. Besides, there is also Sang Hyang Jaran Dance making use of fire as a symbol of the self-purificatory means (microcosm) and the universe (macrocosm).

Then, it was followed by the contingent of Jembrana district being famous for its jegog gamelan. Mascot of the makepung (buffalo race) was also presented during the parade and was finally closed with Nusasari fragmentary show telling stories about the formation of Nusasari village in Jembrana district.

The contingent of Gianyar district in the eighth position looked different due to the showcase of creative industrial products exhibited on top of the ornamental car. The activity featured typical art crafts of Gianyar being rich in talented artists. This was capable of generating tourism in Gianyar.

In the BAF parade, the district dubbed as the ’region of the art’ closed its appearance with fragmentary show entitled Apuy Smara Amangun Mitra attached to the acculturation of Balinese and Chinese culture.

Klungkung district’s contingent showcased modern or innovative Bondres (comedy), and classic Janger accompanied

by Geguntangan gamelan music. Meanwhile, the Okokan (giant cowbell) art remains the main characteristic of Tabanan district’s contingent. In addition, it featured the typical dance of the ‘region of rice barn,’ namely Leko dance being similar to Joged Pingitan dance and Balinese Gandrung dance.

In addition to contingent of the province and the nine districts / municipality, the parade was also enlivened by a marching band performance from Udayana University and Warmadewa University. The participation of the Gung Xi provincial government of China represented by the National Institute of the Art of Culture of Nanning, the Indonesian Institute of Cultural Arts (ISBI) of Papua with the accompaniment of Papuan traditional music instruments like tifa, sakasas and triton in combination with vocal and other percussion instruments, the Japanese Basundari Studio featuring Fujisawa Shi Dance, Lesser Sundanese Cooperation Forum with Ketanga Dance (NTT), Haju Jati Dance (NTB) dance and Pendet Dance (Bali). Meanwhile, Japanese Consulate came with Yosakoi Dance posing typical dance of Japan.

Furthermore, the opening of the BAF at the Ardha Candra Amphitheater at Denpasar Art Center presented the colossal ballet entitled Kresna Duta (Krishna Ambassador) by the Indonesia Institute of the Arts (ISI) Denpasar. (kmb32)

The 40th BAF parade before the Bajra Sandhi Monument at Renon, Denpasar.

IBP/eka

Direct flight unavailable, Russian tourist visit on the rise

DENPASAR — Bali has a great opportunity to bring in Russian tourists. Its tourist visit to Bali also continues to increase. However, the visit has not been maximized because the main transportation in the form of direct flight is not yet available.

Indonesian Ambassador to Russia, M.H. Supriyadi, said that 90 percent of Russian tourists are traveling to Bali. One of the causes is continuous promotion such as the Festival Indonesia having been organized for three times. Both festivals have made the trend of tourist visits continuously on the rise. It showed an increase of 22 percent in 2016, 37 percent (2017) and

the rise is the highest in the world even though the number remains 110,500 people. “I’m not satisfied with such achievement because our chances are huge,” he said when met at Alantara Sanur Resort and Spa on Friday (Jan. 22).

Moreover, until April 2018, the number of Russian tourists has reached 47,000. This figure is almost half of last year’s visit. This is the first time where the number of visit exceeds the visit of French tourists. “Last year, French tourist visit amounted to 170,000 while Russian to 110,500. This year in April, it surpassed that of France,” he said.

According to him, Russian

tourists are averagely of five star tourists. Their length of stay is the longest, only defeated by Germany.

Russian tourists also have high spending.

The current problem faced is the absence of direct flight. In the near future, he revealed there will be a direct flight plan from Moscow to Bali. “As planned, it will be realized in October by the largest airline in Russia,” he said.

He is confident the direct flight will increase the tourist visit to 200,000 people. “However, there are also some guests wishing to charter. Thus, I am optimistic to reach above 150,000. With the direct flight, it will be higher,” he

said. Direct flight will not only bring in benefit to tourism but also to Indonesia trade.

Manager of The Alantara Sanur Resort and Spa, I Made Gede Andyana Putra, said his property is one of the hotels that will participate in the Festival Indonesia.

In the festival, he will offer four categories of room namely deluxe, suite as well as single bed room, double bed room villa. Of the four room categories, it will be combined with some packages such as spa treatment, free dinner or trip to Nusa Penida.

Sanur has potential for wedding and honeymoon tourism.

Meanwhile, the wedding and

honeymoon concept has become the icon for the hotel managed by Pramana. Thus, he is optimistic that Sanur has branding in honeymoon or wedding tourism. One of the indications making him optimistic is the number of Chinese wedding organizers appearing in Bali. “I am sure the prospect of the honeymoon segment in particular will improve the economic growth,” he said.

He said the promotion to foreign countries such as the Festival Indonesia will further accelerate the branding of the product.

When it has been known, it will be sought after by many people. (kmb42)

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Bali News

Monday, June 25, 2018

International

Bamboo wall makers in Susut

ALIAGA - They say there’s nothing quite like it for cooling the blood, but for more than a thousand Filipinos at a Catholic festival on Sunday, slathering their bodies in mud was a way to show devotion and humility.

BANGLI - Amid the onslaught of fiber cement board (such as Kalsiboard) and other materials has sparked the sales of bamboo wall to drastically decline since the past few years. Condition of the bamboo wall craftsmen is more miserable due to difficulty of selling their products. Nevertheless, until now they remain to survive amid the difficult situation to keep the business having been pursued since decades ago. turning to the use of fiber cement board and other materials considered more practical. Before that, people tend to wear bamboo wall.

Now, there are still people using bamboo wall, but the number is just not as much as it used to be,” he said not long ago.

He explained the sales of bamboo wall are erratic. Moreover, sometimes he could not sell any single piece. Obviously, the sales are usually coming from Susut and Ubud, Gianyar. The buyers from Gianyar tend to use it for villa development. The use of natural materials is meant to maintain traditional nuances.

“The selling price varies. Pat-

terned bamboo wall is sold for IDR 60,000 per meter because it is the most complicated, while the nonpatterned is sold for IDR 25,000-IDR30,000 per meter. Besides, it is not erratic. Sometimes we can just sell a piece. Besides, it is quite a few,” he said.

Amidst the onslaught of fiber cement board and other materials, he can only survive for bamboo wall that has been cultivated for decades still running. In addition, this bamboo wall business has become his livelihood to meet daily needs. “Although my buyers are quiet, I will still develop this business to avoid bankruptcy,” he added. (kmb41)

IBP/kmb41

Condition of the bamboo wall craftsmen is more miserable due to difficulty of selling their products.

BAF performance must be more creative and innovative

DENPASAR - This year’s Bali Arts Festival (BAF) has entered the 40th organization since inaugurated in 1979 ago. The late Prof. Ida Bagus Mantra is the first initiator of the art performances involving many arts from various regions, both the artists of Bali regions as the host and the ones from outside Bali and even overseas to participate in this folk art event. It has noble goals, namely a medium to explore and preserve the arts and culture as well as improve the welfare of community. Besides, it is meant to accommodate the works of art and art aspirations, both reconstruction art, innovation art, art attraction and appreciation of

Balinese art and culture in particular.

Last but not least, it is a medium to result in artistic creativity and new artists.

Nevertheless, BAF performances from years to years are still seen monotonous, resulting in minimal audience although the theme featured each year varies. This year’s BAF features the theme Teja Dharmaning Kahuripan meaning Fire, the Spirit of Creation. This theme is still related to the concept of Panca Maha Bhuta related to the five great elements forming the universe.

Kadek Wahyudita, a young Balinese artist, argued that to avoid monotonous impression, every artist

IBP/kmb

This year’s Bali Arts Festival (BAF) has entered the 40th organization since inaugurated in 1979 ago.

must be able to implement the theme of ‘fire’ well. The theme should be manifested into any form of arts such as gong kebyar on fragmentary elements, song on the literature, and so forth. Nevertheless, this curator of Nawanatya III did not dismiss the frequent failure of theme interpretation on the performance like in the bondres (traditional comedy).

“Bondres often loses direction, but it only refers to the theme at the end.

Moreover, it remains a little. Failure in interpreting the theme also occurs in new works,” he said.

He assessed that every art composition is not only mandatory to present aesthetic elements, but also to enlighten the audience. Thus, the show has the meaning and moral messages being beneficial to society. “This (meaning of composition) needs to be sharpened by the artists when making performance in the BAF,” he said.

Seeing the BAF having been running for 40 years, in the future he hoped there are thoughts as well as new, creative and innovative style so as to minimize the monotonous impression. “Hopefully, it creates a new format. So far, there are only six formations presented, namely parade, art performance, competition, exhibition, workshops, and culinary. Will it only be struggling like that or be formulated? Moreover, currently the BAF is held in the middle of various other festivals, so it is no

longer exceptional like in the past time,” he said.

Monotonous impression in the BAF event should be seen from various aspects. People should be able to see and compare accurately from the aspect of the implementation of each existing composition.

According to the observer and artist, Prof. I Wayan Dibia, the monotonous impression displayed by the BAF is inseparable from the main program. However, when viewed more deeply in the contents, he assessed the presentation of the Balinese art extravaganza is always fresh. The theme raised each year is always different.

Thus, the artistic creativity arising from each region varies according to the potential of the existing story.

“It is the main program of the BAF giving birth to monotonous impression, but the content always changes every year. Drama Gong, for example, last year and this year must be different. Last year, it featured Panji story, but this year features modern drama. Besides, the last year’s bondres was the usual one, but this year is the modern one. Essentially, it remains a bondres, but has different design,” said Prof. Dibia.

He assessed that big jumps cannot be made significantly in the BAF because it has the principle to promote the elements of cultural preservation, development and security. If let go freely, it is worried the innovation of each composition

13

Quite a mud-dle! Filipino devotees slather themselves in soil

Survival amid the onslaught of fiber cement board

A bamboo wall craftsman from Sribatu, Pengelumbaran, Susut, Gusti Aji Ketut Rata, expressed that since the past few years the sales of bamboo wall has been increasingly quiet. The decline in sales happened due to the increasingly tight competition against many craftsmen. Besides, it happens due to the presence of fiber cement board and other materials.

As consequence, the community formerly used to apply bamboo wall for their house’s ceiling has now been turning to it because it is considered more practical.

“The sales began to decline dramatically since the past three years where most citizens are now

Monday, June 25, 2018

International

will be excessive so that eliminate the main mission. “Hence, to accommodate the creativity of young Balinese artists it has been made other events such as Nawanatya, where the artists are free to express themselves,” he added.

In addition, Dibia agreed the theme raised differently each year is meant to give freshness. With such a theme, the artists get the key points to be followed. All the artists should not display the composition beyond the theme predetermined, so that more innovations will be in the artwork.

“We have already discussed about the theme. This will become the source of storyline. So, the composition is inspired by the storyline. They can choose according to the existing storylines,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, the academician, Dr. I.B. Radendra Suastama, argued that BAF is a visionary idea.

Moreover, it is one of the images and even has become an inspiration for other regions in Indonesia. On that account, the focus of current BAF performances is how the basic idea and spirit that underlies the BAF since it was first launched can be optimal and effective. The main points should remain the subject and do not let the complementary elements even becomes the principal. “Proportion of the components must be reviewed and refined, so that this visionary idea remains contextual to the times,” he advised. (win)

The annual tradition forms part of a joyous religious festival honouring a saint they believed saved residents from execution by Japanese soldiers during World War II. Men, women and children sat in soggy rice paddies before dawn in the town of Aliaga, 100 kilometres (60 miles) north of Manila, covering each other in muck before donning dried banana leaves in the annual “Mud People” festival.

A tradition that draws the faithful and tourists alike, the event celebrates the feast of John the Baptist with devotees taking part in what they see as an act of humility and penance that imitates a saint who preached and lived a life of poverty in the desert.

“I got goosebumps when I joined the festival. The Lord is showering us with love,” 35-year-old businessman and village official Win Javaluyas told AFP. “I am so happy. This is one way of being closer to God, to purify your intention and be holy.”

The Philippines is Asia’s Catholic bastion with a flock of more than 80 million. Spain colonised the archipelago in the 16th century

and spread the faith.

The “Mud People” festival, believed to have begun more than a century ago, became much more prominent after 1944 during Japan’s wartime occupation of the former US colony, local priest Elmer Villamayor told AFP. Residents say Japanese soldiers were about to execute men in Aliaga to avenge the death of their compatriots when a heavy downpour broke out, forcing the troops to scamper away in what villagers saw as a miracle.

Grateful locals, who rolled happily in the mud, attributed the rain to Saint John the Baptist who is associated with water.

“Some people view this event as yucky but this is a very solemn festival. People humble themselves and are sorry for their wrongdoings,” said Villamayor, parish priest of Saint John the Baptist.

Participants say their devotion has led to miracles.

“My mother was healed after suffering from tuberculosis of the bone, a rare illness. Now my wife is pregnant with twins. I am praying for her healthy delivery,” said Javaluyas. (afp)

NOEL CELIS / AFP

Devotees cover themselves with mud as they prepare to head to church to attend a mass as part of a religious festival in honor of St. John the Baptist, also known locally as the “mud people” festival, in Aliaga town, Nueva Ecija province, north of Manila, on June 24, 2018.

‘We want the children free!’: a cry from inside migrant detention center

OTAY MESA - “Where are the children?” several women shout together from behind the detention center wall.

“We want the children free!”

“Do you hear us?” supporters ask from outside. “What do you need?”

This was the short interplay Saturday between hundreds of protesters and people being held at a US detention center for undocumented migrants in Otay Mesa, on the border with Mexico.

A group of people held at the center had been separated from their children as part of President Donald Trump’s “zero tolerance” policy.

The president on Wednesday signed an order ending the practice of splitting migrant families, but 2,300 children have already been separated from their parents.

“Shame,” “Abolish ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement),” and “You’re not alone,” shouted the Robyn Beck / AFP estimated 500 protesters rallied by Protestors link arms after tying children’s shoes and keys on the fence outside the Otay religious leaders.

“I know those families are suffering Mesa Detention Center during a demonstration against US immigration policy that sepaand it is very hard to see that children rates children from parents, in San Diego, California June 23, 2018.

have to go through the trauma of a detention center when they are 10, five years old,” Erica Leyva, 24, who traveled from Los Angeles to join the protest, told AFP. Though she was born in the United States, she was briefly detained with her undocumented parents when she was four years old.

“I remember how it felt to be behind bars,” she said.

Otay Mesa detention center -- managed by a private company -- has the capacity for some 1,500 people, though in January it announced an expansion of 30 percent, according to local media.

