Edition Friday, December 28, 2018 | International Bali Post

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Friday, December 28, 2018

Miley Cyrus confirms wedding to Liam Hemsworth on Instagram and Twitter

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Friday, December 28, 2018

LOS ANGELES - Miley Cyrus has confirmed her marriage to the actor Liam Hemsworth after reports emerged they had tied the knot before Christmas. The US pop singer posted images on Twitter and Instagram of her kissing and embracing the Australian star while wearing an ivory gown. The Wrecking Ball singer later posted a clip on Twitter of herself dancing after the small ceremony in Tennessee. An image she posted on Instagram carried the caption “12.23.18”, which is reported to be the date of the wedding.

Two other photos had the captions “This is probably our one millionth kiss” and “10 years later” in a likely reference to the film The Last Song. The pair’s relationship is said to have started during the making of the 2010 film. Some details of their wedding appeared online last week, including photos of Hemsworth’s brothers Chris and Luke at the wedding and the married couple cutting the cake. (net)

Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth at this year’s Vanity Fair Oscar Party

‘Aquaman’ makes a big splash to top N.American box office LOS ANGELES - New Warner Bros. release “Aquaman” made the biggest waves in North American theaters over the weekend with $67.4 million in ticket sales, industry tracker Exhibitor Relations said Wednesday. That put it well ahead of two other new holiday-timed releases, as Disney’s “Mary Poppins Returns” took in $23.5 million for the three-day weekend, flying slightly higher than Paramount’s “Bumblebee” at $21.7 million. “Aquaman” stars Jason Momoa in a title role infused with new swagger by director James Wan, with Variety calling Momoa’s Aquaman “a bare-chested Hawaiian superstud with long, shaggy surfer hair and all-over tribal tattoos.” “Mary Poppins,” while lacking truly boffo opening numbers, is expected to follow past musicals in enjoying a long box-office run. The sequel to the 1964 movie stars Emily

Blunt as the stern but kind-hearted nanny (Julie Andrews in the original), backed by LinManuel Miranda of “Hamilton” fame. Dick Van Dyke, Mary Poppins’ Cockney-accented friend in the original film, makes a cameo. “Bumblebee,” a prequel to the “Transformers” movies, stars Hailee Steinfeld and John Cena. It drew a lofty 94 percent rating from Rotten Tomatoes while all three of the top grossing new movies earned strong A- ratings from CinemaScores. In fourth was Sony’s “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” taking in $16.6 million. It has Peter Parker making way for Miles Morales as a black, Latino Spider-Man. And fifth spot went to “The Mule” from Warner Bros., at $9.5 million. Clint Eastwood, who at 88 says this will be his last acting part, directs and takes the lead role as a destitute 90-year-old who turns to transporting cocaine for a Mexican drug cartel. (afp)

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MOHD RASFAN / AFP

Raisa Rifani (front), 2, and her mother Rika Jayanti, 21, pose for pictures with Raisa’s doll “macha” at a relief centre in Kalianda, Lampung province on December 27, 2018, after they were evacuated from Sebesi island following the December 22 tsunami that was caused by activity at a volcano known as the “child” of Krakatoa.

Songs and toys for Indonesia’s disaster-zone kids

Via Sundari Octavia keeps a watchful eye on her small children as they sing and dance -- part of a trauma healing programme for kids displaced by Indonesia’s deadly tsunami. Octavia was with dozens of parents lining the edge of a futsal pitch turned evacuation shelter in the town of Labuan Thursday, where relief workers played games with children to take their minds off the disaster. The 30-year-old, her husband and three children -- two sons aged three and five and a baby boy -- survived the killer wave that killed more than 400 people and left many homeless. But they have little left beyond the clothes on their back and some meagre belongings strewn on the floor. “My house was swept away by the waves,” Octavia told AFP,

as she sat on a tarpaulin, clothes drying on a fence behind her. “I only brought few things with me, everything else is gone.” At another relief centre in hardhit Kalianda, volunteers handed out drawings for kids to colour along with stuffed animals and other toys. But volunteers in both places were also keeping a close eye out for signs of distress, with some youngsters eating little and struggling to sleep. “Psychologically, many children have been affected,” said Dina Amanah Tayusani from children’s aid group Anak Banten.

“They lost their parents... Many of them lost their homes and their belongings.” An eruption of the Anak Krakatoa volcano, which sits in the middle of the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra islands, caused a section of the crater to collapse and slide into the ocean, triggering the killer tsunami on Saturday evening. The waves washed over popular beaches, inundating tourist hotels and beachside communities on both sides of the strait -- leaving a trail of death and destruction in their wake.

On Thursday, the disaster death toll was at 430 with some 159 still missing, as authorities raised the danger alert level for the rumbling volcano amid fears of another tsunami. Medical workers have warned that clean water and medicine supplies are running low. Children are now the most vulnerable of some 22,000 people forced from their homes, said Michel Rooijackers, an advisor to Yayasan Sayangi Tunas Cilik, a Save the Children partner in Indonesia. The organisation was handing out shelter and hygiene kits for about 10,000 people and setting up spaces to help distressed kids. “The situation in the temporary shelters is

improving but not optimal,” he said. Still, the healing programmes are an important part of recovery, even if not all of the children understand the gravity of the situation. “It’s very useful, my (kids) can get to know other children so they won’t be bored,” Octavia said. “My son said ‘Mom, we’re on vacation now’. I started crying because we’re actually suffering.” (afp) News can also be heard in “Bali Image” at Global Radio FM 96.5 from 9.30 until 10.00 am. Listen to Global Radio FM at http:// globalfmbali.listen2myradio.com or live video streaming at http:// radioglobalfmbali.com and http:// ustream.tv/channel/global-fm-bali.

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Friday, December 28, 2018

Bali News

International

The eternal and the temporal meet in a place of beauty Painted works of I Made Sujendra

There is certainly no shortage of tremendously talented artists in Bali and with art-making playing such a important role in the religious practices of Balinese culture there is not only myriad beauty on the island but also a general and deeply felt understanding of the powerful ability of creativity to affect personal and social harmony. Art as a commodity is a relatively recent phenomena in Bali and the framing of the art market and support for artists is still being developed. Titian Art Space is dedicated to making a positive contribution to this development by exhibiting works of talented Balinese painters but also through their foundation that promotes and supports Balinese artists with a vision for allowing the wider world to become more familiar with the specific strengths of Balinese art and also to provide young Balinese artists with exposure to the wider art world. One of the specific attributes that nearly all Balinese artists share is access to a massive wealth of aesthetic, philosophical, spiritual and conceptual knowledge and practices from which they can draw upon in their own personal exploration of their artistic process. What is referred to as traditional art may appear to be simple repeating of conventions, however there are in fact many artists creating distinctly contemporary works drawing on this wealth of ancestral wisdom and aesthetic markers which hold incredible depths of meaning - both specifically Balinese and also universally human notions. I Made Sujendra is one such Balinese artist who has been extending the boundaries of what is thought of as traditional painting for the last 20 years. TItian Art Space is currently exhibiting Hell SIgns -an exhibition of his works, which express his vision of karmic repercussions depicted with both beauty and humour. Drawing on specific aesthetic components of the Batuan Style of traditional painting and traditional Balinese Hindu concepts, folklore and legends, Sujendra brings contemporary examples and perspectives into his works with exceptional finesse. Sujendra was one of the first Balinese painters to combine distinctly traditional elements and contemporary aesthetics approaches of the canvas space. While all of the works of this exhibition include the blue light of the divine and the red smoky lines of our darker tendencies as humans, this vision is not one in which good must overcome evil but rather a gentle invitation to look at what choices we make and why with ancestral wisdom showing what might likely lead to our happiness. The large empty spaces of the black background of his works mark them as distinctly different than traditional Balinese painting which always fills the entire space with equal detail, but it is not just this use of the canvas space that makes Sujendra’s works distinct or contemporary. As Sujendra explains: “I love the beauty handed down to me by my ancestors - both the visual beauty but perhaps more importantly the philosophical beauty. I believe that there is something eternal about this beauty and I am eager to translate it into forms that express my own personal experience and current conditions and that can be understood by young people today. I am not so much interested in just maintaining tradition but rather in keeping what is most valuable and applicable today alive and vibrant and this requires creativity. This requires that I am honest about all the changes that we are experiencing. But I don;t think this requires me to abandon everything about the past, as their is great wisdom that is still valuable today”. I Made Sujendra’s exhibition entitled Hell Signs will be on display at TItian Art Space, Jalan Bisma no 88, Ubud unitl January 20. (kmb)

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Friday, December 28, 2018

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WANAKU INDOASIAN CUISINE Revealing Kuta’s Newest Oasis Established in 2000, Rama Restaurants Bali Group now own 10 (ten) well known restaurant brands in Bali and are committed to keeping the quality of its brands and products at the highest level. New and creative innovations are always being explored and developed across all products. Rama Restaurants Bali is delighted to present their newest innovation with the opening of Wanaku restaurant, a unique culinary and entertainment concept. Standing out in the crowd, Wanaku IndoAsian Cuisine offers a dining experience with authentic IndoAsian food accompanied by contemporary performance and traditional activities. Located in the most populated tourist area of South Kuta, Tuban and close to the international Airport , Wanaku is a perfect spot to end or start holiday on style in Bali. Wanaku IndoAsian Cuisine welcomes you to enjoy a delightful authentic IndoAsian dining experience while you are seated in a tropical surrounding of impressive waterfalls and lavish gardens, an instagramable paradise! With a modern twist in the presentation of food and drinks it manages to maintain authentic flavours with genuine ingredients. Wanaku offers Megibung its iconic signature dish, which should be experienced with friends, family and colleagues alike in order to

reconnect and appreciate the art of eating together. Other iconic dishes are Jerungga Salad, Dendeng Wanaku, Tum Ayam and Opor Ayam combined with Wanaku handcrafted beverages theywill definitely thrill your senses. By reviving local tradition, events have been designed such as Heritage and cultural events, Art Exhibition, Live Seminar, Food Festival and many enthralling activities. Wanaku Entertainment Division presents daily, weekly and monthly events by showcasing talented Indonesian artists such as Ito Kurdhi & friends, Jaya Nyomane and Pancer Langiit. The extensive yet cosy elements of Wanaku restaurant make this 5,000 sqm venue with a seating capacity up to 600 persons the perfect place to host a variety of functions, from MICE, weddings, anniversaries, celebrations and small gatherings such as ‘arisan’. Plenty of spots to choose such as Wana Puri (Lobby), Wana Dayuh (gazebo), Wana Griya (Ballroom), Tuak Bar (Satellite Bar), Nirvana (VIP Area) and Wana Tirta (Wet Dining). Decide the spot for your memorable moment. Essentially, Wanaku IndoAsian Cuisine aims to be recognized among Bali’s Culinary experiences and one not to be missed. Mr. Steve Setiawan, CEO of Rama Restaurants Bali Group,

said,“I have personally selected and scouted talents from the vast Archipelago in order to compose the most professional Team that would help me to create my vision.” The long selection, perseverance and extensive scouting of Mr. Steve Setiawan paid off with the actual Team of experts. And finally,The 11th Gem of Rama Bali RestaurantsGroup has been created in order to present the magnificent authentic IndoAsian Culinary to the World. Wanaku IndoAsian Cuisine Grand Opening

Friday, December 21st, 2018, Wanaku IndoAsian Cuisine is officially open. In its Grand Opening event, all invited guests and customers are excited by the best culinary treats and variety of handcrafted drinks offered. With a neat sound system, combined with a spectacular lighting adds into design concept, presented by Wanaku’s Event & Entertainment Division, amazed all customers. Attractive entertainments such as ethnic musical instruments from Jaya Nyomane, Jazz Fusion played divinely by Ito Kurdhi and contemporary colossal dances performed by Pancer Langiit are surely can hypnotise all guests. As the closing part of the event, Wanaku presents Rio Sidik feat Affan Latanete percussion and DJ Jonny Satrio.

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Friday, December 28, 2018

Traveling

International

Travel Guide to Bruges – the Flemish city also known as the Venice of the North

BRUGES is a delightful place to visit and, thankfully, English is spoken alongside their native Dutch. In the heart of the city is the quaintly cobbled main square, Markt or Grote Markt. The square was used as an open air market for over eight hundred years until 1983 and was also a place where protesters could be heard and where proclamations were made. These days the market square with its restaurants and bars, framed with impressive gabbled Flemish buildings, remains just as compelling to the modern day visitor. Best view

One of its landmarks is the Belfry. The energetic can take a sprint up the 366 steps of the Belfort Tower for a rewarding bird’s eye view of the city. (Entry £1.60 per adult). Having caught your breath after that jaunt, prepare for it to be swiftly taken away again by the stunning Flemish architecture that encloses the neighbouring square of Burg.

Places to see

The shining light of the square is the 15th Century Gothic Hall of the

Stadhuis, the Town Hall. The gorgeous stonework looks as delicate as lace and the splendour continues inside with a grandiose staircase, vaulted ceilings and Goth-style wall paintings. On the other side of the square is the Basilica of the Holy Blood. Though small on the outside the interior is surprisingly spacious. The Relic of the Holy Blood is kept in the chapel. In the middle of Burg Square there are always a dozen or so handsome horse drawn carriages who, for a small fee of 25 euros (£16) for up to 4 people, will take you on a 35 minute trot around the cobbled, narrow streets while the driver tells all about Bruges. But you may prefer a guided boat tour of bruges – an archway off the square will lead you there. The cost is £3 for half an hour of stressless touring through ancient stone bridges over quiet waters. Less visited sights

These well-trodden touristic amusements are highly enjoyable, however, there are other less visited sights which should not be missed. For instance the 13th century Church of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-

Vrouwekerk) has the landmark 400ft spires thrusting upwards from this Gothic Church. Inside, surrounded by grey stone columns is an exquisite white marble sculpture of Madonna and Child created by the famous artist Michelangelo. This is a real treat as his works are rarely seen outside his native Italy. The tombs of Mary of Burgundy and her father Charles the Bold lie in the chancel. Be sure to visit before it closes for Mass at 11.00 am. In search of love

Those in search of love should take a walk to the Minnewater – lake of love (‘Minne’ means ‘love’ in Flemish). The lake is reputedly endowed with the powers to help you find the love of your life if you desire it. Certainly the romance of the gliding swans helps to reinforce this story. Ironically the lake leads to a 13th century building known as the Beguinage. Though now a convent run by 2000 Benedictine nuns, it was once used as a home for unmarried or abandoned women of material substance. The order was founded by the Beguines – the ladies themselves – but the last of the Beguine died in 1930. Art lovers

For art lovers, the Groeninge fine arts museum displays a formidable range of paintings, generally masterpieces by Flemish Primitives, notably Van Eyck and Memling. Though a little touristy, a quick visit to the Diamond Museum may prove interesting to those who consider this glittering stone to be an art form. Where to shop

Bruges has some interesting shops tucked away in her quaint, pristine streets. For instance, canny fashion lovers can find some fantastic designer clothes at bargain prices at Troc (Korte Zilverstraat 12). Chocolate lovers will have an immense choice but a particularly good chocolatier is Dumon (Eiermarkt, 6) where the pralines are a speciality. Other Belgian gastronomic specialities include sausages, pates and cheeses and interested palates should head for Diksmuids Boterhuis (Geldmuntstraat 23). Where to eat

At some point, hunger pangs will inevitably urge you for nutrition. You could go for the cheap and cheerful but nevertheless historic “frietkoten” vans selling portions of chips with mayonnaise for 1.5 euros (£1). These street vendors have been setting up their stalls for over 100 years. Otherwise choose from one of the many restaurants around Markt

Square such as the busy Sint-Joris (Markt 29) where the traditional mussels and chips costs around 15 euros (£9.60). For quality dining try ‘t Huidevettershuis (Huidenvettersplein 10-11), a delightful restaurant housed in an old tanners house dating back to 1450 and has some pretty views over the canals. Expect to pay from around 21 euros (£14.00) per

head. All done, it could be time for a beer. Make your way to ‘t Brugs Beertje (Kemelstraaat 5), known affectionately as the ‘brown cafe’ due to its nicotine-stained ceiling. That may not sound appealing, but it is friendly and there are over 300 beers to chose from. A glass of Straffe Hendrik and Brugs Wit (a white beer) costs 2 euros (£1.30). (net)

Bali News

International

Friday, December 28, 2018

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This technique is able to add photo effects so as to look like the past with color effects according to the name of the technique.

