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Thursday, March 29, 2018

Documentary maker Alex Gibney tees up new Tiger Woods biography LOS ANGELES - Oscar-winning filmmaker Alex Gibney is to put golfer Tiger Woods under the microscope in an upcoming documentary series based on a new biography of the 14-time major winner, Gibney’s company Jigsaw Productions said on Tuesday.

Gibney will use journalists Jeff Benedict and Armen Keteyian’s biography, “Tiger Woods”, which was also released on Tuesday, as a foundation for the series.

Jigsaw did not say when production of the series will begin, and it has yet to be picked up by a distributor. Woods, 42, the greatest golfer of his generation who closely guards his personal life and highly crafted image, is in the midst of his latest comeback from injury.

Woods did not speak with the

biography’s authors but did allow his chiropractor to speak on the record.

The book, which is published

by CBS Corp’s Simon & Schuster, sits in the top 40 on Amazon’s best seller list and has so far received favorable reviews.

It examines Woods’ life as a closely managed introverted child prodigy to a mixed-race global marketing phenomenon, and his midcareer fall from grace as a string of affairs and injuries took a toll on his image and performance.

Gibney’s projects include scripted Hulu miniseries “The Looming Tower” and 2015 HBO Scientology documentary “Going Clear.”

He won an Oscar in 2008 for his Afghan war documentary “Taxi to the Dark Side.” (rtr)

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

Thursday, March 29, 2018 Former Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff speaks during a news conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil March 26, 2018.

Netflix series on corruption scandal angers Brazil’s former president

BRASILIA - Former Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff has accused Netflix of political bias and character assassination in its series based on the massive Car Wash corruption investigation that rocked Brazil’s political establishment.

Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo

Tiger Woods plays his shot from the 11th tee during the final round of the Farmers Insurance Open golf tournament at Torrey Pines Municipal Golf Course in San Diego, California, U.S., January 28, 2018.

Since its debut on Friday, the series called “The Mechanism” has enthralled Brazilians with its dramatization of the political scandal that contributed to Rousseff’s downfall and impeachment in 2016.

But it sparked mocking memes and angry tweets in Brazil with accusations including that some dialogue delivered by leftist exPresident Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in the show resembled the words of a right-wing politician in a real-life wire tap.

Rousseff assailed the series as a travesty of history aimed at her Workers’ Party and its founder Lula, who has been convicted of corruption for receiving a luxury seaside apartment as a bribe.

“Under the guise of telling the story of the Car Wash investigation in a series ‘based on real events,’

the director José Padilha distorts reality and spreads all sorts of lies to attack me and President Lula,” Rousseff said in a statement.

The director, she said, “doesn’t merely reproduce fake news. He has turned himself into a creator of fake news.”

Padilha could not immediately be reached for comment, and Netflix did not respond to requests for comment. Padilha told Reuters this month that he hoped to remind viewers that rampant corruption in Brazil was not the fault of any particular politician or party.

“The series is trying to take a position that is non-ideological,” he said in that interview.

Workers Party officials said they were consulting lawyers to see what legal action they can take.

Rousseff was impeached for breaking budget laws, ending 14

years of leftist rule by the Workers Party. Lula, still Brazil’s most popular politician, faces a 12-year prison sentence and will likely be barred from running in this year’s election, even though he is the front-runner in early polls.

The Folha de S.Paulo newspaper reported that left-wing Brazilians canceled their Netflix subscriptions over the weekend angered by the depiction of Lula and his party.

“The Mechanism” opens a decade before the Car Wash probe was launched in early 2014 with federal police investigating money laundering in southern Brazil but failing to catch a key suspect.

They eventually unveil a kickback scheme involving politicians, construction companies and Brazil’s state-run oil company called Petrobras in real life and Petrobrasil in the series. (rtr)

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Win Myint waves after he was elected as Myanmar’s President in Parliament at Naypyitaw, Myanmar March 28, 2018.

REUTERS/Stringer

Myanmar parliament picks Suu Kyi confidant as new president

NAYPYITAW - Myanmar’s parliament on Wednesday picked a close ally of de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi as the country’s new president, a move unlikely to affect a delicate balance of power in a country where the army has retained a large political role. Win Myint, who a week ago resigned from his post as the lower house speaker, was chosen by both chambers of the parliament where Suu Kyi’s ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) party holds a comfortable majority.

The outgoing president, Htin Kyaw, who was also close to Suu Kyi, retired “in order to take rest from the current duties and responsibilities” amid visible weight loss and speculation over his health. The election of the 66-year-old Win Myint, who is a life-long NLD member, is likely to mean a continuation of Suu Kyi’s dominance over the executive and little change to the course taken by her nearly two-year-old administration, lawmakers and analysts say.

Win Myint won the election with 403 votes out of 636 cast by law-

makers. The parliament speaker did not say when Win Myint would be sworn in, although the ceremony was expected to take place on Thursday.

“There won’t be policy changes. The policy will continue as previously under the former president,” said Kyaw Tote, a lawmaker from the NLD. The president is the head of state and government in Myanmar, and under the constitution has far-reaching powers. However, Htin Kyaw’s role was more ceremonial because Suu Kyi has been Myanmar’s de facto leader since April 2016. Politicians

and analysts expect this arrangement to continue under Win Myint.

A constitution drafted by the former junta bars Nobel Peace Prize laureate Suu Kyi from the top office and so she hand-picked Htin Kyaw, a close ally, to become president following a historic landslide election victory in 2015. The charter also reserves for the army one quarter of the seats in parliament and several major cabinet posts, including defence, interior and border affairs, giving it an effective veto over constitutional change and

control of security affairs.

The incoming president is a member of a very narrow circle of Suu Kyi’s trusted advisers. Analysts believe it is that loyalty and trust that prompted her to tap him as Htin Kyaw’s replacement. He was among a few dozen NLD members, including Suu Kyi, elected to parliament in 2012 by-elections as the country began a dramatic transition from nearly 50 years of military rule.

“He is good at both legislation and administration and I assume that is a good thing,” said NLD upper house representative Nwe Nwe Aung. Before his appointment as lower house speaker in April 2016, Win Myint shared an austere one-room chamber with his wife in a compound for lawmakers in Myanmar’s purpose-built capital Naypyitaw, living next to other leading NLD figures. (rtr)

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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.

We, the International Bali Post would like to apologize in advance becuase we will not be published on Friday, March 30, 2018.

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Bali News

Thursday, March 29, 2018

International

Activities

International

Thursday, March 29, 2018

15

BHFF to recover Bali tourism and introduce traditional food

The tourists are trying to make salt in Klungkung

IBP/Sosiawan

Salt farming increasingly abandoned

Production still traditional, used as sweetener of tourism

SALT production on Belatung Beach, Pesinggahan village, Dawan, is still applying traditional technique. This uniqueness is able to attract foreign tourists from various countries to make a visit. Surely, it gives blessings to old salt farmers.

Once upon a time when approaching midday, all the salt farmers on the beach located in the east of Goa Lawah Temple were busy. They were flattening the overlay of wide black sand no matter the sun shine heated up. Shortly, they took seawater with simple tools where at a glance theirs looked like scales. They carried it on shoulder. When walking, the water containers carried were bobbing, showing that it is pretty heavy. The seawater was then splashed evenly on the sand and done repeatedly.

Soon, dozens of tall people came from the highway.

Their hair is blond while her skin is white. They were foreign tourists being curious to see the process of salt making in the traditional way. Their attention was focused on another process. When seawater was placed on a split coconut tree with a hollow in the middle, it was dried up. The place was neatly lined up in nice combination with bamboo roofed huts.

In addition to capturing the moment of their journey in some photos, a number of tourists seemed curious about the taste of the clean white salt. They tasted right away. Here, farmers directly offered visitors to buy salt at not expensive price. It is just IDR 25,000

per kilogram. It depends on the season. Their efforts paid off. Some tourists were interested in buying.

Unavoidably, happy smile also was seen on their face whose skin has been wrinkled.

Their tourist guide, Putu Rias, said the tourists are from Denmark. In their home country there is also salt farming but has applied modern way. “Here, salt farming is still traditional. That is why they are remarkably interested to make a visit,” he said on Tuesday (Mar. 27). He admitted to quite often escort tourists to the salt farming site.

A local salt farmer, I Wayan Warta, told there are always tourists making a visit every month. However, since the eruption of Mount Agung, the number has decreased. Nevertheless, he is still grateful because he can still add income from the sales. “There is always tourist visit here, but not many,” he said.

His salt is sold to collectors. It is a blessing. There is a provision to survive in the middle of his getting older age. On the sidelines, he said that such profession has been pursued since his childhood taught by his parents. During good season as it is today, the production reaches 10 kilogram per day. “During rainy season, the production decreases a lot,” said this 60-year-old man.

Its existence can become a ‘sweetener’ for tourism, even though the number of salt farmers increasingly reduces. Younger generation is no longer interested in this job. They prefer to go to urban areas with the hope to earn more. “Now, they are of three remaining to survive. No younger people want to take such profession,” he said. (sos)

MANGUPURA - Culinary tourism in Indonesia becomes an attraction for tourists. This tourism introduces a variety of cuisines of Indonesia ranging from the way of serving, cooking techniques to the uniqueness of each region.

To that end, the Nusa Dua tourism area will introduce a variety of traditional Indonesian food through the event of Bali Heritage Food Festival (BHFF) 2018. This culinary event entitled Bhinneka Rasa Nusantara (literally means ‘a diversity of archipelagic tastes’) will involve tourists and is scheduled to take place on March 30-31, 2018 at Peninsula Island, Nusa Dua. Commercial Division Head of The Nusa Dua, Anak Agung Istri Ratnadewi, explained on Tuesday (Mar. 27) that BHFF is held for the recovery of Bali tourism having declined following the Mount Agung eruption late 2017.

“Bali Heritage Food Festival is an event held for the recovery of Bali tourism. This year in the IMF-WB event, we have to show off Indonesia’s wealth in the field of cuisines,” she said.

Tourists staying at hotels in the Nusa Dua area are also invited to come and engage in the ‘mass ngelawar’ (preparing one of Balinese delicacies) during the food festival. This food festival will feature a number of culinary activities involving the participants. “Thus, tourists know the preparation and ingredients used to make lawar. In addition, there

are also preparation of making satay en masse, eating spicy food contest, cooking class, food battle competition, serving of archipelagic foods and live music,” she explained.

The festival targets 2,000 visitors per day during the implementation of the BHFF 2018 and visitors will not be charged entry fee. “We are targeting visits from families, food bloggers, and culinary enthusiasts,” she explained.

Ratna added the festival is part of 12 activities in the calendar of event having been programmed

by The Nusa Dua throughout 2018. Culinary tourism in Indonesia has become a tourist attraction. Besides, it is also meant to introduce a variety of culinary treasures owned by Indonesia ranging from the way of serving, cooking techniques to the uniqueness of each region.

Chairman of the Indonesia Chef Association (ICA) of Bali Chapter, I Gede Putu Hendra Mahena, revealed that participants must highlight and maintain traditional cuisines with cooking techniques based on hygiene and sanitation standards in order to be able to go international.

“There will be 120 participants divided into 6 teams. This event will be an interesting spectacle for visiting tourists. In addition, there will be the handling of processed and non-processed meat and cooking demo for processing raw fish until it is ready to be served,” he explained. (kmb23)

An Endless Easter Holiday at Royal Tulip Saranam Resort & Spa

IBP/Yudi Karnaedi

Head of Commercial Division The Nusa Dua, Anak Agung Istri Ratnadewi (two from left)

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14

Thursday, March 29, 2018

Health

International

International

Spinal surgery may not cut need for painkillers

IBP/net

Eating beef, chicken or fish grilled or well-done is associated with a higher risk of high blood pressure, new research suggests.

Eating grilled or well-done meat, fish tied to high blood pressure risk

NEW YORK - Eating beef, chicken or fish grilled or well-done is associated with a higher risk of high blood pressure, new research suggests.

“Among individuals who consume red meat, chicken, or fish regularly, our findings imply that avoiding the use of open-flame and/or high-temperature cooking methods, including grilling/barbecuing, broiling, and roasting, may help reduce hypertension risk,” Dr. Gang Liu of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston told Reuters Health by email.

“Although some studies have suggested that higher intake of red meat, especially processed red meat, is associated with higher risk of hypertension, the associations of chicken or fish intake with hypertension risk remain inconsistent,” he explained. “These previous studies did not take into account one important factor - different meat cooking methods.”

Dr. Liu presented the new findings at an American Heart Association meeting in New Orleans last week.

He and his colleagues analyzed cooking methods and the development of hypertension in adults who regularly ate beef, poultry or fish and were participating in three long-term studies: 32,925 women in the Nurses’ Health Study, 53,852 women in the Nurses’ Health Study II, and 17,104 men in the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study.

In each study, detailed cooking information was collected. None of the participants had hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, or cancer at the start, but 37,123 people developed hypertension during an average follow-up of 12 to 16 years.

The researchers found that “a higher frequency of open-flame and/or high-temperature cooking and a preference for higher meat doneness level were both independently associated with an increased hypertension risk.”

Among adults who ate two or more servings of red meat, chicken or fish a week, the risk of developing hypertension was 17 percent higher in those who grilled, broiled, or roasted the meat or fish more than 15 times per month, compared with fewer than four times per month.

The risk of hypertension was 15 percent higher in those who preferred their food well done, compared with those who preferred rarer meats.

“The chemicals produced by cooking meats at high temperatures induce oxidative stress, inflammation and insulin resistance in animal studies, and these pathways may also lead to an elevated risk of developing high blood pressure,” Dr. Liu said in a conference statement.

Registered dietitian and American Heart Association spokesperson Dr. Linda Van Horn from Northwestern University in Chicago said previous studies on this topic have mostly involved charbroiled red meat and have focused on the potential association with cancer.

This new study, she told Reuters Health by phone, “begins to suggest that grilling at high temperatures really does have some sort of inflammatory response in the blood system that basically then contributes to an increased risk of all kinds of chronic disease, not only cancer,” she said.

The study wasn’t designed to prove that eating meat and fish cooked a certain way causes hypertension.

Still, said Dr. Van Horn, “Speaking as a nutritionist, my caution would be not to cook foods to death. I think where we have problems is when people take a good thing too far and that is certainly true for almost everything in the world of nutrition. In this case, certainly this doesn’t say eat steak tartare and sushi the rest of your life, but rather more on the side of moderation, don’t grill it to death and if you do happen to get charring, you might consider cutting off those burnt spots as much as possible.” (rtr)

PORTLAND - Most patients who take prescription opioids for chronic pain before lumbar fusion surgery continue taking them long-term after surgery, a new study suggests.

More than 77 percent continued long-term postoperative use, and 14 percent had occasional use, the study authors wrote in the journal PAIN. “The important message here is that patients go into surgery thinking it will eliminate their need to take pain medication.

But for this type of surgery, it’s unlikely that patients will end up stopping opioids,” lead author Dr. Richard Deyo of Oregon Health and Science University in Portland told Reuters Health by phone.

According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, spinal fusion “(corrects) problems with the small bones of the spine (vertebrae). It is essentially a ‘welding’ process. The basic idea is to fuse together the painful vertebrae so that they heal into a single, solid bone.”

Deyo and colleagues studied nearly 2,500 adults who underwent lumbar spine (lower back) fusion surgery in Oregon, using the state’s prescription drug monitoring program to quantify opioid use before and after the surgery. They defined long-term postoperative use as more than four prescriptions filled in the seven months following the surgery, with at least three prescriptions filled more than 30 days

after the surgery.

They found that 1,045 patients received long-term opioids before surgery and 1,094 received them after surgery. Among the long-term users, 77 percent continued long-term use and 14 percent had episodic use. About 9 percent discontinued using opioids or only used them shortly after surgery.

“The chronic pain story is a complicated one, and there is growing evidence that opioids aren’t necessarily better than non-opioid options for pain,” Deyo said. “We should redouble our efforts to treat patients with long-term back problems with medications other than opioids so they can avoid them in the long run.”

Importantly, among those who had opioid prescriptions before surgery, 34 percent received a lower dose after surgery, but 45 percent received a higher dose.

In addition, among those with no opioid prescriptions before surgery, 13 percent became longterm users after surgery.

As part of the analysis, Deyo and colleagues found that the prescription dose before surgery was the strongest predictor of long-term use after surgery.

“It’s not fair to say that continued use represents failure of the surgery, but instead, it represents poor transitions of care and a failure to coordinate care for patients,” said Dr. Chad Brummett of the University of Michigan Medical School, who was not involved in the study. (rtr)

Bali News

Thursday, March 29, 2018

Balinese shadow puppet played in London fascinates audience

LONDON — The dynamic and funny Balinese shadow puppet play was presented by Prof. I Nyoman Sedana, from the Indonesia Institute of the Arts (ISI) Denpasar and puppeteer Prof.

Matthew Isaac Cohen, and Dutch artist Sietskr Rijpkema, PhD., denoting a student at Royal Holloway University of London. Most of the spectators were British citizens and they were willing to sit relaxingly in the meeting room on first floor of the Indonesian Embassy in London, last week.

They were fascinated.

The show was opened by the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia in London, Rizal Sukma. After the show, he said the performance of Indonesian arts, especially Balinese, is one of the cultural diplomacy carried out by Indonesia in London, England. Hopefully, in the future various Indonesian arts can be performed.

The education attaché of the Indonesian Embassy in London, Prof. Endang Aminuddin Aziz, said the show of Bali in Westminster is the closing of residency of Prof.