ICE did not respond to AFP’s calls about the detention center.

On Friday, Democratic Senator Kamala Harris visited several undocumented women at the center who were separated from their children.

“The stories they shared with me paint a picture of human rights abuses being committed by our government.

We are so much better this,” she said. (afp)

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International

Monday, June 25, 2018

BUSINESS Ikea bets big on India but keeps meatballs off the menu

Furniture giant Ikea is set to open its first store and restaurant in India after years of trying but arguably its most famous item is off the menu -- Swedish meatballs.

Ikea, the world’s biggest furniture retailer, will next month cut the ribbon on a massive 37,000 square metre outlet in the southern city of Hyderabad, complete with a 1,000-seater cafeteria.

The restaurant will be Ikea’s largest and will cater to local tastes, with religious sensitivities in India dictating that beef and pork, staples of Swedish meatballs, will not be served.

“There will be chicken meatballs and vegetarian balls,” Patrik Antoni, Ikea’s deputy country manager for India, told AFP during an interview in the Indian financial capital of Mumbai.

“Fifty percent of the food will be Swedish inspired, salmon and shrimp dishes and so on. We’ll also have quite a few Indian dishes like dal makhani, biryani, samosas,” he added.

The Swedish multinational, which revolutionised household furnishings with its range of affordable ready-to-assemble products, is betting big on India as it seeks new revenues away from its key Western markets.

Ikea plans to invest $1.5 billion in Asia’s third-largest economy as it seeks to lure price-sensitive Indians away from satisfying their furniture needs at local, family-run shops.

Ikea has already spent close to $750 million procuring sites for four stores, including the Hyderabad one which will open in July on a date that is yet to be announced.

Outlets in Mumbai, Bangalore

and the capital New Delhi will follow, Antoni said, without putting a timescale on them. He added that Ikea will then look at Pune, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Surat and Kolkata.

“We are very bullish and excited about the Indian market.

Normally, we would test a market by opening one store but in India, we are going all out and expanding,” said Antoni.

At 37,160 square metres the Hyderabad store will be comparable in size to an average Indian shopping mall. It will have 850 employees and is expected to attract several million visitors a year.

- Spice and all things nice As well as its wide range of international items Ikea will also sell goods uniquely suited to the Indian market. Alongside its popular Billy bookcases and Poang chairs, Ikea will also offer spice boxes and kitchen appliances to make traditional Indian staples such as idlis (rice cakes).

“We have done over a thousand home visits and interviewed people to try to understand their needs, dreams, aspirations and how they feel about their home,” explained Antoni. More than 1,000 products priced under 200 rupees ($2.94) will be on sale.

India, with its abundant supply of cheap labour, is not known for its “DIY” culture so Ikea has teamed up with UrbanClap, an online platform that helps connect handymen with consumers.

NOAH SEELAM / AFP

This photo taken on June 22, 2018 shows the under-construction site of an IKEA store in Hyderabad. Furniture giant Ikea is set to open its first store and restaurant in India after years of trying but arguably its most famous item is off the menu -- Swedish meatballs.

Ikea, founded in 1943 by late Swedish entrepreneur Ingvar Kamprad, operates 418 stores in 49 markets. In May it announced that it would expand into South America with stores in Chile, Colombia and Peru.

The home goods behemoth first tried to enter India in 2006 but was foiled by strict foreign direct investment (FDI) rules that required foreign companies to sign up with a local partner.

Seven years later the rules were relaxed to allow foreign

businesses to own retail stores operating under a single brand, clearing the way for Ikea’s entry into India.

The Swedish company hopes its walk-in stores and famed restaurant will be a unique selling point as it goes up against popular Indian online furniture retailers Pepperfry and Urban Ladder.

It will also have to contend with Walmart. The world’s largest retailer has agreed to buy a majority stake in Indian e-tailer Flipkart, which sells a wide range of home

furnishings.

Ikea’s global sales grew by five percent on-year in 2017 as it recorded annual revenues of 38 billion euros ($47 billion).

The firm hopes access to India’s growing middle class in the country of 1.25 billion people will open up new revenue streams. Analysts, however, warn it faces a long journey in a crowded market.

“Profitability will take some time for Ikea in India,” Sowmya Adiraju, an analyst at research firm Euromonitor, told AFP. (afp)

Protectionism threatens ‘vintage’ global growth: BIS

A year of “vintage” economic growth could be undone by rising protectionism, the Bank of International Settlements (BIS) said Sunday, as fears of an all-out global trade war ramp up.

The BIS, often described as the central bank of central banks, credited “a decade of extraordinary monetary policy,” for leading the world out of the 2008 financial crisis.

That culminated in 2017 with “a

vintage year for growth with low inflation,” the BIS said in its Annual Economic Report, which also warned of possible trouble ahead.

“An escalation of protectionist measures... could trigger a fresh downturn,” the bank said.

The report was launched days after the European Union slapped tariffs on iconic US products including bourbon, jeans and motorcycles in its opening salvo in a trade war

with President Donald Trump.

Brussels imposed the raft of duties on US products worth 2.8 billion euros ($3.3 billion) in a tit-for-tat response to Trump’s decision to slap stiff tariffs on European steel and aluminium exports.

Within hours, Trump responded with a threat to impose a 20 percent tariff on cars imported from the European Union.

But the BIS underscored that the

consequences could be devastating if reciprocal protectionist measures undermine overall confidence in the “open multilateral trading system.”

“Indeed, there are signs that the rise in uncertainty associated with the first protectionist steps and the ratcheting up of rhetoric have already been inhibiting investment,” the BIS said.

Leading policymakers and analysts generally agree that while

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International

limited tit-for-tat tariffs would be manageable, a full-out trade war would cripple growth.

BIS general manager Agustin Carstens credited free and open trade with laying “the foundation for much of the global progress in improving living standards,” and urged policymakers to safeguard it.

Based in Basel, Switzerland, the BIS is owned by the central banks of 60 top global economies. (afp)

Monday, June 25, 2018

5

Gender Wayang, Presenting Atmosphere of Peace and Greatness of Ritual

Along the human lifetime, it will surely do activities related to basic needs of both food and housing. After that, it is followed by development of mindset resulting in the creation of various kinds of culture usually influenced by situation in the community.

Manifestation of the culture varies because there is a form of activity or dance movement telling about something. Moreover, sometimes they are in the form of tools that can generate a sound such as gender gamelan instrument. This gamelan instrument has a characteristic in terms of sound where it is often used to accompany the performance of shadow puppet in Bali. According to I Made Murawan, a puppeteer from Puaya hamlet, Batuan, Sukawati, Gianyar, when staging puppet shadow featuring the storyline of Mahabharata, the gamelan instrument in use is a set of gender or four instruments only while if accompanying the performance of Ramayana epic, it will certainly use bebatelan gamelan instrument.

In addition to four pieces of gender instruments, it will use other instruments such as a pair of drum, kempur and so on. The gamelan composition played when the performance of puppet shadow begins with tabuh petegak like the Sekar Sungsang and selendro scales.

After that, the gamelan composition played is Tabuh Pamungkah used when commencing to play the klayon to finish of the klayon. Then, it is resumed with paguneman where the puppet is stabbed accompanied by gamelan composition entitled Tulang Lindung. After stabbing the puppets, it is continued with gamelan entitled Panyacah Parwa in the form of alas arum. When the puppet is told to walk or move, it will use angkat-angkatan gamelan music. Moreover, when the puppet is crying it uses special mesem gamelan composition for slant-eyed puppets. For the puppet with glowering eyes, it will use rebong gamelan music and during wartime it will use bebatelan.

“Thus, in once staging from the beginning to finish, it will use approximately 10 gamelan compositions with an average duration of two minutes except for the Tabuh Petegak whose duration is approximately 15

minutes,” he said.

In ngaben or cremation ceremony, though the carrying of bade tower has been accompanied by baleganjur gamelan music, it will also use the puppet gender. He told it is meant to provide strains of beauty, peace and comfort for the atman (soul) that will go to heaven. While the baleganjur like Gora functions to improve and raise the spirit of the community when they are obliged to lift the heavy bade.

The gamelan played is usually called glagah puun meaning that it heads for fireplace or it can be bebatelan meaning the journey of the atman to the last abode.

When asked about the use of gender gamelan instrument accompanying the rituals like metatah (tooth filing), he said that Balinese Hindus believe that by chanting or playing gender in the ritual procession they will get a big influence that is able to avoid someone from thinking negatively and wishing to disrupt smoothness of a ceremony.

Dr. I Nyoman Astita, an artist and lecturer at the ISI Denpasar, also said similar thing. Moreover, the puppet gamelan music played at that time is taken from the appropriate performances. Usually, it is begun with tabuh tegak composition which is then continued with tabuh mesem composition commonly coupled with tabuh rebong.

“Then, when devotees walk from the bale pasekeban to bale delod pavilion in the tooth filing ritual, it will be accompanied with tabuh angkat-angkatan that can also result in solemnity and sublime nuances of the ceremony,” as he explained. (was) Played in Makotekan and Slendro Scale Gender musical instrument becomes a compulsory accompaniment for a puppet show in Bali. So, in the staging there are two arts played together namely the art of leather puppet along with all the plays and dialogues

as well as the art of gender gamelan composition of the puppet show.

Besides, the gender is often used or played in various ritual activities such as in the implementation of tooth filing activities and when the bade tower carrying corpse is brought to cemetery. Thus, gender becomes a distinctive gamelan instrument when compared to other musical instruments. An artist and lecturer at the ISI Denpasar, I Nyoman Astita, said although in terms of the form it is not different from other gamelan instrument, the gender of puppet is indeed the beginning or inspiration of the iron or copper gamelan instrument fastened or tied in such a way by using a rope to float and generate a battier tone when compared to other old gamelan types commonly put on the pedestal.

When playing, the gamelan players are using both hands where left hand plays the tone or the main melody while right hand play in makotekan way namely forming series of rhythm tone of the two gamelan instruments.

Furthermore, he said that playing the puppet gender must be in pair or two pieces because gamelan play in

Api Takep Api takep is a fire covered up with coconut fiber in crosswise (tapak dara) where it is the core of the swastika.

The api takep itself is a symbol of the Lord Brahma. Frequently, we encounter it in the Balinese religious rituals both at temple and at home. It functions to keep the environment pure

the right hand of both players will produce a different pattern where if gamelan artist plays nyangsih, the partner will play pepolosan. Thus, playing in pairs will result in a rhythm that integrates the sangsih and papolosan known as makotekan.

“The advantages of this puppet gender to me is in terms of technique and playing technique that are fairly sophisticated and complicated because at the same time two hands will play individually or counter point with the techniques and even a different beat can produce a different rhythm as well,” he said.

He added that in general, Balinese gamelan instrument using resonator in the form of bamboo underneath as a sound repeater will usually be set so that the pair can result in ngumbangngisep or waving tones. So, when the pair is played even though one tone only will produce a vibrating or waving sound. Similar thing is also found in the puppet gender, so in addition to being able to makotekan the use of a pair of puppet gender is also aimed to produce a waving sound.

However, the main puppet gender in use in a staging consists of 4 pieces namely a pair of pamade or the gender

Api takep is a fire covered up with coconut fiber in crosswise (tapak dara) where it is the core of the swastika. The api takep itself is a symbol of the Lord Brahma. Frequently, we encounter it in the Balinese religious rituals both at temple and at home.

It functions to keep the envi-

having bass sound because of lower octave score and a pair of barangan whose octave score is higher but both will produce an interesting and harmonious tone to be heard.

He added that puppet gender has slendro-scaled instrument with single scale interval from one tone to another.

In the meantime, the other gamelan instrument like gong kebyar and gong gambang using Pelog scale has two tones with higher interval.

For example, the interval is usually 1 so that when reaching 2 tones the interval becomes 1.5. If the tone dong-deng-dung-dang-ding where from dong to deng has the interval of 1, from deng to dung will be 1.5 and then from dung to dang has the interval of 1, and from dang to ding has the interval of 1.5.

Another artist, I Made Murawan, said that although the characteristics of puppet gender tend to be tender.

However, it is tailored to the designation because it also has fierce and violent gamelan composition. “For example, when accompanying puppet performances and entering war session, it surely must use a fast and fierce tempo gamelan composition like the bebatelan,” he explained. (kmb)

ronment pure and harmonious. At temple, we often find the fire in the implementation of mecaru ritual in the level of public households falling on Kajeng Kliwon. According to the belief of Balinese people, on Kajeng Kliwon there is a disharmony of energy where the negative one is more dominant. Hopefully, this simple ritual can rebalance both the positive and negative energy. (kmb)

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Monday, June 25, 2018

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International

RLD

Celebrations, tears as Saudi Arabia overturns ban on women driving

RIYADH - Saudi women celebrated taking the wheel for the first time in decades Sunday as the kingdom overturned the world’s only ban on female motorists, a historic reform expected to usher in a new era of social mobility.

The much-trumpeted move is part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s plan to modernise the conservative petrostate -- but it has been dented by the jailing of female activists who long opposed the driving ban.

Women in Riyadh and other cities began zipping around streets bathed in amber light soon after the ban was lifted at midnight, with some blasting music from behind the wheel.

“I feel free like a bird,” said talkshow host and writer Samar Almogren as she cruised across the capital.

Television presenter Sabika al-Dosari called it “a historic moment for every Saudi woman” before driving a sedan across the border to the kingdom of Bahrain.

The lifting of the ban, long a glaring symbol of repression, is expected to be transformative for many women, freeing them from dependence on private chauffeurs or male relatives.

Euphoria was mixed with disbelief as women across the kingdom flooded social media with videos of their maiden car rides, with a heavy presence of policemen, some of whom distributed flowers to the first-time drivers.

“This is a great achievement,” billionaire Saudi Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal said as his daughter Reem drove a family SUV, with his granddaughters applauding from the back seat.

“Now women have their freedom,” he added in a video posted on Twitter.

Many Saudi women ebulliently declared plans online to drive for coffee or ice cream, a mundane experience elsewhere in the world but a dazzling novelty in the desert kingdom.

“The jubilance, confidence and pride expressed by Saudi women driving for the first time in their country, without fear of arrest, brought tears to my eyes,” tweeted activist Hala al-Dosari, while lauding the jailed campaigners.

“I’m happy and relieved that... girls in Saudi will live a bit freer than their mothers.”