Immortalize heritage of Denpasar with red scale technique

CREATIVITY in photography is an adventure to achieve the vision of the photographer. Everyone sees and interprets the world differently. A photographer is like an arrow that strives to produce images posing the reflection of his soul. Photos are things that can represent a thousand languages. A photographic work, though having no captions or written explanations, is still able to provide information for the observers or connoisseurs. In photographing heritage of Denpasar, for example, I Made Satriya Dwi Baskhara utilizes red scale technique. This technique is able to add photo effects so as to look like the past with color effects according to the name of the technique, namely red reinforcing historical and unique photo effects. This technique has its own characteristics and can only be done with analog cameras because this technique uses film rolls. According to a photographer graduating from the Indonesia Institute of the Arts (ISI) Denpasar, red scale is a film photography technique where the film is mounted on an upside down position, by reversing the film which will be exposed to light. So, the incoming light is not directly exposed in the part of the film’s emulsion, but it passes through the bottom

of the gelatin layer. The film washing process is carried out in a special laboratory remaining to have color film washing machine and scanning is carried out to produce digital files. In the creation of photographic works also denoting his final assignments in the Photography Department at the Faculty of Fine Arts and Design, Indonesia Institute of the Arts (ISI) Denpasar, Satriya Dwi Baskhara considered the aesthetics in photographic works, namely in terms of ideational and technical level. From the ideational level, he chose interesting and unique heritage objects in the city of Denpasar. Meanwhile, in terms of technical level, he uses red scale techniques by considering visual elements in photographic works, namely light, shape, lines, colors, textures and

space. Then, he organizes these visual elements by applying the center of attention, balance, harmony and unity, so that interesting and creative works can be created. The concept in expressive photographic work is to

create a photographic work as something beautiful but has complexity in it. The beauty element is described through heritage which is photographed using red scale techniques giving the impression of the past

or vintage. Ultimately, the element of complexity in this technique is the nature of the film whose results are unpredictable and the results are directly seen. So, you must have high patience and enjoy the process. (ian)

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Bali News

Friday, December 28, 2018

International

Financial services sector grows stably in 2018

DENPASAR - The Financial Services Authority (OJK) noted that Indonesia’s financial services sector until the end of 2018 showed a stable condition with intermediation performance at a positive level. Performance of the financial services sector throughout 2018 was quite well supported by domestic economic fundamentals remaining to be maintained, the relatively stable issuer’s fundamental performance as well as various policies issued by government, Financial Services Authority and Bank Indonesia. Based on monitoring, although it was imbued by increasing pressure on the market, the risk profile of the financial services sector was generally well managed. The adequacy of capital and liquidity levels of domestic financial services institution (LJK) contributed to LJK’s resilience amid increasing pressure on the financial market. In an effort to maintain financial system stability, the OJK pays attention to strengthening surveillance and Crisis Management Protocols as well as strengthening coordination with relevant parties posing the members of the System Stability Committee Finance (KSSK). Surveillance activities are carried out periodically and comprehensively together with KSSK members in order to identify potential risks and vulnerabilities in the financial services sector. “We are confident that with good synergies, the fellow KSSK members can overcome various kinds of global pressure currently faced,” said Anto Prabowo, Deputy Commissioner for Public Relations and Strategic Management, recently. The performance of the intermediary function of the financial services sector throughout 2018 was quite good. This can be seen from the credit growth per November 2018 that grew 12.05 percent (yoy) and was accompanied by a fairly good level of health. It is reflected

by the banking Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) of 23.32 percent and gross ratio of Non-Performing Loan (NPL) and net banking respectively recorded at 2.67 percent and 1.14 percent. In the Non-Bank Financial Industry, financing channeled by finance companies grew by 5.14 percent (yoy) with the level of Non Performing Financing (NPF) at the level of 2.83 percent (gross) and 0.79 percent (net). Financing channeled through Fintech also showed significant growth with an outstanding financing value of IDR 3.9 trillion and a low NPF ratio of 1.2 percent. In the capital market industry, raising funds in the capital market stays quite high, reaching IDR 162.3 trillion. This amount is quite positive amid global economic pressures. Meanwhile, as of December 18, 2018, Net Asset Value (NAV) of Sharia Mutual Funds, State Islamic Bonds and Corporate Islamic Bonds respectively increased by 20.98 percent, 17.20 percent and 40.48 percent respectively. Good performance of the financial services sector is supported by various initiatives launched by the OJK both to support economic growth and provide long-term funding sources. To support long-term development financing, the OJK granted funding permits through Asset Backed Securities Collective Investment Contract (KIK-EBA) related to infrastructure with a value of securitization of IDR 7.44 trillion and Collective Investment Contract Real Estate Investment Fund (KIK-DIRE) with a value of securitization of IDR 0.62 trillion. The OJK also encouraged listed issuers of infrastructure for fund raising in the Capital Market having recorded 24 public offerings made by 22 issuers in the infrastructure sector to do fund raising through the Capital Market with a total emission value of IDR 28.05 trillion. (kmb42)

IBP/kmb

The Financial Services Authority (OJK) noted that Indonesia’s financial services sector until the end of 2018 showed a stable condition with intermediation performance at a positive level.

Friday, December 28, 2018

International

13

Transmongolian: the beauty queen breaking barriers

ULAANBAATAR - Make-up artist Solongo Batsukh braves Mongolia’s below-freezing temperatures in just a skimpy black dress and light pastel pink coat -- the country’s trailblazing transgender beauty queen wants to look good in any weather.

IBP/kmb

The janitor from the Tabanan Environment Agency (DLH) occasionally wiped her sweat, and as soon as possible completed her tasks so that she could gather with her colleague in the Ketut Maria building for a lunch break.

Willing to stay up late for preparation for Galungan holidays

TABANAN - Intense heat of the sun on Saturday afternoon (Dec. 22) did not dampen the intention of Putu Edi Kartini, a 40-year-old housewife, when carrying out her duties to sweep on the edge of the market street in Tabanan town. The janitor from the Tabanan Environment Agency (DLH) occasionally wiped her sweat, and as soon as possible completed her tasks so that she could gather with her colleague in the Ketut Maria building for a lunch break. For this woman from Belayu, Marga sub-district, the job of being a sweeper having been doing since the past two years is an option in order to be able to fulfill her daily needs. Moreover, her husband is just an ordinary farmer. As a Hindu, Kartini of course also has to prepare all ritual paraphernalia ahead of Galungan feast like the Hindu women in general. Kartini even admitted that she often stays up late to prepare ritual paraphernalia to be used for Galungan celebration. “I just have time to prepare the oblation at night because in the morning I must work first to earn a living,” she said. Before joining a janitor, Kartini claimed to have previously worked at a restaurant in Sanur area. However, after giving birth to her sec-

ond child, she was willing to quit her job because nobody cared for her child. “Before getting married, I worked at a restaurant. Since no one takes care of my children, I decided to stop working,” she said. Moreover, to increase the income earned, Kartini should also spend her free time by making ritual paraphernalia for sale like sampian gantung or festoons according to the order available. Working as a janitor for a number of people may be a difficult option because they must be faced with a variety of possible diseases. Not for Kartini, although she admitted to often be faced with improper waste such as sanitary napkins or animal waste, she usually handles it. She also had the experience of getting a reprimand from the fore-

man because at the location becoming her responsibility was still found some trash. “Actually it has been cleaned up, maybe there were passing residents littering again, and then was seen by the foreman. However, it did not get angry, only gave an ordinary reprimand,” she explained. Another case is expressed by Made Eka, 38, a private employee who is busy with office work every day. Sometimes, she must take overtime because of the demands of the tasks having not been completed. In preparation for the feast, she usually buys ritual paraphernalia. “It is hard to find free time, but now many merchants sell it practically, such as small scale ritual paraphernalia, and other accessories,” she added. (kmb28)

“I don’t like to look puffy,” the 25-year-old said as she drove to a beauty salon that hired her to promote its products and services via Facebook live videos. It’s with this typical bluntness, confidence and attitude that taboobreaking Batsukh strutted into the country’s first ever Miss Universe Mongolia competition in October. Though she fell short of representing her country at the Miss Universe contest in Thailand on December 17, her participation shed another light onto a group living on the edges of a deeply patriarchal country with conservative views about sexual orientation. Had she won, she would have joined Miss Spain’s Angela Ponce as the first transgender contestants in Miss Universe’s 66-year history. “I wanted to inspire as many women as possible,” Batsukh told AFP. “But I’m still proud that I got the chance to compete in this contest, and the ‘Solongo’ I created was a true winner in my heart,” she said. Her participation didn’t please everyone, dredging up negative reactions on social media.

“The world would have a negative image of our country if a man represents us while there are thousands of beautiful and real women in our country,” one person wrote on the Facebook page of Miss Universe Mongolia. - ‘Correct misunderstandings’ But Batsukh isn’t deterred by such abuse. Born Bilguun Batsukh, she grew up as a boy in the semi-arid central province of Dundgovi. She couldn’t pinpoint her gender identity until she learned about different gender orientations as a university student in her early 20s. It was when she started working as a programme officer at Youth for Health, a non-governmental organisation that provides safe-sex education for LGBT people, that she realised she was a woman born in a man’s body. She started wearing wigs, putting on dresses and taking hormone therapy. Batsukh is among the few LGBT people who have dared to come out in Mongolia, where some 80 percent of the community remain in the closet, according to a UN survey.

BYAMBASUREN BYAMBA-OCHIR / AFP

This photo taken on December 2, 2018 shows transgender make-up artist Solongo Batsukh (C) chatting at a salon in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. “It is extremely difficult for transgender people to be employed,” said Baldangombo Altangerel, legal programme manager at the LGBT Centre. A video of a young transgender woman who had repeatedly been beaten in the streets went viral in

Mongolia last year, highlighting the prejudices LGBT people face. Batsukh wants to dispel the image that transgender women can only be sex workers or strippers living on the fringes of society. She flaunts her wealth, regularly travels abroad and is a celeb-

rity in her country of three million people. Batsukh found fame in 2014, when she represented Mongolia in Miss International Queen, finishing in the top 10 of the international transgender beauty pageant organised in Thailand. (afp)

Japan hangs two for murder, Indian woman chops bringing 2018 executions to 15 off stalker’s penis

TOKYO - Japan hanged two men convicted of murder on Thursday, the justice minister said, bringing the number of executions this year to 15 -- tied for the highest amount on record. With more than 100 inmates on death row, Japan is one of the few developed nations to retain the death penalty, and public support for it remains high despite international criticism, including from rights groups. The minister named the two men executed as Keizo Kawamura, 60, and Hiroya Suemori, 67, who were convicted of the 1988 strangling of an investment firm chief and an employee. After stealing 100 million yen ($900,000 at today’s rate) they buried the two bodies in concrete in the mountains. Their capital punishment sentence was finalised in 2004. “This was an extremely heinous crime that shook society,” Justice Minister Takashi Yamashita told a press conference. The minister, who is a a former prosecutor, said he ordered the executions after careful consideration, and made it clear that Japan would not stop capital punishment any time soon.

“Evil, heinous crimes cannot avoid the death penalty,” he said. “I believe it is not appropriate to abolish the death penalty.” Japan has so far hanged 15 inmates this year, matching a 2008 record since the nation started publicly announcing executions in 1998. Thursday’s hangings came five months after the nation carried out the executions of cult members sentenced to death for their role in the fatal 1995 sarin attack on the Tokyo subway and other crimes. A total of 13 people belonging to the Aum Shinrikyo cult -- including former guru Shoko Asahara -- were executed in July, drawing a line under the horrific attack which shocked the world and prompted national soul-searching over the group and its crimes. The mass execution sparked some criticism from rights groups, including Amnesty International. Local media said authorities wanted the death sentences against the Aum members to be carried out before Japan’s emperor abdicates next year, when a new imperial era will begin. (afp)

MUMBAI - An Indian woman cut off the penis of a man who had been stalking her, before rushing him to hospital to save his life, police said Thursday. The 47-year-old woman and two men lured her neighbour to an isolated spot in Mumbai before hacking off his genitals. “We have arrested the woman and two accomplices and she has accepted it was her plan to chop off the stalker’s penis because of his constant harassment,” Senior Inspector Gajanan Kabdule told AFP. The 27-year-old neighbour had sought sexual favours from the woman -- a mother of two -- and told the woman’s husband he was in love with her, which led to a fight between the couple, Kabdule said. The woman then allegedly sought help from two young men in the neighbourhood. They contacted the victim and lured him to an industrial zone on

Tuesday, the officer added. The woman then took the lead in cutting off the stalker’s genitals in the street before rushing him to hospital. “We recovered the knife and genitals and all three accused are in police custody,” Kabdule said, adding that an investigation was underway. Police have not identified the woman or the stalker. Media reports said the injured man underwent life-saving surgery. “The man is stable now and recuperating in hospital but his family is in shock,” Kabdule said. In 2017, an Indian woman cut off a man’s penis after he tried to rape her at her house in the southern state of Kerala. India has a grim record of sexual violence. On average, more than 100 rapes were reported each day in 2016, according to the most recent official figures. (afp)

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Friday, December 28, 2018

Friday, December 28, 2018

Traditional Games, Main Attraction in Denfest 2018

BUSINESS Asian markets climb after bumper US session

Japanese shares surged nearly four percent on Thursday, with investors heartened by Wall Street’s best performance in nine years after the White House said Fed Chair Jay Powell would not be fired. Asian markets followed Tokyo’s lead with most showing gains, giving some welcome relief from a lingering global market downturn. Singapore was up 1.4 percent in afternoon trade, Taiwan gained 1.7 percent and Bangkok rose 0.8 percent. Sydney closed up 1.9 percent. Chinese markets slid after the release of weak economic data, showing that profits in the industrial sector declined 1.8 percent in November. Hong Kong closed down 0.7 percent while Shanghai closed down 0.6 percent. “Thankfully for investors, the relentless selling on the back of risk-off sentiment which prevailed leading up to Christmas has mercifully halted... with the Dow surging over 1,000 points while adding the most significant points gain in history,” said Stephen Innes, head of APAC trading at OANDA. Wall Street stocks roared back to life in post-Christmas trade on Wednesday, shaking off four straight routs following strong retail sales data and White House reassurances that Powell would not be fired. Sentiment also improved after a Bloomberg News report said a US government delegation would travel to Beijing in early January to hold trade talks, the first face-toface discussion since US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed on a 90-day trade war truce. The Dow Jones Industrial Average finished up nearly 1,100 points, or about five percent, with the broad-based S&P 500 also surging five percent. “It was possible that risk appetite wouldn’t recover until after the new year but thanks to the upturns in Tokyo and New York, we are likely to see the new year in with a somewhat brighter mood,” Mizuho Securities said in a note. (afp)

Bali News

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Year - End event entitled Denpasar Festival (Denfest) will return to grace the area of ??the Catur Muka Statue, Denpasar. Currently, the committee has prepared the venue for the participants, especially for the culinary zone. Division Head of the Denpasar Regional Secretariat for Economic Affairs, I Made Saryawan, stated the preparations of Denfest had reached 90 percent. Besides, the design for the participants getting involved in the activities is ready as well. “This year, we carry the Urban Playground theme which essentially presents various traditional children’s games in Bali,” he said. This theme is considered very appropriate because the current development of globalization has caused traditional games to get marginalized. Moreover, in Bali there are at least 300 traditional children’s games. “These traditional games will be collaborated so that they will become a unity in a fragmentary show,” said Saryawan. Even though carrying the theme of children’s games, the spirit of Denfest prioritizing culinary and creative products will still jazz up the stands in each zone like the existence of endek weaving zone. Similarly, the culinary zone has always received a positive response from the people making a visit to the Denfest. According to Saryawan, the Denfest 2018 held on December 28-31 will also be equipped with several stages where the participants will show off their creativity. “We will build the main stage, the young stage of creativity and the fashion show that will enliven the year-end celebration also becoming the activity to release the sun of 2018,” added Saryawan. (kmb)

AP Photo/Vahid Salemi

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani speaks as he submits next year’s budget bill to parliament in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2018. The $47.5 billion budget is less than half of last year’s, mainly due to the severe depreciation of the local currency following President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw from the 2015 nuclear deal and restore U.S. sanctions.

