Edisi 03 Maret 2015 | International Bali Post

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

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

16 Pages Number 74 7th year

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Entertainment

Tuesday, March 31, 2015 AP Photo/DreamWorks Animation

In this image released

by DreamWorks Animation, characters Oh, voiced by Jim Parsons, left, and Tip, voiced by Rihanna appear in a scene from the animated film “Home.”

DreamWorks’ ‘Home’ bests ‘Get Hard’ at box office with $54M

NEW YORK — Business was brisk at the weekend box-office, where the DreamWorks animated alien adventure “Home” beat out the Will Ferrell-Kevin Hart comedy “Get Hard” with a resounding debut of $54 million, according to studio estimates Sunday.

While the two films had been expected to vie for the top spot at North American theaters, “Home” came in well above expectations, handing DreamWorks Animation a muchneeded hit. Though a distant second, “Get Hard” also opened strongly with an estimated $34.6 million, rewarding the Warner Bros. pairing of two of the most bankable stars in comedy. Last week’s top film, the young-adult sequel “The Divergent Series: Insurgent,” slid to third with $22.1 million.

With a $100 million-plus debut expected next weekend for “Furious 7” — a franchise built on street-racing adrenaline and a diverse cast — Hollywood scored with two films that sought a variety of audiences.

“Get Hard” united the fans of Hart and Ferrell, albeit while coming under some criticism for its racial humor. And “Home” is the rare animated film led by an African-American girl protagonist (voiced by Rihanna). She plays a teen-

age girl left alone after an alien invasion of Earth. Jim Parsons, Jennifer Lopez and Steve Martin round out the cast.

“It’s a diverse cast and we drew a diverse audience, which I think is really special and something you don’t see in animated films,” said Chris Aronson, domestic distribution head for 20th Century Fox, the film’s distributor.

“That just ends up broadening the appeal of the film.”

Minorities made up more than half of the audience for “Home,” according to Fox. The strong performance of an original release, based on a children’s book by Adam Rex, provides Jeffrey Katzenberg’s DreamWorks with a welcome lift. After a series of box-office disappointments, the studio cut about 500 jobs earlier this year.

Aronson called the success of “Home” ‘’indicative of the direction, quality-wise, that DreamWorks is going to get back to.” One of the film’s producers, Mireille Soria, was

in January named co-president of DreamWorks Animation, along with “How to Train Your Dragon” producer Bonnie Arnold.

Despite the lure of the college basketball championship tournament on TV screens, “Home” (which capitalized on the relative dearth of family-friendly options) and “Get Hard” drove moviegoers to theaters. Overall, the box office was up about 8 percent from last year, according to box-office data firm Rentrak.

“Get Hard” had been dogged by controversy, as some questioned the tastefulness of humor that critics called homophobic and racist. The directorial debut of Etan Cohen, it stars Ferrell as a hedge fund manager sentenced to a maximum security prison for fraud. To prepare for life in prison, he turns to the only black person in his orbit, a family man played by Hart.

“When Will Ferrell and Kevin Hart get together, you hope to have some criticism,” said Dan Fellman, head of domestic distribution for Warner Bros. He added that it’s the biggest R-rated opening for both Hart and Ferrell. (ap)

Taylor Swift wins artist of the year at iHeartRadio Awards LOS ANGELES - The pop singer cleaned house at the show Sunday, winning artist of the year and song of the year for “Shake It Off,” and even assisted Madonna by strumming her guitar onstage while the pop icon sang a new song. “More than anything in the world, I just hope that any of the fans watching know how much I adore you ... we’ve gotten closer and closer with each year, not further apart,” a glossy-eyed Swift said at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. “Like, you make me so happy.”

The pop star also won best lyrics for her other hit song, “Blank Space.” Madonna, whose recent awards show performances were energetic and upbeat, toned it down when singing “Rebel Heart” while Swift played guitar next to her.

“My favorite guitar player, yeah!” Madonna said as she presented Swift with song of the year. The second annual iHeartRadio Music Awards also featured Rihanna, Justin Timberlake, Chris Brown and Iggy Azalea. Guests sat at traditional tables — in the vein of the Golden Globes — instead

of typical awards show seats.

Chris Brown sat with Ludacris, while Swift’s table included Snoop Dogg, Ryan Seacrest and Timberlake.

The former boy band member, who earned the iHeartRadio Innovator Award for his accomplishments as an entertainer, told the audience that he was called “weird” as a teenager, and offered encouraging words to teens experiencing teasing and bullying.

“Growing up in school, no one ever called me anything close to an innovator, they called me different, they called me weird, they called me a couple of other words I can’t say on TV,” Timberlake said. “So thankfully my mother taught me that being different was a good thing, that being different meant you could actually make a difference, so tonight I want to thank my mom.”

Timberlake, who recently had his first child with Jessica Biel, also thanked his wife, who didn’t attend the awards show, which aired on NBC. “Finally, I want to thank my best friend, my favorite collaborator, my wife Jessica,” he said. (ap)

WEATHER FORECAST Dps

23 - 32

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Tuesday, March 31, 2015 Airstrikes shake Yemen’s capital as Shiite rebels push south

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Matic shines on another gloomy night for Serbia

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Focus shifts to cause of NYC explosion after 2 bodies found

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Rangrang knockoffs threaten original Nusa Penida cloth

IBP/kmb31

The market demand for Nusa Penida’s rangrang woven cloth, appears to have dropped in 2015, whereas in fact there is simply an over-saturation of the market because of rampant counterfeiting. Many Nusa Penida rangrang weavers are complaining about the stolen market and some have been forced to give up weaving for more lucrative professions.

John Salangsang/Invision/AP

Taylor Swift arrives at the iHeartRadio Music Awards at The Shrine Auditorium on Sunday, March 29, 2015, in Los Angeles.

SEMARAPURA - The market demand for Nusa Penida’s rangrang woven cloth, appears to have dropped in 2015, whereas in fact there is simply an over-saturation of the market because of rampant counterfeiting. Many Nusa Penida rangrang weavers are complaining about the stolen market and some have been forced to give up weaving for more lucrative professions.

One rangrang weaver, named I Made Yasa, from Semaya hamlet.

Recently, revealed that he stopped producing these woven cloths earlier this year. “Now, I am no longer weaving cloths because less and less people are seeking out the original versions,” he complained.

His looms lie stored under his bed as he has now become a merchant of other manufactured products.

The sluggish sales of Nusa Penida woven cloth was also recognized by

I Kadek Wiranata, a rangrang cloth collectors from Batumulapan hamlet.

He explained that in the past he was flooded with abundant orders many of which came from Singapore. He was deeply grateful as he never imagined that rangrang thrive in such a way.

However, starting in early 2015, things turn for the worse with sales dropping dramatically. “I now have a pile of unsold cloth,” said Wiranata.

Rangrang weaving experienced rapid development in 2013 through

2014, with a variety of motif is in high demand.

The sudden high demand impacted production on the island. Whereas previously rangrang were only produced in the villages of Tanglad, Pejukutan and surrounding areas, eventually nearly every village in Nusa Penida was producing them. When sale suddenly dropped, the local governmentowned craft company, Nusa Kertha Kosala (PDNKK) of Klungkung sought to find the cause.

After a few weeks of research, the company discovered several causes.

Chairman of the PDNKK, Wayan Sukadana, revealed that the primary cause was the over saturation of the market due to an overflow of knockoff versions of the Nusa Penida cloth. In

addition, the large-scale productions run by new craftsmen in Nusa Penida, are not taking market demands not consideration. “Meaning that supply and demand are not balanced,” he said. To avoid further deterioration of the rangrang market, the PDNKK is helping to market the original woven cloths by coordinating with relevant parties. The Cooperatives, SMEs, Industry and Trade Agency is also providing opportunities for rangrang cloths to be showcased on the county and provincial levels. There are also efforts being made to create innovative designs so as to avoid market saturation.

Sukadana has also met with Paryono, the Head of Denpasar Training and Industry. During the meeting,

Paryono said that this handicraft product must be made with specific characteristics and techniques that make it difficult to imitate. For example, morinda, which grows in Nusa Penida unique soil conditions, can be used for making natural dyes. Thus, morinda can be used as natural dyes to make the woven cloths of Nusa Penida particularly distinctive. (kmb31) News can also be heard in “Bali Image” at Global Radio FM 96.5 from 9.30 until 10.00 am. Listen to Global Radio FM at http:// globalfmbali.listen2myradio.com or live video streaming at http://radioglobalfmbali.com and http:// ustream.tv/channel/global-fm-bali.

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International

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Bali News

International

Farmers of oyster mushroom can’t meet high demand

IBP/Swasrina

Despite the Ministry of Agriculture’s recognition in 2014 that Kintamani dogs are a species that is native to Indonesia, there has been no significant impact on the demand for such dogs. In fact dog breeders in Paketan hamlet, Sukawana, Kintamani still frequently engage in price wars to offload their pups.

After being recognized as a native Indonesian species

Breeders of Kintamani dogs see no change

BANGLI - Farmers of oyster mushroom at Peninjoan village, Tembuku subdistrict, are struggling to meet the high demand from various regions.

One oyster mushroom farmers, I Putu Karmawan, said on Sunday (Mar. 29) that every day demand for oyster mushroom in Bangli county reaches 50 kg to 60 kg.

Oyster mushroom production however only reaches approximately 30 to 40 kg per day. “The demand for oyster mushroom is very high, but unfortunately I have not been able to fill them all,” he said.

Currently, Karmawan cultivates 1,500 growing media located in two mushroom sheds. In response to high demand, he is going to increase the number of growing media. “I am going to increase the cultivation in order to meet the demand,” he explained.

Other than harvesting oyster mushroom, he is also overwhelmed by the increasing demand for seedlings. In a month, the demand reaches 20,000 growing media. However, he is only able to produce seedlings of about 9,000 to 12,000 growing media each month at the price of IDR 3,000 each. The demand is from Bangli and other counties such as Badung. “In addition to harvesting mushroom, the seedlings are also in high demand. I have not been able fill the orders,” he said.

Karmawan said that he became interested in oyster cultivation because the environment around his home is very supportive, both in terms of temperature and humidity. This SPB graduate has been cultivating the mushrooms for three years now. To meet demands, he tries to increase the means of production. He said that his only obstacle is finding production equipment, capital is not a problem so far. (kmb45)

BANGLI - Despite the Ministry of Agriculture’s recognition in 2014 that Kintamani dogs are a species that is native to Indonesia, there has been no significant impact on the demand for such dogs. In fact dog breeders in Paketan hamlet, Sukawana, Kintamani still frequently engage in price wars to offload their pups.

Acording to the Chief of Paketan hamlet, Made Darma, who is also a breeder of Kintamani dogs, there has been no perceivable increase in the demand food Kintamani dogs, even after they were declared to be a native Indonesian species. Sometimes breeders have to resort to selling their animals to traditional marts, like the Kintamani Market. “Usually buyers come directly to breeders’s homes, but if the dogs remain unsold for too long they are taken to the market to be sold for a much cheaper price,” he said.

Since there is no standard price, dog merchants sell at very different prices, which can give rise to price wars. Kintamani dogs are sold anywhere from from IDR 700,000 to

IDR 1.5 million with prices largely determined by the qualities of the dog. Sometimes, dog breeders are force to sell off their high quality puppies because those of lower quality will not find buyers. “In the past, the government had set a standard price, adjusted to the quality of the dog. The government has also asked breeders to sell their best dogs, but this is not sustainable, because in the long run prices would drop and make the business unprofitable,” he explained.

Darma also revealed that many of the problems faced by breeders of Kintamani dogs have yet to be resolved. Government attention to the issue has also decreased. “In the past government officers often came to provide counseling, but

they no longer do,” he said.

Kintamani dogs were recognised by the Ministry of Agriculture as being a native species to Indonesia and as such are considered a new Asian breed. Kintamani dogs are both strong and intelligent and do well in competitions. They are especially good at dancing, and mimicking other human behaviours according to instructions.

In addition, the Kintamani dog also has a variety of distinctive physical features, such as a thick fur and mane, a cresent shaped tail with white brushings, almondshaped eyes and inverted v-shaped ears. In addition, the Kintamani dog also has very keen instincts so that it is suitable for issuing warnings of danger. (kmb40)

Activities

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

The Saraswati Lounge at InterContinental Bali Resort

JIMBARAN - InterContinental Bali Resort is pleased to remind guests and visitors of the facility of the hotel’s ‘Saraswati Lounge,’ which is an open-plan meeting space, suited to group check-ins and rendezvous. Here, guests can enjoy a comprehensive menu of all-day refreshments including alcoholic beverages such as tropical cocktails, freshly-brewed coffees and a selection of premium teas. The Lounge provides comfortable seating, a billiards table and wide-screen TV, while also showcasing a changing exhibition of paintings by various international and Indonesian artists, all of which are available for purchase. This rotating palette entices guests to return again and again, as well as attracting local residents.

Saraswati Lounge is named in honor of ‘Sang Hyang Aji Saraswati,’ the Balinese goddess of learning, knowledge, wisdom and the arts. The Sanskrit word ‘sara’ means ‘essence’ and ‘swa’ means ‘self.’

Thus Saraswati means ‘the essence of the self.’ The Goddess is worshipped by the Balinese, especially students, teachers, scholars, and scientists, and a special day, Saraswati Day, is devoted to her every 210 days, occurring on the Saturday of the 30th week –the very last day – of the Balinese Pawukon Calendar.The day before Saraswati Day is known as ‘Pangredanan,’ and this is a day of preparation, when all books and ancient lontar palm scrolls are collected together to be cleaned and dusted.

The Balinese Hindu people then celebrate Saraswati Day in the morning by dedicating offerings to the Goddess and asking her to bless the holy books and scrolls within in their homes, at schools and universities, and in offices and workplaces. During the afternoon of Saraswati Day, the Balinese are not permitted to read or write in their books because all of the books are offered in prayer to the Goddess. In the evening, which is called ‘Malam Sastra,’ people will once again read books, especially religious books, in their homes or in the

temple. The philosophy of Saraswati Day is that the most important thing for human life is knowledge.

Located adjacent to the Resort’s main lobby, Saraswati Lounge is heralded by an intricate woodcarving of Saraswati. She has four hands representing four aspects of the human personality in learning: mind, intellect, alertness and ego. She holds the sacred scriptures, plays the music of love and life on a stringed instrument, and rides on a white swan, symbolizing purity. The swan rests upon a lotus – the symbol of true knowledge. The left side of Saraswati’s body represents the qualities of the heart and the right side signifies activities of the mind and intellect. The book in her rear left hand is to remind us that knowledge acquired must be used with love and kindness to promote the prosperity of mankind.

The musical instrument denotes mind and intellect, conveying that the seeker must tune his mind and intellect in order to live in perfect harmony with the world. Such harmonious living enables the individual to utilise acquired knowledge for the welfare of all mankind. Meanwhile, the swan also symbolizes the power of discrimination, or the ability to discriminate between right and wrong, or good and bad; this is

IBP/Courtesy of InterContinental

because it is said to have a sensitive beak that enables it to distinguish pure milk from a mixture of milk and water. Saraswati uses the swan as her carrier. This indicates that one must acquire and apply knowledge with discrimination for the good of mankind because knowledge that is dominated by ego can destroy the world.

InterContinental Bali Resort invites guests and visitors to enjoy the relaxed ambience and facilities of Saraswati Lounge, together with the beautiful rotating exhibitions of paintings, the Hindu cultural significance of the revered goddess, Sang Hyang Aji Saraswati, and the importance of knowledge, learning, wisdom, and the arts. (r)

Profile

Muhsim Anwar

Foster parent of Swiss-Belhotel Seminyak

Oyster Mushroom

IBP/Sosiawan

 Founder : K.Nadha,  General Manager :Palgunadi Chief Editor: Diah Dewi Juniarti  Editors: Gugiek Savindra,Alit Susrini, Alit Sumertha, Daniel Fajry, Mawa, Suana, Sueca, Sugiartha, Yudi Winanto Denpasar: Dira Arsana, Giriana Saputra, Subrata, Sumatika, Asmara Putra. Bangli: Suasrina, Buleleng: Dewa kusuma, Gianyar: Agung Dharmada, Karangasem: Budana, Klungkung: Bagiarta. Jakarta: Nikson, Hardianto, Ade Irawan. NTB: Agus Talino, Izzul Khairi, Raka Akriyani. Surabaya: Bambang Wilianto.  Development: Alit Purnata, Mas Ruscitadewi.  Office: Jalan Kepundung 67 A Denpasar 80232. Telephone (0361)225764, Facsimile: 227418, P.O.Box: 3010 Denpasar 80001. Bali Post Jakarta, Advertizing: Jl.Palmerah Barat 21F. Telp 021-5357602, Facsimile: 021-5357605 Jakarta Pusat. NTB: Jalam Bangau No. 15 Cakranegara Telp.

(0370) 639543, Facsimile: (0370) 628257. Publisher: PT Bali Post

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In order to express the concept of the Tri Hita Karana (three causes of happiness) the Swiss-Belhotel Seminyak has initiated a foster parent movement to help children of poor families. The elementary aged children to be given scholarships live in the area of Legian.

The idea came from Muhsim Anwar the General Manager of the hotel.

Muhsim graduated from the PPLP Dyanapura and said that the foster parent movement began to operate in 2015.

About two to four children are given the scholarships every year. In carrying out this socially conscious activity, the hotel cooperated with the Chief of Legian customary village.

Legian is a tourist area with very good facilities and thriving economy, said Muhsim, but there are still some

who need assistance. The financial assistance awarded can at least ease the burden of their parents. “We hope that in the future these parents can improve the quality of their own financial resources. We are proud to carry out this noble activity,” he said.

In addition to the foster parent program, most of the staff for the hotel are native to the area of Legian and they provide quality service given that they are familiar with the world of tourism.

“We continue to provide them with training so that they can serve guests even better,” he explained.