But many women are keeping away, testing reactions in a society torn between tradition and social change -- and bracing for a possible backlash from hardliners who have long preached that allowing female motorists would promote promiscuity and sin. (afp)

HUSSAIN RADWAN / AFP

Saudi woman Sabika Habib is ready to drive her car through the streets of Khobar City on her way to Kingdom of Bahrain. For the first time little after midnight on June 24, 2018, the law allows women to drive.

Turkey’s Erdogan faces resurgent opposition in twin election test Supporters wave flags and shout slogans as they attend a gathering addressed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul on June 23, 2018, one day before presidential and parliamentary elections.

Aris MESSINIS / AFP

ISTANBUL - Turks were voting Sunday in dual parliamentary and presidential polls seen as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s toughest election test, with the opposition revitalised and his popularity at risk from growing economic troubles.

Erdogan has overseen historic change in Turkey since his Islamicrooted ruling party first came to power in 2002 after years of secular domination. But critics accuse the Turkish strongman, 64, of trampling on civil liberties and displaying autocratic behaviour.

With all eyes on the transparency of the vote, polling stations opened at 0500 GMT and were due to close at 1400 GMT, with the first results expected late in the evening.

Over 56 million eligible voters are for the first time casting ballots

simultaneously in the parliamentary and presidential elections, with Erdogan looking for a first round knockout and an overall majority for his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).

But both these goals are in doubt in the face of an energetic campaign by his rival from the secular Republican People’s Party (CHP), Muharrem Ince, who has mobilised hundreds of thousands in mega rallies, and a strong opposition alliance in the legislative polls.

“I hope for the best for our nation,” said Ince as he cast his ballot in his native port town of Yalova south of Istanbul, vowing to spend the night at the headquarters of Turkey’s election authority in Ankara to ensure a fair count. (afp)

International

Monday, June 25, 2018

Minister Yembise attends Fijian women`s national exhibition 2018

JAKARTA - Women Empowerment and Child Protection Minister Yohana Yembise has attended the 2018 Fijian Women`s National Exhibition during her visit to the Fijian Republic.

Yembise`s visit to Fiji was in the framework of strengthening cooperation relations between the two countries in the field of women`s empowerment and child protection.

“I am proud and happy to be in Fiji to new relations, and to attend the exhibition that has managed to bring together hundreds of Fijian women to showcase their products and demonstrate their expertise,” the minister remarked in a press statement made available to Antara here on Saturday.

As a follow up of the cooperation between the two countries, Yembise said she would invite Fijian delegation to attend a gender workshop and climate change.

During the workshop, there will be a group discussion, focused on on the making of module material for activator of gender responsive planning and

budgeting in Indonesia.

The women empowerment and child protection minister remarked that women are still often hampered in fulfilling their potential in various sectors including in the economic field. In addition, there are many discriminatory and gender inequalities experienced by women.

“Therefore, there needs to be encouragement of support from many parties for women, that is by realizing gender equality and women empowerment, as one of the 17 goals of Sustainable Development Objectives to achieve the development target by 2030,” she said.

Fijian Women`s National Exhibition 2018 presented 340 women craftsmen from Fiji and surrounding areas to exhibit handicrafts such as webbing, accessories, and coconut oil.

In addition to attending the exhibition, Yembise also visited training centers for women from vulnerable groups, such as female headed households, as well as women with low economic and education. (kmb33/afp)

Egyptian man found dead in Magelang MAGELANG - An Egyptian man, identified as Abdelaziz Mohamed Abdel Fattah Abdel Maksum Saleh (55), was found dead on Friday in the dorm of Pabelan Islamic Boarding School in Magelang, Central Java.

Magelang police spokesman Adjunct Commissioner Supriyanto remarked here on Saturday that Abdelaziz was a teacher from Egypt, who arrived in Indonesia on April 1,2017 to teach at Pabelan Islamic Boarding School in Magelang.

He was assigned by Al Azhar University in Egypt as a foreign teacher in Indonesia for one year, but his teaching assignment was extended until March 31, 2019.

Abdelaziz has apparently died three days earlier before his body was found at 6.30 pm West Indonesian Standard Time on Friday.

Based on the results of the examination, police did not find any signs of violence against the victim.

For further investigation, the body of the victim was taken to Dr.Sardjito Hospital in Yogyakarta for an autopsy. (ant)

11

Anxious wait for relatives of Indonesia ferry disaster missing

Among the grief-stricken Indonesians keeping a daily vigil at the shore of a volcanic lake which swallowed a ferry packed with people, some fear they have lost more than a dozen relatives, including children, in the disaster.

Jadianto Nainggolan has barely touched food or got a decent night’s sleep since he got word that the ferry was carrying 12 relatives -- including a nephew who was just three years old -- headed home after a party on Monday.

“As soon as I heard I was in shock -- I couldn’t eat, I couldn’t sleep,” he told AFP. The overloaded boat capsized on Sumatra’s Lake Toba in what could be one of the country’s deadliest maritime disasters.

Days later, Nainggolan, a power plant worker, cannot believe that four of his siblings and their children could be at the bottom of one of the world’s deepest lakes.

The 40-year-old Nainggolan made an arduous 24hour journey from his home in Jambi province to the picturesque tourist destination after he got a panicked call from his sister. Now, he is one of hundreds of heartbroken relatives who turn out at search posts or on the lakeshore every morning, praying for news about missing loved ones.

“As soon as we wake up we are thinking about our family,” he said. Just three passengers have been confirmed dead, but official estimates listed 193 others -- including children -- as missing.

The vessel is believed to have been operating il-

legally with no manifest or passenger tickets and authorities have struggled to pinpoint the exact number onboard when it went down in bad weather.

Many bodies could be trapped inside the sunken ferry, with officials saying that the traditional wooden vessel may have been carrying five times the number of passengers it was built to hold, along with dozens of motorcycles.

Despite a massive search operation involving some 400 personnel, the vessel has still not been located.

Toba is some 500 metres (1,600 feet) deep in parts, hampering search efforts.

Anxiety -- and anger -- is growing among those desperate for news. Marasi Gultom said 13 of her family members, including seven brothers, were on the ferry.

“It’s not normal that there could have 200 people on board and the motorcycles are not allowed,” she said.

“That’s the fault of the officers -- it was a fatal mistake. Why did they let them board?” On Friday, authorities turned to sonar technology in a bid to pinpoint the boat’s location.

Survivor Juwita Sumbayak, who was on the ferry when it went down, said he was reeling from the accident. “My two children are still missing,” he told AFP at an area hospital.

Another survivor, Hernando Lingga, 24, recalled the terrifying final moments before the boat disappeared.

“Suddenly, water started rushing into the boat,” he said.

“Passengers began to panic (and) some screamed hysterically, then the ship began to shake and sunk.” (afp)

Rahmad Suryadi / AFP

Divers conduct search and retrival operations in Lake Toba on June 24, 2018 after a ferry, believed to be transporting as many as 193 passengers, capsized and sank June 18 in one of Indonesia’s worst maritime disasters. The vessel is believed to have been operating illegally with no manifest or passenger tickets and authorities have struggled to pinpoint the exact number onboard when it went down in bad weather.

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Destination

Monday, June 25, 2018

International

Monday, June 25, 2018

International

Bamboo Blonde Bali

Shakima Wimbley runs to victory in the Womens 400 Meter Final during day 3 of the 2018 USATF Outdoor Championships at Drake Stadium on June 23, 2018 in Des Moines, Iowa.

Fun and Vibrant Ladies’ Boutique in Seminyak MANGUPURA - Bamboo Blonde presents a colourful fashion line for young ladies at its flagship store on Jalan Laksmana in Seminyak, featuring both international labels and its own. The bright pink signage bearing its name in all lowercase is hard to miss amongst the row of eclectic shops that line the street. Step inside and you’ll find a vivid boutique with bright and quirky interiors, from its luscious and velvety cherry counter, outsized mirrors and old-fashioned stools, to fanciful art pieces that adorn its walls and displays. In between are a collection of sexy evening dresses, casual jumpsuits, playsuits, harem pants, light tops, tunic tanks and others.

‘Fun’ and ‘playful’sums up most of the styles in Bamboo B l o n d e ’s collection, and some of the pieces feature vivid motifs that can sometimes be a tad flirty.

‘Sexy’ comes

next with its evening wear, such as a range of maxi dresses in various forms from bare shouldered to split sided or a more casual resort style with flowing sundresses and floral jumpsuits. Be sure to check out the brand’s own Blurr party line, featuring a rich variety of jumpsuits and dresses in various cuts and colours.

Throughout the boutique, you will also discover a line of accessories to go with the pieces, and even body products and stuff to decorate your room with. The collection changes by season so there’s always something fresh in store.

What started out as a passion-driven enterprise by an international team of fashion designers in 2007 has become one of the most notable fashion brands in Bali, and Indonesia. With fashion designer Louise Henry at the helm, the label is inspired by a shared love of travel and lifestyle, and showcases her team’s own fun and quirky creations. Some that won’t go out of style include their mix of crop tops, some with gathering at the back, and line skirts and miniskirts in flower lace and lining. Inside you’ll also find a range of international labels that fall into their same fun spirit and quirky style such as Mink Pink, J.U.N.K, Motel, Sass, Faithfull, Wish, Staple, Somedays Lovin’, Sunny

Girl, All About Eve, Quay Eyewear and Adorne.

Bamboo Blonde started off as two boutiques in Seminyak alone, with the flagship’s sister shop located on Seminyak’s Basangkasa main road. The brand duly expanded its presence with more outlets elsewhere on the island, such as on the Jalan Legian shopping street, at SOGO Discovery Shopping Mall in Kuta, and at the Bali Collection shopping complex in Nusa Dua. Most of Bamboo Blonde’s stores are located here in Bali while a handful more graces the grand malls in Indonesia’s fashion capital, Jakarta. The fashion store on Jalan Batu Belig is the nearest to those staying in the Canggu Beach area. Go tropical with sundresses such as a teal Santorini Maxi Dress from its current Balifornia collection, or a lightweight and easygoing jumpsuit in floral prints from its Home collection. Girls will fall for Bamboo Blonde’s collection of unique designer belts and vast selection of bags in many styles and sizes to mix and match. Besides wearable stuff, there’s a range of knick-knacks to adorn your bedroom and house, such as the L-O-V-E vases, which make great gifts for friends, family or loved ones. Guys need not hesitate to enter this girly boutique… there’s also a menswear corner worth a look at. (net)

Wimbley wins 400m women’s title at US nationals

Andy Lyons/Getty Images/AFP

CHICAGO - Shakima Wimbley breezed to victory with a world-leading time to win the women’s 400-meter crown while Kahmari Montgomery took the men’s title Saturday at the US Track and Field Championships.

Wimbley clocked a 49.52-second run, lowering her previous best of 50.18, to defeat runner-up Jessica Beard by .16 at the Drake Stadium track in Des Moines, Iowa. Kendall

Ellis finished third in 50.37.

Montgomery also ran a personal best time of 44.58 to win his first American title. Paul Dedewo finished just behind Montgomery in 44.64

while Michael Cherry was third in 44.85.

With no Olympic or world championship team berths at stake for the only time in a four-year cycle, many big American names are sitting these nationals out, including world-record holder sprinter Christian Coleman and 100m world champion Justin Gatlin.

In an exciting men’s 1,500m race,

Matthew Centrowitz won his fifth American title in 3:43.37 with the top six finishers all separated by less than a second.

Centrowitz controled the race late as he ran a closing lap of 53.59 to beat runner-up Izaic Yorks, who clocked a 3:43.63. Eric Jenkins was third in 3:43.74.

Centrowitz took the early lead then

lost it to Drew Hunter at the end of the first lap. The lead changed several times before Centrowitz regained it with a blazing final lap.

Emma Coburn ran the fastest last lap to win the women’s steeplechase final with a time of 9:17.70. Coburn held on to beat Courtney Frerichs, who finished in 9:18.69. Mel Lawrence was third in 9:33.30. (afp)

US Open will consider Serena pregnancy in seedings: report

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NEW YORK - The US Open will start considering pregnancy situations when making seedings so players aren’t penalized for starting families, US Tennis Association president Katrina Adams said in a New York Times report Saturday.

The change comes after criticism of French Open officials for how they handled the case of former world number one Serena Williams in her Grand Slam return last month after giving birth to a daughter last September.

“It’s the right thing to do for these mothers that are coming back,” Adams told the Times.

“We think it’s a good message for our current female players and

future players. It’s OK to go out and be a woman and become a mother and then come back to your job and I think that’s a bigger message.”

While making no promises about where 23-time Grand Slam singles champion Williams might be seeded, Adams said the Open would “revise the seedings if pregnancy is a factor in the current rankings of a player.”

That’s the situation for Williams, who was not given a seeded spot by French Open officials. She withdrew with an injury before a scheduled fourth-round match with Maria Sharapova.

Williams, ranked 183rd, is a seven-time Wimbledon champion

who will learn Wednesday whether or not she will be seeded for next month’s Grand Slam grass showdown in England.

The WTA Tour does not have protected seedings for players who return from absences, although it offers protected rankings to enter up to eight events a year in such situations.

“I get it. I would not want to be the number 32 player in the world who has worked hard in the last year to obtain this ranking,” said Adams, herself a former player.

“But we’re a Grand Slam and we have the right and the opportunity to seed the players according to what we feel is justified.” (afp)

Serena Williams

IBP/net

8

Monday, June 25, 2018

Monday, June 25, 2018

Kroos hits out at Germany’s World Cup doubters

Germany’s matchwinner Toni Kroos has criticised former internationals and pundits for putting the boot into the defending champions after their shaky World Cup start. Kroos’s stunning free-kick five minutes into added time in Sochi sealed a 2-1 win to keep alive Germany’s flagging hopes following defeat to Mexico in their opening Group F match.

Following the dramatic win on Saturday, Kroos rounded on those who had heavily criticised Joachim Loew’s squad after their woeful first-half display against Mexico.

The Real Madrid midfielder told broadcaster ARD after the Sweden game that the team deserved criticism after their disjointed performance in their tournament opener, adding : “Many people would have been happy if we had gone out.”

“Anyone who speaks up, those experts, and anyone who writes about it can feel they have addressed things, but it gives me the feeling that it’s more fun to analyse or talk or write badly of us,” he told reporters. “I’m not talking about the fans who go to the fan miles (fan zones in Germany).”

By his own admission, Kroos was at fault when he gave the ball away, which led to Ola Toivonen’s first-half goal for Sweden, putting Germany on the brink of a World Cup exit.

The holders fought back, with Marco Reus equalising early in the second half before Kroos’s dramatic winner.