Iran submits first budget since US sanctions were restored

TEHRAN - Iran’s president submitted next year’s budget to parliament on Tuesday, the first since the United States restored sanctions that had been lifted under the nuclear deal. The $47.5 billion budget is less than half the size of last year’s, mainly due to the severe depreciation of the local currency following President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw from the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. The Iranian rial has fallen from around 42,000 to the dollar a year ago to around 100,000 today. The government plans to fund 35 percent of the budget with oil

revenues, projecting exports of up to 1.5 million barrels a day at a maximum of $54 a barrel. The opaque budget bill did not include a projected deficit or a reference to military expenditures. Earlier this month, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran spends less than $16 billion on its armed forces. The U.S. restored tough sanctions on Iran’s vital oil industry

in November, but granted waivers to a number of nations allowing them to continue imports in exchange for commitments to reduce them over time. President Hassan Rouhani said the sanctions have hurt Iran but will not bring the Islamic Republic “to its knees.” He said the sanctions will mainly harm Iran’s economic development and its poorer citizens. The government is allocating $14

billion to import medicine, medical equipment and other necessities, slightly more than the $13 billion allocated last year. Lawmakers interrupted Rouhani’s speech on two occasions to protest the government’s water policies. Iran is suffering from a decade-long drought, and water shortages have sparked protests over the past year. The budget will be subject to changes during a parliamentary review lasting more than a month. The final bill must be approved by a clerical council. (ap)

Welcome New Year 2019, Badung Holds Kuta Beach Stellar and Fireworks

Around 40 percent of tourists coming to Indonesia pass through Bali and Badung. On that account, the central government gives a great hope to Badung as the gateway for Indonesia’s tourism. “The central government’s attention to Badung and Bali is very large. Badung also has homestay facilities and tourism villages,” said the Head of the Badung Tourism Office, I Made Badra, at the Tourism Gathering Meeting at The Trans Bali, Monday (Dec. 10). At present, the district government of Badung is developing five tourism villages namely the Pangsan and Carangsari village in Petang; Bongkasa Pertiwi, Baha, and Sangeh in Abiansemal subdistrict. Other than being unique, each is also equipped with facilities. “Our target is that in 2020 the five tourism villages will have been completed and are ready to accept tourists,” hoped Made Badra. Made Badra also delivered performance results during the period of January – December

2018, namely the increase in taxes, foreign tourist arrivals, tourism sector transactions through Mission of International Sales and BBTF. Besides, there is improvement in branding of Badung as ‘the Soul of Bali’ through advertising, publicity and festivals. “Promotion of the quality of tourist destinations, especially tourism villages, contributes to the labor absorption and increased professionalism of tourism resources,” he explained. For promotion strategy, Made Badra said that he had carried out a sales mission, travel fair and festival. Overseas sales missions have been carried out in America, Australia, ITB Berlin, Arabic Travel Mart, China, Korea, New Zealand, India, Russia, Hungary and Spain. Meanwhile, at home the sales mission was carried out in Jakarta Deep, Surabaya Majapahit Travel Mart, Medan Enchantment of Cultural Arts and Bandung Gebyar Tourism. To make co-branding, a sales mission was held through BBTF Travel Fair in June 2018.

Badung also held three festivals in three Badung regions namely the Maritime Festival in South Badung, the Cultural Arts Festival in Central Badung and the Agriculture Festival in North Badung. “Towards the turn of the New Year, Badung prepares the celebration of Kuta Beach Stellar and Fireworks. This event is to provide entertainment for tourists as well as serve as tourism promotion through spectacular activities,” he added. Celebration of the New Year’s Eve 2019, said Made Badra, will ignite 5,000 fireworks in the middle of the sea. The sky above Kuta Beach will be filled with colorful lights of fireworks. The atmosphere will definitely be loud, so that it sounds up to Seminyak. “People from outside Kuta can also see the excitement of the sky at the turn of the year. The fireworks are exploded in the middle of the sea,” he said. The road on Kuta Beach will be closed from 14:00 or 15:00, so people can watch the fireworks.

Visitors will be entertained by Lolot Band performance and the Badung Government Band. “We urge hotels on the seashore to no longer need to light fireworks in their respective hotel, so they can focus on this event. This event is also broadcast live by CNN and national TV station, so that it can be watched through a large screen,” he said. In the event attended by the

Chairman of the Badung House of Representatives, Chairman of the Indonesia Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) and Badung Regional Tourism Promotion Board (BPPD), hotel managers and destinations as well as community leaders, Made Badra also stated the making of the South Badung infrastructure namely the ring road toll as well as beautifying sculpture gardens by DLHK. (kmb)

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Brazil’s new far-right leader sees guns as answer to crime

RIO DE JANEIRO - Jair Bolsonaro, Brazil’s new president from next Tuesday, persuaded voters in Latin America’s biggest country to elevate him to leader on extreme-right vows to restore security that eclipsed his record of racism, misogyny and homophobia. The 63-year-old former paratrooper and veteran lawmaker is openly nostalgic for the 1964-1985 military dictatorship that imposed calm in the streets. But he denies being a threat to democracy, saying he will be a “slave to the constitution” who will govern “with authority but not authoritarianism.” The man with the sharp blue gaze has vowed to ease gun laws to allow “good” people to dispense justice themselves. “If a truck driver is armed when someone tries to steal his cargo, the robber is killed,” and the driver will go unpunished, he said the day after his election. “That will cut violence in Brazil for sure.” Bolsonaro himself was the victim of violence. On September 6, as he was campaigning, he was stabbed in the stomach by a mentally unbalanced lone assailant in a crowd, nearly costing him his life. That only burnished his image as a “legend” -- the nickname his most

ardent supporters have given him. - ‘Tropical Trump’ -

A keen social media user, with nine million followers on his Facebook page, Bolsonaro shares quite a bit in common with US President Donald Trump. Both prefer electronic messaging directly to their base without having to answer pesky journalists’ questions, and both regularly mangle syntax -- yet come up with pithy sayings their fans gleefully repeat. Bolsonaro’s political stance on issues other than crime is not entirely clear as he has changed direction and parties several times over the years. For instance, while he has in the past hewed to a protectionist view of Brazil economy, he flipped around ahead of the election to bring in a US-trained economist with free-market views, Paulo Guedes, into his team. Guedes will be his economy minister, heading up a superministry in charge of

finances, investment and labor. Unlike Trump, Bolsonaro had a long political career behind him before his election, having held a seat in the lower-house Chamber of Deputies since 1991. Nevertheless, he presents himself as an outsider. “He speaks of politicians as if he isn’t part of their world. He’s managed to give off an image of a strongman who has a hard line and who will fight corruption,” explained Michael Mohallem, a law professor at the Getulio Vargas Foundation. He is backed by powerful lobbies in parliament, notably those representing the interests of agribusiness and evangelicals. Bolsonaro himself is Catholic, a fact that has earned him some scorn from the religious for having fathered five children from three relationships. After having four sons he said in 2017 he must have “weakened” because his last offspring was a daughter. Three of his sons are politicians. The eldest, Flavio, who was elected to the senate, has been caught up in a scandal over suspect transactions in the name of a former aide that far surpassed the aide’s salary. Bolsonaro has also had to rap

the knuckles of his third-born, Eduardo, several times. For instance that son, a deputy, has said he would welcome a referendum

on bringing back the death penalty, prompting his father to tweet that the issue would not even be brought up during his mandate. (afp)

Jair Bolsonaro, Brazil’s new president

MAURO PIMENTEL / AFP

International

Friday, December 28, 2018

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Indonesia widens danger zone around island volcano

CARITA — Indonesia raised the danger level for an island volcano that triggered a tsunami on the weekend, killing at least 430 people in Sumatra and Java, and widened its no-go zone. The country’s volcanology agency said Thursday that the Anak Krakatau volcano’s alert status had been raised to the second-highest level and the exclusion zone more than doubled to a 5-kilometer (3mile) radius. The eruption on Saturday evening caused part of the island in the Sunda Strait to collapse into the sea, apparently generating tsunami waves of more than 2 meters (6 1/2 feet). Most tsunamis are caused by earthquakes. The government has warned communities in the strait to stay a kilometer (6/10 of a mile) away from the coastline because of the risk of another tsunami triggered by Krakatau’s eruptions. A navy vessel is expected to pass by the island later Thursday, which could give scientists more information about the risks of a second collapse.

“There’s still a chance of a landslide, even under the sea level or on the sea level,” said Rudy Sunendar, head of the energy ministry’s geology department. “We don’t know exactly because we are not yet gone to the field” due to bad weather, he told The Associated Press at the volcano’s monitoring post. “Based on the satellite imagery interpretation, there is collapse of some area of Mount Anak Krakatau.” Saturday’s disaster struck without warning, surprising people in a country that regularly suffers landslides, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. No big earthquake shook the ground beforehand, and the waves surged inland at night on a holiday weekend while people were enjoying concerts and other beachside activities. Indonesia’s tsunami warning

system relies on land seismometers and buoys connected to tidal gauges and is not equipped to detect underwater landslides. The system, in any case, has not operated for years because the buoys have been vandalized or not maintained because of low funding. Heavy rains and high seas have hampered the search for victims. Some bodies were found at sea and at least 159 people are missing. On Thursday, residents of badly affected Banten province on Java island were searching through the debris of destroyed or damaged homes for anything salvageable. “I’ve lost everything I have, my house and all belongings inside it,” said farmer Muhamad Sarta. “I just hope for some help from

the government,” he said. “Hopefully there will be some repairs. I have nowhere to go. I have no money. Whatever I had was lost in the water.” Radar data from satellites, converted into images, shows Anak Krakatau shrunk dramatically following Saturday’s eruption. Satellite photos aren’t available because of cloud cover but radar images from a Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency satellite taken before and after the eruption show the volcano’s southwestern flank has disappeared. JAXA’s post-eruption image shows concentric waves radiating from the island, which experts say is caused by its ongoing eruptions. Dave Petley, head of research

and innovation at Sheffield University who analyzed similar images from a European Space Agency satellite, said they support the theory that a landslide, most of it undersea, caused the tsunami. “The challenge now is to interpret what might be happening on the volcano, and what might happen next,” he wrote in a blog. Anak Krakatau, which means Child of Krakatau, is the offspring of the infamous Krakatau volcano that affected the global climate with a massive eruption in 1883. Anak Krakatau first rose above sea level in 1929, according to Indonesia’s volcanology agency, and has been increasing its land mass since then. (ap)

Bangladesh election campaign ends in anger

DHAKA - Bangladesh’s deadly election campaign entered a final full day Thursday with followers of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina parading in the streets while her opponents insisted the vote would not be free and fair. Both sides launched new salvoes in their war of words ahead of Sunday’s polling. Hasina accused the opposition of organising bomb attacks while the Bangladesh Nationalist Party said “the state” was aiding an assault on the opposition. Flag-waving supporters of the ruling Awami League marched in Dhaka and other cities ahead of the official close of campaigning early Friday. The BNP, whose leader is in jail, said it had been prevented from holding its closing rally. At least six people -- four from the BNP and two from the Awami League -- have been killed since the campaign started on November 8. The BNP and its Islamist ally Jamaat-e-Islami say more than 11,500 of their followers have been arrested and thousand of activists, including candidates, injured in attacks by ruling party followers. Amid international concern over events, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres appealed for calm. Guterres “calls on all stakeholders to ensure an environment free of violence, intimidation and coercion before, during and after the elections, so as to enable a peaceful, credible and inclusive poll,” said a spokesman. - ‘Blind’ opposition -

Bangladeshis “must feel safe and confident in exercising their right to vote. Civil society and electoral observers should be fully supported to play their role in the process,”

the UN leader added through his spokesman. The United States called off an observer mission it was financing because of delays issuing visas. Sheikh Hasina, seeking a third straight term and a record fourth in all, has shrugged off opposition complaints of authoritarianism and said she needs more time to implement her ambitious economic plans. Amid a flurry of late campaign appearances on Wednesday, Hasina said the “BNP-Jamaat alliance carried out bomb attacks in 88 constituencies”. “There is no doubt that the people will surely reject them,” she said. Hasina focused a speech broadcast by video late Wednesday to supporters in Dhaka on the impressive economic growth of the past decade. She has promised to increase annual growth to 9.0 percent from the current 7.8 percent, expand electricity coverage and put the country on course to raise average incomes to more than $5,400 by 2030. Hasina slammed the opposition for failing to recognise Bangladesh’s achievements. “They are blind despite having eyes,” she said. “I call upon people to continue the pace of improvement and give us more scope to serve again.” The Awami League leader won a landslide victory in 2008 and the BNP boycotted the 2014 election -- saying it was not free and fair -- gifting her a return to power. But since her last victory, civil society and rights groups have accused Hasina’s government of silencing dissent and muzzling the press. BNP leader Khaleda Zia, a political arch-rival of the prime minister, was jailed for 17 years this year on graft charges. (afp)

AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim

Mount Krakatau, left, and Anak Krakatau, right, are seen from Carita beach, Indonesia, Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2018. Indonesian authorities asked people to avoid the coast in areas where a tsunami killed more than 420 people last weekend in a fresh warning issued on the anniversary of the catastrophic 2004 Asian earthquake and tsunami.

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Friday, December 28, 2018

International

Friday, December 28, 2018

International

Fired-up Federer hoping for another ‘crazy good’ season

Amed Beach

Peter PARKS / AFP

AMLAPURA - Amed Beach in Bali is most likely already in your Bali travel itinerary if you’re a keen diver. The island’s eastern shoreline boasts an underwater playground, and Amed Beach is among the favourite between two main sites (the other being Tulamben, 25km to the north). Amed Beach in Bali was once best known for its traditional salt farming. Soon after its beautiful underwater trove was unveiled, with an historical shipwreck adding to its natural features, Amed Beach became a favourite among divers, particularly Jemeluk Bay. Ask for Amed Beach in Bali and you’d be directed to any strip along the coast that spans seven different seaside villages; Amed, Jemeluk, Bunutan, Lipah, Selang, Banyuning and Aas. All are fishing villages, hence the traditional jukung outriggers that line the coast.

er options. Small traditional warung stalls along the village streets selling traditional and local fare can be part of your experience as well. Among the hotels in Amed Beach are the Bali Bhuana Beach Cottages, Arya Amed Beach Resort, Santai Hotel Amed, Three Brothers (Bobby’s Villas), and the Golden Buddha Bali. You’ll find a rather laidback atmosphere in Amed Beach, perfect for honeymooners of the adventurous type, and those simply opting for a rustic Bali retreat. What to Do The hotels in Amed Beach also

serve as a perfect base to enjoy neighbouring Tulamben with its US cargo shipwreck, the USAT Liberty. So you’ll get the chance to experience both prominent dive sites in one convenient stay. To dive in, start out to sea in the early morning aboard traditional outriggers. At various points, including the Japanese shipwreck at Banyuning, the teeming marine life here includes various tropical fish, sea turtles, reef tip sharks, rays and vibrant coral gardens. The WWII Japanese patrol wreckage lies 15m from the shore. Amed Beach in Bali is also great for snorkelling as vast reefs

span the bay. Traditional Balinese wooden boats called ‘jukung’ are also available for fishing charters. Free diving, an extreme sport, is a recent addition to the line-up of activities around Amed Beach in Bali. As you finish your day out in the underwater playgrounds, loosen up with a traditional Balinese massage, delivered by skilful local women. What to See Amed Beach in Bali offers the most dramatic sunrises not-tobe-missed as your outrigger sails out for the morning catch on the glistening waves. Also, one of the

overland highlights you can find on your way back from Amed Beach is traditional salt farming in the area of Purwakerti. Filtered seawater is poured into the dugout halves of coconut tree trunks and set to dry under the sun. The farmers harvest the remaining bright white salt crystals, which you can purchase in packets as tokens of the trip. A two-and-a-half hour’s journey back to the south will offer you more viewpoints that are scenic and other attractions in the Karangasem and Klungkung regencies, such as the Tirta Gangga water gardens and the Goa Lawah Temple. (net)

Australian yacht Gweilo (C) sails out of Sydney Harbour at the start of the Sydney to Hobart yacht race on December 26, 2018. Supermaxi Black Jack led a 85-strong fleet out of a hot and glittering Sydney Harbour on December 26 at the start of one of the toughest yacht races in the world.

