Edisi 28 Desember 2015 | International Bali Post

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Monday, December 28, 2015

‘Star Wars’ smashes Christmas Day box office record

LOS ANGELES - The latest “Star Wars” film has smashed yet another box office record, raking in $49.3 million on Christmas Day in North America -- the highest total ever on the holiday, industry figures showed Saturday.

“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” easily bested the previous Christmas Day record take of $24.6 million set by “Sherlock Holmes” starring

Robert Downey, Jr, which opened on December 25, 2009. “’Star Wars’ continues to be a bright, shining beacon of light at the

box office,” Jeff Bock of industry tracker Exhibitor Relations told AFP by email.

So far, “The Force Awakens” -- the highly anticipated seventh installment in the blockbuster space saga -- has taken in a whopping $890.3 million worldwide, with $440.4 million in the United States

alone, Bock said.

The film has received mostly glowing reviews, and is being credited with breathing new life into the Hollywood juggernaut franchise launched by creator George Lucas in 1977. It had already set a number of other box office records -highest-grossing domestic opening

night, biggest domestic single-day sales and biggest global opening weekend.

As far as all-time box office sales, two films by James Cameron hold the record -- “Avatar” ($2.79 billion) and “Titanic” ($2.19 billion) -- and it is expected that “The Force Awakens” might unseat both. (afp)

Janet Jackson halts ‘Unbreakable Tour’ to have surgery

Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, File

NEW YORK - Pop superstar Janet Jackson has announced a temporary halt to her global tour to undergo surgery for an unspecified condition, raising fears for her health.

Jackson, 49, who has returned with an extensive global tour after several years of relative quiet, said late Thursday that doctors told her she needed an operation “soon.”

“It breaks my heart to tell you that I am forced to postpone the ‘Unbreakable Tour’ until the spring,” she said in a statement on Twitter.

“Please pray for me, my family and our entire company during this difficult time,” she said, adding that she would not give further comment on her health condition.

Jackson was due to resume her tour on January 9 in Denver and has dates across the United States, Canada and Europe lined up through late June.

She did not give an exact date for resumption of her tour but promised she would reschedule all concerts and honor tickets.Jackson began her tour on August 31 in Vancouver, playing across North American along with several dates last month in Japan.

She earlier postponed a handful of US shows to avoid strain on her voice.

Jackson in October released “Unbreakable,” her first album since the death of her brother Michael in 2009. (afp)

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Monday, December 28, 2015 Myanmar’s army chief questions Thailand murder verdict Page 6

Van Gaal could quit United; Arsenal routed

by Southampton Page 8

Taiwan presidential front-runner: Can’t ‘be bound’ to China Page 8

Ahead of Christmas and New Year 2016

Hotel occupancy rates in Denpasar below 50 percent

DENPASAR - Yearend is usually a blessing for those in the tourism business, but this is not always so, as evidenced by Denpasar’s hotel occupancy rates that have not increased this month. On December 21, Head of the Denpasar Tourism Office, I Wayan Gunawan, visited a number of hotels and entertainment venues accompanied by the Section Head of Tourist Accommodation, Luh Gede Tirtawati and Section Head of Entertainment, Ni Made Madri.

Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press via AP, File

Bieber: Fans should back rival charity song in UK No. 1 race LONDON — Justin Bieber is sharing some love with Britain’s National Health Service. The Canadian singer says he does not want to be No.1 on Britain’s Christmas charts, and has urged his fans to support a charity single instead.

With just two days to go until Christmas Day, Bieber is narrowly ahead of a National Health Service choir in the race for the top spot — a popular annual competition in Britain.

The pop star tweeted Wednesday: “For 1 week it’s ok not to be #1. Let’s do the right thing & help them win. It’s Christmas.”

The Lewisham & Greenwich NHS Choir’s single “A Bridge Over You” was just several hundred sales behind Bieber’s “Love Yourself.” Proceeds from the choir’s single will go to British charities. (ap)

IBP/File Photo

Tourist shopped in Sindhu Traditional Market in Denpasar. Yearend is usually a blessing for those in the tourism business, but this is not always so, as evidenced by Denpasar’s hotel occupancy rates that have not increased this month.

Their ‘tour’ started at the Akasaka Karaoke venue on Jalan Teuku Umar and proceeded to the Puri Dalem Hotel at Sanur and ended at Grand Mirah on Jalan Kaliasem, Denpasar.

General Manager of Akasaka, Putu Mangku Prastiawan, accompanied by the Manager of the Music Club, Putu Lawrence, said in recent days the number of visitors had not at all increased and so they decided against booking a big star for New Year’s eve celebrations. “In the past, all our packages have been booked for the week of Chritmas and New Year.

After the recent gang incident on Jalan Teuku Umar, many people wanted to cancel their bookings, though we were able to convince some of our guests that there was no threat to their security,” said Putu Mangku.

Entertainment venues are not the only places where the lack of tourists can be seen, Hoteliers also

consider that the number of tourists visiting Denpasar during the holidays falls short of expectations.

In fact, I Gusti Ayu Forina S, head of Human Resources Development for Hotel Puri Dalem, said that their occupancy rates have dropped dramatically this year. “Right now, our occupancy rate is around 46 percent. It is unlikely that it will up beyond 50 percent,” she said.

When asked about the cause of the decline in tourist visits to the city of Denpasar, Ayu Forina pointed to security and comfort as absolute necessities that are nonnegotiable.

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.

Joger Bumbung recognized by UNESCO

Salacious versions online threaten to tarnish image THE JOGED Bumbung Dance is one of the nine Balinese traditional dances that was recently recognized as an intangible world heritage by UNESCO. Unfortunately there are also innumerable ‘pornographic’ versions of the dance circulating ram-

pantly over the internet that threaten to tarnish the image of this beautiful dance.

Clearly trying to all of these unsavoury videos deleted is close to impossible. “Dealing with the virtual world is tantamount to dealing with invisible

people. It will take a long time to rectify the situation and we have to realize that the world is changing,” said Balinese humanist, Kadek Wahyudita.

Although Wahyudita admitted that the overly sexualised versions of Joged Bumbung videos cannot be deleted, he

suggested bombarding the internet with legitimate versions of this and other artistic and cultural practices, that reflect Bali’s identity.

Continue to page 2 Digital ...

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Monday, December 28, 2015

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For example, the government has digital documentation of all of the Bali Arts Festival performances that should be posted on YouTube.

“So now it is time to show more examples of performances that touch the hearts of our people.

These performances need to have entertainment value so that younger people can enjoy art forms that are sometimes considered outdated.

The most important thing is that these art forms are recorded, especially considering that the Culture Agency’s budget remains quite small,” he said.

Dr. Ni Made Wiratini from the Customary Village General Assembly (MUDP) said that the ‘pornographic’ style Joged Bumbung performances are also rife within the Balinese community.

A few joged bumbung art troupes have been infiltatred by wild dancers that are wiling to dance inappropriate versions of this jogged dance.

There have also been cases of public figures “enlivening” there ceremonial activities with performances of salacious versions of Joged Bumbung. Community leaders need to be taking a more active role in preventing these sorts of performances. The question is -do these leaders have the cour-

age to put a stop to the sexualised version of Joged Bumbung?” she questioned.

Head of the Bali Culture Agency, Dewa Putu Beratha, said that he will be immediately establishing a small team to work on combating the circulation of salacious Joged Bumbung videos on the internet.

One way to combat the negative image that theses videos causes, is uploading more videos of the proper Joged Bumbung dance.

They will also focus on briefing Joged Bumbung troupes about what is appropriate - particularly contemporary dance troupes and freelance dancers. “We have not updated our data about joged bumbung dance troupes in Bali since 1977, so we need to update our data, particularly in connection with dance groups that are developing this art form,” said Beratha.

Beratha added that young people who have access to uploading or watching joged bumbung, will also be given guidance about what is suitable or not. There are also plans to petition YouTube to stop displaying the “pornographic” versions of this traditional dance.

“We need to discuss the matter of the petition, to determine whether it makes sense to try and delete any of the videos. In the mean time we are focused on ‘re-branding’ the image of joged bumbung, so that it is more in line with the dance’s intended form,” he affirmed. (kmb32)

IBP/File Photo

Artists performed Wayang Wong. The Karangasem Culture and Tourism Agency hopes that they can work with ISI Denpasar to help re-construct and revive traditional performing arts in Karangasem, including Wayang Wong, as performers in the area are increasingly scarce.

Government wants to collaborate with ISI to preserve fading art forms

IBP/Sumatika

Although ISI Denpasar has not been formally contacted yet, Purna feels both hopeful and grateful for the contributions that ISI has already made to art troupes in Karangasem.

Some of the community services that ISI has provided, include training art troupes in Budakeling (last month) and helping with the reconstruction of the Wayang Wong ballet in Selumbung village, Manggis.

The Karangasem Culture and Tourism Agency hopes that they can work with ISI Denpasar to help re-construct and revive traditional performing arts in Karangasem, as performers in the area are increas-

ingly scarce. “Karangasem did not perform the arja operetta in last July’s Bali Arts Festival (BAF) nor did we provide a puppet show due to our lack of performers. We are still in the process of reviving the arja operetta in Besang hamlet, Ababi,” explained Purna.

They also plan to revive the wayang wong ballet in two other villages this year; with the Dresta Sudarma art troupe at Wates Tengah (Selat) and the Pasek Gelgel art troupe at Waringin customary village, Pempatan (Rendang).

Secretary of Culture and Tourism Agency of Karangasem, Made

Sosiawan, explained that not only is training being provided but the two art troupes will also be receiving IDR 36 million to assist them in reviving these arts. He added, however that the most important thing is that there be enthusiasm for this endeavour.

Purna express his concern about the fading interest in traditional arts, that he ascribes to the younger generation of performers being more interested in instantly gratifying forms of entertainment. His concern lies in the fact that the traditional arts necessarily include ethical, philosophical, mental and moral content that could be lost if these performing arts fade out of existence. “It’s a big challenge to keep them alive, but we must never give up. We must endeavour to conserve these arts by reviving and re-constructing them,” concluded Purna. (013)

 Founder : K.Nadha,  General Manager :Palgunadi Chief Editor: Diah Dewi Juniarti  Editors: Gugiek Savindra,Alit Susrini, Alit Sumertha, Daniel Fajry, Mawa, Suana, Sueca, Sugiartha, Yudi Winanto Denpasar: Dira Arsana, Giriana Saputra, Subrata, Sumatika, Asmara Putra. Bangli: Suasrina, Buleleng: Dewa kusuma, Gianyar: Agung Dharmada, Karangasem: Budana, Klungkung: Bagiarta. Jakarta: Nikson, Hardianto, Ade Irawan. NTB: Agus Talino, Izzul Khairi, Raka Akriyani. Surabaya: Bambang Wilianto.  Development: Alit Purnata, Mas Ruscitadewi.  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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Artotel Thamrin win “Indonesia Leading Lifestyle Hotel” IBP/Courtesy of Artotel

HEAD of the Karangasem Culture and Tourism Agency, Wayan Purna recently announced that they are drafting a plan to cooperate with the Indonesia Institute of the Arts (ISI) Denpasar in reconstructing traditional arts forms from Karangasem that are in danger of disappearing.

Dancer performed Joged Bumbung Dance. The Joged Bumbung Dance is one of the nine Balinese traditional dances that was recently recognized as an intangible world heritage by UNESCO.

Monday, December 28, 2015

Balinese Temple Ceremony

Every Temple and Shrine has a special date for it annual Ceremony, or “ Odalan “, every 210 days according to Balinese calendar, including the smaller ancestral shrine which each family possesses. Because of this practically every few days a ceremony of festival of some kind takes place in some Village in Bali. There are also times when the entire island celebrated the same Holiday, such as at Galungan, Kuningan, Nyepi day, Saraswati day, Tumpek Landep day, Pagerwesi day, Tumpek Wayang day etc.

The dedication or inauguration day of a Temple is considered its birth day and celebration always takes place on the same day if the wuku or 210 day calendar is used. When new moon is used then the celebration always happens on new moon or full moon. The day of course can differ the religious celebration of a temple lasts at least one full day with some temple celebrating for three days while the celebration of Besakih temple, the Mother Temple, is never less than 7 days and most of the time it lasts for 11 days, depending on the importance of the occasion.

The celebration is very colorful. The shrine are dressed with pieces of cloths and sometimes with brocade, sailings, decorations of carved wood and sometimes painted with gold and Chinese coins, very beautifully arranged, are hung in the four corners of the shrine. In front of shrine are placed red, white or black umbrellas depending which Gods are worshipped in the shrines.

In front of important shrine one sees, besides these umbrellas soars, tridents and other weapons, the “umbul-umbul”, long flags, all these are prerogatives or attributes of Holiness. In front of the Temple gate put up “Penjor”, long bamboo poles, decorated beautifully ornaments of young coconut leaves, rice and other products of the land. Most beautiful to see are the girls in their colorful attire, carrying offerings, arrangements of all kinds fruits and colored cakes, to the Temple. Every visitor admires the grace with which the carry their load on their heads.

IBP/Courtesy of Artotel

JAKARTA - ARTOTEL Thamrin – Jakarta’s proudly announce its new achievement as Indonesia Leading Lifestyle Hotel 2015/2016 by Indonesia Travel and Tourism Award.

Indonesia Travel and Tourism Award is a prestigious award given to all participants in travel and tourism industry, held annually

by ITTA Foundation and ITTA Organizing Team. This year, ITTA 2015 was held in a very special place, dated on the 14th of December 2015 to continuously giving outstanding achievement to its 53 chosen winners. All the winners come from various range of work place, from Hotels, Resorts, Villas, Travel Agent until

Travel Industries Stakeholders.

Throughout various ways of selections, both online voting and a group panel discussion, this time ARTOTEL Thamrin – Jakarta took home an award of Indonesia Leading Lifestyle Hotel category period 2015/2016 for the second time. Last year in ITTA 2014, ARTOTEL Thamrin – Jakarta took home the same award of Indonesia Leading Lifestyle Hotel period 2014/2015.

“Taking home this award is

means a lot to us, it showed that the hardworking of our team has been proven in delivering our vision and mision, which is to be the leading lifestyle hotel in Indonesia” said Mr. Daniel Sunu as General Manager of ARTOTEL Thamrin – Jakarta whom attended the awarding night of Indonesia Travel and Tourism Award 2015.

Aside Indonesia Leading Lifestyle Hotel 2015/2016 from ITTA awards, ARTOTEL Thamrin – Jakarta has been given some awards for its journey, such as Best Hotel Design Award 2014 from Style and Decor Magazine and Indonesia Leading Lifestyle Hotel 2014/2015.

IBP/Courtesy of Artotel

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Traveling

Monday, December 28, 2015

Suzette Laboy via AP

Suzette Laboy via AP

HONG KONG — Hong Kong is a crowded, busy place, but there is a way to escape the city, visit a giant Buddha and feel like you’re nearly floating in the clouds.

You may have to put up with long lines in order to get there, though.

Ngong Ping Village is located on Lantau Island, Hong Kong’s largest island. The mountainside village can feel a little like a Disney attraction with crowds and souvenir photos.

But it’s also the site of the centuryold Po Lin Monastery, complete with temples and statues.

The most popular way to get there is the Ngong Ping 360, a cable car that soars over mountains and sea on a 5.7-kilometer (about 3.5-mile) route. It’s not for those afraid of heights, since the cable car sways slightly as the winds

pick up the closer to the peak you get. And the lines for tickets can stretch for hours, though you can book online.

The view includes plateaus, valleys and hiking trails, and a sitting Buddha on the horizon.

A t t h e top,

Suzette Laboy via AP

Serenity Now: A giant Buddha and a view from above Hong Kong walk past the shops (or grab a copy of that picture taken when you stepped into the car) and head for the bronze Tian Tan Buddha statue, also known as the Big Buddha. Completed in 1993, this outdoor bronze statue, 34 meters (112 feet) tall rests on the peak of a mountain.

Ta k e

the 268 steps to reach the tip of the lotus flower where the statue sits, passing by praying Buddhists along the way. Several other statues overlook the landscape and village below. A small museum tells the story of Buddha and sells prayer beads blessed by monks.