The four-time world champions must win by a margin of two goals against South Korea in Kazan on Wednesday to be absolutely sure of progressing.

Failure to do so would mean relying on the outcome of the other match between Mexico and Sweden. Kroos blamed the media for not giving the team enough support in Russia.

“We don’t get any help. No one is going to write the title our way, we have to do it ourselves, it has to come from us,” he said.

“We know we have a lot of fans, but we won’t get any more help other than that.”

Reus, who was named man-of-the-match, echoed Kroos’s comments. “I agree with Toni that many in Germany wanted us to go out in the first round,” said Reus. “But the game showed that we always believed in ourselves.” (afp)

Modric would win Ballon d’Or if he was Spanish or German - Lovren

Croatia defender Dejan Lovren believes Luka Modric never gets the credit he deserves and would win the Ballon d’Or if he played for Spain or Germany.

Modric has been one of the stars of the World Cup so far, scoring in each of his opening two games as Croatia have stormed to the top of Group D. His second strike, a superb, bending effort from 25 yards, helped them to a 3-0 victory over Argentina and compounded the misery for Lionel Messi, a five-time winner of football’s most prestigious individual prize.

Modric has never even made the top three. “It is a real pleasure to play with Luka Modric, who is one of the best players in the world right now,” Lovren said at Croatia’s training base in Roshchino on Sunday.

“Modric would probably be getting more attention than he is right now if he was a German or Spanish player. He would maybe even be a Ballon d’Or winner.

“But because we are a smaller country, he does get less attention than he deserves. We are all football lovers and we know Modric is an incredible player.” Croatia

have already qualified for the last 16 and their impressive goal difference means first place is also virtually secure, with coach Zlatko Dalic set to rotate against Iceland on Tuesday.

Six of his players, including Ivan Rakitic, Ante Rebic and Mario Mandzukic, have picked up one yellow card and another before the semi-final would draw a one-match ban. But Argentina and Nigeria will both be hoping Croatia overcome Iceland as they look to win their final game and go through in second place.

“I fully understand Argentina’s concerns and their wish for Croatia to play a full team for the next game,” Lovren said. “But we must also think about the fact we should not be playing the players who have yellow cards. That’s also our concern we need to keep in mind.”

Rotation is a luxury Croatia have earned and, with a potential last 16 clash to come against Denmark, they look well-placed for a run deep into the tournament.

“Right now, no-one is showing on the pitch that they are far superior than any other team,” Lovren said. “Croatia is a dark horse.” (afp)

Germany’s midfielder To n i K r o o s controls the ball during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group F football match between Germany and Sweden at the Fisht Stadium in Sochi on June 23, 2018.

Johannes EISELE / AFP

Croatia’s midfielder Luka Modric celebrates after scoring their second goal during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group D football match between Argentina and Croatia at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium in Nizhny Novgorod on June 21, 2018.

9

Isco urges Spain to stay true Mexico, gay pride flags to selves in Morocco decider caught up in victorious jumble of joy

Spain midfielder Isco believes his side must stay true to the philosophy that brought them World Cup glory in 2010 to achieve the result they need in Monday’s Group B decider against Morocco.

After a breathless 3-3 draw with Portugal in their opening game, La Roja laboured to a 1-0 victory over Iran, and require at least a point in Kaliningrad against a Morocco side playing for pride to guarantee a last 16 berth.

“We have to be faithful to the end to the style of play that defines us,” the Real Madrid playmaker told reporters ahead of the game.

“We have to play, pass a lot, keep the ball. If we play quickly across the pitch the chances will come.”

Spain won a historic treble of European and world titles between 2008-2012 with a brand of possession-based football that came to be known as “tiki taka”.

Along with Real teammates Lucas Vazquez and Marco Asensio, Isco represents the cream of a new crop of Spanish talent looking to fill the void left in the national team after legend Xavi’s retirement.

“This is my first time in a big competition with the national side,” he said. “I feel at ease but it’s easier with all the big players in the side.”

Playing behind striker Diego Costa, Isco has delighted Spain fans this tournament with his deft touch and vision, but the team heads to Russia’s European enclave knowing the job is far from done.

While they could progress with a draw they would need to win and score more goals than Portugal in their match with Iran in order to guarantee top spot in Group B. Coach Fernando Hierro, who only took the job two days before the tournament began after the shock dismissal of Julen Lopetegui, said his team won’t underestimate a Morocco squad that are yet to pick up a point.

“This is the World Cup, and not one single game is going to be easy,” Hierro said. “We can im-

prove, and I hope we will keep winning while we do so, but nobody is giving anything away easily.

“In certain groups teams have already qualified (for the last 16) but our group is very tough. We have no option but to secure all three points against Morocco.”

The North Africans were the first team to be eliminated from the tournament but Herve Renard’s men

have acquitted themselves well.

They were desperately unlucky to lose 1-0 in their opener against Iran due to a disastrous 95th-minute Aziz Bouhaddouz own goal.

Against Portugal they attacked fluidly and deserved something from a match that saw them force several smart saves from Rui Patricio yet ultimately walked away with nothing in the 1-0 loss. (afp)

SAEED KHAN / AFP

Spain’s midfielder Isco (L) controls the ball as he is marked

by Iran’s midfielder Omid Ebrahimi during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group B football match between Iran and Spain at the Kazan Arena in Kazan on June 20, 2018.

Thousands of Mexicans wept, cheered and chanted Saturday in their capital city where a planned gay pride event was swept over by megafans enraptured by their national football team’s World Cup win.

And while the atmosphere of Mexican football at times has been historically homophobic, on Saturday there was so much joy in one place, it was downright harmonious. Mexico placed one foot in the World Cup’s last 16 and left South Korea on the brink of elimination after goals from Javier Hernandez and Carlos Vela clinched a 2-1 victory in Rostov.

That send thousands of thousands of ecstatic fans teeming into their usual celebration spot, Mexico

City’s Independence Square.

But on Saturday, it was already cheek by jowl with thousands celebrating Mexico’s gay pride march.

No matter, the Mexico fans and LGBT marchers all had plenty to celebrate.

“This is awesome. We all are giving each other room to celebrate two ways: the march as well as Mexico’s win. We are all equal, we are Mexican and we need to love each other just the way we are,” said Cinthya Garcia, 26, a saleswoman.

Crammed in with four family members in their team jerseys, they chanted “Me-xi-co!” “Me-xi-co!”, as vuvuzelas wailed. “We are so, so happy. Look at the whooping they gave” South Korea she said with a smile. (afp)

8

Monday, June 25, 2018

Monday, June 25, 2018

Kroos hits out at Germany’s World Cup doubters

Germany’s matchwinner Toni Kroos has criticised former internationals and pundits for putting the boot into the defending champions after their shaky World Cup start. Kroos’s stunning free-kick five minutes into added time in Sochi sealed a 2-1 win to keep alive Germany’s flagging hopes following defeat to Mexico in their opening Group F match.

Following the dramatic win on Saturday, Kroos rounded on those who had heavily criticised Joachim Loew’s squad after their woeful first-half display against Mexico.

The Real Madrid midfielder told broadcaster ARD after the Sweden game that the team deserved criticism after their disjointed performance in their tournament opener, adding : “Many people would have been happy if we had gone out.”

“Anyone who speaks up, those experts, and anyone who writes about it can feel they have addressed things, but it gives me the feeling that it’s more fun to analyse or talk or write badly of us,” he told reporters. “I’m not talking about the fans who go to the fan miles (fan zones in Germany).”

By his own admission, Kroos was at fault when he gave the ball away, which led to Ola Toivonen’s first-half goal for Sweden, putting Germany on the brink of a World Cup exit.

The holders fought back, with Marco Reus equalising early in the second half before Kroos’s dramatic winner.

The four-time world champions must win by a margin of two goals against South Korea in Kazan on Wednesday to be absolutely sure of progressing.

Failure to do so would mean relying on the outcome of the other match between Mexico and Sweden. Kroos blamed the media for not giving the team enough support in Russia.

“We don’t get any help. No one is going to write the title our way, we have to do it ourselves, it has to come from us,” he said.

“We know we have a lot of fans, but we won’t get any more help other than that.”

Reus, who was named man-of-the-match, echoed Kroos’s comments. “I agree with Toni that many in Germany wanted us to go out in the first round,” said Reus. “But the game showed that we always believed in ourselves.” (afp)

Modric would win Ballon d’Or if he was Spanish or German - Lovren

Croatia defender Dejan Lovren believes Luka Modric never gets the credit he deserves and would win the Ballon d’Or if he played for Spain or Germany.

Modric has been one of the stars of the World Cup so far, scoring in each of his opening two games as Croatia have stormed to the top of Group D. His second strike, a superb, bending effort from 25 yards, helped them to a 3-0 victory over Argentina and compounded the misery for Lionel Messi, a five-time winner of football’s most prestigious individual prize.

Modric has never even made the top three. “It is a real pleasure to play with Luka Modric, who is one of the best players in the world right now,” Lovren said at Croatia’s training base in Roshchino on Sunday.

“Modric would probably be getting more attention than he is right now if he was a German or Spanish player. He would maybe even be a Ballon d’Or winner.

“But because we are a smaller country, he does get less attention than he deserves. We are all football lovers and we know Modric is an incredible player.” Croatia

have already qualified for the last 16 and their impressive goal difference means first place is also virtually secure, with coach Zlatko Dalic set to rotate against Iceland on Tuesday.

Six of his players, including Ivan Rakitic, Ante Rebic and Mario Mandzukic, have picked up one yellow card and another before the semi-final would draw a one-match ban. But Argentina and Nigeria will both be hoping Croatia overcome Iceland as they look to win their final game and go through in second place.

“I fully understand Argentina’s concerns and their wish for Croatia to play a full team for the next game,” Lovren said. “But we must also think about the fact we should not be playing the players who have yellow cards. That’s also our concern we need to keep in mind.”

Rotation is a luxury Croatia have earned and, with a potential last 16 clash to come against Denmark, they look well-placed for a run deep into the tournament.

“Right now, no-one is showing on the pitch that they are far superior than any other team,” Lovren said. “Croatia is a dark horse.” (afp)

Germany’s midfielder To n i K r o o s controls the ball during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group F football match between Germany and Sweden at the Fisht Stadium in Sochi on June 23, 2018.

Johannes EISELE / AFP

Croatia’s midfielder Luka Modric celebrates after scoring their second goal during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group D football match between Argentina and Croatia at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium in Nizhny Novgorod on June 21, 2018.

9

Isco urges Spain to stay true Mexico, gay pride flags to selves in Morocco decider caught up in victorious jumble of joy

Spain midfielder Isco believes his side must stay true to the philosophy that brought them World Cup glory in 2010 to achieve the result they need in Monday’s Group B decider against Morocco.

After a breathless 3-3 draw with Portugal in their opening game, La Roja laboured to a 1-0 victory over Iran, and require at least a point in Kaliningrad against a Morocco side playing for pride to guarantee a last 16 berth.

“We have to be faithful to the end to the style of play that defines us,” the Real Madrid playmaker told reporters ahead of the game.

“We have to play, pass a lot, keep the ball. If we play quickly across the pitch the chances will come.”

Spain won a historic treble of European and world titles between 2008-2012 with a brand of possession-based football that came to be known as “tiki taka”.

Along with Real teammates Lucas Vazquez and Marco Asensio, Isco represents the cream of a new crop of Spanish talent looking to fill the void left in the national team after legend Xavi’s retirement.

“This is my first time in a big competition with the national side,” he said. “I feel at ease but it’s easier with all the big players in the side.”

Playing behind striker Diego Costa, Isco has delighted Spain fans this tournament with his deft touch and vision, but the team heads to Russia’s European enclave knowing the job is far from done.

While they could progress with a draw they would need to win and score more goals than Portugal in their match with Iran in order to guarantee top spot in Group B. Coach Fernando Hierro, who only took the job two days before the tournament began after the shock dismissal of Julen Lopetegui, said his team won’t underestimate a Morocco squad that are yet to pick up a point.

“This is the World Cup, and not one single game is going to be easy,” Hierro said. “We can im-

prove, and I hope we will keep winning while we do so, but nobody is giving anything away easily.

“In certain groups teams have already qualified (for the last 16) but our group is very tough. We have no option but to secure all three points against Morocco.”

The North Africans were the first team to be eliminated from the tournament but Herve Renard’s men

have acquitted themselves well.

They were desperately unlucky to lose 1-0 in their opener against Iran due to a disastrous 95th-minute Aziz Bouhaddouz own goal.

Against Portugal they attacked fluidly and deserved something from a match that saw them force several smart saves from Rui Patricio yet ultimately walked away with nothing in the 1-0 loss. (afp)

SAEED KHAN / AFP

Spain’s midfielder Isco (L) controls the ball as he is marked

by Iran’s midfielder Omid Ebrahimi during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group B football match between Iran and Spain at the Kazan Arena in Kazan on June 20, 2018.

Thousands of Mexicans wept, cheered and chanted Saturday in their capital city where a planned gay pride event was swept over by megafans enraptured by their national football team’s World Cup win.

And while the atmosphere of Mexican football at times has been historically homophobic, on Saturday there was so much joy in one place, it was downright harmonious. Mexico placed one foot in the World Cup’s last 16 and left South Korea on the brink of elimination after goals from Javier Hernandez and Carlos Vela clinched a 2-1 victory in Rostov.

That send thousands of thousands of ecstatic fans teeming into their usual celebration spot, Mexico

City’s Independence Square.

But on Saturday, it was already cheek by jowl with thousands celebrating Mexico’s gay pride march.

No matter, the Mexico fans and LGBT marchers all had plenty to celebrate.

“This is awesome. We all are giving each other room to celebrate two ways: the march as well as Mexico’s win. We are all equal, we are Mexican and we need to love each other just the way we are,” said Cinthya Garcia, 26, a saleswoman.

Crammed in with four family members in their team jerseys, they chanted “Me-xi-co!” “Me-xi-co!”, as vuvuzelas wailed. “We are so, so happy. Look at the whooping they gave” South Korea she said with a smile. (afp)

10

Destination

Monday, June 25, 2018

International

Monday, June 25, 2018

International

Bamboo Blonde Bali

Shakima Wimbley runs to victory in the Womens 400 Meter Final during day 3 of the 2018 USATF Outdoor Championships at Drake Stadium on June 23, 2018 in Des Moines, Iowa.