Tight battle ‘all the way to finish line’ for Sydney-Hobart glory

SYDNEY - Four supermaxis were Thursday neck-and-neck in a fierce battle to cross the finish line first in what organisers said was the closest contest in the history of the Sydney to Hobart race.

Where to Stay and What to Eat Amed Beach in Bali is all about ‘doze, dine n’ dive’. Naturally, various dive operators have set up base here, and several run accommodation businesses of all style and sizes, from simple homestays to luxury villas, also with restaurants serving international cuisine, Asian and oth-

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Just five nautical miles (nine kilometres) were separating the mega-yachts as they raced down Australia’s east coast, with defending line honours champion Comanche slightly ahead of Black Jack, Wild Oats XI and Infotrack. The lead had been switching regularly between 100-footer Comanche and fierce rival Wild Oats XI since a fleet of yachts departed a sunny Sydney Harbour on Boxing Day on Wednesday at the start of the 628-nautical mile (1,163kilometre) race. “It is by far the closest race ever,” skipper Mark Richards of eight-time line honours Wild Oats XI said from the boat Thursday. His yacht was first to Hobart in 2017 but was stripped of the win after being handed a one-hour penalty over a near-collision. “I think it will go all the way to the finish line.” The yachts were off the record pace of one day, nine hours, 15 minutes and 24 seconds set by Comanche last year, amid lighter winds.

The breeze in the notoriously wild Bass Strait between Tasmania and the Australian mainland varied on Thursday, with the vessels supported by 15-25 knot north-easterly winds that weakened at times to six knots. “It’s not usual to have four quite different boats all in the same patch of water,” said Black Jack navigator Tom Addis from his yacht. “These boats are all very different. They all have different strengths and weaknesses. This is the most interesting race in the 100 footers... There’s a good chance that we’re all going to be together (near the finish).” - ‘Cat and mouse’ TP52 Ichi Ban -- last year’s handicap honours winner -- was favourite again to be the vessel that performs best according to size, but dropped off the lead Thursday afternoon. Smaller boats were in the handicap lead, with Kayimai ahead of Midnight Rambler and Grace O’Malley.

Richards said he expected to cross the finish line in Hobart on Friday morning, but could be slowed if the breeze weakens. The Commodore of organiser the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, Paul Billingham, told national broadcaster ABC earlier that the wind was dying amid the “cat and mouse game” between the supermaxis and the close handicap contest. “The handicap lead is changing every five minutes. There’s probably 10 boats that are within an hour of each other on corrected time,” he said. The fleet in the gruelling contest is down to 81 from 85, after Hong Kong supermaxi Scallywag retired early with a broken bowsprit, followed by Zen, Patriot and M3 Team Hungary. The crews on Thursday afternoon marked the 20th anniversary of the 1998 edition of the race, where a fatal storm saw six sailors lose their lives, with a moment of silence and the reading out of a commemoration message. (afp)

PERTH - Roger Federer said Thursday he was fired up after an intense off-season and ready for another “crazy good” year, starting with his Australian Open title defence next month. Ranked third in the world, the Swiss great is aiming for his third straight singles title in Melbourne, having enjoyed a late-career renaissance to win the year’s opening Grand Slam in both 2017 and 2018. Each of those victories came off the back of his appearance at the mixed teams Hopman Cup in Perth, where he again starts his preparation for the new season by representing Switzerland this week. Federer’s win in Melbourne in 2017 was his first Grand Slam title since 2012 and came when many had written him off as a contender. At the age of 37 and with 20 Grand Slam wins in his back pocket, he can reflect on a “crazy good” couple of years, including an eighth Wimbledon title. Federer will again be the crowd favourite in Melbourne, but he won’t be going into the event expecting another unlikely title, admitting logic suggested he faced a tough task. “I think with my age people know that if I did something extraordinary that would be amazing,” he said in Perth Thursday. “If that didn’t happen, maybe it’s logical you can’t produce that tennis every year. You also maybe need a bit of luck, and the draw to

fall your way. “A lot of things need to happen to win any slam. I hope that again it will be the start of a great season for me because the last two seasons have been crazy good for me.” Federer said his body was continuing to hold up well and that he had been building his training towards the Australian Open over the last month. “I’ve been very happy with how the off-season went,” he said. “The last three or four weeks have been very intense. I’m very excited and motivated for this next season.” Federer opens his Hopman Cup account on December 30 with the tie against Britain. On New Year’s Day he will partner Belinda Bencic as the defending champions face the United States represented by Frances Tiafoe and Federer’s fellow great Serena Williams. The mixed doubles match will see an unprecedented battle between two of the greatest players the game has ever seen, with 43 Grand Slam singles titles between Federer and Williams. Federer conceded it was a oncein-a-lifetime match-up and one that he was quietly looking forward to. “We’ll probably play it down a little bit and say it’s not that big of a deal for us, it’s just another tennis match, but it really isn’t because it’s probably going to happen once and never again,” he said. “That’s why I hope we’re both going to be injury free when that day comes around.” (afp)

Roger Federer

IBP/net

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Friday, December 28, 2018

Ronaldo rescues point for 10-man Juventus at Atalanta

Cristiano Ronaldo came off the bench to score a late equaliser as 10-man Juventus salvaged a 2-2 draw at Atalanta on Wednesday to move nine points clear of Napoli at the top of Serie A. Carlo Ancelotti’s Napoli missed the chance to cut the gap to the reigning champions after Inter Milan substitute Lautaro Martinez hit a stoppagetime winner in an ugly 1-0 victory at the San Siro marred by racist chants towards Sen-

egalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly. Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri decided to rest Ronaldo as the former Real Madrid man did not start a league game for the first time since moving to Italy, but the 33-yearold was needed to level in the 78th minute after Duvan Zapata’s double had put the hosts in front following Berat Djimsiti’s own goal. Ronaldo’s efforts keep Juventus unbeaten in Serie A, ahead of the final game before the winter break

against Sampdoria on Saturday. “It’s a shame because we still wanted to win, but the team did well,” said Allegri. Everything appeared to be going to plan for Juve when they grabbed the lead in only the second minute when Atalanta centre-back Djimsiti completely miskicked Alex Sandro’s deflected cross into his own net. But Zapata put a spanner in the Juve works with a fantastic individual goal midway through the first half, spinning centre-back Leonardo Bonucci with ease before drilling a left-footed strike into the far corner. Douglas Costa fired wide just after the half-hour mark as the visitors looked to restore their advantage, but the Turin giants were reduced to 10 men eight minutes after half-time when Rodrigo Bentancur was shown a second yellow card for a poor tackle on Timothy Castagne. Colombian striker Zapata wasted little time in making Bentancur pay, bundling in from almost on the goalline to put Atalanta

ahead and score his ninth league goal of the season. Allegri sent on Ronaldo with 25 minutes remaining, and less than 60 seconds after Robin Gosens wasted a golden opportunity to seal victory for Atalanta, the Portuguese star pounced to nod home from close range. - ‘Not good for Italian football’ -

In Milan, Martinez turned in a bouncing cross in the 91st minute as Inter closed to within five points of Napoli, who finished with nine men after Kalidou Koulibaly and Lorenzo Insigne were both sent off late on. Koulibaly was dismissed with 10 minutes left after two yellow cards in quick succession -- the second for sarcastically applauding the referee. The Napoli centre-back had repeatedly been the target of monkey noises made by home fans throughout the match. “We asked three times for the match to be suspended and there were three announcements, but the match continued,” Ancelotti told Sky. “The player was irritable, he wasn’t in the best state of mind. Usually he’s a very calm and professional player but there were these noises throughout the game.” “It looks like an excuse but the

Juventus’ Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring an equalizer during the Italian Serie A football Match Atalanta Bergamo vs Juventus on December 26, 2018 at the Atleti Azzurri d’Italia stadium in Bergamo.

player was agitated and irritable. It’s not good, not for us, nor for Italian football,” he added. Inter’s winning goal came just after their goalkeeper Samir Handanovic pulled off a terrific double save and a follow-up shot by Piotr Zielinski was cleared off the line by Kwadwo Asamoah. AC Milan’s push for a top-four finish took a hit as Gennaro Gattuso’s side were held to an uneventful 0-0 draw at struggling Frosinone. The seven-time European champions have now failed to score in four consecutive league games for the first time since 1984, managing three goalless stalemates in the process. “To reach our objective of Champions League qualification we can’t play the way we did in the first half,” Gattuso told DAZN. “I’m the captain of this ship, so it’s only right that I take all the responsibility. It’s important for me to understand how to make my players play their best, because right now they’re performing below their ability.” Milan slipped to sixth, behind fourth-placed Lazio by three points in the race for Champions League qualification. Capital club Lazio won 2-0 at Bologna, while Sampdoria leapfrogged Milan into fifth by seeing off rock-bottom Chievo 2-0. Roma are a point behind Milan in seventh after easing to a 3-1 win over Sassuolo as teenager Nicolo Zaniolo notched his first Serie A goal, while Torino climbed to eighth courtesy of a 3-0 defeat of Empoli. (afp)

Liverpool open up six-point lead as Man City lose again at Leicester

Liverpool moved six points clear at the top of the Premier League as the leaders eased past Newcastle 4-0 at Anfield and Manchester City were beaten for the second time in five days, 2-1 at Leicester. Tottenham leapfrog City into second after thrashing Bournemouth 5-0, while Manchester United’s perfect start under caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer continued with Paul Pogba scoring twice in a 3-1 win over Huddersfield. United remain eight points off the top four as Eden Hazard scored

twice in Chelsea’s 2-1 win at Watford, but fifth-placed Arsenal could only manage a 1-1 draw at Brighton. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has tried in recent days to stress that it is still far too early for his side to be talking of ending a near three-decade wait to win the title in December. However, another routine win and a 12th clean sheet in 19 Premier League games will do little to dampen expectations ahead of a huge week for Liverpool with Arsenal visiting Anfield on Saturday before a visit to City on January 3.

“The six-point lead means nothing,” insisted Klopp. “We play Arsenal and City. It’s good that we have six points more than other teams, or seven, but that is pretty much all. “What we wanted to do all the time was create a basis for the rest of the season. Now the first part of the season is over. We want to create our own history.” After a slow start Liverpool went in front through an unlikely source when Dejan Lovren volleyed home after 12 minutes. It was a far more familiar marksman who made the game safe when

Mohamed Salah scored from the penalty spot before Xherdan Shaqiri and Fabinho’s first Liverpool goal rounded off the scoring.

- City need confidence back -

City boss Pep Guardiola made three changes from the side that lost 3-2 to Crystal Palace on Saturday with Sergio Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne returning, but even they couldn’t prevent a third defeat in four Premier League games. “We have to accept it, we have to realise that we have to work harder and try to get immediately one good

result and get our confidence back,” said Guardiola. Aguero set up Bernardo Silva to give the champions a perfect start, but Marc Albrighton levelled just five minutes later. City dominated possession throughout, but after Andros Townsend’s incredible volley for Palace on Saturday they were hit by another wonder strike when Ricardo Pereira fired home nine minutes from time. A terrible afternoon for City was compounded late on by a red card for Fabian Delph. (afp)

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Solskjaer hails impact of ’happy boy’ Pogba Ol e G u n nar Solskjaer believes M a n chester United a r e n o w seeing the Paul Pogba he knows from his time in charge of the club’s reserve team after the French Wo r l d C u p w i n n e r scored twice in a 3-1 win over Huddersfield on Boxing Day. Solskjaer’s reign as caretaker manager began with a 5-1 win at Cardiff on Saturday, and his dream start continued with a resounding welcome by the Old Trafford faithful. Nemanja Matic scored the opener, but it was Pogba’s second half display and the Frenchman’s two goals that spoke volumes about the change in mood at the club in the week since Jose Mourinho was sacked as manager and replaced, until the end of the season, by the popular Norwegian. Solskjaer coached Pogba as a youngster

before the midfielder left for Juventus and United had to pay a then world record £89 million to bring him back in 2016. “That’s the Paul I know,” said Solskjaer. “The Paul I’ve known since he was in the reserves and youth team with me. “He has always been a happy boy, he’s always had a big smile on his face.” Pogba cut a less than happy figure for much of this season as he clashed with Mourinho and was left on the bench for the Portuguese’s final three league games in charge. “When you score a goal, or two, of course you are happy,” Solskjaer said. “But when you play football for Man United you should be happy. Of course it’s a responsibility, but it’s an honour and a privilege. “Paul loves playing for this club. He’s a Man United boy through and through, a kid who knows what it means to play for Man United.” - De Gea’s ‘defining moment’ -

The outcome could have been very different, though, but for David de Gea’s stunning save to keep out an effort from Laurent Depoitre moments before Pogba’s first and United’s second goal. “Dave’s save was the defining moment. One of the best saves I’ve seen,” said Solskjaer. United swiftly went down the other end and Juan Mata and Ander Herrera teed up Pogba to convert an accurate finish from 16 yards. Pogba had only scored twice in a Premier League game once - in

Manchester United’s French midfielder Paul Pogba celebrates scoring their third goal during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Huddersfield Town at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on December 26, 2018.

the derby victory at Manchester City in April that ranked as one of the highlights of Mourinho’s time in charge. But he would repeat the trick in Solskjaer’s second game in charge, exchanging passes with Jesse Lingard, before beating Jonas Lossl with a spectacular right-foot finish from 25 yards after 77 minutes. Solskjaer has had a whirlwind week after temporarily leaving his role in charge of Molde to help out the club where he spent 11 seasons as a player. “It was extra special of course,” said Solskjaer of his return as manager to Old Trafford. “But I was surprisingly calm, the boys settled me down really quickly. “It’s special to walk out there, hearing the crowd again singing my song - normally they started after I scored a goal, not before the game after I walked out!