Nyoman Sedana, a professor of theater of the ISI Denpasar, in England.

Shadow puppet play entitled ‘the Death of Indrajit’ is taken from the episode of Ramayana epic started with angklung music from London Angklung Assemble led by Hana A. Satryo presenting three songs namely Es Lilin, Tanah Air Pusaka and Obladi Oblada and could draw the audience to dance. The Balinese shadow puppet show first performed in London with Lila Cita’s live gamelan music took place for less than an hour but managed to entertain the audience.

“Fantastic, it’s a very interesting show,” said the audience that were not only comprising people of old ages but also young generations like two young men who brought a guitar that are in fact rock music artists.

Prior to the Balinese shadow puppet show, in the performance of Indonesian arts themed Bali in Westminster was also presented Balinese dance like Panji Semirang, whose dancers are from the Center for Asian Theater originating from various countries. The dance was performed with gamelan accompaniment by Lila Cita art troupe where most members are British citizens.

Prof. I Nyoman Sedana, the theater professor at the ISI Denpasar, said that Balinese shadow puppet appearance is not only an entertaining puppet performance but also has

philosophy, namely as an offering to the Creator, ritual, ceremonies and entertainment.

He acknowledged the shadow puppet show with the storyline of The Death of Indrajit has a profound lesson namely Indrajit who respects his father, Ravana, but eventually he is killed in the battle in Lanka Kingdom which is actually the fault of Ravana who has sacrificed his son.

Meanwhile, Prof. Matthew Isaac Cohen, a lecturer at Royal Holloway University of London (RHUL), who is known as the foreign puppeteer, admitted to be very happy

as having the honor of being a puppeteer together with Prof. I Nyoman Sedana.

Matthew Isaac Cohen who used to play Cirebon-style shadow puppet show and Javanese puppet shadow admitted that playing along with Prof. Sedana is very dynamic and different from the puppet of Yogya and Solo style.

Even though he made some mistakes, it did not disturb the show, he admitted. “Of course, it is the first and historic show,” said Prof. Cohen who studied shadow puppet for the first time in 1988. (ant)

IBP/kmb

Balinese shadow puppet

Tourist severely injured after fighting against thief

IBP/net

Most patients who take prescription opioids for chronic pain before lumbar fusion surgery continue taking them long-term after surgery, a new study suggests.

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MANGUPURA — The fight between a tourist and thief occurred at the villa located on Jalan Kresnantara Gang II, North Kuta, last Saturday (Mar. 10). Robin Hamish Lakauze from New Zealand fought against Ferry Papa Mananue, 42, for being caught when stealing at the scene. Armed with iron stick, the perpetrator attacked and hit the victim’s head. As a result, the victim suffered a head wound with 18 stitches.

“But the victim managed to seize the stick and it was used to strike back. Moreover, the stick turned crooked, but the perpetrator is strong enough,” said Chief of North Kuta Police, Joe Nainggolan, accompanied by Chief of Criminal Investigation Unit, Putu Ika Prabawa, on Monday (Mar. 26).

Joe added that armed with short crowbar, the perpetrator having the address at Karang Suwung hamlet, Yeh Gangga, Tabanan, gouged the door of the villa. Once opened, the perpetrator took a laptop. “When the perpetrator was about to escape from the villa, the victim caught him,” said police chief.

Initially, the perpetrator argued that he was looking for a

friend named Joni. However, the victim did not believe and immediately checked the bag carried by the perpetrator. In fact, the bag contained the victim’s laptop. “The perpetrator cannot dodge anymore. Feeling to get cornered, the perpetrator took out an iron stick and it was used to hit the victim’s head,” he said.

Though getting severely injured, the victim gave a fight and the duel was inevitable. On hearing a commotion in the villa, local residents reported it to North Kuta Police. After receiving the report on the incident, the officers came down directly to the scene and arrested the perpetrator. Meanwhile, the victim was taken to hospital and the wound on his head got 18 stitches. “We are still investigating the perpetrator even though he admitted to steal only once,” he said.

In addition, the North Kuta Criminal Investigation Unit also arrested Dion Hutagaol, 23. This man having the address on Jalan Mekar, Pemogan, South Denpasar, was arrested for taking a projector, a digital camera and cash worth HKD 50 belonging to Sumantha Jane Cox, 47.

Joe Nainggolan said the victim experienced the theft at

his residence on Jalan Tunjung II, Kerobokan, North Kuta.

“We immediately conduct an investigation and the suspicion leads to Dion for having worked with the victim,” said Joe Nainggolan.

After taking action, the perpetrator disappeared for three months. On Tuesday (Mar. 20), the perpetrator contacted the victim to ask for job vacancy. After that, the victim immediately coordinated with police and the perpetrator was asked to come.

“Perhaps, the perpetrator is not suspicious and he came to meet the victim. Our members have been lurking at the location and the perpetrator was arrested at 17:30,” he said.

In addition, police chief also released the development of snatching case targeting a foreigner named Lina Hellmen, 21, from Sweden on Jalan Pantai Batu Bolong, Canggu.

After capturing Oktori Dimas Pratama, 22, and Gede Wahyu Arianta, 21, it was the turn to arrest Gede Pember Ariana, 23, from Sawan subdistrict, Buleleng. This plot claimed to have taken action at five crime scenes in the area of North Kuta. (kmb36)

4

Thursday, March 29, 2018

Bali News

International

Thursday, March 29, 2018

International

13

Protest mounts over Malaysian PM’s plan to redraw electoral map

REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

IBP/kmb

PT Jasamarga Bali Tol (JBT) started reducing e-money sales and refill services at toll booths to familiarize people with top ups/refills before entering toll roads.

Inaugurate drive thru service

JBT reduces e-money sales and refill at toll gates

DENPASAR - PT Jasamarga Bali Tol (JBT) started reducing e-money sales and refill services at toll booths to familiarize people with top ups/refills before entering toll roads. To that end, JBT inaugurated it drive thru sales and top up/refill service of electronic money (e-money) located under the interchanges on Jalan Pelabuhan Benoa, Denpasar, on Monday (Mar. 26).

According to President Director of Jasamarga Bali Tol, Akhmad Tito Karim, from October 2017 to February 2018, JBT averagely served e-money sales and top up/refill to around 1,119 to 2,475 vehicles per day. According to him, this causes frequent queues during rush hours,

especially at Nusa Dua Toll Gate.

“Gradually, we will reduce and remove sales and refill services at toll gates starting on April 1, 2018 starting from the toll gate of Benoa,” he said. He said since the operation of the drive thru of sales and top up, the frequency of purchase and

refill of e-money at toll gate has decreased. In February 2018, the frequency reached 2,475 and daily average of 953 per day, while in March 2018 the daily frequency of top up at drive thru reached around 353 transactions.

The top-up at the toll gate and

drive thru can totally make around 1,306 or the decrease of top-up at the toll gate reached about 52 percent.

This proved that toll road users have already understood the benefits and location of the drive thru. “If all toll road users have e-money, they will only take about 2 seconds for transaction. However, if they do not bring e-money or the balance is not enough, then to buy or refill e-money at the toll gate can take 34 minutes. This condition is the cause

long queue,” he explained.

In addition, Tito hoped the presence of e-money sales and top up in the drive thru can answer the complaints of toll road users related to the difficulty of finding a place to refill or top up e-money off the highway. He also urged the banks issuing the e-money to jointly disseminate the e-money and increase the location to refills outside the toll roads so that it will be easier for people to refill or purchase. (kmb23)

BRI customers complain about long queue of card replacement

YLKI considers BRI protects customers less carefully

DENPASAR - A number of BRI customers complained about the migration process of their card with skimming indication because it gives impression to be done suddenly and without prior notice. When replacing card to any nearby BRI branch office, customers will equally find an inconvenience due to long queue reaching 900 customers.

A number of customers also complained about not getting SMS notification about their card deac-

tivation, but when used the card does not work. “Why the bank disables the card directly, whereas we have not received any notice yet,” complained Diah Mandala, a BRI customer, on Monday (Mar. 26).

Director of Bali Consumer Protection Foundation (YLPK), I Putu Armaya, said there should be solutions, dissemination and alternative for temporary withdrawal. “If the banking service is provided like this, it’s not good for consumers,”

he said.

According to the Chairman of Indonesian Consumers Foundation (YLKI) Bali, Nyoman Suwidjana, the long queue occurred currently happened because BRI has not carefully protected customers’ money from the beginning. “Such long queue happens due to the inadequacy which can actually be overcome in other ways such as customers just handed over their card. Meanwhile, new card can be sent via post or

provide some additional service counters,” he explained.

Supposedly, customers have been given the correct, clear and honest information first about the products offered. For example, customers should get information about usability, superiority, weakness and risk so that they can make a good and right choice with full awareness and responsibility.

Long queues certainly make customers waste their time and feel un-

comfortable. “It happens because of the wrong decision in the beginning when choosing the products of BRI. The options are made because of incomplete information,” he said.

He did not dismiss if the long queues happen because BRI indeed has quite many customers. However, BRI at least should provide convenience in the exchange of cards. “For example, it can serve them a drink when lining up,” he concluded. (kmb42)

Residents follow moves made by humanoid robot ‘Pepper’ during an afternoon exercise routine at Shin-tomi nursing home in Tokyo, Japan, February 2, 2018.

Ageing Japan: Robots may have role in future of elder care

TOKYO - Paro the furry seal cries softly while an elderly woman pets it. Pepper, a humanoid, waves while leading a group of senior citizens in exercises. The upright Tree guides a disabled man taking shaky steps, saying in a gentle feminine voice, “right, left, well done!”

Robots have the run of Tokyo’s Shin-tomi nursing home, which uses 20 different models to care for its residents. The Japanese government hopes it will be a model for harnessing the country’s robotics expertise to help cope with a swelling elderly population and dwindling workforce.

Allowing robots to help care for the elderly - a job typically seen as requiring a human touch - may be a jarring idea in the West. But many Japanese see them positively, largely because they are depicted in popular media as friendly and helpful.

“These robots are wonderful,” said 84-year-old Kazuko Yamada after the exercise session with SoftBank Robotics Corp’s Pepper, which can carry on scripted dialogues. “More people live alone

these days, and a robot can be a conversation partner for them. It will make life more fun.”

Plenty of obstacles may hinder a rapid proliferation of elder care robots: high costs, safety issues and doubts about how useful - and user-friendly - they will be.

The Japanese government has been funding development of elder care robots to help fill a projected shortfall of 380,000 specialised workers by 2025.

Despite steps by Japan to allow foreign workers in for elder care, obstacles to employment in the sector, including exams in Japanese, remain. As of the end of 2017, only 18 foreigners held nursing care visas, a new category created in 2016.

But authorities and companies here are also eyeing a larger prize:

a potentially lucrative export industry supplying robots to places such as Germany, China and Italy, which face similar demographic challenges now or in the near future.

“It’s an opportunity for us,” said Atsushi Yasuda, director of the robotic policy office at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry or METI. “Other countries will follow the same trend.”

More than 100 foreign groups have visited Shin-tomi the past year from countries including China, South Korea and the Netherlands.

A few products are trickling out as exports: Panasonic Corp has started shipping its robotic bed, which transforms into a wheelchair, to Taiwan. Paro is used as a “therapy animal” in about 400 Danish senior homes. (rtr)

KUALA LUMPUR - Hundreds of Malaysians protested on Wednesday against Prime Minister Najib Razak’s plan to push through a controversial proposal to redraw electoral boundaries just months ahead of a general election that must be held by August.

The opposition and critics say Najib is trying to bulldoze through parliament changes to electoral boundaries they say would benefit his ruling coalition, facing arguably its toughest polls since independence nearly 61 years ago. The government says the plan was drawn up by the Election Commision (EC), and not the government, and is free from political interference.

Opponents of the redrawing process say it shoves opposition-inclined voters into opposition-held seats to create super-constituencies and also reshapes constituencies to have more distinct ethnic majorities.

Protesters, rallying under the banner of pro-democracy group Bersih, gathered at a national monument close to the parliament wearing yellow t-shirts - Bersih’s signature colour - and carrying banners and placards. Opposition leaders also joined the protests.

Security was heightened at parliament’s main gate, which was blocked by riot police, some armed with teargas guns.

Bersih aims to hand over a memorandum to parliament’s speaker, outlining their reasons why he should scrap the government’s motion seeking approval for its redelineation exercise.

“We totally do not agree with the (EC) report. This is the biggest cheating to ever happen,” said Maria Chin Abdullah, the former chairwoman of Bersih. “They want to bulldoze the report that contradicts the constitution, ignores the rule of law and manipulates the electoral rolls,” she said.

LOOMING ELECTION Prime Minister Najib is expected to table the redelineation motion at 0330 GMT. It is widely expected to be passed today.

This is the final session of parliament before the legislative body is dissolved for elections.

Electoral boundaries were last changed in 2003, under the leadership of then-premier Mahathir Mohamad. He, too, was accused of manipulating the process in favour of the ruling coalition, which has held power since independence from Britain in 1957.

Mahathir, 92, who led Malaysia for 22 years, is now running as the opposition’s candidate for prime minister against Najib, his former protege. Najib is under pressure to deliver an emphatic victory for his ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition, as he grapples with a scandal at state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), and public anxiety over rising living costs.

Earlier this week, the government tabled a bill seeking to outlaw “fake news”, which prescribes fines and up to 10 years in jail, raising more concern about media freedom in the wake of the 1MDB scandal. The anti-fake news bill is expected to be debated and passed on Thursday. (rtr)

REUTERS/David Gray

Myanmar’s State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi waves with Philippines’ Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alan Peter Cayetano and Malaysia’s Prime Minister Najib Razak during the Leaders Welcome and Family Photo at the one-off summit of 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Sydney, Australia, March 17, 2018.

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International

Thursday, March 29, 2018

Bali News

International

BUSINESS

“My husband said there are problems in the Gulf. Everything is suddenly more expensive and he is not able to save as much,” murmured Faseela Angatt, 29, who is overseeing the building while her husband works in the finance department of a Dubai firm.

“The construction depends on the money he sends - and now it is a little less,” she said.

For nearly four decades, the Angatt family has prospered on “Gulf money”. Faseela’s father spent more than 30 years working there, and his son-in-law and other relatives have followed in his footsteps. The remittances the migrants send back have built big houses across Kerala’s Malappuram district - and Faseela, whose husband has spent nine years in the Gulf, is counting on one of her own soon.

But the boom is fading. An economic slowdown in the Gulf, fluctuating oil prices and changes to labour policies mean fewer migrants are flying out of the district’s Calicut airport than before - and many are returning. That is “adversely affecting” the flow of remittances to India, the Reserve Bank of India noted in a 2016 report.

“Unskilled workers, employed as drivers and labourers, are coming back in larger numbers,” said Amit Meena, the administrative head of Malappuram, which has an estimated 300,000 workers in the Gulf - at least one from every home. “And back home, they are in a fix because the loan payments are mounting for the big homes they built or the cars they bought with Gulf money,” he said.

As migration increases around the world - spurred by climate extremes, conflict and economic stresses - remittances are helping boost prosperity, from Nepal to Haiti.

But the crucial flow of cash that families and countries have come to depend on is vulnerable to everything from shifting political policy on migration to economic slowdowns.

GULF GAINS Since the 1960s, remittances from the Gulf have been the backbone of Kerala’s economy, making up a third of the state’s gross domestic product, finance ministry officials said. Of an estimated 6 million Indians who have migrated for employment, 2.5 mil-

A vendor sorts tomatoes at a wholesale vegetable market in Mumbai, India, March 28, 2018. lion are from Kerala, most working in the six Gulf states of Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Oman.

The fruits of their labour are visible along the roads crisscrossing Malappuram district, in the big gates and driveways that sweep into large homes with porches.

Construction consultant Babu Vahab’s office in Venniyur has stacks of home design magazines and photo albums of smart houses. In the last year, he has overseen the construction of nearly 15 projects in and around Venniyur. “Even the most modest homes I have worked on are double-shot and have at least five bedrooms,” Vahab said, noting they cost upward of 1 million Indian rupees ($15,414).

“Families come to my office with ambitious designs, often downloaded from the internet. Irrespective of what work they do in the Gulf, their homes here will always be grand,” he said.

DIPPING FORTUNES Mohammad Ali, 52, is the proud owner of one such house. He returned to his neighbourhood of “non-resident Indians” in Cherumukku town last year, after working as an office boy in Dubai for 36 years. But today he is a worried man as his cash runs short and jobs at home prove scarce.

“I built the house, married my daughters, organised a passport for one son, and all my income (has) just finished. For the last year, I have been using my meagre savings for everyday expenses,” he said, sitting outside his home. Ali’s 21-year-old son left for the Gulf three months ago but has yet to send home any money.

“Every time he calls, he says times are tough,” Ali said. “I understand the hardship of working there,” he added. “But I was luckier than him. I went happily, knowing I would make money if I worked hard. He has gone grudgingly and we are not sure he will earn enough.” Many other Kerala families also say they are not receiving much cash from the Gulf these days, and are putting plans for big purchases on hold.

That has drastically reduced footfall in the glitzy furniture stores, Gulf-inspired supermarkets and hardware shops that dot the district’s highways. In some cases, families are even sending money to the Gulf to support migrant relatives until they find jobs, Ali said.

A Kerala migration survey conducted by the Centre for Development Studies, based in the region, first spotted the dip in remittances and drop in local migrants to the Gulf in 2016.