Fun and Vibrant Ladies’ Boutique in Seminyak MANGUPURA - Bamboo Blonde presents a colourful fashion line for young ladies at its flagship store on Jalan Laksmana in Seminyak, featuring both international labels and its own. The bright pink signage bearing its name in all lowercase is hard to miss amongst the row of eclectic shops that line the street. Step inside and you’ll find a vivid boutique with bright and quirky interiors, from its luscious and velvety cherry counter, outsized mirrors and old-fashioned stools, to fanciful art pieces that adorn its walls and displays. In between are a collection of sexy evening dresses, casual jumpsuits, playsuits, harem pants, light tops, tunic tanks and others.

‘Fun’ and ‘playful’sums up most of the styles in Bamboo B l o n d e ’s collection, and some of the pieces feature vivid motifs that can sometimes be a tad flirty.

‘Sexy’ comes

next with its evening wear, such as a range of maxi dresses in various forms from bare shouldered to split sided or a more casual resort style with flowing sundresses and floral jumpsuits. Be sure to check out the brand’s own Blurr party line, featuring a rich variety of jumpsuits and dresses in various cuts and colours.

Throughout the boutique, you will also discover a line of accessories to go with the pieces, and even body products and stuff to decorate your room with. The collection changes by season so there’s always something fresh in store.

What started out as a passion-driven enterprise by an international team of fashion designers in 2007 has become one of the most notable fashion brands in Bali, and Indonesia. With fashion designer Louise Henry at the helm, the label is inspired by a shared love of travel and lifestyle, and showcases her team’s own fun and quirky creations. Some that won’t go out of style include their mix of crop tops, some with gathering at the back, and line skirts and miniskirts in flower lace and lining. Inside you’ll also find a range of international labels that fall into their same fun spirit and quirky style such as Mink Pink, J.U.N.K, Motel, Sass, Faithfull, Wish, Staple, Somedays Lovin’, Sunny

Girl, All About Eve, Quay Eyewear and Adorne.

Bamboo Blonde started off as two boutiques in Seminyak alone, with the flagship’s sister shop located on Seminyak’s Basangkasa main road. The brand duly expanded its presence with more outlets elsewhere on the island, such as on the Jalan Legian shopping street, at SOGO Discovery Shopping Mall in Kuta, and at the Bali Collection shopping complex in Nusa Dua. Most of Bamboo Blonde’s stores are located here in Bali while a handful more graces the grand malls in Indonesia’s fashion capital, Jakarta. The fashion store on Jalan Batu Belig is the nearest to those staying in the Canggu Beach area. Go tropical with sundresses such as a teal Santorini Maxi Dress from its current Balifornia collection, or a lightweight and easygoing jumpsuit in floral prints from its Home collection. Girls will fall for Bamboo Blonde’s collection of unique designer belts and vast selection of bags in many styles and sizes to mix and match. Besides wearable stuff, there’s a range of knick-knacks to adorn your bedroom and house, such as the L-O-V-E vases, which make great gifts for friends, family or loved ones. Guys need not hesitate to enter this girly boutique… there’s also a menswear corner worth a look at. (net)

Wimbley wins 400m women’s title at US nationals

Andy Lyons/Getty Images/AFP

CHICAGO - Shakima Wimbley breezed to victory with a world-leading time to win the women’s 400-meter crown while Kahmari Montgomery took the men’s title Saturday at the US Track and Field Championships.

Wimbley clocked a 49.52-second run, lowering her previous best of 50.18, to defeat runner-up Jessica Beard by .16 at the Drake Stadium track in Des Moines, Iowa. Kendall

Ellis finished third in 50.37.

Montgomery also ran a personal best time of 44.58 to win his first American title. Paul Dedewo finished just behind Montgomery in 44.64

while Michael Cherry was third in 44.85.

With no Olympic or world championship team berths at stake for the only time in a four-year cycle, many big American names are sitting these nationals out, including world-record holder sprinter Christian Coleman and 100m world champion Justin Gatlin.

In an exciting men’s 1,500m race,

Matthew Centrowitz won his fifth American title in 3:43.37 with the top six finishers all separated by less than a second.

Centrowitz controled the race late as he ran a closing lap of 53.59 to beat runner-up Izaic Yorks, who clocked a 3:43.63. Eric Jenkins was third in 3:43.74.

Centrowitz took the early lead then

lost it to Drew Hunter at the end of the first lap. The lead changed several times before Centrowitz regained it with a blazing final lap.

Emma Coburn ran the fastest last lap to win the women’s steeplechase final with a time of 9:17.70. Coburn held on to beat Courtney Frerichs, who finished in 9:18.69. Mel Lawrence was third in 9:33.30. (afp)

US Open will consider Serena pregnancy in seedings: report

Manager Female Busy Resto in Seminyak, Must Speak Fluent English CV : info@eatbali.com

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Kuta Townhouse Apartments Looking for Maintenance&Waitress call 082144450099 for Interview Email:hrd@kutatownhouses.com

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NEW YORK - The US Open will start considering pregnancy situations when making seedings so players aren’t penalized for starting families, US Tennis Association president Katrina Adams said in a New York Times report Saturday.

The change comes after criticism of French Open officials for how they handled the case of former world number one Serena Williams in her Grand Slam return last month after giving birth to a daughter last September.

“It’s the right thing to do for these mothers that are coming back,” Adams told the Times.

“We think it’s a good message for our current female players and

future players. It’s OK to go out and be a woman and become a mother and then come back to your job and I think that’s a bigger message.”

While making no promises about where 23-time Grand Slam singles champion Williams might be seeded, Adams said the Open would “revise the seedings if pregnancy is a factor in the current rankings of a player.”

That’s the situation for Williams, who was not given a seeded spot by French Open officials. She withdrew with an injury before a scheduled fourth-round match with Maria Sharapova.

Williams, ranked 183rd, is a seven-time Wimbledon champion

who will learn Wednesday whether or not she will be seeded for next month’s Grand Slam grass showdown in England.

The WTA Tour does not have protected seedings for players who return from absences, although it offers protected rankings to enter up to eight events a year in such situations.

“I get it. I would not want to be the number 32 player in the world who has worked hard in the last year to obtain this ranking,” said Adams, herself a former player.

“But we’re a Grand Slam and we have the right and the opportunity to seed the players according to what we feel is justified.” (afp)

Serena Williams

IBP/net

6

Monday, June 25, 2018

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International

RLD

Celebrations, tears as Saudi Arabia overturns ban on women driving

RIYADH - Saudi women celebrated taking the wheel for the first time in decades Sunday as the kingdom overturned the world’s only ban on female motorists, a historic reform expected to usher in a new era of social mobility.

The much-trumpeted move is part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s plan to modernise the conservative petrostate -- but it has been dented by the jailing of female activists who long opposed the driving ban.

Women in Riyadh and other cities began zipping around streets bathed in amber light soon after the ban was lifted at midnight, with some blasting music from behind the wheel.

“I feel free like a bird,” said talkshow host and writer Samar Almogren as she cruised across the capital.

Television presenter Sabika al-Dosari called it “a historic moment for every Saudi woman” before driving a sedan across the border to the kingdom of Bahrain.

The lifting of the ban, long a glaring symbol of repression, is expected to be transformative for many women, freeing them from dependence on private chauffeurs or male relatives.

Euphoria was mixed with disbelief as women across the kingdom flooded social media with videos of their maiden car rides, with a heavy presence of policemen, some of whom distributed flowers to the first-time drivers.

“This is a great achievement,” billionaire Saudi Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal said as his daughter Reem drove a family SUV, with his granddaughters applauding from the back seat.

“Now women have their freedom,” he added in a video posted on Twitter.

Many Saudi women ebulliently declared plans online to drive for coffee or ice cream, a mundane experience elsewhere in the world but a dazzling novelty in the desert kingdom.

“The jubilance, confidence and pride expressed by Saudi women driving for the first time in their country, without fear of arrest, brought tears to my eyes,” tweeted activist Hala al-Dosari, while lauding the jailed campaigners.

“I’m happy and relieved that... girls in Saudi will live a bit freer than their mothers.”

But many women are keeping away, testing reactions in a society torn between tradition and social change -- and bracing for a possible backlash from hardliners who have long preached that allowing female motorists would promote promiscuity and sin. (afp)

HUSSAIN RADWAN / AFP

Saudi woman Sabika Habib is ready to drive her car through the streets of Khobar City on her way to Kingdom of Bahrain. For the first time little after midnight on June 24, 2018, the law allows women to drive.

Turkey’s Erdogan faces resurgent opposition in twin election test Supporters wave flags and shout slogans as they attend a gathering addressed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul on June 23, 2018, one day before presidential and parliamentary elections.

Aris MESSINIS / AFP

ISTANBUL - Turks were voting Sunday in dual parliamentary and presidential polls seen as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s toughest election test, with the opposition revitalised and his popularity at risk from growing economic troubles.

Erdogan has overseen historic change in Turkey since his Islamicrooted ruling party first came to power in 2002 after years of secular domination. But critics accuse the Turkish strongman, 64, of trampling on civil liberties and displaying autocratic behaviour.

With all eyes on the transparency of the vote, polling stations opened at 0500 GMT and were due to close at 1400 GMT, with the first results expected late in the evening.

Over 56 million eligible voters are for the first time casting ballots

simultaneously in the parliamentary and presidential elections, with Erdogan looking for a first round knockout and an overall majority for his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).

But both these goals are in doubt in the face of an energetic campaign by his rival from the secular Republican People’s Party (CHP), Muharrem Ince, who has mobilised hundreds of thousands in mega rallies, and a strong opposition alliance in the legislative polls.

“I hope for the best for our nation,” said Ince as he cast his ballot in his native port town of Yalova south of Istanbul, vowing to spend the night at the headquarters of Turkey’s election authority in Ankara to ensure a fair count. (afp)

International

Monday, June 25, 2018

Minister Yembise attends Fijian women`s national exhibition 2018

JAKARTA - Women Empowerment and Child Protection Minister Yohana Yembise has attended the 2018 Fijian Women`s National Exhibition during her visit to the Fijian Republic.

Yembise`s visit to Fiji was in the framework of strengthening cooperation relations between the two countries in the field of women`s empowerment and child protection.

“I am proud and happy to be in Fiji to new relations, and to attend the exhibition that has managed to bring together hundreds of Fijian women to showcase their products and demonstrate their expertise,” the minister remarked in a press statement made available to Antara here on Saturday.

As a follow up of the cooperation between the two countries, Yembise said she would invite Fijian delegation to attend a gender workshop and climate change.

During the workshop, there will be a group discussion, focused on on the making of module material for activator of gender responsive planning and

budgeting in Indonesia.

The women empowerment and child protection minister remarked that women are still often hampered in fulfilling their potential in various sectors including in the economic field. In addition, there are many discriminatory and gender inequalities experienced by women.

“Therefore, there needs to be encouragement of support from many parties for women, that is by realizing gender equality and women empowerment, as one of the 17 goals of Sustainable Development Objectives to achieve the development target by 2030,” she said.

Fijian Women`s National Exhibition 2018 presented 340 women craftsmen from Fiji and surrounding areas to exhibit handicrafts such as webbing, accessories, and coconut oil.

In addition to attending the exhibition, Yembise also visited training centers for women from vulnerable groups, such as female headed households, as well as women with low economic and education. (kmb33/afp)

Egyptian man found dead in Magelang MAGELANG - An Egyptian man, identified as Abdelaziz Mohamed Abdel Fattah Abdel Maksum Saleh (55), was found dead on Friday in the dorm of Pabelan Islamic Boarding School in Magelang, Central Java.

Magelang police spokesman Adjunct Commissioner Supriyanto remarked here on Saturday that Abdelaziz was a teacher from Egypt, who arrived in Indonesia on April 1,2017 to teach at Pabelan Islamic Boarding School in Magelang.

He was assigned by Al Azhar University in Egypt as a foreign teacher in Indonesia for one year, but his teaching assignment was extended until March 31, 2019.

Abdelaziz has apparently died three days earlier before his body was found at 6.30 pm West Indonesian Standard Time on Friday.

Based on the results of the examination, police did not find any signs of violence against the victim.

For further investigation, the body of the victim was taken to Dr.Sardjito Hospital in Yogyakarta for an autopsy. (ant)

11

Anxious wait for relatives of Indonesia ferry disaster missing

Among the grief-stricken Indonesians keeping a daily vigil at the shore of a volcanic lake which swallowed a ferry packed with people, some fear they have lost more than a dozen relatives, including children, in the disaster.

Jadianto Nainggolan has barely touched food or got a decent night’s sleep since he got word that the ferry was carrying 12 relatives -- including a nephew who was just three years old -- headed home after a party on Monday.

“As soon as I heard I was in shock -- I couldn’t eat, I couldn’t sleep,” he told AFP. The overloaded boat capsized on Sumatra’s Lake Toba in what could be one of the country’s deadliest maritime disasters.

Days later, Nainggolan, a power plant worker, cannot believe that four of his siblings and their children could be at the bottom of one of the world’s deepest lakes.

The 40-year-old Nainggolan made an arduous 24hour journey from his home in Jambi province to the picturesque tourist destination after he got a panicked call from his sister. Now, he is one of hundreds of heartbroken relatives who turn out at search posts or on the lakeshore every morning, praying for news about missing loved ones.

“As soon as we wake up we are thinking about our family,” he said. Just three passengers have been confirmed dead, but official estimates listed 193 others -- including children -- as missing.

The vessel is believed to have been operating il-

legally with no manifest or passenger tickets and authorities have struggled to pinpoint the exact number onboard when it went down in bad weather.

Many bodies could be trapped inside the sunken ferry, with officials saying that the traditional wooden vessel may have been carrying five times the number of passengers it was built to hold, along with dozens of motorcycles.

Despite a massive search operation involving some 400 personnel, the vessel has still not been located.

Toba is some 500 metres (1,600 feet) deep in parts, hampering search efforts.

Anxiety -- and anger -- is growing among those desperate for news. Marasi Gultom said 13 of her family members, including seven brothers, were on the ferry.

“It’s not normal that there could have 200 people on board and the motorcycles are not allowed,” she said.

“That’s the fault of the officers -- it was a fatal mistake. Why did they let them board?” On Friday, authorities turned to sonar technology in a bid to pinpoint the boat’s location.

Survivor Juwita Sumbayak, who was on the ferry when it went down, said he was reeling from the accident. “My two children are still missing,” he told AFP at an area hospital.

Another survivor, Hernando Lingga, 24, recalled the terrifying final moments before the boat disappeared.

“Suddenly, water started rushing into the boat,” he said.