“But it’s humbling and made me really proud. Hopefully, my family are proud and my family back home in Norway watching on telly. “It was a great day, I will never ever forget, I’ll never forget these two games.” Huddersfield claimed a late consolation as substitute Steve Mounie outjumped Pogba to head on an 88th minute Alex Pritchard free-kick, setting up Mathias Zanka who slotted in from close range. “We have seen again today that they play with freedom,” said Huddersfield manager David Wagner of Solskjaer’s new-look United. “They penetrate the ball in the right moments. In the first half we came under tremendous pressure but they play with freedom and they still have world-class players. We have seen that today.” (afp)

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Friday, December 28, 2018

Friday, December 28, 2018

Ronaldo rescues point for 10-man Juventus at Atalanta

Cristiano Ronaldo came off the bench to score a late equaliser as 10-man Juventus salvaged a 2-2 draw at Atalanta on Wednesday to move nine points clear of Napoli at the top of Serie A. Carlo Ancelotti’s Napoli missed the chance to cut the gap to the reigning champions after Inter Milan substitute Lautaro Martinez hit a stoppagetime winner in an ugly 1-0 victory at the San Siro marred by racist chants towards Sen-

egalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly. Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri decided to rest Ronaldo as the former Real Madrid man did not start a league game for the first time since moving to Italy, but the 33-yearold was needed to level in the 78th minute after Duvan Zapata’s double had put the hosts in front following Berat Djimsiti’s own goal. Ronaldo’s efforts keep Juventus unbeaten in Serie A, ahead of the final game before the winter break

against Sampdoria on Saturday. “It’s a shame because we still wanted to win, but the team did well,” said Allegri. Everything appeared to be going to plan for Juve when they grabbed the lead in only the second minute when Atalanta centre-back Djimsiti completely miskicked Alex Sandro’s deflected cross into his own net. But Zapata put a spanner in the Juve works with a fantastic individual goal midway through the first half, spinning centre-back Leonardo Bonucci with ease before drilling a left-footed strike into the far corner. Douglas Costa fired wide just after the half-hour mark as the visitors looked to restore their advantage, but the Turin giants were reduced to 10 men eight minutes after half-time when Rodrigo Bentancur was shown a second yellow card for a poor tackle on Timothy Castagne. Colombian striker Zapata wasted little time in making Bentancur pay, bundling in from almost on the goalline to put Atalanta

ahead and score his ninth league goal of the season. Allegri sent on Ronaldo with 25 minutes remaining, and less than 60 seconds after Robin Gosens wasted a golden opportunity to seal victory for Atalanta, the Portuguese star pounced to nod home from close range. - ‘Not good for Italian football’ -

In Milan, Martinez turned in a bouncing cross in the 91st minute as Inter closed to within five points of Napoli, who finished with nine men after Kalidou Koulibaly and Lorenzo Insigne were both sent off late on. Koulibaly was dismissed with 10 minutes left after two yellow cards in quick succession -- the second for sarcastically applauding the referee. The Napoli centre-back had repeatedly been the target of monkey noises made by home fans throughout the match. “We asked three times for the match to be suspended and there were three announcements, but the match continued,” Ancelotti told Sky. “The player was irritable, he wasn’t in the best state of mind. Usually he’s a very calm and professional player but there were these noises throughout the game.” “It looks like an excuse but the

Juventus’ Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring an equalizer during the Italian Serie A football Match Atalanta Bergamo vs Juventus on December 26, 2018 at the Atleti Azzurri d’Italia stadium in Bergamo.

player was agitated and irritable. It’s not good, not for us, nor for Italian football,” he added. Inter’s winning goal came just after their goalkeeper Samir Handanovic pulled off a terrific double save and a follow-up shot by Piotr Zielinski was cleared off the line by Kwadwo Asamoah. AC Milan’s push for a top-four finish took a hit as Gennaro Gattuso’s side were held to an uneventful 0-0 draw at struggling Frosinone. The seven-time European champions have now failed to score in four consecutive league games for the first time since 1984, managing three goalless stalemates in the process. “To reach our objective of Champions League qualification we can’t play the way we did in the first half,” Gattuso told DAZN. “I’m the captain of this ship, so it’s only right that I take all the responsibility. It’s important for me to understand how to make my players play their best, because right now they’re performing below their ability.” Milan slipped to sixth, behind fourth-placed Lazio by three points in the race for Champions League qualification. Capital club Lazio won 2-0 at Bologna, while Sampdoria leapfrogged Milan into fifth by seeing off rock-bottom Chievo 2-0. Roma are a point behind Milan in seventh after easing to a 3-1 win over Sassuolo as teenager Nicolo Zaniolo notched his first Serie A goal, while Torino climbed to eighth courtesy of a 3-0 defeat of Empoli. (afp)

Liverpool open up six-point lead as Man City lose again at Leicester

Liverpool moved six points clear at the top of the Premier League as the leaders eased past Newcastle 4-0 at Anfield and Manchester City were beaten for the second time in five days, 2-1 at Leicester. Tottenham leapfrog City into second after thrashing Bournemouth 5-0, while Manchester United’s perfect start under caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer continued with Paul Pogba scoring twice in a 3-1 win over Huddersfield. United remain eight points off the top four as Eden Hazard scored

twice in Chelsea’s 2-1 win at Watford, but fifth-placed Arsenal could only manage a 1-1 draw at Brighton. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has tried in recent days to stress that it is still far too early for his side to be talking of ending a near three-decade wait to win the title in December. However, another routine win and a 12th clean sheet in 19 Premier League games will do little to dampen expectations ahead of a huge week for Liverpool with Arsenal visiting Anfield on Saturday before a visit to City on January 3.

“The six-point lead means nothing,” insisted Klopp. “We play Arsenal and City. It’s good that we have six points more than other teams, or seven, but that is pretty much all. “What we wanted to do all the time was create a basis for the rest of the season. Now the first part of the season is over. We want to create our own history.” After a slow start Liverpool went in front through an unlikely source when Dejan Lovren volleyed home after 12 minutes. It was a far more familiar marksman who made the game safe when

Mohamed Salah scored from the penalty spot before Xherdan Shaqiri and Fabinho’s first Liverpool goal rounded off the scoring.

- City need confidence back -

City boss Pep Guardiola made three changes from the side that lost 3-2 to Crystal Palace on Saturday with Sergio Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne returning, but even they couldn’t prevent a third defeat in four Premier League games. “We have to accept it, we have to realise that we have to work harder and try to get immediately one good

result and get our confidence back,” said Guardiola. Aguero set up Bernardo Silva to give the champions a perfect start, but Marc Albrighton levelled just five minutes later. City dominated possession throughout, but after Andros Townsend’s incredible volley for Palace on Saturday they were hit by another wonder strike when Ricardo Pereira fired home nine minutes from time. A terrible afternoon for City was compounded late on by a red card for Fabian Delph. (afp)

9

Solskjaer hails impact of ’happy boy’ Pogba Ol e G u n nar Solskjaer believes M a n chester United a r e n o w seeing the Paul Pogba he knows from his time in charge of the club’s reserve team after the French Wo r l d C u p w i n n e r scored twice in a 3-1 win over Huddersfield on Boxing Day. Solskjaer’s reign as caretaker manager began with a 5-1 win at Cardiff on Saturday, and his dream start continued with a resounding welcome by the Old Trafford faithful. Nemanja Matic scored the opener, but it was Pogba’s second half display and the Frenchman’s two goals that spoke volumes about the change in mood at the club in the week since Jose Mourinho was sacked as manager and replaced, until the end of the season, by the popular Norwegian. Solskjaer coached Pogba as a youngster

before the midfielder left for Juventus and United had to pay a then world record £89 million to bring him back in 2016. “That’s the Paul I know,” said Solskjaer. “The Paul I’ve known since he was in the reserves and youth team with me. “He has always been a happy boy, he’s always had a big smile on his face.” Pogba cut a less than happy figure for much of this season as he clashed with Mourinho and was left on the bench for the Portuguese’s final three league games in charge. “When you score a goal, or two, of course you are happy,” Solskjaer said. “But when you play football for Man United you should be happy. Of course it’s a responsibility, but it’s an honour and a privilege. “Paul loves playing for this club. He’s a Man United boy through and through, a kid who knows what it means to play for Man United.” - De Gea’s ‘defining moment’ -

The outcome could have been very different, though, but for David de Gea’s stunning save to keep out an effort from Laurent Depoitre moments before Pogba’s first and United’s second goal. “Dave’s save was the defining moment. One of the best saves I’ve seen,” said Solskjaer. United swiftly went down the other end and Juan Mata and Ander Herrera teed up Pogba to convert an accurate finish from 16 yards. Pogba had only scored twice in a Premier League game once - in

Manchester United’s French midfielder Paul Pogba celebrates scoring their third goal during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Huddersfield Town at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on December 26, 2018.

the derby victory at Manchester City in April that ranked as one of the highlights of Mourinho’s time in charge. But he would repeat the trick in Solskjaer’s second game in charge, exchanging passes with Jesse Lingard, before beating Jonas Lossl with a spectacular right-foot finish from 25 yards after 77 minutes. Solskjaer has had a whirlwind week after temporarily leaving his role in charge of Molde to help out the club where he spent 11 seasons as a player. “It was extra special of course,” said Solskjaer of his return as manager to Old Trafford. “But I was surprisingly calm, the boys settled me down really quickly. “It’s special to walk out there, hearing the crowd again singing my song - normally they started after I scored a goal, not before the game after I walked out!

“But it’s humbling and made me really proud. Hopefully, my family are proud and my family back home in Norway watching on telly. “It was a great day, I will never ever forget, I’ll never forget these two games.” Huddersfield claimed a late consolation as substitute Steve Mounie outjumped Pogba to head on an 88th minute Alex Pritchard free-kick, setting up Mathias Zanka who slotted in from close range. “We have seen again today that they play with freedom,” said Huddersfield manager David Wagner of Solskjaer’s new-look United. “They penetrate the ball in the right moments. In the first half we came under tremendous pressure but they play with freedom and they still have world-class players. We have seen that today.” (afp)

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Destination

Friday, December 28, 2018

International

Friday, December 28, 2018

International

Fired-up Federer hoping for another ‘crazy good’ season

Amed Beach

Peter PARKS / AFP

AMLAPURA - Amed Beach in Bali is most likely already in your Bali travel itinerary if you’re a keen diver. The island’s eastern shoreline boasts an underwater playground, and Amed Beach is among the favourite between two main sites (the other being Tulamben, 25km to the north). Amed Beach in Bali was once best known for its traditional salt farming. Soon after its beautiful underwater trove was unveiled, with an historical shipwreck adding to its natural features, Amed Beach became a favourite among divers, particularly Jemeluk Bay. Ask for Amed Beach in Bali and you’d be directed to any strip along the coast that spans seven different seaside villages; Amed, Jemeluk, Bunutan, Lipah, Selang, Banyuning and Aas. All are fishing villages, hence the traditional jukung outriggers that line the coast.

er options. Small traditional warung stalls along the village streets selling traditional and local fare can be part of your experience as well. Among the hotels in Amed Beach are the Bali Bhuana Beach Cottages, Arya Amed Beach Resort, Santai Hotel Amed, Three Brothers (Bobby’s Villas), and the Golden Buddha Bali. You’ll find a rather laidback atmosphere in Amed Beach, perfect for honeymooners of the adventurous type, and those simply opting for a rustic Bali retreat. What to Do The hotels in Amed Beach also

serve as a perfect base to enjoy neighbouring Tulamben with its US cargo shipwreck, the USAT Liberty. So you’ll get the chance to experience both prominent dive sites in one convenient stay. To dive in, start out to sea in the early morning aboard traditional outriggers. At various points, including the Japanese shipwreck at Banyuning, the teeming marine life here includes various tropical fish, sea turtles, reef tip sharks, rays and vibrant coral gardens. The WWII Japanese patrol wreckage lies 15m from the shore. Amed Beach in Bali is also great for snorkelling as vast reefs

span the bay. Traditional Balinese wooden boats called ‘jukung’ are also available for fishing charters. Free diving, an extreme sport, is a recent addition to the line-up of activities around Amed Beach in Bali. As you finish your day out in the underwater playgrounds, loosen up with a traditional Balinese massage, delivered by skilful local women. What to See Amed Beach in Bali offers the most dramatic sunrises not-tobe-missed as your outrigger sails out for the morning catch on the glistening waves. Also, one of the

overland highlights you can find on your way back from Amed Beach is traditional salt farming in the area of Purwakerti. Filtered seawater is poured into the dugout halves of coconut tree trunks and set to dry under the sun. The farmers harvest the remaining bright white salt crystals, which you can purchase in packets as tokens of the trip. A two-and-a-half hour’s journey back to the south will offer you more viewpoints that are scenic and other attractions in the Karangasem and Klungkung regencies, such as the Tirta Gangga water gardens and the Goa Lawah Temple. (net)

Australian yacht Gweilo (C) sails out of Sydney Harbour at the start of the Sydney to Hobart yacht race on December 26, 2018. Supermaxi Black Jack led a 85-strong fleet out of a hot and glittering Sydney Harbour on December 26 at the start of one of the toughest yacht races in the world.

Tight battle ‘all the way to finish line’ for Sydney-Hobart glory

SYDNEY - Four supermaxis were Thursday neck-and-neck in a fierce battle to cross the finish line first in what organisers said was the closest contest in the history of the Sydney to Hobart race.

Where to Stay and What to Eat Amed Beach in Bali is all about ‘doze, dine n’ dive’. Naturally, various dive operators have set up base here, and several run accommodation businesses of all style and sizes, from simple homestays to luxury villas, also with restaurants serving international cuisine, Asian and oth-

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Just five nautical miles (nine kilometres) were separating the mega-yachts as they raced down Australia’s east coast, with defending line honours champion Comanche slightly ahead of Black Jack, Wild Oats XI and Infotrack. The lead had been switching regularly between 100-footer Comanche and fierce rival Wild Oats XI since a fleet of yachts departed a sunny Sydney Harbour on Boxing Day on Wednesday at the start of the 628-nautical mile (1,163kilometre) race. “It is by far the closest race ever,” skipper Mark Richards of eight-time line honours Wild Oats XI said from the boat Thursday. His yacht was first to Hobart in 2017 but was stripped of the win after being handed a one-hour penalty over a near-collision. “I think it will go all the way to the finish line.” The yachts were off the record pace of one day, nine hours, 15 minutes and 24 seconds set by Comanche last year, amid lighter winds.

The breeze in the notoriously wild Bass Strait between Tasmania and the Australian mainland varied on Thursday, with the vessels supported by 15-25 knot north-easterly winds that weakened at times to six knots. “It’s not usual to have four quite different boats all in the same patch of water,” said Black Jack navigator Tom Addis from his yacht. “These boats are all very different. They all have different strengths and weaknesses. This is the most interesting race in the 100 footers... There’s a good chance that we’re all going to be together (near the finish).” - ‘Cat and mouse’ TP52 Ichi Ban -- last year’s handicap honours winner -- was favourite again to be the vessel that performs best according to size, but dropped off the lead Thursday afternoon. Smaller boats were in the handicap lead, with Kayimai ahead of Midnight Rambler and Grace O’Malley.