Regarding harmonious relations with God and nature, Muhsim said that his hotel has established a temple, appropriate to the Balinese faith and that they frequently hold corporate

social responsibility activities such as blood drives and beach cleanups,” said Muhsim who is an avid traveler himself. (kmb)

IBP/kmb

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

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

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

In front of important shrine one sees, besides these umbrellas soars, tridents and other weapons, the “umbulumbul”, long flags, all these are prerogatives or attributes of Holiness. In front of the Temple gate put up “Penjor”, long bamboo poles, decorated beautifully ornaments of young coconut leaves, rice and other products of the land.

Most beautiful to see are the girls in their colorful attire, carrying offerings, arrangements of all kinds fruits and colored cakes, to the Temple. Every visitor admires the grace with which the carry their load on their heads.

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Technology

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

International

PlayStation gets Spotify, replacing Sony’s own music service

NEW YORK— Spotify is coming to the PlayStation, replacing Sony’s own Music Unlimited service, as the company continues to expand the game console into an entertainment hub beyond video games.

Spotify hits the PlayStation 3 and 4 on Monday, with a new app adapted for large television screens.

Sony says partnering with Spotify expands its music service to 41 countries, rather than the 19 available with Music Unlimited, and offers better tools for playlists and music discovery.

PlayStation users have long been able to watch DVDs and stream Netflix, Amazon and YouTube shows with the console. Just two weeks ago, Sony launched an online television service, PlayStation Vue, offering more than 50 over-the-air and cable channels starting at $50 a month.

Spotify has 60 million active users worldwide, including 15 million paid subscribers. Its music app is available on some Internetconnected TVs and set-top boxes, but Spotify says it worked closely with Sony to optimize its ser-

vice for the PlayStation. Notable features include: the ability to listen to music while playing a game and still listening to sound effects, or automatically pausing the game while changing volume or playlists.

The service is free with ads, or costs $10 a month for a premium ad-free version that offers offline playback. Although free users aren’t allowed to choose specific songs on mobile devices, they will be able to on the PlayStation, just as they now do on traditional computers.

Customers who do not already have a Spotify account can sign up on the PlayStation. Existing Spotify customers will get access to the PlayStation app with their usual sign-in. Music Unlimited subscribers won’t be automatically switched over; those that subscribe on other devices such as Sony phones, will need to get the Spotify app. (ap)

AP Photo/Sony Computer Entertainment America, File

This file screen shot image provided by Sony Computer Entertainment America shows the “You’re Watching” section of the Sony PlayStation Vue interface. Launched Wednesday, March 18, 2015 in New York, Chicago and Philadelphia.

Lincoln Continental, the car of presidents, is returning DEARBORN, Mich — Elvis Presley had one; so did Clark Gable.

It was even the sedan of presidents.

Then the name vanished amid an invasion of newer luxury cars from Europe and Asia. Now, the Lincoln Continental is back.

Thirteen years after the last Continental rolled off the assembly line, Ford Motor Co. is resurrecting its storied nameplate. The new Continental debuts in concept form at this week’s New York auto show. The production

version of the full-size sedan goes on sale next year.

After more than a decade of toying with alphabetical names like LS and MKS to be more like its foreign rivals, Ford’s 98-year-old Lincoln brand is embracing its heritage. It’s a measure of the growing confidence at Lincoln, which is finally turning around a decades-long sales decline.

And it’s a nod to the importance of China, where customers know the Continental name and appreciate

AP Photo/Ford Motor Co.

This product image provided by the Ford Motor Co. shows the new Lincoln Continental concept. Thirteen years after the last Continental rolled off a Michigan assembly line, Ford Motor Co. is debuting the new Continental in concept form at the New York Auto Show on Monday, March 30, 2015.The production version goes on sale next year.

brands with a rich history.

Ford CEO Mark Fields says the Continental always represented the best of Lincoln. Resurrecting it sets higher expectations, both within the company and outside of it. “When we get a chance to work on an iconic nameplate like that, it’s a mixture of pride and a mixture of fear, because when you put that name out there, it’s got to deliver,” Fields told The Associated Press in a recent interview.

The Continental was born in 1938, when Henry Ford’s son Edsel commissioned a convertible he could use on his spring vacation. Thrilled by the reception he got as he drove the elegant sedan around Palm Beach, Edsel made the Continental part of Lincoln’s lineup.

The Continental soon became the pinnacle of American luxury. Warner Brothers gave Elizabeth Taylor a 1956 Continental with a custom paint color to match her eyes. A darker historical note: John F. Kennedy was riding in the back of a 1961 Continental convertible when he was assassinated in Dallas. Continental sales peaked in 1990 at 62,732. But after that, Lincoln’s sales began slipping.

Ford had acquired other luxury brands such as Jaguar and Volvo.

Lincoln’s designs got dull and failed to stand out from lower-priced Fords.

The Continental was also squeezed by competition from the midsize

Lincoln LS, which debuted in 2000, and the bigger Town Car. Ford also underestimated the threat posed by German rivals, who were expanding their lineups, and newer Japanese luxury brands. By 2000, Lexus was the top-selling luxury brand in the U.S.; last year, BMW was.

To make its way back, Lincoln isn’t trying isn’t trying to be sporty like BMW or showy like Cadillac.

Instead, Fields says, it wants to give drivers an experience that is elegant and serene. “We want folks to get into our vehicles and — for lack of a better term — chill,” Fields said.

It appears to be working. Lincoln’s U.S. sales rose 16 percent last year, making it one of the fastest-growing luxury brands in the market. The midsize MKZ was the brand’s top seller.

Full-size sedans like the Continental are a tough sell in the U.S., where buyers tend to prefer midsize sedans or SUVs. U.S. sales of Lincoln’s current full-size sedan, the MKS, fell 24 percent last year.

But globally, the segment is growing, Fields says. Ford has high hopes for the Lincoln brand in China, where it’s opening dazzling new dealerships complete with waterfalls. Ford began selling Lincolns in China late last year, and the company will open more than 20 dealerships there this year.

The concept car being unveiled Monday in New York is painted a

deep Prussian blue, an homage to Continentals of the 1950s and 1960s.

But there are few other references to its history.

Lincoln’s split-wing grille, a feature that dates to the 1940s, has been replaced by a tight, rectangular mesh grille, its shiny chrome patterned with tiny versions of Lincoln’s rectangular logo. The sides are smooth; even the door handles are hidden within a narrow strip of chrome at the beltline.

The concept is a technology showcase. The driver’s seat has a patented split cushion, so if the driver holds one leg out further than another, it will support each leg separately. The moonroof glass turns opaque with the touch of a button. Another button automatically moves the front passenger seat forward and fully reclines the rear passenger seat. That’s another nod to China, where luxury car owners often have their own drivers.

Under the hood is a 3-liter V6 EcoBoost engine that’s unique to Lincoln.

Ford isn’t yet revealing more details, like whether the car is front- or rearwheel drive. The Continental switched to a front-wheel-drive sedan in the 1980s, but many of its current competitors — the Infiniti Q70, Mercedes Benz S-Class and Lexus LS — are rear-wheel drive. The Continental is expected to replace the seven-yearold MKS, which currently sits atop Lincoln’s car lineup. (ap)

Bali News

International

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

After fuel price hike, price of groceries remains stable

3

GIANYAR - Although it seems in a sudden, the implementation of government policy to fuel price hike has not showed a significant impact on the price of groceries in Gianyar. Through Sunday (Mar. 29), the price of a few groceries such as rice is said to begin to fall because the massive harvest has started.

“It has no impact at all. At the current moment coinciding with massive harvest, the price of rice has reduced to IDR 10,000, let alone much Javanese rice starts to penetrate the market in Bali,” said a trader at Blahbatuh Market, Wayan Iluh.

Other than the price of rice, according to the housewife from Blahbatuh, the price of other basic commodities remains stable such as chili at IDR 15,000 per kg and garlic at IDR 13,000 per kg. Only the price of shallot skyrockets after Nyepi to IDR 40,000, but it has slumped to IDR 30,000.

“The price of groceries is frequently influenced by harvest season. During harvest season and the quantity is abundant, the price is definitely down. On the contrary, it is difficult to look for stuff due to crop failure, decay or raining. As a result, the price goes up, like the price of shallot that has increased because it is

difficult to get,” she explained.

Similar opinion was delivered Arni, a market trader in Gianyar where due to entering massive harvest the price of all the basic commodities remains stable.

Nevertheless, he hoped the government can reduce the fuel price again because he worried when the massive harvest ends and fuel price remains high, the price of all goods may skyrocket.

“Maybe there has been no effect today, but later on it can have an impact on the prices of groceries,” she said.

Earlier, the government raised the price of diesel and Premium fuel for Assignment Territory outside Java, Madura and Bali as much as IDR 500 per liter from the previous price. As the result, the price of diesel rose to IDR 6,900 per liter from IDR 6,400 per liter, while the price of Premium from IDR 6,900 per liter rose to IDR 7,400 per liter. (kmb35)

IBP/Wawan

Although it seems in a sudden, the implementation of government policy to fuel price hike has not showed a significant impact on the price of groceries in Gianyar.

Gilimanuk tourism Triangle NEGARA - The triangle of tourist attractions at Gilimanuk consist of Gilimanuk Bay, the Ancient Human Museum and the contentiouse Karangsewu Beach. Currently there are issues related to the land of Karangsewu, that still belongs to the West Bali National

Park (TNBB). To realize the plan, the legislative assembly has attempted to find a solution.

Chairman of the Jembrana House, I Ketut Sugiasa, said that the House has submitted an assessment profile to the Ministry of Forestry to ask for permis-

sion to make the area of Karangsewu into a tourist destination. In principle, according to this legislator from Dauhwaru, the Ministry grants permission as long as the area is intended for tourism. According to Sugiasa, the Jembrana Maritime, Fisheries and

IBP/Olo

The triangle of tourist attractions at Gilimanuk consist of Gilimanuk Bay, the Ancient Human Museum and the contentiouse Karangsewu Beach. Currently there are issues related to the land of Karangsewu, that still belongs to the West Bali National Park (TNBB).

Forestry Agency has already sent a letter to the Ministry, but there was an error in the document that needs to be revised.

Apart from petitioning for the use of the beach land as a tourist destination, there is also a request for land expansion for the cargo terminal at Gilimanuk. However, this request that was made to the TNBB area was not approved by the Ministry of Forestry.

“We ask the executive to finalize the draft of the tourist attraction arrangement at Gilimanuk” said Sugiasa.

The input received from the Forestry Ministry makes him feel optimistic because the Karangsewu area could soon become a tourist attraction.

As a legislator, he will also encourage and support the budget increase for the tourism sector in the regional budget of 2016.

In addition to Gilimanuk, the arrangement of other tourist areas in Jembrana will also be done gradually.

Indeed, Jembrana has quite a lot of potential for tourism, but has yet to receive any support for its development.

If the integrated tourist attraction plan at Gilimanuk can be realized, Sugiasa has confidence that the area will become a mainstay of tourism. (olo)

4

Bali News

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

International

International

Three years after overflowing, water at Lake Tamblingan reduces SINGARAJA - Three years ago, the water of Lake Tamblingan in Banjar subdistrict overflowed to soak the Gubug Temple and dozens of homes on the lakeside. As a result, people who do not have a home at another location to occupy should temporarily flee to the edge of protected forest nearby. After the incident, this year the lake water is back to recede.

Settlement or the area of Gubug Temple has no longer been submerged. The puddles currently located about 50 meters away from the settlement and temple area is declared to be in the position of normal condition.

One of local residents, Ni Wayan Sinten, met when escorting guests that traveled to the middle of the lake on Sunday (Mar. 29) explained that the lake water has returned to normal position due to influence of long dry season. If rainy season lasts for a long period, the puddles will be possibly wider than the current condition.

However, due to rainy season after the year 2012, the puddles in the lake are back to normal condition.

“The reduction happens after the water has overflowed for three years.

If rainy season lasts a little longer, the puddles may be widespread. But due to short rainy season, the additional volume of lake water does not increase significantly,” she said.

According to the woman who has relied on her livelihood on this lake for many years, following the reduction of the lake water to location of puddles at normal condition, the current edge of the lake becomes a stretch of vacant land. In this area, only wild grasses and shrubs can

grow flourishingly. No one dare to take advantage of the lakeside area denoting the property of the Gubug Temple. Moreover, after the government policy with the four customary villages of Dalem Tamblingan starting to dismantle the buildings on the property of the temple, he can only surrender and does not know where to stay.

“No one takes advantage of this land, and my predecessors have stayed here but the location is far from this lakeside. Now, there is a house cleanup program here and I can just surrender because of having no other house other than at this place,” he explained.

Another resident, Mangku Made Artawan, a descent of bendega of the four customary village of Dalem Tamblingan said the condition of lake water is now back to normal puddle after the water overflowed and flooded the temple area in 2012. Tidal condition of the lake puddle is admitted as natural and inevitable. No wonder the people of the four customary village of the Dalem Tamblingan always keep and sanctify the area of ??Lake Tamblingan as water buffer both in Buleleng and Tabanan. The current water discharge can increase if rainy season lasts a little longer. “The water

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Tuesday, March 31, 2015

RLD

Focus shifts to cause of NYC explosion after 2 bodies found NEW YORK — Authorities shifted their focus to what caused the Manhattan apartment building collapse and the possibility that someone may have improperly tapped a gas line serving one of the buildings, after two bodies were pulled from the rubble.

IBP/Mudiarta

Settlement or the area of Gubug Temple has no longer been submerged. The puddles currently located about 50 meters away from the settlement and temple area is declared to be in the position of normal condition.

is normal and the increase or decrease of the water discharge has become a common thing. As a descendant of bendega assigned to keep the area of the lake and forests he hopes the lake condition to remain as it is now.

On the other hand, Mangku said the water condition has been back to normal point and the activities of fishing or delivering pilgrims to say prayers at the temple in the forests continues as usual. Since the puddle is a little away to the middle of the lake,

he is forced to create another point to tether his wooden boat. Previously, the location to tether his boat was very close to the outermost courtyard area of the Gubug Temple, but now the location is somewhat away from the location.

“Later when the water rises, the location to tether the wooden boat will be removed and we have to adjust to the conditions of the water,” he explained.

In the meantime, a number of

temples frequently visited every day by pilgrims from across Bali include the Dalem Temple, Tukang Timbang Temple, Pande Temple, Bebaturan Ebang Temple and some others. Each wooden boat is usually ridden by four pilgrims and a guide doubling as the boat rower. To maintain the temple sanctity, if there are foreign travelers asking for trekking in forest and visiting the temple they are obliged to use shawl or a piece of cloth. (kmb38)

The names of the two men found Sunday were not immediately released. Authorities believe they are the two men reported missing after Thursday’s explosion and fire that leveled three buildings and injured 22 people, including four critically.

They were identified as Moises Lucon, 26, who worked inside a ground floor sushi restaurant, and Nicholas Figueroa, 23, a bowling alley worker who had been there on a date.

A spokesman for the Figueroa family confirmed to reporters at the city Medical Examiner’s office on Sunday that Figueroa’s body was pulled from the wreckage. “There’s reason to believe so far that there may have been inappropriate tampering with the gas lines within the building, but until we get full evidence we can’t conclude that,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said Sunday.

Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro said crews should reach the cellar level where the explosion took place by Monday.

“When we reach the level of the gas piping, the way the debris is

removed will change so that those who will investigate the mechanics of what happened will have access to that without it being torn apart,” Nigro said.

In August, utility workers had discovered that the gas line to the restaurant had been illegally tapped, according to Consolidated Edison. The discovery led Con Edison to shut down gas service to the building for about 10 days while the building owner made repairs. Gas service was restored after the utility deemed it safe, the utility said.

Inspectors from the gas and electric utility Con Ed visited that building about an hour before Thursday’s explosion and determined work to upgrade gas service didn’t pass inspection, locking the line to ensure it wouldn’t be used and then leaving, officials said.

The work underway was to put in a bigger line to serve the entire building, Con Ed President Craig Ivey said.

Fifteen minutes later, the sushi restaurant’s owner smelled gas and

AP Photo/The New York Times, Nancy Borowick, Pool

A pile of debris remains at the site of a building explosion in the East Village neighborhood of New York, Friday, March 27, 2015.

called the landlord, who called the general contractor, Chief of Detectives Robert Boyce said. No one called police or Con Ed.

“The focus of the investigation is not on infrastructure ... it’s focusing on the work that was being done in the basement of those locations,

Search on fifth day engages residents and fishermen

MBP/Puspa

TABANAN - Five days after the ship of a 28 year old visitor from Sumba, named Aris Danggarato, sunk in the area of Tanah Lot Beach, officials still have not managed to find his body. On Sunday (Mar. 29), they were still conducting the search. To maximize search efforts, officials called on the help of fishermen in the area of Tanah Lot. Various attempts to find the victim’s body have been carried out by the management and local officials including consulting to a medium.

Chief of Kediri Police, I Ketut Gelgel, with permission from the Chief of Tabanan Police Komang Suartana said that his party continues to coordinate with the village police or Babinkamtibmas and with fishermen around the site to conduct the searched. “In addition to fishermen, we have also asked for

help from local people. If anyone knows anything, we ask them to immediately report it to relevant officers,” he said.

Despite entering the fifth day of the search, the victim’s body remains unfound. “The officers are still at the scene as well as the SAR team who continue to comb the area for the body,” he said.

According to information obtained in the filed, Aris’s family is still at Tanah Lot as they wait for information about their relative.

“We take turns standing guard every night. Six to eight people are here waiting for the latest information on the discovery of our brother’s body,” said Yeni Dabroka, 28.

They sleep in a post located about 10 meters from the location where Aris was drowned. “Every night we never sleep -who knows the body (of Aris) could appear,”

she added.

Occasionally the family members will fall asleep when the day is bright because at that time there are a lot of people visiting to location. “During the day many people are around to see if Aris’ appears.