“Passengers began to panic (and) some screamed hysterically, then the ship began to shake and sunk.” (afp)

Rahmad Suryadi / AFP

Divers conduct search and retrival operations in Lake Toba on June 24, 2018 after a ferry, believed to be transporting as many as 193 passengers, capsized and sank June 18 in one of Indonesia’s worst maritime disasters. The vessel is believed to have been operating illegally with no manifest or passenger tickets and authorities have struggled to pinpoint the exact number onboard when it went down in bad weather.

12

International

Monday, June 25, 2018

BUSINESS Ikea bets big on India but keeps meatballs off the menu

Furniture giant Ikea is set to open its first store and restaurant in India after years of trying but arguably its most famous item is off the menu -- Swedish meatballs.

Ikea, the world’s biggest furniture retailer, will next month cut the ribbon on a massive 37,000 square metre outlet in the southern city of Hyderabad, complete with a 1,000-seater cafeteria.

The restaurant will be Ikea’s largest and will cater to local tastes, with religious sensitivities in India dictating that beef and pork, staples of Swedish meatballs, will not be served.

“There will be chicken meatballs and vegetarian balls,” Patrik Antoni, Ikea’s deputy country manager for India, told AFP during an interview in the Indian financial capital of Mumbai.

“Fifty percent of the food will be Swedish inspired, salmon and shrimp dishes and so on. We’ll also have quite a few Indian dishes like dal makhani, biryani, samosas,” he added.

The Swedish multinational, which revolutionised household furnishings with its range of affordable ready-to-assemble products, is betting big on India as it seeks new revenues away from its key Western markets.

Ikea plans to invest $1.5 billion in Asia’s third-largest economy as it seeks to lure price-sensitive Indians away from satisfying their furniture needs at local, family-run shops.

Ikea has already spent close to $750 million procuring sites for four stores, including the Hyderabad one which will open in July on a date that is yet to be announced.

Outlets in Mumbai, Bangalore

and the capital New Delhi will follow, Antoni said, without putting a timescale on them. He added that Ikea will then look at Pune, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Surat and Kolkata.

“We are very bullish and excited about the Indian market.

Normally, we would test a market by opening one store but in India, we are going all out and expanding,” said Antoni.

At 37,160 square metres the Hyderabad store will be comparable in size to an average Indian shopping mall. It will have 850 employees and is expected to attract several million visitors a year.

- Spice and all things nice As well as its wide range of international items Ikea will also sell goods uniquely suited to the Indian market. Alongside its popular Billy bookcases and Poang chairs, Ikea will also offer spice boxes and kitchen appliances to make traditional Indian staples such as idlis (rice cakes).

“We have done over a thousand home visits and interviewed people to try to understand their needs, dreams, aspirations and how they feel about their home,” explained Antoni. More than 1,000 products priced under 200 rupees ($2.94) will be on sale.

India, with its abundant supply of cheap labour, is not known for its “DIY” culture so Ikea has teamed up with UrbanClap, an online platform that helps connect handymen with consumers.

NOAH SEELAM / AFP

This photo taken on June 22, 2018 shows the under-construction site of an IKEA store in Hyderabad. Furniture giant Ikea is set to open its first store and restaurant in India after years of trying but arguably its most famous item is off the menu -- Swedish meatballs.

Ikea, founded in 1943 by late Swedish entrepreneur Ingvar Kamprad, operates 418 stores in 49 markets. In May it announced that it would expand into South America with stores in Chile, Colombia and Peru.

The home goods behemoth first tried to enter India in 2006 but was foiled by strict foreign direct investment (FDI) rules that required foreign companies to sign up with a local partner.

Seven years later the rules were relaxed to allow foreign

businesses to own retail stores operating under a single brand, clearing the way for Ikea’s entry into India.

The Swedish company hopes its walk-in stores and famed restaurant will be a unique selling point as it goes up against popular Indian online furniture retailers Pepperfry and Urban Ladder.

It will also have to contend with Walmart. The world’s largest retailer has agreed to buy a majority stake in Indian e-tailer Flipkart, which sells a wide range of home

furnishings.

Ikea’s global sales grew by five percent on-year in 2017 as it recorded annual revenues of 38 billion euros ($47 billion).

The firm hopes access to India’s growing middle class in the country of 1.25 billion people will open up new revenue streams. Analysts, however, warn it faces a long journey in a crowded market.

“Profitability will take some time for Ikea in India,” Sowmya Adiraju, an analyst at research firm Euromonitor, told AFP. (afp)

Protectionism threatens ‘vintage’ global growth: BIS

A year of “vintage” economic growth could be undone by rising protectionism, the Bank of International Settlements (BIS) said Sunday, as fears of an all-out global trade war ramp up.

The BIS, often described as the central bank of central banks, credited “a decade of extraordinary monetary policy,” for leading the world out of the 2008 financial crisis.

That culminated in 2017 with “a

vintage year for growth with low inflation,” the BIS said in its Annual Economic Report, which also warned of possible trouble ahead.

“An escalation of protectionist measures... could trigger a fresh downturn,” the bank said.

The report was launched days after the European Union slapped tariffs on iconic US products including bourbon, jeans and motorcycles in its opening salvo in a trade war

with President Donald Trump.

Brussels imposed the raft of duties on US products worth 2.8 billion euros ($3.3 billion) in a tit-for-tat response to Trump’s decision to slap stiff tariffs on European steel and aluminium exports.

Within hours, Trump responded with a threat to impose a 20 percent tariff on cars imported from the European Union.

But the BIS underscored that the

consequences could be devastating if reciprocal protectionist measures undermine overall confidence in the “open multilateral trading system.”

“Indeed, there are signs that the rise in uncertainty associated with the first protectionist steps and the ratcheting up of rhetoric have already been inhibiting investment,” the BIS said.

Leading policymakers and analysts generally agree that while

Bali News

International

limited tit-for-tat tariffs would be manageable, a full-out trade war would cripple growth.

BIS general manager Agustin Carstens credited free and open trade with laying “the foundation for much of the global progress in improving living standards,” and urged policymakers to safeguard it.

Based in Basel, Switzerland, the BIS is owned by the central banks of 60 top global economies. (afp)

Monday, June 25, 2018

5

Gender Wayang, Presenting Atmosphere of Peace and Greatness of Ritual

Along the human lifetime, it will surely do activities related to basic needs of both food and housing. After that, it is followed by development of mindset resulting in the creation of various kinds of culture usually influenced by situation in the community.

Manifestation of the culture varies because there is a form of activity or dance movement telling about something. Moreover, sometimes they are in the form of tools that can generate a sound such as gender gamelan instrument. This gamelan instrument has a characteristic in terms of sound where it is often used to accompany the performance of shadow puppet in Bali. According to I Made Murawan, a puppeteer from Puaya hamlet, Batuan, Sukawati, Gianyar, when staging puppet shadow featuring the storyline of Mahabharata, the gamelan instrument in use is a set of gender or four instruments only while if accompanying the performance of Ramayana epic, it will certainly use bebatelan gamelan instrument.

In addition to four pieces of gender instruments, it will use other instruments such as a pair of drum, kempur and so on. The gamelan composition played when the performance of puppet shadow begins with tabuh petegak like the Sekar Sungsang and selendro scales.

After that, the gamelan composition played is Tabuh Pamungkah used when commencing to play the klayon to finish of the klayon. Then, it is resumed with paguneman where the puppet is stabbed accompanied by gamelan composition entitled Tulang Lindung. After stabbing the puppets, it is continued with gamelan entitled Panyacah Parwa in the form of alas arum. When the puppet is told to walk or move, it will use angkat-angkatan gamelan music. Moreover, when the puppet is crying it uses special mesem gamelan composition for slant-eyed puppets. For the puppet with glowering eyes, it will use rebong gamelan music and during wartime it will use bebatelan.

“Thus, in once staging from the beginning to finish, it will use approximately 10 gamelan compositions with an average duration of two minutes except for the Tabuh Petegak whose duration is approximately 15

minutes,” he said.

In ngaben or cremation ceremony, though the carrying of bade tower has been accompanied by baleganjur gamelan music, it will also use the puppet gender. He told it is meant to provide strains of beauty, peace and comfort for the atman (soul) that will go to heaven. While the baleganjur like Gora functions to improve and raise the spirit of the community when they are obliged to lift the heavy bade.

The gamelan played is usually called glagah puun meaning that it heads for fireplace or it can be bebatelan meaning the journey of the atman to the last abode.

When asked about the use of gender gamelan instrument accompanying the rituals like metatah (tooth filing), he said that Balinese Hindus believe that by chanting or playing gender in the ritual procession they will get a big influence that is able to avoid someone from thinking negatively and wishing to disrupt smoothness of a ceremony.

Dr. I Nyoman Astita, an artist and lecturer at the ISI Denpasar, also said similar thing. Moreover, the puppet gamelan music played at that time is taken from the appropriate performances. Usually, it is begun with tabuh tegak composition which is then continued with tabuh mesem composition commonly coupled with tabuh rebong.

“Then, when devotees walk from the bale pasekeban to bale delod pavilion in the tooth filing ritual, it will be accompanied with tabuh angkat-angkatan that can also result in solemnity and sublime nuances of the ceremony,” as he explained. (was) Played in Makotekan and Slendro Scale Gender musical instrument becomes a compulsory accompaniment for a puppet show in Bali. So, in the staging there are two arts played together namely the art of leather puppet along with all the plays and dialogues

as well as the art of gender gamelan composition of the puppet show.

Besides, the gender is often used or played in various ritual activities such as in the implementation of tooth filing activities and when the bade tower carrying corpse is brought to cemetery. Thus, gender becomes a distinctive gamelan instrument when compared to other musical instruments. An artist and lecturer at the ISI Denpasar, I Nyoman Astita, said although in terms of the form it is not different from other gamelan instrument, the gender of puppet is indeed the beginning or inspiration of the iron or copper gamelan instrument fastened or tied in such a way by using a rope to float and generate a battier tone when compared to other old gamelan types commonly put on the pedestal.

When playing, the gamelan players are using both hands where left hand plays the tone or the main melody while right hand play in makotekan way namely forming series of rhythm tone of the two gamelan instruments.

Furthermore, he said that playing the puppet gender must be in pair or two pieces because gamelan play in

Api Takep Api takep is a fire covered up with coconut fiber in crosswise (tapak dara) where it is the core of the swastika.

The api takep itself is a symbol of the Lord Brahma. Frequently, we encounter it in the Balinese religious rituals both at temple and at home. It functions to keep the environment pure

the right hand of both players will produce a different pattern where if gamelan artist plays nyangsih, the partner will play pepolosan. Thus, playing in pairs will result in a rhythm that integrates the sangsih and papolosan known as makotekan.

“The advantages of this puppet gender to me is in terms of technique and playing technique that are fairly sophisticated and complicated because at the same time two hands will play individually or counter point with the techniques and even a different beat can produce a different rhythm as well,” he said.

He added that in general, Balinese gamelan instrument using resonator in the form of bamboo underneath as a sound repeater will usually be set so that the pair can result in ngumbangngisep or waving tones. So, when the pair is played even though one tone only will produce a vibrating or waving sound. Similar thing is also found in the puppet gender, so in addition to being able to makotekan the use of a pair of puppet gender is also aimed to produce a waving sound.

However, the main puppet gender in use in a staging consists of 4 pieces namely a pair of pamade or the gender

Api takep is a fire covered up with coconut fiber in crosswise (tapak dara) where it is the core of the swastika. The api takep itself is a symbol of the Lord Brahma. Frequently, we encounter it in the Balinese religious rituals both at temple and at home.

It functions to keep the envi-

having bass sound because of lower octave score and a pair of barangan whose octave score is higher but both will produce an interesting and harmonious tone to be heard.

He added that puppet gender has slendro-scaled instrument with single scale interval from one tone to another.

In the meantime, the other gamelan instrument like gong kebyar and gong gambang using Pelog scale has two tones with higher interval.

For example, the interval is usually 1 so that when reaching 2 tones the interval becomes 1.5. If the tone dong-deng-dung-dang-ding where from dong to deng has the interval of 1, from deng to dung will be 1.5 and then from dung to dang has the interval of 1, and from dang to ding has the interval of 1.5.

Another artist, I Made Murawan, said that although the characteristics of puppet gender tend to be tender.

However, it is tailored to the designation because it also has fierce and violent gamelan composition. “For example, when accompanying puppet performances and entering war session, it surely must use a fast and fierce tempo gamelan composition like the bebatelan,” he explained. (kmb)

ronment pure and harmonious. At temple, we often find the fire in the implementation of mecaru ritual in the level of public households falling on Kajeng Kliwon. According to the belief of Balinese people, on Kajeng Kliwon there is a disharmony of energy where the negative one is more dominant. Hopefully, this simple ritual can rebalance both the positive and negative energy. (kmb)

4

Bali News

Monday, June 25, 2018

International

Bamboo wall makers in Susut

ALIAGA - They say there’s nothing quite like it for cooling the blood, but for more than a thousand Filipinos at a Catholic festival on Sunday, slathering their bodies in mud was a way to show devotion and humility.

BANGLI - Amid the onslaught of fiber cement board (such as Kalsiboard) and other materials has sparked the sales of bamboo wall to drastically decline since the past few years. Condition of the bamboo wall craftsmen is more miserable due to difficulty of selling their products. Nevertheless, until now they remain to survive amid the difficult situation to keep the business having been pursued since decades ago. turning to the use of fiber cement board and other materials considered more practical. Before that, people tend to wear bamboo wall.

Now, there are still people using bamboo wall, but the number is just not as much as it used to be,” he said not long ago.

He explained the sales of bamboo wall are erratic. Moreover, sometimes he could not sell any single piece. Obviously, the sales are usually coming from Susut and Ubud, Gianyar. The buyers from Gianyar tend to use it for villa development. The use of natural materials is meant to maintain traditional nuances.

“The selling price varies. Pat-

terned bamboo wall is sold for IDR 60,000 per meter because it is the most complicated, while the nonpatterned is sold for IDR 25,000-IDR30,000 per meter. Besides, it is not erratic. Sometimes we can just sell a piece. Besides, it is quite a few,” he said.

Amidst the onslaught of fiber cement board and other materials, he can only survive for bamboo wall that has been cultivated for decades still running. In addition, this bamboo wall business has become his livelihood to meet daily needs. “Although my buyers are quiet, I will still develop this business to avoid bankruptcy,” he added. (kmb41)

IBP/kmb41

Condition of the bamboo wall craftsmen is more miserable due to difficulty of selling their products.