That year, the number living there fell

REUTERS/Francis Mascarenhas

5

Aci Tabuh Rah Pengangon, A Unique Tradition to Invoke Fertility at Kapal Village

As crucial cash from the Gulf dries up, south Indian families fret

VENNIYUR - Every evening, three generations of worried Angatt family women meet outside a half-built bungalow in this village in India’s southern Kerala state. Nearly six months after the house’s foundation was laid and its two floors raised, construction has slowed to a near halt. The reason is never discussed out loud - only whispered cautiously.

Thursday, March 29, 2018

Tektekan, Used to Overcome Plague, Now Becomes Cultural Attraction

to 2.24 million from 2.4 million in 2014.

“Looking at the present situation, I suspect the ongoing 2018 survey will show a further decline,” said S. Irudaya Rajan, the professor who headed the survey.

Each year ahead of the Nyepi (Day of Silence) celebration, there will a different atmosphere, especially at Kediri customary village, Tabanan. In other regions, ahead of the celebration may be graced with the making and parade of ogoh-ogoh (papier mâché demon) or bamboo cannon, but Kediri precisely holds cultural event in the form of Tektekan. It is named the Tektekan Kediri-Nangluk Merana. This event will take place for eleven days starting from March 17 through March 27, 2017 or on the Pengerupukan Day.

‘THINGS ARE NOT OKAY’ Dileep Thacheru Parambil, who worked in the Gulf for 10 years and now runs the Kerala Emigrants’ Organisation, said he has had “disturbing news” almost every day in the last year. Work permit renewal fees and taxes in the Gulf have increased, he said, and “nationalisation” policies now give preference to locals in recruitment in some places. Meanwhile, with Saudi Arabia allowing women in the driver’s seat, Parambil fears family drivers - many of them Kerala migrants - will be axed.

Others fear cuts in hospitality industry jobs, for decades dominated by Indian workers. “Last week, in Jeddah, nearly 4,000 Indian families have put in requests to pull their children out of school” rather than re-enroll them for the next school year, he told the Thomson Reuters Foundation at his office.

“It’s a sign that things are not okay,” he said. “And here we can see the immediate impact with car sales down, land sales down, and construction coming to a virtual standstill.” (rtr)

The annual event will be packaged in a parade. Moreover, on March 25 and 26 this special event will be held in front of the Desa and Puseh Temple of Kediri customary village. In the meantime, the road closure will take place on March 27, 2017 where the route will reach the Kediri roundabout.

Chief of Kediri customary village, AAG Ngurah Panji Wisnu, explained that during the eleven days, the entire customary villagers of Kediri ranging from children to adults will go around the village while playing the sounds from a variety of sources. They are ranging from kulkul (bamboo split drum), gong or okokan (large cow bell). Some have even been modified with the accompaniment of bleganjur.

“In total, there are seven hamlets at Kediri customary village that will take turns to go round from one

hamlet to another hamlet existing is at our village,” he explained.

Further, he said that tektekan tradition in the area of Kediri customary village is inherited from generation to generation. So far, there is no any record on the history of its origin. According to his ancestors, the tradition came together with the outbreaks in Kediri. “At that time, many residents were experiencing sickness to death and they also faced harvest failure because their paddy fields were attacked by pests,” he said.

Due to concerns over the calamity occurred at that time, community leaders and temple priests agreed to invoke guidance by praying at local Puseh Temple.

At that time, they got a clue if the pandemic could be eliminated by means of sounds. Armed with this clue, the residents of Kediri came down and went around the village

while playing tektekan for few days. Finally, it was proved that the plague attacking the customary village disappeared.

Since then, the tektekan tradition has psychical function to dismiss plague. Its implementation cannot be predicted because it depends on the incidence of outbreak at the village. With the changing of time or more precisely from 2014 the tektekan tradition began to be transformed into an entertainment art. Moreover, local villagers agreed to hold this tradition as annual attraction coinciding with the Hindus celebrating Nyepi.

During the execution of tektekan tradition at local customary village, the officials suggest road users to find alternative road section.

“We’ve made coordination with police authority, especially on the security and traffic diversion,” he concluded. (kmb)

Bleganjur gamelan music was played. Hundreds of villagers then threw tipat (rice bag) bantal (pillow-like cake) each other. Although, they seemed to mutually reciprocate, between the two camps (people in the north and south) did not keep any revenge. Their throw was not focused on particular person, but to the air above the opposite camp. Although this looked like a war, they cheered each other due to excitement.

It is the atmosphere of the Aci Tabuh Rah Pengangon ritual or often known as the Siat Tipat Bantal at Kapal customary village, Mengwi, Badung district, Thursday (Oct. 5). Hundreds of Kapal customary villagers were involved in the Aci Tabuh Rah Pengangon. In addition to the community, this unique tradition was also attended by the Regional Secretary of Badung district, Wayan Adi Arnawa.

The ritual was followed by all Kapal customary villagers. All the villagers were then divided into two camps, namely the northern camp and southern camp. At first, the two camps held a ceremony in the temple and were then resumed with worship at the outermost courtyard of the Desa/Puseh temple of Kapal.

Thousands of tipat and bantal were prepared by the temple apparatus. After dividing them, they were thrown each other like a war accompanied with bleganjur gamelan music.

Chief of Kapal customary village, Ketut Sudarsana, said that Aci Tabuh Rah Pengangon formerly known as perang tipat (tipat war) is an annual ritual having been carried out for generations at Kapal customary village. This tradition is then preserved, so that it is always carried out by the Kapal customary village. “This activity aims to invoke prosperity for all customary villagers of Kapal,” he said.

Aci Tabuh Rah Pengangon has the meaning of offerings or an expression of gratitude before God in his manifestation as Lord Shiva.

Aci means ‘offering,’ Tabuh means ‘echoing,’ Rah means ‘power’ and

Pengangon is another name of Lord Shiva. “Mutual throw of tipat and bantal is aimed to bring together the symbol of pradhana (female) and purusha (male), resulting in fertility,” he explained.

Ketut Sudarsana asserted that Aci Tabuh Rah Pengangon is held by customary village because all the villages participated to enjoy the welfare. It is bringing together the tipat as symbol of ocean, pradhana (female) and bantal as symbol of mountain, purusha (male).

Uniting the ocean and mountain is believed to be able to create life.

“Two different things will present a life that can produce a good life,” he said.

Tipat and bantal thrown are not to target the opponent’s body but to make them both merge in the air and then fall to the ground.

This symbolizes the rendezvous of purusha and pradhana which then produces a seed of life. Remnants of the scattered tipat and bantal are the collected again. Those remaining intact are distributed back to residents for consumption, while the infeasible ones are distributed to residents to be scattered in paddy fields and used as animal feed. It is meant to invoke a good life seed for residents, animals and plants.

Sudarsana explained the tradition was started to be implemented in 1339. It marked the arrival of prime minister of Singasari dynasty in Bali, namely Ki Kebo Waruya.

He received a mandate from the Balinese King named Asta Sura Ratna Bumi Banten to renovate the Purusada Temple at Kapal village.

When arriving at Kapal, his heart was touched when seeing the condition of local village experiencing famine season.

Seeing such condition, he then invoked to deity abiding at Purusada Temple in order to bestow his graces. After applying for it, he was given instructions to perform the aci or ritual dedicated to Lord Shiva by means of tipat and bantal followed by all the Kapal customary villagers. (kmb)

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Thursday, March 29, 2018

W

RLD

REUTERS/Hannah McKay

Britain’s Prime Minister Theresa May leaves 10 Downing Street in Westminster, London, Britain, March 26, 2018.

Britain’s May calls for “long-term response” to Russia after spy poisoning

LONDON - British Prime Minister Theresa May called on Tuesday for a “long-term response” by the West to the security threat from Russia as NATO followed member states in expelling Russian diplomats over the poisoning of a double agent in England.

In the most sweeping such action against Moscow since the height of the Cold War, the United States and European Union members plan to expel scores of Russian diplomats in action against the Kremlin for the nerve agent attack on Sergei Skripal and his daughter which they have blamed on Russia.

Russia, which denies any part in the March 4 attack on the Skripals, says the West’s action is a “provocative gesture” and has said it will respond.

The coordinated action among Western allies is seen as a huge diplomatic coup for May whose country is preparing to exit the EU bloc and may have had doubts about how much support she could count on.

Speaking to senior cabinet members in London on Tuesday, May said countries had acted against Russia not just out of solidarity but because they recognised the threat it posed.

“Yesterday was a significant moment in our response to this reckless act of aggression, but there is still more to be done as we work with international partners on a long-term response to the challenge posed

by Russia,” her spokesman reported May as saying.

The U.S.-led NATO alliance followed suit announcing on Tuesday it was expelling seven diplomats from Russia’s mission at alliance headquarters in Brussels and blocking the appointment of three others, thus cutting the size of the mission to 20 people from 30.

“It sends a very clear message to Russia that it has costs,” NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said.

EU member Ireland and Moldova on Tuesday

International

Amid mounting anger at scene of mall fire, Putin pledges action

KEMEROVO - President Vladimir Putin flew to the scene of a shopping mall fire in Siberia that killed 64 people and promised angry residents on Tuesday that those responsible for what he called criminal negligence would be punished.

The fire, at the Winter Cherry mall in the city of Kemerovo, killed 41 children, according to the Interfax news agency, and the calamitous way it was handled has stirred anger and focused attention on corruption and lax fire safety standards.

Rallies in memory of the victims were held in several cities around Russia, and at least one, in Moscow, turned into an antigovernment demonstration.

Putin, comfortably re-elected only this month, laid flowers at a memorial to the victims in the coal-producing region, about 3,600 km (2,200 miles) east of Moscow, before chairing a meet-

ing and declaring Wednesday a national day of mourning.

“What’s happening here? This isn’t war, it’s not an unexpected methane explosion at a coal mine. People came to relax, children. We’re talking about demography and losing so many people,” Putin angrily told officials.

“Why? Because of some criminal negligence, because of slovenliness. How could this ever happen?” he added. “The first emotion when you hear about the number of dead and dead children is not to cry but to wail.

And when you listen to what has been said here, to be honest, other emotions arise.”

Investigators said fire exits had been illegally blocked, the public address system had not been switched on, the alarm system was broken, and children had been locked inside cinemas. (rtr)

joined the list of those countries expelling Russian diplomats over the Skripal poisoning.

The list includes 22 European countries including Britain itself which led the way by expelling 23 diplomats.

EXPULSIONS

In the toughest action that President Donald Trump has taken against Russia since coming to office, the United States has said it will expel 60 Russians, including 12 intelligence officers from Russia’s mission to the U.N. headquarters in New York.

It is also closing the Russian consulate in Seattle.

Trump discussed Russia in separate phone calls on Tuesday with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

The leaders endorsed the Western response to Russia’s chemical weapons attack in Britain, including the expulsion of Russian diplomatic personnel, the White House said.

U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis hailed the diplomatic expulsions as a statement to those who doubted the unity of NATO. “Russia has the potential to be a partner with Europe ... (but) I think right now we have to recognize that they have chosen to seek a different relationship with the NATO nations,” he told reporters.

In Prague, Paul Ryan, the Republican U.S. House Speaker, on Tuesday commended unity shown over the affair. “It is important that we work in solidarity with each other, free people in democracies to stop Russia and condemn Russia for this kind of belligerent activity,” Ryan said.

Russia has not disclosed yet what retaliatory steps it will take. President Vladimir Putin was on Tuesday in the Siberian city of Kemerovo at the scene of a shopping mall fire which claimed many lives. He made no comment on the Skripal affair. (rtr)

Sputnik/Alexei Druzhinin/Kremlin via REUTERS

Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with victims injured during a fire in a shopping mall, at a hospital in the Siberian city of Kemerovo, Russia March 27, 2018.

International

Thursday, March 29, 2018

11

W Java to adopt Swedish waste management technology

BANDUNG - West Java Governor Ahmad Heryawan is exploring the opportunity to adopt the waste management technology of South Scania Waste Company (SYSAV) of Skane Region, Sweden. “I think the waste management technology of SYSAV is applicable in West Java,” Heryawan said in a statement received by ANTARA on Tuesday.

Heryawan led the government delegation for a working visit to Skane Region on Monday (March 26) to explore the cooperation opportunities in the fields of sustainable technology, waste-to-energy plant, transportation, and education. As the cost to adopt Swedish technology is quite high, the West Java provincial government has considered sending intellectual talents to Sweden to learn how to develop such a technology in the country.

SYSAV has two subsidiaries, namely SYSAV Industry AB and SYSAV Utveckling AB. SYSAV AB handles industrial and commercial waste and combustible household waste, which comes from cities and areas outside the

municipality of the company`s owners.

SYSAV Utveckling AB and SYSAV Research & Development AB finance and run projects to develop and improve existing and new methods and technologies of waste management.

West Java provincial government`s Assistant for Economy and Development, Eddy Nasution, remarked that although the waste management technology is indeed expensive, the results are quite positive.

According to him, the adoption of such an advanced technology must be supported by building public awareness on how people should treat their garbage and providing more trashcans in public spaces. “Our people still tend to throw garbage to the nearest location, and they rarely put the garbage in the trashcans,” he revealed. (ant) Children play along an old section of the Citarum river south of Bandung, West Java province, Indonesia, February 14, 2018.

REUTERS/Darren Whiteside

Indonesia, New Zealand agree to enhance bilateral ties

JAKARTA - Celebrating six decades of diplomatic relations, Indonesia and New Zealand have agreed to upgrade bilateral ties to the level of comprehensive partnership in various fields including economy, education, and disaster mitigation. The agreement was reached during President Joko Widodo`s state visit to New Zealand on March 18-19, 2018. The visit, undertaken at the invitation of Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern, was the first by an Indonesian leader in 13 years.

President Widodo and Prime Minister Ardern highlighted the importance of the 60th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations between New Zealand and Indonesia that were built on the solid foundation of people-to-people contacts and had blossomed into one of the most valuable relationships for both nations.

Hence, it was fitting that President Widodo`s visit to New Zealand also marked the elevation of bilateral relations to the level of comprehensive partnership, according to a joint statement issued following a bilateral meeting between Widodo and Ardern in Wellington on Mar 19. The two leaders also reaffirmed the commitment to increase two-way trade to US$2.9 billion (Rp40 trillion) by 2024. They emphasized that an open, stable, and conducive business environment is the key to achieving this goal.

They also welcomed the two-way growth in trade and services and affirmed the importance of increasing investment to support mutually beneficial growth, boost productivity, and increase meaningful job opportunities. Moreover, Prime Minister Ardern praised the New Zealand-Indonesia business forum held in Auckland on March 16, 2018, and President Widodo`s in-depth discussions with business CEOs from New Zealand. Both leaders believe this would contribute to the deepening of two-way trade and investment links.

The business forum was divided into two sessions, with the first moderated by Head of Indonesia`s Capital Investment Coordinating Board Thomas Lembong. Indonesian Ambassador to New Zealand Tantowi Yahya, the chief of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and business executives from companies operating in the pharmaceutical, palm oil, food, and geothermal sectors were among those

present at the forum.

New Zealand`s delegation at the meeting comprised 29 members: government officials and CEOs from the animal husbandry, tourism, and energy sectors. Indonesia has successfully clinched a potential business deal worth $5.4 million during the business forum, Director of National Export Development at the Indonesian Ministry of Trade Arlinda noted in a statement. Arlinda led the Indonesian trade mission that began in Auckland on March 16, 2018, and ended in Wellington on March 19, 2018.

Huge potential transactions were recorded from negotiations on coffee, fertilizers, and palm oil derivative products.

Ambassador Yahya lauded the potential trading recorded in the one-on-one business matching event. Yahya is optimistic that the demand for Indonesian products would be high in the New Zealand market.

“I am proud that this first trade mission to New Zealand has succeeded in recording huge potential transactions. This is a good step for the two countries to achieve a total trade of Rp40 trillion by 2024,” Yahya stated. Indonesia`s bilateral trade with New Zealand in 2017 had increased by 15.72 percent to $1.19 billion compared to 2016.

In 2017, Indonesia`s total exports to New Zealand had amounted to $437.8 million, or 1.09 percent of New Zealand`s total imports. On the other hand, New Zealand`s total exports to Indonesia were valued at $751.1 million, or 0.47 percent of Indonesia`s total imports. Most of Indonesia`s products exported to New Zealand are palm nut or kernel oilcake, wood for furniture, coal, and facial tissues.

Meanwhile, both leaders also reaffirmed their commitments under the New Zealand-Indonesia Joint Communiqu? on Combatting Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing and Promoting Sustainable Fisheries Management, which was signed in 2016. Prime Minister Ardern also confirmed New Zealand`s interest in participating in the 5th “Our Ocean” conference, to be held in Indonesia in October 2018.

Indonesia and New Zealand are committed to increasing two-way education links. Jokowi and Ardern highlighted the cornerstone contribution that people to people connections

provide in building a relationship that is as enduring and robust as that shared by New Zealand and Indonesia. In the tourism field, they saw an increase in the numbers of New Zealand citizens travelling to Indonesia, and Indonesian citizens travelling to New Zealand.

Both leaders noted the prospects for future growth with the addition of new Bali-Auckland direct flights in 2018. This would add significantly to travel between the two countries, as well as increase freight options.