But if it should float ashore at night, we are the only ones who would see it, that’s why we stay awake.

Sometimes I sit on the beach for five hours at a time waiting for him,” she explained.

She still hopes that her relative can be found alive. “If we find him alive we will be happy, otherwise we will surrender to fate. Our large family is waiting so that he can be taken home,” she said.

Last Sunday the sear was even expanded to a radius of 10 kilometres with a rubber boat and the SAR helicopter was seen circling Tanah Lot. (kmb28)

that’s what we’re focusing right now,” said Joseph Esposito, commissioner of the city’s Office of Emergency Management. (ap)

Investigators focus on German co-pilot’s mental state

Visitor drowned

Five days after the ship of a 28 year old visitor from Sumba, named Aris Danggarato, sunk in the area of Tanah Lot Beach, officials still have not managed to find his body. On Sunday (Mar. 29), they were still conducting the search.

13

MARSEILLE, France — A French police official says European investigators are focusing on the psychological state of the 27-year-old German co-pilot who deliberately smashed an Airbus carrying 150 people into an Alpine mountainside.

Returning Monday from a meeting with counterparts in Germany, judicial police investigator Jean-Pierre Michel told The Associated Press that authorities want to find out “what could have destabilized Andreas Lubitz, or driven him to such an act.”

Lubitz was the co-pilot of Germanwings Flight 9525, which slammed into a mountain near Le Vernet, France, last week en route from Barcelona, Spain, to Duesseldorf, Germany.

Germanwings chief operating officer Oliver Wagner was meeting with relatives of the victims Monday in the southeastern French city of Marseille. He said a total of 325 family members have come to France. (ap)

AP Photo/Claude Paris

Flags representing differents nations are deployed during an homage ceremony with family members of victims, in front of a stele, a stone slab erected as a monument, set up in memory of the victims in the area where the Germanwings jetliner crashed in the French Alps, in Le Vernet, France,

12

International

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

BUSINESS

Euro struggles on lingering Greek debt fears TOKYO - The euro slipped in Asian trade on Monday, hurt by worries over talks between Greece and its creditors as it prepares to submit reform proposals to secure a bailout.

In Tokyo the single currency slipped to $1.0864 and 129.53 yen from $1.0890 and 129.74 yen in New York on Friday. The dollar inched up to 119.24 yen, against 119.14 yen. Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said in remarks published Sunday that he hoped key talks with international creditors would yield a “happy ending” in the standoff over the debt crisis.

Athens is set to present a list of economic reform proposals this week to try to unblock a new 7.2 billion euro tranche of EU-IMF loans and avoid a debt default.

Germany’s Bundesbank chief Jens Weidmann said Friday he opposed giving Greece any more emergency loans, accusing it of frittering away trust.

European paymaster Germany has been leading the push for austerity in Europe, with Greece complaining that the punishing budget cuts demanded were damaging its economy and threatening to force it out of the eurozone.

“The Greek question still has the potential to roil the euro,” ANZ Bank New Zealand currency strategist Sam Tuck wrote in a client note.

“The US dollar is in a cyclical bull market.

Markets have converged on June/September as the timing of the first (interest rate) hike and (the dollar) will continue to rally into this move.”

On Friday US Federal Reserve chair Janet Yellen said the central bank was considering raising near-zero interest rates this year even though it may slow the US recovery.

This month the Fed’s policy arm opened the door to a federal funds rate rise as early as mid-year, dropping the word “patient” in its post-meeting statement.

But a string of weak economic data, particularly in consumer spending, housing and manufacturing, has muddied the outlook for an increase in rates that have been pegged at the zero level for more than six years.

“Yellen seems pretty determined to commence lift-off in the Fed funds rate before the year is out, while offering no pointers to when exactly this might occur,” National Australia Bank said in a note Monday.

The dollar was mixed against other AsiaPacific currencies. (afp)

Soros ready to pour $1 bn into Ukraine

VIENNA - US financier George Soros said Monday he was ready to invest $1 billion in Ukraine if the West promised to help the embattled country.

“Ukraine is defending the EU from Russian aggression” and helping its development will weaken Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Hungarian-born philanthropist said in remarks published in German by the Austrian business daily Der Standard.

He said Ukraine needed 50 billion euros to get itself back on its feet, and said he was prepared to pump $1 billion (922 million euros) into agriculture and infrastructural projects.

Ukraine is at the edge of bankruptcy hit by the triple whammy of the war in its industrial east, a deep economic recession and the record devaluation of its currency. Its public debt likely to reach 94 percent of its GDP in 2015. Soros said his investments “should make a profit”, which would go to his foundation rather than him personally.

“The West can help Ukraine by making it more attractive to investors by giving them insurance against political risk,” he said.

“That could take the form of financing very close to the European interest rates, which are very close to zero.” Ukrainian investment analysts ICU only predict a return to growth in 2017, and a sharp drop in GDP of 7.6 percent this year. (afp)

AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi

A man watches an electronic stock indicator of a securities firm in Tokyo, Monday, March 30, 2015. The euro slipped in Asian trade on Monday, hurt by worries over talks between Greece and its creditors as it prepares to submit reform proposals to secure a bailout.

International

Bali News

files but local analysts argue that they have one thing in common: They came up the hard way, learning to be efficient while US and European agribusiness got fat on state subsidy.

“The low cost of land and labor give Brazilian foodstuffs producers key comparative advantages,” explains Maria de Albuquerque David, professor of economics at Rio University.

“A few decades ago we had little freedom in Brazil owing to the military dictatorship. We suffered from the ‘Tupiniquim complex’ -- the Amerindian who doesn’t venture far from his beach,” adds another economist, Gilberto Braga.

“But with democratization and the end of the East-West standoff these barriers have lifted,” says Braga.

Jorge Paulo Lemann, Brazil’s richest man, built his empire on beverages.

His AB InBev, the fruit of a series of mergers, today brews some 20 percent of beer worldwide with a stable of global brands such as Stella Artois, Corona and Budweiser.

His 3G Capital fund then wolfed down fast-food chain Burger King, the Heinz group and then Canadian coffee chain Tim Horton’s and now the trio of fund members controls investments worth $260 billion.

Buoyed by Chinese demand for meat and soy, of which Brazil is the world’s second-largest producer, and with Brazilians’ purchasing power on the rise the sector has racked up large surpluses.

“If agribusiness is so dynamic it is because it is present on two fronts -- Brazil and exports, leaving the less attractive aside depending on the period,” says David.

BRF exports poultry to 110 countries and has ten industrial sites spread across Argentina, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

JBS, which started off as a butcher’s chain in central Brazil and in which a public investment bank has a quarter stake, today sees foreign operations account for 80 percent of sales, from Australia to the United States. (afp)

5

Balinese mass organizations protest against fuel price hike DENPASAR - Balinese mass organizations grouped in the Alliance of People Rejecting Fuel Price Hike staged a rally in front of Bajra Sandhi Monument during a car-free day on Sunday.

“We firmly reject the Jokowi-JK government’s policy to raise fuel prices,” spokesman for the alliance Retno Dewi said.

The alliance also demanded that the government lift the energy and mineral resources minister’s decree number 2486/MEM/2015.

During the rally, the alliance also called on the people to protest against the fuel price policy by any means.

“In the era of the Jokowi-JK government, the fuel prices had ever been raised, leading to an increase in the prices of other goods. Though the fuel prices were later lowered the prices of other commodities had not declined ever since,” she said.

Retno predicted the price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) would increase following the fuel price hike, adding to the burden of low-income people.

Vice President Jusuf Kalla said earlier the fuel prices rose Rp500 a liter as of Saturday (March 28) due to the rupiah’s

weakening against the US dollar.

“We know that the rupiah still hovers above Rp13,000 per dollar while the oil prices also have increased again,” he said.

The fuel price hike would surely have positive and negative impacts, he noted.

The government has raised the prices of premium gasoline and diesel fuel by Rp500 per liter, respectively, which is effective on Saturday (March 28).

The prices of premium gasoline were raised from Rp6,800 to Rp7,300 per liter for regions outside Java, Madura and Bali (Jamali), and from Rp6,900 to R7,400 for regions in Jamali.

The government also hiked the price of subsidized diesel oil from Rp6,400 per liter to Rp6,900 per liter both for regions inside and outside Java, Madura and Bali.

This was the second time that the government raised the gasoline and diesel oil prices in March after increasing them earlier on March 1. (ant)

ANTARA FOTO/Wira Suryantala

Balinese mass organizations grouped in the Alliance of People Rejecting Fuel Price Hike staged a rally in front of Bajra Sandhi Monument during a car-free day on Sunday.

World Water Day Celebration 2015

Save the Water, it’s not just a promise GIANYAR - One day after Nyepi, the Hindu Day of Silence, Bali Safari & Marine Park celebrated World Water Day 2015. Hundreds of guests gathered around a “wish tree” prepared by the Bali Safari & Marine Park Education and Conservation team. This activity was designed to increase awareness and knowledge about the importance of water and how to conserve it.

World Water Day 2015 is an annual celebration observed since 1993 when the United Nations declared March 22 as a “Day of Water”. On this day, people learn to save water and pay more attention to this finite natural resource that will be completely used up if we are not careful.

Water is very important, not only for humans but for animals and the general environment as well. Many animal species struggle for life because of a lack of water in some of areas. Many plants species are dying out with-

Brazilian giants take bite out of world food sector

RIO DE JANEIRO - Demand from China, rising domestic purchasing power, cheap land and labor have helped Brazilian giants earn themselves a healthy slice of the international food sector, as shown by the Heinz-Kraft merger.

HJ Heinz’s owner 3G Capital, billionaire Jorge Paulo Lemann’s investment fund, will have a 51 percent stake of the new group under an agreement with Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway to create North America’s third-largest food and beverage conglomerate.

The move comes after Brazilian group JBS, the world’s market leader in meat, became the world’s number two global food producer by revenue after Nestle.

Brazil has another big-hitter in the shape of BRF, already the world’s number one exporter of poultry, which in November inaugurated a 130 million euros ($140 million) production facility in Abu Dhabi.

The companies have different pro-

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

IBP/Net

out water and farming is becoming increasingly difficult.

According to a report by the United Nations World Water Assessment Program, at current usage rates, the world will have 40% less fresh water than it needs in 15 years and currently almost 800 million of people are living without clean water.

Concerned with this very important issue, Bali Safari & Marine Park invited guests to write down their promises to save water. “All the guests were appreciative and very happy to write their promises and hang them on the wish tree,” says William Santoso, the park’s General Manager.

A Safari ranger also gave tips on the many simple ways to save water. For example: turning off the tap while you brush your teeth; don’t use your toilet as an ashtray or wastebasket; or take shorter showers rather than baths. (kmb18)

One day after Nyepi, the Hindu Day of Silence, Bali Safari & Marine Park celebrated World Water Day 2015. Hundreds of guests gathered around a “wish tree” prepared by the Bali Safari & Marine Park Education and Conservation team.

6

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

W

RLD

International

Police arrest 26 in crackdown on anarchist group MADRID — Spanish police say they have arrested 12 people suspected of belonging to an anarchist group with terrorist aims.

A police statement said those detained Monday were members of an organization called Coordinated Anarchists Groups, and are suspected of sabotage offenses and

AP Photo/Hani Mohammed

Airstrikes shake Yemen’s capital as Shiite rebels push south

SANAA, Yemen — A series of airstrikes by the Saudi-led coalition shook Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, overnight and early Monday morning as dozens of families fled the capital seeking safety.

The strikes were targeting Shiite rebels, who have controlled the capital since September and have overrun most of Yemen, forcing the Western-backed president to flee the country.

Meanwhile the rebels, known as Houthis, continued their military push south toward the port city of Aden, Yemen’s economic hub and the provisional capital declared by embattled President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi.

Monday marked the fifth day of the airstrike campaign against the Houthis and their allies — largely security forces loyal to

deposed leader Ali Abdullah Saleh. The strikes have targeted militants, jets, air defense systems and Scud missile launch pads that could threaten Saudi Arabia.

Several days of airstrikes have bred a climate of anxiety and uncertainty in Sanaa. Schools were canceled, residents sought shelter indoors, and hundreds fled to the

safety of nearby villages.

As the strikes were taking place, Arab leaders meeting in Egypt for the two-day Arab League summit unveiled plans to form a joint Arab military intervention force — setting the stage for a potentially dangerous clash between U.S.-allied Arab states and Iran over influence in the region. (ap)

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

BEIJING — China is evacuating its citizens from Yemen and suspending anti-piracy patrols in the area amid the growing violence in the Middle Eastern country.

Three Chinese navy ships were diverted to the port of Aden to rescue Chinese nationals caught in the conflict, state media reported on Monday, marking only the second time Chinese military assets have been used in such a mission. About 122 Chinese were evacuated from Yemen to Djibouti, and authorities were working to assist the more than 400 remaining Chinese, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said.

“The Chinese government is highly concerned over the safety of Chinese citizens and institutions in Yemen, and has taken immediate action to pull out Chinese citizens in an orderly fashion,” Hua said during a regularly scheduled news briefing.

In 2011, China took the un-

precedented step of dispatching one of its most sophisticated warships and military transport aircraft to help in the evacuation of about 35,000 Chinese citizens amid Libya’s civil war.

No Chinese have been reported killed or injured in the fighting in Yemen that now threatens a potentially dangerous clash between U.S.-allied Arab states and Iran.

The official China Shipowners’ Association said on its website that it had been notified that China was temporarily halting its participation in multinational patrols in the Gulf of Aden aimed at countering Somali pirates. The notice said it wasn’t clear when the patrols would resume, and Defense Ministry spokesmen could not immediately be reached for comment.

China joined the patrols in December 2008 and has sent a total of 19 squadrons to maintain an unbroken presence in the area. (ap)

BERLIN — The German government says it wants to end the mass killing of male chicks within two years, becoming the first country to do so.

Each year some 45 million male chicks in Germany are shredded shortly after hatching because they don’t lay eggs.

Pressure from animal rights groups led the government to fund research that allows the chick’s sex to be determined before it

hatches. This means male eggs can be used for other products rather than destroyed.

Agriculture minister Christian Schmidt said the method has almost been perfected and will start to be used in hatcheries from late 2016.

He told Germany’s Bild newspaper on Monday that the shredding chicks should cease by 2017, and would add no more than two cents to the cost of an egg. (ap)

Germany working to end mass killing of male chicks by 2017

11

INDONESIA Military believes former free Aceh Movement members behind officer’s murders

planting explosive devices.

There were no immediate details on any actions carried out by the group.

The statement said 14 others were arrested for resisting police carrying out the operation. The arrests were made in Madrid, Barcelona, Palencia and Granada. (ap)

China evacuating from Yemen, suspending anti-piracy patrols

This photo shows a damaged building at the military base, known as al-Duleimi, near the international airport in Sanaa, Yemen, Saturday, March 28, 2015. The Houthis Shiite rebels said Thursday in a statement that Saudi jets hit the military base and that they responded with anti-aircraft missiles.

International

ANTARA FOTO/Wahyu Putro A

The prices of premium gasoline and diesel oil were raised to adjust them in accordance with the world oil price hikes and the weakening of the rupiah, Chief Economic Minister Sofyan Djalil said.

Fuel oil price increases result of world price hike

JAKARTA - The prices of premium gasoline and diesel oil were raised to adjust them in accordance with the world oil price hikes and the weakening of the rupiah, Chief Economic Minister Sofyan Djalil said.

“Fuel prices have been increased only to adjust them (in line with the world price hikes) because the government no longer provides subsidy for premium gasoline. The prices are in accordance with the economic viability, but people are not yet used to it,” the coordinating minister stated on Monday.

He added that the price hikes were finalized after taking the average oil prices and the weakening of the rupiah over last two weeks into consideration in their calculations.

“Had the prices been stable, there would have been no need to make adjustments. They were increased as the world oil prices were fluctuating.

We hope people at last become accustomed to it,” he remarked.

Djalil explained that the fuel oil prices were calculated twice a month, but no changes in the domestic prices were made if the world oil price does not increase.

If the world oil price hiked, the domestic price could be raised, and people would then pay according to its economic viability value. However, if the world oil price declined, it would be brought down again for the people, he added.

When questioned about the announcement on fuel price hikes, Dalil

noted that based on the rules of the Constitutional Court, oil prices cannot be decided by market mechanisms, but needs to be done by the government.

Therefore, the government will make a decision on it.

Furthermore, state-owned oil and gas company Pertamina earlier said that the market price of premium gasoline during the January to March period experienced an average increase of 17 percent.

Deputy President of Communications of Pertamina, Wianda Pusponegoro, stated over the weekend that the basic price of diesel oil also saw a hike of about 13 percent in the same period.

“The increase has impacted the prices of the two types of fuels at home. As a result, adjustments needed to be made in the prices of premium gasoline and diesel oil fuels,” she explained.

The Pertamina official added that the increase in the prices of the two types of fuels took place due to two factors.

The first factor was that during the January to March period, the global gasoline price index, in terms of the U. S. dollar, jumped 13 percent, while that of diesel oil was up by 9 percent.

She further noted that the spike

took place due to the greenback’s value against the rupiah increasing by 3.4 percent.

Until March 28, the government raised the price of premium gasoline from Rp6,800 to Rp7,300 per liter for regions outside Java, Madura and Bali, and from Rp6,900 to Rp7,400 for regions in Java, Madura and Bali.

It also boosted the price of subsidized diesel oil from Rp6,400 per liter to Rp6,900 per liter, for both regions inside and outside Jakarta, Madura and Bali.

Pusponegoro admitted that the increase in the prices of the two types of fuels was not in accordance with their economic viability values.

“Economic viability could be achieved if the market price index also declined,” she pointed out.

The government on Saturday raised the price of premium gasoline for regions outside Java, Madura and Bali from Rp6,600 per liter to Rp6,800 per liter effective March 1.