Richards said he expected to cross the finish line in Hobart on Friday morning, but could be slowed if the breeze weakens. The Commodore of organiser the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, Paul Billingham, told national broadcaster ABC earlier that the wind was dying amid the “cat and mouse game” between the supermaxis and the close handicap contest. “The handicap lead is changing every five minutes. There’s probably 10 boats that are within an hour of each other on corrected time,” he said. The fleet in the gruelling contest is down to 81 from 85, after Hong Kong supermaxi Scallywag retired early with a broken bowsprit, followed by Zen, Patriot and M3 Team Hungary. The crews on Thursday afternoon marked the 20th anniversary of the 1998 edition of the race, where a fatal storm saw six sailors lose their lives, with a moment of silence and the reading out of a commemoration message. (afp)

PERTH - Roger Federer said Thursday he was fired up after an intense off-season and ready for another “crazy good” year, starting with his Australian Open title defence next month. Ranked third in the world, the Swiss great is aiming for his third straight singles title in Melbourne, having enjoyed a late-career renaissance to win the year’s opening Grand Slam in both 2017 and 2018. Each of those victories came off the back of his appearance at the mixed teams Hopman Cup in Perth, where he again starts his preparation for the new season by representing Switzerland this week. Federer’s win in Melbourne in 2017 was his first Grand Slam title since 2012 and came when many had written him off as a contender. At the age of 37 and with 20 Grand Slam wins in his back pocket, he can reflect on a “crazy good” couple of years, including an eighth Wimbledon title. Federer will again be the crowd favourite in Melbourne, but he won’t be going into the event expecting another unlikely title, admitting logic suggested he faced a tough task. “I think with my age people know that if I did something extraordinary that would be amazing,” he said in Perth Thursday. “If that didn’t happen, maybe it’s logical you can’t produce that tennis every year. You also maybe need a bit of luck, and the draw to

fall your way. “A lot of things need to happen to win any slam. I hope that again it will be the start of a great season for me because the last two seasons have been crazy good for me.” Federer said his body was continuing to hold up well and that he had been building his training towards the Australian Open over the last month. “I’ve been very happy with how the off-season went,” he said. “The last three or four weeks have been very intense. I’m very excited and motivated for this next season.” Federer opens his Hopman Cup account on December 30 with the tie against Britain. On New Year’s Day he will partner Belinda Bencic as the defending champions face the United States represented by Frances Tiafoe and Federer’s fellow great Serena Williams. The mixed doubles match will see an unprecedented battle between two of the greatest players the game has ever seen, with 43 Grand Slam singles titles between Federer and Williams. Federer conceded it was a oncein-a-lifetime match-up and one that he was quietly looking forward to. “We’ll probably play it down a little bit and say it’s not that big of a deal for us, it’s just another tennis match, but it really isn’t because it’s probably going to happen once and never again,” he said. “That’s why I hope we’re both going to be injury free when that day comes around.” (afp)

Roger Federer

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International

RLD

Brazil’s new far-right leader sees guns as answer to crime

RIO DE JANEIRO - Jair Bolsonaro, Brazil’s new president from next Tuesday, persuaded voters in Latin America’s biggest country to elevate him to leader on extreme-right vows to restore security that eclipsed his record of racism, misogyny and homophobia. The 63-year-old former paratrooper and veteran lawmaker is openly nostalgic for the 1964-1985 military dictatorship that imposed calm in the streets. But he denies being a threat to democracy, saying he will be a “slave to the constitution” who will govern “with authority but not authoritarianism.” The man with the sharp blue gaze has vowed to ease gun laws to allow “good” people to dispense justice themselves. “If a truck driver is armed when someone tries to steal his cargo, the robber is killed,” and the driver will go unpunished, he said the day after his election. “That will cut violence in Brazil for sure.” Bolsonaro himself was the victim of violence. On September 6, as he was campaigning, he was stabbed in the stomach by a mentally unbalanced lone assailant in a crowd, nearly costing him his life. That only burnished his image as a “legend” -- the nickname his most

ardent supporters have given him. - ‘Tropical Trump’ -

A keen social media user, with nine million followers on his Facebook page, Bolsonaro shares quite a bit in common with US President Donald Trump. Both prefer electronic messaging directly to their base without having to answer pesky journalists’ questions, and both regularly mangle syntax -- yet come up with pithy sayings their fans gleefully repeat. Bolsonaro’s political stance on issues other than crime is not entirely clear as he has changed direction and parties several times over the years. For instance, while he has in the past hewed to a protectionist view of Brazil economy, he flipped around ahead of the election to bring in a US-trained economist with free-market views, Paulo Guedes, into his team. Guedes will be his economy minister, heading up a superministry in charge of

finances, investment and labor. Unlike Trump, Bolsonaro had a long political career behind him before his election, having held a seat in the lower-house Chamber of Deputies since 1991. Nevertheless, he presents himself as an outsider. “He speaks of politicians as if he isn’t part of their world. He’s managed to give off an image of a strongman who has a hard line and who will fight corruption,” explained Michael Mohallem, a law professor at the Getulio Vargas Foundation. He is backed by powerful lobbies in parliament, notably those representing the interests of agribusiness and evangelicals. Bolsonaro himself is Catholic, a fact that has earned him some scorn from the religious for having fathered five children from three relationships. After having four sons he said in 2017 he must have “weakened” because his last offspring was a daughter. Three of his sons are politicians. The eldest, Flavio, who was elected to the senate, has been caught up in a scandal over suspect transactions in the name of a former aide that far surpassed the aide’s salary. Bolsonaro has also had to rap

the knuckles of his third-born, Eduardo, several times. For instance that son, a deputy, has said he would welcome a referendum

on bringing back the death penalty, prompting his father to tweet that the issue would not even be brought up during his mandate. (afp)

Jair Bolsonaro, Brazil’s new president

MAURO PIMENTEL / AFP

International

Friday, December 28, 2018

11

Indonesia widens danger zone around island volcano

CARITA — Indonesia raised the danger level for an island volcano that triggered a tsunami on the weekend, killing at least 430 people in Sumatra and Java, and widened its no-go zone. The country’s volcanology agency said Thursday that the Anak Krakatau volcano’s alert status had been raised to the second-highest level and the exclusion zone more than doubled to a 5-kilometer (3mile) radius. The eruption on Saturday evening caused part of the island in the Sunda Strait to collapse into the sea, apparently generating tsunami waves of more than 2 meters (6 1/2 feet). Most tsunamis are caused by earthquakes. The government has warned communities in the strait to stay a kilometer (6/10 of a mile) away from the coastline because of the risk of another tsunami triggered by Krakatau’s eruptions. A navy vessel is expected to pass by the island later Thursday, which could give scientists more information about the risks of a second collapse.

“There’s still a chance of a landslide, even under the sea level or on the sea level,” said Rudy Sunendar, head of the energy ministry’s geology department. “We don’t know exactly because we are not yet gone to the field” due to bad weather, he told The Associated Press at the volcano’s monitoring post. “Based on the satellite imagery interpretation, there is collapse of some area of Mount Anak Krakatau.” Saturday’s disaster struck without warning, surprising people in a country that regularly suffers landslides, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. No big earthquake shook the ground beforehand, and the waves surged inland at night on a holiday weekend while people were enjoying concerts and other beachside activities. Indonesia’s tsunami warning

system relies on land seismometers and buoys connected to tidal gauges and is not equipped to detect underwater landslides. The system, in any case, has not operated for years because the buoys have been vandalized or not maintained because of low funding. Heavy rains and high seas have hampered the search for victims. Some bodies were found at sea and at least 159 people are missing. On Thursday, residents of badly affected Banten province on Java island were searching through the debris of destroyed or damaged homes for anything salvageable. “I’ve lost everything I have, my house and all belongings inside it,” said farmer Muhamad Sarta. “I just hope for some help from

the government,” he said. “Hopefully there will be some repairs. I have nowhere to go. I have no money. Whatever I had was lost in the water.” Radar data from satellites, converted into images, shows Anak Krakatau shrunk dramatically following Saturday’s eruption. Satellite photos aren’t available because of cloud cover but radar images from a Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency satellite taken before and after the eruption show the volcano’s southwestern flank has disappeared. JAXA’s post-eruption image shows concentric waves radiating from the island, which experts say is caused by its ongoing eruptions. Dave Petley, head of research

and innovation at Sheffield University who analyzed similar images from a European Space Agency satellite, said they support the theory that a landslide, most of it undersea, caused the tsunami. “The challenge now is to interpret what might be happening on the volcano, and what might happen next,” he wrote in a blog. Anak Krakatau, which means Child of Krakatau, is the offspring of the infamous Krakatau volcano that affected the global climate with a massive eruption in 1883. Anak Krakatau first rose above sea level in 1929, according to Indonesia’s volcanology agency, and has been increasing its land mass since then. (ap)

Bangladesh election campaign ends in anger

DHAKA - Bangladesh’s deadly election campaign entered a final full day Thursday with followers of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina parading in the streets while her opponents insisted the vote would not be free and fair. Both sides launched new salvoes in their war of words ahead of Sunday’s polling. Hasina accused the opposition of organising bomb attacks while the Bangladesh Nationalist Party said “the state” was aiding an assault on the opposition. Flag-waving supporters of the ruling Awami League marched in Dhaka and other cities ahead of the official close of campaigning early Friday. The BNP, whose leader is in jail, said it had been prevented from holding its closing rally. At least six people -- four from the BNP and two from the Awami League -- have been killed since the campaign started on November 8. The BNP and its Islamist ally Jamaat-e-Islami say more than 11,500 of their followers have been arrested and thousand of activists, including candidates, injured in attacks by ruling party followers. Amid international concern over events, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres appealed for calm. Guterres “calls on all stakeholders to ensure an environment free of violence, intimidation and coercion before, during and after the elections, so as to enable a peaceful, credible and inclusive poll,” said a spokesman. - ‘Blind’ opposition -

Bangladeshis “must feel safe and confident in exercising their right to vote. Civil society and electoral observers should be fully supported to play their role in the process,”

the UN leader added through his spokesman. The United States called off an observer mission it was financing because of delays issuing visas. Sheikh Hasina, seeking a third straight term and a record fourth in all, has shrugged off opposition complaints of authoritarianism and said she needs more time to implement her ambitious economic plans. Amid a flurry of late campaign appearances on Wednesday, Hasina said the “BNP-Jamaat alliance carried out bomb attacks in 88 constituencies”. “There is no doubt that the people will surely reject them,” she said. Hasina focused a speech broadcast by video late Wednesday to supporters in Dhaka on the impressive economic growth of the past decade. She has promised to increase annual growth to 9.0 percent from the current 7.8 percent, expand electricity coverage and put the country on course to raise average incomes to more than $5,400 by 2030. Hasina slammed the opposition for failing to recognise Bangladesh’s achievements. “They are blind despite having eyes,” she said. “I call upon people to continue the pace of improvement and give us more scope to serve again.” The Awami League leader won a landslide victory in 2008 and the BNP boycotted the 2014 election -- saying it was not free and fair -- gifting her a return to power. But since her last victory, civil society and rights groups have accused Hasina’s government of silencing dissent and muzzling the press. BNP leader Khaleda Zia, a political arch-rival of the prime minister, was jailed for 17 years this year on graft charges. (afp)

AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim

Mount Krakatau, left, and Anak Krakatau, right, are seen from Carita beach, Indonesia, Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2018. Indonesian authorities asked people to avoid the coast in areas where a tsunami killed more than 420 people last weekend in a fresh warning issued on the anniversary of the catastrophic 2004 Asian earthquake and tsunami.

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International

Friday, December 28, 2018

Friday, December 28, 2018

Traditional Games, Main Attraction in Denfest 2018

BUSINESS Asian markets climb after bumper US session

Japanese shares surged nearly four percent on Thursday, with investors heartened by Wall Street’s best performance in nine years after the White House said Fed Chair Jay Powell would not be fired. Asian markets followed Tokyo’s lead with most showing gains, giving some welcome relief from a lingering global market downturn. Singapore was up 1.4 percent in afternoon trade, Taiwan gained 1.7 percent and Bangkok rose 0.8 percent. Sydney closed up 1.9 percent. Chinese markets slid after the release of weak economic data, showing that profits in the industrial sector declined 1.8 percent in November. Hong Kong closed down 0.7 percent while Shanghai closed down 0.6 percent. “Thankfully for investors, the relentless selling on the back of risk-off sentiment which prevailed leading up to Christmas has mercifully halted... with the Dow surging over 1,000 points while adding the most significant points gain in history,” said Stephen Innes, head of APAC trading at OANDA. Wall Street stocks roared back to life in post-Christmas trade on Wednesday, shaking off four straight routs following strong retail sales data and White House reassurances that Powell would not be fired. Sentiment also improved after a Bloomberg News report said a US government delegation would travel to Beijing in early January to hold trade talks, the first face-toface discussion since US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed on a 90-day trade war truce. The Dow Jones Industrial Average finished up nearly 1,100 points, or about five percent, with the broad-based S&P 500 also surging five percent. “It was possible that risk appetite wouldn’t recover until after the new year but thanks to the upturns in Tokyo and New York, we are likely to see the new year in with a somewhat brighter mood,” Mizuho Securities said in a note. (afp)

Bali News

International

5

Year - End event entitled Denpasar Festival (Denfest) will return to grace the area of ??the Catur Muka Statue, Denpasar. Currently, the committee has prepared the venue for the participants, especially for the culinary zone. Division Head of the Denpasar Regional Secretariat for Economic Affairs, I Made Saryawan, stated the preparations of Denfest had reached 90 percent. Besides, the design for the participants getting involved in the activities is ready as well. “This year, we carry the Urban Playground theme which essentially presents various traditional children’s games in Bali,” he said. This theme is considered very appropriate because the current development of globalization has caused traditional games to get marginalized. Moreover, in Bali there are at least 300 traditional children’s games. “These traditional games will be collaborated so that they will become a unity in a fragmentary show,” said Saryawan. Even though carrying the theme of children’s games, the spirit of Denfest prioritizing culinary and creative products will still jazz up the stands in each zone like the existence of endek weaving zone. Similarly, the culinary zone has always received a positive response from the people making a visit to the Denfest. According to Saryawan, the Denfest 2018 held on December 28-31 will also be equipped with several stages where the participants will show off their creativity. “We will build the main stage, the young stage of creativity and the fashion show that will enliven the year-end celebration also becoming the activity to release the sun of 2018,” added Saryawan. (kmb)

AP Photo/Vahid Salemi

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani speaks as he submits next year’s budget bill to parliament in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2018. The $47.5 billion budget is less than half of last year’s, mainly due to the severe depreciation of the local currency following President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw from the 2015 nuclear deal and restore U.S. sanctions.

Iran submits first budget since US sanctions were restored

TEHRAN - Iran’s president submitted next year’s budget to parliament on Tuesday, the first since the United States restored sanctions that had been lifted under the nuclear deal. The $47.5 billion budget is less than half the size of last year’s, mainly due to the severe depreciation of the local currency following President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw from the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. The Iranian rial has fallen from around 42,000 to the dollar a year ago to around 100,000 today. The government plans to fund 35 percent of the budget with oil

revenues, projecting exports of up to 1.5 million barrels a day at a maximum of $54 a barrel. The opaque budget bill did not include a projected deficit or a reference to military expenditures. Earlier this month, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran spends less than $16 billion on its armed forces. The U.S. restored tough sanctions on Iran’s vital oil industry

in November, but granted waivers to a number of nations allowing them to continue imports in exchange for commitments to reduce them over time. President Hassan Rouhani said the sanctions have hurt Iran but will not bring the Islamic Republic “to its knees.” He said the sanctions will mainly harm Iran’s economic development and its poorer citizens. The government is allocating $14

billion to import medicine, medical equipment and other necessities, slightly more than the $13 billion allocated last year. Lawmakers interrupted Rouhani’s speech on two occasions to protest the government’s water policies. Iran is suffering from a decade-long drought, and water shortages have sparked protests over the past year. The budget will be subject to changes during a parliamentary review lasting more than a month. The final bill must be approved by a clerical council. (ap)

Welcome New Year 2019, Badung Holds Kuta Beach Stellar and Fireworks

Around 40 percent of tourists coming to Indonesia pass through Bali and Badung. On that account, the central government gives a great hope to Badung as the gateway for Indonesia’s tourism. “The central government’s attention to Badung and Bali is very large. Badung also has homestay facilities and tourism villages,” said the Head of the Badung Tourism Office, I Made Badra, at the Tourism Gathering Meeting at The Trans Bali, Monday (Dec. 10). At present, the district government of Badung is developing five tourism villages namely the Pangsan and Carangsari village in Petang; Bongkasa Pertiwi, Baha, and Sangeh in Abiansemal subdistrict. Other than being unique, each is also equipped with facilities. “Our target is that in 2020 the five tourism villages will have been completed and are ready to accept tourists,” hoped Made Badra. Made Badra also delivered performance results during the period of January – December

2018, namely the increase in taxes, foreign tourist arrivals, tourism sector transactions through Mission of International Sales and BBTF. Besides, there is improvement in branding of Badung as ‘the Soul of Bali’ through advertising, publicity and festivals. “Promotion of the quality of tourist destinations, especially tourism villages, contributes to the labor absorption and increased professionalism of tourism resources,” he explained. For promotion strategy, Made Badra said that he had carried out a sales mission, travel fair and festival. Overseas sales missions have been carried out in America, Australia, ITB Berlin, Arabic Travel Mart, China, Korea, New Zealand, India, Russia, Hungary and Spain. Meanwhile, at home the sales mission was carried out in Jakarta Deep, Surabaya Majapahit Travel Mart, Medan Enchantment of Cultural Arts and Bandung Gebyar Tourism. To make co-branding, a sales mission was held through BBTF Travel Fair in June 2018.