Furthermore, Indonesia and New Zealand agreed on the extension to the Memorandum of Cooperation on Disaster Risk Management between the National Disaster Management Authority of Indonesia and the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Ardern announced funding for two new development projects: a NZ$4.5 million three-year project that will enable the Indonesian Red Cross to respond more effectively to disasters; and a NZ$3.5 million five-year project to develop a network of skilled young civic leaders, with a commitment to sustainable development in Eastern Indonesia, through participation in a New Zealand-based leadership programme.

While attending a state luncheon hosted by New Zealand Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy at the Government House, Wellington, President Jokowi promoted Indonesian coffee to the host and other guests.

As a former businessman, Jokowi explained that his entrepreneurial instincts immediately surfaced upon hearing that New Zealanders are fond of drinking coffee. Indonesia is among major coffee producing countries, after Brazil, Vietnam, and Colombia.

According to data of the Trade Ministry, Indonesia has produced an average of 691 thousand tons of coffee per year, while Brazil produced 2,905 thousand tons; Vietnam, 1,650 thousand tons; and Colombia, 840 thousand tons. The country is currently aiming to become the second-largest coffee producer by increasing production to one million tons a year. Indonesian Trade Minister\ Enggartiasto Lukita believed that New Zealand is a very potential market for Indonesia`s coffee. (ant)

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Destination

Thursday, March 29, 2018

International

Thursday, March 29, 2018

International

Zverev battles past Kyrgios after Isner shocks Cilic

Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge

Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker go head to head.

Those belts are mine, Parker tells Joshua as big fight looms

Pemuteran Bay

SINGARAJA - Pemuteran Bay in Bali’s northwest is a premier dive site and a coastal community home to the world’s largest artificial reef project. The bay has the largest area of shallow coral reefs in Bali due to its year-round calm waves. These once saw a decline due to cyanide fishing, but have now recovered and flourished through collaborative conservation efforts between the local communities, dive operators and resort owners through the Karang Lestari Foundation. The two-hectare coastal site became a marine protected area when the project took off at the turn of the millennium, with its pilot coral nursery project comprising sunken metal structures

fed with low electrical currents that help stimulate coral growth. Now there are over two dozen biorock nurseries installed under the waves of Pemuteran, outshining similar reef projects that have taken place in the Pacific and Caribbean.

You can easily enjoy the views of the spectacular coral reef growth near the coastline. Furthermore, divers can enjoy expansive artificial reef gardens that were built over time, some with shrines and statues of goddesses, creating an exotic underwater realm to explore.

There are several separate spots, most of which are suitable for all skill levels, which include rich offshore slopes and the so-called

‘deep reef’ at depths of down to 36m, with leafy sea fans, lobsters and morays in residence. To contribute to the ongoing conservation efforts, you can ‘adopt’ a coral, with a small wire structure that is built in the shape of your name, which will eventually be covered in coral growth. Pictures will be taken by divers and emailed to you so that you can watch its development over time. Besides beautiful artificial reefs, good year-round visibility lets you enjoy the underwater splendour. Corals continue to thrive on existing structures and the whole site continues to expand as new structures are designed and submerged. (net)

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LONDON - Joseph Parker went face to face with Anthony Joshua on Tuesday and said he had yet to decide how he was going to win the unification battle of the undefeated world heavyweight champions.

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New Zealander Parker (24-0) had no doubt he would do so, however, in front of 80,000 people at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on Saturday.

“I feel it’s my time,” the bespectacled WBO champion, looking sharp in three-piece suit and tie, told a crowded news conference at Sky television’s London headquarters.

“I’m here to take those belts back. I’m here to be part of history.

“I haven’t decided how I want to beat him yet. I don’t know if it’s a knockout or points or a decision.

I’ll see how I feel on fight night.

Those belts are mine.”

The taller Joshua, the WBA, IBF and IBO world heavyweight champion, boasts a 20-0 record and is the overwhelming favourite.

The 2012 Olympic champion was equally certain he would emerge triumphant, portraying Parker as another step in his own

life journey and not even the toughest opponent.

That was Ukrainian Wladimir Klitschko, whom he beat at Wembley in April last year.

“I’m definitely preparing for a 12-round fight, 110 percent,” said the chiselled Briton.

“But let’s say I’ve got 20 quid (pounds) in my pocket and I’m looking at Joseph Parker and Anthony Joshua. I believe Anthony Joshua will knock Joseph Parker out for sure.”

Joshua, who had said on Monday he expected Parker to be overwhelmed, has won all his previous fights by knockout and has boasted that no human can stop him.

Parker, who said he would be surprised if Joshua could catch him, detected a whiff of arrogance and said he was no stepping stone for someone else.

“Of course he can be beaten,” the New Zealander said. “He’s not a god. He’s a human being.

“I know if I catch him clean, he’s out. He looks angry, he looks nervous. I’m not nervous. I’m ready for this, I’m confident.”

Despite his status as the poster boy of a division whose other big name is American Deontay Wilder, the undefeated WBC champion, Joshua spoke also of the fear of losing.

“It keeps me motivated,” he said. “One minute you’re the man, and the next you’re not.”

With the two contenders remaining polite and respectful several seats apart, it was left to U.S. big fight announcer Michael Buffer to crank up the hype.

“This Saturday we will take one more step closer to the goal of a fighter being called the undisputed heavyweight world champion,” he said.

“Champion versus champion, undefeated fighter versus undefeated fighter. Somebody’s O has got to go.” (rtr)

MIAMI - Alexander Zverev capitalised on a fast start against Australian Nick Kyrgios to grind out a 6-4 6-4 victory in a battle between two of the sport’s brightest prospects to advance to the quarter-finals of the Miami Open on Tuesday.

The 20-year-old German is looking to win the third Masters event of his career and advanced to a last-eight showdown against Croatia’s Borna Coric, who ended the run of Canadian prosPect Denis Shapovalov 7-6(2) 4-6 6-4 in a tight encounter.

The fourth-seeded Zverev had battled through a pair of three-set wins in his opening two rounds but was keen to make short work of Kyrgios when he broke serve in the first game and stormed to a 5-1 advantage. The 22-year-old Kyrgios battled back to win three straight games to make it 5-4 but Zverev held his nerve and serve to close out the opener in 34 minutes.

Kyrgios, who had reached the Miami semi-finals in the previous two years, saw his hopes of at least matching that feat evaporate in the second set after his opponent secured the only break in the fifth game and rode it out for a well-earned win.

Earlier, big-serving American John Isner overcame second-seeded Croatian Marin Cilic 7-6(0) 6-3 to advance to the quarter-finals, where he will face South Korean Chung Hyeon, who dominated Joao Sousa in a routine 6-4 6-3 win.

In a battle of power against power, it was Isner’s booming serve that made the difference as the towering 32-year-old fired 12 aces while never giving Cilic a look at a break point on a hot, windy day.

“I was very happy with how I played, especially with how I served,” Isner told reporters. “That’s certainly the best I’ve served all year.”

DEL POTRO TRIUMPHANT Isner took firm control of the match in the first set tiebreaker, where he stepped up his return game to shut out the world number three before finally breaking Cilic’s powerful serve in the second set and cruising to the win.

Chung needed a little more than an hour to see off the Portuguese Sousa, who could not find an answer to the 19th-seeded South Korean’s relentless all-court game.

With the win, Chung advances to his second consecutive quarter-final after also making the last eight in Indian Wells, where the 21-year-old lost to Swiss Roger Federer.

Also advancing was Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina, who defeated Filip Krajinovic 6-4 6-2 for his 14th consecutive victory as the fifth seed looks to back up his Indian Wells title triumph with another tournament win.

“I will try to keep going and see how far I can go,” said Del Potro, who next meets big-serving Milos Raonic after the Canadian cruised to a 6-3 6-4 victory against an overpowered Jeremy Chardy of France.

Del Potro beat Raonic in last week’s semi-finals in California before edging out Federer in the title match.

“It’ll be a difficult match,” Raonic admitted. “He’s been the best player in the world for the past four, five weeks.”

Elsewhere, Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta crushed compatriot Fernando Verdasco 6-0 6-3 to reach the second Masters 1000 quarter-final of his career.

He will face South Africa’s Kevin Anderson, who used his big serve to full effect in a 7-6(3) 6-4 win over 20-year-old American Frances Tiafoe. (rtr)

Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Alexander Zverev of Germany (R) shakes hands with against Nick Kyrgios of Australia (L) after their match on day eight of the Miami Open at Tennis Center at Crandon Park. Zverev won 6-4, 6-4.

8

Thursday, March 29, 2018

Thursday, March 29, 2018

Sp rt Spain hit Argentina for six as Isco grabs hat-trick

MADRID - Spain sent out a warning to their World Cup rivals as Isco grabbed a hat-trick in a 6-1 thrashing of Argentina, who were missing the injured Lionel Messi, in a friendly on Tuesday. On what was supposed to be a historic night for Argentina captain Javier Mascherano, who joined Javier Zanetti on 142 caps as his country’s record appearance holder, things quickly turned sour as Diego Costa, Thiago and Iago Aspas also found the net.

It will have made uneasy viewing for coach Jorge Sampaoli and emphasised more than ever how reliant

REUTERS/Juan Medina

Spain’s Isco celebrates scoring their third goal with Iago Aspas

his side are on their talisman Messi, who has been struggling with a muscle problem.

Should the Barcelona forward be missing at any point during this year’s finals in Russia, Argentina are likely to struggle judging by their meek surrender in the Spanish capital. Without Messi on the pitch there was room for someone to take the game by the scruff of the neck and Real Madrid’s outstanding Isco filled the void.

The diminutive midfielder dictated play from the centre of the pitch throughout as Spain ruthlessly and consistently exploited the high Argentine defensive line. “I’m not going to discover anything else about how much I like Isco and having him here with us,” Spain coach Julen Lopetegui said. “We’ve beaten a team with a strong history who got to the final of the last World Cup. Obviously, once we’re there you start from scratch and they had a couple of important absentees but we’re happy – it’s a real match and a deserved win.”

Argentina might have taken the lead in the opening five minutes, but striker Gonzalo Higuain volleyed wide from close range which was an omen of things to come.

Costa then bravely prodded in from close range after 12 minutes, despite being clattered by goalkeeper Sergio Romero. Both players required lengthy treatment and eventually left the pitch at different stages.

Romero’s replacement, Chelsea back-up Willy Caballero, who starred in Friday’s 2-0 win over Italy, suffered a nightmare. A wayward pass with his first touch saw Isco gleefully sweep home Spain’s second in the 27th as they threatened to run riot. Defender Nicolas Otamendi briefly offered the visitors hope as he towered above the defence to nod in before the break.

But after the restart it was again all Spain with haphazard goalkeeping and defending all contributing to a procession for the former world champions, who condemned Argentina to their heaviest defeat since a 2009 loss by the same score to Bolivia.

Spain face European champions and Iberian rivals Portugal as well as Iran and Morocco in Group B at the World Cup, while Argentina will play Iceland, Croatia and Nigeria in Group D. (rtr)

Mexico lose 1-0 to Croatia, Araujo suffers injury Mexico went down 1-0 to Croatia in a friendly on Tuesday and saw defender Nestor Araujo taken from the field on a stretcher with what looked like a serious injury to his left leg.

With the World Cup finals just

three months away, the injury to Araujo could be a big blow for the Mexicans, who will face Germany, Sweden and South Korea at the tournament in Russia.

Araujo was challenging Ante Rebic when he appeared to get his

leg caught underneath the Croatian player. Ivan Rakitic scored the only goal from the penalty spot in the 62nd minute.

Mexico, who beat Iceland 3-0 on Friday, handed a 100th cap to striker Javier Hernandez. (rtr)

9

Philippines, Yemen secure maiden spots at expanded Asian Cup HONG KONG - The Philippines will be one of three teams making their debut at the expanded Asian Cup in 2019 after sealing their spot with Tuesday’s 2-1 win over Tajikistan, and skipper Phil Younghusband hopes qualification will spark a new era of soccer growth in the country. The victory, which came after the hosts scored twice in the last 16 minutes to overhaul Tajikistan, also ensured group rivals Yemen would qualify for Asia’s continental championship for the first time.

The pair join fellow new boys Kyrgyzstan in the draw on May 4 for next January’s tournament in the United Arab Emirates. Young-

REUTERS/Javier Barbancho

Argentina’s Willy Caballero comes on as a substitute to replace Sergio Romero

Argentina’s dependence on Messi shown by Spain humiliation

MADRID - Argentina’s Lionel Messi looked on from the stands for as long as he could, but with 10 minutes remaining he had seen enough. Cameras captured the injured captain leaving his seat, presumably to head for the dressing room to console his distraught team mates, but the image was symbolic as his hapless team were humiliated 6-1 by a rampaging Spain side.

“They’ve really given us a slap in the face,” was how stunned Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli summed up the humiliating World Cup warm-up defeat in his postmatch news conference. “I feel bad for the boys, I take the responsibility. In the second half we didn’t have balance or solidity and we were all at sea.”

Argentina may have swept Italy aside 2-0 on Friday without Messi, who has a muscle injury, but context is required given that the Italians failed to reach the World Cup for the first time since 1958 after a 1-0 playoff defeat by Sweden.

Granted, there was no Angel di Maria or Sergio Aguero for Argentina on Tuesday either but when it came to the crunch, the players wilted.

Too often they rely on their Messi ‘get out of jail’ card.

It was Messi who fired a hat-

trick in their final qualifier against Ecuador – after they went 1-0 down inside the first minute – to secure their spot at the World Cup in Russia.

Without him against top level opposition in Madrid, Argentina wilted and to describe their defending as haphazard is generous.

Sampaoli may have a squad that allows him the luxury of leaving the likes of forwards Mauro Icardi and Paulo Dybala at home but on the other hand neither of their goalkeepers - Sergio Romero and Willy Caballero - play regularly for their clubs. “Argentina is going to be living in torment from now until the World Cup,” former international Jorge Valdano said on Spanish radio station Onda Cero.

“Messi’s the only reason that anyone is even giving Argentina a sliver of hope of winning the World Cup. (Striker) Gonzalo Higuain is a marked man in Argentina and I wouldn’t like to be in Sampaoli’s shoes either.”

Many pundits suggest Messi cannot be considered a truly great player until he achieves something with Argentina. However, judging

by Tuesday’s performance he has already achieved a lot in helping Argentina reach the finals. (rtr)

husband, who scored a 90th minute penalty to give his side the win in Manila, said he hoped Philippine football was now on the rise.

“Hopefully this is the catalyst for more growth in Philippine football,” he said.

“In 2010, we got a lot of support from the private industry and hopefully this moment can spur a resurgence in Philippine football, get people to talk about Philippine football again.”

Football in the Philippines, and in other nations that have sat outside Asia’s established elite, is likely to receive a significant profile boost thanks to the 2015 decision to expand the quadrennial finals from

16 to 24 nations.

Throughout the last two decades, football in Asia has been dominated by the same small group of nations, who have monopolised the continent’s World Cup berths and Asian Cup success. Japan have won the title four times since 1992, Saudi Arabia, South Korea and Iran are often among the contenders, while Australia joined the confederation in 2006 and won the most recent edition on home soil three years ago.

Increasing the number of teams at the finals is unlikely to end the dominance of those nations any time soon, but opening up more places should provide improved

opportunities for other countries to break into the Asian elite.

Yemen booked their place at the tournament despite not being able to play in front of their own fans due to the ongoing security issues at home, while Kyrgyzstan sealed their berth last week.

Vietnam, building on their run to

the final of the Asian U23 championship in January, will be returning to the finals after missing out in 2011 and 2015, while India return will be making only their second appearance in 35 years. In addition to Kyrgyzstan, former Soviet republics Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan have also qualified. (rtr)

England debut nets Cook’s grandad windfall

England’s Lewis Cook

REUTERS/David Klein

Bournemouth midfielder Lewis Cook made his grandfather 17,000 pounds ($24,000) richer on Tuesday after making his England debut in the 1-1 draw against Italy.

Four years ago, Trevor Burlingham staked a 500-pound wager with UK bookmaker William Hill at the odds of 33/1 that his 18-year-old grandson would win a senior England cap before his 26th birthday.

Only a few months after leading the England under-20 team to the World Cup title, Cook was drafted into the senior squad for the first time against Brazil last November but did not play.

Cook finally got his chance when he replaced Jesse Lingard after 71 minutes at Wembley on Tuesday in England’s final friendly before manager Gareth Southgate names his provisional squad for the World Cup in Russia.

William Hill said it was their biggest payout of this type since handing out 125,000 pounds to Peter Edwards when his grandson Harry Wilson made his Wales debut in 2013.

Edwards had wagered 50 pounds at the odds of 2,500/1 when Wilson was just a toddler. (rtr)

Phil Younghusband

IBP/net

8

Thursday, March 29, 2018

Thursday, March 29, 2018

Sp rt Spain hit Argentina for six as Isco grabs hat-trick

MADRID - Spain sent out a warning to their World Cup rivals as Isco grabbed a hat-trick in a 6-1 thrashing of Argentina, who were missing the injured Lionel Messi, in a friendly on Tuesday. On what was supposed to be a historic night for Argentina captain Javier Mascherano, who joined Javier Zanetti on 142 caps as his country’s record appearance holder, things quickly turned sour as Diego Costa, Thiago and Iago Aspas also found the net.

It will have made uneasy viewing for coach Jorge Sampaoli and emphasised more than ever how reliant

REUTERS/Juan Medina

Spain’s Isco celebrates scoring their third goal with Iago Aspas

his side are on their talisman Messi, who has been struggling with a muscle problem.