In addition, the price of premium gasoline for regions within Java, Madura and Bali was also raised

by Rp200 per liter from Rp6,700 to Rp6,900 per liter starting March 28.

Based on a presidential decision, premium gasoline is no longer subsidized. (ant)

JAKARTA - Commander of the Indonesian Military General Moeldoko believes that former members of the Free Aceh Movement were behind the killing of two security officers in Aceh province.

“There is a factional wing of the movement that wants to become popular,” Moeldoko said at the TNI Headquarters in Cilangkap, Jakarta, on Monday. According the general, the police and Indonesian Military are trying to identify the culprit behind the murder of two intelligence officers of the North Aceh Military Command, Second Sergeant Idra Irawan and First Sergeant Hendrianto.

“We are cooperating with police officers. My command is firm---pursue until we arrest them,” Moeldoko remarked. The general added that the homicide was carried out sporadically and without the use of any systematic process.

“We assumed that the incident was conducted in criminal context. It may

have been done because the Indonesian Military officers discovered marijuana in three different areas measuring 15 hectares, 8 hectares and 1.5 hectares.

We also found crystal meth during an inspection,” Moeldoko noted.

He predicted that former members of the Aceh separatist group were annoyed with their efforts.

“We understand their message from their ‘treatment’ of our soldiers, who were stripped and shot to death. It was a clear message for us. Therefore, I will respond with firm messages for them,” Moeldoko affirmed.

Both victims who were shot to death were members of the 0103 Military District Command of North Aceh. Local people found the bodies of the two officers on Monday, March 23, after they were missing for several days and were believed to have been kidnapped by numerous armed people.

The Indonesian Military and police are still tracking the murderer. (ant)

10

Destination

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

International

Sada Temple

IBP/File Photo

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MANGUPURA - The rulers of Mengwi were famous for the temples they built. The oldest of these is Sada Temple, a few hundred meters south of the main road in Kapal, about 15 km to the northwest of Denpasar. The name sada may derive from the Old Javanese and Sanskrit term prasada, meaning a tower temple.

There is indeed a huge shrine in the shape of a tiered tower in the inner conrt. The local inhabitants call this temple a candi, meaning a funerary monument for a deceased king. According to the chronicles of the rulers of Mengwi, the son of the first Cokorda or Lord of Mengwi, I Gusti Agung Panji, received a shrine in this temple after his death around 1710. The divinity of the temple is Bhatara Jayengrat, the Divine World Conqueror.

At present the complex is venerated and maintained by the people of Kapal, irrespectiv of their caste or kin group. It was Severly damaged during the earthquake of 1917 and was restored by the Archaeological Survey in 1948-49.

The leader of the team of Balinese craftsmen was I Made Nama and is said that the construction of the tall tower was quite a challenge for him and his men.

The forecourt of the temple is large and spacious. A big tree grows at the center. The temple complex is surrounded by a wall of red brick constructed in the traditional way without mortar.

By rubbing one stone agains the other, a fine powder crumbles from the surface layers. When water is added to it, the stones can be simply stuck together.

Sports

International

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

7

MotoGP veteran Rossi wins Qatar season-opener MotoGP great Valentino Rossi rolled back the years to win the Qatar season-opener for Yamaha on Sunday with Italian riders sweeping the podium places after a thrilling duel under the Losail floodlights.

Andrea Dovizioso, who had started on pole position while Rossi was only eighth, took second place just 0.174 seconds behind for Ducati with team mate Andrea Iannone finishing third.

Honda’s double world champion Marc Marquez was fifth after being forced out at the first corner and having to fight back from last. The win, at the grand old age of 36, was the 109th of Rossi’s grand prix career and 83rd in the top category of motorcycling.

“I said this a lot of times, but for me this is one of the best,” said Rossi, a nine-times world champion, after a race that saw the lead constantly change hands with the outcome uncertain right to the end. Dovizioso led at the start but Rossi’s Spanish team mate and double world champion Jorge Lorenzo hit the front on lap two as the race turned into a Yamaha v Ducati battle with the Honda riders eclipsed.

Rossi seemed content to hang back in fourth but moved up to third at the halfway point and then used all his experience to attack, taking the lead for the first time with four laps remaining. “That’s Valentino Rossi at his best,” Yamaha team principal Lin Jarvis told BT Sport television.

“A sensational comeback from eighth place at the beginning...he did incredibly well.” Ducati have not won in MotoGP since 2010 but are in the ‘open’ category which confers certain advantages including tyres and fuel until they start making regular appearances on the podium.

It looked like their long wait was coming to an end, with Dovizioso right on Lorenzo’s tail and then chasing Rossi all the way but it was not to be.

“On the last lap I pushed really hard but I didn’t have any more grip on the edge and it was impossible to try to attack Valentino,” said Dovizioso. “Anyway, second position in the first race is really good.”

Marquez, winner in Qatar last year, was forced wide into the first corner and despite a thrilling comeback could make little inroads on the top four. The Spaniard could at least hold his head high after overtaking Honda team mate Dani Pedrosa for fifth place with 11 laps remaining. (rtr)

REUTERS/Fadi Al-Assaad

Yamaha MotoGP rider Valentino Rossi of Italy celebrates on the podium after winning the Qatar MotoGP Grand Prix at the Losail International circuit in Doha March 29, 2015.

Westbrook scores 33 as Thunder hold off Suns in NBA PHOENIX — Russell Westbrook had 33 points, nine rebounds and seven assists as the Oklahoma City Thunder rallied from 20 points down to beat the Phoenix Suns 109-97 on Sunday and strengthen their hold on the final playoff spot in the NBA’s Western Conference.

D.J. Augustin scored 13 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter for the Thunder, who ended a four-game road skid. Steven Adams had 13 points and 16 rebounds, and Dion Waiters scored 18 points.

Oklahoma City pulled away with a dominant final period and stayed 2 1/2 games ahead of New Orleans for the eighth and final playoff spot in the West. Markieff Morris scored 24 points for the Suns, who dropped four games behind Oklahoma City.

In other games, Brooklyn topped the Los Angeles Lakers 107-99 to move a half-game ahead of Boston and Indiana for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, Houston defeated Washington 99-91 to move past Memphis into the second spot in the West, and the Los Angeles Clippers beat Boston 119-106 for their seventh consecutive win. In New York, AP Photo/Don Ryan Brook Lopez had 30 points and 11 rebounds to Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook walks down court with only sec- help the Nets get their third straight victory.

Joe Johnson added 18 points, eight rebounds onds to go during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Portland and seven assists for the Nets, who won for Trail Blazers in Portland, Ore., Friday, Feb. 27, 2015.

the fifth time in six games to give themselves a chance at a third straight postseason berth after an underwhelming first half of the season.

Houston’s James Harden had 24 points and Corey Brewer scored 15 as the Rockets won their fourth in a row. Rockets center Dwight Howard had 11 points and 10 rebounds in 19 minutes in his third game back from a right knee injury.

The Wizards are fifth in the Eastern Conference and could have guaranteed themselves a place in the postseason with a victory. The Clippers were led by J.J. Redick, who scored 27 points, and Chris Paul, who had 21 points and 10 assists. The Clippers jumped out to a 68-47 halftime lead and pushed the advantage to 35 points midway through the third quarter.

Memphis, meanwhile, lost its third straight game, falling to San Antonio 103-89. Kawhi Leonard had 25 points and 10 rebounds as the Spurs won for the 13th time in 16 games to remain sixth in the Western Conference. Zach Randolph had 20 points and 13 rebounds for the Grizzlies.

LeBron James scored 20 points and Kyrie Irving added 17 as Cleveland hung on to beat lowly Philadelphia 87-86. The Cavaliers earned their 16th straight home win despite being held scoreless in the final 4:04. (ap)

8

International

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

International

Sp rt

Matic shines on another gloomy night for Serbia

BELGRADE - A 2-1 defeat by Portugal has left Serbia with only a slim hope of reaching Euro 2016 after Nemanja Matic provided the only beacon of light in another lacklustre qualifying performance by the Balkan nation. The Chelsea midfielder capped a fine individual display with a breathtaking equaliser at the La Luz stadium on Sunday, unleashing an unstoppable overhead volley to briefly cancel out Ricardo Carvalho’s opener. winner, was also upbeat about Serbia’s chances.

“We have to win an away game now and I am confident that three victories from the remaining four matches could clinch us a playoff spot,” said Ivanovic. “The next game away to Denmark is crucial and we simply have to stop conceding goals from set pieces as dead ball situations are supposed to be our strength and not a chink in the armour.”

Judging by their current form though, Serbia might struggle to turn around their fortunes. A talented team, with six starters who ply their trade in the Premier League, again looked less than the sum of its parts with

Ivanovic, a preferred right back at Chelsea, struggling as a central defender.

Wingers Lazar Markovic and Dusan Tadic failed to make any impact as did substitute Filip Djuricic, while left back Aleksandar Kolarov could not hold his own on the flank. Curcic, who took over from Dutchman Dick Advocaat in November, acknowledged most of his key players had underperformed.

“I can’t question anyone’s commitment but some of the players were below par,” he said.

“We have a thin squad and can’t afford to replace any of the senior team members be-

France recover from Brazil defeat with 2-0 Denmark win

ST ETIENNE - France recovered from last week’s defeat by Brazil when Alexandre Lacazette and Olivier Giroud earned a second-string side a 2-0 home friendly win over Denmark in St Etienne on Sunday. Lacazette, who was booed by the crowd before kickoff because he plays for St Etienne’s bitter rivals Olympique Lyonnais, was then loudly cheered when he scored France’s first in the 14th minute.

Giroud doubled their tally before the interval as Les Bleus, the Euro 2016 hosts, cantered to a win that showed

their strength in depth. Denmark, who beat the United States 3-2 in a friendly on Wednesday in Aarhus, were much better in the second half with Nicklas Bendtner being denied by Stephane Ruffier’s brilliant save in the 65th minute.

They lie second in their Euro qualifying Group I with seven points from four games, two adrift of Portugal. France coach Didier Deschamps made eight changes to the team who lost 3-1 against Brazil, with only centre back Raphael Varane, midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin

BUENOS AIRES — Rodrigo Mora scored a late goal on Sunday to lift defending champion River Plate to a 3-2 victory at Gimnasia in Argentina’s first division.

River’s Buenos Aires rival Boca Juniors

beat Estudiantes 3-0 and climbed to second in the table. League leader San Lorenzo thrashed Lanus 4-0 on Saturday and is a point clear after seven rounds of matches.

Fernando Cavenaghi and Augusto Solari scored early for River but Maximiliano Coronel and Ignacio Fernandez leveled for Gimnasia in the second half. Mora struck the winner two minutes before full time.

Cristian Erbes opened the scoring for Boca with a curling shot from outside the area in the 39th.

Pablo Osvaldo doubled the lead two minutes later and Franco Cristaldo scored a third goal in the 79th.

In other games Sunday, Belgrano beat Newell’s Old Boys 2-0, Racing Club overcame San Martin San Juan 2-0 and Union Santa Fe defeated Velez Sarsfield 1-0. (ap)

TBILISI — Germany got its European Championship qualifying campaign back on track with a hard-fought 2-0 win in Georgia on Sunday. First-half goals from Marco Reus and Thomas Mueller gave Germany its first away win in Group D, as the World Cup winners moved within a point of group leader Poland, which was held to a 1-1 draw by Ireland in the late game.

Ireland substitute Shane Long scored in injury time in Dublin, cancelling out Slawomir Peszko’s 26thminute strike to leave the group finely poised after five rounds. Unbeaten Poland leads with 11 points, followed by Scotland — which routed tiny Gibraltar 6-1 — and Germany both on 10, while Ireland maintains slim hopes of emerging from the group with eight points.

Earlier in Glasgow, Lee Casciaro scored Gibraltar’s first ever goal in a competitive match to cancel out Shaun Maloney’s 18th-minute penalty, but the Scots answered with another Maloney penalty, a Steven Naismith goal and three more from Steven Fletcher.

In Tbilisi, Reus scored in the 39th minute when he was free to scoop the ball inside the near post after Mario Goetze tried forcing his way past a number of defenders. Mueller sealed the result five minutes later with a low drive into the bottom corner.

Reus also hit the crossbar in both halves. Georgia was pegged back for long periods in Kakhaber Tskhad a d z e ’s first game as coach.

“We’re trying to improve ourselves for the future. I’m not unsatisfied with our second-

half efforts,” said Tskhadadze, who played club football for Eintracht Frankfurt in the 1990s. “We shouldn’t forget that we were playing against a top team.”

Germany was looking for a convincing performance following a loss to Poland, a home draw with Ireland, and uninspired wins over Scotland and Gibraltar in qualifying.

“Looking at the table we had to win the game, it’s clear. I’m satisfied with the first half. We didn’t push it in the second,” said Loew, whose side was wasteful in the first half and struggled to create the same goal-scoring chances after the break. Reus rattled the crossbar in the fifth minute, when Giorgi Loria got his fingertips to his deflected shot, and Mueller went close shortly afterward.

It quickly became apparent that Georgia, roared on by enthusiastic fans, was going to have to rely on counterattacks or set pieces in order to score. Captain Jaba Kankava caused some problems in midfield but Germany goalkeeper Manual Neuer ultimately had little to do.

Mesut Ozil, Goetze and Mueller missed good chances before Reus finally broke the deadlock and then Ozil set up Mueller to seal the result with his fifth goal in qualifying.

“We had the game under control but there were times we made it difficult for ourselves,” Germany midfielder Toni Kroos said. “It was a bit too hectic. In my opinion we made things too complicated.” The game was held up briefly toward the end when several fans made it onto the pitch to hug players from both sides. (ap)

Germany beats Georgia 2-0 away in Euro qualifier

cause we can’t choose from 50 or 100 players at this level.” Portugal top the group with nine points from four games, followed by Denmark and Albania who have seven each from four. (rtr)

Serbia’s Nemanja Matic celebrates his goal against Portugal during their Euro 2016 qualifier soccer match at Luz stadium in Lisbon March 29, 2015.

and forward Antoine Griezmann left from Thursday’s friendly at the Stade de France.

“I saw good things in the first half but after the break we struggled.

Maybe it’s normal after we made some more changes. Anyway, we stayed focused and that’s good,” Deschamps told French TV channel TF1. Lacazette seized the opportunity and scored his first goal in six caps with a half volley from inside the box after Kasper Schmeichel had deflected Griezmann’s shot into the path of the Ligue 1 top scorer.

Lacazette came close again in the 24th minute but Schmeichel superbly parried away his 20-metre thunderbolt. Seven minutes before the break, Giroud was nicely played in by Geoffrey Kondogbia

9

San Lorenzo, Boca Juniors win in Argentine 1st division

before beating Schmeichel with a low shot.

Denmark stepped up a gear after the break and Ruffier made a superb save to deny Bendtner and preserve France’s lead as the visitors dominated possession.

Morten Olsen’s team increased the pressure but the French defence, marshalled by Varane who was captain on the day in the absence of the injured Hugo Lloris, held on. Ruffier then dived at the feet of Bendtner in the 88th minute after the former Arsenal striker had slalomed his way into the box. France next face Belgium at home and Albania away in friendlies in June, when Denmark will take on Serbia in a Euro qualifier. (ap)

REUTERS/Rafael Marchante

But the visitors conceded two minutes later to stay joint bottom of Group I with Armenia on one point from four games halfway through the qualifying campaign, souring the competitive debut of their new coach Radovan Curcic.

“We were poor in the first half but improved in the second and that’s how we should play in the rest of our campaign,” Matic told reporters after his team failed to trouble the Portuguese defence.

“We will not give up until there is a mathematical chance.”

Matic’s Chelsea team mate Branislav Ivanovic, who left Carvalho unmarked for the first goal and failed to cut out a low cross when Fabio Coentrao netted the

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov

Germany’s Thomas Muller, top, fights for the ball with Georgia’s Jaba Kankava, bottom, during the Euro 2016 qualifying match between Germany and Georgia, in Tbilisi, Georgia, Sunday, March 29, 2015.

REUTERS/Marcelo del Pozo

Spanish national soccer team player Isco attends a training session ahead of their Euro 2016 qualifier against Ukraine in the Andalusian capital of Seville, March 26, 2015.

Isco determined to make his own mark with La Roja MADRID - Although midfielder Isco is flattered by comparisons with Spain team mate Andres Iniesta, the 22-year-old Real Madrid man is determined to write his own page in the history of La Roja.

Isco and Iniesta both featured in Friday’s 1-0 Euro 2016 qualifying win over Ukraine and it was clear they have developed a fine on-field understanding.

Each are blessed with sumptuous ball skills and an eye for the killer pass and their quick interchanges and use of space can take the breath away.

Iniesta, 30, is firmly established as one of Spain’s all-time greats and Isco has been singled out as the future of the national team’s midfield along with Atletico Madrid’s Koke and Thiago Alcantara of Bayern Munich once he puts his injury troubles behind him. After a difficult start, Isco has firmly established himself as a regular under Real coach Carlo Ancelotti and has become a huge favourite among the club’s demanding fans.

Del Bosque has also put his faith in the Malaga-born playmaker, who came through Valencia’s academy before returning to Malaga and then joining Real for a fee of 30 million euros ($32.66 million)

in 2013.

“With Andres, it is very easy to understand each other,” Isco told a news conference on Sunday previewing Tuesday’s friendly against the Netherlands in Amsterdam.

“It is an honour that they compare me with him but each person is their own person and I want to make my own history with my club and the national team.”

Spain’s victory over Ukraine in Seville helped them keep up the pressure on Group C leaders Slovakia, although coach Vicente del Bosque was unhappy with the way his side played in the second half. With five of 10 matches played, Slovakia, who beat Spain 2-1 in Zilina in October, lead with a maximum 15 points, with Spain on 12 points in second and Ukraine third on nine.

“We didn’t have the same rhythm as in the first half during the second,” Isco said. “As a result of that they piled on the pressure and that made it more difficult for us to play our game,” he added.