BAF performance must be more creative and innovative

DENPASAR - This year’s Bali Arts Festival (BAF) has entered the 40th organization since inaugurated in 1979 ago. The late Prof. Ida Bagus Mantra is the first initiator of the art performances involving many arts from various regions, both the artists of Bali regions as the host and the ones from outside Bali and even overseas to participate in this folk art event. It has noble goals, namely a medium to explore and preserve the arts and culture as well as improve the welfare of community. Besides, it is meant to accommodate the works of art and art aspirations, both reconstruction art, innovation art, art attraction and appreciation of

Balinese art and culture in particular.

Last but not least, it is a medium to result in artistic creativity and new artists.

Nevertheless, BAF performances from years to years are still seen monotonous, resulting in minimal audience although the theme featured each year varies. This year’s BAF features the theme Teja Dharmaning Kahuripan meaning Fire, the Spirit of Creation. This theme is still related to the concept of Panca Maha Bhuta related to the five great elements forming the universe.

Kadek Wahyudita, a young Balinese artist, argued that to avoid monotonous impression, every artist

IBP/kmb

This year’s Bali Arts Festival (BAF) has entered the 40th organization since inaugurated in 1979 ago.

must be able to implement the theme of ‘fire’ well. The theme should be manifested into any form of arts such as gong kebyar on fragmentary elements, song on the literature, and so forth. Nevertheless, this curator of Nawanatya III did not dismiss the frequent failure of theme interpretation on the performance like in the bondres (traditional comedy).

“Bondres often loses direction, but it only refers to the theme at the end.

Moreover, it remains a little. Failure in interpreting the theme also occurs in new works,” he said.

He assessed that every art composition is not only mandatory to present aesthetic elements, but also to enlighten the audience. Thus, the show has the meaning and moral messages being beneficial to society. “This (meaning of composition) needs to be sharpened by the artists when making performance in the BAF,” he said.

Seeing the BAF having been running for 40 years, in the future he hoped there are thoughts as well as new, creative and innovative style so as to minimize the monotonous impression. “Hopefully, it creates a new format. So far, there are only six formations presented, namely parade, art performance, competition, exhibition, workshops, and culinary. Will it only be struggling like that or be formulated? Moreover, currently the BAF is held in the middle of various other festivals, so it is no

longer exceptional like in the past time,” he said.

Monotonous impression in the BAF event should be seen from various aspects. People should be able to see and compare accurately from the aspect of the implementation of each existing composition.

According to the observer and artist, Prof. I Wayan Dibia, the monotonous impression displayed by the BAF is inseparable from the main program. However, when viewed more deeply in the contents, he assessed the presentation of the Balinese art extravaganza is always fresh. The theme raised each year is always different.

Thus, the artistic creativity arising from each region varies according to the potential of the existing story.

“It is the main program of the BAF giving birth to monotonous impression, but the content always changes every year. Drama Gong, for example, last year and this year must be different. Last year, it featured Panji story, but this year features modern drama. Besides, the last year’s bondres was the usual one, but this year is the modern one. Essentially, it remains a bondres, but has different design,” said Prof. Dibia.

He assessed that big jumps cannot be made significantly in the BAF because it has the principle to promote the elements of cultural preservation, development and security. If let go freely, it is worried the innovation of each composition

13

Quite a mud-dle! Filipino devotees slather themselves in soil

Survival amid the onslaught of fiber cement board

A bamboo wall craftsman from Sribatu, Pengelumbaran, Susut, Gusti Aji Ketut Rata, expressed that since the past few years the sales of bamboo wall has been increasingly quiet. The decline in sales happened due to the increasingly tight competition against many craftsmen. Besides, it happens due to the presence of fiber cement board and other materials.

As consequence, the community formerly used to apply bamboo wall for their house’s ceiling has now been turning to it because it is considered more practical.

“The sales began to decline dramatically since the past three years where most citizens are now

Monday, June 25, 2018

International

will be excessive so that eliminate the main mission. “Hence, to accommodate the creativity of young Balinese artists it has been made other events such as Nawanatya, where the artists are free to express themselves,” he added.

In addition, Dibia agreed the theme raised differently each year is meant to give freshness. With such a theme, the artists get the key points to be followed. All the artists should not display the composition beyond the theme predetermined, so that more innovations will be in the artwork.

“We have already discussed about the theme. This will become the source of storyline. So, the composition is inspired by the storyline. They can choose according to the existing storylines,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, the academician, Dr. I.B. Radendra Suastama, argued that BAF is a visionary idea.

Moreover, it is one of the images and even has become an inspiration for other regions in Indonesia. On that account, the focus of current BAF performances is how the basic idea and spirit that underlies the BAF since it was first launched can be optimal and effective. The main points should remain the subject and do not let the complementary elements even becomes the principal. “Proportion of the components must be reviewed and refined, so that this visionary idea remains contextual to the times,” he advised. (win)

The annual tradition forms part of a joyous religious festival honouring a saint they believed saved residents from execution by Japanese soldiers during World War II. Men, women and children sat in soggy rice paddies before dawn in the town of Aliaga, 100 kilometres (60 miles) north of Manila, covering each other in muck before donning dried banana leaves in the annual “Mud People” festival.

A tradition that draws the faithful and tourists alike, the event celebrates the feast of John the Baptist with devotees taking part in what they see as an act of humility and penance that imitates a saint who preached and lived a life of poverty in the desert.

“I got goosebumps when I joined the festival. The Lord is showering us with love,” 35-year-old businessman and village official Win Javaluyas told AFP. “I am so happy. This is one way of being closer to God, to purify your intention and be holy.”

The Philippines is Asia’s Catholic bastion with a flock of more than 80 million. Spain colonised the archipelago in the 16th century

and spread the faith.

The “Mud People” festival, believed to have begun more than a century ago, became much more prominent after 1944 during Japan’s wartime occupation of the former US colony, local priest Elmer Villamayor told AFP. Residents say Japanese soldiers were about to execute men in Aliaga to avenge the death of their compatriots when a heavy downpour broke out, forcing the troops to scamper away in what villagers saw as a miracle.

Grateful locals, who rolled happily in the mud, attributed the rain to Saint John the Baptist who is associated with water.

“Some people view this event as yucky but this is a very solemn festival. People humble themselves and are sorry for their wrongdoings,” said Villamayor, parish priest of Saint John the Baptist.

Participants say their devotion has led to miracles.

“My mother was healed after suffering from tuberculosis of the bone, a rare illness. Now my wife is pregnant with twins. I am praying for her healthy delivery,” said Javaluyas. (afp)

NOEL CELIS / AFP

Devotees cover themselves with mud as they prepare to head to church to attend a mass as part of a religious festival in honor of St. John the Baptist, also known locally as the “mud people” festival, in Aliaga town, Nueva Ecija province, north of Manila, on June 24, 2018.

‘We want the children free!’: a cry from inside migrant detention center

OTAY MESA - “Where are the children?” several women shout together from behind the detention center wall.

“We want the children free!”

“Do you hear us?” supporters ask from outside. “What do you need?”

This was the short interplay Saturday between hundreds of protesters and people being held at a US detention center for undocumented migrants in Otay Mesa, on the border with Mexico.

A group of people held at the center had been separated from their children as part of President Donald Trump’s “zero tolerance” policy.

The president on Wednesday signed an order ending the practice of splitting migrant families, but 2,300 children have already been separated from their parents.

“Shame,” “Abolish ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement),” and “You’re not alone,” shouted the Robyn Beck / AFP estimated 500 protesters rallied by Protestors link arms after tying children’s shoes and keys on the fence outside the Otay religious leaders.

“I know those families are suffering Mesa Detention Center during a demonstration against US immigration policy that sepaand it is very hard to see that children rates children from parents, in San Diego, California June 23, 2018.

have to go through the trauma of a detention center when they are 10, five years old,” Erica Leyva, 24, who traveled from Los Angeles to join the protest, told AFP. Though she was born in the United States, she was briefly detained with her undocumented parents when she was four years old.

“I remember how it felt to be behind bars,” she said.

Otay Mesa detention center -- managed by a private company -- has the capacity for some 1,500 people, though in January it announced an expansion of 30 percent, according to local media.

ICE did not respond to AFP’s calls about the detention center.

On Friday, Democratic Senator Kamala Harris visited several undocumented women at the center who were separated from their children.

“The stories they shared with me paint a picture of human rights abuses being committed by our government.

We are so much better this,” she said. (afp)

14

Traveling

Monday, June 25, 2018

International

Bali News

International

Two heroic stories of women presented in the parade DENPASAR — Ketug Bumi gamelan composition and Siwa Nataraja dance as usual opened the series of the 40th BAF parade before the Bajra Sandhi Monument at Renon, Denpasar, on Saturday (Jun. 23). Interestingly, there were two districts featuring fragmentary show on heroic women on the Island of the Gods.

Travel Guide to Belarus

BELARUS is an ideal short break. Spend a day or two in Belarus’ lively capital, Minsk and check out the museums, restaurants and nightlife. But then move on to the fairytale Castles of the famous Radziwill family and the surrounding enchanted forests.

You may know it as Belorussia but that’s passé. Instead, refer to this ex-Soviet country as Belarus, a name that rolls off the tongue as easily as it is to visit these days. This authoritarian destination, dubbed “The last dictatorship in Europe” is now opening its doors 26 years after the fall of the Iron Curtain (it fell in 1991) that shrouded it in secrecy and mystery. Belarus is, at last, coming out of the cold.

Five-day Visa-waiver for tourists to Belarus

The visa-waiver program introduced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in February 2017 offers visa-free travel for citizens of 80 countries, including the United Kingdom. The visa waiver covers a five-day stay as long as you enter via Minsk National Airport (also known as Minsk-2). This open doors policy for

travellers makes entering the country – once a labour of love – into a trouble-free process. In short, Belarus wants to boost tourism.

About Belarus

This landlocked country, at 80,151 square miles (207,591 km²) is the size of two of its neighbours – Lithuania and Latvia. It is also hemmed by three more countries: Poland, Russia and Ukraine. It is a modern country that still has echos of the past evident within its wide streets and in its architecture that rose up in the style of the Stalinist Empire. There’s a good standard of living and a well-thought out infrastructure that means getting around is easy.

There are four national parks Narochansky, Pripyatsky, Belovezhskaya Pushcha and Braslav Lakes, as well as two reserves: Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve and Polesie State Radio ecological Reserve. The 700,000 hectares of forests, swamps and lakes act to purify the air which means you can breathe easy. Weekenders, city breakers, nature lovers, hikers, anglers and birdwatchers would love it.

3

Monday, June 25, 2018

Belarus in five days

Belarus is an ideal short break. Spend a day or two in Belarus’ lively capital, Minsk and check out the museums, restaurants and nightlife. But then move on to the fairytale Castles of the famous Radziwill family and the surrounding enchanted forests. Be sure to visit Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park and the Brest Fortress – a place connected with the Second World War. Incidentally, if you should cross the border from Brest and Grodno, you can stay in these territories for up to 10 days. Stay in the wilderness and try your hand at home cooking. It’s tremendous value at 77 euros. A room in a hotel in a forest location not too far from the capital would set you back around 33 euros. As would a night spent in the Bialowieza Forest National Park, the most ancient and largest forest in Europe. If you have a sweet tooth consider buying their natural honey, condensed milk, cranberries in sugar, rye beer and chocolate, as well as zephyr – a type of soft confectionary. All of these are popular in Belarus. (net)

Firstly, Klungkung district presented fragmentary show entitled Dewa Agung Istri Kanya. Istri Kanya is a literary person and brave leader who defeated Dutch in the Kusamba War exploded in 1849 ended with the death of General AV Michiels.

Similar heroism was also showed by Tabanan district with fragmentary show entitled Sagung Wah, as a symbol of heroism of Tabanan women. The Dutch should design a strategy to catch Sagung Wah because previously it was overwhelmed to face the magic of the princess of the Tabanan kingdom.

The participating districts / municipality also presented the dances having been approved by the UNESCO as a world’s intangible cultural heritage. For instance, Denpasar and Buleleng featured wayang wong, Badung came with Barong dance, Karangasem with Sang Hyang Jaran Dance, Gianyar with Legong dance, and Tabanan with Leko dance.

The parade started with the participants of Bali province featured the fragmentary show entitled Smaradahana. This composition is taken from the Smaradahana poems written

by Mpu Dharmadja.

In succession, there was contingent of Denpasar represented by Peguyangan customary village involving 327 artists from 22 customary hamlets. One of them displayed Legong Dedari Dance Kanda Pat Sari. This legong is a duplication of sacred dance at Catur Kanda Pat Sari Temple, Pondok, Peguyangan.

In the third place was the contingent of Bangli district featuring typical regional customary attires used in mekanal tradition at Trunyan and Neduh fragmentary show. After that, there was contingent of Buleleng district coming with Bukakak Sudaji as an innovative composition. There is a car with a rice cone ornament of Sudaji Bukakak and agricultural products along with its ritual.

Badung district’s contingent looked interesting as escorted by pecalang (customary guard) and dag figures. It presented Barong dance having been recognized by the UNESCO. However, in the context of this parade, the Barong show displayed is the artist of Barong, I Nyoman Muliana, from Tangga Yuda hamlet, Bongkasa, Abiansemal, in educating young barong dancers that will be the next generation to

preserve the Barong arts in the future.

Contingent of Karangasem district appeared in Ngemu-mu tradition as preliminary series of the Usaba Dalem ceremony at Manggis village. Besides, there is also Sang Hyang Jaran Dance making use of fire as a symbol of the self-purificatory means (microcosm) and the universe (macrocosm).

Then, it was followed by the contingent of Jembrana district being famous for its jegog gamelan. Mascot of the makepung (buffalo race) was also presented during the parade and was finally closed with Nusasari fragmentary show telling stories about the formation of Nusasari village in Jembrana district.

The contingent of Gianyar district in the eighth position looked different due to the showcase of creative industrial products exhibited on top of the ornamental car. The activity featured typical art crafts of Gianyar being rich in talented artists. This was capable of generating tourism in Gianyar.

In the BAF parade, the district dubbed as the ’region of the art’ closed its appearance with fragmentary show entitled Apuy Smara Amangun Mitra attached to the acculturation of Balinese and Chinese culture.

Klungkung district’s contingent showcased modern or innovative Bondres (comedy), and classic Janger accompanied

by Geguntangan gamelan music. Meanwhile, the Okokan (giant cowbell) art remains the main characteristic of Tabanan district’s contingent. In addition, it featured the typical dance of the ‘region of rice barn,’ namely Leko dance being similar to Joged Pingitan dance and Balinese Gandrung dance.