This high up, clouds seem within reach. The wind is cool and inviting.

Enjoy the views before climbing back down for another photo (or selfie) with the Buddha in the background.

Buddhists worship throughout the grounds and the scent of burning incense fills the air. Inside the Grand Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas is a spectacular

Bali News

International

International

sight: the thousands of small, golden Buddha statues. Outside, the gardens are fragrant with the smell of tea leaves. Stop for a bite at the vegetarian restaurant or try some street food, from fried noodles to sticky rice filled with meat.

Continue your path to enlightenment by taking a short, leisurely hike through the quiet hills to the Wisdom Path overlooking the mountains and sea. Benches offer a perfect spot to rest, meditate and take in the views. The path is lined with a series of wooden columns forming the infinity symbol, with a Buddhist prayer written on them in Chinese calligraphy.

The cable car will take you back to crowded Hong Kong, but the nighttime views are also worth the trip. (ap)

Suzette Laboy via AP

Monday, December 28, 2015

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Australian citizen deported after completing jail sentence DENPASAR - An Australian citizen, Joshua Ronald Terellick, will be deported to his country after serving two months and 15 days jail sentence following his conviction in a case related to a road accident that claimed the lives of a Balinese citizen.

Putu Agus Ardiana (22), a resident of Banjar Cica Abianbase village in Badung District, was killed in the accident, Joshua’s lawyer Erwin Siregar said that Joshua was released after his detention period ended.

The accident happened in July 2015.

“Joshua was released because he had undergone two months and 15 days of prison sentence,” Siregar stated.

Meanwhile, Joshua expressed his happiness at having been released.

“I am happy to be free today, and after I arrive in Australia, I will first meet my family and my friends,” he said on Tuesday. (ant)

Gang fights cause domestic travelers to cancel trips to Bali GIANYAR - After the news of gang clashes in the streets of Denpasar in mid-December, a number of domestic tourists cancelled their flight to Ngurah Rai International Airport. Chairman of the Indonesia Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) Bali, Tjokorda Oka Artha Ardana Sukawati, said that given how easy it is to book and cancel flights and accommodations these days, when there is a threat to security, such as the recent gang clashes in Bali.

He said tourists will immediately changing their destinations. “Tourism is not like it was in the past.

Today the tendency is to choose a destination at the last minute, so if there are any issues -like the recent street fights, people will simply divert their destination from Bali to somewhere else, like Yogya for example,” said Sukawati.

This public figure from the Ubud Royal Palace revealed that flights were cancelled after news of the gang related fatalities and injuries was made public and that the number of tourist visits was already down from this time last year, but that incident has only made things worse, with hotel occupancy rates hovering around 50 percent.

“Obvisouly we do not have all the data for the full month of December yet, but we estimate that occupancy rates might have plunged to 40 percent or less after the gang clashes,” he worried.

Seeing the impact of the gang street fights, this former regent of Gianyar also hopes that the government and police authorities can take decisive action to prevent such incidents from reoccurring. Despite police having signed peace agreements with the different gangs, such incidents continue to occur.

“There needs to be some clear guidelines for all parties involved, including things like licensing for group organizations, so that their existence is not simply noted but is recognized by a license. That way, in the case of a disturbance like the one that recently took place, the groups in question could be given guidance or have their license revoked,” he said.

Sukawati also assessed there is a trend among young people in Bali, to join these types of organizations.

Ncknamed as the Island of Thousand Temples, Bali has a customary security taskforce known as pecalang as well as law enforcement officials like the police.

“Actually we have already have security officers plus pecalang.

I think they should be enough.

The problem is that many people in our communities do not feel confident about the abilities of existing security forces, perhaps because of their slow response time. This lack of trust has contributed to gangs becoming more popular with young people,” he said. (kmb35)

ANTARA FOTO/Fikri Yusuf

Bali’s Ngurah Rai Airport recorded a 45 percent increase in international passenger arrivals three days prior to the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.

International passenger arrivals up 45 percent

KUTA - Bali’s Ngurah Rai Airport recorded a 45 percent increase in international passenger arrivals three days prior to the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. “The number of international passengers rose to 13,938, or 45 percent, compared to the same period last year,” Trikora Harjo, the general manager of PT Angkasa Pura I, the operator of the airport, stated.

The passengers from various countries arrived aboard 73 flights at the Goddess Island.

Harjo has forecast that the number would continue to increase ahead of the New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Domestic passenger arriv-

als also increased to 15,663, or almost two percent, compared to the same period last year and also in comparison to the 11,987 passengers who have departed from Bali.

The number of both domestic and international passenger arriv-

als has already begun increasing two days ago.

To anticipate the hike in passenger arrivals, the airport authorities have set up monitoring posts in cooperation with the police, the TNI (military), and other security agencies.

In anticipation of the increase in arrivals, domestic airline companies Citilink and Lion Air have also applied to operate 180 additional flights to accommodate the departing passengers after the holidays. (ant)

4

Monday, December 28, 2015

Bali News

Bad weather has no impact on Marine tourism in Nusa Penida.

SEMARAPURA - Apparently the rainy weather has not dampened the spirits for domestic and foreign visitors, who continue to take part in activities in Nusa Penida’s Marine Conservation Area. The protected coral reef here is also being monitored to make sure that these tourist visits are not causing any harm to the the coral reef and other protected organisms in the area.

Unit Head of the KKP Nusa Penida, I Nyoman Karyawan, said that the rain has had no major impact on the number of visitors to the area, and many people can be seeking enjoying the ocean. “Even though it does rain sometimes, there is plenty of sunshine and tourists are still coming,” he said while monitoring coral reef in the protected areas.

Storms that have caused landslides and falling tress in some areas, have had little effect on the waters of Nusa Penida. Karyawan did however, acknowledge that some coral reefs have been damaged by large waves.

“Some coral reefs have been flipped over and carried off by the waves, but this is quite common and they can grow back. Larger coral reefs are sturdier and an withstand weather like we have been having,” he explained.

There is a 468.85 hectares “core zone” of the conservation area that is off limits to human activity, so KKP Nusa Penida has been keeping an eye on things to make sure that the large number of tourists remain in the designated area. Karyawan said that there have been no serious violations by visitors so far. Minor violations such as feeding the fish have occurred and simply result in a reprimand.

The KKP Nusa Penida plays a major role in ensuring that tourism in Nusa Penida remains sustainable, particularly considering that the coral reef are a major attraction.

There are 296 different species of coral reef found in an area of some 150.00 hectares. The Marine Conservation Area (KKP) is part of the ‘global coral triangle’ that prioritized for conservation internationally. (dwa)

tourists and people living around the prison.

“Today (Kerobokan Prison— Ed) is very unsuitable and every year there are problems. I think that Kerobokan Prison should be relocated,” he said.

The idea of relocating Kerobokan Prison has been circulating for some time. “A member of my family used to be the headman of Kerobokan and at that time a proposal to have the prison relocated, was already submitted, but I don’t know what happened, the prison still hasn’t been moved,” he said.

Putra, who is also a member of

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Taiwan presidential front-runner: Can’t ‘be bound’ to China

TAIPEI, Taiwan — The front-runner in Taiwan’s presidential race said Sunday that she’ll seek stable relations with mainland China, but did not rule out revisiting the island’s official stance on independence, leaving open questions about how China would respond to her probable victory in next month’s elections.

Tsai Ing-wen, the opposition leader who has firmly held onto a sizeable lead in polls, used her platform during the first debate to warn against the political rapprochement and deepening economic ties with the mainland brought by the ruling Nationalist Party, or KMT, since 2008 elections.

“We cannot simply be bound to China,” she said. “That’s what worries us most about the past eight years — the sense that that’s the only choice we have. That’s not good for our economy or our security.”

Against the backdrop of a sputtering economy and rising anti-mainland sentiment, the Jan. 16 elections have been framed by both sides as a referendum on the KMT’s China policy under President Ma Ying-jeou.

Ma backed — with varying degrees of success — several trade pacts with the mainland during his term and held a historic summit in November

with Chinese President Xi Jinping. It was the first such meeting since the Chinese Communist Party defeated the KMT in China’s civil war and established the People’s Republic of China in 1949.

The upcoming election is being closely watched by Washington and Beijing, which considers Taiwan a breakaway province and has threatened to take the island by force if it declares independence.(ap) Protesters dressed in traditional Chinese costumes with signs that read “expropriation of land” demand better land policies as Taiwan’s 2016 presidential election candidates arrive for their first televised policy debate in Taipei, Taiwan, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2015.

More residents evacuated amid flooding in northern England IBP/File

Nusa Penida

Residents want Kerobokan Prison ‘relocated’

MANGUPURA - After recent gang clashed, discussion about relocating of the Kerobokan Prison have emerged again. People from the communities that near the prison, want the class II1 Denpasar Prison to be moved out of Kerobokan Kelod, North Kuta because its presence there has frequently made people uneasy.

Member of the Kerobokan Royal Police, AAN Ketut Nadhi Putra said that the current location of the prison is not suitable because of its proximity to a tourism area and many problems related to the prison have affected the safety of

Monday, December 28, 2015

International

International

the Badung House of Representatives said that replacing the chief of Kerobokan is not an effective solution to the social issues at the root of the problem. There continues to be social problems every year , that make people feel unsafe. Problems started with small clashed amongst prisoners in different blocks and these led to the tragic clashes in the streets that resulted in casualties,” said the Badung legislator.

This Golkar politician also said that the central government. “The capacity of the prison is about 300 inmates, but currently the number of prisoners far exceeds that capi-

city- in fact there have been as many as 900 inmates incarcerated there at one time,” he explained.

Putra is therefore asking the central government to build a new prison in Karangasem or in some other area located far from densely populated urban areas, so that safety and comfort can be maximized.

A similar opinion was expressed by chief of the Kerobokan customary village, A.A. Putu Sutarja who is concerned about the current condition of Kerobokan Prison and particularly the frequent cases of bloodshed that take place there.

“Why should I do mecaru or animal

sacrifice every time there is bloody incident at the prison? It’s very damaging the environment of our village,” he said.

Sutarja also said that the Kerobokan Prison is unsuitable in everything from lack of parking and traffic in the area, to other more serious problems. The iceberg of issues at the prison, is starting to melt, he said. “We hope that all levels of government the village level to the province, can petition the central government to relocate the prison and that the land where the prison now stands, be used as a a city park,” he concluded. (kmb27)

LONDON — Hundreds more people have been told to leave their homes in northern England as weeks of heavy rainfall continue to cause heavy flooding. Police in the York area 200 miles (320 kilometers) north of London on Sunday advised more than 300 people to leave their homes because of rising river waters.

Several hundred had been evacuated the day before in the West Yorkshire and Lancashire regions and officials said thousands had lost power.

The official Met Office weather service indicated that only very small amounts of rain are expected in the flooded areas in the next day.

Hundreds of flood warnings and alerts remain in place in parts of England and Wales.

Prime Minister David Cameron plans to convene the govJohn Giles/PA via AP Members of the army and rescue teams help evacuate people from flooded properties ernment’s emergency Cobra after they became trapped by rising floodwater when the River Ouse bursts its banks in ministerial group to coordinate the crisis response.(ap) York city center Sunday, Dec. 27, 2015.

AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying

German minister advocates random drug testing for pilots BERLIN — Germany’s transport minister is advocating the introduction of unannounced alcohol, drug and medicine tests for pilots in the country.

Transport Minister Alexander Dobrindt’s proposal follows the crash in March of a Germanwings jet that killed all 150 people aboard. Prosecutors believe the co-pilot intentionally crashed the plane and say they found torn-up sick notes from doctors at his home.

Dobrindt was quoted Sunday as telling the Bild am Sonntag newspaper that it makes sense for pilots to be tested at random for alcohol, drug and medicine consumption. He said experts see positive effects for air transport safety.

He said airlines should be responsible for such tests, adding that “the control system in this form is already established in the U.S. and Australia — Europe should follow suit.”(ap)

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International

Monday, December 28, 2015

BUSINESS Thailand hoping to attract wealthier travellers

BANGKOK - It may have made its name as the ultimate backpacker destination but Thailand hopes to attract a more well-heeled kind of traveller in the future, its tourism minister said Friday, as the kingdom announced record arrivals for 2015.

The vital tourism industry remains one of the few economic brightspots following a year in which the junta-led government has struggled to kickstart the kingdom’s stumbling economy.

By the end of the year Thailand will have received more than 29.6 million foreign visitors, Minister for Tourism and Sports Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul told reporters.

“Our goal is to focus on quality and how to make tourists stay longer and spend more money,” Kobkarn said, adding officials would target women, luxury holiday makers and sports tourism.

This year’s tourist arrivals are a significant jump from the 24.8 million who visited in 2014 -- when the country was wracked by months of debilitating street protests and a military coup -- and 26.5 million in 2013.

“Revenue from the tourism industry accounted for 14.5 percent of our GDP,” Kobkarn said.

After years of largely impressive economic expansion during the 1990s and 2000s, Thailand’s growth has significantly slowed, leading some to dub it the sick man of Southeast Asia.

Thailand’s planning agency expects this year’s growth to be between 2.7 and 3.2 percent, an improvement on last year’s negligible expansion but still one of the poorest performing economies in Southeast Asia.

Some independent economists have suggested growth could be as low as 2.5 percent.

Army chief Prayut Chan-O-Cha seized power in May 2014, ousting a democratically elected government that he accused of being corrupt and running costly populist policies.

But his vow to kickstart growth has largely fallen flat.

The country’s key agricultural sectors -- including rice and rubber -- have struggled with falling global prices, curbing the amount of crops produced and taking money out of Thais’ pockets.

The country also remains one of Southeast Asia’s most indebted economies, denting consumer confidence.

In a recent note to clients Capital Economics said Thailand’s tourism industry had weathered a deadly bomb attack in Bangkok in August that appeared to target ethnic Chinese tourists.

“In 2015 we estimate that tourism will contribute 2 percentage points to GDP growth. Without this boost, the economy would hardly have expanded at all,” Asia economist Krystal Tan wrote.

However Tan warned that there was “almost no chance” of 2016 matching this year’s figures, citing capacity constraints -- particularly at Thailand’s already hard-pressed airports.

Tourism minister Kobkarn said she hoped Thailand could attract 32 million visitors in 2016. (afp)

AIIB formally established: government

BEIJING - The China-backed Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), viewed by some as a rival to the World Bank and Asian Development Bank, was formally established on Friday, according to a statement issued by Beijing.

The United States and Japan -- the world’s largest and third-largest economies, respectively -- have notably declined to join the bank, which is expected to begin operations early next year, though others such as Australia, Germany and Britain

will take part.

It will be operational once its board of directors and executive council have met for the first time at an opening ceremony scheduled for January 16-18, the ministry of finance said in a statement on its official

website.

Beijing will be by far the largest AIIB shareholder at about 30 percent, according to the legal framework signed by 50 founding member countries in late June.

The bank is headquartered in Beijing and currently has 57 members.

With authorised capital of $100 billion, it expects to offer its first batch of project loans by mid-2016, according to the official Xinhua news agency. (afp)

AP Photo/Victor R. Caivano

People walk outside a money exchange house in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Thursday, Dec. 17, 2015.

Dollar weakens against yen, emerging market currencies

TOKYO - The dollar broadly weakened Friday as emerging market currencies got a boost from recovering oil prices, which eased fears about slumping demand and a faltering global economy.

Crude prices climbed on the back of a surprisingly big drop in US petroleum inventories, fuelling hopes that a sell-off in the commodity may be coming to an end.

The upbeat sentiment Friday pushed traders into currencies seen as a riskier bet, with the Taiwan dollar rising 0.3 percent,

while the Indonesian rupiah and South Korean won both inched up 0.02 percent.

Higher-yielding -- and riskier -- emerging units have been hit hard this year on fears of a flight of capital to the US as dealers look for better, safer investments boosted by last week’s Federal Reserve interest rate raise. Against its major peers, the greenback weakened to a two-month low of 120.19 yen against 120.28 yen in New York, and 120.87 yen on Wednesday.