“Maybe we are not scoring so many goals in the national team recently but we are creating a lot of chances and it’s something that can change from one game to the next.” (rtr)

8

International

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

International

Sp rt

Matic shines on another gloomy night for Serbia

BELGRADE - A 2-1 defeat by Portugal has left Serbia with only a slim hope of reaching Euro 2016 after Nemanja Matic provided the only beacon of light in another lacklustre qualifying performance by the Balkan nation. The Chelsea midfielder capped a fine individual display with a breathtaking equaliser at the La Luz stadium on Sunday, unleashing an unstoppable overhead volley to briefly cancel out Ricardo Carvalho’s opener. winner, was also upbeat about Serbia’s chances.

“We have to win an away game now and I am confident that three victories from the remaining four matches could clinch us a playoff spot,” said Ivanovic. “The next game away to Denmark is crucial and we simply have to stop conceding goals from set pieces as dead ball situations are supposed to be our strength and not a chink in the armour.”

Judging by their current form though, Serbia might struggle to turn around their fortunes. A talented team, with six starters who ply their trade in the Premier League, again looked less than the sum of its parts with

Ivanovic, a preferred right back at Chelsea, struggling as a central defender.

Wingers Lazar Markovic and Dusan Tadic failed to make any impact as did substitute Filip Djuricic, while left back Aleksandar Kolarov could not hold his own on the flank. Curcic, who took over from Dutchman Dick Advocaat in November, acknowledged most of his key players had underperformed.

“I can’t question anyone’s commitment but some of the players were below par,” he said.

“We have a thin squad and can’t afford to replace any of the senior team members be-

France recover from Brazil defeat with 2-0 Denmark win

ST ETIENNE - France recovered from last week’s defeat by Brazil when Alexandre Lacazette and Olivier Giroud earned a second-string side a 2-0 home friendly win over Denmark in St Etienne on Sunday. Lacazette, who was booed by the crowd before kickoff because he plays for St Etienne’s bitter rivals Olympique Lyonnais, was then loudly cheered when he scored France’s first in the 14th minute.

Giroud doubled their tally before the interval as Les Bleus, the Euro 2016 hosts, cantered to a win that showed

their strength in depth. Denmark, who beat the United States 3-2 in a friendly on Wednesday in Aarhus, were much better in the second half with Nicklas Bendtner being denied by Stephane Ruffier’s brilliant save in the 65th minute.

They lie second in their Euro qualifying Group I with seven points from four games, two adrift of Portugal. France coach Didier Deschamps made eight changes to the team who lost 3-1 against Brazil, with only centre back Raphael Varane, midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin

BUENOS AIRES — Rodrigo Mora scored a late goal on Sunday to lift defending champion River Plate to a 3-2 victory at Gimnasia in Argentina’s first division.

River’s Buenos Aires rival Boca Juniors

beat Estudiantes 3-0 and climbed to second in the table. League leader San Lorenzo thrashed Lanus 4-0 on Saturday and is a point clear after seven rounds of matches.

Fernando Cavenaghi and Augusto Solari scored early for River but Maximiliano Coronel and Ignacio Fernandez leveled for Gimnasia in the second half. Mora struck the winner two minutes before full time.

Cristian Erbes opened the scoring for Boca with a curling shot from outside the area in the 39th.

Pablo Osvaldo doubled the lead two minutes later and Franco Cristaldo scored a third goal in the 79th.

In other games Sunday, Belgrano beat Newell’s Old Boys 2-0, Racing Club overcame San Martin San Juan 2-0 and Union Santa Fe defeated Velez Sarsfield 1-0. (ap)

TBILISI — Germany got its European Championship qualifying campaign back on track with a hard-fought 2-0 win in Georgia on Sunday. First-half goals from Marco Reus and Thomas Mueller gave Germany its first away win in Group D, as the World Cup winners moved within a point of group leader Poland, which was held to a 1-1 draw by Ireland in the late game.

Ireland substitute Shane Long scored in injury time in Dublin, cancelling out Slawomir Peszko’s 26thminute strike to leave the group finely poised after five rounds. Unbeaten Poland leads with 11 points, followed by Scotland — which routed tiny Gibraltar 6-1 — and Germany both on 10, while Ireland maintains slim hopes of emerging from the group with eight points.

Earlier in Glasgow, Lee Casciaro scored Gibraltar’s first ever goal in a competitive match to cancel out Shaun Maloney’s 18th-minute penalty, but the Scots answered with another Maloney penalty, a Steven Naismith goal and three more from Steven Fletcher.

In Tbilisi, Reus scored in the 39th minute when he was free to scoop the ball inside the near post after Mario Goetze tried forcing his way past a number of defenders. Mueller sealed the result five minutes later with a low drive into the bottom corner.

Reus also hit the crossbar in both halves. Georgia was pegged back for long periods in Kakhaber Tskhad a d z e ’s first game as coach.

“We’re trying to improve ourselves for the future. I’m not unsatisfied with our second-

half efforts,” said Tskhadadze, who played club football for Eintracht Frankfurt in the 1990s. “We shouldn’t forget that we were playing against a top team.”

Germany was looking for a convincing performance following a loss to Poland, a home draw with Ireland, and uninspired wins over Scotland and Gibraltar in qualifying.

“Looking at the table we had to win the game, it’s clear. I’m satisfied with the first half. We didn’t push it in the second,” said Loew, whose side was wasteful in the first half and struggled to create the same goal-scoring chances after the break. Reus rattled the crossbar in the fifth minute, when Giorgi Loria got his fingertips to his deflected shot, and Mueller went close shortly afterward.

It quickly became apparent that Georgia, roared on by enthusiastic fans, was going to have to rely on counterattacks or set pieces in order to score. Captain Jaba Kankava caused some problems in midfield but Germany goalkeeper Manual Neuer ultimately had little to do.

Mesut Ozil, Goetze and Mueller missed good chances before Reus finally broke the deadlock and then Ozil set up Mueller to seal the result with his fifth goal in qualifying.

“We had the game under control but there were times we made it difficult for ourselves,” Germany midfielder Toni Kroos said. “It was a bit too hectic. In my opinion we made things too complicated.” The game was held up briefly toward the end when several fans made it onto the pitch to hug players from both sides. (ap)

Germany beats Georgia 2-0 away in Euro qualifier

cause we can’t choose from 50 or 100 players at this level.” Portugal top the group with nine points from four games, followed by Denmark and Albania who have seven each from four. (rtr)

Serbia’s Nemanja Matic celebrates his goal against Portugal during their Euro 2016 qualifier soccer match at Luz stadium in Lisbon March 29, 2015.

and forward Antoine Griezmann left from Thursday’s friendly at the Stade de France.

“I saw good things in the first half but after the break we struggled.

Maybe it’s normal after we made some more changes. Anyway, we stayed focused and that’s good,” Deschamps told French TV channel TF1. Lacazette seized the opportunity and scored his first goal in six caps with a half volley from inside the box after Kasper Schmeichel had deflected Griezmann’s shot into the path of the Ligue 1 top scorer.

Lacazette came close again in the 24th minute but Schmeichel superbly parried away his 20-metre thunderbolt. Seven minutes before the break, Giroud was nicely played in by Geoffrey Kondogbia

9

San Lorenzo, Boca Juniors win in Argentine 1st division

before beating Schmeichel with a low shot.

Denmark stepped up a gear after the break and Ruffier made a superb save to deny Bendtner and preserve France’s lead as the visitors dominated possession.

Morten Olsen’s team increased the pressure but the French defence, marshalled by Varane who was captain on the day in the absence of the injured Hugo Lloris, held on. Ruffier then dived at the feet of Bendtner in the 88th minute after the former Arsenal striker had slalomed his way into the box. France next face Belgium at home and Albania away in friendlies in June, when Denmark will take on Serbia in a Euro qualifier. (ap)

REUTERS/Rafael Marchante

But the visitors conceded two minutes later to stay joint bottom of Group I with Armenia on one point from four games halfway through the qualifying campaign, souring the competitive debut of their new coach Radovan Curcic.

“We were poor in the first half but improved in the second and that’s how we should play in the rest of our campaign,” Matic told reporters after his team failed to trouble the Portuguese defence.

“We will not give up until there is a mathematical chance.”

Matic’s Chelsea team mate Branislav Ivanovic, who left Carvalho unmarked for the first goal and failed to cut out a low cross when Fabio Coentrao netted the

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov

Germany’s Thomas Muller, top, fights for the ball with Georgia’s Jaba Kankava, bottom, during the Euro 2016 qualifying match between Germany and Georgia, in Tbilisi, Georgia, Sunday, March 29, 2015.

REUTERS/Marcelo del Pozo

Spanish national soccer team player Isco attends a training session ahead of their Euro 2016 qualifier against Ukraine in the Andalusian capital of Seville, March 26, 2015.

Isco determined to make his own mark with La Roja MADRID - Although midfielder Isco is flattered by comparisons with Spain team mate Andres Iniesta, the 22-year-old Real Madrid man is determined to write his own page in the history of La Roja.

Isco and Iniesta both featured in Friday’s 1-0 Euro 2016 qualifying win over Ukraine and it was clear they have developed a fine on-field understanding.

Each are blessed with sumptuous ball skills and an eye for the killer pass and their quick interchanges and use of space can take the breath away.

Iniesta, 30, is firmly established as one of Spain’s all-time greats and Isco has been singled out as the future of the national team’s midfield along with Atletico Madrid’s Koke and Thiago Alcantara of Bayern Munich once he puts his injury troubles behind him. After a difficult start, Isco has firmly established himself as a regular under Real coach Carlo Ancelotti and has become a huge favourite among the club’s demanding fans.

Del Bosque has also put his faith in the Malaga-born playmaker, who came through Valencia’s academy before returning to Malaga and then joining Real for a fee of 30 million euros ($32.66 million)

in 2013.

“With Andres, it is very easy to understand each other,” Isco told a news conference on Sunday previewing Tuesday’s friendly against the Netherlands in Amsterdam.

“It is an honour that they compare me with him but each person is their own person and I want to make my own history with my club and the national team.”

Spain’s victory over Ukraine in Seville helped them keep up the pressure on Group C leaders Slovakia, although coach Vicente del Bosque was unhappy with the way his side played in the second half. With five of 10 matches played, Slovakia, who beat Spain 2-1 in Zilina in October, lead with a maximum 15 points, with Spain on 12 points in second and Ukraine third on nine.

“We didn’t have the same rhythm as in the first half during the second,” Isco said. “As a result of that they piled on the pressure and that made it more difficult for us to play our game,” he added.

“Maybe we are not scoring so many goals in the national team recently but we are creating a lot of chances and it’s something that can change from one game to the next.” (rtr)

10

Destination

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

International

Sada Temple

IBP/File Photo

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MANGUPURA - The rulers of Mengwi were famous for the temples they built. The oldest of these is Sada Temple, a few hundred meters south of the main road in Kapal, about 15 km to the northwest of Denpasar. The name sada may derive from the Old Javanese and Sanskrit term prasada, meaning a tower temple.

There is indeed a huge shrine in the shape of a tiered tower in the inner conrt. The local inhabitants call this temple a candi, meaning a funerary monument for a deceased king. According to the chronicles of the rulers of Mengwi, the son of the first Cokorda or Lord of Mengwi, I Gusti Agung Panji, received a shrine in this temple after his death around 1710. The divinity of the temple is Bhatara Jayengrat, the Divine World Conqueror.

At present the complex is venerated and maintained by the people of Kapal, irrespectiv of their caste or kin group. It was Severly damaged during the earthquake of 1917 and was restored by the Archaeological Survey in 1948-49.

The leader of the team of Balinese craftsmen was I Made Nama and is said that the construction of the tall tower was quite a challenge for him and his men.

The forecourt of the temple is large and spacious. A big tree grows at the center. The temple complex is surrounded by a wall of red brick constructed in the traditional way without mortar.

By rubbing one stone agains the other, a fine powder crumbles from the surface layers. When water is added to it, the stones can be simply stuck together.

Sports

International

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

7

MotoGP veteran Rossi wins Qatar season-opener MotoGP great Valentino Rossi rolled back the years to win the Qatar season-opener for Yamaha on Sunday with Italian riders sweeping the podium places after a thrilling duel under the Losail floodlights.

Andrea Dovizioso, who had started on pole position while Rossi was only eighth, took second place just 0.174 seconds behind for Ducati with team mate Andrea Iannone finishing third.

Honda’s double world champion Marc Marquez was fifth after being forced out at the first corner and having to fight back from last. The win, at the grand old age of 36, was the 109th of Rossi’s grand prix career and 83rd in the top category of motorcycling.

“I said this a lot of times, but for me this is one of the best,” said Rossi, a nine-times world champion, after a race that saw the lead constantly change hands with the outcome uncertain right to the end. Dovizioso led at the start but Rossi’s Spanish team mate and double world champion Jorge Lorenzo hit the front on lap two as the race turned into a Yamaha v Ducati battle with the Honda riders eclipsed.

Rossi seemed content to hang back in fourth but moved up to third at the halfway point and then used all his experience to attack, taking the lead for the first time with four laps remaining. “That’s Valentino Rossi at his best,” Yamaha team principal Lin Jarvis told BT Sport television.

“A sensational comeback from eighth place at the beginning...he did incredibly well.” Ducati have not won in MotoGP since 2010 but are in the ‘open’ category which confers certain advantages including tyres and fuel until they start making regular appearances on the podium.

It looked like their long wait was coming to an end, with Dovizioso right on Lorenzo’s tail and then chasing Rossi all the way but it was not to be.

“On the last lap I pushed really hard but I didn’t have any more grip on the edge and it was impossible to try to attack Valentino,” said Dovizioso. “Anyway, second position in the first race is really good.”

Marquez, winner in Qatar last year, was forced wide into the first corner and despite a thrilling comeback could make little inroads on the top four. The Spaniard could at least hold his head high after overtaking Honda team mate Dani Pedrosa for fifth place with 11 laps remaining. (rtr)

REUTERS/Fadi Al-Assaad

Yamaha MotoGP rider Valentino Rossi of Italy celebrates on the podium after winning the Qatar MotoGP Grand Prix at the Losail International circuit in Doha March 29, 2015.

Westbrook scores 33 as Thunder hold off Suns in NBA PHOENIX — Russell Westbrook had 33 points, nine rebounds and seven assists as the Oklahoma City Thunder rallied from 20 points down to beat the Phoenix Suns 109-97 on Sunday and strengthen their hold on the final playoff spot in the NBA’s Western Conference.

D.J. Augustin scored 13 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter for the Thunder, who ended a four-game road skid. Steven Adams had 13 points and 16 rebounds, and Dion Waiters scored 18 points.

Oklahoma City pulled away with a dominant final period and stayed 2 1/2 games ahead of New Orleans for the eighth and final playoff spot in the West. Markieff Morris scored 24 points for the Suns, who dropped four games behind Oklahoma City.

In other games, Brooklyn topped the Los Angeles Lakers 107-99 to move a half-game ahead of Boston and Indiana for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, Houston defeated Washington 99-91 to move past Memphis into the second spot in the West, and the Los Angeles Clippers beat Boston 119-106 for their seventh consecutive win. In New York, AP Photo/Don Ryan Brook Lopez had 30 points and 11 rebounds to Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook walks down court with only sec- help the Nets get their third straight victory.

Joe Johnson added 18 points, eight rebounds onds to go during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Portland and seven assists for the Nets, who won for Trail Blazers in Portland, Ore., Friday, Feb. 27, 2015.

the fifth time in six games to give themselves a chance at a third straight postseason berth after an underwhelming first half of the season.

Houston’s James Harden had 24 points and Corey Brewer scored 15 as the Rockets won their fourth in a row. Rockets center Dwight Howard had 11 points and 10 rebounds in 19 minutes in his third game back from a right knee injury.

The Wizards are fifth in the Eastern Conference and could have guaranteed themselves a place in the postseason with a victory. The Clippers were led by J.J. Redick, who scored 27 points, and Chris Paul, who had 21 points and 10 assists. The Clippers jumped out to a 68-47 halftime lead and pushed the advantage to 35 points midway through the third quarter.

Memphis, meanwhile, lost its third straight game, falling to San Antonio 103-89. Kawhi Leonard had 25 points and 10 rebounds as the Spurs won for the 13th time in 16 games to remain sixth in the Western Conference. Zach Randolph had 20 points and 13 rebounds for the Grizzlies.

LeBron James scored 20 points and Kyrie Irving added 17 as Cleveland hung on to beat lowly Philadelphia 87-86. The Cavaliers earned their 16th straight home win despite being held scoreless in the final 4:04. (ap)

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Tuesday, March 31, 2015

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RLD

International

Police arrest 26 in crackdown on anarchist group MADRID — Spanish police say they have arrested 12 people suspected of belonging to an anarchist group with terrorist aims.

A police statement said those detained Monday were members of an organization called Coordinated Anarchists Groups, and are suspected of sabotage offenses and

AP Photo/Hani Mohammed

Airstrikes shake Yemen’s capital as Shiite rebels push south

SANAA, Yemen — A series of airstrikes by the Saudi-led coalition shook Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, overnight and early Monday morning as dozens of families fled the capital seeking safety.

The strikes were targeting Shiite rebels, who have controlled the capital since September and have overrun most of Yemen, forcing the Western-backed president to flee the country.

Meanwhile the rebels, known as Houthis, continued their military push south toward the port city of Aden, Yemen’s economic hub and the provisional capital declared by embattled President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi.

Monday marked the fifth day of the airstrike campaign against the Houthis and their allies — largely security forces loyal to

deposed leader Ali Abdullah Saleh. The strikes have targeted militants, jets, air defense systems and Scud missile launch pads that could threaten Saudi Arabia.

Several days of airstrikes have bred a climate of anxiety and uncertainty in Sanaa. Schools were canceled, residents sought shelter indoors, and hundreds fled to the

safety of nearby villages.