In addition to contingent of the province and the nine districts / municipality, the parade was also enlivened by a marching band performance from Udayana University and Warmadewa University. The participation of the Gung Xi provincial government of China represented by the National Institute of the Art of Culture of Nanning, the Indonesian Institute of Cultural Arts (ISBI) of Papua with the accompaniment of Papuan traditional music instruments like tifa, sakasas and triton in combination with vocal and other percussion instruments, the Japanese Basundari Studio featuring Fujisawa Shi Dance, Lesser Sundanese Cooperation Forum with Ketanga Dance (NTT), Haju Jati Dance (NTB) dance and Pendet Dance (Bali). Meanwhile, Japanese Consulate came with Yosakoi Dance posing typical dance of Japan.

Furthermore, the opening of the BAF at the Ardha Candra Amphitheater at Denpasar Art Center presented the colossal ballet entitled Kresna Duta (Krishna Ambassador) by the Indonesia Institute of the Arts (ISI) Denpasar. (kmb32)

The 40th BAF parade before the Bajra Sandhi Monument at Renon, Denpasar.

IBP/eka

Direct flight unavailable, Russian tourist visit on the rise

DENPASAR — Bali has a great opportunity to bring in Russian tourists. Its tourist visit to Bali also continues to increase. However, the visit has not been maximized because the main transportation in the form of direct flight is not yet available.

Indonesian Ambassador to Russia, M.H. Supriyadi, said that 90 percent of Russian tourists are traveling to Bali. One of the causes is continuous promotion such as the Festival Indonesia having been organized for three times. Both festivals have made the trend of tourist visits continuously on the rise. It showed an increase of 22 percent in 2016, 37 percent (2017) and

the rise is the highest in the world even though the number remains 110,500 people. “I’m not satisfied with such achievement because our chances are huge,” he said when met at Alantara Sanur Resort and Spa on Friday (Jan. 22).

Moreover, until April 2018, the number of Russian tourists has reached 47,000. This figure is almost half of last year’s visit. This is the first time where the number of visit exceeds the visit of French tourists. “Last year, French tourist visit amounted to 170,000 while Russian to 110,500. This year in April, it surpassed that of France,” he said.

According to him, Russian

tourists are averagely of five star tourists. Their length of stay is the longest, only defeated by Germany.

Russian tourists also have high spending.

The current problem faced is the absence of direct flight. In the near future, he revealed there will be a direct flight plan from Moscow to Bali. “As planned, it will be realized in October by the largest airline in Russia,” he said.

He is confident the direct flight will increase the tourist visit to 200,000 people. “However, there are also some guests wishing to charter. Thus, I am optimistic to reach above 150,000. With the direct flight, it will be higher,” he

said. Direct flight will not only bring in benefit to tourism but also to Indonesia trade.

Manager of The Alantara Sanur Resort and Spa, I Made Gede Andyana Putra, said his property is one of the hotels that will participate in the Festival Indonesia.

In the festival, he will offer four categories of room namely deluxe, suite as well as single bed room, double bed room villa. Of the four room categories, it will be combined with some packages such as spa treatment, free dinner or trip to Nusa Penida.

Sanur has potential for wedding and honeymoon tourism.

Meanwhile, the wedding and

honeymoon concept has become the icon for the hotel managed by Pramana. Thus, he is optimistic that Sanur has branding in honeymoon or wedding tourism. One of the indications making him optimistic is the number of Chinese wedding organizers appearing in Bali. “I am sure the prospect of the honeymoon segment in particular will improve the economic growth,” he said.

He said the promotion to foreign countries such as the Festival Indonesia will further accelerate the branding of the product.

When it has been known, it will be sought after by many people. (kmb42)

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Monday, June 25, 2018

Bali News

International

Activities

International

Monday, June 25, 2018

15

A week after Eid holiday, Only 50 percent homecomers already return to Bali

China-Indonesia cooperation through performing arts enhanced

IBP/Yudi Karnaedi

MANGUPURA - To boost the cooperation of China and Indonesia and Bali in particular, the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Denpasar held a joint performance of the Chinese-Indonesian art on Friday (Jun. 22). Located at the Bali Nusa Dua Theater, this event is also in a series of the 15 years of celebration of China-ASEAN strategic partnership relationship and related to the 40th BAF’s celebration.

In this event, Bali province featured three dances namely the Janger dance, Legong dance and acrobat dance from Devdan Show. Meanwhile, Chinese government presented seven operas belonging to Cantonese and Yon opera.

Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Denpasar, Gou Haodong, when met amid the event said that China and Indonesia have similar social conditions. Both have a responsibility to realize the industrialization and modernization. He said that in recent years, the comprehensive strategic partnership relationship between China and Indonesia has been growing thoroughly. According to him, the bilateral cooperation has achieved good results in various fields.

“Actually, the potential of Bali-China cooperation is very big and wide,” he concluded.

Having served for three months in Bali, he admitted to immediately fall in love with Bali. All this time, he felt comfortable while being in Bali. Indeed, Haodong said what has been done so far is still lacking. In the future, his government will work harder and continue with the Balinese people to promote the progress of

friendly relations between China and Indonesia. “With the support of various circles of Indonesian society, exchanges and friendly cooperation in various fields will continue to be deepened,” he said.

He was very happy to invite the art troupes from China to jointly enliven the event. The art show is aimed at all tourists in Bali and the world. Chinese group showed off their best performances, and after returning to China they will take along wonderful memories of Bali and Bali becomes better known to the people of China.

According to him, the show is very important as a medium for promotion of Bali to Chinese community.

As is known, China is indeed the largest suppliers of foreign tourists for Bali. Throughout 2017, quite large number of its tourists came to Bali. The number reached 1.38 million people. Meanwhile, from January to April 2018, Chinese tourists to Bali have exceeded 420,000. Then, until May 2018, the number of visits reached approximately 500,000.

In the meantime, Head of the Bali Tourism Office, Anak Agung Gede Juniarta Putra, said that so far, diplomatic relation between the two countries has been going on for very long. The results are not only a solid relationship, but also it keeps growing. Cooperation is not only based on mutual benefit, but also in terms of the art and culture.

With this event, his office is very happy because Bali and China has a cultural similarity. He hoped this kind of activity can be held every year. “Hopefully, this activity can be organized sustainably. Or if possible, the provincial government of Bali makes performance in China or hold a cultural exchange,” he hoped. (kmb23)

NEGARA - Entering the day 5 after the Eid or Friday morning (Jun. 22) the number of people and vehicles having returned to Bali just 50 percent when compared to the ones leaving Bali one week before. As the data collected at Ketapang-Gilimanuk Harbor, up to day 5 after holiday there were a total of 230,123 passengers or just 53 percent when compared to those leaving Bali namely 436,258 people.

General Manager of ASDP of Ketapang-Gilimanuk Branch, Elvi Yoza, when confirmed on Friday (Jun. 22) justified that based on the data comparison of the resident homecoming and returning to Bali are only half, especially for passengers and cars. Cars or bigger vehicles, so far have reached 57 percent. The residents’ vehicle coming out Bali (homecoming) a week ago reached 49,989 units.

However, until Friday morning they only amounted to 28,364 units of car entering Bali. So, there is possibility for the incoming vehicles and people to Bali via Ketapang Harbor until this Sunday (Jun. 24).

Most motorcycles have not returned yet. From the data summarized until Friday, there were

The queue in Gilimanuk Harbor

only 33,206 units having returned to Bali. Previously, the homecoming traffic totally reached 88,839 units of motorcycle. “We predict that bustling backflow traffic will occur on Saturday or this Sunday,” he added. Daily average of motorcycles reached 6-7 percent, while cars ranged between 11 percent and 12 percent.

The ASDP is also still alerting the entire fleet to serve the crossings on this backflow traffic. It includes the jumbo size Drajat Paciran ship previously used on the peak of homecoming traffic to transport vehicles, especially motorcycles.

Meanwhile, Division Head of Jembrana Police Operations Unit, M. Didik Wiratmoko said the Ketupat Agung operation is still ongoing until Sunday (Jun. 24). So, the officers are still doing security during this operation, especially at the exit of the harbor or post II and along the Gilimanuk-Denpasar road section from Gilimanuk to Pekutatan. Post II is also still applied in an integrated manner with identity card checkpoint located near the terminal. This is done to avoid congestion within the harbor area where quite a lot of vehicles leave the ship almost every minute. (kmb26)

IBP/Gus Olo

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Bangli: Suasrina, Buleleng: Mudiarta, Gianyar: Manik Astajaya, Karangasem: Bagiarta, Klungkung: Sosiawan. Jakarta: Nikson, Hardianto, Ade Irawan. NTB: Agus Talino, Izzul Khairi, Raka Akriyani. Surabaya: Bambang Wilianto.  Office: Jalan Kepundung 67 A Denpasar 80232. Telephone (0361)225764, Facsimile: 227418, P.O.Box: 3010 Denpasar 80001. Bali Post Jakarta, Advertizing: Jl.Palmerah Barat 21F. Telp 021-5357602, Facsimile: 021-5357605 Jakarta Pusat. NTB: Jalam Bangau No. 15 Cakranegara Telp. (0370) 639543, Facsimile: (0370) 628257. Publisher: PT Bali Post

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

16 Pages Number 134 10th year

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

Price: Rp 3.000,-

Monday, June 25, 2018

As Facebook ages, teens look elsewhere to connect SAN FRANCISCO - Manon, 17, has a Facebook account but to connect with her friends she turns to other social networks like Instagram or Snapchat.

“I don’t use it to post status updates or personal information,” the San Francisco teen says.

Manon maintains her Facebook account to be able to stay in touch with the large number of users on the huge social network and as a “gateway” to log into other apps.

“But to communicate with my friends, it’s Snapchat,” the high schooler said.

“Everyone says Facebook is out of date. I think it’s because all the parents are on Facebook.”

As Facebook has grown into a network of more than two billion people globally it has lost its luster for younger users who made up a core base.

While Facebook has become

one of the world’s most valuable and powerful companies, it’s no longer seen as a cool destination for teens, who are turning to Snapchat and Instagram, which is owned by Facebook.

According to a Pew Research Center survey this year, 51 percent of US teens ages 13 to 17 use Facebook, compared with 72 percent for Instagram and 69 percent who are on Snapchat. The survey found 85 percent used the Google video sharing service YouTube.

The landscape has shifted since a 2014-15 Pew survey which found Facebook leading other social networks with 71 percent of the teen segment.

“The social media environment among teens is quite different from what it was just three years ago,” said Pew researcher Monica Anderson. (afp)

Monday, June 25, 2018

IBP/net

The faux weapon, mainly made of wood, had been put on display in New York by Julien’s Auctions last month after more than 30 years tucked away in the belongings of James Schoppe, art director of “Return of the Jedi”.

Han Solo’s ‘Return of the Jedi’ blaster sells for $550,000

WASHINGTON - In the wildly popular “Star Wars” films, Han Solo once told a lightsaber-wielding Luke Skywalker: “Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid.”

IBP/net

While Facebook has become one of the world’s most valuable and powerful companies, it’s no longer seen as a cool destination for teens, who are turning to Snapchat and Instagram, which is owned by Facebook.

That was the case when one of the blaster pistol props used by Harrison Ford in “Return of the Jedi” (1983) went under the hammer, selling for $550,000 -- topping the $450,000 previously fetched by Skywalker’s lightsaber from the first two films.

“SOLD for $550,000! An original Han Solo blaster used in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi!” Julien’s

Auctions announced on Twitter Saturday.

The faux weapon, mainly made of wood, had been put on display in New York by Julien’s Auctions last month after more than 30 years tucked away in the belongings of James Schoppe, art director of “Return of the Jedi”.

Martin Nolan, the auction house’s executive director, said

Schoppe, an Oscar nominee for his work on the film, finally decided to part with Solo’s gun and about 40 other items from the movie, including an Ewok axe and plans for Jabba the Hutt’s ship.

The Ewok axe went for $11,250, while another blaster prop from the film fetched $90,624, according to Julien’s Auctions.

But none of the props were a match for the space saga’s muchloved droid: last year, an R2-D2 used in the making of several “Star Wars” films sold for $2.76 million at auction in Los Angeles. (afp)

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President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo during the opening ceremony of the 40th Bali Art Festival.

IBP/Eka Adhyasa

Jokowi beats gong to open the 40th BAF parade

DENPASAR - President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, shot an arrow indicating the opening ceremony of the 40th Bali Arts Festival (BAF) before the Bajra Sandhi Monument at Renon, Denpasar, on Saturday (Jul. 23). Instead, the release of the parade was marked with a gong beating by the president accompanied by Minister of Education and Culture, Muhadjir Effendy, Minister of Cooperatives and the SMEs, A.A. Ngurah Puspayoga, and Governor of Bali, Made Mangku Pastika.

The parade was also delayed for an hour from 14:00 to 15:00.

It happened because the president should attend a public lecture at the ISI Denpasar and final dissemination of 0.5-percent revenue tax at Sanur, Denpasar before attending the release of the parade.

Governor of Bali, Made Mangku Pastika, said the presence of president and the first lady in the BAF inauguration provides a moral boost to all the people of Bali. It becomes

the vivacity for the artists and humanists to continuously work and be creative in preserving and developing the sublime regional culture.

“He (President Jokowi—Ed) says it’s excellent, so I am also proud of it. According to him, not many in Indonesia, including in the world, that can be like us.

When making a visit to India, he said, it is not like us in Bali where people’s culture remains prominent with the religion. So, he said so,”

he explained.

According to Pastika, Jokowi returned to request the parade as in the BAF to be held in the IMFWorld Bank Annual Meeting.

Jokowi even requested the parade to be held in front of the Bajra Sandhi Monument, Renon. Governor responded to the president’s request by starting the preparation of the parade for the IMF-World Bank meeting.

“I have responded to be ready, so

that some events remain the same as today. Probably, the ornamental vehicles will be replaced with the participating countries. More or less, they may represent the continents or certain communities,” he explained.

Related to the BAF parade of this year featuring the theme “Teja Dharmaning Kauripan (Fire, the Spirit of Creation)” Pastika judged it has been much more smoothly. Several years ago, there were some regions seeming to monopolize the parade.

“I think the longer, the more advanced, more complete, the better, the more organized and the more attractive will be because this is one of our annual parties reflecting the best peaks of the culture presented

by each district and community,” he explained.

In the future, continued Pastika, other regions in Indonesia and pal countries will also be given the opportunity in order to give its own uniqueness in the BAF. The future leaders of Bali are also expected to present a better BAF as the world is also paying attention to this annual regular event. (kmb32) 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.