Should the Barcelona forward be missing at any point during this year’s finals in Russia, Argentina are likely to struggle judging by their meek surrender in the Spanish capital. Without Messi on the pitch there was room for someone to take the game by the scruff of the neck and Real Madrid’s outstanding Isco filled the void.

The diminutive midfielder dictated play from the centre of the pitch throughout as Spain ruthlessly and consistently exploited the high Argentine defensive line. “I’m not going to discover anything else about how much I like Isco and having him here with us,” Spain coach Julen Lopetegui said. “We’ve beaten a team with a strong history who got to the final of the last World Cup. Obviously, once we’re there you start from scratch and they had a couple of important absentees but we’re happy – it’s a real match and a deserved win.”

Argentina might have taken the lead in the opening five minutes, but striker Gonzalo Higuain volleyed wide from close range which was an omen of things to come.

Costa then bravely prodded in from close range after 12 minutes, despite being clattered by goalkeeper Sergio Romero. Both players required lengthy treatment and eventually left the pitch at different stages.

Romero’s replacement, Chelsea back-up Willy Caballero, who starred in Friday’s 2-0 win over Italy, suffered a nightmare. A wayward pass with his first touch saw Isco gleefully sweep home Spain’s second in the 27th as they threatened to run riot. Defender Nicolas Otamendi briefly offered the visitors hope as he towered above the defence to nod in before the break.

But after the restart it was again all Spain with haphazard goalkeeping and defending all contributing to a procession for the former world champions, who condemned Argentina to their heaviest defeat since a 2009 loss by the same score to Bolivia.

Spain face European champions and Iberian rivals Portugal as well as Iran and Morocco in Group B at the World Cup, while Argentina will play Iceland, Croatia and Nigeria in Group D. (rtr)

Mexico lose 1-0 to Croatia, Araujo suffers injury Mexico went down 1-0 to Croatia in a friendly on Tuesday and saw defender Nestor Araujo taken from the field on a stretcher with what looked like a serious injury to his left leg.

With the World Cup finals just

three months away, the injury to Araujo could be a big blow for the Mexicans, who will face Germany, Sweden and South Korea at the tournament in Russia.

Araujo was challenging Ante Rebic when he appeared to get his

leg caught underneath the Croatian player. Ivan Rakitic scored the only goal from the penalty spot in the 62nd minute.

Mexico, who beat Iceland 3-0 on Friday, handed a 100th cap to striker Javier Hernandez. (rtr)

9

Philippines, Yemen secure maiden spots at expanded Asian Cup HONG KONG - The Philippines will be one of three teams making their debut at the expanded Asian Cup in 2019 after sealing their spot with Tuesday’s 2-1 win over Tajikistan, and skipper Phil Younghusband hopes qualification will spark a new era of soccer growth in the country. The victory, which came after the hosts scored twice in the last 16 minutes to overhaul Tajikistan, also ensured group rivals Yemen would qualify for Asia’s continental championship for the first time.

The pair join fellow new boys Kyrgyzstan in the draw on May 4 for next January’s tournament in the United Arab Emirates. Young-

REUTERS/Javier Barbancho

Argentina’s Willy Caballero comes on as a substitute to replace Sergio Romero

Argentina’s dependence on Messi shown by Spain humiliation

MADRID - Argentina’s Lionel Messi looked on from the stands for as long as he could, but with 10 minutes remaining he had seen enough. Cameras captured the injured captain leaving his seat, presumably to head for the dressing room to console his distraught team mates, but the image was symbolic as his hapless team were humiliated 6-1 by a rampaging Spain side.

“They’ve really given us a slap in the face,” was how stunned Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli summed up the humiliating World Cup warm-up defeat in his postmatch news conference. “I feel bad for the boys, I take the responsibility. In the second half we didn’t have balance or solidity and we were all at sea.”

Argentina may have swept Italy aside 2-0 on Friday without Messi, who has a muscle injury, but context is required given that the Italians failed to reach the World Cup for the first time since 1958 after a 1-0 playoff defeat by Sweden.

Granted, there was no Angel di Maria or Sergio Aguero for Argentina on Tuesday either but when it came to the crunch, the players wilted.

Too often they rely on their Messi ‘get out of jail’ card.

It was Messi who fired a hat-

trick in their final qualifier against Ecuador – after they went 1-0 down inside the first minute – to secure their spot at the World Cup in Russia.

Without him against top level opposition in Madrid, Argentina wilted and to describe their defending as haphazard is generous.

Sampaoli may have a squad that allows him the luxury of leaving the likes of forwards Mauro Icardi and Paulo Dybala at home but on the other hand neither of their goalkeepers - Sergio Romero and Willy Caballero - play regularly for their clubs. “Argentina is going to be living in torment from now until the World Cup,” former international Jorge Valdano said on Spanish radio station Onda Cero.

“Messi’s the only reason that anyone is even giving Argentina a sliver of hope of winning the World Cup. (Striker) Gonzalo Higuain is a marked man in Argentina and I wouldn’t like to be in Sampaoli’s shoes either.”

Many pundits suggest Messi cannot be considered a truly great player until he achieves something with Argentina. However, judging

by Tuesday’s performance he has already achieved a lot in helping Argentina reach the finals. (rtr)

husband, who scored a 90th minute penalty to give his side the win in Manila, said he hoped Philippine football was now on the rise.

“Hopefully this is the catalyst for more growth in Philippine football,” he said.

“In 2010, we got a lot of support from the private industry and hopefully this moment can spur a resurgence in Philippine football, get people to talk about Philippine football again.”

Football in the Philippines, and in other nations that have sat outside Asia’s established elite, is likely to receive a significant profile boost thanks to the 2015 decision to expand the quadrennial finals from

16 to 24 nations.

Throughout the last two decades, football in Asia has been dominated by the same small group of nations, who have monopolised the continent’s World Cup berths and Asian Cup success. Japan have won the title four times since 1992, Saudi Arabia, South Korea and Iran are often among the contenders, while Australia joined the confederation in 2006 and won the most recent edition on home soil three years ago.

Increasing the number of teams at the finals is unlikely to end the dominance of those nations any time soon, but opening up more places should provide improved

opportunities for other countries to break into the Asian elite.

Yemen booked their place at the tournament despite not being able to play in front of their own fans due to the ongoing security issues at home, while Kyrgyzstan sealed their berth last week.

Vietnam, building on their run to

the final of the Asian U23 championship in January, will be returning to the finals after missing out in 2011 and 2015, while India return will be making only their second appearance in 35 years. In addition to Kyrgyzstan, former Soviet republics Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan have also qualified. (rtr)

England debut nets Cook’s grandad windfall

England’s Lewis Cook

REUTERS/David Klein

Bournemouth midfielder Lewis Cook made his grandfather 17,000 pounds ($24,000) richer on Tuesday after making his England debut in the 1-1 draw against Italy.

Four years ago, Trevor Burlingham staked a 500-pound wager with UK bookmaker William Hill at the odds of 33/1 that his 18-year-old grandson would win a senior England cap before his 26th birthday.

Only a few months after leading the England under-20 team to the World Cup title, Cook was drafted into the senior squad for the first time against Brazil last November but did not play.

Cook finally got his chance when he replaced Jesse Lingard after 71 minutes at Wembley on Tuesday in England’s final friendly before manager Gareth Southgate names his provisional squad for the World Cup in Russia.

William Hill said it was their biggest payout of this type since handing out 125,000 pounds to Peter Edwards when his grandson Harry Wilson made his Wales debut in 2013.

Edwards had wagered 50 pounds at the odds of 2,500/1 when Wilson was just a toddler. (rtr)

Phil Younghusband

IBP/net

10

Destination

Thursday, March 29, 2018

International

Thursday, March 29, 2018

International

Zverev battles past Kyrgios after Isner shocks Cilic

Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge

Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker go head to head.

Those belts are mine, Parker tells Joshua as big fight looms

Pemuteran Bay

SINGARAJA - Pemuteran Bay in Bali’s northwest is a premier dive site and a coastal community home to the world’s largest artificial reef project. The bay has the largest area of shallow coral reefs in Bali due to its year-round calm waves. These once saw a decline due to cyanide fishing, but have now recovered and flourished through collaborative conservation efforts between the local communities, dive operators and resort owners through the Karang Lestari Foundation. The two-hectare coastal site became a marine protected area when the project took off at the turn of the millennium, with its pilot coral nursery project comprising sunken metal structures

fed with low electrical currents that help stimulate coral growth. Now there are over two dozen biorock nurseries installed under the waves of Pemuteran, outshining similar reef projects that have taken place in the Pacific and Caribbean.

You can easily enjoy the views of the spectacular coral reef growth near the coastline. Furthermore, divers can enjoy expansive artificial reef gardens that were built over time, some with shrines and statues of goddesses, creating an exotic underwater realm to explore.

There are several separate spots, most of which are suitable for all skill levels, which include rich offshore slopes and the so-called

‘deep reef’ at depths of down to 36m, with leafy sea fans, lobsters and morays in residence. To contribute to the ongoing conservation efforts, you can ‘adopt’ a coral, with a small wire structure that is built in the shape of your name, which will eventually be covered in coral growth. Pictures will be taken by divers and emailed to you so that you can watch its development over time. Besides beautiful artificial reefs, good year-round visibility lets you enjoy the underwater splendour. Corals continue to thrive on existing structures and the whole site continues to expand as new structures are designed and submerged. (net)

Looking for Experienced Villa Manager&Cook PleasaCall9075771 Email:info@bali-properties.net

Sales/Marketing,for HealthCare /Beauty Care, Experience, National Area,Apply to: versaindustries4@gmail. com

Hotel Reservations Personnel needed in Jimbaran-Bali.Very Well Spoken And Written English is a must.Experience Work ing in the hospitality Industry is a plus.

Please send Cover letter and CV to hr@ lotus-hotel.com

B.BP.001.02.18.0001364

Divine Diva Clothing Seminyak Looking for Shop Manager must be experienced in social media Marketing,Customer Communication,English 90%.Send cv to: divinediva_189@hotmail.com

B.BP.001.02.18.0001376

Looking Bar Manager,Bar Staff,Host /Hostess,Cashier,Cooks,Waiter/ ess,Stewards,Jl.Arjuna Legian Krm CV:info@hoipolloibali.com

B.BP.001.01.18.0001035

B.BP.031.01.18.0000667

Kuta:Spv Bar,Bartender,Waiters SPA,CS,Kasir,Cook,08123807241

B.BP.001.02.18.0001346

Cr waiter/waitress experienced Speak good English,New Coffee &Green Food,Healthy Juices etc 9-5 hrs,6working days.Send CV juwitaariana@gmail.com immediate start Seminyak

B.BP.001.02.18.0001377

B.BP.001.01.18.0001103

Htl&Rest need Waiter,Good English,Direct intvw to The Yulia Inn Jl.Pantai Kuta 43 T.751893

LONDON - Joseph Parker went face to face with Anthony Joshua on Tuesday and said he had yet to decide how he was going to win the unification battle of the undefeated world heavyweight champions.

Place Your Add Here

It is for Job Vacancy, Property, Selling or Buying

B.BP.001.02.18.0001374

Need Waiter/Waitess,IT/Design, Bartender,Cook for Resto in Kuta. Send CV + Foto to Email: wikamitra@yahoo. com Phone/WA :089693670981

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New Zealander Parker (24-0) had no doubt he would do so, however, in front of 80,000 people at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on Saturday.

“I feel it’s my time,” the bespectacled WBO champion, looking sharp in three-piece suit and tie, told a crowded news conference at Sky television’s London headquarters.

“I’m here to take those belts back. I’m here to be part of history.

“I haven’t decided how I want to beat him yet. I don’t know if it’s a knockout or points or a decision.

I’ll see how I feel on fight night.

Those belts are mine.”

The taller Joshua, the WBA, IBF and IBO world heavyweight champion, boasts a 20-0 record and is the overwhelming favourite.

The 2012 Olympic champion was equally certain he would emerge triumphant, portraying Parker as another step in his own

life journey and not even the toughest opponent.

That was Ukrainian Wladimir Klitschko, whom he beat at Wembley in April last year.

“I’m definitely preparing for a 12-round fight, 110 percent,” said the chiselled Briton.

“But let’s say I’ve got 20 quid (pounds) in my pocket and I’m looking at Joseph Parker and Anthony Joshua. I believe Anthony Joshua will knock Joseph Parker out for sure.”

Joshua, who had said on Monday he expected Parker to be overwhelmed, has won all his previous fights by knockout and has boasted that no human can stop him.

Parker, who said he would be surprised if Joshua could catch him, detected a whiff of arrogance and said he was no stepping stone for someone else.

“Of course he can be beaten,” the New Zealander said. “He’s not a god. He’s a human being.

“I know if I catch him clean, he’s out. He looks angry, he looks nervous. I’m not nervous. I’m ready for this, I’m confident.”

Despite his status as the poster boy of a division whose other big name is American Deontay Wilder, the undefeated WBC champion, Joshua spoke also of the fear of losing.

“It keeps me motivated,” he said. “One minute you’re the man, and the next you’re not.”

With the two contenders remaining polite and respectful several seats apart, it was left to U.S. big fight announcer Michael Buffer to crank up the hype.

“This Saturday we will take one more step closer to the goal of a fighter being called the undisputed heavyweight world champion,” he said.

“Champion versus champion, undefeated fighter versus undefeated fighter. Somebody’s O has got to go.” (rtr)

MIAMI - Alexander Zverev capitalised on a fast start against Australian Nick Kyrgios to grind out a 6-4 6-4 victory in a battle between two of the sport’s brightest prospects to advance to the quarter-finals of the Miami Open on Tuesday.

The 20-year-old German is looking to win the third Masters event of his career and advanced to a last-eight showdown against Croatia’s Borna Coric, who ended the run of Canadian prosPect Denis Shapovalov 7-6(2) 4-6 6-4 in a tight encounter.

The fourth-seeded Zverev had battled through a pair of three-set wins in his opening two rounds but was keen to make short work of Kyrgios when he broke serve in the first game and stormed to a 5-1 advantage. The 22-year-old Kyrgios battled back to win three straight games to make it 5-4 but Zverev held his nerve and serve to close out the opener in 34 minutes.

Kyrgios, who had reached the Miami semi-finals in the previous two years, saw his hopes of at least matching that feat evaporate in the second set after his opponent secured the only break in the fifth game and rode it out for a well-earned win.

Earlier, big-serving American John Isner overcame second-seeded Croatian Marin Cilic 7-6(0) 6-3 to advance to the quarter-finals, where he will face South Korean Chung Hyeon, who dominated Joao Sousa in a routine 6-4 6-3 win.

In a battle of power against power, it was Isner’s booming serve that made the difference as the towering 32-year-old fired 12 aces while never giving Cilic a look at a break point on a hot, windy day.

“I was very happy with how I played, especially with how I served,” Isner told reporters. “That’s certainly the best I’ve served all year.”

DEL POTRO TRIUMPHANT Isner took firm control of the match in the first set tiebreaker, where he stepped up his return game to shut out the world number three before finally breaking Cilic’s powerful serve in the second set and cruising to the win.

Chung needed a little more than an hour to see off the Portuguese Sousa, who could not find an answer to the 19th-seeded South Korean’s relentless all-court game.

With the win, Chung advances to his second consecutive quarter-final after also making the last eight in Indian Wells, where the 21-year-old lost to Swiss Roger Federer.

Also advancing was Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina, who defeated Filip Krajinovic 6-4 6-2 for his 14th consecutive victory as the fifth seed looks to back up his Indian Wells title triumph with another tournament win.

“I will try to keep going and see how far I can go,” said Del Potro, who next meets big-serving Milos Raonic after the Canadian cruised to a 6-3 6-4 victory against an overpowered Jeremy Chardy of France.

Del Potro beat Raonic in last week’s semi-finals in California before edging out Federer in the title match.

“It’ll be a difficult match,” Raonic admitted. “He’s been the best player in the world for the past four, five weeks.”

Elsewhere, Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta crushed compatriot Fernando Verdasco 6-0 6-3 to reach the second Masters 1000 quarter-final of his career.

He will face South Africa’s Kevin Anderson, who used his big serve to full effect in a 7-6(3) 6-4 win over 20-year-old American Frances Tiafoe. (rtr)

Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Alexander Zverev of Germany (R) shakes hands with against Nick Kyrgios of Australia (L) after their match on day eight of the Miami Open at Tennis Center at Crandon Park. Zverev won 6-4, 6-4.

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RLD

REUTERS/Hannah McKay

Britain’s Prime Minister Theresa May leaves 10 Downing Street in Westminster, London, Britain, March 26, 2018.

Britain’s May calls for “long-term response” to Russia after spy poisoning

LONDON - British Prime Minister Theresa May called on Tuesday for a “long-term response” by the West to the security threat from Russia as NATO followed member states in expelling Russian diplomats over the poisoning of a double agent in England.

In the most sweeping such action against Moscow since the height of the Cold War, the United States and European Union members plan to expel scores of Russian diplomats in action against the Kremlin for the nerve agent attack on Sergei Skripal and his daughter which they have blamed on Russia.

Russia, which denies any part in the March 4 attack on the Skripals, says the West’s action is a “provocative gesture” and has said it will respond.

The coordinated action among Western allies is seen as a huge diplomatic coup for May whose country is preparing to exit the EU bloc and may have had doubts about how much support she could count on.

Speaking to senior cabinet members in London on Tuesday, May said countries had acted against Russia not just out of solidarity but because they recognised the threat it posed.