Badung also held three festivals in three Badung regions namely the Maritime Festival in South Badung, the Cultural Arts Festival in Central Badung and the Agriculture Festival in North Badung. “Towards the turn of the New Year, Badung prepares the celebration of Kuta Beach Stellar and Fireworks. This event is to provide entertainment for tourists as well as serve as tourism promotion through spectacular activities,” he added. Celebration of the New Year’s Eve 2019, said Made Badra, will ignite 5,000 fireworks in the middle of the sea. The sky above Kuta Beach will be filled with colorful lights of fireworks. The atmosphere will definitely be loud, so that it sounds up to Seminyak. “People from outside Kuta can also see the excitement of the sky at the turn of the year. The fireworks are exploded in the middle of the sea,” he said. The road on Kuta Beach will be closed from 14:00 or 15:00, so people can watch the fireworks.

Visitors will be entertained by Lolot Band performance and the Badung Government Band. “We urge hotels on the seashore to no longer need to light fireworks in their respective hotel, so they can focus on this event. This event is also broadcast live by CNN and national TV station, so that it can be watched through a large screen,” he said. In the event attended by the

Chairman of the Badung House of Representatives, Chairman of the Indonesia Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) and Badung Regional Tourism Promotion Board (BPPD), hotel managers and destinations as well as community leaders, Made Badra also stated the making of the South Badung infrastructure namely the ring road toll as well as beautifying sculpture gardens by DLHK. (kmb)

4

Bali News

Friday, December 28, 2018

International

Financial services sector grows stably in 2018

DENPASAR - The Financial Services Authority (OJK) noted that Indonesia’s financial services sector until the end of 2018 showed a stable condition with intermediation performance at a positive level. Performance of the financial services sector throughout 2018 was quite well supported by domestic economic fundamentals remaining to be maintained, the relatively stable issuer’s fundamental performance as well as various policies issued by government, Financial Services Authority and Bank Indonesia. Based on monitoring, although it was imbued by increasing pressure on the market, the risk profile of the financial services sector was generally well managed. The adequacy of capital and liquidity levels of domestic financial services institution (LJK) contributed to LJK’s resilience amid increasing pressure on the financial market. In an effort to maintain financial system stability, the OJK pays attention to strengthening surveillance and Crisis Management Protocols as well as strengthening coordination with relevant parties posing the members of the System Stability Committee Finance (KSSK). Surveillance activities are carried out periodically and comprehensively together with KSSK members in order to identify potential risks and vulnerabilities in the financial services sector. “We are confident that with good synergies, the fellow KSSK members can overcome various kinds of global pressure currently faced,” said Anto Prabowo, Deputy Commissioner for Public Relations and Strategic Management, recently. The performance of the intermediary function of the financial services sector throughout 2018 was quite good. This can be seen from the credit growth per November 2018 that grew 12.05 percent (yoy) and was accompanied by a fairly good level of health. It is reflected

by the banking Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) of 23.32 percent and gross ratio of Non-Performing Loan (NPL) and net banking respectively recorded at 2.67 percent and 1.14 percent. In the Non-Bank Financial Industry, financing channeled by finance companies grew by 5.14 percent (yoy) with the level of Non Performing Financing (NPF) at the level of 2.83 percent (gross) and 0.79 percent (net). Financing channeled through Fintech also showed significant growth with an outstanding financing value of IDR 3.9 trillion and a low NPF ratio of 1.2 percent. In the capital market industry, raising funds in the capital market stays quite high, reaching IDR 162.3 trillion. This amount is quite positive amid global economic pressures. Meanwhile, as of December 18, 2018, Net Asset Value (NAV) of Sharia Mutual Funds, State Islamic Bonds and Corporate Islamic Bonds respectively increased by 20.98 percent, 17.20 percent and 40.48 percent respectively. Good performance of the financial services sector is supported by various initiatives launched by the OJK both to support economic growth and provide long-term funding sources. To support long-term development financing, the OJK granted funding permits through Asset Backed Securities Collective Investment Contract (KIK-EBA) related to infrastructure with a value of securitization of IDR 7.44 trillion and Collective Investment Contract Real Estate Investment Fund (KIK-DIRE) with a value of securitization of IDR 0.62 trillion. The OJK also encouraged listed issuers of infrastructure for fund raising in the Capital Market having recorded 24 public offerings made by 22 issuers in the infrastructure sector to do fund raising through the Capital Market with a total emission value of IDR 28.05 trillion. (kmb42)

IBP/kmb

The Financial Services Authority (OJK) noted that Indonesia’s financial services sector until the end of 2018 showed a stable condition with intermediation performance at a positive level.

Friday, December 28, 2018

International

13

Transmongolian: the beauty queen breaking barriers

ULAANBAATAR - Make-up artist Solongo Batsukh braves Mongolia’s below-freezing temperatures in just a skimpy black dress and light pastel pink coat -- the country’s trailblazing transgender beauty queen wants to look good in any weather.

IBP/kmb

The janitor from the Tabanan Environment Agency (DLH) occasionally wiped her sweat, and as soon as possible completed her tasks so that she could gather with her colleague in the Ketut Maria building for a lunch break.

Willing to stay up late for preparation for Galungan holidays

TABANAN - Intense heat of the sun on Saturday afternoon (Dec. 22) did not dampen the intention of Putu Edi Kartini, a 40-year-old housewife, when carrying out her duties to sweep on the edge of the market street in Tabanan town. The janitor from the Tabanan Environment Agency (DLH) occasionally wiped her sweat, and as soon as possible completed her tasks so that she could gather with her colleague in the Ketut Maria building for a lunch break. For this woman from Belayu, Marga sub-district, the job of being a sweeper having been doing since the past two years is an option in order to be able to fulfill her daily needs. Moreover, her husband is just an ordinary farmer. As a Hindu, Kartini of course also has to prepare all ritual paraphernalia ahead of Galungan feast like the Hindu women in general. Kartini even admitted that she often stays up late to prepare ritual paraphernalia to be used for Galungan celebration. “I just have time to prepare the oblation at night because in the morning I must work first to earn a living,” she said. Before joining a janitor, Kartini claimed to have previously worked at a restaurant in Sanur area. However, after giving birth to her sec-

ond child, she was willing to quit her job because nobody cared for her child. “Before getting married, I worked at a restaurant. Since no one takes care of my children, I decided to stop working,” she said. Moreover, to increase the income earned, Kartini should also spend her free time by making ritual paraphernalia for sale like sampian gantung or festoons according to the order available. Working as a janitor for a number of people may be a difficult option because they must be faced with a variety of possible diseases. Not for Kartini, although she admitted to often be faced with improper waste such as sanitary napkins or animal waste, she usually handles it. She also had the experience of getting a reprimand from the fore-

man because at the location becoming her responsibility was still found some trash. “Actually it has been cleaned up, maybe there were passing residents littering again, and then was seen by the foreman. However, it did not get angry, only gave an ordinary reprimand,” she explained. Another case is expressed by Made Eka, 38, a private employee who is busy with office work every day. Sometimes, she must take overtime because of the demands of the tasks having not been completed. In preparation for the feast, she usually buys ritual paraphernalia. “It is hard to find free time, but now many merchants sell it practically, such as small scale ritual paraphernalia, and other accessories,” she added. (kmb28)

“I don’t like to look puffy,” the 25-year-old said as she drove to a beauty salon that hired her to promote its products and services via Facebook live videos. It’s with this typical bluntness, confidence and attitude that taboobreaking Batsukh strutted into the country’s first ever Miss Universe Mongolia competition in October. Though she fell short of representing her country at the Miss Universe contest in Thailand on December 17, her participation shed another light onto a group living on the edges of a deeply patriarchal country with conservative views about sexual orientation. Had she won, she would have joined Miss Spain’s Angela Ponce as the first transgender contestants in Miss Universe’s 66-year history. “I wanted to inspire as many women as possible,” Batsukh told AFP. “But I’m still proud that I got the chance to compete in this contest, and the ‘Solongo’ I created was a true winner in my heart,” she said. Her participation didn’t please everyone, dredging up negative reactions on social media.

“The world would have a negative image of our country if a man represents us while there are thousands of beautiful and real women in our country,” one person wrote on the Facebook page of Miss Universe Mongolia. - ‘Correct misunderstandings’ But Batsukh isn’t deterred by such abuse. Born Bilguun Batsukh, she grew up as a boy in the semi-arid central province of Dundgovi. She couldn’t pinpoint her gender identity until she learned about different gender orientations as a university student in her early 20s. It was when she started working as a programme officer at Youth for Health, a non-governmental organisation that provides safe-sex education for LGBT people, that she realised she was a woman born in a man’s body. She started wearing wigs, putting on dresses and taking hormone therapy. Batsukh is among the few LGBT people who have dared to come out in Mongolia, where some 80 percent of the community remain in the closet, according to a UN survey.

BYAMBASUREN BYAMBA-OCHIR / AFP

This photo taken on December 2, 2018 shows transgender make-up artist Solongo Batsukh (C) chatting at a salon in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. “It is extremely difficult for transgender people to be employed,” said Baldangombo Altangerel, legal programme manager at the LGBT Centre. A video of a young transgender woman who had repeatedly been beaten in the streets went viral in

Mongolia last year, highlighting the prejudices LGBT people face. Batsukh wants to dispel the image that transgender women can only be sex workers or strippers living on the fringes of society. She flaunts her wealth, regularly travels abroad and is a celeb-

rity in her country of three million people. Batsukh found fame in 2014, when she represented Mongolia in Miss International Queen, finishing in the top 10 of the international transgender beauty pageant organised in Thailand. (afp)

Japan hangs two for murder, Indian woman chops bringing 2018 executions to 15 off stalker’s penis

TOKYO - Japan hanged two men convicted of murder on Thursday, the justice minister said, bringing the number of executions this year to 15 -- tied for the highest amount on record. With more than 100 inmates on death row, Japan is one of the few developed nations to retain the death penalty, and public support for it remains high despite international criticism, including from rights groups. The minister named the two men executed as Keizo Kawamura, 60, and Hiroya Suemori, 67, who were convicted of the 1988 strangling of an investment firm chief and an employee. After stealing 100 million yen ($900,000 at today’s rate) they buried the two bodies in concrete in the mountains. Their capital punishment sentence was finalised in 2004. “This was an extremely heinous crime that shook society,” Justice Minister Takashi Yamashita told a press conference. The minister, who is a a former prosecutor, said he ordered the executions after careful consideration, and made it clear that Japan would not stop capital punishment any time soon.

“Evil, heinous crimes cannot avoid the death penalty,” he said. “I believe it is not appropriate to abolish the death penalty.” Japan has so far hanged 15 inmates this year, matching a 2008 record since the nation started publicly announcing executions in 1998. Thursday’s hangings came five months after the nation carried out the executions of cult members sentenced to death for their role in the fatal 1995 sarin attack on the Tokyo subway and other crimes. A total of 13 people belonging to the Aum Shinrikyo cult -- including former guru Shoko Asahara -- were executed in July, drawing a line under the horrific attack which shocked the world and prompted national soul-searching over the group and its crimes. The mass execution sparked some criticism from rights groups, including Amnesty International. Local media said authorities wanted the death sentences against the Aum members to be carried out before Japan’s emperor abdicates next year, when a new imperial era will begin. (afp)

MUMBAI - An Indian woman cut off the penis of a man who had been stalking her, before rushing him to hospital to save his life, police said Thursday. The 47-year-old woman and two men lured her neighbour to an isolated spot in Mumbai before hacking off his genitals. “We have arrested the woman and two accomplices and she has accepted it was her plan to chop off the stalker’s penis because of his constant harassment,” Senior Inspector Gajanan Kabdule told AFP. The 27-year-old neighbour had sought sexual favours from the woman -- a mother of two -- and told the woman’s husband he was in love with her, which led to a fight between the couple, Kabdule said. The woman then allegedly sought help from two young men in the neighbourhood. They contacted the victim and lured him to an industrial zone on

Tuesday, the officer added. The woman then took the lead in cutting off the stalker’s genitals in the street before rushing him to hospital. “We recovered the knife and genitals and all three accused are in police custody,” Kabdule said, adding that an investigation was underway. Police have not identified the woman or the stalker. Media reports said the injured man underwent life-saving surgery. “The man is stable now and recuperating in hospital but his family is in shock,” Kabdule said. In 2017, an Indian woman cut off a man’s penis after he tried to rape her at her house in the southern state of Kerala. India has a grim record of sexual violence. On average, more than 100 rapes were reported each day in 2016, according to the most recent official figures. (afp)

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Friday, December 28, 2018

Traveling

International

Travel Guide to Bruges – the Flemish city also known as the Venice of the North

BRUGES is a delightful place to visit and, thankfully, English is spoken alongside their native Dutch. In the heart of the city is the quaintly cobbled main square, Markt or Grote Markt. The square was used as an open air market for over eight hundred years until 1983 and was also a place where protesters could be heard and where proclamations were made. These days the market square with its restaurants and bars, framed with impressive gabbled Flemish buildings, remains just as compelling to the modern day visitor. Best view

One of its landmarks is the Belfry. The energetic can take a sprint up the 366 steps of the Belfort Tower for a rewarding bird’s eye view of the city. (Entry £1.60 per adult). Having caught your breath after that jaunt, prepare for it to be swiftly taken away again by the stunning Flemish architecture that encloses the neighbouring square of Burg.