As the strikes were taking place, Arab leaders meeting in Egypt for the two-day Arab League summit unveiled plans to form a joint Arab military intervention force — setting the stage for a potentially dangerous clash between U.S.-allied Arab states and Iran over influence in the region. (ap)

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

BEIJING — China is evacuating its citizens from Yemen and suspending anti-piracy patrols in the area amid the growing violence in the Middle Eastern country.

Three Chinese navy ships were diverted to the port of Aden to rescue Chinese nationals caught in the conflict, state media reported on Monday, marking only the second time Chinese military assets have been used in such a mission. About 122 Chinese were evacuated from Yemen to Djibouti, and authorities were working to assist the more than 400 remaining Chinese, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said.

“The Chinese government is highly concerned over the safety of Chinese citizens and institutions in Yemen, and has taken immediate action to pull out Chinese citizens in an orderly fashion,” Hua said during a regularly scheduled news briefing.

In 2011, China took the un-

precedented step of dispatching one of its most sophisticated warships and military transport aircraft to help in the evacuation of about 35,000 Chinese citizens amid Libya’s civil war.

No Chinese have been reported killed or injured in the fighting in Yemen that now threatens a potentially dangerous clash between U.S.-allied Arab states and Iran.

The official China Shipowners’ Association said on its website that it had been notified that China was temporarily halting its participation in multinational patrols in the Gulf of Aden aimed at countering Somali pirates. The notice said it wasn’t clear when the patrols would resume, and Defense Ministry spokesmen could not immediately be reached for comment.

China joined the patrols in December 2008 and has sent a total of 19 squadrons to maintain an unbroken presence in the area. (ap)

BERLIN — The German government says it wants to end the mass killing of male chicks within two years, becoming the first country to do so.

Each year some 45 million male chicks in Germany are shredded shortly after hatching because they don’t lay eggs.

Pressure from animal rights groups led the government to fund research that allows the chick’s sex to be determined before it

hatches. This means male eggs can be used for other products rather than destroyed.

Agriculture minister Christian Schmidt said the method has almost been perfected and will start to be used in hatcheries from late 2016.

He told Germany’s Bild newspaper on Monday that the shredding chicks should cease by 2017, and would add no more than two cents to the cost of an egg. (ap)

Germany working to end mass killing of male chicks by 2017

11

INDONESIA Military believes former free Aceh Movement members behind officer’s murders

planting explosive devices.

There were no immediate details on any actions carried out by the group.

The statement said 14 others were arrested for resisting police carrying out the operation. The arrests were made in Madrid, Barcelona, Palencia and Granada. (ap)

China evacuating from Yemen, suspending anti-piracy patrols

This photo shows a damaged building at the military base, known as al-Duleimi, near the international airport in Sanaa, Yemen, Saturday, March 28, 2015. The Houthis Shiite rebels said Thursday in a statement that Saudi jets hit the military base and that they responded with anti-aircraft missiles.

International

ANTARA FOTO/Wahyu Putro A

The prices of premium gasoline and diesel oil were raised to adjust them in accordance with the world oil price hikes and the weakening of the rupiah, Chief Economic Minister Sofyan Djalil said.

Fuel oil price increases result of world price hike

JAKARTA - The prices of premium gasoline and diesel oil were raised to adjust them in accordance with the world oil price hikes and the weakening of the rupiah, Chief Economic Minister Sofyan Djalil said.

“Fuel prices have been increased only to adjust them (in line with the world price hikes) because the government no longer provides subsidy for premium gasoline. The prices are in accordance with the economic viability, but people are not yet used to it,” the coordinating minister stated on Monday.

He added that the price hikes were finalized after taking the average oil prices and the weakening of the rupiah over last two weeks into consideration in their calculations.

“Had the prices been stable, there would have been no need to make adjustments. They were increased as the world oil prices were fluctuating.

We hope people at last become accustomed to it,” he remarked.

Djalil explained that the fuel oil prices were calculated twice a month, but no changes in the domestic prices were made if the world oil price does not increase.

If the world oil price hiked, the domestic price could be raised, and people would then pay according to its economic viability value. However, if the world oil price declined, it would be brought down again for the people, he added.

When questioned about the announcement on fuel price hikes, Dalil

noted that based on the rules of the Constitutional Court, oil prices cannot be decided by market mechanisms, but needs to be done by the government.

Therefore, the government will make a decision on it.

Furthermore, state-owned oil and gas company Pertamina earlier said that the market price of premium gasoline during the January to March period experienced an average increase of 17 percent.

Deputy President of Communications of Pertamina, Wianda Pusponegoro, stated over the weekend that the basic price of diesel oil also saw a hike of about 13 percent in the same period.

“The increase has impacted the prices of the two types of fuels at home. As a result, adjustments needed to be made in the prices of premium gasoline and diesel oil fuels,” she explained.

The Pertamina official added that the increase in the prices of the two types of fuels took place due to two factors.

The first factor was that during the January to March period, the global gasoline price index, in terms of the U. S. dollar, jumped 13 percent, while that of diesel oil was up by 9 percent.

She further noted that the spike

took place due to the greenback’s value against the rupiah increasing by 3.4 percent.

Until March 28, the government raised the price of premium gasoline from Rp6,800 to Rp7,300 per liter for regions outside Java, Madura and Bali, and from Rp6,900 to Rp7,400 for regions in Java, Madura and Bali.

It also boosted the price of subsidized diesel oil from Rp6,400 per liter to Rp6,900 per liter, for both regions inside and outside Jakarta, Madura and Bali.

Pusponegoro admitted that the increase in the prices of the two types of fuels was not in accordance with their economic viability values.

“Economic viability could be achieved if the market price index also declined,” she pointed out.

The government on Saturday raised the price of premium gasoline for regions outside Java, Madura and Bali from Rp6,600 per liter to Rp6,800 per liter effective March 1.

In addition, the price of premium gasoline for regions within Java, Madura and Bali was also raised

by Rp200 per liter from Rp6,700 to Rp6,900 per liter starting March 28.

Based on a presidential decision, premium gasoline is no longer subsidized. (ant)

JAKARTA - Commander of the Indonesian Military General Moeldoko believes that former members of the Free Aceh Movement were behind the killing of two security officers in Aceh province.

“There is a factional wing of the movement that wants to become popular,” Moeldoko said at the TNI Headquarters in Cilangkap, Jakarta, on Monday. According the general, the police and Indonesian Military are trying to identify the culprit behind the murder of two intelligence officers of the North Aceh Military Command, Second Sergeant Idra Irawan and First Sergeant Hendrianto.

“We are cooperating with police officers. My command is firm---pursue until we arrest them,” Moeldoko remarked. The general added that the homicide was carried out sporadically and without the use of any systematic process.

“We assumed that the incident was conducted in criminal context. It may

have been done because the Indonesian Military officers discovered marijuana in three different areas measuring 15 hectares, 8 hectares and 1.5 hectares.

We also found crystal meth during an inspection,” Moeldoko noted.

He predicted that former members of the Aceh separatist group were annoyed with their efforts.

“We understand their message from their ‘treatment’ of our soldiers, who were stripped and shot to death. It was a clear message for us. Therefore, I will respond with firm messages for them,” Moeldoko affirmed.

Both victims who were shot to death were members of the 0103 Military District Command of North Aceh. Local people found the bodies of the two officers on Monday, March 23, after they were missing for several days and were believed to have been kidnapped by numerous armed people.

The Indonesian Military and police are still tracking the murderer. (ant)

12

International

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

BUSINESS

Euro struggles on lingering Greek debt fears TOKYO - The euro slipped in Asian trade on Monday, hurt by worries over talks between Greece and its creditors as it prepares to submit reform proposals to secure a bailout.

In Tokyo the single currency slipped to $1.0864 and 129.53 yen from $1.0890 and 129.74 yen in New York on Friday. The dollar inched up to 119.24 yen, against 119.14 yen. Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said in remarks published Sunday that he hoped key talks with international creditors would yield a “happy ending” in the standoff over the debt crisis.

Athens is set to present a list of economic reform proposals this week to try to unblock a new 7.2 billion euro tranche of EU-IMF loans and avoid a debt default.

Germany’s Bundesbank chief Jens Weidmann said Friday he opposed giving Greece any more emergency loans, accusing it of frittering away trust.

European paymaster Germany has been leading the push for austerity in Europe, with Greece complaining that the punishing budget cuts demanded were damaging its economy and threatening to force it out of the eurozone.

“The Greek question still has the potential to roil the euro,” ANZ Bank New Zealand currency strategist Sam Tuck wrote in a client note.

“The US dollar is in a cyclical bull market.

Markets have converged on June/September as the timing of the first (interest rate) hike and (the dollar) will continue to rally into this move.”

On Friday US Federal Reserve chair Janet Yellen said the central bank was considering raising near-zero interest rates this year even though it may slow the US recovery.

This month the Fed’s policy arm opened the door to a federal funds rate rise as early as mid-year, dropping the word “patient” in its post-meeting statement.

But a string of weak economic data, particularly in consumer spending, housing and manufacturing, has muddied the outlook for an increase in rates that have been pegged at the zero level for more than six years.

“Yellen seems pretty determined to commence lift-off in the Fed funds rate before the year is out, while offering no pointers to when exactly this might occur,” National Australia Bank said in a note Monday.

The dollar was mixed against other AsiaPacific currencies. (afp)

Soros ready to pour $1 bn into Ukraine

VIENNA - US financier George Soros said Monday he was ready to invest $1 billion in Ukraine if the West promised to help the embattled country.

“Ukraine is defending the EU from Russian aggression” and helping its development will weaken Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Hungarian-born philanthropist said in remarks published in German by the Austrian business daily Der Standard.

He said Ukraine needed 50 billion euros to get itself back on its feet, and said he was prepared to pump $1 billion (922 million euros) into agriculture and infrastructural projects.

Ukraine is at the edge of bankruptcy hit by the triple whammy of the war in its industrial east, a deep economic recession and the record devaluation of its currency. Its public debt likely to reach 94 percent of its GDP in 2015. Soros said his investments “should make a profit”, which would go to his foundation rather than him personally.

“The West can help Ukraine by making it more attractive to investors by giving them insurance against political risk,” he said.

“That could take the form of financing very close to the European interest rates, which are very close to zero.” Ukrainian investment analysts ICU only predict a return to growth in 2017, and a sharp drop in GDP of 7.6 percent this year. (afp)

AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi

A man watches an electronic stock indicator of a securities firm in Tokyo, Monday, March 30, 2015. The euro slipped in Asian trade on Monday, hurt by worries over talks between Greece and its creditors as it prepares to submit reform proposals to secure a bailout.

International

Bali News

files but local analysts argue that they have one thing in common: They came up the hard way, learning to be efficient while US and European agribusiness got fat on state subsidy.

“The low cost of land and labor give Brazilian foodstuffs producers key comparative advantages,” explains Maria de Albuquerque David, professor of economics at Rio University.

“A few decades ago we had little freedom in Brazil owing to the military dictatorship. We suffered from the ‘Tupiniquim complex’ -- the Amerindian who doesn’t venture far from his beach,” adds another economist, Gilberto Braga.

“But with democratization and the end of the East-West standoff these barriers have lifted,” says Braga.

Jorge Paulo Lemann, Brazil’s richest man, built his empire on beverages.

His AB InBev, the fruit of a series of mergers, today brews some 20 percent of beer worldwide with a stable of global brands such as Stella Artois, Corona and Budweiser.

His 3G Capital fund then wolfed down fast-food chain Burger King, the Heinz group and then Canadian coffee chain Tim Horton’s and now the trio of fund members controls investments worth $260 billion.

Buoyed by Chinese demand for meat and soy, of which Brazil is the world’s second-largest producer, and with Brazilians’ purchasing power on the rise the sector has racked up large surpluses.

“If agribusiness is so dynamic it is because it is present on two fronts -- Brazil and exports, leaving the less attractive aside depending on the period,” says David.

BRF exports poultry to 110 countries and has ten industrial sites spread across Argentina, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

JBS, which started off as a butcher’s chain in central Brazil and in which a public investment bank has a quarter stake, today sees foreign operations account for 80 percent of sales, from Australia to the United States. (afp)

5

Balinese mass organizations protest against fuel price hike DENPASAR - Balinese mass organizations grouped in the Alliance of People Rejecting Fuel Price Hike staged a rally in front of Bajra Sandhi Monument during a car-free day on Sunday.

“We firmly reject the Jokowi-JK government’s policy to raise fuel prices,” spokesman for the alliance Retno Dewi said.

The alliance also demanded that the government lift the energy and mineral resources minister’s decree number 2486/MEM/2015.

During the rally, the alliance also called on the people to protest against the fuel price policy by any means.

“In the era of the Jokowi-JK government, the fuel prices had ever been raised, leading to an increase in the prices of other goods. Though the fuel prices were later lowered the prices of other commodities had not declined ever since,” she said.

Retno predicted the price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) would increase following the fuel price hike, adding to the burden of low-income people.

Vice President Jusuf Kalla said earlier the fuel prices rose Rp500 a liter as of Saturday (March 28) due to the rupiah’s

weakening against the US dollar.

“We know that the rupiah still hovers above Rp13,000 per dollar while the oil prices also have increased again,” he said.

The fuel price hike would surely have positive and negative impacts, he noted.

The government has raised the prices of premium gasoline and diesel fuel by Rp500 per liter, respectively, which is effective on Saturday (March 28).

The prices of premium gasoline were raised from Rp6,800 to Rp7,300 per liter for regions outside Java, Madura and Bali (Jamali), and from Rp6,900 to R7,400 for regions in Jamali.

The government also hiked the price of subsidized diesel oil from Rp6,400 per liter to Rp6,900 per liter both for regions inside and outside Java, Madura and Bali.

This was the second time that the government raised the gasoline and diesel oil prices in March after increasing them earlier on March 1. (ant)

ANTARA FOTO/Wira Suryantala

Balinese mass organizations grouped in the Alliance of People Rejecting Fuel Price Hike staged a rally in front of Bajra Sandhi Monument during a car-free day on Sunday.

World Water Day Celebration 2015

Save the Water, it’s not just a promise GIANYAR - One day after Nyepi, the Hindu Day of Silence, Bali Safari & Marine Park celebrated World Water Day 2015. Hundreds of guests gathered around a “wish tree” prepared by the Bali Safari & Marine Park Education and Conservation team. This activity was designed to increase awareness and knowledge about the importance of water and how to conserve it.

World Water Day 2015 is an annual celebration observed since 1993 when the United Nations declared March 22 as a “Day of Water”. On this day, people learn to save water and pay more attention to this finite natural resource that will be completely used up if we are not careful.

Water is very important, not only for humans but for animals and the general environment as well. Many animal species struggle for life because of a lack of water in some of areas. Many plants species are dying out with-

Brazilian giants take bite out of world food sector

RIO DE JANEIRO - Demand from China, rising domestic purchasing power, cheap land and labor have helped Brazilian giants earn themselves a healthy slice of the international food sector, as shown by the Heinz-Kraft merger.

HJ Heinz’s owner 3G Capital, billionaire Jorge Paulo Lemann’s investment fund, will have a 51 percent stake of the new group under an agreement with Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway to create North America’s third-largest food and beverage conglomerate.

The move comes after Brazilian group JBS, the world’s market leader in meat, became the world’s number two global food producer by revenue after Nestle.

Brazil has another big-hitter in the shape of BRF, already the world’s number one exporter of poultry, which in November inaugurated a 130 million euros ($140 million) production facility in Abu Dhabi.

The companies have different pro-

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

IBP/Net

out water and farming is becoming increasingly difficult.

According to a report by the United Nations World Water Assessment Program, at current usage rates, the world will have 40% less fresh water than it needs in 15 years and currently almost 800 million of people are living without clean water.

Concerned with this very important issue, Bali Safari & Marine Park invited guests to write down their promises to save water. “All the guests were appreciative and very happy to write their promises and hang them on the wish tree,” says William Santoso, the park’s General Manager.

A Safari ranger also gave tips on the many simple ways to save water. For example: turning off the tap while you brush your teeth; don’t use your toilet as an ashtray or wastebasket; or take shorter showers rather than baths. (kmb18)

One day after Nyepi, the Hindu Day of Silence, Bali Safari & Marine Park celebrated World Water Day 2015. Hundreds of guests gathered around a “wish tree” prepared by the Bali Safari & Marine Park Education and Conservation team.

4

Bali News

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

International

International

Three years after overflowing, water at Lake Tamblingan reduces SINGARAJA - Three years ago, the water of Lake Tamblingan in Banjar subdistrict overflowed to soak the Gubug Temple and dozens of homes on the lakeside. As a result, people who do not have a home at another location to occupy should temporarily flee to the edge of protected forest nearby. After the incident, this year the lake water is back to recede.

Settlement or the area of Gubug Temple has no longer been submerged. The puddles currently located about 50 meters away from the settlement and temple area is declared to be in the position of normal condition.

One of local residents, Ni Wayan Sinten, met when escorting guests that traveled to the middle of the lake on Sunday (Mar. 29) explained that the lake water has returned to normal position due to influence of long dry season. If rainy season lasts for a long period, the puddles will be possibly wider than the current condition.

However, due to rainy season after the year 2012, the puddles in the lake are back to normal condition.

“The reduction happens after the water has overflowed for three years.

If rainy season lasts a little longer, the puddles may be widespread. But due to short rainy season, the additional volume of lake water does not increase significantly,” she said.

According to the woman who has relied on her livelihood on this lake for many years, following the reduction of the lake water to location of puddles at normal condition, the current edge of the lake becomes a stretch of vacant land. In this area, only wild grasses and shrubs can

grow flourishingly. No one dare to take advantage of the lakeside area denoting the property of the Gubug Temple. Moreover, after the government policy with the four customary villages of Dalem Tamblingan starting to dismantle the buildings on the property of the temple, he can only surrender and does not know where to stay.