“Yesterday was a significant moment in our response to this reckless act of aggression, but there is still more to be done as we work with international partners on a long-term response to the challenge posed

by Russia,” her spokesman reported May as saying.

The U.S.-led NATO alliance followed suit announcing on Tuesday it was expelling seven diplomats from Russia’s mission at alliance headquarters in Brussels and blocking the appointment of three others, thus cutting the size of the mission to 20 people from 30.

“It sends a very clear message to Russia that it has costs,” NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said.

EU member Ireland and Moldova on Tuesday

International

Amid mounting anger at scene of mall fire, Putin pledges action

KEMEROVO - President Vladimir Putin flew to the scene of a shopping mall fire in Siberia that killed 64 people and promised angry residents on Tuesday that those responsible for what he called criminal negligence would be punished.

The fire, at the Winter Cherry mall in the city of Kemerovo, killed 41 children, according to the Interfax news agency, and the calamitous way it was handled has stirred anger and focused attention on corruption and lax fire safety standards.

Rallies in memory of the victims were held in several cities around Russia, and at least one, in Moscow, turned into an antigovernment demonstration.

Putin, comfortably re-elected only this month, laid flowers at a memorial to the victims in the coal-producing region, about 3,600 km (2,200 miles) east of Moscow, before chairing a meet-

ing and declaring Wednesday a national day of mourning.

“What’s happening here? This isn’t war, it’s not an unexpected methane explosion at a coal mine. People came to relax, children. We’re talking about demography and losing so many people,” Putin angrily told officials.

“Why? Because of some criminal negligence, because of slovenliness. How could this ever happen?” he added. “The first emotion when you hear about the number of dead and dead children is not to cry but to wail.

And when you listen to what has been said here, to be honest, other emotions arise.”

Investigators said fire exits had been illegally blocked, the public address system had not been switched on, the alarm system was broken, and children had been locked inside cinemas. (rtr)

joined the list of those countries expelling Russian diplomats over the Skripal poisoning.

The list includes 22 European countries including Britain itself which led the way by expelling 23 diplomats.

EXPULSIONS

In the toughest action that President Donald Trump has taken against Russia since coming to office, the United States has said it will expel 60 Russians, including 12 intelligence officers from Russia’s mission to the U.N. headquarters in New York.

It is also closing the Russian consulate in Seattle.

Trump discussed Russia in separate phone calls on Tuesday with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

The leaders endorsed the Western response to Russia’s chemical weapons attack in Britain, including the expulsion of Russian diplomatic personnel, the White House said.

U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis hailed the diplomatic expulsions as a statement to those who doubted the unity of NATO. “Russia has the potential to be a partner with Europe ... (but) I think right now we have to recognize that they have chosen to seek a different relationship with the NATO nations,” he told reporters.

In Prague, Paul Ryan, the Republican U.S. House Speaker, on Tuesday commended unity shown over the affair. “It is important that we work in solidarity with each other, free people in democracies to stop Russia and condemn Russia for this kind of belligerent activity,” Ryan said.

Russia has not disclosed yet what retaliatory steps it will take. President Vladimir Putin was on Tuesday in the Siberian city of Kemerovo at the scene of a shopping mall fire which claimed many lives. He made no comment on the Skripal affair. (rtr)

Sputnik/Alexei Druzhinin/Kremlin via REUTERS

Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with victims injured during a fire in a shopping mall, at a hospital in the Siberian city of Kemerovo, Russia March 27, 2018.

International

Thursday, March 29, 2018

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W Java to adopt Swedish waste management technology

BANDUNG - West Java Governor Ahmad Heryawan is exploring the opportunity to adopt the waste management technology of South Scania Waste Company (SYSAV) of Skane Region, Sweden. “I think the waste management technology of SYSAV is applicable in West Java,” Heryawan said in a statement received by ANTARA on Tuesday.

Heryawan led the government delegation for a working visit to Skane Region on Monday (March 26) to explore the cooperation opportunities in the fields of sustainable technology, waste-to-energy plant, transportation, and education. As the cost to adopt Swedish technology is quite high, the West Java provincial government has considered sending intellectual talents to Sweden to learn how to develop such a technology in the country.

SYSAV has two subsidiaries, namely SYSAV Industry AB and SYSAV Utveckling AB. SYSAV AB handles industrial and commercial waste and combustible household waste, which comes from cities and areas outside the

municipality of the company`s owners.

SYSAV Utveckling AB and SYSAV Research & Development AB finance and run projects to develop and improve existing and new methods and technologies of waste management.

West Java provincial government`s Assistant for Economy and Development, Eddy Nasution, remarked that although the waste management technology is indeed expensive, the results are quite positive.

According to him, the adoption of such an advanced technology must be supported by building public awareness on how people should treat their garbage and providing more trashcans in public spaces. “Our people still tend to throw garbage to the nearest location, and they rarely put the garbage in the trashcans,” he revealed. (ant) Children play along an old section of the Citarum river south of Bandung, West Java province, Indonesia, February 14, 2018.

REUTERS/Darren Whiteside

Indonesia, New Zealand agree to enhance bilateral ties

JAKARTA - Celebrating six decades of diplomatic relations, Indonesia and New Zealand have agreed to upgrade bilateral ties to the level of comprehensive partnership in various fields including economy, education, and disaster mitigation. The agreement was reached during President Joko Widodo`s state visit to New Zealand on March 18-19, 2018. The visit, undertaken at the invitation of Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern, was the first by an Indonesian leader in 13 years.

President Widodo and Prime Minister Ardern highlighted the importance of the 60th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations between New Zealand and Indonesia that were built on the solid foundation of people-to-people contacts and had blossomed into one of the most valuable relationships for both nations.

Hence, it was fitting that President Widodo`s visit to New Zealand also marked the elevation of bilateral relations to the level of comprehensive partnership, according to a joint statement issued following a bilateral meeting between Widodo and Ardern in Wellington on Mar 19. The two leaders also reaffirmed the commitment to increase two-way trade to US$2.9 billion (Rp40 trillion) by 2024. They emphasized that an open, stable, and conducive business environment is the key to achieving this goal.

They also welcomed the two-way growth in trade and services and affirmed the importance of increasing investment to support mutually beneficial growth, boost productivity, and increase meaningful job opportunities. Moreover, Prime Minister Ardern praised the New Zealand-Indonesia business forum held in Auckland on March 16, 2018, and President Widodo`s in-depth discussions with business CEOs from New Zealand. Both leaders believe this would contribute to the deepening of two-way trade and investment links.

The business forum was divided into two sessions, with the first moderated by Head of Indonesia`s Capital Investment Coordinating Board Thomas Lembong. Indonesian Ambassador to New Zealand Tantowi Yahya, the chief of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and business executives from companies operating in the pharmaceutical, palm oil, food, and geothermal sectors were among those

present at the forum.

New Zealand`s delegation at the meeting comprised 29 members: government officials and CEOs from the animal husbandry, tourism, and energy sectors. Indonesia has successfully clinched a potential business deal worth $5.4 million during the business forum, Director of National Export Development at the Indonesian Ministry of Trade Arlinda noted in a statement. Arlinda led the Indonesian trade mission that began in Auckland on March 16, 2018, and ended in Wellington on March 19, 2018.

Huge potential transactions were recorded from negotiations on coffee, fertilizers, and palm oil derivative products.

Ambassador Yahya lauded the potential trading recorded in the one-on-one business matching event. Yahya is optimistic that the demand for Indonesian products would be high in the New Zealand market.

“I am proud that this first trade mission to New Zealand has succeeded in recording huge potential transactions. This is a good step for the two countries to achieve a total trade of Rp40 trillion by 2024,” Yahya stated. Indonesia`s bilateral trade with New Zealand in 2017 had increased by 15.72 percent to $1.19 billion compared to 2016.

In 2017, Indonesia`s total exports to New Zealand had amounted to $437.8 million, or 1.09 percent of New Zealand`s total imports. On the other hand, New Zealand`s total exports to Indonesia were valued at $751.1 million, or 0.47 percent of Indonesia`s total imports. Most of Indonesia`s products exported to New Zealand are palm nut or kernel oilcake, wood for furniture, coal, and facial tissues.

Meanwhile, both leaders also reaffirmed their commitments under the New Zealand-Indonesia Joint Communiqu? on Combatting Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing and Promoting Sustainable Fisheries Management, which was signed in 2016. Prime Minister Ardern also confirmed New Zealand`s interest in participating in the 5th “Our Ocean” conference, to be held in Indonesia in October 2018.

Indonesia and New Zealand are committed to increasing two-way education links. Jokowi and Ardern highlighted the cornerstone contribution that people to people connections

provide in building a relationship that is as enduring and robust as that shared by New Zealand and Indonesia. In the tourism field, they saw an increase in the numbers of New Zealand citizens travelling to Indonesia, and Indonesian citizens travelling to New Zealand.

Both leaders noted the prospects for future growth with the addition of new Bali-Auckland direct flights in 2018. This would add significantly to travel between the two countries, as well as increase freight options.

Furthermore, Indonesia and New Zealand agreed on the extension to the Memorandum of Cooperation on Disaster Risk Management between the National Disaster Management Authority of Indonesia and the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Ardern announced funding for two new development projects: a NZ$4.5 million three-year project that will enable the Indonesian Red Cross to respond more effectively to disasters; and a NZ$3.5 million five-year project to develop a network of skilled young civic leaders, with a commitment to sustainable development in Eastern Indonesia, through participation in a New Zealand-based leadership programme.

While attending a state luncheon hosted by New Zealand Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy at the Government House, Wellington, President Jokowi promoted Indonesian coffee to the host and other guests.

As a former businessman, Jokowi explained that his entrepreneurial instincts immediately surfaced upon hearing that New Zealanders are fond of drinking coffee. Indonesia is among major coffee producing countries, after Brazil, Vietnam, and Colombia.

According to data of the Trade Ministry, Indonesia has produced an average of 691 thousand tons of coffee per year, while Brazil produced 2,905 thousand tons; Vietnam, 1,650 thousand tons; and Colombia, 840 thousand tons. The country is currently aiming to become the second-largest coffee producer by increasing production to one million tons a year. Indonesian Trade Minister\ Enggartiasto Lukita believed that New Zealand is a very potential market for Indonesia`s coffee. (ant)

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International

Thursday, March 29, 2018

Bali News

International

BUSINESS

“My husband said there are problems in the Gulf. Everything is suddenly more expensive and he is not able to save as much,” murmured Faseela Angatt, 29, who is overseeing the building while her husband works in the finance department of a Dubai firm.

“The construction depends on the money he sends - and now it is a little less,” she said.

For nearly four decades, the Angatt family has prospered on “Gulf money”. Faseela’s father spent more than 30 years working there, and his son-in-law and other relatives have followed in his footsteps. The remittances the migrants send back have built big houses across Kerala’s Malappuram district - and Faseela, whose husband has spent nine years in the Gulf, is counting on one of her own soon.

But the boom is fading. An economic slowdown in the Gulf, fluctuating oil prices and changes to labour policies mean fewer migrants are flying out of the district’s Calicut airport than before - and many are returning. That is “adversely affecting” the flow of remittances to India, the Reserve Bank of India noted in a 2016 report.

“Unskilled workers, employed as drivers and labourers, are coming back in larger numbers,” said Amit Meena, the administrative head of Malappuram, which has an estimated 300,000 workers in the Gulf - at least one from every home. “And back home, they are in a fix because the loan payments are mounting for the big homes they built or the cars they bought with Gulf money,” he said.

As migration increases around the world - spurred by climate extremes, conflict and economic stresses - remittances are helping boost prosperity, from Nepal to Haiti.

But the crucial flow of cash that families and countries have come to depend on is vulnerable to everything from shifting political policy on migration to economic slowdowns.

GULF GAINS Since the 1960s, remittances from the Gulf have been the backbone of Kerala’s economy, making up a third of the state’s gross domestic product, finance ministry officials said. Of an estimated 6 million Indians who have migrated for employment, 2.5 mil-

A vendor sorts tomatoes at a wholesale vegetable market in Mumbai, India, March 28, 2018. lion are from Kerala, most working in the six Gulf states of Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Oman.

The fruits of their labour are visible along the roads crisscrossing Malappuram district, in the big gates and driveways that sweep into large homes with porches.

Construction consultant Babu Vahab’s office in Venniyur has stacks of home design magazines and photo albums of smart houses. In the last year, he has overseen the construction of nearly 15 projects in and around Venniyur. “Even the most modest homes I have worked on are double-shot and have at least five bedrooms,” Vahab said, noting they cost upward of 1 million Indian rupees ($15,414).

“Families come to my office with ambitious designs, often downloaded from the internet. Irrespective of what work they do in the Gulf, their homes here will always be grand,” he said.

DIPPING FORTUNES Mohammad Ali, 52, is the proud owner of one such house. He returned to his neighbourhood of “non-resident Indians” in Cherumukku town last year, after working as an office boy in Dubai for 36 years. But today he is a worried man as his cash runs short and jobs at home prove scarce.

“I built the house, married my daughters, organised a passport for one son, and all my income (has) just finished. For the last year, I have been using my meagre savings for everyday expenses,” he said, sitting outside his home. Ali’s 21-year-old son left for the Gulf three months ago but has yet to send home any money.

“Every time he calls, he says times are tough,” Ali said. “I understand the hardship of working there,” he added. “But I was luckier than him. I went happily, knowing I would make money if I worked hard. He has gone grudgingly and we are not sure he will earn enough.” Many other Kerala families also say they are not receiving much cash from the Gulf these days, and are putting plans for big purchases on hold.

That has drastically reduced footfall in the glitzy furniture stores, Gulf-inspired supermarkets and hardware shops that dot the district’s highways. In some cases, families are even sending money to the Gulf to support migrant relatives until they find jobs, Ali said.

A Kerala migration survey conducted by the Centre for Development Studies, based in the region, first spotted the dip in remittances and drop in local migrants to the Gulf in 2016.

That year, the number living there fell

REUTERS/Francis Mascarenhas

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Aci Tabuh Rah Pengangon, A Unique Tradition to Invoke Fertility at Kapal Village

As crucial cash from the Gulf dries up, south Indian families fret

VENNIYUR - Every evening, three generations of worried Angatt family women meet outside a half-built bungalow in this village in India’s southern Kerala state. Nearly six months after the house’s foundation was laid and its two floors raised, construction has slowed to a near halt. The reason is never discussed out loud - only whispered cautiously.

Thursday, March 29, 2018

Tektekan, Used to Overcome Plague, Now Becomes Cultural Attraction

to 2.24 million from 2.4 million in 2014.

“Looking at the present situation, I suspect the ongoing 2018 survey will show a further decline,” said S. Irudaya Rajan, the professor who headed the survey.

Each year ahead of the Nyepi (Day of Silence) celebration, there will a different atmosphere, especially at Kediri customary village, Tabanan. In other regions, ahead of the celebration may be graced with the making and parade of ogoh-ogoh (papier mâché demon) or bamboo cannon, but Kediri precisely holds cultural event in the form of Tektekan. It is named the Tektekan Kediri-Nangluk Merana. This event will take place for eleven days starting from March 17 through March 27, 2017 or on the Pengerupukan Day.

‘THINGS ARE NOT OKAY’ Dileep Thacheru Parambil, who worked in the Gulf for 10 years and now runs the Kerala Emigrants’ Organisation, said he has had “disturbing news” almost every day in the last year. Work permit renewal fees and taxes in the Gulf have increased, he said, and “nationalisation” policies now give preference to locals in recruitment in some places. Meanwhile, with Saudi Arabia allowing women in the driver’s seat, Parambil fears family drivers - many of them Kerala migrants - will be axed.

Others fear cuts in hospitality industry jobs, for decades dominated by Indian workers. “Last week, in Jeddah, nearly 4,000 Indian families have put in requests to pull their children out of school” rather than re-enroll them for the next school year, he told the Thomson Reuters Foundation at his office.

“It’s a sign that things are not okay,” he said. “And here we can see the immediate impact with car sales down, land sales down, and construction coming to a virtual standstill.” (rtr)

The annual event will be packaged in a parade. Moreover, on March 25 and 26 this special event will be held in front of the Desa and Puseh Temple of Kediri customary village. In the meantime, the road closure will take place on March 27, 2017 where the route will reach the Kediri roundabout.

Chief of Kediri customary village, AAG Ngurah Panji Wisnu, explained that during the eleven days, the entire customary villagers of Kediri ranging from children to adults will go around the village while playing the sounds from a variety of sources. They are ranging from kulkul (bamboo split drum), gong or okokan (large cow bell). Some have even been modified with the accompaniment of bleganjur.

“In total, there are seven hamlets at Kediri customary village that will take turns to go round from one

hamlet to another hamlet existing is at our village,” he explained.

Further, he said that tektekan tradition in the area of Kediri customary village is inherited from generation to generation. So far, there is no any record on the history of its origin. According to his ancestors, the tradition came together with the outbreaks in Kediri. “At that time, many residents were experiencing sickness to death and they also faced harvest failure because their paddy fields were attacked by pests,” he said.

Due to concerns over the calamity occurred at that time, community leaders and temple priests agreed to invoke guidance by praying at local Puseh Temple.

At that time, they got a clue if the pandemic could be eliminated by means of sounds. Armed with this clue, the residents of Kediri came down and went around the village

while playing tektekan for few days. Finally, it was proved that the plague attacking the customary village disappeared.