The euro edged up to $1.0965 from

$1.0964. It weakened to 131.73 yen from 131.87 yen in US trade.

Analysts, however, said the US unit would likely hold up in 2016.

“The dollar may end the year with a little pause but it’s too early to declare the uptrend has reversed,” Koji Fukaya, chief executive officer at Tokyo-based FPG Securities, told Bloomberg News.

“The dollar will remain solid through 2016 as interest rates rise with an improving economy.” (afp)

Bali News

International

Monday, December 28, 2015

5

Preservation of bukakak tradition, role of the youths engaged

SINGARAJA - A tradition of expressing gratitude for bountiful harvests is carried out in different areas. Gratitude and preservation of culture at Giri Mas village, Sawan, is shown through bukakak tradition for generations.

Held biennially, the bukakak tradition is a symbol of the Lord Vishnu. It is made from bamboo and young palm leaf resembling an eagle bird with the height of three meters.

Cortege of the bukakak tradition is made as vibrant as possible.

Baleganjur gamelan music enriches the atmosphere and vivacity of young people around the village.

Bukakak tradition was last held at subak temple of Giri Mas in series with the Ngusaba of Giri Mas village, falling on full moon of April 2015 or the tenth month in Balinese calendar.

Skilled hands made the bukakak by twisted young palm leaves and bamboo accompanied by baleganjur gamelan music and Balinese psalmody chants. According to a resource person of bukakak tradition, Jro Mangku Ketut Merta Dharma, the tradition is mandatory and must be preserved by future generation. Hundreds of young men and women come together wearing traditional white clothing and red saput.

“It characterizes the red-andwhite symbol. After praying together at Pura Subak Giri Mas and doing purification of the sarad paraphernalia at Pura Pancoran Mas, the young people invoke yellow rice (bija),” said Jro Mangku.

It is said that the bukakak tradition is part of symbol or public confidence at Giri Mas village. At that time, the venerated deities were going around to a number of vil-

The Bukakak tradition held in Giri Mas village, Sawan, Singaraja lages in Buleleng, such as Sawan, Bungkulan, Bale Agung, Seririt, Sangsit and others.

Vivacity of bukakak in the outermost courtyard of the Pura Subak Giri Mas is also accompanied with dangsil or meru-like shrine as a symbol of sad kahyangan and dang kahyangan. “The people getting involved are the pilgrims from four directions and various villages in Bali. Bukakak tradition is owned by the Bali Island. It is held as an

expression of people’s gratitude, especially related to the increasing harvest yield,” he said.

When confirmed the Head of the Buleleng Culture and Tourism Agency, Gede Suyasa, said that the bukakak tradition must be always preserved. He considered the important role of younger generation in introducing the bukakak retaining high philosophical value. In the future, the bukakak tradition will be designed

to be included in the calendar of event. It is worth seeing by local and foreign travelers.

“This bukakak tradition has been included in our calendar of event in the Buleleng Culture and Tourism Agency. We have even informed all the stakeholders in tourism and the PHRI. Later in January, it has begun to spread brochures in several strategic tourist locations and Ngurah Rai Airport,” said Suyasa.

He added that the bukakak tradi-

IBP/Dewa Kusuma

tion presents special attraction due to the involvement of customary youth club. This bukakak tradition has cultural values and traditions.

“We see the bukakak in terms of tourism side and can become a part of cultural richness in Buleleng.

Moreover, this tradition is involving the community and young people through its customary youth club.

At the same time, it is also the customary and cultural preservation,” he said. (kmb34)

Besieged by investors

Klungkung to develop tourism at former quarry

SEMARAPURA - The government of Klungkung plans to turn 300 hectares of former quarry land into a tourism development. The land which has laid dormant since the mine closed in 2000, has begun to attract the attention of real estate developers.

The governments still needs to look into who owns the former mine, so that the abandoned plot of land’s utilization status can be legally changed.

Regent of Klungkung, I Nyoman Suwirta, admitted that many tourism investors are eyeing the former quarry because it already has easy road access and is located within a ‘strategic tourism zone’.

A few companies have even submitted their concept and plan for the site, however Regent Suwirta cannot make any decision about the future utilization of this land yet.

According to the designation of

this area, the former quarry said Regent Suwirta, will certainly be developed into a tourism area, most likely an integrated tourist resort. “It will depend the concept proposed by investors. As long as it complies with the designation, we will certainly support it,” he said.

Given the number of companies that have already presented their plans and concepts for the former quarry, it is clear that the site has

a lot of potential to be developed into a tourism resort. However, the government of Klungkung needs to look at which of these plans is most suitable. “Many investors have presented their plan and concept.

We’ll choose the one that is best for our communities, customs and culture,” he said.

Developing the former quarry into a tourism site started a the end of 2015, with dissemination of information about the proposed

plan to surrounding communities, as del as the taking of inventory.

Several stages still need to be gone through before any plan can be realized, including verification, troubleshooting and certification of the land.

So far, data collection about the landowners as part of the inventory process has been stalled due to lack of participation from the landowners, so the process will continue into 2016. (dwa)

6

Monday, December 28, 2015

W

International

RLD

Myanmar’s army chief questions Thailand murder verdict

YANGON, Myanmar — The head of Myanmar’s military joined growing criticism Sunday against the death sentences handed down to two men from Myanmar for a double murder on a Thai resort island, calling on Thailand’s military government to review the case.

A Buddhist monk delivers a speech outside the house of leader of National League for Democracy party (NLD) Aung San Suu Kyi during a demonstration against a Thai court’s verdict sentencing on Dec. 24, two Myanmar migrant workers to death in Yangon, Myanmar, Sunday, Dec. 27 2015.

cording to Sunday’s state-run Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper, which carried the statement on its front page.

The brutality of the murders tarnished the image of Thailand’s tourism industry and raised questions about police competence and the Thai judicial system after the defense accused police of mishandling key evidence and using the two men as scapegoats.

Police deny any wrongdoing.

Since the verdict, protests have been held in Myanmar’s biggest city, Yangon — outside the Thai Embassy and at the famed Shwedagon Pagoda — and at the Myanmar-Thai border.

Sunday’s English-language Bangkok Post reported that Myanmar’s ambassador to Thailand also expressed objections to the verdict.

“Even though we do not wish to meddle with the justice system of Thailand, we would like to request the prime minister review and reconsider the case,” the Bangkok Post quoted the ambassador, Win Maung, as saying in a statement.

Human Rights Watch called the verdict “profoundly disturbing,” citing the defendants’ accusations of police torture that were never investigated and questionable DNA evidence linking them to the crime.

The general’s statement Sunday was part of a New Year’s message to his Thai counterparts, including Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, a fellow general who is also Thailand’s minister of defense. (ap)

TEHRAN, Iran — Iranian President Hassan Rouhani accused archrival Saudi Arabia Sunday of promoting poverty and terrorism by continuing to bomb Yemeni rebels and supporting armed rebels fighting to topple Syrian President Bashar Assad in Syria.

Addressing a conference in Tehran, Rouhani suggested that destroying Syria won’t strengthen those governments in the region which support the anti-Assad rebels.

“Does the weakening of Syria benefit its Muslim neighbors? Does the destruction of Syria lead to the strengthening of Turkey, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates or other countries? Who is pleased by Syria’s destruction other

and greater poverty in Yemen, saying these were among the main causes behind the spread of extremism in the region.

Rouhani’s comments highlight the struggle for regional supremacy between Shiite powerhouse Iran and the Sunni kingdom of Saudi Arabia that has played out in conflicts in Bahrain, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen, where Saudi Arabia is leading an Arab military intervention against Shiite rebels who are backed by Iran.

The Yemen conflict pits President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi, a U.S. ally, against the Iranian-backed Shiite Houthis — who control the capital, Sanaa — and military units loyal to ex-president Ali Abdullah Saleh. (ap)

Gen. Min Aung Hlaing’s comments, carried prominently by state media, came three days after the men were convicted of murdering two British tourists on the island of Koh Tao last year. The verdict has sparked daily protests in Myanmar and attracted global attention.

The army chief urged Thailand to “review the evidence” that led to the convictions of the two migrants, Win Zaw Htun and Zaw Lin, both 22, who say Thai police tortured them into

confessing.

The men were found guilty of killing David Miller, 24, and Hannah Witheridge, 23, whose battered bodies were found on a Koh Tao beach on Sept. 14, 2014. Autopsies showed the pair, who met on the island while staying at the same hotel, had suffered severe head wounds and that Witheridge had been raped.

The general urged Thailand to “avoid a situation in which the innocent ... were wrongly punished,” ac-

AP Photo/Gemunu Amarasinghe

Iran accuses Saudi of promoting poverty, terrorism than Israel,” Rouhani said.

Iran is one of Assad’s main allies and has provided his government with military and political backing for years. Rouhani said the Islamic State group and other armed groups are defaming Islam by resorting to barbaric acts and that has led to Muslim states forgetting their common enemy: Israel. “How many bombs and missiles have you purchased from the U.S. in the past year,” Rouhani asked in an apparent reference to Saudi Arabia. “If you had distributed the same money among poor Muslims, none of them would have gone to bed hungry.”

Rouhani, a moderate politician, said a Saudi-led coalition that has been bombing Yemen since March has prompted a humanitarian crisis

International

Monday, December 28, 2015

11

President inaugurates Komodo Airport

LABUAN BAJO, East Nusa Tenggara - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) officiated Komodo Airport of Labuan Bajo in East Nusa Tenggara on Sunday. “I hope that the presence of this airport’s new terminal and the extension of its ranways will help boost the arrivals of tourists to this region,” President Jokowi said when inaugurating the aiport’s terminal and runway extension on Sunday.

AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino

Pope Francis delivers his speech during a Mass for families in St.Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2015.

Pope calls for solution for stranded Cuban migrants

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis has appealed for generosity toward Cuban migrants “who find themselves in difficulty in Central America.”

The pope said following his traditional Angelus blessing Sunday that many of the Cubans are victims of human trafficking, and called on the region’s governments to find a solution to the “human drama.”

Thousands of Cubans had been migrating through Central America

in fear that the year-old warming in U.S.-Cuban relations could end Cubans’ special immigration privileges in the United States.

Some 8,000 Cubans have been stranded in Costa Rica since midNovember when Nicaragua began rejecting Cubans from crossing its territory. Costa Rica stopped giving Cubans travel visas last week.

Francis lingered after the Angelus to listen to a youth choir sing Christmas carols. (ap)

EU official presses airports to offer cheap water

BERLIN — A European Union official says she’s trying to get airports to offer cheap water for travelers after they’ve been through security checks.

Air travelers in the EU aren’t allowed to take liquids in containers larger than 100 milliliters through security checks. That effectively means passengers wanting to take water on their flight have to buy it in departure lounges, where it’s sometimes considerably more expensive

than in normal shops.

EU transport commissioner Violeta Bulc was quoted Sunday as telling Germany’s Welt am Sonntag newspaper that talks are taking place.

She said 126 European airports accounting for 50 percent of passenger volume say they’re prepared to offer bottles of water for 1 euro ($1.10) just beyond security checks, but “our aim is for all airports to do that if possible.” (ap)

Hotel ...

20 percent of their rooms currently being occupied.

According to its Operations Manager, I Ketut Sumerta, this number is however not too alarming considering that this hotel, located in the heart of Denpasar has only been in operation for a short time.

“We’re still new, so that it is natural to have a less than optimal occupancy rate,” said Sumerta.

Head of the Denpasar Tourism Office, I Wayan Gunawan, invites everyone involved in tourism to consider the fact that any disturbance to security will directly impact the number of visitors to the island. (kmb12)

From page 1

The declining number of tourist visits this year, she said, is inseparable from incidents including the eruptions of two volcanoes earlier this year.

In addition, there is also a global economic slowdown. “I think the Paris bombings did not have significant impact because we mostly rely on visitors form Australia,” she said.

Although the occupancy rates for Puri Dalem Hotel are down to 46 percent, The Grand Mirah is experiencing even more severe conditions with only

According to President Jokowi, the expansion of the airport is very important for accelerating the economic development in East Nusa Tenggara, particularly that of the Flores Island and its surrounding.

He said that the airport was expected to become a gate for tour-

ists to come to enjoy the beauty of Labuan Bajo’s beaches and undersea panorama, the beauty of Lake Kalimutu, the prehistoric Liang Bua Cave, the Komodo Park in Komodo Island, the Merah Muda Beach and many others.

The President also asked that the

promotions of the region should be intensified after the inauguration of the airport terminal.

The regional government needs to cooperate with various airlines to increase the intensity of flights to the airport, the president added.

He expressed his hope that flights coming to the Komodo airport should come not only from Bali but also from other cities in Indonesia and abroad such as Jakarta, Surabaya and Singapore.

Jokowi also expected that the economy of Labuan Bajo would improve in line with the increas-

ing number of tourists visiting the region.

The economic activities in Labuan Bajo could be generated through increasing the number of hotels, advancing creative economy in the form of souvenirs and boosting tourism-related small-business development.

He asked the airport management to continue maintenance of the newly inaugurated airport.

The airport was initially developed as an air strip in 1975. Now the airport already has a clean and specious terminal with an artistic

design. It now had a 2,250-meter runway with a width of 45 meters.

The president arrived in NTT on Sunday for a working visit during which he will also inspect a 5-MW solar power plant in Oelpuah Village, Centgral Kupang District.

On Monday, the president is expected to visit Atambua to launch the inauguration of the groundbreaking development of Rotiklot Dam in the border area with Timor Leste.

He will also attend the Christmas Day celebration in Kupang before leaving for Jakarta. (ant)

Police arrests two over New Year suicide terror plot JAKARTA - Indonesian police said Friday they have arrested two men, including a member of China’s Uighur minority, allegedly involved in a planned New Year suicide attack in Jakarta.

Police arrested an Indonesian, named as Arif Hodayatullah, near the capital for driving a car without a licence plate and found several books about bomb-making inside the vehicle, according to a document seen by AFP. An anti-terror squad raided his house in West Java, where they arrested a Uighur, identified only as Alli, and confiscated a suicide vest and material to assemble a bomb.

“We also found a design (of where the attack would be carried out), but we have only found one, we need to investigate more,” national police spokesman Anton Charliyan said late Thursday.

The arrests come at a time of heightened alert after police arrested several other suspected extremists.

On Monday police in Java arrested five suspects from a cell linked to the Islamic State group, and four from one linked to the Jemaah Islamiyah terror network, responsible for several major attacks in Indonesia.

The country is deploying more than 150,000 military and police personnel during the Christmas and New Year period and has increased security at its airports after a threat was directed at one serving Jakarta.

A police source, who declined to be named, said Alli was believed to be a bombmaker and was chosen to carry out the suicide attack.

Hodayatullah told police he was instructed by a man named Bahrunnaim, a militant residing in Syria, to help Indonesians wishing to join the IS group.

Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country, suffered several major bomb attacks by Islamic radicals between 2000 and 2009, including the 2002 Bali bombings that killed 202 people.

But a crackdown has weakened the most dangerous extremist networks.

However the emergence of IS has sparked alarm that Indonesians returning from battlefields in the Middle East could revive them. (afp)

AP Photo

Indonesian police officers put a police line outside a house where a suspected militant was arrested in Bekasi, West Java, Thursday, Dec. 24, 2015.

Ferry accident death toll climbs to 63

JAKARTA - The death toll from a ferry disaster in central Indonesia has risen to 63 with a handful of people still missing as the search and rescue operation winds down, an official said Friday. Search and rescue agency chief Bambang Soelistyo said as of Friday morning 103 passengers

aboard the ill-fated boat had been recovered, with just 40 found alive.

“If the information is correct, we are still searching for 15 other missing people,” Soelistyo told AFP, adding that all the bodies found so far were within the search area.

The ferry operator said the boat

was carrying 116 people when it ran into trouble, but Soelistyo said there were two canteen staff who were not mentioned on the manifest.

Ten vessels -- including navy warships -- and two aircraft are scouring the seas for any sign of the missing, while families wait anxiously for

news in Siwa, the port town where the stricken vessel was heading.

Soelistyo said according to the initial plan the search should end on Saturday but could be extended depending on a final evaluation of the operation.