“No one takes advantage of this land, and my predecessors have stayed here but the location is far from this lakeside. Now, there is a house cleanup program here and I can just surrender because of having no other house other than at this place,” he explained.

Another resident, Mangku Made Artawan, a descent of bendega of the four customary village of Dalem Tamblingan said the condition of lake water is now back to normal puddle after the water overflowed and flooded the temple area in 2012. Tidal condition of the lake puddle is admitted as natural and inevitable. No wonder the people of the four customary village of the Dalem Tamblingan always keep and sanctify the area of ??Lake Tamblingan as water buffer both in Buleleng and Tabanan. The current water discharge can increase if rainy season lasts a little longer. “The water

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Tuesday, March 31, 2015

RLD

Focus shifts to cause of NYC explosion after 2 bodies found NEW YORK — Authorities shifted their focus to what caused the Manhattan apartment building collapse and the possibility that someone may have improperly tapped a gas line serving one of the buildings, after two bodies were pulled from the rubble.

IBP/Mudiarta

Settlement or the area of Gubug Temple has no longer been submerged. The puddles currently located about 50 meters away from the settlement and temple area is declared to be in the position of normal condition.

is normal and the increase or decrease of the water discharge has become a common thing. As a descendant of bendega assigned to keep the area of the lake and forests he hopes the lake condition to remain as it is now.

On the other hand, Mangku said the water condition has been back to normal point and the activities of fishing or delivering pilgrims to say prayers at the temple in the forests continues as usual. Since the puddle is a little away to the middle of the lake,

he is forced to create another point to tether his wooden boat. Previously, the location to tether his boat was very close to the outermost courtyard area of the Gubug Temple, but now the location is somewhat away from the location.

“Later when the water rises, the location to tether the wooden boat will be removed and we have to adjust to the conditions of the water,” he explained.

In the meantime, a number of

temples frequently visited every day by pilgrims from across Bali include the Dalem Temple, Tukang Timbang Temple, Pande Temple, Bebaturan Ebang Temple and some others. Each wooden boat is usually ridden by four pilgrims and a guide doubling as the boat rower. To maintain the temple sanctity, if there are foreign travelers asking for trekking in forest and visiting the temple they are obliged to use shawl or a piece of cloth. (kmb38)

The names of the two men found Sunday were not immediately released. Authorities believe they are the two men reported missing after Thursday’s explosion and fire that leveled three buildings and injured 22 people, including four critically.

They were identified as Moises Lucon, 26, who worked inside a ground floor sushi restaurant, and Nicholas Figueroa, 23, a bowling alley worker who had been there on a date.

A spokesman for the Figueroa family confirmed to reporters at the city Medical Examiner’s office on Sunday that Figueroa’s body was pulled from the wreckage. “There’s reason to believe so far that there may have been inappropriate tampering with the gas lines within the building, but until we get full evidence we can’t conclude that,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said Sunday.

Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro said crews should reach the cellar level where the explosion took place by Monday.

“When we reach the level of the gas piping, the way the debris is

removed will change so that those who will investigate the mechanics of what happened will have access to that without it being torn apart,” Nigro said.

In August, utility workers had discovered that the gas line to the restaurant had been illegally tapped, according to Consolidated Edison. The discovery led Con Edison to shut down gas service to the building for about 10 days while the building owner made repairs. Gas service was restored after the utility deemed it safe, the utility said.

Inspectors from the gas and electric utility Con Ed visited that building about an hour before Thursday’s explosion and determined work to upgrade gas service didn’t pass inspection, locking the line to ensure it wouldn’t be used and then leaving, officials said.

The work underway was to put in a bigger line to serve the entire building, Con Ed President Craig Ivey said.

Fifteen minutes later, the sushi restaurant’s owner smelled gas and

AP Photo/The New York Times, Nancy Borowick, Pool

A pile of debris remains at the site of a building explosion in the East Village neighborhood of New York, Friday, March 27, 2015.

called the landlord, who called the general contractor, Chief of Detectives Robert Boyce said. No one called police or Con Ed.

“The focus of the investigation is not on infrastructure ... it’s focusing on the work that was being done in the basement of those locations,

Search on fifth day engages residents and fishermen

MBP/Puspa

TABANAN - Five days after the ship of a 28 year old visitor from Sumba, named Aris Danggarato, sunk in the area of Tanah Lot Beach, officials still have not managed to find his body. On Sunday (Mar. 29), they were still conducting the search. To maximize search efforts, officials called on the help of fishermen in the area of Tanah Lot. Various attempts to find the victim’s body have been carried out by the management and local officials including consulting to a medium.

Chief of Kediri Police, I Ketut Gelgel, with permission from the Chief of Tabanan Police Komang Suartana said that his party continues to coordinate with the village police or Babinkamtibmas and with fishermen around the site to conduct the searched. “In addition to fishermen, we have also asked for

help from local people. If anyone knows anything, we ask them to immediately report it to relevant officers,” he said.

Despite entering the fifth day of the search, the victim’s body remains unfound. “The officers are still at the scene as well as the SAR team who continue to comb the area for the body,” he said.

According to information obtained in the filed, Aris’s family is still at Tanah Lot as they wait for information about their relative.

“We take turns standing guard every night. Six to eight people are here waiting for the latest information on the discovery of our brother’s body,” said Yeni Dabroka, 28.

They sleep in a post located about 10 meters from the location where Aris was drowned. “Every night we never sleep -who knows the body (of Aris) could appear,”

she added.

Occasionally the family members will fall asleep when the day is bright because at that time there are a lot of people visiting to location. “During the day many people are around to see if Aris’ appears.

But if it should float ashore at night, we are the only ones who would see it, that’s why we stay awake.

Sometimes I sit on the beach for five hours at a time waiting for him,” she explained.

She still hopes that her relative can be found alive. “If we find him alive we will be happy, otherwise we will surrender to fate. Our large family is waiting so that he can be taken home,” she said.

Last Sunday the sear was even expanded to a radius of 10 kilometres with a rubber boat and the SAR helicopter was seen circling Tanah Lot. (kmb28)

that’s what we’re focusing right now,” said Joseph Esposito, commissioner of the city’s Office of Emergency Management. (ap)

Investigators focus on German co-pilot’s mental state

Visitor drowned

Five days after the ship of a 28 year old visitor from Sumba, named Aris Danggarato, sunk in the area of Tanah Lot Beach, officials still have not managed to find his body. On Sunday (Mar. 29), they were still conducting the search.

13

MARSEILLE, France — A French police official says European investigators are focusing on the psychological state of the 27-year-old German co-pilot who deliberately smashed an Airbus carrying 150 people into an Alpine mountainside.

Returning Monday from a meeting with counterparts in Germany, judicial police investigator Jean-Pierre Michel told The Associated Press that authorities want to find out “what could have destabilized Andreas Lubitz, or driven him to such an act.”

Lubitz was the co-pilot of Germanwings Flight 9525, which slammed into a mountain near Le Vernet, France, last week en route from Barcelona, Spain, to Duesseldorf, Germany.

Germanwings chief operating officer Oliver Wagner was meeting with relatives of the victims Monday in the southeastern French city of Marseille. He said a total of 325 family members have come to France. (ap)

AP Photo/Claude Paris

Flags representing differents nations are deployed during an homage ceremony with family members of victims, in front of a stele, a stone slab erected as a monument, set up in memory of the victims in the area where the Germanwings jetliner crashed in the French Alps, in Le Vernet, France,

14

Technology

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

International

PlayStation gets Spotify, replacing Sony’s own music service

NEW YORK— Spotify is coming to the PlayStation, replacing Sony’s own Music Unlimited service, as the company continues to expand the game console into an entertainment hub beyond video games.

Spotify hits the PlayStation 3 and 4 on Monday, with a new app adapted for large television screens.

Sony says partnering with Spotify expands its music service to 41 countries, rather than the 19 available with Music Unlimited, and offers better tools for playlists and music discovery.

PlayStation users have long been able to watch DVDs and stream Netflix, Amazon and YouTube shows with the console. Just two weeks ago, Sony launched an online television service, PlayStation Vue, offering more than 50 over-the-air and cable channels starting at $50 a month.

Spotify has 60 million active users worldwide, including 15 million paid subscribers. Its music app is available on some Internetconnected TVs and set-top boxes, but Spotify says it worked closely with Sony to optimize its ser-

vice for the PlayStation. Notable features include: the ability to listen to music while playing a game and still listening to sound effects, or automatically pausing the game while changing volume or playlists.

The service is free with ads, or costs $10 a month for a premium ad-free version that offers offline playback. Although free users aren’t allowed to choose specific songs on mobile devices, they will be able to on the PlayStation, just as they now do on traditional computers.

Customers who do not already have a Spotify account can sign up on the PlayStation. Existing Spotify customers will get access to the PlayStation app with their usual sign-in. Music Unlimited subscribers won’t be automatically switched over; those that subscribe on other devices such as Sony phones, will need to get the Spotify app. (ap)

AP Photo/Sony Computer Entertainment America, File

This file screen shot image provided by Sony Computer Entertainment America shows the “You’re Watching” section of the Sony PlayStation Vue interface. Launched Wednesday, March 18, 2015 in New York, Chicago and Philadelphia.

Lincoln Continental, the car of presidents, is returning DEARBORN, Mich — Elvis Presley had one; so did Clark Gable.

It was even the sedan of presidents.

Then the name vanished amid an invasion of newer luxury cars from Europe and Asia. Now, the Lincoln Continental is back.

Thirteen years after the last Continental rolled off the assembly line, Ford Motor Co. is resurrecting its storied nameplate. The new Continental debuts in concept form at this week’s New York auto show. The production

version of the full-size sedan goes on sale next year.

After more than a decade of toying with alphabetical names like LS and MKS to be more like its foreign rivals, Ford’s 98-year-old Lincoln brand is embracing its heritage. It’s a measure of the growing confidence at Lincoln, which is finally turning around a decades-long sales decline.

And it’s a nod to the importance of China, where customers know the Continental name and appreciate

AP Photo/Ford Motor Co.

This product image provided by the Ford Motor Co. shows the new Lincoln Continental concept. Thirteen years after the last Continental rolled off a Michigan assembly line, Ford Motor Co. is debuting the new Continental in concept form at the New York Auto Show on Monday, March 30, 2015.The production version goes on sale next year.

brands with a rich history.

Ford CEO Mark Fields says the Continental always represented the best of Lincoln. Resurrecting it sets higher expectations, both within the company and outside of it. “When we get a chance to work on an iconic nameplate like that, it’s a mixture of pride and a mixture of fear, because when you put that name out there, it’s got to deliver,” Fields told The Associated Press in a recent interview.

The Continental was born in 1938, when Henry Ford’s son Edsel commissioned a convertible he could use on his spring vacation. Thrilled by the reception he got as he drove the elegant sedan around Palm Beach, Edsel made the Continental part of Lincoln’s lineup.

The Continental soon became the pinnacle of American luxury. Warner Brothers gave Elizabeth Taylor a 1956 Continental with a custom paint color to match her eyes. A darker historical note: John F. Kennedy was riding in the back of a 1961 Continental convertible when he was assassinated in Dallas. Continental sales peaked in 1990 at 62,732. But after that, Lincoln’s sales began slipping.

Ford had acquired other luxury brands such as Jaguar and Volvo.

Lincoln’s designs got dull and failed to stand out from lower-priced Fords.

The Continental was also squeezed by competition from the midsize

Lincoln LS, which debuted in 2000, and the bigger Town Car. Ford also underestimated the threat posed by German rivals, who were expanding their lineups, and newer Japanese luxury brands. By 2000, Lexus was the top-selling luxury brand in the U.S.; last year, BMW was.

To make its way back, Lincoln isn’t trying isn’t trying to be sporty like BMW or showy like Cadillac.

Instead, Fields says, it wants to give drivers an experience that is elegant and serene. “We want folks to get into our vehicles and — for lack of a better term — chill,” Fields said.

It appears to be working. Lincoln’s U.S. sales rose 16 percent last year, making it one of the fastest-growing luxury brands in the market. The midsize MKZ was the brand’s top seller.

Full-size sedans like the Continental are a tough sell in the U.S., where buyers tend to prefer midsize sedans or SUVs. U.S. sales of Lincoln’s current full-size sedan, the MKS, fell 24 percent last year.

But globally, the segment is growing, Fields says. Ford has high hopes for the Lincoln brand in China, where it’s opening dazzling new dealerships complete with waterfalls. Ford began selling Lincolns in China late last year, and the company will open more than 20 dealerships there this year.

The concept car being unveiled Monday in New York is painted a

deep Prussian blue, an homage to Continentals of the 1950s and 1960s.

But there are few other references to its history.

Lincoln’s split-wing grille, a feature that dates to the 1940s, has been replaced by a tight, rectangular mesh grille, its shiny chrome patterned with tiny versions of Lincoln’s rectangular logo. The sides are smooth; even the door handles are hidden within a narrow strip of chrome at the beltline.

The concept is a technology showcase. The driver’s seat has a patented split cushion, so if the driver holds one leg out further than another, it will support each leg separately. The moonroof glass turns opaque with the touch of a button. Another button automatically moves the front passenger seat forward and fully reclines the rear passenger seat. That’s another nod to China, where luxury car owners often have their own drivers.

Under the hood is a 3-liter V6 EcoBoost engine that’s unique to Lincoln.

Ford isn’t yet revealing more details, like whether the car is front- or rearwheel drive. The Continental switched to a front-wheel-drive sedan in the 1980s, but many of its current competitors — the Infiniti Q70, Mercedes Benz S-Class and Lexus LS — are rear-wheel drive. The Continental is expected to replace the seven-yearold MKS, which currently sits atop Lincoln’s car lineup. (ap)

Bali News

International

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

After fuel price hike, price of groceries remains stable

3

GIANYAR - Although it seems in a sudden, the implementation of government policy to fuel price hike has not showed a significant impact on the price of groceries in Gianyar. Through Sunday (Mar. 29), the price of a few groceries such as rice is said to begin to fall because the massive harvest has started.

“It has no impact at all. At the current moment coinciding with massive harvest, the price of rice has reduced to IDR 10,000, let alone much Javanese rice starts to penetrate the market in Bali,” said a trader at Blahbatuh Market, Wayan Iluh.

Other than the price of rice, according to the housewife from Blahbatuh, the price of other basic commodities remains stable such as chili at IDR 15,000 per kg and garlic at IDR 13,000 per kg. Only the price of shallot skyrockets after Nyepi to IDR 40,000, but it has slumped to IDR 30,000.

“The price of groceries is frequently influenced by harvest season. During harvest season and the quantity is abundant, the price is definitely down. On the contrary, it is difficult to look for stuff due to crop failure, decay or raining. As a result, the price goes up, like the price of shallot that has increased because it is

difficult to get,” she explained.

Similar opinion was delivered Arni, a market trader in Gianyar where due to entering massive harvest the price of all the basic commodities remains stable.

Nevertheless, he hoped the government can reduce the fuel price again because he worried when the massive harvest ends and fuel price remains high, the price of all goods may skyrocket.

“Maybe there has been no effect today, but later on it can have an impact on the prices of groceries,” she said.

Earlier, the government raised the price of diesel and Premium fuel for Assignment Territory outside Java, Madura and Bali as much as IDR 500 per liter from the previous price. As the result, the price of diesel rose to IDR 6,900 per liter from IDR 6,400 per liter, while the price of Premium from IDR 6,900 per liter rose to IDR 7,400 per liter. (kmb35)

IBP/Wawan

Although it seems in a sudden, the implementation of government policy to fuel price hike has not showed a significant impact on the price of groceries in Gianyar.

Gilimanuk tourism Triangle NEGARA - The triangle of tourist attractions at Gilimanuk consist of Gilimanuk Bay, the Ancient Human Museum and the contentiouse Karangsewu Beach. Currently there are issues related to the land of Karangsewu, that still belongs to the West Bali National

Park (TNBB). To realize the plan, the legislative assembly has attempted to find a solution.

Chairman of the Jembrana House, I Ketut Sugiasa, said that the House has submitted an assessment profile to the Ministry of Forestry to ask for permis-

sion to make the area of Karangsewu into a tourist destination. In principle, according to this legislator from Dauhwaru, the Ministry grants permission as long as the area is intended for tourism. According to Sugiasa, the Jembrana Maritime, Fisheries and

IBP/Olo

The triangle of tourist attractions at Gilimanuk consist of Gilimanuk Bay, the Ancient Human Museum and the contentiouse Karangsewu Beach. Currently there are issues related to the land of Karangsewu, that still belongs to the West Bali National Park (TNBB).

Forestry Agency has already sent a letter to the Ministry, but there was an error in the document that needs to be revised.

Apart from petitioning for the use of the beach land as a tourist destination, there is also a request for land expansion for the cargo terminal at Gilimanuk. However, this request that was made to the TNBB area was not approved by the Ministry of Forestry.

“We ask the executive to finalize the draft of the tourist attraction arrangement at Gilimanuk” said Sugiasa.

The input received from the Forestry Ministry makes him feel optimistic because the Karangsewu area could soon become a tourist attraction.

As a legislator, he will also encourage and support the budget increase for the tourism sector in the regional budget of 2016.

In addition to Gilimanuk, the arrangement of other tourist areas in Jembrana will also be done gradually.

Indeed, Jembrana has quite a lot of potential for tourism, but has yet to receive any support for its development.

If the integrated tourist attraction plan at Gilimanuk can be realized, Sugiasa has confidence that the area will become a mainstay of tourism. (olo)

2

International

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Bali News

International

Farmers of oyster mushroom can’t meet high demand

IBP/Swasrina

Despite the Ministry of Agriculture’s recognition in 2014 that Kintamani dogs are a species that is native to Indonesia, there has been no significant impact on the demand for such dogs. In fact dog breeders in Paketan hamlet, Sukawana, Kintamani still frequently engage in price wars to offload their pups.