Since then, the tektekan tradition has psychical function to dismiss plague. Its implementation cannot be predicted because it depends on the incidence of outbreak at the village. With the changing of time or more precisely from 2014 the tektekan tradition began to be transformed into an entertainment art. Moreover, local villagers agreed to hold this tradition as annual attraction coinciding with the Hindus celebrating Nyepi.

During the execution of tektekan tradition at local customary village, the officials suggest road users to find alternative road section.

“We’ve made coordination with police authority, especially on the security and traffic diversion,” he concluded. (kmb)

Bleganjur gamelan music was played. Hundreds of villagers then threw tipat (rice bag) bantal (pillow-like cake) each other. Although, they seemed to mutually reciprocate, between the two camps (people in the north and south) did not keep any revenge. Their throw was not focused on particular person, but to the air above the opposite camp. Although this looked like a war, they cheered each other due to excitement.

It is the atmosphere of the Aci Tabuh Rah Pengangon ritual or often known as the Siat Tipat Bantal at Kapal customary village, Mengwi, Badung district, Thursday (Oct. 5). Hundreds of Kapal customary villagers were involved in the Aci Tabuh Rah Pengangon. In addition to the community, this unique tradition was also attended by the Regional Secretary of Badung district, Wayan Adi Arnawa.

The ritual was followed by all Kapal customary villagers. All the villagers were then divided into two camps, namely the northern camp and southern camp. At first, the two camps held a ceremony in the temple and were then resumed with worship at the outermost courtyard of the Desa/Puseh temple of Kapal.

Thousands of tipat and bantal were prepared by the temple apparatus. After dividing them, they were thrown each other like a war accompanied with bleganjur gamelan music.

Chief of Kapal customary village, Ketut Sudarsana, said that Aci Tabuh Rah Pengangon formerly known as perang tipat (tipat war) is an annual ritual having been carried out for generations at Kapal customary village. This tradition is then preserved, so that it is always carried out by the Kapal customary village. “This activity aims to invoke prosperity for all customary villagers of Kapal,” he said.

Aci Tabuh Rah Pengangon has the meaning of offerings or an expression of gratitude before God in his manifestation as Lord Shiva.

Aci means ‘offering,’ Tabuh means ‘echoing,’ Rah means ‘power’ and

Pengangon is another name of Lord Shiva. “Mutual throw of tipat and bantal is aimed to bring together the symbol of pradhana (female) and purusha (male), resulting in fertility,” he explained.

Ketut Sudarsana asserted that Aci Tabuh Rah Pengangon is held by customary village because all the villages participated to enjoy the welfare. It is bringing together the tipat as symbol of ocean, pradhana (female) and bantal as symbol of mountain, purusha (male).

Uniting the ocean and mountain is believed to be able to create life.

“Two different things will present a life that can produce a good life,” he said.

Tipat and bantal thrown are not to target the opponent’s body but to make them both merge in the air and then fall to the ground.

This symbolizes the rendezvous of purusha and pradhana which then produces a seed of life. Remnants of the scattered tipat and bantal are the collected again. Those remaining intact are distributed back to residents for consumption, while the infeasible ones are distributed to residents to be scattered in paddy fields and used as animal feed. It is meant to invoke a good life seed for residents, animals and plants.

Sudarsana explained the tradition was started to be implemented in 1339. It marked the arrival of prime minister of Singasari dynasty in Bali, namely Ki Kebo Waruya.

He received a mandate from the Balinese King named Asta Sura Ratna Bumi Banten to renovate the Purusada Temple at Kapal village.

When arriving at Kapal, his heart was touched when seeing the condition of local village experiencing famine season.

Seeing such condition, he then invoked to deity abiding at Purusada Temple in order to bestow his graces. After applying for it, he was given instructions to perform the aci or ritual dedicated to Lord Shiva by means of tipat and bantal followed by all the Kapal customary villagers. (kmb)

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Thursday, March 29, 2018

Bali News

International

Thursday, March 29, 2018

International

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Protest mounts over Malaysian PM’s plan to redraw electoral map

REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

IBP/kmb

PT Jasamarga Bali Tol (JBT) started reducing e-money sales and refill services at toll booths to familiarize people with top ups/refills before entering toll roads.

Inaugurate drive thru service

JBT reduces e-money sales and refill at toll gates

DENPASAR - PT Jasamarga Bali Tol (JBT) started reducing e-money sales and refill services at toll booths to familiarize people with top ups/refills before entering toll roads. To that end, JBT inaugurated it drive thru sales and top up/refill service of electronic money (e-money) located under the interchanges on Jalan Pelabuhan Benoa, Denpasar, on Monday (Mar. 26).

According to President Director of Jasamarga Bali Tol, Akhmad Tito Karim, from October 2017 to February 2018, JBT averagely served e-money sales and top up/refill to around 1,119 to 2,475 vehicles per day. According to him, this causes frequent queues during rush hours,

especially at Nusa Dua Toll Gate.

“Gradually, we will reduce and remove sales and refill services at toll gates starting on April 1, 2018 starting from the toll gate of Benoa,” he said. He said since the operation of the drive thru of sales and top up, the frequency of purchase and

refill of e-money at toll gate has decreased. In February 2018, the frequency reached 2,475 and daily average of 953 per day, while in March 2018 the daily frequency of top up at drive thru reached around 353 transactions.

The top-up at the toll gate and

drive thru can totally make around 1,306 or the decrease of top-up at the toll gate reached about 52 percent.

This proved that toll road users have already understood the benefits and location of the drive thru. “If all toll road users have e-money, they will only take about 2 seconds for transaction. However, if they do not bring e-money or the balance is not enough, then to buy or refill e-money at the toll gate can take 34 minutes. This condition is the cause

long queue,” he explained.

In addition, Tito hoped the presence of e-money sales and top up in the drive thru can answer the complaints of toll road users related to the difficulty of finding a place to refill or top up e-money off the highway. He also urged the banks issuing the e-money to jointly disseminate the e-money and increase the location to refills outside the toll roads so that it will be easier for people to refill or purchase. (kmb23)

BRI customers complain about long queue of card replacement

YLKI considers BRI protects customers less carefully

DENPASAR - A number of BRI customers complained about the migration process of their card with skimming indication because it gives impression to be done suddenly and without prior notice. When replacing card to any nearby BRI branch office, customers will equally find an inconvenience due to long queue reaching 900 customers.

A number of customers also complained about not getting SMS notification about their card deac-

tivation, but when used the card does not work. “Why the bank disables the card directly, whereas we have not received any notice yet,” complained Diah Mandala, a BRI customer, on Monday (Mar. 26).

Director of Bali Consumer Protection Foundation (YLPK), I Putu Armaya, said there should be solutions, dissemination and alternative for temporary withdrawal. “If the banking service is provided like this, it’s not good for consumers,”

he said.

According to the Chairman of Indonesian Consumers Foundation (YLKI) Bali, Nyoman Suwidjana, the long queue occurred currently happened because BRI has not carefully protected customers’ money from the beginning. “Such long queue happens due to the inadequacy which can actually be overcome in other ways such as customers just handed over their card. Meanwhile, new card can be sent via post or

provide some additional service counters,” he explained.

Supposedly, customers have been given the correct, clear and honest information first about the products offered. For example, customers should get information about usability, superiority, weakness and risk so that they can make a good and right choice with full awareness and responsibility.

Long queues certainly make customers waste their time and feel un-

comfortable. “It happens because of the wrong decision in the beginning when choosing the products of BRI. The options are made because of incomplete information,” he said.

He did not dismiss if the long queues happen because BRI indeed has quite many customers. However, BRI at least should provide convenience in the exchange of cards. “For example, it can serve them a drink when lining up,” he concluded. (kmb42)

Residents follow moves made by humanoid robot ‘Pepper’ during an afternoon exercise routine at Shin-tomi nursing home in Tokyo, Japan, February 2, 2018.

Ageing Japan: Robots may have role in future of elder care

TOKYO - Paro the furry seal cries softly while an elderly woman pets it. Pepper, a humanoid, waves while leading a group of senior citizens in exercises. The upright Tree guides a disabled man taking shaky steps, saying in a gentle feminine voice, “right, left, well done!”

Robots have the run of Tokyo’s Shin-tomi nursing home, which uses 20 different models to care for its residents. The Japanese government hopes it will be a model for harnessing the country’s robotics expertise to help cope with a swelling elderly population and dwindling workforce.

Allowing robots to help care for the elderly - a job typically seen as requiring a human touch - may be a jarring idea in the West. But many Japanese see them positively, largely because they are depicted in popular media as friendly and helpful.

“These robots are wonderful,” said 84-year-old Kazuko Yamada after the exercise session with SoftBank Robotics Corp’s Pepper, which can carry on scripted dialogues. “More people live alone

these days, and a robot can be a conversation partner for them. It will make life more fun.”

Plenty of obstacles may hinder a rapid proliferation of elder care robots: high costs, safety issues and doubts about how useful - and user-friendly - they will be.

The Japanese government has been funding development of elder care robots to help fill a projected shortfall of 380,000 specialised workers by 2025.

Despite steps by Japan to allow foreign workers in for elder care, obstacles to employment in the sector, including exams in Japanese, remain. As of the end of 2017, only 18 foreigners held nursing care visas, a new category created in 2016.

But authorities and companies here are also eyeing a larger prize:

a potentially lucrative export industry supplying robots to places such as Germany, China and Italy, which face similar demographic challenges now or in the near future.

“It’s an opportunity for us,” said Atsushi Yasuda, director of the robotic policy office at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry or METI. “Other countries will follow the same trend.”

More than 100 foreign groups have visited Shin-tomi the past year from countries including China, South Korea and the Netherlands.

A few products are trickling out as exports: Panasonic Corp has started shipping its robotic bed, which transforms into a wheelchair, to Taiwan. Paro is used as a “therapy animal” in about 400 Danish senior homes. (rtr)

KUALA LUMPUR - Hundreds of Malaysians protested on Wednesday against Prime Minister Najib Razak’s plan to push through a controversial proposal to redraw electoral boundaries just months ahead of a general election that must be held by August.

The opposition and critics say Najib is trying to bulldoze through parliament changes to electoral boundaries they say would benefit his ruling coalition, facing arguably its toughest polls since independence nearly 61 years ago. The government says the plan was drawn up by the Election Commision (EC), and not the government, and is free from political interference.

Opponents of the redrawing process say it shoves opposition-inclined voters into opposition-held seats to create super-constituencies and also reshapes constituencies to have more distinct ethnic majorities.

Protesters, rallying under the banner of pro-democracy group Bersih, gathered at a national monument close to the parliament wearing yellow t-shirts - Bersih’s signature colour - and carrying banners and placards. Opposition leaders also joined the protests.

Security was heightened at parliament’s main gate, which was blocked by riot police, some armed with teargas guns.

Bersih aims to hand over a memorandum to parliament’s speaker, outlining their reasons why he should scrap the government’s motion seeking approval for its redelineation exercise.

“We totally do not agree with the (EC) report. This is the biggest cheating to ever happen,” said Maria Chin Abdullah, the former chairwoman of Bersih. “They want to bulldoze the report that contradicts the constitution, ignores the rule of law and manipulates the electoral rolls,” she said.

LOOMING ELECTION Prime Minister Najib is expected to table the redelineation motion at 0330 GMT. It is widely expected to be passed today.

This is the final session of parliament before the legislative body is dissolved for elections.

Electoral boundaries were last changed in 2003, under the leadership of then-premier Mahathir Mohamad. He, too, was accused of manipulating the process in favour of the ruling coalition, which has held power since independence from Britain in 1957.

Mahathir, 92, who led Malaysia for 22 years, is now running as the opposition’s candidate for prime minister against Najib, his former protege. Najib is under pressure to deliver an emphatic victory for his ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition, as he grapples with a scandal at state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), and public anxiety over rising living costs.

Earlier this week, the government tabled a bill seeking to outlaw “fake news”, which prescribes fines and up to 10 years in jail, raising more concern about media freedom in the wake of the 1MDB scandal. The anti-fake news bill is expected to be debated and passed on Thursday. (rtr)

REUTERS/David Gray

Myanmar’s State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi waves with Philippines’ Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alan Peter Cayetano and Malaysia’s Prime Minister Najib Razak during the Leaders Welcome and Family Photo at the one-off summit of 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Sydney, Australia, March 17, 2018.

14

Thursday, March 29, 2018

Health

International

International

Spinal surgery may not cut need for painkillers

IBP/net

Eating beef, chicken or fish grilled or well-done is associated with a higher risk of high blood pressure, new research suggests.

Eating grilled or well-done meat, fish tied to high blood pressure risk

NEW YORK - Eating beef, chicken or fish grilled or well-done is associated with a higher risk of high blood pressure, new research suggests.

“Among individuals who consume red meat, chicken, or fish regularly, our findings imply that avoiding the use of open-flame and/or high-temperature cooking methods, including grilling/barbecuing, broiling, and roasting, may help reduce hypertension risk,” Dr. Gang Liu of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston told Reuters Health by email.

“Although some studies have suggested that higher intake of red meat, especially processed red meat, is associated with higher risk of hypertension, the associations of chicken or fish intake with hypertension risk remain inconsistent,” he explained. “These previous studies did not take into account one important factor - different meat cooking methods.”

Dr. Liu presented the new findings at an American Heart Association meeting in New Orleans last week.

He and his colleagues analyzed cooking methods and the development of hypertension in adults who regularly ate beef, poultry or fish and were participating in three long-term studies: 32,925 women in the Nurses’ Health Study, 53,852 women in the Nurses’ Health Study II, and 17,104 men in the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study.

In each study, detailed cooking information was collected. None of the participants had hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, or cancer at the start, but 37,123 people developed hypertension during an average follow-up of 12 to 16 years.

The researchers found that “a higher frequency of open-flame and/or high-temperature cooking and a preference for higher meat doneness level were both independently associated with an increased hypertension risk.”

Among adults who ate two or more servings of red meat, chicken or fish a week, the risk of developing hypertension was 17 percent higher in those who grilled, broiled, or roasted the meat or fish more than 15 times per month, compared with fewer than four times per month.

The risk of hypertension was 15 percent higher in those who preferred their food well done, compared with those who preferred rarer meats.

“The chemicals produced by cooking meats at high temperatures induce oxidative stress, inflammation and insulin resistance in animal studies, and these pathways may also lead to an elevated risk of developing high blood pressure,” Dr. Liu said in a conference statement.

Registered dietitian and American Heart Association spokesperson Dr. Linda Van Horn from Northwestern University in Chicago said previous studies on this topic have mostly involved charbroiled red meat and have focused on the potential association with cancer.

This new study, she told Reuters Health by phone, “begins to suggest that grilling at high temperatures really does have some sort of inflammatory response in the blood system that basically then contributes to an increased risk of all kinds of chronic disease, not only cancer,” she said.

The study wasn’t designed to prove that eating meat and fish cooked a certain way causes hypertension.

Still, said Dr. Van Horn, “Speaking as a nutritionist, my caution would be not to cook foods to death. I think where we have problems is when people take a good thing too far and that is certainly true for almost everything in the world of nutrition. In this case, certainly this doesn’t say eat steak tartare and sushi the rest of your life, but rather more on the side of moderation, don’t grill it to death and if you do happen to get charring, you might consider cutting off those burnt spots as much as possible.” (rtr)

PORTLAND - Most patients who take prescription opioids for chronic pain before lumbar fusion surgery continue taking them long-term after surgery, a new study suggests.

More than 77 percent continued long-term postoperative use, and 14 percent had occasional use, the study authors wrote in the journal PAIN. “The important message here is that patients go into surgery thinking it will eliminate their need to take pain medication.

But for this type of surgery, it’s unlikely that patients will end up stopping opioids,” lead author Dr. Richard Deyo of Oregon Health and Science University in Portland told Reuters Health by phone.

According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, spinal fusion “(corrects) problems with the small bones of the spine (vertebrae). It is essentially a ‘welding’ process. The basic idea is to fuse together the painful vertebrae so that they heal into a single, solid bone.”

Deyo and colleagues studied nearly 2,500 adults who underwent lumbar spine (lower back) fusion surgery in Oregon, using the state’s prescription drug monitoring program to quantify opioid use before and after the surgery. They defined long-term postoperative use as more than four prescriptions filled in the seven months following the surgery, with at least three prescriptions filled more than 30 days

after the surgery.

They found that 1,045 patients received long-term opioids before surgery and 1,094 received them after surgery. Among the long-term users, 77 percent continued long-term use and 14 percent had episodic use. About 9 percent discontinued using opioids or only used them shortly after surgery.

“The chronic pain story is a complicated one, and there is growing evidence that opioids aren’t necessarily better than non-opioid options for pain,” Deyo said. “We should redouble our efforts to treat patients with long-term back problems with medications other than opioids so they can avoid them in the long run.”

Importantly, among those who had opioid prescriptions before surgery, 34 percent received a lower dose after surgery, but 45 percent received a higher dose.

In addition, among those with no opioid prescriptions before surgery, 13 percent became longterm users after surgery.

As part of the analysis, Deyo and colleagues found that the prescription dose before surgery was the strongest predictor of long-term use after surgery.

“It’s not fair to say that continued use represents failure of the surgery, but instead, it represents poor transitions of care and a failure to coordinate care for patients,” said Dr. Chad Brummett of the University of Michigan Medical School, who was not involved in the study. (rtr)

Bali News

Thursday, March 29, 2018

Balinese shadow puppet played in London fascinates audience

LONDON — The dynamic and funny Balinese shadow puppet play was presented by Prof. I Nyoman Sedana, from the Indonesia Institute of the Arts (ISI) Denpasar and puppeteer Prof.