The ferry sank on rough seas last

Saturday with survivors describing massive waves smashing into the vessel before the engine died and the order was made to abandon ship.

The Indonesian archipelago of more than 17,000 islands is heavily dependent on ferry services but fatal accidents are common. (afp)

10

Destination

Monday, December 28, 2015

International

Alas Tiyingan, natural tourist attraction at Bukihan

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GIANYAR - Alas Tiyingan (bamboo forest) is the name given to the natural tourist attraction located at Tiyingan hamlet, Bukihan village, Payangan subdistrict, Gianyar. Despite its name, this forest that spreads over an area of about 20 hectares is not entirely made up of bamboo. In fatc it is mostly made up of rare plants that are used in ceremonies and upakara for the Hindu community in Bali.

The forest, which is interspersed with village settlements, has a very cool micro-cimate. In the east are Subak Lebah and Ulapan villages, in the west is Ulapan hamlet and in the south is the Tangkup hamlet. The forest is full of springs. Other than being overgrown with large plants, the forest also retains an old bathing place and a pool. Bukihan village is about 32 km from Denpasar, 12 km from Ubud and 20 km from the town of Gianyar.

Headman of Bukihan, I Made Junarta, said that when people hold ngaben (cremation), mesangih (tooth filing) and other major ceremonies they seek out ingredients rewuired for these rituals in Alas Tiyingan. “The ingredients may include particular leaves, fruits, roots and herbs that are then tailored to the particular type of ceremony” he explained.

The land of Alas Tiyingan is owned by Payangan Palace, which was used by the royal family as a place to relax. In addition to be filled with rare plants, the forest area is also filled with logs that can be used to sit on. “There is also an old building that was probably used to by royal family to unwind times past.” he said.

Although it has not been designed as a tourist attraction, many foreign travelers from various countries have walked in this forest.

Travelers are cycling tours often drop by the forest area. Some travelers stroll through the forest, while others just admire it from afar. Visitors are accompanied by tour guides or sometimes by travel agents.

Bukihan village, said one entrepreneur, is often used as a cycling or trekking route by travel agencies. Guests start off in Kintamani and go through Bukihan village to the town of Payangan. Today there is the added option of horseback riding around the village.

“Bukihan village is very rich in cultural attractions, so travelers are very happy to pass through this beautiful village” said Junarta.

Junarta added that he and his party will be developing Bukihan into a tourist area, particularly for village tourism. This area is still natural with the paddy field are still being used for farming rice and moors are planted with crops for people daily needs. There is a tourist accommodation in the form of villa. With the presence of Alas Tiyingan (bamboo forest) as a tourist attraction, this village will become a unique tourist area.

Monday, December 28, 2015

International

Spurs extend home dominance and beat Nuggets

SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio immediately bounced back from a rare loss and beat Denver 101-86 on Saturday to extend its franchise record for consecutive home wins to 26. Kawhi Leonard had 20 points for the Spurs, who maintained their eight-game lead atop the NBA’s Southwest Division.

The day’s other key contests were in the Eastern Conference: Miami beat state and division rival Orlando to move 1-1/2 games above the Magic and stay within

half a game of leader Atlanta, which comfortably beat New York; while Boston used a strong team effort to earn a victory over Detroit.

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AP Photo/Darren Abate

San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard, right, shoots against Denver Nuggets guard Will Barton during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 26, 2015, in San Antonio. San Antonio won 101-86.

Aldridge had 12 points and nine rebounds, and Boris Diaw had 16 points for the Spurs, who have won all 17 home games this season to add to the final nine of the previous campaign.

Denver’s Nikola Jokic scored 22 points on 10-for-19 shooting.

Miami rallied in the fourth quarter to win 108-101 at Orlando, with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh each scoring 24 points.

Orlando led 76-69 after three, but Wade fueled Miami’s rally with 12 points in the fourth. The Heat outscored the Magic 39-25 in the final period. Nik Vucevic led Orlando with 22 points and 10 rebounds.

Atlanta overcame a slow start to win its sixth straight game, beating New York 117-98. Paul Millsap scored 22 points and Al Horford added 19 for the Hawks, who trailed by 15 points midway through the first quarter and were down by 14 late in the third before completely taking over the game, going up by 20 points early in the fourth.

Carmelo Anthony, returning after missing one game with a sprained right ankle, finished with 18 points and 12 rebounds for the Knicks, who have dropped three straight.

Boston had six players score in double figures and the Celtics won 99-93 at Detroit.

Avery Bradley scored 18 points and Isaiah Thomas had 17 points and nine assists for the Celtics, who hung on in a tight finish.

The Pistons were within two points when former Detroit player Jonas Jerebko hit a baseline jumper with 10.7 seconds left to seal the result. Pistons center Andre Drummond had 22 points and 22 rebounds for his fifth 20-20 game of the season.

Dallas’ J.J. Barea made a careerhigh seven 3-pointers and finished with 26 points, powering the Mavericks to a 118-111 win against Chicago.

Barea went 7-of-8 from beyond the arc and continued the form that saw score a career-high 30 in the previous game, while Zaza Pachulia contributed 17 points and 12 rebounds for the Mavericks.

Derrick Rose led the Bulls with 25 points, including nine in the fourth quarter, but had a key turnover before getting called for a 5-second violation when Chicago had a chance to tie in the final 11 seconds. (ap)

Esteban Gutierrez

IBP/rtr

Ferrari to evaluate Gutierrez

Ferrari will be running the rule over Haas driver Esteban Gutierrez during 2016 ahead of a potential future drive, Formula 1’s newest team boss feels. Following months of speculation, Gutierrez was finally confirmed as one of newcomer Haas’s two drivers at the end of October, alongside Romain Grosjean.

Given the technical agreement between Haas and Ferrari, and Gutierrez’s role with the Scuderia as test and reserve driver, the former Sauber driver’s appointment came as no surprise.

Owner Gene Haas has confirmed Ferrari approached him about putting Gutierrez in one of his cars for 2016, with a view towards determining whether the 24-year-old could fill one of its own race seats further down the line.

“Ferrari is like a top-notch university, and if you go to that university then you have good credentials,” Haas told Autosport. “If anything, most of it is the fact Ferrari said ‘Here’s a driver you should consider and we would like to have him in your car’.

“Ferrari was interested in Esteban driving. Part of it is they would like to try him out so that they can evaluate him for a Ferrari drive down the road.

“I don’t know what Ferrari’s personal point of view is, but my point of view would be is they put talent in cars that they think have a potential to be their future drivers.”

Haas recognises on that basis all eyes at Ferrari will be on Gutierrez to see how he performs, especially given that Kimi Raikkonen’s latest contract only covers the 2016 season.

“Well, if you want to be a successful Formula 1 driver and compete for championships, there’s pressure,” Haas added. “Immense pressure.” (rtr)

Soderling finally retires after longrunning illness

LONDON - Sweden’s Robin Soderling, the player best-known for being the first man to beat Rafael Nadal at the French Open, has retired from professional tennis because of a long-running illness.

The 31-year-old, twice a runner-up at Roland Garros, has not played an ATP World Tour event since 2011 due to mononucleosis, an energysapping viral illness.

“Thank you so much for all your kind words. So sad I won’t play professional tennis again, but reading all your msgs makes me feel a lot better,” Soderling said on his Twitter account. Soderling spent 10 years on the Tour and rose to world number four.

In 2009 he ended Nadal’s domination in Paris with a stunning victory, only to lose to Roger Federer in the final -- Federer’s only title at the claycourt grand slam. (rtr)

8

Monday, December 28, 2015

Sp rt Reuters / Carl Recine

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal looks dejected

Montreal Impact hope to keep Didier Drogba for 2016 season MONTREAL — Major League Soccer’s Montreal Impact hopes to keep Didier Drogba for next season and prevent his return to Chelsea.

“We are currently in contact with Didier Drogba and Chelsea,” the club tweeted Wednesday. “We are doing everything we can to have him back with the Impact in 2016. We understand his attachment to his former club and his desire to help them.

We are willing to accommodate him. But our objective is to have him back for another season, as agreed in his contract.

This situation is out of our control.”

The 37-year-old scored 12 goals in 12 regular-season games after joining the Impact in July. Guus Hiddink called Drogba a Chelsea legend on Wednesday during his first news conference since replacing Jose Mourinho as manager. “People have to deal with contracts and situations. That’s not to do with me,” Hiddink said.

Drogba attended Chelsea’s 3-1 won over Sunderland last weekend, sitting with Hiddink and owner Roman Abramovich. (ap)

AP Photo/Matt Dunham

Chelsea’s new manager Guus Hiddink, left, sits next to former Chelsea player Didier Drogba before the English Premier League soccer match between Chelsea and Sunderland at Stamford Bridge stadium in London, Saturday, Dec. 19, 2015.

Monday, December 28, 2015

Van Gaal could quit United; Arsenal routed by Southampton

STOKE, England — Arsenal and Manchester United were embarrassed and Chelsea drew on another erratic day in the Premier League. And despite losing at Liverpool, Leicester’s surprise lead was maintained on Saturday. Man United manager Louis van Gaal might not stick around in England to see if Leicester can win the league for the first time.

Losing 2-0 at Stoke on Boxing Day condemned United to a fourth consecutive defeat in all competitions for the first time since 1961, and pushed the team down to sixth place. Van Gaal lamented his players’ inability to handle the pressure, and partly blamed the windy conditions at Stoke. Then the manager conceded he might be at fault and suggested he could resign.

“I do my utmost best to find solutions to cope with the pressure,” Van Gaal said. “But in the end my players have to do that by themselves.” It was a hapless firsthalf performance, and Van Gaal questioned why his players “don’t dare to play football.”

Memphis Depay’s diving backward header allowed Bojan Krkic to put Stoke in front, and Marko Arnautovic powered in a second goal from outside the penalty area.

Wayne Rooney was forced to start a league game on the bench for the first time in two years, and United provided a greater threat only with its captain on the field in the second half. But a combination of poor finishing and Jack Butland’s saves prevented United from leaving Stoke with anything.

Van Gaal’s comments and demeanor suggest his stay at Old Trafford is reaching an endgame after

barely 18 months in charge. “I can also quit by myself,” Van Gaal said when asked about receiving assurances about his job security, before adding: “It is not always ... the club has to fire or sack me.”

Asked if he would be in charge at Old Trafford on Monday when United plays Chelsea, Van Gaal said: “You will have to wait and see. But I think so.” On a rare day when every Premier League team was in action, there was a bigger humbling for Arsenal, which missed the chance to go top after being thrashed 4-0 by Southampton.

Cuco Martina’s half-volley put Southampton in front and Shane Long scored twice either side of Jose Fonte’s header as the hosts rose to 12th place. “We lost too many challenges, they were sharper than us, and we were a bit unlucky as well,” Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said. Arsenal stayed two points behind Leicester, which lost 1-0 at Liverpool after conceding from Christian Benteke.

Manchester City quickly recovered from losing at Arsenal on Monday to thump struggling Sunderland 4-1 to stay third. There were four different City scorers: Raheem Sterling, Yaya Toure, Wilfried Bony, and Kevin de Bruyne. A change of manager at Chelsea produced

no quick-fix. Guus Hiddink’s first match in charge ended in a 2-2 draw at home to high-flying Watford after Oscar missed a second-half penalty that could have secured back-toback wins.

Watford came from behind after conceding from Diego Costa’s volley to take the lead at Stamford Bridge.

Troy Deeney leveled from the spot and Odion Igahlo put the visitors in front before Costa equalized with his second. While Chelsea remains two points above the relegation zone — and 13 points from fourth place — Watford is behind United only on goal difference in seventh place.

Tottenham remained fourth after a 3-0 victory over Norwich engineered

by Harry Kane’s double — the first from the penalty spot — and Tom Carroll’s strike. Kane has 27 goals in 2015, surpassing Teddy Sheringham’s previous club record of 26 in a calendar year, 22 years ago.

Crystal Palace is two points behind Tottenham in fifth place after a 0-0 draw at Bournemouth that extended the London club’s unbeaten run to four games. Aston Villa remains bottom and Remi Garde is still searching for a first win as manager after a 1-1 draw against West Ham. Newcastle dropped into the relegation zone after Tom Cleverley gave Everton a 1-0 win at St. James’ Park. Swansea climbed out of the bottom three by beating West Bromwich Albion 1-0, with Ki Sungyueng’s first goal of the season ending a four-month spell without a home win in south Wales. (ap)

9

Basque Country beats Catalonia 1-0 in friendly

BARCELONA — Aritz Aduriz scored to help the Basque Country beat Catalonia 1-0 in a friendly between the Spanish regions on Saturday.

The Basques outplayed the hosts in the first half, when Catalonia goalkeeper Pau Lopez had to make

one-handed saves to deny Iker Munian and Aduriz before the Athletic Bilbao striker broke through.

Aduriz was left unmarked to receive Asier Illarramendi’s pass and beat Lopez for what proved to be the winner just before halftime at Camp Nou Stadium.

Catalonia, which included Barcelona players Sergio Busquets and Gerard Pique, went closest to equalizing right after the break when midfielder Joan Verdu hit the crossbar. Spain’s regions cannot play competitive matches. (ap)

Uruguay’s Figueredo admits to accepting bribes in soccer probe - trial lawyer

Reuters / Stefan Wermuth

Chelsea’s Diego Costa in action with Watford’s Valon Behrami

Booking for two-goal Costa means he misses Chelsea trip

LONDON - Diego Costa scored twice in a game for the first time this season as Chelsea drew 2-2 with Watford on Saturday but blotted his copybook with a booking that means he is banned for Monday’s game at Manchester United.

The temperamental Costa, so often the London club’s villain during a campaign where he has frequently looked completely off the pace, netted in the 32nd and 65th minutes to take his season’s goal tally to five in the Premier League.

The Spain striker, however, blamed by some fans for the sacking of Jose Mourinho earlier this month and booed off the pitch against Sunderland last week, was cautioned for a rash late challenge and will miss champions Chelsea’s trip to Old Trafford.

“He’s out which means we have to solve that problem in 48 hours,” new interim coach Guus Hiddink told reporters at Stamford Bridge. “It’s a

pity as he was going well after a good performance.

“He focused himself where he’s good and when he does that he’s very dangerous. (I told him) not to waste extra energy where he doesn’t need to.”

Mourinho, dismissed because of Chelsea’s precarious position near the relegation zone, has been linked by media reports with a move to United where coach Louis van Gaal is under fire following a string of poor results.

The Chelsea crowd, vocal in support of Mourinho last week, were muted on Saturday.

There were few banners lauding the Portuguese, the chants for him dried up and Mourinho masks appeared in the stands at the Britannia Stadium rather than Stamford Bridge as United lost 2-0 to Stoke City on Monday.

Chelsea, who are sixth from bottom. were reined in by an industrious Watford side who are seventh in the table. (ap)

MONTEVIDEO - Former head of South America’s CONMEBOL soccer body Eugenio Figueredo has admitted he received bribes from television firms in exchange for maintaining media rights, a lawyer involved in the case in Uruguay said on Saturday.

CONMEBOL, an influential grouping that includes traditional soccer powers such as Brazil and Argentina, is heavily embroiled in a worldwide soccer corruption probe led by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Figueredo arrived back to his native Uruguay on Thursday after being extradited on corruption charges from Switzerland, where

he was arrested in May. On Friday, the 83-year-old former vice-president of world soccer federation FIFA was moved to hospital from prison due to chest pain.

Pablo Barreiro, the lawyer representing Uruguay’s footballers’ union which laid corruption charges against Figueredo in 2013, said he had admitted that the heads of South America’s various football associations received important sums of money in exchange for the media rights to tournaments.

“This is the flow of money that the prosecutor ... understands constituted money laundering and essentially fraud,” Barreiro

said. Figueredo’s own lawyer was not immediately available for comment.

Of 14 soccer officials and sports marketing executives indicted in the United States in May on bribery, money laundering and wire fraud charges involving more than $150 million in payments, eight were from South America.