After being recognized as a native Indonesian species

Breeders of Kintamani dogs see no change

BANGLI - Farmers of oyster mushroom at Peninjoan village, Tembuku subdistrict, are struggling to meet the high demand from various regions.

One oyster mushroom farmers, I Putu Karmawan, said on Sunday (Mar. 29) that every day demand for oyster mushroom in Bangli county reaches 50 kg to 60 kg.

Oyster mushroom production however only reaches approximately 30 to 40 kg per day. “The demand for oyster mushroom is very high, but unfortunately I have not been able to fill them all,” he said.

Currently, Karmawan cultivates 1,500 growing media located in two mushroom sheds. In response to high demand, he is going to increase the number of growing media. “I am going to increase the cultivation in order to meet the demand,” he explained.

Other than harvesting oyster mushroom, he is also overwhelmed by the increasing demand for seedlings. In a month, the demand reaches 20,000 growing media. However, he is only able to produce seedlings of about 9,000 to 12,000 growing media each month at the price of IDR 3,000 each. The demand is from Bangli and other counties such as Badung. “In addition to harvesting mushroom, the seedlings are also in high demand. I have not been able fill the orders,” he said.

Karmawan said that he became interested in oyster cultivation because the environment around his home is very supportive, both in terms of temperature and humidity. This SPB graduate has been cultivating the mushrooms for three years now. To meet demands, he tries to increase the means of production. He said that his only obstacle is finding production equipment, capital is not a problem so far. (kmb45)

BANGLI - Despite the Ministry of Agriculture’s recognition in 2014 that Kintamani dogs are a species that is native to Indonesia, there has been no significant impact on the demand for such dogs. In fact dog breeders in Paketan hamlet, Sukawana, Kintamani still frequently engage in price wars to offload their pups.

Acording to the Chief of Paketan hamlet, Made Darma, who is also a breeder of Kintamani dogs, there has been no perceivable increase in the demand food Kintamani dogs, even after they were declared to be a native Indonesian species. Sometimes breeders have to resort to selling their animals to traditional marts, like the Kintamani Market. “Usually buyers come directly to breeders’s homes, but if the dogs remain unsold for too long they are taken to the market to be sold for a much cheaper price,” he said.

Since there is no standard price, dog merchants sell at very different prices, which can give rise to price wars. Kintamani dogs are sold anywhere from from IDR 700,000 to

IDR 1.5 million with prices largely determined by the qualities of the dog. Sometimes, dog breeders are force to sell off their high quality puppies because those of lower quality will not find buyers. “In the past, the government had set a standard price, adjusted to the quality of the dog. The government has also asked breeders to sell their best dogs, but this is not sustainable, because in the long run prices would drop and make the business unprofitable,” he explained.

Darma also revealed that many of the problems faced by breeders of Kintamani dogs have yet to be resolved. Government attention to the issue has also decreased. “In the past government officers often came to provide counseling, but

they no longer do,” he said.

Kintamani dogs were recognised by the Ministry of Agriculture as being a native species to Indonesia and as such are considered a new Asian breed. Kintamani dogs are both strong and intelligent and do well in competitions. They are especially good at dancing, and mimicking other human behaviours according to instructions.

In addition, the Kintamani dog also has a variety of distinctive physical features, such as a thick fur and mane, a cresent shaped tail with white brushings, almondshaped eyes and inverted v-shaped ears. In addition, the Kintamani dog also has very keen instincts so that it is suitable for issuing warnings of danger. (kmb40)

Activities

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

The Saraswati Lounge at InterContinental Bali Resort

JIMBARAN - InterContinental Bali Resort is pleased to remind guests and visitors of the facility of the hotel’s ‘Saraswati Lounge,’ which is an open-plan meeting space, suited to group check-ins and rendezvous. Here, guests can enjoy a comprehensive menu of all-day refreshments including alcoholic beverages such as tropical cocktails, freshly-brewed coffees and a selection of premium teas. The Lounge provides comfortable seating, a billiards table and wide-screen TV, while also showcasing a changing exhibition of paintings by various international and Indonesian artists, all of which are available for purchase. This rotating palette entices guests to return again and again, as well as attracting local residents.

Saraswati Lounge is named in honor of ‘Sang Hyang Aji Saraswati,’ the Balinese goddess of learning, knowledge, wisdom and the arts. The Sanskrit word ‘sara’ means ‘essence’ and ‘swa’ means ‘self.’

Thus Saraswati means ‘the essence of the self.’ The Goddess is worshipped by the Balinese, especially students, teachers, scholars, and scientists, and a special day, Saraswati Day, is devoted to her every 210 days, occurring on the Saturday of the 30th week –the very last day – of the Balinese Pawukon Calendar.The day before Saraswati Day is known as ‘Pangredanan,’ and this is a day of preparation, when all books and ancient lontar palm scrolls are collected together to be cleaned and dusted.

The Balinese Hindu people then celebrate Saraswati Day in the morning by dedicating offerings to the Goddess and asking her to bless the holy books and scrolls within in their homes, at schools and universities, and in offices and workplaces. During the afternoon of Saraswati Day, the Balinese are not permitted to read or write in their books because all of the books are offered in prayer to the Goddess. In the evening, which is called ‘Malam Sastra,’ people will once again read books, especially religious books, in their homes or in the

temple. The philosophy of Saraswati Day is that the most important thing for human life is knowledge.

Located adjacent to the Resort’s main lobby, Saraswati Lounge is heralded by an intricate woodcarving of Saraswati. She has four hands representing four aspects of the human personality in learning: mind, intellect, alertness and ego. She holds the sacred scriptures, plays the music of love and life on a stringed instrument, and rides on a white swan, symbolizing purity. The swan rests upon a lotus – the symbol of true knowledge. The left side of Saraswati’s body represents the qualities of the heart and the right side signifies activities of the mind and intellect. The book in her rear left hand is to remind us that knowledge acquired must be used with love and kindness to promote the prosperity of mankind.

The musical instrument denotes mind and intellect, conveying that the seeker must tune his mind and intellect in order to live in perfect harmony with the world. Such harmonious living enables the individual to utilise acquired knowledge for the welfare of all mankind. Meanwhile, the swan also symbolizes the power of discrimination, or the ability to discriminate between right and wrong, or good and bad; this is

IBP/Courtesy of InterContinental

because it is said to have a sensitive beak that enables it to distinguish pure milk from a mixture of milk and water. Saraswati uses the swan as her carrier. This indicates that one must acquire and apply knowledge with discrimination for the good of mankind because knowledge that is dominated by ego can destroy the world.

InterContinental Bali Resort invites guests and visitors to enjoy the relaxed ambience and facilities of Saraswati Lounge, together with the beautiful rotating exhibitions of paintings, the Hindu cultural significance of the revered goddess, Sang Hyang Aji Saraswati, and the importance of knowledge, learning, wisdom, and the arts. (r)

Profile

Muhsim Anwar

Foster parent of Swiss-Belhotel Seminyak

Oyster Mushroom

IBP/Sosiawan

 Founder : K.Nadha,  General Manager :Palgunadi Chief Editor: Diah Dewi Juniarti  Editors: Gugiek Savindra,Alit Susrini, Alit Sumertha, Daniel Fajry, Mawa, Suana, Sueca, Sugiartha, Yudi Winanto Denpasar: Dira Arsana, Giriana Saputra, Subrata, Sumatika, Asmara Putra. Bangli: Suasrina, Buleleng: Dewa kusuma, Gianyar: Agung Dharmada, Karangasem: Budana, Klungkung: Bagiarta. Jakarta: Nikson, Hardianto, Ade Irawan. NTB: Agus Talino, Izzul Khairi, Raka Akriyani. Surabaya: Bambang Wilianto.  Development: Alit Purnata, Mas Ruscitadewi.  Office: Jalan Kepundung 67 A Denpasar 80232. Telephone (0361)225764, Facsimile: 227418, P.O.Box: 3010 Denpasar 80001. Bali Post Jakarta, Advertizing: Jl.Palmerah Barat 21F. Telp 021-5357602, Facsimile: 021-5357605 Jakarta Pusat. NTB: Jalam Bangau No. 15 Cakranegara Telp.

(0370) 639543, Facsimile: (0370) 628257. Publisher: PT Bali Post

15

In order to express the concept of the Tri Hita Karana (three causes of happiness) the Swiss-Belhotel Seminyak has initiated a foster parent movement to help children of poor families. The elementary aged children to be given scholarships live in the area of Legian.

The idea came from Muhsim Anwar the General Manager of the hotel.

Muhsim graduated from the PPLP Dyanapura and said that the foster parent movement began to operate in 2015.

About two to four children are given the scholarships every year. In carrying out this socially conscious activity, the hotel cooperated with the Chief of Legian customary village.

Legian is a tourist area with very good facilities and thriving economy, said Muhsim, but there are still some

who need assistance. The financial assistance awarded can at least ease the burden of their parents. “We hope that in the future these parents can improve the quality of their own financial resources. We are proud to carry out this noble activity,” he said.

In addition to the foster parent program, most of the staff for the hotel are native to the area of Legian and they provide quality service given that they are familiar with the world of tourism.

“We continue to provide them with training so that they can serve guests even better,” he explained.

Regarding harmonious relations with God and nature, Muhsim said that his hotel has established a temple, appropriate to the Balinese faith and that they frequently hold corporate

social responsibility activities such as blood drives and beach cleanups,” said Muhsim who is an avid traveler himself. (kmb)

IBP/kmb

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

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

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

In front of important shrine one sees, besides these umbrellas soars, tridents and other weapons, the “umbulumbul”, long flags, all these are prerogatives or attributes of Holiness. In front of the Temple gate put up “Penjor”, long bamboo poles, decorated beautifully ornaments of young coconut leaves, rice and other products of the land.

Most beautiful to see are the girls in their colorful attire, carrying offerings, arrangements of all kinds fruits and colored cakes, to the Temple. Every visitor admires the grace with which the carry their load on their heads.

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

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

16 Pages Number 74 7th year

Price: Rp 3.000,-

Entertainment

Tuesday, March 31, 2015 AP Photo/DreamWorks Animation

In this image released

by DreamWorks Animation, characters Oh, voiced by Jim Parsons, left, and Tip, voiced by Rihanna appear in a scene from the animated film “Home.”

DreamWorks’ ‘Home’ bests ‘Get Hard’ at box office with $54M

NEW YORK — Business was brisk at the weekend box-office, where the DreamWorks animated alien adventure “Home” beat out the Will Ferrell-Kevin Hart comedy “Get Hard” with a resounding debut of $54 million, according to studio estimates Sunday.

While the two films had been expected to vie for the top spot at North American theaters, “Home” came in well above expectations, handing DreamWorks Animation a muchneeded hit. Though a distant second, “Get Hard” also opened strongly with an estimated $34.6 million, rewarding the Warner Bros. pairing of two of the most bankable stars in comedy. Last week’s top film, the young-adult sequel “The Divergent Series: Insurgent,” slid to third with $22.1 million.

With a $100 million-plus debut expected next weekend for “Furious 7” — a franchise built on street-racing adrenaline and a diverse cast — Hollywood scored with two films that sought a variety of audiences.

“Get Hard” united the fans of Hart and Ferrell, albeit while coming under some criticism for its racial humor. And “Home” is the rare animated film led by an African-American girl protagonist (voiced by Rihanna). She plays a teen-

age girl left alone after an alien invasion of Earth. Jim Parsons, Jennifer Lopez and Steve Martin round out the cast.

“It’s a diverse cast and we drew a diverse audience, which I think is really special and something you don’t see in animated films,” said Chris Aronson, domestic distribution head for 20th Century Fox, the film’s distributor.

“That just ends up broadening the appeal of the film.”

Minorities made up more than half of the audience for “Home,” according to Fox. The strong performance of an original release, based on a children’s book by Adam Rex, provides Jeffrey Katzenberg’s DreamWorks with a welcome lift. After a series of box-office disappointments, the studio cut about 500 jobs earlier this year.

Aronson called the success of “Home” ‘’indicative of the direction, quality-wise, that DreamWorks is going to get back to.” One of the film’s producers, Mireille Soria, was

in January named co-president of DreamWorks Animation, along with “How to Train Your Dragon” producer Bonnie Arnold.

Despite the lure of the college basketball championship tournament on TV screens, “Home” (which capitalized on the relative dearth of family-friendly options) and “Get Hard” drove moviegoers to theaters. Overall, the box office was up about 8 percent from last year, according to box-office data firm Rentrak.

“Get Hard” had been dogged by controversy, as some questioned the tastefulness of humor that critics called homophobic and racist. The directorial debut of Etan Cohen, it stars Ferrell as a hedge fund manager sentenced to a maximum security prison for fraud. To prepare for life in prison, he turns to the only black person in his orbit, a family man played by Hart.

“When Will Ferrell and Kevin Hart get together, you hope to have some criticism,” said Dan Fellman, head of domestic distribution for Warner Bros. He added that it’s the biggest R-rated opening for both Hart and Ferrell. (ap)

Taylor Swift wins artist of the year at iHeartRadio Awards LOS ANGELES - The pop singer cleaned house at the show Sunday, winning artist of the year and song of the year for “Shake It Off,” and even assisted Madonna by strumming her guitar onstage while the pop icon sang a new song. “More than anything in the world, I just hope that any of the fans watching know how much I adore you ... we’ve gotten closer and closer with each year, not further apart,” a glossy-eyed Swift said at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. “Like, you make me so happy.”

The pop star also won best lyrics for her other hit song, “Blank Space.” Madonna, whose recent awards show performances were energetic and upbeat, toned it down when singing “Rebel Heart” while Swift played guitar next to her.

“My favorite guitar player, yeah!” Madonna said as she presented Swift with song of the year. The second annual iHeartRadio Music Awards also featured Rihanna, Justin Timberlake, Chris Brown and Iggy Azalea. Guests sat at traditional tables — in the vein of the Golden Globes — instead

of typical awards show seats.

Chris Brown sat with Ludacris, while Swift’s table included Snoop Dogg, Ryan Seacrest and Timberlake.

The former boy band member, who earned the iHeartRadio Innovator Award for his accomplishments as an entertainer, told the audience that he was called “weird” as a teenager, and offered encouraging words to teens experiencing teasing and bullying.

“Growing up in school, no one ever called me anything close to an innovator, they called me different, they called me weird, they called me a couple of other words I can’t say on TV,” Timberlake said. “So thankfully my mother taught me that being different was a good thing, that being different meant you could actually make a difference, so tonight I want to thank my mom.”

Timberlake, who recently had his first child with Jessica Biel, also thanked his wife, who didn’t attend the awards show, which aired on NBC. “Finally, I want to thank my best friend, my favorite collaborator, my wife Jessica,” he said. (ap)

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Tuesday, March 31, 2015 Airstrikes shake Yemen’s capital as Shiite rebels push south

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Matic shines on another gloomy night for Serbia

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Focus shifts to cause of NYC explosion after 2 bodies found

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Rangrang knockoffs threaten original Nusa Penida cloth

IBP/kmb31

The market demand for Nusa Penida’s rangrang woven cloth, appears to have dropped in 2015, whereas in fact there is simply an over-saturation of the market because of rampant counterfeiting. Many Nusa Penida rangrang weavers are complaining about the stolen market and some have been forced to give up weaving for more lucrative professions.

John Salangsang/Invision/AP

Taylor Swift arrives at the iHeartRadio Music Awards at The Shrine Auditorium on Sunday, March 29, 2015, in Los Angeles.

SEMARAPURA - The market demand for Nusa Penida’s rangrang woven cloth, appears to have dropped in 2015, whereas in fact there is simply an over-saturation of the market because of rampant counterfeiting. Many Nusa Penida rangrang weavers are complaining about the stolen market and some have been forced to give up weaving for more lucrative professions.

One rangrang weaver, named I Made Yasa, from Semaya hamlet.

Recently, revealed that he stopped producing these woven cloths earlier this year. “Now, I am no longer weaving cloths because less and less people are seeking out the original versions,” he complained.

His looms lie stored under his bed as he has now become a merchant of other manufactured products.

The sluggish sales of Nusa Penida woven cloth was also recognized by

I Kadek Wiranata, a rangrang cloth collectors from Batumulapan hamlet.

He explained that in the past he was flooded with abundant orders many of which came from Singapore. He was deeply grateful as he never imagined that rangrang thrive in such a way.

However, starting in early 2015, things turn for the worse with sales dropping dramatically. “I now have a pile of unsold cloth,” said Wiranata.

Rangrang weaving experienced rapid development in 2013 through

2014, with a variety of motif is in high demand.

The sudden high demand impacted production on the island. Whereas previously rangrang were only produced in the villages of Tanglad, Pejukutan and surrounding areas, eventually nearly every village in Nusa Penida was producing them. When sale suddenly dropped, the local governmentowned craft company, Nusa Kertha Kosala (PDNKK) of Klungkung sought to find the cause.

After a few weeks of research, the company discovered several causes.

Chairman of the PDNKK, Wayan Sukadana, revealed that the primary cause was the over saturation of the market due to an overflow of knockoff versions of the Nusa Penida cloth. In

addition, the large-scale productions run by new craftsmen in Nusa Penida, are not taking market demands not consideration. “Meaning that supply and demand are not balanced,” he said. To avoid further deterioration of the rangrang market, the PDNKK is helping to market the original woven cloths by coordinating with relevant parties. The Cooperatives, SMEs, Industry and Trade Agency is also providing opportunities for rangrang cloths to be showcased on the county and provincial levels. There are also efforts being made to create innovative designs so as to avoid market saturation.

Sukadana has also met with Paryono, the Head of Denpasar Training and Industry. During the meeting,

Paryono said that this handicraft product must be made with specific characteristics and techniques that make it difficult to imitate. For example, morinda, which grows in Nusa Penida unique soil conditions, can be used for making natural dyes. Thus, morinda can be used as natural dyes to make the woven cloths of Nusa Penida particularly distinctive. (kmb31) 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.