Matthew Isaac Cohen, and Dutch artist Sietskr Rijpkema, PhD., denoting a student at Royal Holloway University of London. Most of the spectators were British citizens and they were willing to sit relaxingly in the meeting room on first floor of the Indonesian Embassy in London, last week.

They were fascinated.

The show was opened by the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia in London, Rizal Sukma. After the show, he said the performance of Indonesian arts, especially Balinese, is one of the cultural diplomacy carried out by Indonesia in London, England. Hopefully, in the future various Indonesian arts can be performed.

The education attaché of the Indonesian Embassy in London, Prof. Endang Aminuddin Aziz, said the show of Bali in Westminster is the closing of residency of Prof.

Nyoman Sedana, a professor of theater of the ISI Denpasar, in England.

Shadow puppet play entitled ‘the Death of Indrajit’ is taken from the episode of Ramayana epic started with angklung music from London Angklung Assemble led by Hana A. Satryo presenting three songs namely Es Lilin, Tanah Air Pusaka and Obladi Oblada and could draw the audience to dance. The Balinese shadow puppet show first performed in London with Lila Cita’s live gamelan music took place for less than an hour but managed to entertain the audience.

“Fantastic, it’s a very interesting show,” said the audience that were not only comprising people of old ages but also young generations like two young men who brought a guitar that are in fact rock music artists.

Prior to the Balinese shadow puppet show, in the performance of Indonesian arts themed Bali in Westminster was also presented Balinese dance like Panji Semirang, whose dancers are from the Center for Asian Theater originating from various countries. The dance was performed with gamelan accompaniment by Lila Cita art troupe where most members are British citizens.

Prof. I Nyoman Sedana, the theater professor at the ISI Denpasar, said that Balinese shadow puppet appearance is not only an entertaining puppet performance but also has

philosophy, namely as an offering to the Creator, ritual, ceremonies and entertainment.

He acknowledged the shadow puppet show with the storyline of The Death of Indrajit has a profound lesson namely Indrajit who respects his father, Ravana, but eventually he is killed in the battle in Lanka Kingdom which is actually the fault of Ravana who has sacrificed his son.

Meanwhile, Prof. Matthew Isaac Cohen, a lecturer at Royal Holloway University of London (RHUL), who is known as the foreign puppeteer, admitted to be very happy

as having the honor of being a puppeteer together with Prof. I Nyoman Sedana.

Matthew Isaac Cohen who used to play Cirebon-style shadow puppet show and Javanese puppet shadow admitted that playing along with Prof. Sedana is very dynamic and different from the puppet of Yogya and Solo style.

Even though he made some mistakes, it did not disturb the show, he admitted. “Of course, it is the first and historic show,” said Prof. Cohen who studied shadow puppet for the first time in 1988. (ant)

IBP/kmb

Balinese shadow puppet

Tourist severely injured after fighting against thief

IBP/net

Most patients who take prescription opioids for chronic pain before lumbar fusion surgery continue taking them long-term after surgery, a new study suggests.

3

MANGUPURA — The fight between a tourist and thief occurred at the villa located on Jalan Kresnantara Gang II, North Kuta, last Saturday (Mar. 10). Robin Hamish Lakauze from New Zealand fought against Ferry Papa Mananue, 42, for being caught when stealing at the scene. Armed with iron stick, the perpetrator attacked and hit the victim’s head. As a result, the victim suffered a head wound with 18 stitches.

“But the victim managed to seize the stick and it was used to strike back. Moreover, the stick turned crooked, but the perpetrator is strong enough,” said Chief of North Kuta Police, Joe Nainggolan, accompanied by Chief of Criminal Investigation Unit, Putu Ika Prabawa, on Monday (Mar. 26).

Joe added that armed with short crowbar, the perpetrator having the address at Karang Suwung hamlet, Yeh Gangga, Tabanan, gouged the door of the villa. Once opened, the perpetrator took a laptop. “When the perpetrator was about to escape from the villa, the victim caught him,” said police chief.

Initially, the perpetrator argued that he was looking for a

friend named Joni. However, the victim did not believe and immediately checked the bag carried by the perpetrator. In fact, the bag contained the victim’s laptop. “The perpetrator cannot dodge anymore. Feeling to get cornered, the perpetrator took out an iron stick and it was used to hit the victim’s head,” he said.

Though getting severely injured, the victim gave a fight and the duel was inevitable. On hearing a commotion in the villa, local residents reported it to North Kuta Police. After receiving the report on the incident, the officers came down directly to the scene and arrested the perpetrator. Meanwhile, the victim was taken to hospital and the wound on his head got 18 stitches. “We are still investigating the perpetrator even though he admitted to steal only once,” he said.

In addition, the North Kuta Criminal Investigation Unit also arrested Dion Hutagaol, 23. This man having the address on Jalan Mekar, Pemogan, South Denpasar, was arrested for taking a projector, a digital camera and cash worth HKD 50 belonging to Sumantha Jane Cox, 47.

Joe Nainggolan said the victim experienced the theft at

his residence on Jalan Tunjung II, Kerobokan, North Kuta.

“We immediately conduct an investigation and the suspicion leads to Dion for having worked with the victim,” said Joe Nainggolan.

After taking action, the perpetrator disappeared for three months. On Tuesday (Mar. 20), the perpetrator contacted the victim to ask for job vacancy. After that, the victim immediately coordinated with police and the perpetrator was asked to come.

“Perhaps, the perpetrator is not suspicious and he came to meet the victim. Our members have been lurking at the location and the perpetrator was arrested at 17:30,” he said.

In addition, police chief also released the development of snatching case targeting a foreigner named Lina Hellmen, 21, from Sweden on Jalan Pantai Batu Bolong, Canggu.

After capturing Oktori Dimas Pratama, 22, and Gede Wahyu Arianta, 21, it was the turn to arrest Gede Pember Ariana, 23, from Sawan subdistrict, Buleleng. This plot claimed to have taken action at five crime scenes in the area of North Kuta. (kmb36)

2

Bali News

Thursday, March 29, 2018

International

Activities

International

Thursday, March 29, 2018

15

BHFF to recover Bali tourism and introduce traditional food

The tourists are trying to make salt in Klungkung

IBP/Sosiawan

Salt farming increasingly abandoned

Production still traditional, used as sweetener of tourism

SALT production on Belatung Beach, Pesinggahan village, Dawan, is still applying traditional technique. This uniqueness is able to attract foreign tourists from various countries to make a visit. Surely, it gives blessings to old salt farmers.

Once upon a time when approaching midday, all the salt farmers on the beach located in the east of Goa Lawah Temple were busy. They were flattening the overlay of wide black sand no matter the sun shine heated up. Shortly, they took seawater with simple tools where at a glance theirs looked like scales. They carried it on shoulder. When walking, the water containers carried were bobbing, showing that it is pretty heavy. The seawater was then splashed evenly on the sand and done repeatedly.

Soon, dozens of tall people came from the highway.

Their hair is blond while her skin is white. They were foreign tourists being curious to see the process of salt making in the traditional way. Their attention was focused on another process. When seawater was placed on a split coconut tree with a hollow in the middle, it was dried up. The place was neatly lined up in nice combination with bamboo roofed huts.

In addition to capturing the moment of their journey in some photos, a number of tourists seemed curious about the taste of the clean white salt. They tasted right away. Here, farmers directly offered visitors to buy salt at not expensive price. It is just IDR 25,000

per kilogram. It depends on the season. Their efforts paid off. Some tourists were interested in buying.

Unavoidably, happy smile also was seen on their face whose skin has been wrinkled.

Their tourist guide, Putu Rias, said the tourists are from Denmark. In their home country there is also salt farming but has applied modern way. “Here, salt farming is still traditional. That is why they are remarkably interested to make a visit,” he said on Tuesday (Mar. 27). He admitted to quite often escort tourists to the salt farming site.

A local salt farmer, I Wayan Warta, told there are always tourists making a visit every month. However, since the eruption of Mount Agung, the number has decreased. Nevertheless, he is still grateful because he can still add income from the sales. “There is always tourist visit here, but not many,” he said.

His salt is sold to collectors. It is a blessing. There is a provision to survive in the middle of his getting older age. On the sidelines, he said that such profession has been pursued since his childhood taught by his parents. During good season as it is today, the production reaches 10 kilogram per day. “During rainy season, the production decreases a lot,” said this 60-year-old man.

Its existence can become a ‘sweetener’ for tourism, even though the number of salt farmers increasingly reduces. Younger generation is no longer interested in this job. They prefer to go to urban areas with the hope to earn more. “Now, they are of three remaining to survive. No younger people want to take such profession,” he said. (sos)

MANGUPURA - Culinary tourism in Indonesia becomes an attraction for tourists. This tourism introduces a variety of cuisines of Indonesia ranging from the way of serving, cooking techniques to the uniqueness of each region.

To that end, the Nusa Dua tourism area will introduce a variety of traditional Indonesian food through the event of Bali Heritage Food Festival (BHFF) 2018. This culinary event entitled Bhinneka Rasa Nusantara (literally means ‘a diversity of archipelagic tastes’) will involve tourists and is scheduled to take place on March 30-31, 2018 at Peninsula Island, Nusa Dua. Commercial Division Head of The Nusa Dua, Anak Agung Istri Ratnadewi, explained on Tuesday (Mar. 27) that BHFF is held for the recovery of Bali tourism having declined following the Mount Agung eruption late 2017.

“Bali Heritage Food Festival is an event held for the recovery of Bali tourism. This year in the IMF-WB event, we have to show off Indonesia’s wealth in the field of cuisines,” she said.

Tourists staying at hotels in the Nusa Dua area are also invited to come and engage in the ‘mass ngelawar’ (preparing one of Balinese delicacies) during the food festival. This food festival will feature a number of culinary activities involving the participants. “Thus, tourists know the preparation and ingredients used to make lawar. In addition, there

are also preparation of making satay en masse, eating spicy food contest, cooking class, food battle competition, serving of archipelagic foods and live music,” she explained.

The festival targets 2,000 visitors per day during the implementation of the BHFF 2018 and visitors will not be charged entry fee. “We are targeting visits from families, food bloggers, and culinary enthusiasts,” she explained.

Ratna added the festival is part of 12 activities in the calendar of event having been programmed

by The Nusa Dua throughout 2018. Culinary tourism in Indonesia has become a tourist attraction. Besides, it is also meant to introduce a variety of culinary treasures owned by Indonesia ranging from the way of serving, cooking techniques to the uniqueness of each region.

Chairman of the Indonesia Chef Association (ICA) of Bali Chapter, I Gede Putu Hendra Mahena, revealed that participants must highlight and maintain traditional cuisines with cooking techniques based on hygiene and sanitation standards in order to be able to go international.

“There will be 120 participants divided into 6 teams. This event will be an interesting spectacle for visiting tourists. In addition, there will be the handling of processed and non-processed meat and cooking demo for processing raw fish until it is ready to be served,” he explained. (kmb23)

An Endless Easter Holiday at Royal Tulip Saranam Resort & Spa

IBP/Yudi Karnaedi

Head of Commercial Division The Nusa Dua, Anak Agung Istri Ratnadewi (two from left)

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Thursday, March 29, 2018

Documentary maker Alex Gibney tees up new Tiger Woods biography LOS ANGELES - Oscar-winning filmmaker Alex Gibney is to put golfer Tiger Woods under the microscope in an upcoming documentary series based on a new biography of the 14-time major winner, Gibney’s company Jigsaw Productions said on Tuesday.

Gibney will use journalists Jeff Benedict and Armen Keteyian’s biography, “Tiger Woods”, which was also released on Tuesday, as a foundation for the series.

Jigsaw did not say when production of the series will begin, and it has yet to be picked up by a distributor. Woods, 42, the greatest golfer of his generation who closely guards his personal life and highly crafted image, is in the midst of his latest comeback from injury.

Woods did not speak with the

biography’s authors but did allow his chiropractor to speak on the record.

The book, which is published

by CBS Corp’s Simon & Schuster, sits in the top 40 on Amazon’s best seller list and has so far received favorable reviews.

It examines Woods’ life as a closely managed introverted child prodigy to a mixed-race global marketing phenomenon, and his midcareer fall from grace as a string of affairs and injuries took a toll on his image and performance.

Gibney’s projects include scripted Hulu miniseries “The Looming Tower” and 2015 HBO Scientology documentary “Going Clear.”

He won an Oscar in 2008 for his Afghan war documentary “Taxi to the Dark Side.” (rtr)

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

Thursday, March 29, 2018 Former Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff speaks during a news conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil March 26, 2018.

Netflix series on corruption scandal angers Brazil’s former president

BRASILIA - Former Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff has accused Netflix of political bias and character assassination in its series based on the massive Car Wash corruption investigation that rocked Brazil’s political establishment.

Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo

Tiger Woods plays his shot from the 11th tee during the final round of the Farmers Insurance Open golf tournament at Torrey Pines Municipal Golf Course in San Diego, California, U.S., January 28, 2018.

Since its debut on Friday, the series called “The Mechanism” has enthralled Brazilians with its dramatization of the political scandal that contributed to Rousseff’s downfall and impeachment in 2016.

But it sparked mocking memes and angry tweets in Brazil with accusations including that some dialogue delivered by leftist exPresident Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in the show resembled the words of a right-wing politician in a real-life wire tap.

Rousseff assailed the series as a travesty of history aimed at her Workers’ Party and its founder Lula, who has been convicted of corruption for receiving a luxury seaside apartment as a bribe.

“Under the guise of telling the story of the Car Wash investigation in a series ‘based on real events,’

the director José Padilha distorts reality and spreads all sorts of lies to attack me and President Lula,” Rousseff said in a statement.

The director, she said, “doesn’t merely reproduce fake news. He has turned himself into a creator of fake news.”

Padilha could not immediately be reached for comment, and Netflix did not respond to requests for comment. Padilha told Reuters this month that he hoped to remind viewers that rampant corruption in Brazil was not the fault of any particular politician or party.

“The series is trying to take a position that is non-ideological,” he said in that interview.

Workers Party officials said they were consulting lawyers to see what legal action they can take.

Rousseff was impeached for breaking budget laws, ending 14

years of leftist rule by the Workers Party. Lula, still Brazil’s most popular politician, faces a 12-year prison sentence and will likely be barred from running in this year’s election, even though he is the front-runner in early polls.

The Folha de S.Paulo newspaper reported that left-wing Brazilians canceled their Netflix subscriptions over the weekend angered by the depiction of Lula and his party.

“The Mechanism” opens a decade before the Car Wash probe was launched in early 2014 with federal police investigating money laundering in southern Brazil but failing to catch a key suspect.

They eventually unveil a kickback scheme involving politicians, construction companies and Brazil’s state-run oil company called Petrobras in real life and Petrobrasil in the series. (rtr)

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Win Myint waves after he was elected as Myanmar’s President in Parliament at Naypyitaw, Myanmar March 28, 2018.

REUTERS/Stringer

Myanmar parliament picks Suu Kyi confidant as new president

NAYPYITAW - Myanmar’s parliament on Wednesday picked a close ally of de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi as the country’s new president, a move unlikely to affect a delicate balance of power in a country where the army has retained a large political role. Win Myint, who a week ago resigned from his post as the lower house speaker, was chosen by both chambers of the parliament where Suu Kyi’s ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) party holds a comfortable majority.

The outgoing president, Htin Kyaw, who was also close to Suu Kyi, retired “in order to take rest from the current duties and responsibilities” amid visible weight loss and speculation over his health. The election of the 66-year-old Win Myint, who is a life-long NLD member, is likely to mean a continuation of Suu Kyi’s dominance over the executive and little change to the course taken by her nearly two-year-old administration, lawmakers and analysts say.

Win Myint won the election with 403 votes out of 636 cast by law-

makers. The parliament speaker did not say when Win Myint would be sworn in, although the ceremony was expected to take place on Thursday.

“There won’t be policy changes. The policy will continue as previously under the former president,” said Kyaw Tote, a lawmaker from the NLD. The president is the head of state and government in Myanmar, and under the constitution has far-reaching powers. However, Htin Kyaw’s role was more ceremonial because Suu Kyi has been Myanmar’s de facto leader since April 2016. Politicians

and analysts expect this arrangement to continue under Win Myint.

A constitution drafted by the former junta bars Nobel Peace Prize laureate Suu Kyi from the top office and so she hand-picked Htin Kyaw, a close ally, to become president following a historic landslide election victory in 2015. The charter also reserves for the army one quarter of the seats in parliament and several major cabinet posts, including defence, interior and border affairs, giving it an effective veto over constitutional change and

control of security affairs.

The incoming president is a member of a very narrow circle of Suu Kyi’s trusted advisers. Analysts believe it is that loyalty and trust that prompted her to tap him as Htin Kyaw’s replacement. He was among a few dozen NLD members, including Suu Kyi, elected to parliament in 2012 by-elections as the country began a dramatic transition from nearly 50 years of military rule.

“He is good at both legislation and administration and I assume that is a good thing,” said NLD upper house representative Nwe Nwe Aung. Before his appointment as lower house speaker in April 2016, Win Myint shared an austere one-room chamber with his wife in a compound for lawmakers in Myanmar’s purpose-built capital Naypyitaw, living next to other leading NLD figures. (rtr)

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