They included two former CONMEBOL presidents, Figueredo and Nicolas Leoz, as well as the Venezuelan federation president Rafael Esquivel, the former head of the Brazilian confederation and three Argentine and one Brazilian executives. (rtr)

AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico

Former FIFA Vice President Eugenio Figueredo of Uruguay, left, leaves the courthouse via a back door, after he was extradited from Switzerland to face fraud and money laundering charges in Montevideo, Uruguay, Thursday, Dec. 24, 2015.

8

Monday, December 28, 2015

Sp rt Reuters / Carl Recine

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal looks dejected

Montreal Impact hope to keep Didier Drogba for 2016 season MONTREAL — Major League Soccer’s Montreal Impact hopes to keep Didier Drogba for next season and prevent his return to Chelsea.

“We are currently in contact with Didier Drogba and Chelsea,” the club tweeted Wednesday. “We are doing everything we can to have him back with the Impact in 2016. We understand his attachment to his former club and his desire to help them.

We are willing to accommodate him. But our objective is to have him back for another season, as agreed in his contract.

This situation is out of our control.”

The 37-year-old scored 12 goals in 12 regular-season games after joining the Impact in July. Guus Hiddink called Drogba a Chelsea legend on Wednesday during his first news conference since replacing Jose Mourinho as manager. “People have to deal with contracts and situations. That’s not to do with me,” Hiddink said.

Drogba attended Chelsea’s 3-1 won over Sunderland last weekend, sitting with Hiddink and owner Roman Abramovich. (ap)

AP Photo/Matt Dunham

Chelsea’s new manager Guus Hiddink, left, sits next to former Chelsea player Didier Drogba before the English Premier League soccer match between Chelsea and Sunderland at Stamford Bridge stadium in London, Saturday, Dec. 19, 2015.

Monday, December 28, 2015

Van Gaal could quit United; Arsenal routed by Southampton

STOKE, England — Arsenal and Manchester United were embarrassed and Chelsea drew on another erratic day in the Premier League. And despite losing at Liverpool, Leicester’s surprise lead was maintained on Saturday. Man United manager Louis van Gaal might not stick around in England to see if Leicester can win the league for the first time.

Losing 2-0 at Stoke on Boxing Day condemned United to a fourth consecutive defeat in all competitions for the first time since 1961, and pushed the team down to sixth place. Van Gaal lamented his players’ inability to handle the pressure, and partly blamed the windy conditions at Stoke. Then the manager conceded he might be at fault and suggested he could resign.

“I do my utmost best to find solutions to cope with the pressure,” Van Gaal said. “But in the end my players have to do that by themselves.” It was a hapless firsthalf performance, and Van Gaal questioned why his players “don’t dare to play football.”

Memphis Depay’s diving backward header allowed Bojan Krkic to put Stoke in front, and Marko Arnautovic powered in a second goal from outside the penalty area.

Wayne Rooney was forced to start a league game on the bench for the first time in two years, and United provided a greater threat only with its captain on the field in the second half. But a combination of poor finishing and Jack Butland’s saves prevented United from leaving Stoke with anything.

Van Gaal’s comments and demeanor suggest his stay at Old Trafford is reaching an endgame after

barely 18 months in charge. “I can also quit by myself,” Van Gaal said when asked about receiving assurances about his job security, before adding: “It is not always ... the club has to fire or sack me.”

Asked if he would be in charge at Old Trafford on Monday when United plays Chelsea, Van Gaal said: “You will have to wait and see. But I think so.” On a rare day when every Premier League team was in action, there was a bigger humbling for Arsenal, which missed the chance to go top after being thrashed 4-0 by Southampton.

Cuco Martina’s half-volley put Southampton in front and Shane Long scored twice either side of Jose Fonte’s header as the hosts rose to 12th place. “We lost too many challenges, they were sharper than us, and we were a bit unlucky as well,” Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said. Arsenal stayed two points behind Leicester, which lost 1-0 at Liverpool after conceding from Christian Benteke.

Manchester City quickly recovered from losing at Arsenal on Monday to thump struggling Sunderland 4-1 to stay third. There were four different City scorers: Raheem Sterling, Yaya Toure, Wilfried Bony, and Kevin de Bruyne. A change of manager at Chelsea produced

no quick-fix. Guus Hiddink’s first match in charge ended in a 2-2 draw at home to high-flying Watford after Oscar missed a second-half penalty that could have secured back-toback wins.

Watford came from behind after conceding from Diego Costa’s volley to take the lead at Stamford Bridge.

Troy Deeney leveled from the spot and Odion Igahlo put the visitors in front before Costa equalized with his second. While Chelsea remains two points above the relegation zone — and 13 points from fourth place — Watford is behind United only on goal difference in seventh place.

Tottenham remained fourth after a 3-0 victory over Norwich engineered

by Harry Kane’s double — the first from the penalty spot — and Tom Carroll’s strike. Kane has 27 goals in 2015, surpassing Teddy Sheringham’s previous club record of 26 in a calendar year, 22 years ago.

Crystal Palace is two points behind Tottenham in fifth place after a 0-0 draw at Bournemouth that extended the London club’s unbeaten run to four games. Aston Villa remains bottom and Remi Garde is still searching for a first win as manager after a 1-1 draw against West Ham. Newcastle dropped into the relegation zone after Tom Cleverley gave Everton a 1-0 win at St. James’ Park. Swansea climbed out of the bottom three by beating West Bromwich Albion 1-0, with Ki Sungyueng’s first goal of the season ending a four-month spell without a home win in south Wales. (ap)

9

Basque Country beats Catalonia 1-0 in friendly

BARCELONA — Aritz Aduriz scored to help the Basque Country beat Catalonia 1-0 in a friendly between the Spanish regions on Saturday.

The Basques outplayed the hosts in the first half, when Catalonia goalkeeper Pau Lopez had to make

one-handed saves to deny Iker Munian and Aduriz before the Athletic Bilbao striker broke through.

Aduriz was left unmarked to receive Asier Illarramendi’s pass and beat Lopez for what proved to be the winner just before halftime at Camp Nou Stadium.

Catalonia, which included Barcelona players Sergio Busquets and Gerard Pique, went closest to equalizing right after the break when midfielder Joan Verdu hit the crossbar. Spain’s regions cannot play competitive matches. (ap)

Uruguay’s Figueredo admits to accepting bribes in soccer probe - trial lawyer

Reuters / Stefan Wermuth

Chelsea’s Diego Costa in action with Watford’s Valon Behrami

Booking for two-goal Costa means he misses Chelsea trip

LONDON - Diego Costa scored twice in a game for the first time this season as Chelsea drew 2-2 with Watford on Saturday but blotted his copybook with a booking that means he is banned for Monday’s game at Manchester United.

The temperamental Costa, so often the London club’s villain during a campaign where he has frequently looked completely off the pace, netted in the 32nd and 65th minutes to take his season’s goal tally to five in the Premier League.

The Spain striker, however, blamed by some fans for the sacking of Jose Mourinho earlier this month and booed off the pitch against Sunderland last week, was cautioned for a rash late challenge and will miss champions Chelsea’s trip to Old Trafford.

“He’s out which means we have to solve that problem in 48 hours,” new interim coach Guus Hiddink told reporters at Stamford Bridge. “It’s a

pity as he was going well after a good performance.

“He focused himself where he’s good and when he does that he’s very dangerous. (I told him) not to waste extra energy where he doesn’t need to.”

Mourinho, dismissed because of Chelsea’s precarious position near the relegation zone, has been linked by media reports with a move to United where coach Louis van Gaal is under fire following a string of poor results.

The Chelsea crowd, vocal in support of Mourinho last week, were muted on Saturday.

There were few banners lauding the Portuguese, the chants for him dried up and Mourinho masks appeared in the stands at the Britannia Stadium rather than Stamford Bridge as United lost 2-0 to Stoke City on Monday.

Chelsea, who are sixth from bottom. were reined in by an industrious Watford side who are seventh in the table. (ap)

MONTEVIDEO - Former head of South America’s CONMEBOL soccer body Eugenio Figueredo has admitted he received bribes from television firms in exchange for maintaining media rights, a lawyer involved in the case in Uruguay said on Saturday.

CONMEBOL, an influential grouping that includes traditional soccer powers such as Brazil and Argentina, is heavily embroiled in a worldwide soccer corruption probe led by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Figueredo arrived back to his native Uruguay on Thursday after being extradited on corruption charges from Switzerland, where

he was arrested in May. On Friday, the 83-year-old former vice-president of world soccer federation FIFA was moved to hospital from prison due to chest pain.

Pablo Barreiro, the lawyer representing Uruguay’s footballers’ union which laid corruption charges against Figueredo in 2013, said he had admitted that the heads of South America’s various football associations received important sums of money in exchange for the media rights to tournaments.

“This is the flow of money that the prosecutor ... understands constituted money laundering and essentially fraud,” Barreiro

said. Figueredo’s own lawyer was not immediately available for comment.

Of 14 soccer officials and sports marketing executives indicted in the United States in May on bribery, money laundering and wire fraud charges involving more than $150 million in payments, eight were from South America.

They included two former CONMEBOL presidents, Figueredo and Nicolas Leoz, as well as the Venezuelan federation president Rafael Esquivel, the former head of the Brazilian confederation and three Argentine and one Brazilian executives. (rtr)

AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico

Former FIFA Vice President Eugenio Figueredo of Uruguay, left, leaves the courthouse via a back door, after he was extradited from Switzerland to face fraud and money laundering charges in Montevideo, Uruguay, Thursday, Dec. 24, 2015.

10

Destination

Monday, December 28, 2015

International

Alas Tiyingan, natural tourist attraction at Bukihan

IBP/kmb

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GIANYAR - Alas Tiyingan (bamboo forest) is the name given to the natural tourist attraction located at Tiyingan hamlet, Bukihan village, Payangan subdistrict, Gianyar. Despite its name, this forest that spreads over an area of about 20 hectares is not entirely made up of bamboo. In fatc it is mostly made up of rare plants that are used in ceremonies and upakara for the Hindu community in Bali.

The forest, which is interspersed with village settlements, has a very cool micro-cimate. In the east are Subak Lebah and Ulapan villages, in the west is Ulapan hamlet and in the south is the Tangkup hamlet. The forest is full of springs. Other than being overgrown with large plants, the forest also retains an old bathing place and a pool. Bukihan village is about 32 km from Denpasar, 12 km from Ubud and 20 km from the town of Gianyar.

Headman of Bukihan, I Made Junarta, said that when people hold ngaben (cremation), mesangih (tooth filing) and other major ceremonies they seek out ingredients rewuired for these rituals in Alas Tiyingan. “The ingredients may include particular leaves, fruits, roots and herbs that are then tailored to the particular type of ceremony” he explained.

The land of Alas Tiyingan is owned by Payangan Palace, which was used by the royal family as a place to relax. In addition to be filled with rare plants, the forest area is also filled with logs that can be used to sit on. “There is also an old building that was probably used to by royal family to unwind times past.” he said.

Although it has not been designed as a tourist attraction, many foreign travelers from various countries have walked in this forest.

Travelers are cycling tours often drop by the forest area. Some travelers stroll through the forest, while others just admire it from afar. Visitors are accompanied by tour guides or sometimes by travel agents.

Bukihan village, said one entrepreneur, is often used as a cycling or trekking route by travel agencies. Guests start off in Kintamani and go through Bukihan village to the town of Payangan. Today there is the added option of horseback riding around the village.

“Bukihan village is very rich in cultural attractions, so travelers are very happy to pass through this beautiful village” said Junarta.

Junarta added that he and his party will be developing Bukihan into a tourist area, particularly for village tourism. This area is still natural with the paddy field are still being used for farming rice and moors are planted with crops for people daily needs. There is a tourist accommodation in the form of villa. With the presence of Alas Tiyingan (bamboo forest) as a tourist attraction, this village will become a unique tourist area.

Monday, December 28, 2015

International

Spurs extend home dominance and beat Nuggets

SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio immediately bounced back from a rare loss and beat Denver 101-86 on Saturday to extend its franchise record for consecutive home wins to 26. Kawhi Leonard had 20 points for the Spurs, who maintained their eight-game lead atop the NBA’s Southwest Division.

The day’s other key contests were in the Eastern Conference: Miami beat state and division rival Orlando to move 1-1/2 games above the Magic and stay within

half a game of leader Atlanta, which comfortably beat New York; while Boston used a strong team effort to earn a victory over Detroit.

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AP Photo/Darren Abate

San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard, right, shoots against Denver Nuggets guard Will Barton during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 26, 2015, in San Antonio. San Antonio won 101-86.

Aldridge had 12 points and nine rebounds, and Boris Diaw had 16 points for the Spurs, who have won all 17 home games this season to add to the final nine of the previous campaign.

Denver’s Nikola Jokic scored 22 points on 10-for-19 shooting.

Miami rallied in the fourth quarter to win 108-101 at Orlando, with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh each scoring 24 points.

Orlando led 76-69 after three, but Wade fueled Miami’s rally with 12 points in the fourth. The Heat outscored the Magic 39-25 in the final period. Nik Vucevic led Orlando with 22 points and 10 rebounds.

Atlanta overcame a slow start to win its sixth straight game, beating New York 117-98. Paul Millsap scored 22 points and Al Horford added 19 for the Hawks, who trailed by 15 points midway through the first quarter and were down by 14 late in the third before completely taking over the game, going up by 20 points early in the fourth.

Carmelo Anthony, returning after missing one game with a sprained right ankle, finished with 18 points and 12 rebounds for the Knicks, who have dropped three straight.

Boston had six players score in double figures and the Celtics won 99-93 at Detroit.

Avery Bradley scored 18 points and Isaiah Thomas had 17 points and nine assists for the Celtics, who hung on in a tight finish.

The Pistons were within two points when former Detroit player Jonas Jerebko hit a baseline jumper with 10.7 seconds left to seal the result. Pistons center Andre Drummond had 22 points and 22 rebounds for his fifth 20-20 game of the season.

Dallas’ J.J. Barea made a careerhigh seven 3-pointers and finished with 26 points, powering the Mavericks to a 118-111 win against Chicago.

Barea went 7-of-8 from beyond the arc and continued the form that saw score a career-high 30 in the previous game, while Zaza Pachulia contributed 17 points and 12 rebounds for the Mavericks.

Derrick Rose led the Bulls with 25 points, including nine in the fourth quarter, but had a key turnover before getting called for a 5-second violation when Chicago had a chance to tie in the final 11 seconds. (ap)

Esteban Gutierrez

IBP/rtr

Ferrari to evaluate Gutierrez

Ferrari will be running the rule over Haas driver Esteban Gutierrez during 2016 ahead of a potential future drive, Formula 1’s newest team boss feels. Following months of speculation, Gutierrez was finally confirmed as one of newcomer Haas’s two drivers at the end of October, alongside Romain Grosjean.

Given the technical agreement between Haas and Ferrari, and Gutierrez’s role with the Scuderia as test and reserve driver, the former Sauber driver’s appointment came as no surprise.

Owner Gene Haas has confirmed Ferrari approached him about putting Gutierrez in one of his cars for 2016, with a view towards determining whether the 24-year-old could fill one of its own race seats further down the line.

“Ferrari is like a top-notch university, and if you go to that university then you have good credentials,” Haas told Autosport. “If anything, most of it is the fact Ferrari said ‘Here’s a driver you should consider and we would like to have him in your car’.

“Ferrari was interested in Esteban driving. Part of it is they would like to try him out so that they can evaluate him for a Ferrari drive down the road.

“I don’t know what Ferrari’s personal point of view is, but my point of view would be is they put talent in cars that they think have a potential to be their future drivers.”

Haas recognises on that basis all eyes at Ferrari will be on Gutierrez to see how he performs, especially given that Kimi Raikkonen’s latest contract only covers the 2016 season.

“Well, if you want to be a successful Formula 1 driver and compete for championships, there’s pressure,” Haas added. “Immense pressure.” (rtr)

Soderling finally retires after longrunning illness

LONDON - Sweden’s Robin Soderling, the player best-known for being the first man to beat Rafael Nadal at the French Open, has retired from professional tennis because of a long-running illness.