Places to see

The shining light of the square is the 15th Century Gothic Hall of the

Stadhuis, the Town Hall. The gorgeous stonework looks as delicate as lace and the splendour continues inside with a grandiose staircase, vaulted ceilings and Goth-style wall paintings. On the other side of the square is the Basilica of the Holy Blood. Though small on the outside the interior is surprisingly spacious. The Relic of the Holy Blood is kept in the chapel. In the middle of Burg Square there are always a dozen or so handsome horse drawn carriages who, for a small fee of 25 euros (£16) for up to 4 people, will take you on a 35 minute trot around the cobbled, narrow streets while the driver tells all about Bruges. But you may prefer a guided boat tour of bruges – an archway off the square will lead you there. The cost is £3 for half an hour of stressless touring through ancient stone bridges over quiet waters. Less visited sights

These well-trodden touristic amusements are highly enjoyable, however, there are other less visited sights which should not be missed. For instance the 13th century Church of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-

Vrouwekerk) has the landmark 400ft spires thrusting upwards from this Gothic Church. Inside, surrounded by grey stone columns is an exquisite white marble sculpture of Madonna and Child created by the famous artist Michelangelo. This is a real treat as his works are rarely seen outside his native Italy. The tombs of Mary of Burgundy and her father Charles the Bold lie in the chancel. Be sure to visit before it closes for Mass at 11.00 am. In search of love

Those in search of love should take a walk to the Minnewater – lake of love (‘Minne’ means ‘love’ in Flemish). The lake is reputedly endowed with the powers to help you find the love of your life if you desire it. Certainly the romance of the gliding swans helps to reinforce this story. Ironically the lake leads to a 13th century building known as the Beguinage. Though now a convent run by 2000 Benedictine nuns, it was once used as a home for unmarried or abandoned women of material substance. The order was founded by the Beguines – the ladies themselves – but the last of the Beguine died in 1930. Art lovers

For art lovers, the Groeninge fine arts museum displays a formidable range of paintings, generally masterpieces by Flemish Primitives, notably Van Eyck and Memling. Though a little touristy, a quick visit to the Diamond Museum may prove interesting to those who consider this glittering stone to be an art form. Where to shop

Bruges has some interesting shops tucked away in her quaint, pristine streets. For instance, canny fashion lovers can find some fantastic designer clothes at bargain prices at Troc (Korte Zilverstraat 12). Chocolate lovers will have an immense choice but a particularly good chocolatier is Dumon (Eiermarkt, 6) where the pralines are a speciality. Other Belgian gastronomic specialities include sausages, pates and cheeses and interested palates should head for Diksmuids Boterhuis (Geldmuntstraat 23). Where to eat

At some point, hunger pangs will inevitably urge you for nutrition. You could go for the cheap and cheerful but nevertheless historic “frietkoten” vans selling portions of chips with mayonnaise for 1.5 euros (£1). These street vendors have been setting up their stalls for over 100 years. Otherwise choose from one of the many restaurants around Markt

Square such as the busy Sint-Joris (Markt 29) where the traditional mussels and chips costs around 15 euros (£9.60). For quality dining try ‘t Huidevettershuis (Huidenvettersplein 10-11), a delightful restaurant housed in an old tanners house dating back to 1450 and has some pretty views over the canals. Expect to pay from around 21 euros (£14.00) per

head. All done, it could be time for a beer. Make your way to ‘t Brugs Beertje (Kemelstraaat 5), known affectionately as the ‘brown cafe’ due to its nicotine-stained ceiling. That may not sound appealing, but it is friendly and there are over 300 beers to chose from. A glass of Straffe Hendrik and Brugs Wit (a white beer) costs 2 euros (£1.30). (net)

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Friday, December 28, 2018

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This technique is able to add photo effects so as to look like the past with color effects according to the name of the technique.

Immortalize heritage of Denpasar with red scale technique

CREATIVITY in photography is an adventure to achieve the vision of the photographer. Everyone sees and interprets the world differently. A photographer is like an arrow that strives to produce images posing the reflection of his soul. Photos are things that can represent a thousand languages. A photographic work, though having no captions or written explanations, is still able to provide information for the observers or connoisseurs. In photographing heritage of Denpasar, for example, I Made Satriya Dwi Baskhara utilizes red scale technique. This technique is able to add photo effects so as to look like the past with color effects according to the name of the technique, namely red reinforcing historical and unique photo effects. This technique has its own characteristics and can only be done with analog cameras because this technique uses film rolls. According to a photographer graduating from the Indonesia Institute of the Arts (ISI) Denpasar, red scale is a film photography technique where the film is mounted on an upside down position, by reversing the film which will be exposed to light. So, the incoming light is not directly exposed in the part of the film’s emulsion, but it passes through the bottom

of the gelatin layer. The film washing process is carried out in a special laboratory remaining to have color film washing machine and scanning is carried out to produce digital files. In the creation of photographic works also denoting his final assignments in the Photography Department at the Faculty of Fine Arts and Design, Indonesia Institute of the Arts (ISI) Denpasar, Satriya Dwi Baskhara considered the aesthetics in photographic works, namely in terms of ideational and technical level. From the ideational level, he chose interesting and unique heritage objects in the city of Denpasar. Meanwhile, in terms of technical level, he uses red scale techniques by considering visual elements in photographic works, namely light, shape, lines, colors, textures and

space. Then, he organizes these visual elements by applying the center of attention, balance, harmony and unity, so that interesting and creative works can be created. The concept in expressive photographic work is to

create a photographic work as something beautiful but has complexity in it. The beauty element is described through heritage which is photographed using red scale techniques giving the impression of the past

or vintage. Ultimately, the element of complexity in this technique is the nature of the film whose results are unpredictable and the results are directly seen. So, you must have high patience and enjoy the process. (ian)

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Friday, December 28, 2018

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The eternal and the temporal meet in a place of beauty Painted works of I Made Sujendra

There is certainly no shortage of tremendously talented artists in Bali and with art-making playing such a important role in the religious practices of Balinese culture there is not only myriad beauty on the island but also a general and deeply felt understanding of the powerful ability of creativity to affect personal and social harmony. Art as a commodity is a relatively recent phenomena in Bali and the framing of the art market and support for artists is still being developed. Titian Art Space is dedicated to making a positive contribution to this development by exhibiting works of talented Balinese painters but also through their foundation that promotes and supports Balinese artists with a vision for allowing the wider world to become more familiar with the specific strengths of Balinese art and also to provide young Balinese artists with exposure to the wider art world. One of the specific attributes that nearly all Balinese artists share is access to a massive wealth of aesthetic, philosophical, spiritual and conceptual knowledge and practices from which they can draw upon in their own personal exploration of their artistic process. What is referred to as traditional art may appear to be simple repeating of conventions, however there are in fact many artists creating distinctly contemporary works drawing on this wealth of ancestral wisdom and aesthetic markers which hold incredible depths of meaning - both specifically Balinese and also universally human notions. I Made Sujendra is one such Balinese artist who has been extending the boundaries of what is thought of as traditional painting for the last 20 years. TItian Art Space is currently exhibiting Hell SIgns -an exhibition of his works, which express his vision of karmic repercussions depicted with both beauty and humour. Drawing on specific aesthetic components of the Batuan Style of traditional painting and traditional Balinese Hindu concepts, folklore and legends, Sujendra brings contemporary examples and perspectives into his works with exceptional finesse. Sujendra was one of the first Balinese painters to combine distinctly traditional elements and contemporary aesthetics approaches of the canvas space. While all of the works of this exhibition include the blue light of the divine and the red smoky lines of our darker tendencies as humans, this vision is not one in which good must overcome evil but rather a gentle invitation to look at what choices we make and why with ancestral wisdom showing what might likely lead to our happiness. The large empty spaces of the black background of his works mark them as distinctly different than traditional Balinese painting which always fills the entire space with equal detail, but it is not just this use of the canvas space that makes Sujendra’s works distinct or contemporary. As Sujendra explains: “I love the beauty handed down to me by my ancestors - both the visual beauty but perhaps more importantly the philosophical beauty. I believe that there is something eternal about this beauty and I am eager to translate it into forms that express my own personal experience and current conditions and that can be understood by young people today. I am not so much interested in just maintaining tradition but rather in keeping what is most valuable and applicable today alive and vibrant and this requires creativity. This requires that I am honest about all the changes that we are experiencing. But I don;t think this requires me to abandon everything about the past, as their is great wisdom that is still valuable today”. I Made Sujendra’s exhibition entitled Hell Signs will be on display at TItian Art Space, Jalan Bisma no 88, Ubud unitl January 20. (kmb)

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

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WANAKU INDOASIAN CUISINE Revealing Kuta’s Newest Oasis Established in 2000, Rama Restaurants Bali Group now own 10 (ten) well known restaurant brands in Bali and are committed to keeping the quality of its brands and products at the highest level. New and creative innovations are always being explored and developed across all products. Rama Restaurants Bali is delighted to present their newest innovation with the opening of Wanaku restaurant, a unique culinary and entertainment concept. Standing out in the crowd, Wanaku IndoAsian Cuisine offers a dining experience with authentic IndoAsian food accompanied by contemporary performance and traditional activities. Located in the most populated tourist area of South Kuta, Tuban and close to the international Airport , Wanaku is a perfect spot to end or start holiday on style in Bali. Wanaku IndoAsian Cuisine welcomes you to enjoy a delightful authentic IndoAsian dining experience while you are seated in a tropical surrounding of impressive waterfalls and lavish gardens, an instagramable paradise! With a modern twist in the presentation of food and drinks it manages to maintain authentic flavours with genuine ingredients. Wanaku offers Megibung its iconic signature dish, which should be experienced with friends, family and colleagues alike in order to

reconnect and appreciate the art of eating together. Other iconic dishes are Jerungga Salad, Dendeng Wanaku, Tum Ayam and Opor Ayam combined with Wanaku handcrafted beverages theywill definitely thrill your senses. By reviving local tradition, events have been designed such as Heritage and cultural events, Art Exhibition, Live Seminar, Food Festival and many enthralling activities. Wanaku Entertainment Division presents daily, weekly and monthly events by showcasing talented Indonesian artists such as Ito Kurdhi & friends, Jaya Nyomane and Pancer Langiit. The extensive yet cosy elements of Wanaku restaurant make this 5,000 sqm venue with a seating capacity up to 600 persons the perfect place to host a variety of functions, from MICE, weddings, anniversaries, celebrations and small gatherings such as ‘arisan’. Plenty of spots to choose such as Wana Puri (Lobby), Wana Dayuh (gazebo), Wana Griya (Ballroom), Tuak Bar (Satellite Bar), Nirvana (VIP Area) and Wana Tirta (Wet Dining). Decide the spot for your memorable moment. Essentially, Wanaku IndoAsian Cuisine aims to be recognized among Bali’s Culinary experiences and one not to be missed. Mr. Steve Setiawan, CEO of Rama Restaurants Bali Group,

said,“I have personally selected and scouted talents from the vast Archipelago in order to compose the most professional Team that would help me to create my vision.” The long selection, perseverance and extensive scouting of Mr. Steve Setiawan paid off with the actual Team of experts. And finally,The 11th Gem of Rama Bali RestaurantsGroup has been created in order to present the magnificent authentic IndoAsian Culinary to the World. Wanaku IndoAsian Cuisine Grand Opening

Friday, December 21st, 2018, Wanaku IndoAsian Cuisine is officially open. In its Grand Opening event, all invited guests and customers are excited by the best culinary treats and variety of handcrafted drinks offered. With a neat sound system, combined with a spectacular lighting adds into design concept, presented by Wanaku’s Event & Entertainment Division, amazed all customers. Attractive entertainments such as ethnic musical instruments from Jaya Nyomane, Jazz Fusion played divinely by Ito Kurdhi and contemporary colossal dances performed by Pancer Langiit are surely can hypnotise all guests. As the closing part of the event, Wanaku presents Rio Sidik feat Affan Latanete percussion and DJ Jonny Satrio.

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Friday, December 28, 2018

Miley Cyrus confirms wedding to Liam Hemsworth on Instagram and Twitter

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Friday, December 28, 2018

LOS ANGELES - Miley Cyrus has confirmed her marriage to the actor Liam Hemsworth after reports emerged they had tied the knot before Christmas. The US pop singer posted images on Twitter and Instagram of her kissing and embracing the Australian star while wearing an ivory gown. The Wrecking Ball singer later posted a clip on Twitter of herself dancing after the small ceremony in Tennessee. An image she posted on Instagram carried the caption “12.23.18”, which is reported to be the date of the wedding.

Two other photos had the captions “This is probably our one millionth kiss” and “10 years later” in a likely reference to the film The Last Song. The pair’s relationship is said to have started during the making of the 2010 film. Some details of their wedding appeared online last week, including photos of Hemsworth’s brothers Chris and Luke at the wedding and the married couple cutting the cake. (net)

Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth at this year’s Vanity Fair Oscar Party

‘Aquaman’ makes a big splash to top N.American box office LOS ANGELES - New Warner Bros. release “Aquaman” made the biggest waves in North American theaters over the weekend with $67.4 million in ticket sales, industry tracker Exhibitor Relations said Wednesday. That put it well ahead of two other new holiday-timed releases, as Disney’s “Mary Poppins Returns” took in $23.5 million for the three-day weekend, flying slightly higher than Paramount’s “Bumblebee” at $21.7 million. “Aquaman” stars Jason Momoa in a title role infused with new swagger by director James Wan, with Variety calling Momoa’s Aquaman “a bare-chested Hawaiian superstud with long, shaggy surfer hair and all-over tribal tattoos.” “Mary Poppins,” while lacking truly boffo opening numbers, is expected to follow past musicals in enjoying a long box-office run. The sequel to the 1964 movie stars Emily

Blunt as the stern but kind-hearted nanny (Julie Andrews in the original), backed by LinManuel Miranda of “Hamilton” fame. Dick Van Dyke, Mary Poppins’ Cockney-accented friend in the original film, makes a cameo. “Bumblebee,” a prequel to the “Transformers” movies, stars Hailee Steinfeld and John Cena. It drew a lofty 94 percent rating from Rotten Tomatoes while all three of the top grossing new movies earned strong A- ratings from CinemaScores. In fourth was Sony’s “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” taking in $16.6 million. It has Peter Parker making way for Miles Morales as a black, Latino Spider-Man. And fifth spot went to “The Mule” from Warner Bros., at $9.5 million. Clint Eastwood, who at 88 says this will be his last acting part, directs and takes the lead role as a destitute 90-year-old who turns to transporting cocaine for a Mexican drug cartel. (afp)

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Raisa Rifani (front), 2, and her mother Rika Jayanti, 21, pose for pictures with Raisa’s doll “macha” at a relief centre in Kalianda, Lampung province on December 27, 2018, after they were evacuated from Sebesi island following the December 22 tsunami that was caused by activity at a volcano known as the “child” of Krakatoa.

Songs and toys for Indonesia’s disaster-zone kids

Via Sundari Octavia keeps a watchful eye on her small children as they sing and dance -- part of a trauma healing programme for kids displaced by Indonesia’s deadly tsunami. Octavia was with dozens of parents lining the edge of a futsal pitch turned evacuation shelter in the town of Labuan Thursday, where relief workers played games with children to take their minds off the disaster. The 30-year-old, her husband and three children -- two sons aged three and five and a baby boy -- survived the killer wave that killed more than 400 people and left many homeless. But they have little left beyond the clothes on their back and some meagre belongings strewn on the floor. “My house was swept away by the waves,” Octavia told AFP,

as she sat on a tarpaulin, clothes drying on a fence behind her. “I only brought few things with me, everything else is gone.” At another relief centre in hardhit Kalianda, volunteers handed out drawings for kids to colour along with stuffed animals and other toys. But volunteers in both places were also keeping a close eye out for signs of distress, with some youngsters eating little and struggling to sleep. “Psychologically, many children have been affected,” said Dina Amanah Tayusani from children’s aid group Anak Banten.

“They lost their parents... Many of them lost their homes and their belongings.” An eruption of the Anak Krakatoa volcano, which sits in the middle of the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra islands, caused a section of the crater to collapse and slide into the ocean, triggering the killer tsunami on Saturday evening. The waves washed over popular beaches, inundating tourist hotels and beachside communities on both sides of the strait -- leaving a trail of death and destruction in their wake.

On Thursday, the disaster death toll was at 430 with some 159 still missing, as authorities raised the danger alert level for the rumbling volcano amid fears of another tsunami. Medical workers have warned that clean water and medicine supplies are running low. Children are now the most vulnerable of some 22,000 people forced from their homes, said Michel Rooijackers, an advisor to Yayasan Sayangi Tunas Cilik, a Save the Children partner in Indonesia. The organisation was handing out shelter and hygiene kits for about 10,000 people and setting up spaces to help distressed kids. “The situation in the temporary shelters is

improving but not optimal,” he said. Still, the healing programmes are an important part of recovery, even if not all of the children understand the gravity of the situation. “It’s very useful, my (kids) can get to know other children so they won’t be bored,” Octavia said. “My son said ‘Mom, we’re on vacation now’. I started crying because we’re actually suffering.” (afp) News can also be heard in “Bali Image” at Global Radio FM 96.5 from 9.30 until 10.00 am. Listen to Global Radio FM at http:// globalfmbali.listen2myradio.com or live video streaming at http:// radioglobalfmbali.com and http:// ustream.tv/channel/global-fm-bali.