The 31-year-old, twice a runner-up at Roland Garros, has not played an ATP World Tour event since 2011 due to mononucleosis, an energysapping viral illness.

“Thank you so much for all your kind words. So sad I won’t play professional tennis again, but reading all your msgs makes me feel a lot better,” Soderling said on his Twitter account. Soderling spent 10 years on the Tour and rose to world number four.

In 2009 he ended Nadal’s domination in Paris with a stunning victory, only to lose to Roger Federer in the final -- Federer’s only title at the claycourt grand slam. (rtr)

6

Monday, December 28, 2015

W

International

RLD

Myanmar’s army chief questions Thailand murder verdict

YANGON, Myanmar — The head of Myanmar’s military joined growing criticism Sunday against the death sentences handed down to two men from Myanmar for a double murder on a Thai resort island, calling on Thailand’s military government to review the case.

A Buddhist monk delivers a speech outside the house of leader of National League for Democracy party (NLD) Aung San Suu Kyi during a demonstration against a Thai court’s verdict sentencing on Dec. 24, two Myanmar migrant workers to death in Yangon, Myanmar, Sunday, Dec. 27 2015.

cording to Sunday’s state-run Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper, which carried the statement on its front page.

The brutality of the murders tarnished the image of Thailand’s tourism industry and raised questions about police competence and the Thai judicial system after the defense accused police of mishandling key evidence and using the two men as scapegoats.

Police deny any wrongdoing.

Since the verdict, protests have been held in Myanmar’s biggest city, Yangon — outside the Thai Embassy and at the famed Shwedagon Pagoda — and at the Myanmar-Thai border.

Sunday’s English-language Bangkok Post reported that Myanmar’s ambassador to Thailand also expressed objections to the verdict.

“Even though we do not wish to meddle with the justice system of Thailand, we would like to request the prime minister review and reconsider the case,” the Bangkok Post quoted the ambassador, Win Maung, as saying in a statement.

Human Rights Watch called the verdict “profoundly disturbing,” citing the defendants’ accusations of police torture that were never investigated and questionable DNA evidence linking them to the crime.

The general’s statement Sunday was part of a New Year’s message to his Thai counterparts, including Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, a fellow general who is also Thailand’s minister of defense. (ap)

TEHRAN, Iran — Iranian President Hassan Rouhani accused archrival Saudi Arabia Sunday of promoting poverty and terrorism by continuing to bomb Yemeni rebels and supporting armed rebels fighting to topple Syrian President Bashar Assad in Syria.

Addressing a conference in Tehran, Rouhani suggested that destroying Syria won’t strengthen those governments in the region which support the anti-Assad rebels.

“Does the weakening of Syria benefit its Muslim neighbors? Does the destruction of Syria lead to the strengthening of Turkey, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates or other countries? Who is pleased by Syria’s destruction other

and greater poverty in Yemen, saying these were among the main causes behind the spread of extremism in the region.

Rouhani’s comments highlight the struggle for regional supremacy between Shiite powerhouse Iran and the Sunni kingdom of Saudi Arabia that has played out in conflicts in Bahrain, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen, where Saudi Arabia is leading an Arab military intervention against Shiite rebels who are backed by Iran.

The Yemen conflict pits President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi, a U.S. ally, against the Iranian-backed Shiite Houthis — who control the capital, Sanaa — and military units loyal to ex-president Ali Abdullah Saleh. (ap)

Gen. Min Aung Hlaing’s comments, carried prominently by state media, came three days after the men were convicted of murdering two British tourists on the island of Koh Tao last year. The verdict has sparked daily protests in Myanmar and attracted global attention.

The army chief urged Thailand to “review the evidence” that led to the convictions of the two migrants, Win Zaw Htun and Zaw Lin, both 22, who say Thai police tortured them into

confessing.

The men were found guilty of killing David Miller, 24, and Hannah Witheridge, 23, whose battered bodies were found on a Koh Tao beach on Sept. 14, 2014. Autopsies showed the pair, who met on the island while staying at the same hotel, had suffered severe head wounds and that Witheridge had been raped.

The general urged Thailand to “avoid a situation in which the innocent ... were wrongly punished,” ac-

AP Photo/Gemunu Amarasinghe

Iran accuses Saudi of promoting poverty, terrorism than Israel,” Rouhani said.

Iran is one of Assad’s main allies and has provided his government with military and political backing for years. Rouhani said the Islamic State group and other armed groups are defaming Islam by resorting to barbaric acts and that has led to Muslim states forgetting their common enemy: Israel. “How many bombs and missiles have you purchased from the U.S. in the past year,” Rouhani asked in an apparent reference to Saudi Arabia. “If you had distributed the same money among poor Muslims, none of them would have gone to bed hungry.”

Rouhani, a moderate politician, said a Saudi-led coalition that has been bombing Yemen since March has prompted a humanitarian crisis

International

Monday, December 28, 2015

11

President inaugurates Komodo Airport

LABUAN BAJO, East Nusa Tenggara - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) officiated Komodo Airport of Labuan Bajo in East Nusa Tenggara on Sunday. “I hope that the presence of this airport’s new terminal and the extension of its ranways will help boost the arrivals of tourists to this region,” President Jokowi said when inaugurating the aiport’s terminal and runway extension on Sunday.

AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino

Pope Francis delivers his speech during a Mass for families in St.Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2015.

Pope calls for solution for stranded Cuban migrants

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis has appealed for generosity toward Cuban migrants “who find themselves in difficulty in Central America.”

The pope said following his traditional Angelus blessing Sunday that many of the Cubans are victims of human trafficking, and called on the region’s governments to find a solution to the “human drama.”

Thousands of Cubans had been migrating through Central America

in fear that the year-old warming in U.S.-Cuban relations could end Cubans’ special immigration privileges in the United States.

Some 8,000 Cubans have been stranded in Costa Rica since midNovember when Nicaragua began rejecting Cubans from crossing its territory. Costa Rica stopped giving Cubans travel visas last week.

Francis lingered after the Angelus to listen to a youth choir sing Christmas carols. (ap)

EU official presses airports to offer cheap water

BERLIN — A European Union official says she’s trying to get airports to offer cheap water for travelers after they’ve been through security checks.

Air travelers in the EU aren’t allowed to take liquids in containers larger than 100 milliliters through security checks. That effectively means passengers wanting to take water on their flight have to buy it in departure lounges, where it’s sometimes considerably more expensive

than in normal shops.

EU transport commissioner Violeta Bulc was quoted Sunday as telling Germany’s Welt am Sonntag newspaper that talks are taking place.

She said 126 European airports accounting for 50 percent of passenger volume say they’re prepared to offer bottles of water for 1 euro ($1.10) just beyond security checks, but “our aim is for all airports to do that if possible.” (ap)

Hotel ...

20 percent of their rooms currently being occupied.

According to its Operations Manager, I Ketut Sumerta, this number is however not too alarming considering that this hotel, located in the heart of Denpasar has only been in operation for a short time.

“We’re still new, so that it is natural to have a less than optimal occupancy rate,” said Sumerta.

Head of the Denpasar Tourism Office, I Wayan Gunawan, invites everyone involved in tourism to consider the fact that any disturbance to security will directly impact the number of visitors to the island. (kmb12)

From page 1

The declining number of tourist visits this year, she said, is inseparable from incidents including the eruptions of two volcanoes earlier this year.

In addition, there is also a global economic slowdown. “I think the Paris bombings did not have significant impact because we mostly rely on visitors form Australia,” she said.

Although the occupancy rates for Puri Dalem Hotel are down to 46 percent, The Grand Mirah is experiencing even more severe conditions with only

According to President Jokowi, the expansion of the airport is very important for accelerating the economic development in East Nusa Tenggara, particularly that of the Flores Island and its surrounding.

He said that the airport was expected to become a gate for tour-

ists to come to enjoy the beauty of Labuan Bajo’s beaches and undersea panorama, the beauty of Lake Kalimutu, the prehistoric Liang Bua Cave, the Komodo Park in Komodo Island, the Merah Muda Beach and many others.

The President also asked that the

promotions of the region should be intensified after the inauguration of the airport terminal.

The regional government needs to cooperate with various airlines to increase the intensity of flights to the airport, the president added.

He expressed his hope that flights coming to the Komodo airport should come not only from Bali but also from other cities in Indonesia and abroad such as Jakarta, Surabaya and Singapore.

Jokowi also expected that the economy of Labuan Bajo would improve in line with the increas-

ing number of tourists visiting the region.

The economic activities in Labuan Bajo could be generated through increasing the number of hotels, advancing creative economy in the form of souvenirs and boosting tourism-related small-business development.

He asked the airport management to continue maintenance of the newly inaugurated airport.

The airport was initially developed as an air strip in 1975. Now the airport already has a clean and specious terminal with an artistic

design. It now had a 2,250-meter runway with a width of 45 meters.

The president arrived in NTT on Sunday for a working visit during which he will also inspect a 5-MW solar power plant in Oelpuah Village, Centgral Kupang District.

On Monday, the president is expected to visit Atambua to launch the inauguration of the groundbreaking development of Rotiklot Dam in the border area with Timor Leste.

He will also attend the Christmas Day celebration in Kupang before leaving for Jakarta. (ant)

Police arrests two over New Year suicide terror plot JAKARTA - Indonesian police said Friday they have arrested two men, including a member of China’s Uighur minority, allegedly involved in a planned New Year suicide attack in Jakarta.

Police arrested an Indonesian, named as Arif Hodayatullah, near the capital for driving a car without a licence plate and found several books about bomb-making inside the vehicle, according to a document seen by AFP. An anti-terror squad raided his house in West Java, where they arrested a Uighur, identified only as Alli, and confiscated a suicide vest and material to assemble a bomb.

“We also found a design (of where the attack would be carried out), but we have only found one, we need to investigate more,” national police spokesman Anton Charliyan said late Thursday.

The arrests come at a time of heightened alert after police arrested several other suspected extremists.

On Monday police in Java arrested five suspects from a cell linked to the Islamic State group, and four from one linked to the Jemaah Islamiyah terror network, responsible for several major attacks in Indonesia.

The country is deploying more than 150,000 military and police personnel during the Christmas and New Year period and has increased security at its airports after a threat was directed at one serving Jakarta.

A police source, who declined to be named, said Alli was believed to be a bombmaker and was chosen to carry out the suicide attack.

Hodayatullah told police he was instructed by a man named Bahrunnaim, a militant residing in Syria, to help Indonesians wishing to join the IS group.

Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country, suffered several major bomb attacks by Islamic radicals between 2000 and 2009, including the 2002 Bali bombings that killed 202 people.

But a crackdown has weakened the most dangerous extremist networks.

However the emergence of IS has sparked alarm that Indonesians returning from battlefields in the Middle East could revive them. (afp)

AP Photo

Indonesian police officers put a police line outside a house where a suspected militant was arrested in Bekasi, West Java, Thursday, Dec. 24, 2015.

Ferry accident death toll climbs to 63

JAKARTA - The death toll from a ferry disaster in central Indonesia has risen to 63 with a handful of people still missing as the search and rescue operation winds down, an official said Friday. Search and rescue agency chief Bambang Soelistyo said as of Friday morning 103 passengers

aboard the ill-fated boat had been recovered, with just 40 found alive.

“If the information is correct, we are still searching for 15 other missing people,” Soelistyo told AFP, adding that all the bodies found so far were within the search area.

The ferry operator said the boat

was carrying 116 people when it ran into trouble, but Soelistyo said there were two canteen staff who were not mentioned on the manifest.

Ten vessels -- including navy warships -- and two aircraft are scouring the seas for any sign of the missing, while families wait anxiously for

news in Siwa, the port town where the stricken vessel was heading.

Soelistyo said according to the initial plan the search should end on Saturday but could be extended depending on a final evaluation of the operation.

The ferry sank on rough seas last

Saturday with survivors describing massive waves smashing into the vessel before the engine died and the order was made to abandon ship.

The Indonesian archipelago of more than 17,000 islands is heavily dependent on ferry services but fatal accidents are common. (afp)

12

International

Monday, December 28, 2015

BUSINESS Thailand hoping to attract wealthier travellers

BANGKOK - It may have made its name as the ultimate backpacker destination but Thailand hopes to attract a more well-heeled kind of traveller in the future, its tourism minister said Friday, as the kingdom announced record arrivals for 2015.

The vital tourism industry remains one of the few economic brightspots following a year in which the junta-led government has struggled to kickstart the kingdom’s stumbling economy.

By the end of the year Thailand will have received more than 29.6 million foreign visitors, Minister for Tourism and Sports Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul told reporters.

“Our goal is to focus on quality and how to make tourists stay longer and spend more money,” Kobkarn said, adding officials would target women, luxury holiday makers and sports tourism.

This year’s tourist arrivals are a significant jump from the 24.8 million who visited in 2014 -- when the country was wracked by months of debilitating street protests and a military coup -- and 26.5 million in 2013.

“Revenue from the tourism industry accounted for 14.5 percent of our GDP,” Kobkarn said.

After years of largely impressive economic expansion during the 1990s and 2000s, Thailand’s growth has significantly slowed, leading some to dub it the sick man of Southeast Asia.

Thailand’s planning agency expects this year’s growth to be between 2.7 and 3.2 percent, an improvement on last year’s negligible expansion but still one of the poorest performing economies in Southeast Asia.

Some independent economists have suggested growth could be as low as 2.5 percent.

Army chief Prayut Chan-O-Cha seized power in May 2014, ousting a democratically elected government that he accused of being corrupt and running costly populist policies.

But his vow to kickstart growth has largely fallen flat.

The country’s key agricultural sectors -- including rice and rubber -- have struggled with falling global prices, curbing the amount of crops produced and taking money out of Thais’ pockets.

The country also remains one of Southeast Asia’s most indebted economies, denting consumer confidence.

In a recent note to clients Capital Economics said Thailand’s tourism industry had weathered a deadly bomb attack in Bangkok in August that appeared to target ethnic Chinese tourists.

“In 2015 we estimate that tourism will contribute 2 percentage points to GDP growth. Without this boost, the economy would hardly have expanded at all,” Asia economist Krystal Tan wrote.

However Tan warned that there was “almost no chance” of 2016 matching this year’s figures, citing capacity constraints -- particularly at Thailand’s already hard-pressed airports.

Tourism minister Kobkarn said she hoped Thailand could attract 32 million visitors in 2016. (afp)

AIIB formally established: government

BEIJING - The China-backed Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), viewed by some as a rival to the World Bank and Asian Development Bank, was formally established on Friday, according to a statement issued by Beijing.

The United States and Japan -- the world’s largest and third-largest economies, respectively -- have notably declined to join the bank, which is expected to begin operations early next year, though others such as Australia, Germany and Britain

will take part.

It will be operational once its board of directors and executive council have met for the first time at an opening ceremony scheduled for January 16-18, the ministry of finance said in a statement on its official

website.

Beijing will be by far the largest AIIB shareholder at about 30 percent, according to the legal framework signed by 50 founding member countries in late June.

The bank is headquartered in Beijing and currently has 57 members.

With authorised capital of $100 billion, it expects to offer its first batch of project loans by mid-2016, according to the official Xinhua news agency. (afp)

AP Photo/Victor R. Caivano

People walk outside a money exchange house in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Thursday, Dec. 17, 2015.

Dollar weakens against yen, emerging market currencies

TOKYO - The dollar broadly weakened Friday as emerging market currencies got a boost from recovering oil prices, which eased fears about slumping demand and a faltering global economy.

Crude prices climbed on the back of a surprisingly big drop in US petroleum inventories, fuelling hopes that a sell-off in the commodity may be coming to an end.

The upbeat sentiment Friday pushed traders into currencies seen as a riskier bet, with the Taiwan dollar rising 0.3 percent,

while the Indonesian rupiah and South Korean won both inched up 0.02 percent.

Higher-yielding -- and riskier -- emerging units have been hit hard this year on fears of a flight of capital to the US as dealers look for better, safer investments boosted by last week’s Federal Reserve interest rate raise. Against its major peers, the greenback weakened to a two-month low of 120.19 yen against 120.28 yen in New York, and 120.87 yen on Wednesday.

The euro edged up to $1.0965 from

$1.0964. It weakened to 131.73 yen from 131.87 yen in US trade.

Analysts, however, said the US unit would likely hold up in 2016.

“The dollar may end the year with a little pause but it’s too early to declare the uptrend has reversed,” Koji Fukaya, chief executive officer at Tokyo-based FPG Securities, told Bloomberg News.

“The dollar will remain solid through 2016 as interest rates rise with an improving economy.” (afp)

Bali News

International

Monday, December 28, 2015

5

Preservation of bukakak tradition, role of the youths engaged

SINGARAJA - A tradition of expressing gratitude for bountiful harvests is carried out in different areas. Gratitude and preservation of culture at Giri Mas village, Sawan, is shown through bukakak tradition for generations.

Held biennially, the bukakak tradition is a symbol of the Lord Vishnu. It is made from bamboo and young palm leaf resembling an eagle bird with the height of three meters.

Cortege of the bukakak tradition is made as vibrant as possible.

Baleganjur gamelan music enriches the atmosphere and vivacity of young people around the village.

Bukakak tradition was last held at subak temple of Giri Mas in series with the Ngusaba of Giri Mas village, falling on full moon of April 2015 or the tenth month in Balinese calendar.

Skilled hands made the bukakak by twisted young palm leaves and bamboo accompanied by baleganjur gamelan music and Balinese psalmody chants. According to a resource person of bukakak tradition, Jro Mangku Ketut Merta Dharma, the tradition is mandatory and must be preserved by future generation. Hundreds of young men and women come together wearing traditional white clothing and red saput.

“It characterizes the red-andwhite symbol. After praying together at Pura Subak Giri Mas and doing purification of the sarad paraphernalia at Pura Pancoran Mas, the young people invoke yellow rice (bija),” said Jro Mangku.

It is said that the bukakak tradition is part of symbol or public confidence at Giri Mas village. At that time, the venerated deities were going around to a number of vil-

The Bukakak tradition held in Giri Mas village, Sawan, Singaraja lages in Buleleng, such as Sawan, Bungkulan, Bale Agung, Seririt, Sangsit and others.

Vivacity of bukakak in the outermost courtyard of the Pura Subak Giri Mas is also accompanied with dangsil or meru-like shrine as a symbol of sad kahyangan and dang kahyangan. “The people getting involved are the pilgrims from four directions and various villages in Bali. Bukakak tradition is owned by the Bali Island. It is held as an

expression of people’s gratitude, especially related to the increasing harvest yield,” he said.

When confirmed the Head of the Buleleng Culture and Tourism Agency, Gede Suyasa, said that the bukakak tradition must be always preserved. He considered the important role of younger generation in introducing the bukakak retaining high philosophical value. In the future, the bukakak tradition will be designed

to be included in the calendar of event. It is worth seeing by local and foreign travelers.

“This bukakak tradition has been included in our calendar of event in the Buleleng Culture and Tourism Agency. We have even informed all the stakeholders in tourism and the PHRI. Later in January, it has begun to spread brochures in several strategic tourist locations and Ngurah Rai Airport,” said Suyasa.

He added that the bukakak tradi-

IBP/Dewa Kusuma

tion presents special attraction due to the involvement of customary youth club. This bukakak tradition has cultural values and traditions.

“We see the bukakak in terms of tourism side and can become a part of cultural richness in Buleleng.

Moreover, this tradition is involving the community and young people through its customary youth club.

At the same time, it is also the customary and cultural preservation,” he said. (kmb34)

Besieged by investors

Klungkung to develop tourism at former quarry

SEMARAPURA - The government of Klungkung plans to turn 300 hectares of former quarry land into a tourism development. The land which has laid dormant since the mine closed in 2000, has begun to attract the attention of real estate developers.

The governments still needs to look into who owns the former mine, so that the abandoned plot of land’s utilization status can be legally changed.

Regent of Klungkung, I Nyoman Suwirta, admitted that many tourism investors are eyeing the former quarry because it already has easy road access and is located within a ‘strategic tourism zone’.

A few companies have even submitted their concept and plan for the site, however Regent Suwirta cannot make any decision about the future utilization of this land yet.

According to the designation of

this area, the former quarry said Regent Suwirta, will certainly be developed into a tourism area, most likely an integrated tourist resort. “It will depend the concept proposed by investors. As long as it complies with the designation, we will certainly support it,” he said.

Given the number of companies that have already presented their plans and concepts for the former quarry, it is clear that the site has

a lot of potential to be developed into a tourism resort. However, the government of Klungkung needs to look at which of these plans is most suitable. “Many investors have presented their plan and concept.

We’ll choose the one that is best for our communities, customs and culture,” he said.

Developing the former quarry into a tourism site started a the end of 2015, with dissemination of information about the proposed

plan to surrounding communities, as del as the taking of inventory.

Several stages still need to be gone through before any plan can be realized, including verification, troubleshooting and certification of the land.

So far, data collection about the landowners as part of the inventory process has been stalled due to lack of participation from the landowners, so the process will continue into 2016. (dwa)

4

Monday, December 28, 2015

Bali News

Bad weather has no impact on Marine tourism in Nusa Penida.

SEMARAPURA - Apparently the rainy weather has not dampened the spirits for domestic and foreign visitors, who continue to take part in activities in Nusa Penida’s Marine Conservation Area. The protected coral reef here is also being monitored to make sure that these tourist visits are not causing any harm to the the coral reef and other protected organisms in the area.

Unit Head of the KKP Nusa Penida, I Nyoman Karyawan, said that the rain has had no major impact on the number of visitors to the area, and many people can be seeking enjoying the ocean. “Even though it does rain sometimes, there is plenty of sunshine and tourists are still coming,” he said while monitoring coral reef in the protected areas.

Storms that have caused landslides and falling tress in some areas, have had little effect on the waters of Nusa Penida. Karyawan did however, acknowledge that some coral reefs have been damaged by large waves.

“Some coral reefs have been flipped over and carried off by the waves, but this is quite common and they can grow back. Larger coral reefs are sturdier and an withstand weather like we have been having,” he explained.

There is a 468.85 hectares “core zone” of the conservation area that is off limits to human activity, so KKP Nusa Penida has been keeping an eye on things to make sure that the large number of tourists remain in the designated area. Karyawan said that there have been no serious violations by visitors so far. Minor violations such as feeding the fish have occurred and simply result in a reprimand.

The KKP Nusa Penida plays a major role in ensuring that tourism in Nusa Penida remains sustainable, particularly considering that the coral reef are a major attraction.

There are 296 different species of coral reef found in an area of some 150.00 hectares. The Marine Conservation Area (KKP) is part of the ‘global coral triangle’ that prioritized for conservation internationally. (dwa)

tourists and people living around the prison.

“Today (Kerobokan Prison— Ed) is very unsuitable and every year there are problems. I think that Kerobokan Prison should be relocated,” he said.

The idea of relocating Kerobokan Prison has been circulating for some time. “A member of my family used to be the headman of Kerobokan and at that time a proposal to have the prison relocated, was already submitted, but I don’t know what happened, the prison still hasn’t been moved,” he said.

Putra, who is also a member of

13

Taiwan presidential front-runner: Can’t ‘be bound’ to China

TAIPEI, Taiwan — The front-runner in Taiwan’s presidential race said Sunday that she’ll seek stable relations with mainland China, but did not rule out revisiting the island’s official stance on independence, leaving open questions about how China would respond to her probable victory in next month’s elections.

Tsai Ing-wen, the opposition leader who has firmly held onto a sizeable lead in polls, used her platform during the first debate to warn against the political rapprochement and deepening economic ties with the mainland brought by the ruling Nationalist Party, or KMT, since 2008 elections.

“We cannot simply be bound to China,” she said. “That’s what worries us most about the past eight years — the sense that that’s the only choice we have. That’s not good for our economy or our security.”

Against the backdrop of a sputtering economy and rising anti-mainland sentiment, the Jan. 16 elections have been framed by both sides as a referendum on the KMT’s China policy under President Ma Ying-jeou.

Ma backed — with varying degrees of success — several trade pacts with the mainland during his term and held a historic summit in November

with Chinese President Xi Jinping. It was the first such meeting since the Chinese Communist Party defeated the KMT in China’s civil war and established the People’s Republic of China in 1949.

The upcoming election is being closely watched by Washington and Beijing, which considers Taiwan a breakaway province and has threatened to take the island by force if it declares independence.(ap) Protesters dressed in traditional Chinese costumes with signs that read “expropriation of land” demand better land policies as Taiwan’s 2016 presidential election candidates arrive for their first televised policy debate in Taipei, Taiwan, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2015.

More residents evacuated amid flooding in northern England IBP/File

Nusa Penida

Residents want Kerobokan Prison ‘relocated’

MANGUPURA - After recent gang clashed, discussion about relocating of the Kerobokan Prison have emerged again. People from the communities that near the prison, want the class II1 Denpasar Prison to be moved out of Kerobokan Kelod, North Kuta because its presence there has frequently made people uneasy.

Member of the Kerobokan Royal Police, AAN Ketut Nadhi Putra said that the current location of the prison is not suitable because of its proximity to a tourism area and many problems related to the prison have affected the safety of

Monday, December 28, 2015

International

International

the Badung House of Representatives said that replacing the chief of Kerobokan is not an effective solution to the social issues at the root of the problem. There continues to be social problems every year , that make people feel unsafe. Problems started with small clashed amongst prisoners in different blocks and these led to the tragic clashes in the streets that resulted in casualties,” said the Badung legislator.

This Golkar politician also said that the central government. “The capacity of the prison is about 300 inmates, but currently the number of prisoners far exceeds that capi-

city- in fact there have been as many as 900 inmates incarcerated there at one time,” he explained.

Putra is therefore asking the central government to build a new prison in Karangasem or in some other area located far from densely populated urban areas, so that safety and comfort can be maximized.

A similar opinion was expressed by chief of the Kerobokan customary village, A.A. Putu Sutarja who is concerned about the current condition of Kerobokan Prison and particularly the frequent cases of bloodshed that take place there.

“Why should I do mecaru or animal

sacrifice every time there is bloody incident at the prison? It’s very damaging the environment of our village,” he said.

Sutarja also said that the Kerobokan Prison is unsuitable in everything from lack of parking and traffic in the area, to other more serious problems. The iceberg of issues at the prison, is starting to melt, he said. “We hope that all levels of government the village level to the province, can petition the central government to relocate the prison and that the land where the prison now stands, be used as a a city park,” he concluded. (kmb27)

LONDON — Hundreds more people have been told to leave their homes in northern England as weeks of heavy rainfall continue to cause heavy flooding. Police in the York area 200 miles (320 kilometers) north of London on Sunday advised more than 300 people to leave their homes because of rising river waters.

Several hundred had been evacuated the day before in the West Yorkshire and Lancashire regions and officials said thousands had lost power.

The official Met Office weather service indicated that only very small amounts of rain are expected in the flooded areas in the next day.

Hundreds of flood warnings and alerts remain in place in parts of England and Wales.

Prime Minister David Cameron plans to convene the govJohn Giles/PA via AP Members of the army and rescue teams help evacuate people from flooded properties ernment’s emergency Cobra after they became trapped by rising floodwater when the River Ouse bursts its banks in ministerial group to coordinate the crisis response.(ap) York city center Sunday, Dec. 27, 2015.

AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying

German minister advocates random drug testing for pilots BERLIN — Germany’s transport minister is advocating the introduction of unannounced alcohol, drug and medicine tests for pilots in the country.

Transport Minister Alexander Dobrindt’s proposal follows the crash in March of a Germanwings jet that killed all 150 people aboard. Prosecutors believe the co-pilot intentionally crashed the plane and say they found torn-up sick notes from doctors at his home.

Dobrindt was quoted Sunday as telling the Bild am Sonntag newspaper that it makes sense for pilots to be tested at random for alcohol, drug and medicine consumption. He said experts see positive effects for air transport safety.

He said airlines should be responsible for such tests, adding that “the control system in this form is already established in the U.S. and Australia — Europe should follow suit.”(ap)

14

Traveling

Monday, December 28, 2015

Suzette Laboy via AP

Suzette Laboy via AP

HONG KONG — Hong Kong is a crowded, busy place, but there is a way to escape the city, visit a giant Buddha and feel like you’re nearly floating in the clouds.

You may have to put up with long lines in order to get there, though.

Ngong Ping Village is located on Lantau Island, Hong Kong’s largest island. The mountainside village can feel a little like a Disney attraction with crowds and souvenir photos.

But it’s also the site of the centuryold Po Lin Monastery, complete with temples and statues.

The most popular way to get there is the Ngong Ping 360, a cable car that soars over mountains and sea on a 5.7-kilometer (about 3.5-mile) route. It’s not for those afraid of heights, since the cable car sways slightly as the winds

pick up the closer to the peak you get. And the lines for tickets can stretch for hours, though you can book online.

The view includes plateaus, valleys and hiking trails, and a sitting Buddha on the horizon.

A t t h e top,

Suzette Laboy via AP

Serenity Now: A giant Buddha and a view from above Hong Kong walk past the shops (or grab a copy of that picture taken when you stepped into the car) and head for the bronze Tian Tan Buddha statue, also known as the Big Buddha. Completed in 1993, this outdoor bronze statue, 34 meters (112 feet) tall rests on the peak of a mountain.

Ta k e

the 268 steps to reach the tip of the lotus flower where the statue sits, passing by praying Buddhists along the way. Several other statues overlook the landscape and village below. A small museum tells the story of Buddha and sells prayer beads blessed by monks.

This high up, clouds seem within reach. The wind is cool and inviting.

Enjoy the views before climbing back down for another photo (or selfie) with the Buddha in the background.

Buddhists worship throughout the grounds and the scent of burning incense fills the air. Inside the Grand Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas is a spectacular

Bali News

International

International

sight: the thousands of small, golden Buddha statues. Outside, the gardens are fragrant with the smell of tea leaves. Stop for a bite at the vegetarian restaurant or try some street food, from fried noodles to sticky rice filled with meat.

Continue your path to enlightenment by taking a short, leisurely hike through the quiet hills to the Wisdom Path overlooking the mountains and sea. Benches offer a perfect spot to rest, meditate and take in the views. The path is lined with a series of wooden columns forming the infinity symbol, with a Buddhist prayer written on them in Chinese calligraphy.

The cable car will take you back to crowded Hong Kong, but the nighttime views are also worth the trip. (ap)

Suzette Laboy via AP

Monday, December 28, 2015

3

Australian citizen deported after completing jail sentence DENPASAR - An Australian citizen, Joshua Ronald Terellick, will be deported to his country after serving two months and 15 days jail sentence following his conviction in a case related to a road accident that claimed the lives of a Balinese citizen.

Putu Agus Ardiana (22), a resident of Banjar Cica Abianbase village in Badung District, was killed in the accident, Joshua’s lawyer Erwin Siregar said that Joshua was released after his detention period ended.

The accident happened in July 2015.

“Joshua was released because he had undergone two months and 15 days of prison sentence,” Siregar stated.

Meanwhile, Joshua expressed his happiness at having been released.

“I am happy to be free today, and after I arrive in Australia, I will first meet my family and my friends,” he said on Tuesday. (ant)

Gang fights cause domestic travelers to cancel trips to Bali GIANYAR - After the news of gang clashes in the streets of Denpasar in mid-December, a number of domestic tourists cancelled their flight to Ngurah Rai International Airport. Chairman of the Indonesia Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) Bali, Tjokorda Oka Artha Ardana Sukawati, said that given how easy it is to book and cancel flights and accommodations these days, when there is a threat to security, such as the recent gang clashes in Bali.

He said tourists will immediately changing their destinations. “Tourism is not like it was in the past.

Today the tendency is to choose a destination at the last minute, so if there are any issues -like the recent street fights, people will simply divert their destination from Bali to somewhere else, like Yogya for example,” said Sukawati.

This public figure from the Ubud Royal Palace revealed that flights were cancelled after news of the gang related fatalities and injuries was made public and that the number of tourist visits was already down from this time last year, but that incident has only made things worse, with hotel occupancy rates hovering around 50 percent.

“Obvisouly we do not have all the data for the full month of December yet, but we estimate that occupancy rates might have plunged to 40 percent or less after the gang clashes,” he worried.

Seeing the impact of the gang street fights, this former regent of Gianyar also hopes that the government and police authorities can take decisive action to prevent such incidents from reoccurring. Despite police having signed peace agreements with the different gangs, such incidents continue to occur.

“There needs to be some clear guidelines for all parties involved, including things like licensing for group organizations, so that their existence is not simply noted but is recognized by a license. That way, in the case of a disturbance like the one that recently took place, the groups in question could be given guidance or have their license revoked,” he said.

Sukawati also assessed there is a trend among young people in Bali, to join these types of organizations.

Ncknamed as the Island of Thousand Temples, Bali has a customary security taskforce known as pecalang as well as law enforcement officials like the police.

“Actually we have already have security officers plus pecalang.

I think they should be enough.

The problem is that many people in our communities do not feel confident about the abilities of existing security forces, perhaps because of their slow response time. This lack of trust has contributed to gangs becoming more popular with young people,” he said. (kmb35)

ANTARA FOTO/Fikri Yusuf

Bali’s Ngurah Rai Airport recorded a 45 percent increase in international passenger arrivals three days prior to the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.

International passenger arrivals up 45 percent

KUTA - Bali’s Ngurah Rai Airport recorded a 45 percent increase in international passenger arrivals three days prior to the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. “The number of international passengers rose to 13,938, or 45 percent, compared to the same period last year,” Trikora Harjo, the general manager of PT Angkasa Pura I, the operator of the airport, stated.

The passengers from various countries arrived aboard 73 flights at the Goddess Island.

Harjo has forecast that the number would continue to increase ahead of the New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Domestic passenger arriv-

als also increased to 15,663, or almost two percent, compared to the same period last year and also in comparison to the 11,987 passengers who have departed from Bali.

The number of both domestic and international passenger arriv-

als has already begun increasing two days ago.

To anticipate the hike in passenger arrivals, the airport authorities have set up monitoring posts in cooperation with the police, the TNI (military), and other security agencies.

In anticipation of the increase in arrivals, domestic airline companies Citilink and Lion Air have also applied to operate 180 additional flights to accommodate the departing passengers after the holidays. (ant)

2

International

Monday, December 28, 2015

Activities

International

COVER STORY Digital ...

From page 1

For example, the government has digital documentation of all of the Bali Arts Festival performances that should be posted on YouTube.

“So now it is time to show more examples of performances that touch the hearts of our people.

These performances need to have entertainment value so that younger people can enjoy art forms that are sometimes considered outdated.

The most important thing is that these art forms are recorded, especially considering that the Culture Agency’s budget remains quite small,” he said.

Dr. Ni Made Wiratini from the Customary Village General Assembly (MUDP) said that the ‘pornographic’ style Joged Bumbung performances are also rife within the Balinese community.

A few joged bumbung art troupes have been infiltatred by wild dancers that are wiling to dance inappropriate versions of this jogged dance.

There have also been cases of public figures “enlivening” there ceremonial activities with performances of salacious versions of Joged Bumbung. Community leaders need to be taking a more active role in preventing these sorts of performances. The question is -do these leaders have the cour-

age to put a stop to the sexualised version of Joged Bumbung?” she questioned.

Head of the Bali Culture Agency, Dewa Putu Beratha, said that he will be immediately establishing a small team to work on combating the circulation of salacious Joged Bumbung videos on the internet.

One way to combat the negative image that theses videos causes, is uploading more videos of the proper Joged Bumbung dance.

They will also focus on briefing Joged Bumbung troupes about what is appropriate - particularly contemporary dance troupes and freelance dancers. “We have not updated our data about joged bumbung dance troupes in Bali since 1977, so we need to update our data, particularly in connection with dance groups that are developing this art form,” said Beratha.

Beratha added that young people who have access to uploading or watching joged bumbung, will also be given guidance about what is suitable or not. There are also plans to petition YouTube to stop displaying the “pornographic” versions of this traditional dance.

“We need to discuss the matter of the petition, to determine whether it makes sense to try and delete any of the videos. In the mean time we are focused on ‘re-branding’ the image of joged bumbung, so that it is more in line with the dance’s intended form,” he affirmed. (kmb32)

IBP/File Photo

Artists performed Wayang Wong. The Karangasem Culture and Tourism Agency hopes that they can work with ISI Denpasar to help re-construct and revive traditional performing arts in Karangasem, including Wayang Wong, as performers in the area are increasingly scarce.

Government wants to collaborate with ISI to preserve fading art forms

IBP/Sumatika

Although ISI Denpasar has not been formally contacted yet, Purna feels both hopeful and grateful for the contributions that ISI has already made to art troupes in Karangasem.

Some of the community services that ISI has provided, include training art troupes in Budakeling (last month) and helping with the reconstruction of the Wayang Wong ballet in Selumbung village, Manggis.

The Karangasem Culture and Tourism Agency hopes that they can work with ISI Denpasar to help re-construct and revive traditional performing arts in Karangasem, as performers in the area are increas-

ingly scarce. “Karangasem did not perform the arja operetta in last July’s Bali Arts Festival (BAF) nor did we provide a puppet show due to our lack of performers. We are still in the process of reviving the arja operetta in Besang hamlet, Ababi,” explained Purna.

They also plan to revive the wayang wong ballet in two other villages this year; with the Dresta Sudarma art troupe at Wates Tengah (Selat) and the Pasek Gelgel art troupe at Waringin customary village, Pempatan (Rendang).

Secretary of Culture and Tourism Agency of Karangasem, Made

Sosiawan, explained that not only is training being provided but the two art troupes will also be receiving IDR 36 million to assist them in reviving these arts. He added, however that the most important thing is that there be enthusiasm for this endeavour.

Purna express his concern about the fading interest in traditional arts, that he ascribes to the younger generation of performers being more interested in instantly gratifying forms of entertainment. His concern lies in the fact that the traditional arts necessarily include ethical, philosophical, mental and moral content that could be lost if these performing arts fade out of existence. “It’s a big challenge to keep them alive, but we must never give up. We must endeavour to conserve these arts by reviving and re-constructing them,” concluded Purna. (013)

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15

Artotel Thamrin win “Indonesia Leading Lifestyle Hotel” IBP/Courtesy of Artotel

HEAD of the Karangasem Culture and Tourism Agency, Wayan Purna recently announced that they are drafting a plan to cooperate with the Indonesia Institute of the Arts (ISI) Denpasar in reconstructing traditional arts forms from Karangasem that are in danger of disappearing.

Dancer performed Joged Bumbung Dance. The Joged Bumbung Dance is one of the nine Balinese traditional dances that was recently recognized as an intangible world heritage by UNESCO.

Monday, December 28, 2015

Balinese Temple Ceremony

Every Temple and Shrine has a special date for it annual Ceremony, or “ Odalan “, every 210 days according to Balinese calendar, including the smaller ancestral shrine which each family possesses. Because of this practically every few days a ceremony of festival of some kind takes place in some Village in Bali. There are also times when the entire island celebrated the same Holiday, such as at Galungan, Kuningan, Nyepi day, Saraswati day, Tumpek Landep day, Pagerwesi day, Tumpek Wayang day etc.

The dedication or inauguration day of a Temple is considered its birth day and celebration always takes place on the same day if the wuku or 210 day calendar is used. When new moon is used then the celebration always happens on new moon or full moon. The day of course can differ the religious celebration of a temple lasts at least one full day with some temple celebrating for three days while the celebration of Besakih temple, the Mother Temple, is never less than 7 days and most of the time it lasts for 11 days, depending on the importance of the occasion.

The celebration is very colorful. The shrine are dressed with pieces of cloths and sometimes with brocade, sailings, decorations of carved wood and sometimes painted with gold and Chinese coins, very beautifully arranged, are hung in the four corners of the shrine. In front of shrine are placed red, white or black umbrellas depending which Gods are worshipped in the shrines.

In front of important shrine one sees, besides these umbrellas soars, tridents and other weapons, the “umbul-umbul”, long flags, all these are prerogatives or attributes of Holiness. In front of the Temple gate put up “Penjor”, long bamboo poles, decorated beautifully ornaments of young coconut leaves, rice and other products of the land. Most beautiful to see are the girls in their colorful attire, carrying offerings, arrangements of all kinds fruits and colored cakes, to the Temple. Every visitor admires the grace with which the carry their load on their heads.

IBP/Courtesy of Artotel

JAKARTA - ARTOTEL Thamrin – Jakarta’s proudly announce its new achievement as Indonesia Leading Lifestyle Hotel 2015/2016 by Indonesia Travel and Tourism Award.

Indonesia Travel and Tourism Award is a prestigious award given to all participants in travel and tourism industry, held annually

by ITTA Foundation and ITTA Organizing Team. This year, ITTA 2015 was held in a very special place, dated on the 14th of December 2015 to continuously giving outstanding achievement to its 53 chosen winners. All the winners come from various range of work place, from Hotels, Resorts, Villas, Travel Agent until

Travel Industries Stakeholders.

Throughout various ways of selections, both online voting and a group panel discussion, this time ARTOTEL Thamrin – Jakarta took home an award of Indonesia Leading Lifestyle Hotel category period 2015/2016 for the second time. Last year in ITTA 2014, ARTOTEL Thamrin – Jakarta took home the same award of Indonesia Leading Lifestyle Hotel period 2014/2015.

“Taking home this award is

means a lot to us, it showed that the hardworking of our team has been proven in delivering our vision and mision, which is to be the leading lifestyle hotel in Indonesia” said Mr. Daniel Sunu as General Manager of ARTOTEL Thamrin – Jakarta whom attended the awarding night of Indonesia Travel and Tourism Award 2015.

Aside Indonesia Leading Lifestyle Hotel 2015/2016 from ITTA awards, ARTOTEL Thamrin – Jakarta has been given some awards for its journey, such as Best Hotel Design Award 2014 from Style and Decor Magazine and Indonesia Leading Lifestyle Hotel 2014/2015.

IBP/Courtesy of Artotel

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

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Monday, December 28, 2015

‘Star Wars’ smashes Christmas Day box office record

LOS ANGELES - The latest “Star Wars” film has smashed yet another box office record, raking in $49.3 million on Christmas Day in North America -- the highest total ever on the holiday, industry figures showed Saturday.

“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” easily bested the previous Christmas Day record take of $24.6 million set by “Sherlock Holmes” starring

Robert Downey, Jr, which opened on December 25, 2009. “’Star Wars’ continues to be a bright, shining beacon of light at the

box office,” Jeff Bock of industry tracker Exhibitor Relations told AFP by email.

So far, “The Force Awakens” -- the highly anticipated seventh installment in the blockbuster space saga -- has taken in a whopping $890.3 million worldwide, with $440.4 million in the United States

alone, Bock said.

The film has received mostly glowing reviews, and is being credited with breathing new life into the Hollywood juggernaut franchise launched by creator George Lucas in 1977. It had already set a number of other box office records -highest-grossing domestic opening

night, biggest domestic single-day sales and biggest global opening weekend.

As far as all-time box office sales, two films by James Cameron hold the record -- “Avatar” ($2.79 billion) and “Titanic” ($2.19 billion) -- and it is expected that “The Force Awakens” might unseat both. (afp)

Janet Jackson halts ‘Unbreakable Tour’ to have surgery

Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, File

NEW YORK - Pop superstar Janet Jackson has announced a temporary halt to her global tour to undergo surgery for an unspecified condition, raising fears for her health.

Jackson, 49, who has returned with an extensive global tour after several years of relative quiet, said late Thursday that doctors told her she needed an operation “soon.”

“It breaks my heart to tell you that I am forced to postpone the ‘Unbreakable Tour’ until the spring,” she said in a statement on Twitter.

“Please pray for me, my family and our entire company during this difficult time,” she said, adding that she would not give further comment on her health condition.

Jackson was due to resume her tour on January 9 in Denver and has dates across the United States, Canada and Europe lined up through late June.

She did not give an exact date for resumption of her tour but promised she would reschedule all concerts and honor tickets.Jackson began her tour on August 31 in Vancouver, playing across North American along with several dates last month in Japan.

She earlier postponed a handful of US shows to avoid strain on her voice.

Jackson in October released “Unbreakable,” her first album since the death of her brother Michael in 2009. (afp)

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Monday, December 28, 2015 Myanmar’s army chief questions Thailand murder verdict Page 6

Van Gaal could quit United; Arsenal routed

by Southampton Page 8

Taiwan presidential front-runner: Can’t ‘be bound’ to China Page 8

Ahead of Christmas and New Year 2016

Hotel occupancy rates in Denpasar below 50 percent

DENPASAR - Yearend is usually a blessing for those in the tourism business, but this is not always so, as evidenced by Denpasar’s hotel occupancy rates that have not increased this month. On December 21, Head of the Denpasar Tourism Office, I Wayan Gunawan, visited a number of hotels and entertainment venues accompanied by the Section Head of Tourist Accommodation, Luh Gede Tirtawati and Section Head of Entertainment, Ni Made Madri.

Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press via AP, File

Bieber: Fans should back rival charity song in UK No. 1 race LONDON — Justin Bieber is sharing some love with Britain’s National Health Service. The Canadian singer says he does not want to be No.1 on Britain’s Christmas charts, and has urged his fans to support a charity single instead.

With just two days to go until Christmas Day, Bieber is narrowly ahead of a National Health Service choir in the race for the top spot — a popular annual competition in Britain.

The pop star tweeted Wednesday: “For 1 week it’s ok not to be #1. Let’s do the right thing & help them win. It’s Christmas.”

The Lewisham & Greenwich NHS Choir’s single “A Bridge Over You” was just several hundred sales behind Bieber’s “Love Yourself.” Proceeds from the choir’s single will go to British charities. (ap)

IBP/File Photo

Tourist shopped in Sindhu Traditional Market in Denpasar. Yearend is usually a blessing for those in the tourism business, but this is not always so, as evidenced by Denpasar’s hotel occupancy rates that have not increased this month.

Their ‘tour’ started at the Akasaka Karaoke venue on Jalan Teuku Umar and proceeded to the Puri Dalem Hotel at Sanur and ended at Grand Mirah on Jalan Kaliasem, Denpasar.

General Manager of Akasaka, Putu Mangku Prastiawan, accompanied by the Manager of the Music Club, Putu Lawrence, said in recent days the number of visitors had not at all increased and so they decided against booking a big star for New Year’s eve celebrations. “In the past, all our packages have been booked for the week of Chritmas and New Year.

After the recent gang incident on Jalan Teuku Umar, many people wanted to cancel their bookings, though we were able to convince some of our guests that there was no threat to their security,” said Putu Mangku.

Entertainment venues are not the only places where the lack of tourists can be seen, Hoteliers also

consider that the number of tourists visiting Denpasar during the holidays falls short of expectations.

In fact, I Gusti Ayu Forina S, head of Human Resources Development for Hotel Puri Dalem, said that their occupancy rates have dropped dramatically this year. “Right now, our occupancy rate is around 46 percent. It is unlikely that it will up beyond 50 percent,” she said.

When asked about the cause of the decline in tourist visits to the city of Denpasar, Ayu Forina pointed to security and comfort as absolute necessities that are nonnegotiable.

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.

Joger Bumbung recognized by UNESCO

Salacious versions online threaten to tarnish image THE JOGED Bumbung Dance is one of the nine Balinese traditional dances that was recently recognized as an intangible world heritage by UNESCO. Unfortunately there are also innumerable ‘pornographic’ versions of the dance circulating ram-

pantly over the internet that threaten to tarnish the image of this beautiful dance.

Clearly trying to all of these unsavoury videos deleted is close to impossible. “Dealing with the virtual world is tantamount to dealing with invisible

people. It will take a long time to rectify the situation and we have to realize that the world is changing,” said Balinese humanist, Kadek Wahyudita.

Although Wahyudita admitted that the overly sexualised versions of Joged Bumbung videos cannot be deleted, he

suggested bombarding the internet with legitimate versions of this and other artistic and cultural practices, that reflect Bali’s identity.

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